Acta Parasitologica最新文献

Purpose

Blastocystis is one of the most prevalent intestinal protists detected in humans and animals worldwide, and its role in human health and disease has become an increasingly debated topic in parasitology. The study investigated the therapeutic potential of Allium tuncelianum extract, an endemic plant of Turkey, as an alternative treatment for Blastocystis ST3 infections.

Methods

The experimental animals were infected with Blastocystis ST3. The animals were divided into six groups: healthy control (G1), infected control (G2), infected Allium tuncelianum extract treatment (G3a, G3b, and G3c) and infected Metronidazole treatment (G4). Microscopic examination and qPCR methods were used to determine Blastocystis load in fecal samples.

Results

The G3c group (250 mg/kg/day Allium tuncelianum) complete (100.0%) microscopic clearance of Blastocystis load in fecal samples was achieved by day 12th, whereas the Metronidazole group (G4), showed only an 84.1% reduction. Moreover, qPCR results revealed lower Blastocystis loads in groups G3c and G3b compared to Metronidazole. A statistically significant decrease in fecal Blastocystis load was observed in all treated groups compared to the infected group (G2) (p < 0.0001). Blastocystis load in fecal sample reduction exhibited a dose-dependent pattern across all Allium tuncelianum treatment groups, confirming the dose-dependent therapeutic effect of the extract. Allium tuncelianum extract, especially at higher doses, may serve as a natural, effective, and safer alternative or supplement to Metronidazole in the management of Blastocystis infection.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that Allium tuncelianum extract exhibited superior therapeutic efficacy against Blastocystis ST3 compared to Metronidazole. The findings suggest that regular dietary consumption of Allium tuncelianum could represent a promising natural alternative for managing Blastocystis infections.

Objective

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus, commonly known as the Asian Tiger mosquito, is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South and East Asia and has rapidly spread globally. Due to its role as a vector of several medically important arboviruses, understanding its genetic diversity and dispersal patterns is crucial for effective disease control. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic structure insights of Ae. albopictus populations in southeastern Brazil.

Methods

Mosquito samples from five populations in southeastern Brazil were analyzed using two mitochondrial genes: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5). Phylogenetic analysis and population genetic metrics were employed to assess patterns of genetic diversity and population structure.

Results

Moderate haplotype diversity was observed, with five COI haplotypes (Hd = 0.43) and eleven ND5 haplotypes (Hd = 0.52), along with low nucleotide diversity. Neutrality tests for ND5 yielded significantly negative values (Fs = -2.435*). Phylogenetic trees identified two major clades, with ND5 haplotypes from Paranaguá and Guaraqueçaba clustering together. A positive correlation between genetic and geographic distance (COI r = 0.78; ND5 r = 0.69) proposing isolation by distance.

Conclusion

The close genetic relationships and limited variation among Brazilian Ae. albopictus populations indicate ongoing gene flow and a shared ancestry. The association of Paraná haplotypes with Asian lineages suggests a genetic link to the region of origin of species, although the timeline of introduction remains uncertain. These results provide important molecular insights to support vector surveillance and control efforts in southern Brazil.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in three governorates of the Nile Delta region in Egypt from January to December 2024. The objective was to determine the seroprevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and evaluate associated risk factors. A total of 540 cattle blood samples were examined using the CATT/T. evansi test, and relevant animal data were analyzed to identify risk associations. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 24.4% (132/540), with the highest rate observed in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate at 26.1% (49/188). The prevalence was significantly associated with age, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition score (P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of infection increased fourfold in cattle older than 3 years, twofold in anemic animals, and threefold in those with poor body condition. The findings indicate that bovine trypanosomosis is a prevalent among examined cattle in the area studied. Therefore, the implementation of strategic prevention and control programs is essential to improve livestock health and productivity.

Babesia gibsoni infection in dogs causes hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and systemic inflammation, with many cases progressing to chronic or relapsing forms due to persistent parasitemia and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the clinical, hematobiochemical, and oxidative changes associated with B. gibsoni infection and assessed the therapeutic benefit of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjunct to triple therapy. Nineteen dogs confirmed positive for B. gibsoni via blood smear and PCR were identified; however, only twelve Labrador Retrievers of similar age (2–3 years) were enrolled for treatment to minimize variability in breed and age. The remaining dogs were excluded due to different breeds or incomplete treatment. Six healthy controls were also included. Infected animals exhibited significant alterations in leukocyte count, erythrocyte indices, platelet count, and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) compared to healthy controls, indicating systemic inflammation and renal involvement. Twelve infected dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I received the triple therapy (doxycycline, clindamycin, metronidazole), while Group II received the same treatment with oral NAC (70 mg/kg for 5 days). Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were reassessed on Day 21. Both groups showed improvement post-treatment; however, Group II demonstrated greater recovery, including higher RBC counts, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and serum antioxidant capacity, along with reduced bilirubin and UPC levels. Mann–Whitney U test on Day 21 revealed significant improvements in serum antioxidant activity and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in Group II (p < 0.05). Although other parameters did not reach statistical significance, several showed favorable trends toward improvement in the NAC group. These findings suggest that NAC supplementation enhances hematological recovery, reduces oxidative stress, and supports renal function in dogs with babesiosis. Given its favorable impact, NAC may serve as a valuable adjunct in managing canine babesiosis, particularly in cases with suspected or confirmed oxidative injury. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.

The parasitic mite Varroa destructor is the primary factor contributing to global honeybee (Apis mellifera) colony losses, posing a sustainable challenge to apiculture and pollination services. Its intricate life cycle adaptive reproductive strategies, and advanced sensory mechanisms have facilitated its emergence as the most destructive honeybee parasite. V. destructor uses highly specialized feeding strategies that extract essential nutrients from their hosts and introduce various pathogens, causing honeybee health problems. The mite functions as a viral vector, particularly in the case of the transmission and proliferation of deformed wing virus (DWV), which has resulted in significant colony weakening and collapse. V. destructor has emerged as the most destructive ectoparasite of honeybees, compromising both individual bee health and overall colony resilience. Its success is attributed not only to its direct feeding behavior and viral vectoring ability, but also to advanced chemical communication, immune suppression, and behavioral adaptations. Synergistic mite-pathogen interactions highlight the need for effective control measures. Current control approaches include advanced detection systems in the form of Var-Gor, focused neural and viral pathway inhibitions, and other control measures such as essential oils. The development of synergistic management strategies involving biotechnology, genetic resistance, and sustainable treatment alternatives, is critical to control V. destructor infestations. A deeper understanding of the evolutionary arms race between honeybees and V. destructors will be crucial to the development of long-term, sustainable control strategies that safeguard bee populations and preserve pollination services, which are vital to world agriculture. This review aims to synthesize current understanding of V. destructor biology, its interactions with honeybee host (A. mellifera and A. cerana), and the associated microbial and viral pathogens. We also explore recent developments in detection, population dynamics, and sustainable management strategies including botanicals, essential oils, and organic acids. By integrating ecological, physiological, and molecular perspectives, this review highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to effectively manage Varroa and mitigate its impact on global apiculture.

Background

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence the progress and outcome of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b in the serum of acute and chronic forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran.

Methods

Samples were collected from 30 clinical cases of CL in Golestan province, who suffered from either acute or chronic forms of the disease, including 15 for each. Leishmania species were identified using PCR (kDNA gene). Total RNA was extracted from serum samples, complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized based on the loop technique, and the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR analysis.

Results

Conventional PCR on kDNA confirmed the presence of L. major in 30 patients. Healing after one course of treatment and no response to treatment were considered as acute and chronic forms, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant changes, the expression of miR-133a and miR-155 was upregulated in patients with acute CL compared to those with chronic form, while miR-146b was downregulated in patients with acute CL.

Conclusions

In the current study, the expression changes of miR-155, miR-146b, and miR-133a in acute patients was compared to those patients with chronic CL. Although it was not significant, alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs were observed between acute and chronic forms of CL suggesting different pathogenesis of clinical forms.

Purpose

Sarcocystis (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) is a cyst-forming coccidian parasite that infects mammals, reptiles and birds. Despite the emergence of studies employing less invasive or lethal methods to study these parasites, Sarcocystis species have yet to be detected in avian blood. The objective of this study was to molecularly identify Sarcocystis species in the blood DNA samples of three avian host species.

Methods

A total of 93 DNA samples from avian blood were subjected to a screening procedure for Sarcocystis. Samples from three bird species, 30 western house martins (Delichon urbicum), 40 barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and 23 Eurasian griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus) were used for PCR and sequencing.

Results

Nine samples were found to be positive for Sarcocystis, with a prevalence of 17.4% among Eurasian griffon vultures, 7.5% prevalence among barn swallows, and 6.7% prevalence among western house martins. Based on the sequencing of the partial ITS1 locus S. halieti was identified.

Conclusion

In this paper, S. halieti was molecularly discovered for the first time across all three examined avian host species. Furthermore, S. halieti has been recorded as the first species identified in swallows (Hirundinidae family). However, conclusive confirmation of S. halieti infection in the analysed animals requires examination of muscle tissue for sarcocysts. The results demonstrate that molecular diagnostics from blood samples using PCR/sequencing has the potential to identify Sarcocystis species in avian hosts and implementation of such a technique could prove advantageous in the analysis of these parasites in wild animals.

Purpose

Resistance to malaria parasites has overwhelming impacts on the host’s antioxidant microenvironment, stimulating oxidative stress during nutrient hunt. Hence, settlers in malaria-ravaged communities have resorted to plant use for fever and malaria due to its availability and affordability. This work assessed the oxidative stress status through antioxidant parameters of sub-fractions of Capsicum frutescens L. fruit (CFL) aqueous extract in Plasmodium berghei (NK65)-parasitized mice.

Methods

Two hundred and four (204) mice (combined sexes) weighing 24.0 ± 3.0 g were randomized into seven Groups (n = 4) and intraperitoneally inoculated with parasitized erythrocytes (0.2 mL). Group A = 10 mL/kg normal saline (control), Group B = 10 mg/kg body weight chloroquine, and Groups C-G respectively received 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/kg body weight of each sub-fraction. On Days 4 and 8 post-inoculation, mice from each group were euthanized. Blood and liver were taken and prepared using standard procedures to develop homogenates of erythrocytes and liver. Assessment of lipid peroxidation using malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants using superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase concentrations were done in the homogenates.

Results

Treatment with CLF sub-fractions in erythrocytes and liver homogenates significantly reduced (p < 0.05) MDA levels with a concomitant increase in the untreated. Conversely, the treated groups revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent fashion compared with the untreated on Days 4 and 8 post-inoculation. However, sub-fraction B was more pronounced than sub-fractions A and C.

Conclusion

This study suggests that CFL sub-fractions, especially sub-fraction B, possess in vivo antiplasmodial and antioxidant potency against fever and malaria by elevating antioxidant capacity.

Purpose

The Chinese sleeper Perccottus glenii is native in East Asia and has become invasive in West Siberia and Europe. It was recorded in the Bulgarian section of the Danube in 2005. The aim of the present study is to report on the presence of gyrodactylid infection in this alien fish species.

Methods

In the spring of 2019, two specimens of P. glenii were caught from the Lake Srebarna Biosphere Reserve (Northeastern Bulgaria) and examined for ectoparasites. The gyrodactylid specimens found were studied morphologically in glycerine-gelatine mounts. The ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 fragment of rDNA was analysed.

Results

Gyrodactylus perccotti, a specific parasite of the Chinese sleeper, was found on the caudal fin of one of the studied specimens with low abundance, two specimens only. The morphology and the DNA analysis showed full correspondence with the previously published data.

Conclusions

This finding represents the first record of G. perccotti from Bulgaria. The results of the present study increase the knowledge of the non-native geographical range of G. perccotti.

Background

Theileria species is an important tickborne pathogen of sheep and goats globally. This study was performed in western Saudi Arabia to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of Theileria ovis (T. ovis) in sheep and goats.

Methods

A total of 300 blood samples, 190 from sheep and 110 from goats, were collected. The investigation was performed using PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA) gene, in addition to genetic characterization.

Results

The proportion of goats and sheep testing positive was variable ranging from 9.1 to 13.2%. The total prevalence of T. ovis was found to be 9.1% in goats and 13.2% in sheep. The enrolled sheep and goats were confirmed to be infected with T. ovis by sequencing the partial ssu rRNA gene, and a similar genotype was identified. Age, housing, sex, and tick infestation factors were significantly associated with the infection (p < 0.05). Multivariable model analysis indicated that T. ovis infection was 4.6, 0.4, 3.1, and 8.2 times higher in ages > 1 year, females, closed housing, and tick infestation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and high nucleotide identities revealed similar genotypes of T. ovis exist in the field, and were close to Turkish T. ovis (OM066225, a goat strain).

Conclusions

We reported a low to relatively moderate molecular prevalence of T. ovis in goats and sheep, respectively, from the western region. However, it is recommended to adopt control measures to reduce T. ovis infection in small ruminants in this area.