Pub Date : 2026-03-19DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01257-6
Randall Rubí-Chacón, Andrea Urbina-Villalobos, Karen Daniela Sibaja-Morales, María José Zuniga-Moya, Gaby Dolz
{"title":"Trypanosomatids in Costa Rican Bats: First Molecular Evidence of the Leishmania (Viannia) guyanensis Complex and Evidence of a Broader Host Association for Trypanosoma minasense.","authors":"Randall Rubí-Chacón, Andrea Urbina-Villalobos, Karen Daniela Sibaja-Morales, María José Zuniga-Moya, Gaby Dolz","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01257-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01257-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13002664/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147484127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-17DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01241-0
Gabriel Lucas Artiaga-Silva, Álvaro Felipe de Lima Ruy Dias, Matheus Roberto Carvalho, Kamilla Silva Melo, Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida, João Luis Garcia, Richard de Campos Pacheco, Valéria Régia Franco Sousa
{"title":"High Seroprevalence Rates of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Dogs in the Pantanal Region of Mato Grosso, Brazil.","authors":"Gabriel Lucas Artiaga-Silva, Álvaro Felipe de Lima Ruy Dias, Matheus Roberto Carvalho, Kamilla Silva Melo, Arleana do Bom Parto Ferreira de Almeida, João Luis Garcia, Richard de Campos Pacheco, Valéria Régia Franco Sousa","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01241-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01241-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12995943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147472265","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-17DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01252-x
Nathieli Bianchin Bottari, Priscila Marquezan Copetti, Bianca Fagan Bissacotti, Taís Vidal, Anielen Dutra Da Silva, Mateus Fracasso, Karine Paula Reichert, Jelson Nauderer, Vera Maria Melchiors Morsch, Cinthia Melazzo, Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva, Maria Rosa Chitolina Schetinger
Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful intracellular pathogen. Its success is largely achieved by the parasite's ability to avoid the host immune response. During T. gondii infection lymphocytes play an active role in host defense and purinergic signaling has been shown to contribute to parasite control. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) signaling via purinergic receptor, as a component of the inflammatory response against T. gondii. Here, we hypothesized whether RSV, a natural polyphenol, could be involved in T. gondii control triggered by purinergic signaling, during acute infection in lymphocytes. Thus, the outcomes of this study were lymphocyte viability, modulation of ectonucleotidase activity, purinergic receptor expression and inflammatory mediators. T. gondii infection diminished lymphocytes viability 24h after RH-tachyzoites exposition. RSV treatment promote an increment of ATP, ADP hydrolysis by NTPDase (CD39) and adenosine deamination by ADA enzyme in infected lymphocytes. In addition, RSV upregulated P1 and P2 receptors in T. gondii-infected lymphocytes. There is an involvement of P2X7 receptor and proinflammatory cytokines in activated lymphocytes leading to ROS generation and nitrite production. However, the excessive damage is controlled by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of RSV thought adenosine receptors and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Together, our results suggest RSV isolate or combinate to sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim (choice drug for toxoplasmosis) could upregulate purinergic signaling during T. gondii infection suggesting a therapeutical candidate target in toxoplasmosis.
{"title":"Estudo Abrangente do Resveratrol Associado à Sulfadiazina em Linfócitos Infectados com Toxoplasma gondii: Envolvimento da Sinalização Purinérgica na Resposta Imunológica.","authors":"Nathieli Bianchin Bottari, Priscila Marquezan Copetti, Bianca Fagan Bissacotti, Taís Vidal, Anielen Dutra Da Silva, Mateus Fracasso, Karine Paula Reichert, Jelson Nauderer, Vera Maria Melchiors Morsch, Cinthia Melazzo, Aleksandro Schafer Da Silva, Maria Rosa Chitolina Schetinger","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01252-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01252-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Toxoplasma gondii is a highly successful intracellular pathogen. Its success is largely achieved by the parasite's ability to avoid the host immune response. During T. gondii infection lymphocytes play an active role in host defense and purinergic signaling has been shown to contribute to parasite control. Several studies have demonstrated the importance of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) signaling via purinergic receptor, as a component of the inflammatory response against T. gondii. Here, we hypothesized whether RSV, a natural polyphenol, could be involved in T. gondii control triggered by purinergic signaling, during acute infection in lymphocytes. Thus, the outcomes of this study were lymphocyte viability, modulation of ectonucleotidase activity, purinergic receptor expression and inflammatory mediators. T. gondii infection diminished lymphocytes viability 24h after RH-tachyzoites exposition. RSV treatment promote an increment of ATP, ADP hydrolysis by NTPDase (CD39) and adenosine deamination by ADA enzyme in infected lymphocytes. In addition, RSV upregulated P1 and P2 receptors in T. gondii-infected lymphocytes. There is an involvement of P2X<sub>7</sub> receptor and proinflammatory cytokines in activated lymphocytes leading to ROS generation and nitrite production. However, the excessive damage is controlled by anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of RSV thought adenosine receptors and anti-inflammatory cytokine production. Together, our results suggest RSV isolate or combinate to sulfamethoxazole trimethoprim (choice drug for toxoplasmosis) could upregulate purinergic signaling during T. gondii infection suggesting a therapeutical candidate target in toxoplasmosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12995952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147472335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-13DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01237-w
Gokula Kannan Ragavan, Azhahianambi Palavesam, Purushothaman Selvaraj, Archudhan Lakshmipathy, Ravipati Venu, Tirumurugaan Krishnaswamy Gopalan, Michael Mawlong, Nagendra R. Hegde, G. Taru Sharma
Purpose
Calodium hepaticum is a neglected zoonotic parasite of rodents, primarily affecting rats. Highly sensitive molecular assays such as nested PCR are not available to screen the parasite in rat, man and dog.
Methods
In the present study, parasite specific nested PCR primers were designed to amplify 171 bp partial 18 S rRNA gene of C. hepaticum and compared with an existing semi nested PCR.
Results
Both nested PCR and semi nested PCR assays were sensitive enough to detect at least 10 C. hepaticum eggs in rat liver samples. The limit of detection of nested PCR assay was 420 zM, and it was 35-fold more sensitive than that of semi nested PCR assay. The nested and semi nested PCR assays specifically amplified C. hepaticum egg DNA from human and dog DNA samples spiked with parasite DNA. The molecular prevalence of C. hepaticum in household rats in Chennai was 41.81% based on nested PCR assay.
Conclusion
This study suggests that the 18 S rRNA gene based nested PCR assay could be a more sensitive detection system for molecular screening of C. hepaticum in rat liver samples and highly suitable for epidemiological studies. Further, both the 18 S rRNA gene based nested and semi nested PCR assays can potentially used for detection of C. hepaticum infection in man and dog.
{"title":"A Highly Sensitive 18 S rRNA Gene Based Nested PCR Assay for Detection of Calodium Hepaticum in Human and Animals","authors":"Gokula Kannan Ragavan, Azhahianambi Palavesam, Purushothaman Selvaraj, Archudhan Lakshmipathy, Ravipati Venu, Tirumurugaan Krishnaswamy Gopalan, Michael Mawlong, Nagendra R. Hegde, G. Taru Sharma","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01237-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01237-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Calodium hepaticum</i> is a neglected zoonotic parasite of rodents, primarily affecting rats. Highly sensitive molecular assays such as nested PCR are not available to screen the parasite in rat, man and dog.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In the present study, parasite specific nested PCR primers were designed to amplify 171 bp partial <i>18 S rRNA</i> gene of <i>C. hepaticum</i> and compared with an existing semi nested PCR.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Both nested PCR and semi nested PCR assays were sensitive enough to detect at least 10 <i>C. hepaticum</i> eggs in rat liver samples. The limit of detection of nested PCR assay was 420 zM, and it was 35-fold more sensitive than that of semi nested PCR assay. The nested and semi nested PCR assays specifically amplified <i>C. hepaticum</i> egg DNA from human and dog DNA samples spiked with parasite DNA. The molecular prevalence of <i>C. hepaticum</i> in household rats in Chennai was 41.81% based on nested PCR assay.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study suggests that the <i>18 S rRNA</i> gene based nested PCR assay could be a more sensitive detection system for molecular screening of <i>C. hepaticum</i> in rat liver samples and highly suitable for epidemiological studies. Further, both the <i>18 S rRNA</i> gene based nested and semi nested PCR assays can potentially used for detection of <i>C. hepaticum</i> infection in man and dog.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-13DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01254-9
Aishah Alatawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi
<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This research focused on the green production and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNOP), as well as assessing their potential to manage hydatidosis infection in mice through affecting hydatid cysts, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis-related genes, as well as its hepatoprotective effects.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>ZNOP was green synthesized using <i>Ferula macrecolea</i> extract. To induce experimental hydatidosis, mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 1,500 viable <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> protoscoleces. The experimental framework comprised eight distinct treatment groups, wherein infected mice received daily oral administrations of ZNOP at dosages of 5 or 10 mg/kg, albendazole (ALZ) at 100 and 200 mg/kg, or a combination of both agents. Treatment efficacy was determined by measuring cyst (number, size, and weight), the tissue levels of inflammatory markers [(interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65)], apoptosis-related genes, oxidative stress, and liver functional enzymes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>ZNOP had a spherical morphology and a compact surface structure with the average particle size was found to be 45 nm. The findings indicate that ZNOP treatment, particularly when combined with ALZ, significantly reduces cyst-related parameters such as count, size, and weight (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The group receiving ZNOP 5 mg/kg + ALZ 100 mg/kg exhibited IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB p65 levels of 2.36, 3.64, and 1.43 pg/mL (<i>p</i> < 0.01), respectively. The combination of ZNOP 10 mg/kg with ALZ 100 mg/kg further improved the results, with values of 1.93, 3.29, and 0.912 pg/mL (<i>p</i> < 0.01), which were nearly comparable to the non-infected control. The most impressive outcomes (<i>P</i> < 0.001) were observed in the combination therapy groups (ALZ 100 mg/kg + ZNOP 5 and 10 mg/kg), where MDA and NO levels were significantly reduced and nearly matched those of the non-infected group. The combination of 5 mg/kg ZNOP and 100 mg/kg ALZ led to a 3.71-fold increase in Caspase-3 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), 3.43-fold in BAX (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and a 2.59-fold decrease in BCL-2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In the group receiving 10 mg/kg ZNOP + 100 mg/kg ALZ, the fold changes were even more pronounced: 4.35-fold for Caspase-3 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), 3.79-fold for BAX (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and a 2.77-fold reduction in BCL-2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The administration of ZNOP mainly the combination of ZNOP (5 and 10 mg/kg) with ALZ (100 mg/kg) yielded the most favorable results and moderated the level of liver enzymes, provided liver protection (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study showed that ZNOP, especially with ALZ, effectively reduced hydatid cysts in terms of number, size, and mass. It also lowered inflammation and oxidative stress, showing strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. At the molecular
{"title":"Green Synthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles as a Promising Adjuvant to Albendazole in the Management of Hydatid Cyst Disease: Molecular and Biochemical Insights","authors":"Aishah Alatawi, Abdullah D. Alanazi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01254-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01254-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This research focused on the green production and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNOP), as well as assessing their potential to manage hydatidosis infection in mice through affecting hydatid cysts, inflammatory factors, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis-related genes, as well as its hepatoprotective effects.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>ZNOP was green synthesized using <i>Ferula macrecolea</i> extract. To induce experimental hydatidosis, mice were intraperitoneally inoculated with 1,500 viable <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> protoscoleces. The experimental framework comprised eight distinct treatment groups, wherein infected mice received daily oral administrations of ZNOP at dosages of 5 or 10 mg/kg, albendazole (ALZ) at 100 and 200 mg/kg, or a combination of both agents. Treatment efficacy was determined by measuring cyst (number, size, and weight), the tissue levels of inflammatory markers [(interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65)], apoptosis-related genes, oxidative stress, and liver functional enzymes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>ZNOP had a spherical morphology and a compact surface structure with the average particle size was found to be 45 nm. The findings indicate that ZNOP treatment, particularly when combined with ALZ, significantly reduces cyst-related parameters such as count, size, and weight (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The group receiving ZNOP 5 mg/kg + ALZ 100 mg/kg exhibited IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB p65 levels of 2.36, 3.64, and 1.43 pg/mL (<i>p</i> < 0.01), respectively. The combination of ZNOP 10 mg/kg with ALZ 100 mg/kg further improved the results, with values of 1.93, 3.29, and 0.912 pg/mL (<i>p</i> < 0.01), which were nearly comparable to the non-infected control. The most impressive outcomes (<i>P</i> < 0.001) were observed in the combination therapy groups (ALZ 100 mg/kg + ZNOP 5 and 10 mg/kg), where MDA and NO levels were significantly reduced and nearly matched those of the non-infected group. The combination of 5 mg/kg ZNOP and 100 mg/kg ALZ led to a 3.71-fold increase in Caspase-3 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), 3.43-fold in BAX (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and a 2.59-fold decrease in BCL-2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). In the group receiving 10 mg/kg ZNOP + 100 mg/kg ALZ, the fold changes were even more pronounced: 4.35-fold for Caspase-3 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), 3.79-fold for BAX (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and a 2.77-fold reduction in BCL-2 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The administration of ZNOP mainly the combination of ZNOP (5 and 10 mg/kg) with ALZ (100 mg/kg) yielded the most favorable results and moderated the level of liver enzymes, provided liver protection (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study showed that ZNOP, especially with ALZ, effectively reduced hydatid cysts in terms of number, size, and mass. It also lowered inflammation and oxidative stress, showing strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. At the molecular","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-12DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6
Natasha Cristine Gonçalves, Igor Luiz Gonçalves Pereira, Henri Stephan Schrekker, Diane Ruschel Marinho, Marilise Brittes Rott
Objectives
Acanthamoeba spp. can infect the cornea due poor lens hygiene allows colonization, and current cleaning solutions are ineffective due to resistant cyst formation. This study aimed to establish, for the first time, a standardized protocol for Acanthamoeba trophozoite adhesion to silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses and to quantify the impact of lens–drug interactions on antiparasitic efficacy. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficacy of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C16MImCl) against Acanthamoeba trophozoites in the presence of soft contact lenses, in comparison with a commercial contact lens solution and chlorhexidine.
Methods
A protocol for trophozoites adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses was developed, and the antiparasitic activity of C16MImCl was compared to that of a commercial solution and chlorhexidine.
Results
C16MImCl effectively eliminated all trophozoites in the presence of contact lenses and prevented encystment at concentrations ten times the minimum inhibitory concentration, despite partial absorption by contact lenses. Notably, it showed greater corneal cell viability than chlorhexidine, highlighting its potential as a safer alternative.
Conclusion
These results underscore its strong anti-amoebic activity, outperforming the commercial solution tested. While further cytotoxicity studies and tests simulating ocular conditions are warranted, C16MImCl emerges as a promising candidate for a future contact lens cleaning and decontamination solution.
{"title":"Efficacy of Imidazolium Salt in Disinfecting Soft Contact Lenses Contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. Trophozoites","authors":"Natasha Cristine Gonçalves, Igor Luiz Gonçalves Pereira, Henri Stephan Schrekker, Diane Ruschel Marinho, Marilise Brittes Rott","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p> <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp. can infect the cornea due poor lens hygiene allows colonization, and current cleaning solutions are ineffective due to resistant cyst formation. This study aimed to establish, for the first time, a standardized protocol for <i>Acanthamoeba</i> trophozoite adhesion to silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses and to quantify the impact of lens–drug interactions on antiparasitic efficacy. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficacy of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C<sub>16</sub>MImCl) against <i>Acanthamoeba</i> trophozoites in the presence of soft contact lenses, in comparison with a commercial contact lens solution and chlorhexidine.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A protocol for trophozoites adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses was developed, and the antiparasitic activity of C<sub>16</sub>MImCl was compared to that of a commercial solution and chlorhexidine.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>C<sub>16</sub>MImCl effectively eliminated all trophozoites in the presence of contact lenses and prevented encystment at concentrations ten times the minimum inhibitory concentration, despite partial absorption by contact lenses. Notably, it showed greater corneal cell viability than chlorhexidine, highlighting its potential as a safer alternative.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These results underscore its strong anti-amoebic activity, outperforming the commercial solution tested. While further cytotoxicity studies and tests simulating ocular conditions are warranted, C<sub>16</sub>MImCl emerges as a promising candidate for a future contact lens cleaning and decontamination solution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441517","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-12DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9
Ardra Panavoor Namboodiri, Shahira Abdelaziz Ali Ahmed, Panagiotis Karanis
Phytoextracts are safer, more affordable, and more readily available than conventional medications, making them promising anti-parasitic treatment options. Cryptosporidium species (spp.) and Giardia duodenalis are protozoan parasites responsible for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, respectively, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, children, and populations in developing countries. Although treatment options exist, many of them have significant side effects. The current review aims to evaluate the efficacy of phytoextracts tested against Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis infections. The current review indicated that the Asteraceae and Rutaceae families were the most extensively investigated sources of phytoextracts. Additionally, Zingiber officinale is the only extract to demonstrate efficacy against both parasites in in vivo studies. Furthermore, Curcuma longa and Morinda royoc showed the highest in vitro efficacy against Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. These results underscore the potential of phytoextracts as alternative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.
{"title":"Phytoextracts Used in the Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis: Current State","authors":"Ardra Panavoor Namboodiri, Shahira Abdelaziz Ali Ahmed, Panagiotis Karanis","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Phytoextracts are safer, more affordable, and more readily available than conventional medications, making them promising anti-parasitic treatment options. <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species (spp.) and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> are protozoan parasites responsible for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, respectively, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, children, and populations in developing countries. Although treatment options exist, many of them have significant side effects. The current review aims to evaluate the efficacy of phytoextracts tested against <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>G. duodenalis</i> infections. The current review indicated that the Asteraceae and Rutaceae families were the most extensively investigated sources of phytoextracts. Additionally, <i>Zingiber officinale</i> is the only extract to demonstrate efficacy against both parasites in in vivo studies. Furthermore, <i>Curcuma longa</i> and <i>Morinda royoc</i> showed the highest in vitro efficacy against <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>G. duodenalis</i>, respectively. These results underscore the potential of phytoextracts as alternative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441426","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-10DOI: 10.1007/s11686-026-01240-1
Abdullah D. Alanazi, Saeed M. Alasmari
Background
The main pharmacological interventions for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are associated with various adverse effects. The present study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antileishmanial impact of gedunin (GN) and its effects on the expression of immune and virulence-related genes.
Methods
The antileishmanial efficacy and synergistic effects of GN, both as a monotherapy and in combination with glucantime (GT), were evaluated against the intracellular amastigote stages of Leishmania tropica. Additionally, the impact of GN on the expression of genes related to immunomodulation and virulence factors, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and its cytotoxicity on human monocytic THP-1 cells were assessed. In addition, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), NF-κB p65, IL-12, and IL-10 were evaluated in the Leishmania-infected macrophages. In vivo evaluation of GN, GT, and GN + GT was also performed in mice with CL through evaluating lesion size and parasite burden.
Results
Investigations involving infected macrophages demonstrated that treatment with GN led to a progressive, concentration-dependent decline in the viability of intracellular amastigotes. the IC50 values for GN, GT, and the combined GN + GT formulation were 8.63, 7.42, and 3.30 μg/mL, respectively. The FICI values determined for GN and GT were 0.31 and 0.49, respectively; indicated the existence of synergistic interactions when GN is combined with GT. The treatment with GN at both IC₅₀ and half-IC₅₀ concentrations, particularly when combined with GT at half-IC₅₀, resulted in a significant downregulation of the GP63, MPI, Arg, and CP gene expression levels compared to treatment with GT alone (P < 0.001). The combination of GN at IC50 with GT at IC50 showed the highest elevation (P < 0.001) in the expression level of iNOs, TNF-α, and IL-12; whereas, markedly increased the level of NF-κB p65 and ROS generation (P < 0.001). In addition, we found that after 28 days of treatment, the cohort administered the GR + GT combination exhibited complete recovery (100%). Furthermore, the parasite load at the treated wound site was markedly diminished, with the most pronounced reduction observed in the GR + GT combination group (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The current study demonstrated that GN, especially in combination with GT, showed the potential in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects and reducing Leishmania virulence genes and enhancing host immune response. Future studies can elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms, long-term effects, and possible clinical applications of GN in clinical models. These data form the basis for designing novel and targeted antileishmanial therapeutic strategies.
{"title":"Host and Parasite-Targeted Mechanisms of Gedunin Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation","authors":"Abdullah D. Alanazi, Saeed M. Alasmari","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01240-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01240-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The main pharmacological interventions for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are associated with various adverse effects. The present study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antileishmanial impact of gedunin (GN) and its effects on the expression of immune and virulence-related genes.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The antileishmanial efficacy and synergistic effects of GN, both as a monotherapy and in combination with glucantime (GT), were evaluated against the intracellular amastigote stages of <i>Leishmania tropica</i>. Additionally, the impact of GN on the expression of genes related to immunomodulation and virulence factors, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and its cytotoxicity on human monocytic THP-1 cells were assessed. In addition, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), NF-κB p65, IL-12, and IL-10 were evaluated in the Leishmania-infected macrophages. In vivo evaluation of GN, GT, and GN + GT was also performed in mice with CL through evaluating lesion size and parasite burden.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Investigations involving infected macrophages demonstrated that treatment with GN led to a progressive, concentration-dependent decline in the viability of intracellular amastigotes. the IC<sub>50</sub> values for GN, GT, and the combined GN + GT formulation were 8.63, 7.42, and 3.30 μg/mL, respectively. The FICI values determined for GN and GT were 0.31 and 0.49, respectively; indicated the existence of synergistic interactions when GN is combined with GT. The treatment with GN at both IC₅₀ and half-IC₅₀ concentrations, particularly when combined with GT at half-IC₅₀, resulted in a significant downregulation of the <i>GP63, MPI</i>, <i>Arg</i>, and <i>CP</i> gene expression levels compared to treatment with GT alone (P < 0.001). The combination of GN at IC<sub>50</sub> with GT at IC<sub>50</sub> showed the highest elevation (P < 0.001) in the expression level of iNOs, TNF-α, and IL-12; whereas, markedly increased the level of NF-κB p65 and ROS generation (P < 0.001). In addition, we found that after 28 days of treatment, the cohort administered the GR + GT combination exhibited complete recovery (100%). Furthermore, the parasite load at the treated wound site was markedly diminished, with the most pronounced reduction observed in the GR + GT combination group (P < 0.001).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The current study demonstrated that GN, especially in combination with GT, showed the potential in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects and reducing <i>Leishmania</i> virulence genes and enhancing host immune response. Future studies can elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms, long-term effects, and possible clinical applications of GN in clinical models. These data form the basis for designing novel and targeted antileishmanial therapeutic strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147430075","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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