Helminthologia最新文献

This study represents the first integrated epidemiological and molecular characterisation of the monogenean Sparicotyle chrysophrii in wild and farmed gilthead seabream Sparus aurata populations across seven Tunisian localities. Prevalence in the different localities ranged 37.5 % - 63.6 % in wild fish and 29.4 % - 90.0 % in farmed fish. Population genetic variation and phylogenetic relationships were inferred by incorporating novel and existing haplotype data from various Mediterranean regions, using the structural ribosomal RNA (rRNA) for the large subunit (28S) and the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. Phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA sequences revealed a monophyletic group with a distinct clade closely related to Microcotyle. The haplotype network exhibited a star-like pattern, supporting recent demographic expansion across the Mediterranean Sea. This expansion was reflected in genetic diversity indices, which showed high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity. Negative neutrality test values further suggested a recent population expansion. Phylogenetic analysis of COI sequences revealed no significant phylogenetic differentiation, with samples from various Mediterranean regions clustering into a monophyletic clade. The mismatch distribution for Tunisian samples displayed a unimodal pattern, confirming this demographic expansion. Genetic distances based on COI sequences revealed a 1.15 % divergence between Tunisian and Algerian samples, with the lowest pairwise FST value, suggesting a shared evolutionary history, as supported by the haplotype network. AMOVA analysis of Tunisian samples revealed that 92.77 % of the variance was attributed to individual differences, with a moderate FST value, indicating the absence of significant genetic structuring within populations. The presence of shared haplotypes confirmed the potential for pathogen transfer between wild and farmed fish populations. Overall, the COI data suggested that host biological characteristics play a significant role in shaping the genetic structure of S. chrysophrii populations, as evidenced by the lack of significant phylogenetic divergence across the Mediterranean Sea.

Ocular and orbital dirofilariasis, though rare, can mimic common eye infections or other conditions and lead to misdiagnosis. We present a series of four patients with ocular and orbital dirofilariasis in Sisak-Moslavina County of Croatia, emphasizing the variable clinical presentations and diagnostic challenges. Ocular dirofilariasis should be considered in patients with unexplained symptoms, particularly in endemic or rural areas. Detailed anamnesis and timely surgical intervention are essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

Fish are an essential source of high-quality protein and micronutrients. Yet parasitic infections often compromise safety. Anisakid nematodes, such as Hysterothylacium thalassini, are widely distributed in marine fish, including the greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil, and pose potential risks to human health. Infection with anisakid larvae is associated with oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune dysregulation, and apoptosis. Natural products rich in bioactive compounds may provide effective protection against these pathological effects. Desert truffles (Terfezia claveryi) possess well-documented antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties, but their activity against anisakid infections remains poorly characterized. This study investigated the protective effects of Terfezia claveryi extract (TCE) against experimental H. thalassini third-stage (L3) larval infection in a murine model, focusing on antioxidant activity, hematological changes, splenic immune responses, and Caspase-3-mediated apoptosis. TCE was prepared by methanol-water extraction, and its antioxidant potential was evaluated using the FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Forty male C57BL/6 mice were allocated into eight groups, including uninfected controls, TCE-treated mice, and mice infected with fresh, thermal, or frozen L3 larvae, with or without TCE treatment. After 14 days, hematological indices, spleen index, and Caspase-3 expression were assessed using immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcription PCR, and ELISA. Larval infection induced significant anemia, leukocytosis, splenomegaly, and marked upregulation of Caspase-3, indicating enhanced oxidative stress and apoptotic activity. TCE administration significantly improved hemoglobin, red blood cell, hematocrit, platelet, and white blood cell values and reduced the spleen index. Caspase-3 expression was downregulated at both mRNA and protein levels, with ELISA-confirmed reductions in apoptotic markers (from 1178.37 ± 64.94 pg/mL in untreated infected mice to 744.79 ± 65.82 pg/mL following treatment). In conclusion, TCE exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and immunomodulatory effects that alleviate H. thalassini-induced hematological and splenic alterations, supporting its potential as a natural therapeutic candidate against fishborne parasitic infections globally.

Domestic livestock, particularly cattle, are crucial for food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction in Pakistan. Ascarid nematodes are parasitic worms that significantly impact cattle health, causing morbidity and mortality in these animals. However, information on the molecular characterization and prevalence of ascarid infections in the cattle population of Malakand Division is limited. A total of 230 stool samples were collected from cattle across five districts in Pakistan, specifically Swat, Bunir, Bajaur, Lower Dir, and Upper Dir, between October 2022 and September 2023. Routine fecal examinations were conducted using a combined approach of sedimentation, flotation, and centrifugation to effectively recover ascarid eggs. DNA was extracted from the eggs, and a partial sequence of the Cox-1 gene, a widely used molecular marker for nematode identification, was amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR products were sequenced, and their sequences were compared with those in the NCBI GenBank database. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using the Neighbour-Joining method. The study identified two ascarid species: Toxocara vitulorum (31.30 %, 72/230) and Ascaris suum (21.30 %, 49/230), with A. suum being reported in Pakistan for the first time. The Cox-1 sequences involved 441 bp, with an isolate from Upper Dir showing 97.77 % similarity to T. vitulorum and a 435 bp isolate from Lower Dir being 99 % identical to A. suum. A high infection rate was observed in cattle grazing in hilly areas. This research highlights the prevalence and genetic diversity of ascarid nematodes in the local cattle population, confirming Cox-1 as a reliable genetic marker for identification. Further studies are essential to investigate transmission dynamics and develop effective control measures to ensure livestock health and improve the economic status of families in Malakand and across Pakistan.

Schistosomiasis continues to affect the health and quality of life of millions worldwide. Schistosomiasis is ranked as the second most significant targeted tropical disease after malaria. Praziquantel (PZQ) is the sole medication authorized by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of schistosomiasis. The sole drug has led to the development of parasite resistance. Consequently, the pursuit of novel alternatives has been the objective of numerous researchers. The use of nanotechnology in the treatment of schistosomiasis is of paramount importance for mitigating the adverse effects associated with chemotherapy. This study evaluated the effects of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles by Artemisia annua on Schistosoma mansoni, which infected Mesocricetus auratus both in vitro and in vivo at various doses of 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, and 3.125 μg/ml as well as in mixtures with PZQ at concentrations of 12.5+0.4, 25+0.3, 50+0.2 and 75+0.1 μg/ml. Adult S. mansoni worms were subjected to in vitro testing in the RPMI-1640 medium for a duration of 48 hours. At a concentration of 100 μg/ml, it caused 100 % mortality after 6 hours, whereas concentrations of 50 and 25 μg/ml resulted in complete mortality after 12 hours. At a concentration of 12.5 μg/ml, praziquantel alone caused the worms to die after 24 hours, whereas praziquantel combined with ZnO nanoparticles was more effective, causing death after 18 hours. Treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly decreased both the size and number of granulomas, along with the amount of eggs in the liver tissues of hamsters. All prior studies consistently corroborated the characteristics of ZnONPs synthesized using Artemisia annua. The results show that in laboratory experiments, green ZnO nanoparticles combined with PZQ exhibited significant efficacy against Schistosoma mansoni.

Zoonotic helminth infections remain a persistent public health challenge across Africa, causing considerable morbidity and economic losses in both humans and livestock. The emergence of anthelmintic resistance and limited access to conventional treatments have intensified interest in alternative therapeutic approaches. Medicinal plants, long used in traditional medicine, represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential anthelmintic activity. This scoping review examined the diversity, efficacy, and ethnopharmacological relevance of African medicinal plants traditionally used to treat helminthiasis, with a specific focus on Echinococcus granulosus, Taenia solium, and Fasciola hepatica. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of electronic databases identified 78 studies published between 2005 and May 2025, comprising 31 ethnobotanical surveys and 47 pharmacological investigations. Most studies focused on E. granulosus (n=19), followed by T. solium and F. hepatica (14 each). Ethnobotanical surveys reported 207 plant species from 54 families, while 57 species were evaluated pharmacologically. The most frequently studied families were Lamiaceae, Moringaceae, Euphorbiaceae, and Apocynaceae. Most studies relied on crude extracts, with few isolating or characterizing bioactive compounds. No clinical trials were reported, and methodological heterogeneity limited cross study comparability. Despite these limitations, several plant species demonstrated promising anthelmintic activity. This review highlights the underrepresented African contribution to ethnopharmacology and proposes future research directions, including bioassay-guided isolation, mechanistic studies, in vivo validation, and clinical evaluation. Integrating plant-based investigations within One Health strategies may provide affordable, accessible, and sustainable solutions for communities most affected by zoonotic helminths.

Nematode infections pose a threat to backyard chickens, presenting serious health and productivity challenges. The study aimed to assess risk factors related to pathological changes and the effect of mebendazole and its derivatives against nematode infections in domestic chickens. A total of 456 chicken faecal samples were randomly collected and analysed using the direct smear, flotation methods and sedimentation method, and histopathological analysis was performed. Sixty infected chickens were divided into three groups: X (control), Y (mebendazole), and Z (derivative), treated orally at 10 mg/kg for three days. Data were analyzed in R (v2025) to compute percentages, 95 % CIs, p-values, and odds ratios. Overall, 72 % (330/456) of chickens were infected, with nematode parasite, Ascaridia galli, being the most prevalent species, 38.5 % (127/330). Single infections were the most common 70.3 % (232/330), followed by double infections 24.5 % (81/330), and triple infections 5.2 % (17/330). Infections were more common during the wet season 65 % (215/330) and were higher in females 74.6 % (200/267), young 85 % (233/274), and weak chickens 90.6 % (126/139), free-range systems 74.3 % (255/355) and non-dewormed chickens 73.3 % (262/356). Multivariate logistic analysis showed significant associations (p < 0.05) with age, gender body condition, and management type, Histopathological alterations revealed hemorrhagic enteritis, necrotic patches, intestinal inflammation, submucosal oedema, glandular hyperplasia and villous atrophy. Anthelmintic trials demonstrated that both Mebendazole and its derivative significantly reduced the eggs per gram (EPG) of faecal samples of roundworm, with the derivative being more effective. Nematode infections cause significant health problems and economic losses in poultry; therefore, improved management, sanitation, and regular deworming practices are essential to effectively control parasitic infections in domestic chickens.

Urinary schistosomiasis remains endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, yet data on women of reproductive age are limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium infection and to identify associated sociodemographic and exposure-related factors - including employment status - among women attending cervical cancer screening in Eswatini. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sithobela Health Centre (Lowveld region) between September and October 2023. Using convenience sampling, 360 women aged 20 - 49 years attending routine screening were enrolled. Sociodemographic characteristics (including education and employment/occupation) and water-related exposures were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. A single mid-morning 10-mL urine sample was examined by sedimentation microscopy, and infection was defined as ≥1 S. haematobium egg per 10 mL of urine. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression. The prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis was 10.83% (39/360). Women older than the median age (26 years) had higher odds of infection (AOR 2.29, 95% CI 1.04 - 5.05; p = 0.04), while secondary education or higher was associated with lower odds (AOR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 - 0.89; p = 0.03). Employment status (employed vs unemployed) was not associated with infection (AOR 0.89, 95% CI 0.39 - 2.02; p = 0.79). Use of open or protected wells was associated with lower odds compared with tap water (AOR 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 - 0.35; p < 0.01). Urinary schistosomiasis persists among women attending cervical cancer screening, supporting inclusion of women of reproductive age in control strategies.

Domestic and wild animals can contract amphistomosis, a disease caused by digenetic trematodes belonging to the superfamily Paramphistomoidea. The importance of these flukes is underestimated worldwide due to their ubiquity and abundance among hosts. Pseudodiscus collinsi is a member of the family Paramphistomatidae that infects the colon of equines and elephants. In the present study, the flukes were recovered from the colon of a dead wild Indian elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). The flukes were stained using acetyl alum carmine and morphologically identified as P. collinsi based on the presence of oral pouches and position of the testes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for amplification of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS-2) region and sequence analysis were performed. The phylogenetic analysis using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method, based on the Kimura 2-parameter model, revealed the separation of P. collinsi (elephant) as a distinct species from the other amphistomes of different hosts. This is the first molecular marker of P. collinsi to be presented.

Members of the genus Pratylenchus, commonly known as root-lesion nematodes, rank among the most economically important plant-parasitic nematodes worldwide due to their broad host range, wide distribution, and ability to cause significant yield losses in major crops, including rice, maize, and sugarcane. They invade root tissues, creating lesions that impair water and nutrient uptake, reduce plant growth, and increase susceptibility to secondary infections. Pratylenchus parazeae, a root-lesion nematode previously known from sugarcane and maize in China, is reported for the first time in Vietnam, associated with rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Vinh Phuc Province. This study provides an integrative identification of the species based on detailed morphological features and molecular characterization using 18S rDNA and D2-D3 segments of the 28S rDNA. Female specimens exhibited diagnostic characteristics consistent with P. parazeae. No males were observed. The D2-D3 and 18S rDNA sequences showed 98.7 - 99.0 % identity with previously described P. parazeae sequences, and phylogenetic analysis placed the Vietnamese population within a well-supported clade alongside known P. parazeae isolates, distinct from other closely related Pratylenchus species. This first record of P. parazeae on rice in Vietnam expands the known host range and geographic distribution. The findings underscore the need for targeted surveillance and management strategies to mitigate the potential threat of P. parazeae to rice production in Southeast Asia.