Food and Waterborne Parasitology最新文献

Transcriptomic profiling of Kupffer cells exposed to Clonorchis sinensis extracellular vesicles: Unraveling the role of CSF3 in hepatic fibrosis 暴露于华支睾吸虫细胞外囊泡的Kupffer细胞转录组学分析：揭示CSF3在肝纤维化中的作用

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00304

Zhuo Lan , Xue Wang , Yuxi Zhang , Lu Zhou , Xue Bai , Xinhui Zhang , Haokun Zhang , Hongyu Qiu , Junfeng Gao , Guofeng Cheng , Chunren Wang

Clonorchiasis, caused by Clonorchis sinensis, is a significant public health issue in China and East Asia. However, understanding its pathological mechanisms underlying this disease remains limited. Here, we isolated and characterized C. sinensis extracellular vesicles (CsEVs) and evaluated their uptake by Kupffer cells (KCs) in vitro in immortalized KC (ImKC) line and in vivo in a model of C. sinensis infection, investigating genes with altered gene expression after treatment with CsEVs and during progression to liver fibrosis. CsEVs were successfully taken up by KCs to regulate gene expression. RNA-sequencing analysis identified 694 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including upregulation of those encoding colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), IL1b, and others. Further validation showed increased expressions of these genes in mice infected with C. sinensis. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that these DEGs were involved in pathways such as TNF signaling, and NF-κB signaling. During liver fibrosis progression, CSF3 expression positively correlated with alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels in the liver, both of which were higher compared with negative controls. CSF3 inhibition caused a significant decrease in α-SMA expression. This study was the first to report differential gene expression changes in ImKCs stimulated by CsEVs, with CSF3, the most significantly upregulated gene, having a potential role in liver fibrosis. These findings provide important data for the pathology of clonorchiasis and could identify new targets for treatment.

由华支睾吸虫病引起的支睾吸虫病是中国和东亚地区的一个重大公共卫生问题。然而，对其病理机制的理解仍然有限。在这里，我们分离并表征了中华梭菌胞外囊泡（csev），并在体外永生化KC （ImKC）细胞系和体内中华梭菌感染模型中评估了它们被库普弗细胞（KCs）摄取的情况，研究了csev治疗后和肝纤维化进展过程中基因表达改变的基因。KCs成功利用csev调控基因表达。rna测序分析鉴定出694个差异表达基因（deg），包括编码集落刺激因子3 （CSF3）、IL1b等的基因上调。进一步的验证表明，这些基因在感染了中华梭菌的小鼠中表达增加。基因本体论和《京都基因与基因组百科全书》通路分析表明，这些deg参与TNF信号通路、NF-κB信号通路等。在肝纤维化进展过程中，CSF3表达与肝脏α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）水平呈正相关，两者均高于阴性对照组。CSF3抑制导致α-SMA表达显著降低。本研究首次报道了csev刺激ImKCs的差异基因表达变化，其中最显著上调的基因CSF3在肝纤维化中具有潜在作用。这些发现为华支睾吸虫病的病理研究提供了重要的数据，并可以确定新的治疗靶点。

{"title":"Transcriptomic profiling of Kupffer cells exposed to Clonorchis sinensis extracellular vesicles: Unraveling the role of CSF3 in hepatic fibrosis","authors":"Zhuo Lan , Xue Wang , Yuxi Zhang , Lu Zhou , Xue Bai , Xinhui Zhang , Haokun Zhang , Hongyu Qiu , Junfeng Gao , Guofeng Cheng , Chunren Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00304","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clonorchiasis, caused by <em>Clonorchis sinensis</em>, is a significant public health issue in China and East Asia. However, understanding its pathological mechanisms underlying this disease remains limited. Here, we isolated and characterized <em>C. sinensis</em> extracellular vesicles (CsEVs) and evaluated their uptake by Kupffer cells (KCs) <em>in vitro</em> in immortalized KC (ImKC) line and <em>in vivo</em> in a model of <em>C. sinensis</em> infection, investigating genes with altered gene expression after treatment with CsEVs and during progression to liver fibrosis. CsEVs were successfully taken up by KCs to regulate gene expression. RNA-sequencing analysis identified 694 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including upregulation of those encoding <em>colony-stimulating factor</em> 3 (<em>CSF</em>3), <em>IL1b</em>, and others. Further validation showed increased expressions of these genes in mice infected with <em>C. sinensis</em>. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that these DEGs were involved in pathways such as TNF signaling, and NF-κB signaling. During liver fibrosis progression, <em>CSF</em>3 expression positively correlated with alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels in the liver, both of which were higher compared with negative controls. <em>CSF</em>3 inhibition caused a significant decrease in α-SMA expression. This study was the first to report differential gene expression changes in ImKCs stimulated by CsEVs, with <em>CSF</em>3, the most significantly upregulated gene, having a potential role in liver fibrosis. These findings provide important data for the pathology of clonorchiasis and could identify new targets for treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00304"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623731","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}

引用次数: 0

Anisakis spp. larvae in black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) muscle: Consumer health risk and recommendations along the value chain 黑鞘鱼（Aphanopus carbo）肌肉中的异尖线虫幼虫：价值链中的消费者健康风险和建议

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-12-01 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00305

P. Ramos , C. Ayra-Pardo , M.M. Oliveira , L.F. Rangel , F. Atroch , C. Sirin , M.J. Santos

The black scabbardfish, Aphanopus carbo, is a deep-sea Atlantic fish with socioeconomic value, but it is often heavily infected with Anisakis spp. larvae. The aim of the present work was to ascertain the distribution and quantification of Anisakis spp. larvae in the viscera and muscle of A. carbo, and to evaluate whether larval intensity in the viscera can be used to predict parasite load in the muscle. UV-press and pepsin-HCl digestion methods were complemented by molecular techniques to detect and identify the larvae. Four batches of four individuals each, one batch per season (n = 64), were obtained. Each batch, with a different parasite intensity based on visual inspection, was selected for comparison. Larval subsamples randomly selected from the viscera, belly flaps, and dorsal muscle were identified by PCR-RFLP, marking the first study of this kind in this species. Data showed that the higher the larval load in the visceral cavity and internal organs, the greater the number of larvae in the belly flaps, allowing us to predict Anisakis burden in this site. The low number and unpredictability of the zoonotic A. simplex s.s in the dorsal muscle pose a risk to consumers. Epidemiological data support discarding the belly flaps from fish with relatively high parasite intensity. Additional recommendations to mitigate anisakids presence in fishery products are presented for improvement and implementation along the black scabbardfish value chain.

黑鞘鱼（Aphanopus carbo）是一种具有社会经济价值的大西洋深海鱼类，但它经常被异尖线虫幼虫严重感染。本研究的目的是确定异尖线虫幼虫在中华绒螯蟹内脏和肌肉中的分布和数量，并评估内脏中幼虫的强度是否可以用来预测肌肉中的寄生虫负荷。紫外压榨法和胃蛋白酶-盐酸消化法辅以分子技术对幼虫进行检测和鉴定。获得4批，每批4只，每季1批（n = 64）。根据目视检查，选择每一批具有不同寄生虫强度的蚊子进行比较。采用PCR-RFLP技术，从该物种的内脏、腹部皮瓣和背部肌肉中随机选取幼虫亚样本进行鉴定，首次在该物种中进行此类研究。数据显示，内脏腔和内脏器官的幼虫负荷越高，腹部皮瓣的幼虫数量越多，这使我们能够预测该部位的异尖线虫负荷。背肌中人畜共患单纯单胞杆菌数量少且不可预测，对消费者构成风险。流行病学数据支持丢弃寄生强度相对较高的鱼的腹部皮瓣。此外，还提出了减少茴香酸在渔业产品中的存在的其他建议，以改善和实施黑鞘鱼价值链。

{"title":"Anisakis spp. larvae in black scabbardfish (Aphanopus carbo) muscle: Consumer health risk and recommendations along the value chain","authors":"P. Ramos , C. Ayra-Pardo , M.M. Oliveira , L.F. Rangel , F. Atroch , C. Sirin , M.J. Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00305","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00305","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The black scabbardfish, <em>Aphanopus carbo</em>, is a deep-sea Atlantic fish with socioeconomic value, but it is often heavily infected with <em>Anisakis</em> spp. larvae. The aim of the present work was to ascertain the distribution and quantification of <em>Anisakis</em> spp. larvae in the viscera and muscle of <em>A. carbo</em>, and to evaluate whether larval intensity in the viscera can be used to predict parasite load in the muscle. UV-press and pepsin-HCl digestion methods were complemented by molecular techniques to detect and identify the larvae. Four batches of four individuals each, one batch per season (<em>n</em> = 64), were obtained. Each batch, with a different parasite intensity based on visual inspection, was selected for comparison. Larval subsamples randomly selected from the viscera, belly flaps, and dorsal muscle were identified by PCR-RFLP, marking the first study of this kind in this species. Data showed that the higher the larval load in the visceral cavity and internal organs, the greater the number of larvae in the belly flaps, allowing us to predict <em>Anisakis</em> burden in this site. The low number and unpredictability of the zoonotic <em>A. simplex s.s</em> in the dorsal muscle pose a risk to consumers. Epidemiological data support discarding the belly flaps from fish with relatively high parasite intensity. Additional recommendations to mitigate anisakids presence in fishery products are presented for improvement and implementation along the black scabbardfish value chain.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00305"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145690793","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}

引用次数: 0

Preliminary observations on muscle distribution of Anisakis sp. L3 in European hake off Southwest Ireland 爱尔兰西南部欧洲鳕鱼Anisakis sp. L3肌肉分布的初步观察

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-11-17 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00303

F. Atroch , L.F. Rangel , P. Ramos , C. Ayra-Pardo , M.J. Santos

This study examined the distribution of Anisakis sp. L3 within the edible muscle tissue of 15 European hake (Merluccius merluccius) specimens captured off the Southwest Irish coast during the spring of 2023. European hake is a commercially valuable species, but it is frequently and heavily infected with species of the genus Anisakis, which pose significant zoonotic risks. All examined hakes were infected, with a mean intensity of 743.3 ± 215 larvae per fish and a mean density of 17.7 ± 6.7 larvae per gram of muscle. While the distribution of parasites was symmetrical between the left and right sides of the fish, significant differences were observed among the four muscle sections. The anterior ventral region (belly flap) was identified as the area most severely affected by infection. The removal of belly flaps has been demonstrated to achieve an 83 % reduction in Anisakis sp. presence, signifying a straightforward yet efficacious measure to mitigate the risk of human infection and enhance seafood safety. No significant correlation was found between the host features measured, including total length and eviscerated weight, and the parasitic load. These findings underscore the significance of targeted processing techniques in enhancing the safety of European hake for consumption.

本研究检测了2023年春季在爱尔兰西南海岸捕获的15个欧洲鳕鱼（Merluccius Merluccius）标本的可食用肌肉组织中Anisakis sp. L3的分布。欧洲鳕鱼是一种具有商业价值的物种，但它经常受到异尖线虫属物种的严重感染，这构成了重大的人畜共患风险。所有检测的黑鲈均被感染，每条鱼平均感染强度为743.3±215条，每克肌肉平均感染密度为17.7±6.7条。虽然寄生虫分布在鱼的左右两侧是对称的，但在四个肌肉部分中观察到显着差异。腹前区（腹部皮瓣）被认为是感染最严重的区域。去除腹部皮瓣已被证明可以使异尖线虫的存在减少83%，这是一种直接而有效的措施，可以减轻人类感染的风险，提高海产品的安全性。没有发现宿主特征测量，包括总长度和内脏重量，和寄生负荷显著相关。这些发现强调了有针对性的加工技术在提高欧洲鳕鱼消费安全性方面的重要性。

{"title":"Preliminary observations on muscle distribution of Anisakis sp. L3 in European hake off Southwest Ireland","authors":"F. Atroch , L.F. Rangel , P. Ramos , C. Ayra-Pardo , M.J. Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examined the distribution of <em>Anisakis</em> sp. L3 within the edible muscle tissue of 15 European hake (<em>Merluccius merluccius</em>) specimens captured off the Southwest Irish coast during the spring of 2023. European hake is a commercially valuable species, but it is frequently and heavily infected with species of the genus <em>Anisakis</em>, which pose significant zoonotic risks. All examined hakes were infected, with a mean intensity of 743.3 ± 215 larvae per fish and a mean density of 17.7 ± 6.7 larvae per gram of muscle. While the distribution of parasites was symmetrical between the left and right sides of the fish, significant differences were observed among the four muscle sections. The anterior ventral region (belly flap) was identified as the area most severely affected by infection. The removal of belly flaps has been demonstrated to achieve an 83 % reduction in <em>Anisakis</em> sp. presence, signifying a straightforward yet efficacious measure to mitigate the risk of human infection and enhance seafood safety. No significant correlation was found between the host features measured, including total length and eviscerated weight, and the parasitic load. These findings underscore the significance of targeted processing techniques in enhancing the safety of European hake for consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00303"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578785","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}

引用次数: 0

Prevalence and molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in endemic communities in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines 菲律宾棉兰老岛卡拉加地区鱼媒虫流行及分子鉴定

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-11-17 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302

Vachel Gay V. Paller , Jasmine Renette D. Jimenez , Allen Jethro I. Alonte , Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. , Billy P. Divina , Kezia W. Kozel , Martha E. Betson

The fish-borne trematodes are a group of parasitic flatworms whose life cycle successively passes through various snails and fresh and brackish water fish, and terrestrial vertebrate hosts including humans. Human infection is common in countries where eating raw fish is practiced such as in the Philippines. Limited investigation in endemic areas along with misdiagnosis makes it challenging to address these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence, identify risk factors for, and molecularly identify fish-borne trematodes in eight helminth-endemic communities in Mindanao, Philippines through a household-based cross-sectional study. Fecal samples were collected from 1152 residents (age 10–59 years) from 386 households in the study communities and from 92 dogs and cats. These were examined microscopically for trematode infections. Molecular analysis of microscopy-positive fecal samples was conducted using the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) gene. Further, household-heads were surveyed to investigate risk factors for infection.

The overall prevalence of infection in humans was 4.1 % (n = 47), with higher infection prevalence in Surigao del Norte province, where fish is often eaten raw or undercooked (as kinilaw and sugba). Males and adults were found to be more at risk of infection. Only 2 animals were positive, both of which are dogs. Molecular findings revealed three fish-borne trematode species: Haplorchis taichui, Stellanthchasmus falcatus, and Opisthorchis viverrini. To our knowledge, this study reports the first molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines. The results help address knowledge gaps on fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines and can be employed to improve control using evidence-based and targeted approaches.

鱼媒吸虫是一类寄生扁虫，其生命周期依次通过各种蜗牛、淡水和咸淡水鱼类以及包括人类在内的陆生脊椎动物宿主。在菲律宾等食用生鱼的国家，人类感染很常见。在流行地区进行的有限调查以及误诊使得处理这些感染具有挑战性。因此，本研究旨在通过以家庭为基础的横断面研究，调查菲律宾棉兰老岛8个蠕虫流行社区中鱼类传播的寄生虫的流行情况，确定危险因素，并对其进行分子鉴定。从研究社区386个家庭的1152名居民（10-59岁）和92只狗和猫身上收集了粪便样本。显微镜下检查吸虫感染。显微镜下阳性粪便样本采用内部转录间隔2区（ITS2）基因进行分子分析。此外，还对户主进行了调查，以调查感染的危险因素。人类感染的总体流行率为4.1% (n = 47)，在北苏里高省的感染流行率较高，那里的鱼经常生吃或未煮熟（如kinilaw和sugba）。男性和成年人被感染的风险更高。只有2只动物呈阳性，它们都是狗。在分子生物学上发现了3种鱼媒吸虫：太水单吸虫（Haplorchis taichui）、镰状螯虾（Stellanthchasmus falcatus）和viverrini Opisthorchis。据我们所知，本研究报告了菲律宾鱼类传播的吸虫的首次分子鉴定。这些结果有助于解决菲律宾关于鱼媒虫的知识差距，并可用于利用循证和有针对性的方法改善控制。

{"title":"Prevalence and molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in endemic communities in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines","authors":"Vachel Gay V. Paller , Jasmine Renette D. Jimenez , Allen Jethro I. Alonte , Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. , Billy P. Divina , Kezia W. Kozel , Martha E. Betson","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fish-borne trematodes are a group of parasitic flatworms whose life cycle successively passes through various snails and fresh and brackish water fish, and terrestrial vertebrate hosts including humans. Human infection is common in countries where eating raw fish is practiced such as in the Philippines. Limited investigation in endemic areas along with misdiagnosis makes it challenging to address these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence, identify risk factors for, and molecularly identify fish-borne trematodes in eight helminth-endemic communities in Mindanao, Philippines through a household-based cross-sectional study. Fecal samples were collected from 1152 residents (age 10–59 years) from 386 households in the study communities and from 92 dogs and cats. These were examined microscopically for trematode infections. Molecular analysis of microscopy-positive fecal samples was conducted using the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) gene. Further, household-heads were surveyed to investigate risk factors for infection.</div><div>The overall prevalence of infection in humans was 4.1 % (<em>n</em> = 47), with higher infection prevalence in Surigao del Norte province, where fish is often eaten raw or undercooked (as <em>kinilaw</em> and <em>sugba</em>). Males and adults were found to be more at risk of infection. Only 2 animals were positive, both of which are dogs. Molecular findings revealed three fish-borne trematode species: <em>Haplorchis taichui</em>, <em>Stellanthchasmus falcatus</em>, and <em>Opisthorchis viverrini</em>. To our knowledge, this study reports the first molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines. The results help address knowledge gaps on fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines and can be employed to improve control using evidence-based and targeted approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00302"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578786","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}

引用次数: 0

High frequency of DNA detection of toxoplasma gondii and zoonotic Sarcocystis spp. in ready-to-eat meat products purchased in Switzerland 在瑞士购买的即食肉制品中检测到高频率的刚地弓形虫和人畜共患肌囊虫

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-11-12 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00301

Z. Medici , N. Marreros , S. Molteni , M.C. Ferreira de Sousa , W. Basso , G. Moré , C.F. Frey

Toxoplasma gondii and Sarcocystis spp. are globally distributed, intracellular, cyst-forming coccidian parasites that infect a wide range of animal species, and humans. These protozoan parasites have indirect life cycles and can be transmitted to hosts through food sources, such as infected meat. Resulting infections may pose serious health risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals and developing foetuses. While their prevalence in Switzerland has been studied serologically and molecularly in live animals or after necropsy or slaughter, there are no studies on ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. This study aimed to assess the presence of these parasites in RTE meat products sourced from Swiss supermarkets, retail stores and local butcher shops. A total of 201 RTE meat products consisting of pork, beef, poultry, game, and equine meat, as well as mixes thereof, were tested. Hundred-gram samples were homogenized, followed by a sequence-specific magnetic capture and real-time PCR for T. gondii DNA, and a crude DNA extraction and PCR – Sanger sequencing for Sarcocystis spp. For two zoonotic species (S. suihominis and S. hominis), additional PCRs were performed. Furthermore, the homogenates were analyzed for Sarcocystis spp. cysts by stereomicroscopy. Variables associated with the presence of these parasites were identified by multivariable LASSO regression. Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 14.9 % (30/201) of the samples, while Sarcocystis spp. DNA was present in 58.2 % (117/201). Zoonotic S. suihominis DNA was found in 3.2 % (4/125) of the samples containing pork, and S. hominis DNA in 29.6 % (24/81) of the samples containing beef. No viable cysts were observed in any sample. The presence of T. gondii DNA was associated with the variables pork, salami-like products, and wild boar. Sarcocystis spp. DNA was positively associated with beef and salami-like products, and negatively with chicken and Swiss pork. Sarcocystis hominis was positively associated with Swiss beef. These findings reveal a notable rate of RTE meat products positive for zoonotic parasites, suggesting a potential public health risk. Further research is needed to evaluate their role in transmission to humans.

刚地弓形虫和肌囊虫是全球分布的细胞内囊状球虫寄生虫，可感染多种动物和人类。这些原生动物寄生虫具有间接的生命周期，可通过食物来源（如受感染的肉类）传播给宿主。由此产生的感染可能造成严重的健康风险，特别是对免疫功能低下的个体和发育中的胎儿。虽然他们在瑞士的流行已经在活体动物或尸检或屠宰后进行了血清学和分子研究，但没有对即食肉制品（RTE）进行研究。本研究旨在评估来自瑞士超市、零售商店和当地肉店的RTE肉制品中这些寄生虫的存在。共检测了201种RTE肉制品，包括猪肉、牛肉、家禽、野味和马肉，以及它们的混合物。将百克样品匀浆，然后对弓形虫DNA进行序列特异性磁捕获和实时PCR，对肉囊虫进行粗DNA提取和PCR - Sanger测序。对两种人畜共患物种（猪人绦虫和人人绦虫）进行额外的PCR。此外，用体视显微镜对匀浆进行了肉芽胞杆菌囊肿的分析。通过多变量LASSO回归确定了与这些寄生虫存在相关的变量。在14.9%（30/201）的样本中检出弓形虫DNA， 58.2%（117/201）的样本中检出肉囊虫DNA。猪肉样品中检出人畜共患水虫S. DNA的占3.2%(4/125)，牛肉样品中检出人畜共患人畜共患S. DNA的占29.6%（24/81）。在所有样本中均未观察到活的囊肿。弓形虫DNA的存在与猪肉、香肠类产品和野猪的变量有关。肉囊菌的DNA与牛肉和香肠类产品呈正相关，与鸡肉和瑞士猪肉呈负相关。人肉囊菌与瑞士牛肉呈正相关。这些发现表明，RTE肉制品人畜共患寄生虫呈阳性的比例很高，表明存在潜在的公共卫生风险。需要进一步的研究来评估它们在人类传播中的作用。

{"title":"High frequency of DNA detection of toxoplasma gondii and zoonotic Sarcocystis spp. in ready-to-eat meat products purchased in Switzerland","authors":"Z. Medici , N. Marreros , S. Molteni , M.C. Ferreira de Sousa , W. Basso , G. Moré , C.F. Frey","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> and <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. are globally distributed, intracellular, cyst-forming coccidian parasites that infect a wide range of animal species, and humans. These protozoan parasites have indirect life cycles and can be transmitted to hosts through food sources, such as infected meat. Resulting infections may pose serious health risks, especially for immunocompromised individuals and developing foetuses. While their prevalence in Switzerland has been studied serologically and molecularly in live animals or after necropsy or slaughter, there are no studies on ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. This study aimed to assess the presence of these parasites in RTE meat products sourced from Swiss supermarkets, retail stores and local butcher shops. A total of 201 RTE meat products consisting of pork, beef, poultry, game, and equine meat, as well as mixes thereof, were tested. Hundred-gram samples were homogenized, followed by a sequence-specific magnetic capture and real-time PCR for <em>T. gondii</em> DNA, and a crude DNA extraction and PCR – Sanger sequencing for <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. For two zoonotic species (<em>S. suihominis</em> and <em>S. hominis</em>), additional PCRs were performed. Furthermore, the homogenates were analyzed for <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. cysts by stereomicroscopy. Variables associated with the presence of these parasites were identified by multivariable LASSO regression. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> DNA was detected in 14.9 % (30/201) of the samples, while <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. DNA was present in 58.2 % (117/201). Zoonotic <em>S. suihominis</em> DNA was found in 3.2 % (4/125) of the samples containing pork, and <em>S. hominis</em> DNA in 29.6 % (24/81) of the samples containing beef. No viable cysts were observed in any sample. The presence of <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was associated with the variables pork, salami-like products, and wild boar. <em>Sarcocystis</em> spp. DNA was positively associated with beef and salami-like products, and negatively with chicken and Swiss pork. <em>Sarcocystis hominis</em> was positively associated with Swiss beef. These findings reveal a notable rate of RTE meat products positive for zoonotic parasites, suggesting a potential public health risk. Further research is needed to evaluate their role in transmission to humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00301"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525888","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}

引用次数: 0

Anisakid larvae in the organs of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus (L.): Host or parasite superiority? 大西洋鲭鱼器官中的茴香类幼虫：宿主优势还是寄生虫优势？

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-11-05 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300

Bahram Sayyaf Dezfuli , Giovanni Bernacchia , Morena De Bastiani , Martina Pinca , Emanuela Franchella , Luca Bellini , Giuseppe Castaldelli , Luisa Giari

Members of the Anisakidae family, in particular the genus Anisakis are among the most common seafood-borne parasites which may lead to anisakidosis, a zoonotic disease. Anisakis simplex (s.s.) (Rudolphi, 1809) can infect humans by means of the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish harbouring the third-stage larvae of this nematode. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were performed on the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel Scomber scombrus (L.) from the Bay of Biscay. Results showed the presence of a high infection level of third-larval stages of an anisakid species in the visceral organs and rarely in the flesh of the host. A subsample of 15 live nematode larvae from 5 fish were genetically identified by mtDNA Cox2 gene sequencing and found to belong to the species Anisakis simplex (s.s.). Of 41 Atlantic mackerel examined, 36 individuals (88 %) harbored A. simplex (s.s.) L3 larvae, with an intensity of infection ranging from 5 to 650 larvae per fish (86.97 ± 17.26, mean ± standard error). A total of 3131 larvae were counted and the number of calcified larvae was significantly higher than that of live ones (p < 0.01). The most parasitized sites were the serosa covering the intestine and the pyloric caeca as well as the mesenteries which encircled the gonads. In most infected organs, a granuloma surrounded the calcified and live larvae with a more intense response around the former. Within the granuloma epithelioid cells, fibroblasts and collagen fibres were recognized, outside the granuloma, mast cells (MCs), melano-macrophage aggregates (MAs) and macrophages were frequent and to a lesser degree rodlet cells (RCs). This is the first study that has investigated the cellular immune responses in the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel against A. simplex (s.s.) larvae.

异角虫科的成员，特别是异角虫属是最常见的海产寄生虫，可导致异角虫病，这是一种人畜共患疾病。单异尖线虫（Rudolphi, 1809）可以通过食用含有该线虫第三阶段幼虫的生的或未煮熟的鱼而感染人类。对比斯开湾大西洋鲭鱼（Scomber scombrus， L.）内脏器官和肉进行了组织病理学和超微结构研究。结果表明，一种茴香虫的第三幼虫期在内脏器官中存在较高的感染水平，而很少在宿主的肉中存在。通过mtDNA Cox2基因测序，对5条鱼的15个活线虫幼虫亚样本进行了遗传鉴定，发现它们属于单一异尖线虫（Anisakis simplplex, s.s.）。在41条大西洋鲭鱼中，有36条（88%）携带单形假单胞杆菌。幼虫L3条，感染强度为5 ~ 650条/鱼（86.97±17.26，平均值±标准误差）。共计数3131条幼虫，钙化幼虫数显著高于活幼虫数（p < 0.01）。主要寄生部位为覆盖肠道的浆膜和幽门盲肠以及包围性腺的肠系膜。在大多数受感染的器官中，钙化和活的幼虫周围有肉芽肿，前者周围的反应更强烈。肉芽肿上皮样细胞内可见成纤维细胞和胶原纤维，肉芽肿外可见肥大细胞（MCs）、黑素-巨噬细胞聚集体（MAs）和巨噬细胞，小棒细胞（RCs）较少。这是第一次研究大西洋鲭鱼内脏器官和肉对单纯单胞绦虫（s.s）幼虫的细胞免疫反应。

{"title":"Anisakid larvae in the organs of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus (L.): Host or parasite superiority?","authors":"Bahram Sayyaf Dezfuli , Giovanni Bernacchia , Morena De Bastiani , Martina Pinca , Emanuela Franchella , Luca Bellini , Giuseppe Castaldelli , Luisa Giari","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Members of the Anisakidae family, in particular the genus <em>Anisakis</em> are among the most common seafood-borne parasites which may lead to anisakidosis, a zoonotic disease. <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) (Rudolphi, 1809) can infect humans by means of the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish harbouring the third-stage larvae of this nematode. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were performed on the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel <em>Scomber scombrus</em> (L.) from the Bay of Biscay. Results showed the presence of a high infection level of third-larval stages of an anisakid species in the visceral organs and rarely in the flesh of the host. A subsample of 15 live nematode larvae from 5 fish were genetically identified by mtDNA <em>Cox2</em> gene sequencing and found to belong to the species <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>). Of 41 Atlantic mackerel examined, 36 individuals (88 %) harbored <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) L3 larvae, with an intensity of infection ranging from 5 to 650 larvae per fish (86.97 ± 17.26, mean ± standard error). A total of 3131 larvae were counted and the number of calcified larvae was significantly higher than that of live ones (<em>p</em> < 0.01). The most parasitized sites were the serosa covering the intestine and the pyloric caeca as well as the mesenteries which encircled the gonads. In most infected organs, a granuloma surrounded the calcified and live larvae with a more intense response around the former. Within the granuloma epithelioid cells, fibroblasts and collagen fibres were recognized, outside the granuloma, mast cells (MCs), melano-macrophage aggregates (MAs) and macrophages were frequent and to a lesser degree rodlet cells (RCs). This is the first study that has investigated the cellular immune responses in the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel against <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00300"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525889","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}

引用次数: 0

Giardia and Campylobacter: Fifteen years (2010–2024) of waterborne outbreaks in Europe 贾第鞭毛虫和弯曲杆菌：欧洲15年（2010-2024）水传播疫情

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-10-31 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00299

Antonino Pace , Paola Pepe , Massimiliano Fabbricino , Vincenzo Mignano , Lavinia Ciuca , Laura Rinaldi , Ludovico Dipineto

Waterborne diseases affect millions of people annually, challenging public health worldwide. Despite the advancements in water management, high-income countries remain at risk, mainly because of faulty or ageing water infrastructure. Giardia and Campylobacter are two key waterborne pathogens and leading agents of gastrointestinal illnesses. Both can be transmitted through contaminated water under similar environmental and sanitary conditions, with co-infections worsening symptoms and complicating diagnosis and treatment efficacy. This review examines waterborne outbreaks in Europe, over the last 15 years (2010–2024), focusing on Giardia while adding an additional perspective on Campylobacter. Over 30 outbreaks were reported during the study period, primarily in Ireland and Nordic countries. Recreational and drinking water sources were the most commonly implicated, with contamination events often associated with specific incidents or treatment failures, and heavy rainfall suggested as contributing factor to pathogen entry. In addition, climate change is discussed as a major driver exacerbating waterborne disease risks through extreme weather events. The review highlights persistent vulnerabilities in water safety across Europe, and emphasizes the importance of mitigation strategies, which include risk assessment, early detection and continuous surveillance, improved water treatment and climate-resilient infrastructures, along with interdisciplinary collaboration with different stakeholders.

水传播疾病每年影响数百万人，对全世界的公共卫生构成挑战。尽管在水管理方面取得了进步，但高收入国家仍然面临风险，主要原因是水基础设施存在缺陷或老化。贾第鞭毛虫和弯曲杆菌是两种主要的水传播病原体和胃肠道疾病的主要病原体。在类似的环境和卫生条件下，这两种疾病都可通过受污染的水传播，合并感染会加重症状，使诊断和治疗效果复杂化。本综述审查了过去15年（2010-2024年）在欧洲发生的水传播疫情，重点关注贾第鞭毛虫，同时增加了弯曲杆菌的额外视角。在研究期间报告了30多起疫情，主要发生在爱尔兰和北欧国家。娱乐和饮用水源是最常见的，污染事件往往与特定事件或处理失败有关，强降雨被认为是病原体进入的一个因素。此外，还讨论了气候变化是通过极端天气事件加剧水传播疾病风险的主要驱动因素。该审查强调了整个欧洲在水安全方面持续存在的脆弱性，并强调了缓解战略的重要性，其中包括风险评估、早期发现和持续监测、改进水处理和气候适应型基础设施，以及与不同利益攸关方的跨学科合作。

{"title":"Giardia and Campylobacter: Fifteen years (2010–2024) of waterborne outbreaks in Europe","authors":"Antonino Pace , Paola Pepe , Massimiliano Fabbricino , Vincenzo Mignano , Lavinia Ciuca , Laura Rinaldi , Ludovico Dipineto","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Waterborne diseases affect millions of people annually, challenging public health worldwide. Despite the advancements in water management, high-income countries remain at risk, mainly because of faulty or ageing water infrastructure. <em>Giardia</em> and <em>Campylobacter</em> are two key waterborne pathogens and leading agents of gastrointestinal illnesses. Both can be transmitted through contaminated water under similar environmental and sanitary conditions, with co-infections worsening symptoms and complicating diagnosis and treatment efficacy. This review examines waterborne outbreaks in Europe, over the last 15 years (2010–2024), focusing on <em>Giardia</em> while adding an additional perspective on <em>Campylobacter</em>. Over 30 outbreaks were reported during the study period, primarily in Ireland and Nordic countries. Recreational and drinking water sources were the most commonly implicated, with contamination events often associated with specific incidents or treatment failures, and heavy rainfall suggested as contributing factor to pathogen entry. In addition, climate change is discussed as a major driver exacerbating waterborne disease risks through extreme weather events. The review highlights persistent vulnerabilities in water safety across Europe, and emphasizes the importance of mitigation strategies, which include risk assessment, early detection and continuous surveillance, improved water treatment and climate-resilient infrastructures, along with interdisciplinary collaboration with different stakeholders.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00299"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466320","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}

引用次数: 0

Detection and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in yaks in Xinjiang, China 新疆牦牛隐孢子虫检测及遗传多样性分析

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-10-28 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298

Zhenjie Zhang , Huigang Zhao , Bowen Zhang , Fuchang Yu , Aiyun Zhao , Junqiang Li , Meng Qi , Rongjun Wang

Cryptosporidium spp. is an important protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea in both humans and animals worldwide. In the present study, a total of 826 yak fecal samples were collected from six counties in Xinjiang and tested for Cryptosporidium using PCR. Based on the SSU rRNA gene, 20 samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium, resulting in an overall infection rate of 2.4 % (20/826). Hejing County exhibited the highest infection rate at 5.6 % (16/288), with significant ``Cryptosporidium species and one genotype were identified: C. bovis (n = 12), C. parvum (n = 3), C. ryanae (n = 3), C. occultus (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype IV (n = 1). Subtyping via the gp60 gene revealed two subtypes for C. bovis (XXVIb, n = 4; XXVIc, n = 4), one subtype for C. ryanae (XXIa, n = 1), and one subtype for C. parvum (IIdA19G1, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these subtypes clustered with reference sequences from other regions and hosts, without distinct geographical or host specific isolation. In conclusion, the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in yaks in Xinjiang is low, and the subtypes of Cryptosporidium exhibit genetic diversity among different bovine species.

隐孢子虫是一种重要的原生动物寄生虫，在世界范围内可引起人类和动物腹泻。本研究从新疆6个县采集牦牛粪便样本826份，采用PCR检测隐孢子虫。基于SSU rRNA基因，20份样本隐孢子虫检测呈阳性，总感染率为2.4%（20/826）。合静县感染率最高，为5.6%(16/288)，发现隐孢子虫1种，分别为牛隐孢子虫（12种）、小隐孢子虫（3种）、ryanae隐孢子虫（3种）、隐孢子虫隐孢子虫（1种）和大鼠隐孢子虫IV型（1种）。通过gp60基因分型发现，牛c有2个亚型（XXVIb, n = 4; XXVIc, n = 4），瑞安c有1个亚型（XXIa, n = 1），小c有1个亚型（IIdA19G1, n = 1）。系统发育分析表明，这些亚型与来自其他地区和宿主的参考序列聚集在一起，没有明显的地理或宿主特异性隔离。综上所述，新疆牦牛隐孢子虫感染率较低，隐孢子虫亚型在不同牛种间表现出遗传多样性。

{"title":"Detection and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in yaks in Xinjiang, China","authors":"Zhenjie Zhang , Huigang Zhao , Bowen Zhang , Fuchang Yu , Aiyun Zhao , Junqiang Li , Meng Qi , Rongjun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. is an important protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea in both humans and animals worldwide. In the present study, a total of 826 yak fecal samples were collected from six counties in Xinjiang and tested for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> using PCR. Based on the <em>SSU</em> rRNA gene, 20 samples tested positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em>, resulting in an overall infection rate of 2.4 % (20/826). Hejing County exhibited the highest infection rate at 5.6 % (16/288), with significant ``<em>Cryptosporidium</em> species and one genotype were identified: <em>C. bovis</em> (<em>n</em> = 12), <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 3), <em>C. ryanae</em> (n = 3), <em>C. occultus</em> (n = 1), and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> sp. rat genotype IV (n = 1). Subtyping via the <em>gp60</em> gene revealed two subtypes for <em>C. bovis</em> (XXVIb, <em>n</em> = 4; XXVIc, n = 4), one subtype for <em>C. ryanae</em> (XXIa, n = 1), and one subtype for <em>C. parvum</em> (IIdA19G1, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these subtypes clustered with reference sequences from other regions and hosts, without distinct geographical or host specific isolation. In conclusion, the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection in yaks in Xinjiang is low, and the subtypes of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> exhibit genetic diversity among different bovine species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00298"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417687","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}

引用次数: 0

Dose-dependent tissue tropism and efficacy of early BKI-1748 treatment in chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep BKI-1748早期治疗绵羊慢性刚地弓形虫感染的剂量依赖性组织向性及疗效

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-10-26 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00297

Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez , Rafael Calero-Bernal , Natalia Velasco-Jiménez , Irene Gallego-Moreno , Carmen Pérez-Díaz , Rocío Bustamante , Ryan Choi , Matthew A. Hulverson , Andrew Hemphill , Wesley C. Van Voorhis , Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora

The presence of microscopic cysts of the zoonotic apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in mutton is relatively common. Toxoplasma gondii is frequently transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and infected people may suffer from neurological, ocular and pregnancy disorders. Experimental infections in sheep have provided clues on the T. gondii tissue tropism during the chronic stage of infection. However, data regarding infections involving low challenge doses is lacking. Following challenge of sheep with 1000 sporulated oocysts of the Type II TgShSp1 strain, parasite DNA was detected in all sheep at 62 days post-challenge, with detection rates of 87 %, 79 %, 66 % and 66 % in the brain, heart, tongue and biceps femoris muscle, respectively. By contrast, after challenge of sheep with a dose of 10 oocysts, parasite DNA was detected in tissues of only 5 out of 8 animals (62.5 %). The biceps femoris muscle was the most frequently infected tissue (parasite DNA detection rate of 50 %), resembling the pattern observed in naturally infected sheep. In addition, the administration of multiple doses of the compound BKI-1748, which reached therapeutic concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, to infected sheep at 2 and 7 days post-challenge prevented the establishment of the chronic T. gondii infection in the treated animals. Therefore, BKI-1748 could be a promising tool for improving safety in mutton intended for human consumption.

在羊肉中出现人畜共患的顶端复合寄生虫弓形虫的显微囊肿是比较常见的。刚地弓形虫通常通过食用生肉或未煮熟的肉类传播给人类，受感染者可能患有神经系统、眼部和妊娠障碍。绵羊的实验性感染为弓形虫在慢性感染阶段的组织趋向性提供了线索。然而，缺乏关于低激发剂量感染的数据。用1000个II型TgShSp1菌株孢子卵囊攻毒绵羊后，在攻毒后62天，所有绵羊均检出寄生虫DNA，其中脑、心、舌和股二头肌的检出率分别为87%、79%、66%和66%。相比之下，在用10个卵囊攻击绵羊后，8只动物中只有5只（62.5%）的组织中检测到寄生虫DNA。股二头肌是最常见的感染组织（寄生虫DNA检出率为50%），类似于在自然感染的绵羊中观察到的模式。此外，在攻毒后2天和7天，对感染羊给予多剂量的化合物BKI-1748，使其血浆和脑脊液中达到治疗浓度，可防止在治疗动物中建立慢性弓形虫感染。因此，BKI-1748可能是提高人类食用羊肉安全性的有前途的工具。

{"title":"Dose-dependent tissue tropism and efficacy of early BKI-1748 treatment in chronic Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep","authors":"Roberto Sánchez-Sánchez , Rafael Calero-Bernal , Natalia Velasco-Jiménez , Irene Gallego-Moreno , Carmen Pérez-Díaz , Rocío Bustamante , Ryan Choi , Matthew A. Hulverson , Andrew Hemphill , Wesley C. Van Voorhis , Luis Miguel Ortega-Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The presence of microscopic cysts of the zoonotic apicomplexan parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> in mutton is relatively common. <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is frequently transmitted to humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat and infected people may suffer from neurological, ocular and pregnancy disorders. Experimental infections in sheep have provided clues on the <em>T. gondii</em> tissue tropism during the chronic stage of infection. However, data regarding infections involving low challenge doses is lacking. Following challenge of sheep with 1000 sporulated oocysts of the Type II TgShSp1 strain, parasite DNA was detected in all sheep at 62 days post-challenge, with detection rates of 87 %, 79 %, 66 % and 66 % in the brain, heart, tongue and <em>biceps femoris</em> muscle, respectively. By contrast, after challenge of sheep with a dose of 10 oocysts, parasite DNA was detected in tissues of only 5 out of 8 animals (62.5 %). The <em>biceps femoris</em> muscle was the most frequently infected tissue (parasite DNA detection rate of 50 %), resembling the pattern observed in naturally infected sheep. In addition, the administration of multiple doses of the compound BKI-1748, which reached therapeutic concentrations in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, to infected sheep at 2 and 7 days post-challenge prevented the establishment of the chronic <em>T. gondii</em> infection in the treated animals. Therefore, BKI-1748 could be a promising tool for improving safety in mutton intended for human consumption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00297"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417585","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}

引用次数: 0

Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protozoans in domestic small ruminants in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China 黑龙江省家养小反刍动物肠道原生动物的分子特征及人畜共患潜力

IF 3.1 Q2 PARASITOLOGY

Food and Waterborne Parasitology

Pub Date : 2025-10-23 DOI: 10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296

Meiru Hou, Xuewei Liu, Lu Zhou, Jiawang Zhou, Yuxi Zhang, Tianshuai Ma, Hongyu Qiu, Chunren Wang, Junfeng Gao

Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. are four common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, that cause frequent foodborne and waterborne outbreaks worldwide. Despite their public health importance, epidemiological data remain scarce from Heilongjiang Province in China. Fecal samples were collected from 845 sheep and 166 goats across 13 regions of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. PCR-based methods were used to detect these pathogens and PCR products were sequenced to determine the species/genotypes. The overall infection rates for Cryptosporidium spp., G. duodenalis, E. bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. were 4.15 % (42/1011), 2.67 % (27/1011), 12.15 % (127/1011), and 3.56 % (36/1011), respectively. The mixed infections with two or more protozoa occurred in 2.97 % (30/1011). The geographic location was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi, and Blastocystis sp. in domestic small ruminants. Four Cryptosporidium genotypes (C. xiaoi, C. ubiquitum, C. bovis, C. andersoni), seven E. bieneusi genotypes (BEB6, COS-I, CHS8, CHS7, CHG1, CHG3, J), two G. duodenalis assemblages (assemblage E, assemblage A), and six Blastocystis subtypes (ST10, ST14, ST26, ST5, ST15, ST30) were identified. This study provides critical data for developing control strategies with significant implications for zoonotic risk assessment in Heilongjiang Province.

隐孢子虫、十二指肠贾第鞭毛虫、双氏肠胞虫和囊虫是四种常见的人畜共患肠道原虫，在世界范围内经常引起食源性和水源性暴发。尽管它们具有公共卫生重要性，但中国黑龙江省的流行病学数据仍然很少。本研究收集了黑龙江省13个地区845只绵羊和166只山羊的粪便样本。采用PCR方法对病原菌进行检测，并对PCR产物进行测序，确定其种类/基因型。隐孢子虫总感染率为4.15%(42/1011)，十二指肠棘球绦虫总感染率为2.67%(27/1011)，比氏绦虫总感染率为12.15%(127/1011)，囊胚绦虫总感染率为3.56%（36/1011）。2种及2种以上原虫混合感染占2.97%（30/1011）。地理位置是家养小反刍动物隐孢子虫、布氏易绦虫和囊虫流行的重要危险因素。共鉴定出4种隐孢子虫基因型（隐孢子虫、隐孢子虫、牛隐孢子虫、安德氏隐孢子虫），7种白氏隐孢子虫基因型（BEB6、COS-I、CHS8、CHS7、CHG1、CHG3、J）， 2种十二指肠隐孢子虫基因型（组合E、组合A）， 6种囊虫基因型（ST10、ST14、ST26、ST5、ST15、ST30）。本研究为制定控制策略提供了重要数据，对黑龙江省人畜共患病风险评估具有重要意义。

{"title":"Molecular characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protozoans in domestic small ruminants in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China","authors":"Meiru Hou, Xuewei Liu, Lu Zhou, Jiawang Zhou, Yuxi Zhang, Tianshuai Ma, Hongyu Qiu, Chunren Wang, Junfeng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>Giardia duodenalis</em>, <em>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. are four common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, that cause frequent foodborne and waterborne outbreaks worldwide. Despite their public health importance, epidemiological data remain scarce from Heilongjiang Province in China. Fecal samples were collected from 845 sheep and 166 goats across 13 regions of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. PCR-based methods were used to detect these pathogens and PCR products were sequenced to determine the species/genotypes. The overall infection rates for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>G. duodenalis</em>, <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. were 4.15 % (42/1011), 2.67 % (27/1011), 12.15 % (127/1011), and 3.56 % (36/1011), respectively. The mixed infections with two or more protozoa occurred in 2.97 % (30/1011). The geographic location was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. in domestic small ruminants. Four <em>Cryptosporidium</em> genotypes (<em>C. xiaoi</em>, <em>C. ubiquitum</em>, <em>C. bovis</em>, <em>C. andersoni</em>), seven <em>E. bieneusi</em> genotypes (BEB6, COS-I, CHS8, CHS7, CHG1, CHG3, J), two <em>G. duodenalis</em> assemblages (assemblage E, assemblage A), and six <em>Blastocystis</em> subtypes (ST10, ST14, ST26, ST5, ST15, ST30) were identified. This study provides critical data for developing control strategies with significant implications for zoonotic risk assessment in Heilongjiang Province.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00296"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363644","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}

引用次数: 0