Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Integrating geospatial tools is crucial for enhancing control strategies against human lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana: A comprehensive review","authors":"Efiba Vidda Senkyire Kwarteng ,&nbsp;Ebenezer Asiedu ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Kobla Atsu Amewu ,&nbsp;Arnold Abakah ,&nbsp;Samuel Ato Andam-Akorful ,&nbsp;Allan Alfred Duker ,&nbsp;Alexander Kwarteng","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Ghana, lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection transmission remains high in some endemic foci and continues to frustrate current control programs, posing serious health threats. Over the years, significant economic investments and efforts have been made to control human filarial infections in endemic regions. The need for interdisciplinary strategic action is crucial in eliminating human filarial infections. In this review, we discuss the application and integration of geospatial technology and Geographic Information Systems tools into existing control strategies to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana. Our analysis of six publications that have applied geospatial tools in LF in Ghana reveals the potential of geospatial tools to enhance surveillance, predict risk factors, and monitor MDA programs. It also highlights the limited integration of these tools in current LF control strategies and the need to address challenges such as data availability and funding to fully realize their benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519159","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Malaria-induced dysregulation of selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) and plasma free amino acids; implications for pathogenesis and host immunity in a Nigerian population","authors":"Chukwuma Raphael Ekeanyanwu ,&nbsp;Paul Chidoka Chikezie ,&nbsp;Chidinma Lynda Ekeanyanwu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a significant global health burden, particularly in regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the impact of malaria infection on plasma amino acid and micronutrient levels in a Nigerian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants, including malarious and healthy controls. Plasma levels of amino acids and selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) were measured using HPLC and ICP-MS, respectively. Results revealed significant alterations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) in plasma amino acid profiles (except histidine and proline) with increasing malaria severity. Essential amino acids including branched-chain amino acids like leucine and valine were depleted, indicating metabolic disruptions in the diseases. Aromatic and immune-related amino acids (arginine, tyrosine, tryptophan, glutamine, methionine, and cysteine) were reduced significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) compared to the uninfected groups. Additionally, malarious individuals exhibited significant deficiencies in several micronutrients, including calcium, sodium, zinc, and iron (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Malaria infection induces a complex metabolic response, leading to nutrient imbalances that may contribute to disease severity. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of targeted nutritional interventions to improve patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519006","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sliding mode control with stochastic modeling and mobility interaction for managing epidemic spread in high-population regions","authors":"Dewi Suhika ,&nbsp;Roberd Saragih ,&nbsp;Dewi Handayani ,&nbsp;Mochamad Apri","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Managing infectious disease transmission in high-mobility regions is a critical challenge due to dynamic population interactions and elevated transmission risks. This study develops a stochastic epidemiological model to simulate disease spread between two densely populated provinces in Indonesia, Jakarta and West Java. A robust sliding mode control (SMC) framework is proposed and integrated with an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to estimate key epidemiological parameters in real time using limited observable data. The proposed framework functions as a theoretical and simulation-based tool to evaluate the potential effects of vaccination and isolation strategies. Although full-state variables are not directly measurable in practice, the EKF allows for the estimation of unobservable parameters, thereby enabling control analysis under uncertainty. Simulation results demonstrate that the SMC strategy significantly reduces infection levels in both provinces, achieving reductions of 84.45 % and 63.94 % in Jakarta, and 98.83 % and 58.35 % in West Java, for the original and Omicron variants, respectively. By incorporating stochasticity, the model captures natural fluctuations and mismatched uncertainties in epidemic progression. This work contributes a conceptual control framework that integrates EKF and SMC for managing stochastic epidemic systems. While the approach is not directly implementable for real-time policymaking, it offers valuable insight into disease dynamics and the potential impact of control strategies under limited observability. These findings support the use of data-driven control simulations for scenario evaluation and policy guidance in complex, uncertain epidemic settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile patients at two sites with different transmission intensities, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Abebaw Setegn,&nbsp;Yalewayker Tegegne,&nbsp;Ligabaw Worku,&nbsp;Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Malaria is the most prevalent and deadly mosquito-borne disease worldwide. In Ethiopia, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax coexist, adding to the country's malaria burden. Assessing the prevalence of malaria and identifying the factors linked to its transmission are essential strategies for effective prevention and control.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile patients at two sites with different transmission intensities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2021. The sample size was determined using the double population proportion formula, and participants were selected through a convenient sampling technique in which study participants were selected based on their easy convenience or willingness to participate until the expected sample size was obtained. Malaria diagnosis was performed via Geimsa-based microscopy. Data entry was performed using EpiData version 4.6.0, and analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with malaria, with a <em>p</em>-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Additionally, the difference in malaria prevalence between the two study areas was assessed using the chi-square test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 528 study participants, the overall malaria prevalence was 16.1 % (85/528). Specifically, the prevalence was 13.6 % (36/264) at Maksegnit Health Center and 18.6 % (49/264) at Sanja Health Center. The difference in malaria prevalence between the two study sites was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). In Maksegnit Health Center, malaria prevalence was significantly associated with the age groups 6–14 years: 16.09 (2.65–37.80) and 15–24 years: 8.21 (2.74–20.98), as well as rural residence 14.25 (3.13–44.86). In Sanja Health Center, significant associations were observed with the age group 15–24 years: 8.21 (2.74–20.98), lack of bed net availability: 11.84 (3.36–41.66), and recent travel history: 5.58 (1.32–23.70).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study revealed that malaria prevalence was moderately high in both study areas, with no statistically significant difference between the two sites. However, unique factors were associated with malaria prevalence in each location. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address area-specific risk factors, such as improving bed net distribution, enhancing housing conditions, and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314057","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Asymptomatic/submicroscopic Plasmodium vivax infection: A systematic review and META-analysis on the hidden challenge for preventing re-establishment of malaria transmission","authors":"Siqi Wang,&nbsp;He Yan,&nbsp;Li Zhang,&nbsp;Zhigui Xia,&nbsp;Jianhai Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Plasmodium vivax</em> is not only the second most prevalent cause of malaria worldwide, but also the second leading cause of imported malaria in China. This poses a significant threat to preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission, as the competent vector (<em>Anopheles sinensis</em>) suitable for <em>vivax</em> malaria transmission is widely distributed in China. Particularly, the asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection as another important source of infection deserves further study, but it is rarely reported.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases were systematically searched for asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection relevant studies published between February 2014 and February 2024. I-squared statistics (<em>I</em>²) was used to assess heterogeneity among included studies. The pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio and their corresponding 95 % Confidence Interval were estimated using the random effects model in Review Manager 5.4 software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-one eligible studies were included in this analysis. Both study countries (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, <em>I</em>² = 95 %) and diagnostic methods (<em>P</em> = 0.001, <em>I</em>² = 95 %) were the source of heterogeneity. The rates of asymptomatic malaria infection detected by the gold standard method of microscopy in the countries from Africa, Asia, Oceania and Americas were 9.2 %, 4.8 %, 15.6 % and 14.5 %, respectively. And the corresponding rates of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection were 4.0 %, 2.1 %, 10.6 % and 13.0 %. In terms of diagnostic methods, the rate of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection (5.6 %) detected by polymerase chain reaction in the population was the highest (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>According to the asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection worldwide, the countries with the higher rate of asymptomatic infection are the main source of <em>vivax</em> malaria cases imported into China, which indicates a potentially higher potential risk of importation of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more sensitive, easier to operate, and more cost-effective techniques to detect and screen asymptomatic malaria infections in a timely manner, so as to prevent re-establishment of malaria transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00442"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307051","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High efficacy of camphene and metronidazole combination therapy against Giardia lamblia infection in mice","authors":"Marwa Sami Alwan,&nbsp;Hussam Saeed Al-Aredhi,&nbsp;Ikhlas Abbas Marhoon","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although synthetic antigiardial medications frequently exhibit efficacy, they may also result in negative side effects. Furthermore, issues related to drug resistance and the potential for mutagenic effects have been highlighted. The current research seeks to assess the combined anti-giardial efficacy of camphene (CP) both independently and in conjunction with metronidazole (MNZ) in the context of <em>Giardia lamblia</em> infection. The <em>in vitro</em> effectiveness of CP, both as alone treatment and in conjunction with MNZ, was assessed for its anti-giardial properties against both cysts and trophozoites of <em>G. lamblia</em> using a cell viability assay. Additionally, the effects of CP (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), both alone and in combination with MNZ (5 mg/kg), were investigated. This assessment focused on the load and viability of cysts, serum electrolyte levels, adaptive-response cytokines (Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IFN-γ), as well as the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes encoding the enzymes caspase-3, −8, and − 9. Both CP and the combination of CP with MNZ markedly increased the mortality of cyst and trophozoites (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001); indicating the existence of synergistic interactions when CP is co-administered with MNZ. CP alone and in the combination with MNZ significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while, downregulated the expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (NADH), peroxiredoxin1a (PXR1a), and superoxide reductase (SOR) genes in <em>G. lamblia</em> trophozoites following (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). By <em>in vivo</em>, the load and the viability of <em>G. lamblia</em> cysts excreted from the feces of infected mice, significantly modulated the serum electrolytes (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), increased the serum levels of the cytokines IL-17 and IFN-γ (p &lt; 0.001), and reduced the caspase-3, −8, and − 9 gene expression following a seven-day treatment with CP and CP + MNZ. Recent research has revealed hopeful effects of CP alone, particularly its synergistic interactions with MNZ against <em>G. lamblia</em> infection. Nevertheless, additional investigation is necessary to make clear the specific mechanisms and to evaluate its effectiveness in clinical trials, which could enhance the application of CP in the treatment and management of giardiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00440"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive review of Wolbachia research (1936–2024): Global landscape, mapping progress and themes","authors":"Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha ,&nbsp;Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab ,&nbsp;Hafeez Yagoub Mohamed ,&nbsp;Ahmed Jerah ,&nbsp;Aied M. Alabsi ,&nbsp;Saleh Mohammad Abdullah ,&nbsp;Bassem Oraibi ,&nbsp;Hassan Ahmad Alfaifi ,&nbsp;Yasir Osman Hassan Babiker ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Saeed Alshahrani ,&nbsp;Abdullah Mohammed Farasani ,&nbsp;Ahmed S. Alamer ,&nbsp;Tawfeeq Altherwi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Wolbachia</em>, an obligatory gram-negative intracellular bacterium associated with <em>Rickettsia</em>, was initially identified in <em>Culex pipiens</em> mosquitoes and later in diverse invertebrates. This study utilizes bibliometric methodologies to quantitatively analyze <em>Wolbachia</em> research (WR), filling a gap in systematic analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, original English papers were extracted from Scopus and analyzed using VOSViewer and Bibliometrix to assess performance indices, citations, co-word mapping, emerging themes, and the evolution of WR. Since its inception between 1936 and 1961, WR has grown to 4800 documents by 2024, with notable surges in 2022 and 2024. Scholars like O'Neill, Hoffmann, and Bourtzis have significantly influenced this field. Bradford's law highlights WR distribution among 876 sources, with 37.54 % of studies being collaborative. Six thematic areas have evolved toward practical applications, particularly in vector control and disease management. Emerging topics since 2015, such as “cytoplasmic incompatibility” and “arboviruses,” reflect growing interest in microbiology and disease control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00438"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma lusitanicum, and the pathogens they are carrying: A systematic review","authors":"Afito Luciano ,&nbsp;Binta J.J. Jallow ,&nbsp;Mandie Liu ,&nbsp;Yuting Ma ,&nbsp;Regina Daniel Miambo ,&nbsp;Fanming Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> and <em>Hyalomma lusitanicum</em> are highly adaptable ectoparasites that feed on vertebrates, including people and both domestic and wild animals. This systematic review aims to identify, compile, and evaluate relevant articles published after January 1, 2000, until April 30, 2024, from several scientific databases documenting the distribution or prevalence of <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em> and/or <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, as well as tick-borne pathogens globally. We conducted a thorough search in Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2024. This systematic review was implemented according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of the 223 studies included in this systematic review, 83.0 % detected <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em>, reported across 42 countries. In contrast, 17.0 % detected <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, which has only been reported in eight countries. A total of 113 studies included in this systematic review reported the presence of tick-borne pathogens, with 78.8 % focused on <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em> and 21.2 % addressing <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>. In this review, 94 tick-borne pathogens were reported. Of the tick-borne pathogens identified in <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em>, bacteria were the most reported, representing 71.6 %, followed by viruses with 15.1 %. Among bacteria, the genus <em>Anaplasma</em> was the most frequent, with 26.8 %, followed by <em>Rickettsia</em>, with 17.2 %. The tick-borne pathogens identified in <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, bacteria were the most frequent, with 68.1 %, followed by protozoa, with 21.3 %. Genus <em>Rickettsia</em> was the most frequent among bacteria, with 25.5 %, followed by <em>Anaplasma</em> with 19.2 %. This systematic review provided insight crucial for managing and controlling tick-borne diseases by integrating the One Health approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271374","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in domestic sheep in the Faroe Islands","authors":"Eyðfinn Magnussen ,&nbsp;Bergur Hanusson ,&nbsp;Pikka Jokelainen ,&nbsp;Sunnvør í Kongsstovu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Little has been known about the zoonotic parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> in the remote isolated archipelago of the Faroe Islands. This study was conducted to estimate <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in domestic sheep in the Faroe Islands. We tested samples from 122 sheep slaughtered for human consumption in October 2021 for presence of antibodies against the parasite using a commercial multi-species ELISA. The sheep originated from 14 land lots across the Faroe Islands. Four sheep were seropositive for <em>T. gondii</em>, corresponding to a seroprevalence estimate of 3.3 %. All four seropositive sheep were adult ewes; the seroprevalence estimate among adult ewes was 19.0 %. At least one seropositive sheep was found from three of the 14 land lots (21.4 %). All seropositive sheep were adult ewes, suggesting acquired infections from oocysts. The infections occurred in three distant out-fields, indicating multifocal environmental oocyst contamination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212274","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among waste collectors in Kuwait","authors":"Anfal Yousef","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with a global burden, particularly affecting pregnant women, neonates and immunosuppressed individuals. Latent toxoplasmosis has also been associated with neuropsychological disorders in immunocompetent individuals. In Kuwait, the unregulated presence of stray cats in residential areas may contribute to toxoplasmosis spread within the community. The targeted population of this study were waste cleaners, a potentially higher risk group in the community. The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> among waste collectors across two governorates of Kuwait – Kuwait City and Jahra.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Blood samples were collected from 201 waste workers from two different cities: 53 and 148 workers from Kuwait City Governorate and Jahra Governorate, respectively. These samples were analysed to determine the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> antibodies (IgM and IgG) and IgG avidity using a chemiluminescence immunoassay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that a total of 1 % and 21 % of waste workers had <em>T. gondii</em> IgM and IgG antibodies in their sera, respectively. Furthermore, 26 % of seropositive workers exhibited high avidity, indicating that infections were likely not recent. Almost half of seropositive workers (49 %) demonstrated low IgG avidity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Recent travel history, age, or nationality were not statistically significant factors in determining seropositivity. The results of this study highlight the widespread presence in waste workers, where one in five was seropositive for <em>T. gondii</em> with no significant differences in both cities. Our findings emphasise the need for implementing preventive measures within a One Health framework to control the spread of toxoplasmosis in the environment, the food industry and the community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}