Pub Date : 2025-11-20DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01170-4
Snehil Gupta, Sukhdeep Vohra, Khushboo Sethi, Ruma Rani, Surbhi Gupta, Sanjay Kumar, Rajender Kumar, T. Rana
Background
Trypanosoma evansi, the causative agent of Surra, is a significant emerging zoonotic kinetoplastid protozoan parasite with wide host range and limited chemotherapeutic options. Arginine kinase is mainly responsible for providing metabolic plasticity and maintaining cellular homeostasis of trypanosome under adverse conditions.
Methods
This study investigated the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of Vanilloid derivative, Capsaicin against T. evansi and its effect on mRNA expression of arginine kinase enzyme in T. evansi. Herein, we determined the anti-trypanosomal activity of Capsaicin against T. evansi and its safety towards mammalian cells by estimating the selectivity index. From the dataset generated during the experiments, the IC50 values of capsaicin was determined as 115 µM, respectively.
Results
Cytotoxicity assays showed that Capsaicin exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against equine PBMC and Vero cells line with CC50 value of 309.8 µM and 308.3 µM, respectively giving a selectivity index of around 2.68 at the therapeutic dose against T. evansi. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Capsaicin showed significant alteration of mRNA expression of arginine kinase 1 gene at 24 and 48 h of exposure with IC50 of drug.
Conclusion
The study suggests that Capsaicin may be a potential approach for treating T. evansi infections, warranting further in vivo investigations.
{"title":"Capsaicin, a Vanilloid Derivative, Modulates Arginine Kinase mRNA Expression in Trypanosoma evansi","authors":"Snehil Gupta, Sukhdeep Vohra, Khushboo Sethi, Ruma Rani, Surbhi Gupta, Sanjay Kumar, Rajender Kumar, T. Rana","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01170-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01170-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Trypanosoma</i><i> evansi</i>, the causative agent of <i>Surra</i>, is a significant emerging zoonotic kinetoplastid protozoan parasite with wide host range and limited chemotherapeutic options. Arginine kinase is mainly responsible for providing metabolic plasticity and maintaining cellular homeostasis of trypanosome under adverse conditions. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>This study investigated the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity of Vanilloid derivative, Capsaicin against <i>T. evansi</i> and its effect on mRNA expression of arginine kinase enzyme in <i>T. evansi</i>. Herein, we determined the anti-trypanosomal activity of Capsaicin against <i>T. evansi</i> and its safety towards mammalian cells by estimating the selectivity index. From the dataset generated during the experiments, the IC<sub>50</sub> values of capsaicin was determined as 115 µM, respectively.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Cytotoxicity assays showed that Capsaicin exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against equine PBMC and Vero cells line with CC<sub>50</sub> value of 309.8 µM and 308.3 µM, respectively giving a selectivity index of around 2.68 at the therapeutic dose against <i>T. evansi</i>. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Capsaicin showed significant alteration of mRNA expression of arginine kinase 1 gene at 24 and 48 h of exposure with IC<sub>50</sub> of drug. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study suggests that Capsaicin may be a potential approach for treating <i>T. evansi</i> infections, warranting further in vivo investigations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145561564","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01149-1
Yan Zhao, Hui-zhu Nan, Zhi-wei Xue, Wei Wang, Jing Zhang, Chu-long Liu, Lei Ma
Purpose
As an important component of ecosystems, wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, wild animals are also natural hosts of pathogens. In this study, fecal samples from three of wild animals were collected from Hebei Xiaowutai Mountain National Nature Reserve in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China. Species identification of these samples was performed, and the infection status of common zoonotic protozoa in these three wild animal species was detected.
Methods
Common zoonotic protozoa were detected after species identification by PCR.
Results
The results of species identification showed that the fecal samples were from red fox (Vulpes vulpes), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), and wild boar (Sus scrofa). Colpodella spp. was detected in red fox, with the closest phylogenetic relationship being to Colpodella spp. from Lake Luxembourg (NCBI accession number: GU067926.1); Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis) was detected in leopard cat, with the closest phylogenetic relationship to G. intestinalis assemblage F (NCBI accession number: LC341258.1).
Conclusions
The results showed that wild animals are affected by intestinal protozoan infection and that there is a risk of parasite transmission. The prevention and control of parasitic diseases in wild animals is not only conducive to the protection of animal welfare but also to public health.
{"title":"Molecular Characterization of Zoonotic Intestinal Protozoa in Three Wildlife in Hebei Province, China","authors":"Yan Zhao, Hui-zhu Nan, Zhi-wei Xue, Wei Wang, Jing Zhang, Chu-long Liu, Lei Ma","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01149-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01149-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>As an important component of ecosystems, wildlife plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, wild animals are also natural hosts of pathogens. In this study, fecal samples from three of wild animals were collected from Hebei Xiaowutai Mountain National Nature Reserve in Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, China. Species identification of these samples was performed, and the infection status of common zoonotic protozoa in these three wild animal species was detected.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Common zoonotic protozoa were detected after species identification by PCR.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results of species identification showed that the fecal samples were from red fox <i>(Vulpes vulpes)</i>, leopard cat <i>(Prionailurus bengalensis),</i> and wild boar <i>(Sus scrofa)</i>. <i>Colpodella</i> spp<i>.</i> was detected in red fox, with the closest phylogenetic relationship being to <i>Colpodella</i> spp. from Lake Luxembourg (NCBI accession number: GU067926.1); <i>Giardia intestinalis (G. intestinalis)</i> was detected in leopard cat, with the closest phylogenetic relationship to <i>G. intestinalis</i> assemblage F (NCBI accession number: LC341258.1). </p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The results showed that wild animals are affected by intestinal protozoan infection and that there is a risk of parasite transmission. The prevention and control of parasitic diseases in wild animals is not only conducive to the protection of animal welfare but also to public health.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145510674","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01147-3
Germán Augusto Murrieta Morey, Hilmer Angelica Dávila Pizango, Estefany Cortegano Tapullima, Ericka Violeta Ramírez Torres
Introduction
Studies concentrating on description, identification, and analysis of monogenoids are required to further our understanding of this group of parasites connected to Amazonian fish. Based on the above, the main objective of this research was to identify new species of monogenoids in the gills of Centromochlus heckelii (De Filippi, 1853) (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) collected in the Itaya river, Loreto-Peru.
Materials and methods
Two hundred and forty specimens of C. heckelii were collected in the Itaya River (3°47’20.70"S 73°15’40.90"W), Loreto, Peru in March 2025. The collected fish were transported in boxes with ice to the laboratory for parasitological analyses.
Results
Three species of monogeneans of the family Dactylogyridae were registered, two new species and one previously known: Demidospermus centromochlii Mendoza-Franco & Scholz, 2009 which is proposed to be reassigned into Cosmetocleithrum Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1986 due to morphological characteristics. The new species Cosmetocleithrum itayensisn. sp. and Cosmetocleithrum iiapensisn. sp. are similar by presenting the MCO as a sigmoid tube and a seed-shaped accessory piece, but they differ from each other in the shape of the MCO, accessory piece, vagina, and the size of the anchors and of the submedial projections in dorsal bar.
Conclusions
The results of the present investigation represent the second report of parasites in C. heckelii, with the discovery of two new dactylogyrid species. This increases the knowledge of the biodiversity of monogenoids reported for Peru and the Neotropical region.
研究集中在描述，鉴定和单基因分析，以进一步了解这组与亚马逊鱼类有关的寄生虫需要。在此基础上，本研究的主要目的是鉴定采集于秘鲁洛雷托-伊塔亚河的Centromochlus heckelii (De Filippi, 1853)（志龙目：Auchenipteridae）鳃中的单基因新种。材料与方法于2025年3月在秘鲁洛雷托市Itaya河（3°47′20.70”S 73°15′40.90”W）采集了240份C. heckelii标本。收集到的鱼装在装有冰的箱子里运往实验室进行寄生虫学分析。结果共登记到Dactylogyridae单系种3种，其中新种2种，已知种1种：Demidospermus centrromochlii Mendoza-Franco & Scholz， 2009，根据形态特征建议重新归属于Cosmetocleithrum Kritsky， Thatcher & Boeger, 1986。新种Cosmetocleithrum itayensis n. sp.和Cosmetocleithrum iiapensis n. sp.在MCO的形状、副片的形状、阴道的形状、锚钉的大小和背杆的下内侧突起的大小等方面存在差异，但两者的相似之处是MCO为乙状管和种子状副片。结论本调查结果为第二次报道，发现了2个新的指格虫种。这增加了对秘鲁和新热带地区报告的单系生物多样性的认识。
{"title":"New Species of Cosmetocleithrum (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) from Centromochlus Heckelii (Osteichthyes: Auchenipteridae) from the Itaya River, Peru","authors":"Germán Augusto Murrieta Morey, Hilmer Angelica Dávila Pizango, Estefany Cortegano Tapullima, Ericka Violeta Ramírez Torres","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01147-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01147-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Studies concentrating on description, identification, and analysis of monogenoids are required to further our understanding of this group of parasites connected to Amazonian fish. Based on the above, the main objective of this research was to identify new species of monogenoids in the gills of <i>Centromochlus heckelii</i> (De Filippi, 1853) (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) collected in the Itaya river, Loreto-Peru.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>Two hundred and forty specimens of <i>C. heckelii</i> were collected in the Itaya River (3°47’20.70\"S 73°15’40.90\"W), Loreto, Peru in March 2025. The collected fish were transported in boxes with ice to the laboratory for parasitological analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Three species of monogeneans of the family Dactylogyridae were registered, two new species and one previously known: <i>Demidospermus centromochlii</i> Mendoza-Franco & Scholz, 2009 which is proposed to be reassigned into <i>Cosmetocleithrum</i> Kritsky, Thatcher & Boeger, 1986 due to morphological characteristics. The new species <i>Cosmetocleithrum itayensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> and <i>Cosmetocleithrum iiapensis</i> <b>n. sp.</b> are similar by presenting the MCO as a sigmoid tube and a seed-shaped accessory piece, but they differ from each other in the shape of the MCO, accessory piece, vagina, and the size of the anchors and of the submedial projections in dorsal bar.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The results of the present investigation represent the second report of parasites in <i>C. heckelii</i>, with the discovery of two new dactylogyrid species. This increases the knowledge of the biodiversity of monogenoids reported for Peru and the Neotropical region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145511034","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}
Canine hemoplasma species, Mycoplasma haemocanis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, have been identified in various parts of the world. These pathogens can lead to mild to severe infections, even death, in dogs. To date, several pathogens caused clinical infection in dog have been detected in Türkiye, but limited data are present about canine hemoplasma species in the country. The aim of this study was to investigate canine hemoplasma species in different parts of Türkiye, and to perform phylogenetic analyses of positive samples.
Methods
In the current work, 300 dog blood samples were obtained from different parts of Türkiye. DNA extraction was obtained from blood samples with a commercial kit. The obtained DNA was researched in terms of the presence of canine hemoplasma species with species-specific PCR assay. Partial parts of 16S rRNA gene of randomly selected six samples, three positive samples for each pathogen, were sequenced.
Results
PCR assay revealed that 3.67% of animals (11/300) were infected with canine hemoplasma species. The prevalence of M. haemocanis and Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum was determined as 2% (6/300) and 0.67% (2/300), respectively. Co-infection rate was 1% (3/300). After DNA sequence analyses obtained consensus sequences were uploaded to the GenBank under accession numbers: PV798019-PV798021 (M. haemocanis) and PV798022-PV798024 (Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum). BLAST analysis revealed 98.44–100% nucleotide similarity between M. haemocanis isolates identified in this work and other M. haemocanis isolates. The 97.41–100% nucleotide identities were seen between our Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum isolates and other Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum isolates present in the GenBank.
Conclusion
Considering that these two species may cause clinical infection in both animals and humans, it is thought that veterinarians and physicians living in the region should take the necessary precautions to reduce the harmful effects of M. haemocanis and Ca. Mycoplasma haematoparvum.
{"title":"Molecular Survey and Phylogenetic Analyses of Canine Hemoplasma Species in Different Parts of Türkiye","authors":"Ufuk Erol, Omer Faruk Sahin, Melih Gazi Genc, Husnu Furkan Sakar, Kursat Altay","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01174-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01174-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Canine hemoplasma species, <i>Mycoplasma haemocanis</i> and <i>Candidatus</i> Mycoplasma haematoparvum, have been identified in various parts of the world. These pathogens can lead to mild to severe infections, even death, in dogs. To date, several pathogens caused clinical infection in dog have been detected in Türkiye, but limited data are present about canine hemoplasma species in the country. The aim of this study was to investigate canine hemoplasma species in different parts of Türkiye, and to perform phylogenetic analyses of positive samples.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In the current work, 300 dog blood samples were obtained from different parts of Türkiye. DNA extraction was obtained from blood samples with a commercial kit. The obtained DNA was researched in terms of the presence of canine hemoplasma species with species-specific PCR assay. Partial parts of <i>16S rRNA</i> gene of randomly selected six samples, three positive samples for each pathogen, were sequenced.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>PCR assay revealed that 3.67% of animals (11/300) were infected with canine hemoplasma species. The prevalence of <i>M. haemocanis</i> and <i>Ca</i>. Mycoplasma haematoparvum was determined as 2% (6/300) and 0.67% (2/300), respectively. Co-infection rate was 1% (3/300). After DNA sequence analyses obtained consensus sequences were uploaded to the GenBank under accession numbers: PV798019-PV798021 (<i>M. haemocanis</i>) and PV798022-PV798024 (<i>Ca</i>. Mycoplasma haematoparvum). BLAST analysis revealed 98.44–100% nucleotide similarity between <i>M. haemocanis</i> isolates identified in this work and other <i>M. haemocanis</i> isolates. The 97.41–100% nucleotide identities were seen between our <i>Ca</i>. Mycoplasma haematoparvum isolates and other <i>Ca</i>. Mycoplasma haematoparvum isolates present in the GenBank.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Considering that these two species may cause clinical infection in both animals and humans, it is thought that veterinarians and physicians living in the region should take the necessary precautions to reduce the harmful effects of <i>M. haemocanis</i> and <i>Ca</i>. Mycoplasma haematoparvum.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145511035","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01175-z
Faruq Pathan, Ranjana Yadav, Mandar Nanajkar
Purpose
Pirenella cingulata- a snail from an intertidal mudflat serves as the first intermediate host of digenean trematode parasites. These trematode parasites castrate their host and alter the host's physiology for their own success and proliferation. In this study, we investigate the interaction between Pirenella cingulata and the trematode Acanthotrema tridactyla using a de novo transcriptomic approach.
Methods
RNA was extracted from both infected and non-infected Pirenella cingulata. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed, and only healthy individuals were used for de novo assembly of the transcriptome. Furthermore, the transcripts were annotated, followed by the identification of differentially expressed genes using the DESeq2 package.
Results
We have identified 91 differentially expressed host genes that mostly suppress immune responses, altering metabolic and cytoskeletal-related functions. Downregulation of immune-related genes, including Cathepsin L, beta 1,3-glucan binding protein, scavenger receptors, and histone 3 (H3) suggest immune suppression. Gluconeogenesis, a key metabolic pathway, was compromised by downregulating the activity of alkaline phosphatase and lipase. Gastropods mediate immune-related ‘oxidative burst’ by generation of ROS- a mechanism to cope with parasites, which trematodes countered by downregulating xanthine hydrogenase/oxidase. Cytoskeletal proteins like actins was downregulated, used for encapsulation and phagocytosis, implying a compromised immune system.
Conclusion
This study provides insights into host-parasite interaction with the understanding of the immune functional response, metabolic and cytoskeletal-related processes of parasitised gastropods.
{"title":"De Novo Transcriptomic Response of Pirenella cingulata (Gastropoda) Infected with Acanthotrema tridactyla (Trematoda)","authors":"Faruq Pathan, Ranjana Yadav, Mandar Nanajkar","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01175-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01175-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Pirenella cingulata</i>- a snail from an intertidal mudflat serves as the first intermediate host of digenean trematode parasites. These trematode parasites castrate their host and alter the host's physiology for their own success and proliferation. In this study, we investigate the interaction between <i>Pirenella cingulata</i> and the trematode <i>Acanthotrema tridactyla</i> using a de novo transcriptomic approach.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>RNA was extracted from both infected and non-infected <i>Pirenella cingulata</i>. High-throughput RNA sequencing was performed, and only healthy individuals were used for <i>de novo</i> assembly of the transcriptome. Furthermore, the transcripts were annotated, followed by the identification of differentially expressed genes using the DESeq2 package.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>We have identified 91 differentially expressed host genes that mostly suppress immune responses, altering metabolic and cytoskeletal-related functions. Downregulation of immune-related genes, including Cathepsin L, beta 1,3-glucan binding protein, scavenger receptors, and histone 3 (H3) suggest immune suppression. Gluconeogenesis, a key metabolic pathway, was compromised by downregulating the activity of alkaline phosphatase and lipase. Gastropods mediate immune-related ‘<i>oxidative burst</i>’ by generation of ROS- a mechanism to cope with parasites, which trematodes countered by downregulating xanthine hydrogenase/oxidase. Cytoskeletal proteins like actins was downregulated, used for encapsulation and phagocytosis, implying a compromised immune system.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study provides insights into host-parasite interaction with the understanding of the immune functional response, metabolic and cytoskeletal-related processes of parasitised gastropods.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145511039","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01173-1
Quanying Ma, Yuan Han, Yuqing Ma, Xiaoqiang Wang, Zhi Li
Purpose
The cell culture technology for Theileria annulata schizont-infected cells plays a vital role in basic research and control of bovine theileriosis. T. annulata is an intracellular parasite transmitted by some species of ticks.
Methods
Unlike other Apicomplexa parasites, T. annulata can infect and transform host B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, further induce the transformed cells yield some cancer-like phenotypes. The attenuated parasites were obtained through in vitro culture technology, which can effectively prevent T. annulata infection.
Results
The cell culture has evolved from initial adherent culture to rolling bottle culture and then to suspension culture at present. In addition, the suspension culture has also been upgraded from basic serum-containing culture to serum-free culture.
Conclusion
This paper highlights the past, present and perspective about the cell culture technology with T. annulata schizont-infected cells, which will strongly underpin application of T. annulata vaccines and control of the parasite in the future.
{"title":"The Culture Technology for the Transforming Parasite-Theileria Annulata Schizont-Infected Cells: Past–Present–Perspective","authors":"Quanying Ma, Yuan Han, Yuqing Ma, Xiaoqiang Wang, Zhi Li","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01173-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01173-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The cell culture technology for <i>Theileria annulata</i> schizont-infected cells plays a vital role in basic research and control of bovine theileriosis. <i>T. annulata</i> is an intracellular parasite transmitted by some species of ticks.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Unlike other Apicomplexa parasites, <i>T. annulata</i> can infect and transform host B cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, further induce the transformed cells yield some cancer-like phenotypes. The attenuated parasites were obtained through in vitro culture technology, which can effectively prevent <i>T. annulata</i> infection.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The cell culture has evolved from initial adherent culture to rolling bottle culture and then to suspension culture at present. In addition, the suspension culture has also been upgraded from basic serum-containing culture to serum-free culture.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This paper highlights the past, present and perspective about the cell culture technology with <i>T. annulata</i> schizont-infected cells, which will strongly underpin application of <i>T. annulata</i> vaccines and control of the parasite in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145510911","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01148-2
Muhammad Ilyas, Ayesha Gulzar, Tayyaba Shan, Fazeela Manzoor, Uzma Bibi, Maria Komal, Sabika Firasat, Kiran Afshan
Purpose
Pediculus humanus capitis poses a significant public health challenge among schoolchildren worldwide, emphasising the need for control efforts. The present study aimed to integrate epidemiological, morphometric, and mitochondrial genetic data on head lice across diverse regions of Pakistan.
Methods
A cross-sectional study of 1536 school-aged children was carried out across four districts in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors. Head lice were morphologically examined and genomic DNA extracted. The mitochondrial markers cox 1 and cyt-b were amplified and sequenced.
Results
The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 34%. Higher infestation rates were observed among females, children aged 6–10 years, those from large families, individuals with a history of previous infestations, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds (p < 0.0001). Significant behavioral risk factors included sharing combs or towels and infrequent bathing (p < 0.0001). In contrast, protective factors included parental education, urban residence, and access to medical care (p < 0.0001. Morphometric analysis revealed clear sexual dimorphism, with females showing significantly greater total body length, post-antenna head width, pterothoracic width, and antennal length (p < 0.0001). Molecular analysis of cox1 and cyt-b genes showed that mitochondrial Clade C was predominant among the Pakistani isolates, indicating genetic links to South Asian and African lineages. One cyt-b sequence (PAK 1) grouped with Clade A, clustering with specimens from Thailand, Iraq, Germany, Laos, and Taiwan, suggesting a distinct lineage.
Conclusion
This study identifies Pakistan as a potential bridge in the global phylogeography of lice, reflecting both historical and ongoing interregional transmission. These findings contribute to evolutionary and parasitological research and offer a data-driven basis for developing school-based infestation control policies.
{"title":"Epidemiological, Morphometric, and Genetic Analysis of Pediculus humanus capitis (Head Lice) in Pakistan: Evidence of Regional Diversity and Global Admixture","authors":"Muhammad Ilyas, Ayesha Gulzar, Tayyaba Shan, Fazeela Manzoor, Uzma Bibi, Maria Komal, Sabika Firasat, Kiran Afshan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01148-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01148-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Pediculus humanus capitis</i> poses a significant public health challenge among schoolchildren worldwide, emphasising the need for control efforts. The present study aimed to integrate epidemiological, morphometric, and mitochondrial genetic data on head lice across diverse regions of Pakistan.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional study of 1536 school-aged children was carried out across four districts in Pakistan. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors. Head lice were morphologically examined and genomic DNA extracted. The mitochondrial markers <i>cox 1</i> and <i>cyt-b</i> were amplified and sequenced.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall prevalence of head lice infestation was 34%. Higher infestation rates were observed among females, children aged 6–10 years, those from large families, individuals with a history of previous infestations, and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Significant behavioral risk factors included sharing combs or towels and infrequent bathing (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). In contrast, protective factors included parental education, urban residence, and access to medical care (<i>p</i> < 0.0001. Morphometric analysis revealed clear sexual dimorphism, with females showing significantly greater total body length, post-antenna head width, pterothoracic width, and antennal length (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Molecular analysis of <i>cox1</i> and <i>cyt-b</i> genes showed that mitochondrial Clade C was predominant among the Pakistani isolates, indicating genetic links to South Asian and African lineages. One <i>cyt-b</i> sequence (PAK 1) grouped with Clade A, clustering with specimens from Thailand, Iraq, Germany, Laos, and Taiwan, suggesting a distinct lineage.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study identifies Pakistan as a potential bridge in the global phylogeography of lice, reflecting both historical and ongoing interregional transmission. These findings contribute to evolutionary and parasitological research and offer a data-driven basis for developing school-based infestation control policies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145510987","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}
Hexostoma auxisi Palombi, 1943 was originally described by Palombi (1943) from Auxis thazard off Italy, Mediterranean Sea. The original description of this species lacks morphological and morpho-metrical data. In addition, no published sequence of this species is available in molecular engines.
Materials and Methods
Specimens of Hexostoma auxisi were collected from the gills of Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) off the Algerian coast, Western Mediterranean. Monogenean were stained with acetic carmine, measured and drawn. Furthermore, molecular study was conducted using partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) of parasites and a tissue sample of the fish’s gills on which the monogeneans were found.
Results
In this study, we provide morpho-anatomical and morpho-metrical data of Hexostoma auxisi. Our specimens are morphologically close to those described by Palombi (1943) off Italy, Mediterranean Sea. The morphological study was supported by a molecular analysis of cox1 gene that reveals that our sequence of H. auxisi is distinct from its congener H. thynni by 20.51%.
Conlusion
The present study allowed us to confirm the taxonomic status of Hexostoma auxisi which belongs to the genus Hexostoma and the family Hexostomatidae.
{"title":"Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Hexostoma auxisi Palombi, 1943 (Polyopisthocotylea: Hexostomatidae) from Auxis rochei (Risso, 1810) (Teleostei: Scombridae) off Algerian Waters, Western Mediterranean","authors":"Zouhour El Mouna Ayadi, Meriem Amira Rebah, Delphine Gey, Fadila Tazerouti","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01152-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01152-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p><i>Hexostoma auxisi</i> Palombi, 1943 was originally described by Palombi (1943) from <i>Auxis thazard</i> off Italy, Mediterranean Sea. The original description of this species lacks morphological and morpho-metrical data. In addition, no published sequence of this species is available in molecular engines.</p><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>Specimens of <i>Hexostoma auxisi</i> were collected from the gills of <i>Auxis rochei</i> (Risso, 1810) off the Algerian coast, Western Mediterranean. Monogenean were stained with acetic carmine, measured and drawn. Furthermore, molecular study was conducted using partial fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (<i>cox1</i>) of parasites and a tissue sample of the fish’s gills on which the monogeneans were found.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In this study, we provide morpho-anatomical and morpho-metrical data of <i>Hexostoma auxisi</i>. Our specimens are morphologically close to those described by Palombi (1943) off Italy, Mediterranean Sea. The morphological study was supported by a molecular analysis of <i>cox1</i> gene that reveals that our sequence of <i>H. auxisi</i> is distinct from its congener <i>H. thynni</i> by 20.51%.</p><h3>Conlusion</h3><p>The present study allowed us to confirm the taxonomic status of <i>Hexostoma auxisi</i> which belongs to the genus <i>Hexostoma</i> and the family Hexostomatidae.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145510912","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 : 2025-11-14DOI: 10.1007/s11686-025-01151-7
Jorge Kevin Silva Neves, Geovania Figueiredo da Silva, Ana Nunes Santos, Taynara Cristina Santos Tavares, Cynthya Elizabeth González, Gleomar Fabiano Maschio, Francisco Tiago de Vasconcelos Melo
Purpose
Describe a new species of Spauligodon Skrjabin, Schikhobalova, and Lagodovskaja, 1960, parasitizing Thecadactylus rapicauda (Houttuyn, 1782) in Brazilian Amazon.
Methods
A total of 40 host specimens were collected, anesthetized, and necropsied to search for helminths. The adult nematodes were collected, killed, and preserved in 70% ethanol. Specimens of both sexes were examined under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope.
Results
The diagnosis of the new species was based on a set of characteristics: the number of caudal spines in both males and females, absence of a spicule, number and arrangement of cloacal papillae in males, egg shape, and vulva position in females. We provide an identification key to the species from the Neotropical and Panamanian realms. We also analyzed the egg morphology in the species description of Spauligodon and proposed a classification for egg morphology and shape.
Conclusions
Spauligodon caxiuana n. sp. is the 56th species of the genus, the fourth for the Neotropical realm, the third species record of Spauligodon spp. in Brazil, and the first in the Brazilian Amazon.
目的描述巴西亚马逊河流域一种寄生于快手爪蛾（cadactylus rapicauda, Houttuyn, 1782）的spuligodon Skrjabin， Schikhobalova, and Lagodovskaja, 1960)新种。方法采集宿主标本40份，麻醉后进行尸体解剖，寻找寄生虫。收集成虫，杀死，在70%乙醇中保存。在光学显微镜和扫描电子显微镜下对两性标本进行了检查。结果根据一组特征对该新种进行了诊断：雄性和雌性的尾刺数量、针状体缺失、雄性的阴囊乳头数量和排列、卵子形状和雌性的外阴位置。我们提供了一个识别关键的物种从新热带和巴拿马领域。我们还分析了spuligodon种属描述中的卵形态，提出了卵形态和形状的分类方法。结论spuligodon caxiuana n. sp.是spuligodon属的第56种，是新热带地区的第4种，是巴西spuligodon属的第3种记录，是巴西亚马逊地区的第1种记录。
{"title":"“First of its Kind” in Brazilian Amazon: Spauligodon caxiuana n. sp. (Nematoda: Pharyngodonidae) Parasite of Thecadactylus rapicauda (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae), with an Updated Key to the Neotropical and Panamanian Species of the Genus","authors":"Jorge Kevin Silva Neves, Geovania Figueiredo da Silva, Ana Nunes Santos, Taynara Cristina Santos Tavares, Cynthya Elizabeth González, Gleomar Fabiano Maschio, Francisco Tiago de Vasconcelos Melo","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01151-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01151-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Describe a new species of <i>Spauligodon</i> Skrjabin, Schikhobalova, and Lagodovskaja, 1960, parasitizing <i>Thecadactylus rapicauda</i> (Houttuyn, 1782) in Brazilian Amazon.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 40 host specimens were collected, anesthetized, and necropsied to search for helminths. The adult nematodes were collected, killed, and preserved in 70% ethanol. Specimens of both sexes were examined under a light microscope and a scanning electron microscope.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The diagnosis of the new species was based on a set of characteristics: the number of caudal spines in both males and females, absence of a spicule, number and arrangement of cloacal papillae in males, egg shape, and vulva position in females. We provide an identification key to the species from the Neotropical and Panamanian realms. We also analyzed the egg morphology in the species description of <i>Spauligodon</i> and proposed a classification for egg morphology and shape.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p><i>Spauligodon caxiuana</i> n. sp. is the 56th species of the genus, the fourth for the Neotropical realm, the third species record of <i>Spauligodon</i> spp. in Brazil, and the first in the Brazilian Amazon.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145510909","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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