Acta Parasitologica最新文献

Purpose

The study describes the new species of a gastropod-associated nematode from Ethiopia.

Methods

Nematodes were isolated from snails collected in Ethiopia and were studied using morphological and molecular-phylogenetic methods of analyses.

Results

The new species Pellioditis abyssinica is described as the sixth species of the genus originating in African continent. It is characterised by the infective juveniles 1013 (708–1267) µm long with a wide lateral field of 10–11 ridges, longish stoma of adult nematodes, females with long conical tails and prominent phasmids situated at anterior third of tail, males with holed spicules ca 65 µm long and unique molecular characteristics. Presence of 10–11 lateral ridges in ensheathed IJ is unique within the genus. DNA sequences for 18S rDNA, ITS rDNA and Cox1 mtDNA loci were obtained. Molecular-phylogenetic analysis placed the new species in the clade with another African Pellioditis, P. kenyensis.

Conclusion

Gastropod-associated nematodes of the genus Pellioditis in the African continent are represented by at least seven species grouped in three clades, one of European origin and the rest native. Yet several more isolates remain undescribed. Both local and alien gastropod hosts were recorded for different Pellioditis species.

Purpose

Giardia duodenalis is a widespread flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestines of many vertebrate hosts. The purpose of this study was to better understand the molecular epidemiology of G. duodenalis infections in Africa.

Methods

The PRISMA for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria were used and five academic databases were searched for literature on the molecular detection of giardiasis in humans and animals in Africa. The study used a random-effects model and heterogeneity to estimate the pooled prevalence across studies that met the inclusion criteria. Fifty articles were included in the final analysis from a total of 1,121 identified articles.

Results

The overall pooled molecular prevalence of giardia was higher in humans at 32.2% (95% CI: 24.8; 40.5) and lower in animals at 14.1% (95% CI: 0.9; 21.7). These studies have also identified variations in the distribution of Giardia duodenalis assemblages with Morocco having the highest pooled prevalence of assemblages A in human giardiasis (81.8%), while Mozambique had the lowest (8.2%). Similarly, Mozambique has the highest pooled prevalence of assemblage B (90.4%), whereas South Africa has the lowest (1.7%). Assemblage E, which appears in cattle, sheep, and goats, was the most common, with Rwanda having the lowest pooled prevalence (10%) and the Central African Republic having the highest (95.3%).

Conclusion

The high heterogeneity across all studies suggests these results should be used cautiously, however, the findings highlight the importance of ongoing research on G. duodenalis in humans and animals in order to inform public health policy and enhance management methods aimed at reducing zoonotic transmission.

Purpose

Parasitic diseases are a major global health concern. Treating these diseases presents many challenges. Elaeagnus angustifolia L. (EA) is renowned for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, and various parts of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro activity of the EA leaves against Encephalitozoon intestinalis (E. intestinalis), Acanthamoeba castellanii (A. castellanii), and Leishmania major (L. major) at different concentrations and incubation times.

Methods

Spore load was measured by real-time PCR using an infection model in human kidney epithelial (HEK) 293 cells for E. intestinalis. The viability of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts, and L. major promastigotes was determined by trypan blue staining and hemocytometry.

Results

Elaeagnus angustifolia L. leaf extract significantly reduced the spore DNA load in E. intestinalis infections at a concentration of 5 µg/mL, but was ineffective at lower concentrations. The extract decreased the viability of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts, as well as L. major promastigotes, at varying rates depending on the time and dose. It was particularly effective against A. castellanii cysts at low doses.

Conclusion

The biological activity of the plant extract obtained from the leaves of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. against three different parasites suggests that it could be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of parasitic infections.

Purpose

This study provides the first molecular assessment of the two species of the genus Whittingtonocotyle, parasites of the erythrinid fish Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus. The main objective was to evaluate the phylogenetic cohesion of Whittingtonocotyle and to explore its preliminary phylogenetic affinities within Dactylogyridae based on available molecular and morphological evidence.

Methods

Morphological examinations were performed in parallel with analyses of partial LSU rDNA and COI mtDNA sequences. Phylogenetic reconstructions were conducted independently for each marker to assess the monophyly of Whittingtonocotyle and to evaluate its relationships with other dactylogyrid taxa included in the available comparative dataset.

Results

Both molecular datasets consistently recovered Whittingtonocotyle as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage. In the phylogenetic reconstructions, Whittingtonocotyle was recovered in proximity to Urocleidoides species parasitizing erythrinid fishes, although deeper backbone relationships showed limited statistical support.

Conclusion

Morphological data support the recognition of Whittingtonocotyle as a distinct genus, whereas molecular analyses indicate a close phylogenetic proximity to erythrinid-associated Urocleidoides. This partial incongruence, together with the limited resolution of deeper relationships, highlights the need for expanded taxon sampling and multilocus datasets to fully resolve the evolutionary placement of Whittingtonocotyle within Dactylogyridae.

Purpose

Dirofilaria immitis, a mosquito-borne zoonotic nematode, has worldwide distribution and causes infections in domestic and wild animals. Microscopic, serological, and molecular diagnostic methods are used to investigate this parasite in the hosts. Molecular diagnostic methods are outstanding for their sensitivity and specificity. The LAMP method, which has been used in detecting many parasites with its high specificity and sensitivity in recent years, is also advantageous with its simplicity of application. This study aimed to use the COI-LAMP method in the diagnosis of D. immitis in different host species.

Methods

LAMP primers specific for the COI gene of D. immitis were designed, and the method was optimized. Additionally, the sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection of the LAMP method were determined, and the results were compared with those of the PCR method. Moreover, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the LAMP method in epidemiologic studies, 600 blood samples were collected from dogs (n:300) and cats (n:300) in different parts of Türkiye. gDNA obtained from these samples were researched with LAMP and PCR assays, and the results were compered. Level of agreement between assays was calculated with Cohen’s kappa test.

Results

The limit of detection of the LAMP method was determined to be 0.0048 ng/μL, while that of the PCR method was 0.48 ng/μL, indicating that the LAMP method was approximately 100 times more sensitive than PCR. The blood samples were examined in terms of D. immitis, and ten samples (1.66%) were found to be positive. In contrast, six samples (1%) were positive by PCR. D. immitis was detected in nine (3%) dogs and one (0.33%) cat by LAMP method, and this parasite was detected in six (2%) dogs by PCR. Dirofilaria immitis was not detected by PCR in cat samples. The kappa value was calculated as κ = 0.76; this result revealed that the “substantial” agreement between assays.

Conclusion

Our results showed that COI-LAMP has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of D. immitis in different hosts. It was also understood that its use in epidemiological studies would be useful. Since it is critical to know more accurate epidemiological data in the fight against the disease, it will be useful to use more sensitive diagnostic methods, like LAMP, in studies to be conducted in this field.

Purpose

To report a case of avian dermatitis associated with Microlichus sp. (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in a free-ranging Pitangus sulphuratus (Great Kiskadee) from southern Brazil, emphasizing the clinical presentation and parasitological diagnosis.

Methods

A juvenile P. sulphuratus was rescued and admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center presenting feather loss and cutaneous lesions. Crust samples were collected from affected areas and examined microscopically after clarification in lactophenol. Mites were identified morphologically using classical and contemporary taxonomic keys. Topical ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 consecutive days, and clinical evolution was monitored during rehabilitation.

Results

Numerous mites morphologically consistent with Microlichus sp. were observed, supporting the diagnosis of epidermoptid infestation. Progressive resolution of dermatological lesions and complete feather regrowth were observed following treatment; however, no post-treatment parasitological reassessment was performed. To our knowledge, this represents the first clinical report of Microlichus sp. associated with dermatitis in P. sulphuratus in Brazil.

Conclusion

This case highlights the relevance of integrating clinical and parasitological investigations in wildlife rehabilitation settings and contributes to expanding current knowledge on the host range and potential health impacts of epidermoptid mites in free-ranging Neotropical birds.

Background

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains an endemic yet insufficiently documented zoonotic disease in Algeria. This study provides the first nationwide systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing epidemiological data from 2003 to 2024 in humans and animals, as no relevant studies were available prior to 2003.

Methods

A systematic search of nine databases (last updated: February 2025) was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, resulting in 26 studies (22 animal studies and 4 human studies). Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a standardized form. Pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q, τ² and I² statistics. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to host species, region, and study period. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots and Egger’s test. Human and animal datasets were analyzed separately to ensure comparability.

Results

A total of 764,040 animal samples were included, yielding an overall pooled prevalence of 4.69% (35,802 positive cases). The highest pooled prevalence was observed in dogs (16.9%). Among livestock, sheep showed the highest pooled prevalence (5.92%), followed by cattle, camels, and goats. Pooled estimates also indicated infection in horses (6.03%) and wild boars (6.31%), suggesting potential sylvatic transmission. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher pooled prevalence in southern regions (10.51%) and a declining temporal trend, from 14.1% in 2003–2009 to 6.09% in 2020–2024. Detection rates varied according to diagnostic methods, with ELISA and post-mortem examination yielding the highest pooled prevalences. All pooled estimates showed extreme heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q = 27,254.50; I² = 99.92%), which persisted after Freeman–Tukey transformation. Egger’s test indicated significant funnel-plot asymmetry (p = 0.0067), suggesting potential publication bias. Human data were limited to four studies, confirming the persistence of CE mainly in northern regions, but were insufficient to conduct meta-analysis.

Conclusion

CE remains endemic in Algeria, with pronounced spatial, temporal, and host-related variability. Dogs play a central role in transmission, while the scarcity of human data highlights critical surveillance gaps. A strengthened One Health strategy emphasizing dog deworming, improved slaughterhouse practices, and better diagnostic and reporting systems is urgently needed.

Objective

The contribution of Demodex folliculorum to rosacea pathogenesis was investigated using a murine model.

Methods

Mite-derived proteins were extracted following collection via adhesive tape. A rosacea mouse model was established, and mice received intradermal injections at identical dorsal sites with Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide LL-37 (LL-37) group, Demodex protein extract (extract group), a combination of LL-37 and extract (mixed group), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS group). On day 17 post-injection, lesional skin was harvested for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, lipidomic profiling, and western blotting.

Results

HE staining showed that lymphocyte infiltration and increased adipocytes were observed in the extract group, LL-37 group, and combination group. Lipid metabolomics identified 2604 differential metabolites. Triglyceride (TG) 24:5/16:0/18:1, Monoglyceride (MG) 18:4, MG (19:4), and Phosphatidylcholine (PC) 44:6e were significantly increased in the extract group, LL-37 group, and combination group. Glycerophospholipid metabolism and thermogenesis pathways were enriched in the extract group, LL-37 group, and combination injection group, with the most significant enrichment in the combination injection group. The protein expression levels of Phosphorylated AKT (P-AKT) and Phosphorylated FOXO1 (P-FOXO1) were highest in the combination injection group.

Conclusion

Demodex mites promote the upregulation of P-AKT and P-FOXO1 by synergistically activating the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)-AKT-FOXO1 pathway, which enhances lipid synthesis, leads to lipid metabolism disorders and skin barrier damage, thereby exacerbating the progression of rosacea.

Purpose

In eukaryotes, anaphase promoting complex (APC) functions as a multi-protein ubiquitin ligase that governs chromosome segregation. The dynamic interactions of its subunits are significant for APC’s functionality as these interactions are typically transient and changes with cell progression through different stages of the cell cycle. E. histolytica possesses seven homologs of six distinct APC subunits; however, Apc2 is notably absent. This raises intriguing questions about structural organization and functional mechanisms of E. histolytica APC. Given the essential role of the Apc2-Apc10-Apc11 interaction in APC functionality in eukaryote, we sought to investigate whether Apc10 and Apc11a can interact independently of Apc2 in E. histolytica.

Methods

Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) assay, in vitro binding assay, molecular docking, simulation and mutation analysis were employed to study the interaction between EhApc10 and EhApc11a. Given the redox-sensitive nature of the RING domain of Apc11, we investigated how oxidative stress influences the gene expression of EhApc11a and EhApc10 through qRT-PCR.

Results

EhApc10 and EhApc11a were shown to interact independently of Apc2 in Y2H, in vitro binding assay and computational analysis. Under oxidative stress (H₂O₂), both EhApc11a and EhApc10 showed reduced expression, indicating downregulation during stress. After removal of oxidative stress, both genes were upregulated, indicating recovery.

Conclusion

E. histolytica APC may employ a unique structural organization, where EhApc10 and EhApc11a interact without Apc2. The reduced expression of both genes under H₂O₂ suggests a cellular strategic shift to prioritize repair and survival over anaphase progression. Their post-stress upregulation suggests a compensatory mechanism that restores normal cell cycle dynamics.

Introduction

Ticks are globally recognised as the second most important vectors of infectious diseases, posing significant threats to human and animal health. Haemaphysalis parva (Acari: Ixodidae) is frequently reported infesting humans and domestic animals and has been experimentally demonstrated to transmit Babesia ovis, with field associations to ovine babesiosis during the colder months. It has also been reported to harbour several zoonotic pathogens, including Coxiella burnetii, Francisella tularensis, and various Rickettsia species. Here, we aim to report the complete mitochondrial genome of Haemaphysalis parva (Ixodida: Ixodidae), a zoonotic tick species with significant public health relevance in Türkiye.

Methods

For this purpose, we isolated total genomic DNA from H. parva and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform, raw reads were processed, and then the mitogenome was assembled using the Geneious R9 program with “map to reference” and verified via “de novo assembly” options.

Results and Discussion

The mitogenome of H. parva is a circular DNA molecule of 14,843 bp, comprising the canonical 37 genes (13 PCGs, 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs) and two major non-coding regions (312 bp and 304 bp). Strand-specific compositional bias revealed a strong A + T enrichment (77.8%) and pervasive negative AT- and GC-skew values, diverging from the typical skew profiles observed in most arthropods and possibly reflecting lineage-specific replication asymmetries. All PCGs exhibited AT-biased codon usage, preferentially encoding hydrophobic amino acids. Several genes (cox1, cytB, nd2, nd6) showed dN/dS ratios > 1, suggesting positive adaptive evolution. Comparative mitogenomic analysis of 27 Haemaphysalis species confirmed overall structural conservation but identified a rearranged nd1–rrnS gene block relative to the Ixodes reference genome. Collinearity and synteny analyses revealed multiple conserved sequence blocks, including a putative humanin-like ORF within the rrnL gene region, indicating potential dual-coding or regulatory elements within non-PCG regions.