Acta Parasitologica最新文献

Purpose

Raw milk and its products are increasingly popular among consumers recently. Milk already harbors a primary microbial flora during milking but can be further contaminated at any stage with pathogenic microorganisms. Although, the presence of C. burnetii in milk and other dairy products is frequently reported, E. bieneusi has been documented in a few studies, and D. fragilis has not been reported previously. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the contamination of raw milk from cattle, sheep, and goats, as well as cheese from cattle, with these pathogens to assess public health risk.

Methods

A total of 150 samples from cattle, sheep, goat and homemade ready-to-eat cattle milk cheese were collected from farms, open-air markets, and delicatessen were examined using PCR analysis. Pathogen positive samples were sequenced for species identification and genotyping.

Results

The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi, C. burnetii, and D. fragilis in the samples was 2.0%, 8.6%, and 6.0%, respectively. In cattle milk cheese samples, the prevalence was 3.3% for E. bieneusi, 10.0% for C. burnetii, and 3.3% for D. fragilis. The potentially zoonotic E. bieneusi BEB6 genotype was found in sheep milk and cattle milk cheese. D. fragilis isolates detected in cattle and sheep milk and cattle milk cheeses showed homology with genotype 1 from human, cattle and budgerigars in various countries including Türkiye.

Conclusion

This is the first report of D. fragilis in milk and cattle milk cheese samples, as well as E. bieneusi in cattle milk cheese samples. These findings provide critical insights into the zoonotic transmission potential of these foods and contribute to a better understanding of epidemiology and public health risk.

Purpose

The excretory-secretory antigen (ESA) of Toxoplasma gondii has been classified as a good diagnostic marker for the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis. The objective of this study was to determine an antigenic pattern that allows distinguishing both acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis.

Methods

T. gondii RH ESA cultured in the LLC-MK2 cell line was used and challenged with sera from Swiss mice infected experimentally with T. gondii RH (group I), T. gondii Me49 (group II) tachyzoites and a control group of uninfected mice (group III) by Western blot (WB) test. The success of the proliferation of both strains was confirmed by microscopy and quantified by qPCR, which corroborated the acute and chronic phases with the RH and Me49 strains, respective.

Results

In WB, no bands were detected with ESA against mice from group I. Antigenic bands were obtained in the range of 10–129 kDa in the mice from group II at 60 days post infection (dpi). On the other hand, bands of 28 kDa and 33 kDa were evident in all mouse sera 56–165 dpi.

Conclusion

Although, in this study, the use of ESA did not allow obtaining an antigenic profile to distinguish both the acute and chronic phases of toxoplasmosis, an antigenic profile was found that could be useful to identify the chronic phase and monitor the clinical evolution of patients with toxoplasmosis.

Introduction

Cutaneous leishmaniasis remains a significant public health problem and continues to pose a substantial challenge to the healthcare system. First-line drugs, particularly pentavalent compounds, are used to treat this disease. The increasing drug resistance, the reduced efficacy of current therapies, and the high treatment costs. Have shifted the focus of research toward herbal remedies and natural products. This study sought to examine the possible antileishmanial properties of the ethanolic extract from R. coriaria and compounds of linalool and eugenol, both in vitro and in vivo against skin lesions caused by L. major in BALB/c mice.

Methods

The CC50 toxicity and IC50 anti-leishmanial effect of linalool and eugenol were examined on the macrophage cell line and promastigotes. In the in vivo phase, a total of 54 mice were infected with L. major and treated. Three weeks after the end of treatment, parasitological and molecular examinations were performed using real-time PCR.

Results

An in vitro study showed that linalool and eugenol had favorable lethality and toxicity values and were significantly correlated with the control group. According to the results of this study, the healing rates of lesions in the high-dose eugenol, low-dose linalool, and Glucantime® groups was 90.6%, 89.01%, and 85.58%, respectively. The results of the evaluations showed that the parasite load in the treated groups was significantly reduced. The reduction of specific KDNA gene expression and parasite load in the liver and spleen organs showed the degree of improvement and efficacy of the extract and compounds in real-time PCR.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the alcoholic extract of sumac and compounds of linalool and eugenol are effective in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis and offers a promising perspective for the development of herbal medicines with fewer side effects.

Graphical abstract

Evaluation of the effects of linalool, eugenol, and R. coriaria on L. major infection in a murine model: Analysis of parasite burden, wound healing progression, and molecular assessment using Real-Time PCR (BioRender., 2025).

Purpose

Continuous surveillance of Plasmodium falciparum Kelch 13 (pfk13) mutations associated with artemisinin resistance is essential for monitoring the emergence of drug-resistant parasites in malaria-endemic regions. Herein, we have assessed the prevalence of point mutations in the pfk13 gene linked to artemisinin resistance in Iranian P. falciparum isolates, 18 years following the nationwide introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs).

Methods

A total of 60 finger-prick blood samples were obtained from Iranian patients with symptomatic, uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria during the period of 2022 to 2023. A nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was employed to verify infections by amplifying the 18 S small subunit ribosomal RNA (18 S ssrRNA) gene. Nested PCR was utilized to amplify the pfk13 gene, followed by sequencing of the amplicons to identify both previously reported and novel mutations.

Results

Of the successfully sequenced samples (n = 50), 98% (49/50) carried the wild-type allele. One sample harbored a novel nonsynonymous mutation, R513C, corresponding to a C1537T nucleotide change.

Conclusion

No validated pfk13 mutations indicative of artemisinin resistance were detected in the study population. These findings suggest that artemisinin remains effective for treating P. falciparum malaria in this region. Continued molecular surveillance is warranted to ensure early detection of emerging resistance.

Objective

To document cases of free-living amoebae (FLA) infections in humans diagnosed at a Reference Parasitology Laboratory in Argentina, contributing to the epidemiological understanding of these infections in the country.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on 43 samples from suspected cases of FLA infection collected between October 2022 and June 2025. The samples included 4 ocular specimens, 20 brain biopsies, 12 cerebrospinal fluid samples, 6 skin biopsies, and 1 liver biopsy. FLA culture was carried out only in suspected keratitis cases, using liquid Page’s solution supplemented with fresh Escherichia coli culture. In all cases, multiplex real-time PCR (qPCR) was employed for the simultaneous detection of Acanthamoeba spp., Naegleria fowleri, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. The cases were analyzed together with the information provided in the epidemiological forms that accompanied the samples.

Results

Of the 43 analyzed samples from suspected cases, 5 tested positive (11.6%), including 1 case of keratitis caused by Acanthamoeba spp. and 4 cases of granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) due to B. mandrillaris. The GAE cases involved immunocompetent children and one adult with a functional immunosuppression risk factor (chronic alcoholism). One patient presented with chronic skin lesions prior to the CNS infection, and another case involved co-infection with Toxoplasma gondii. Neuroimaging in all GAE patients showed lesions consistent with mass or infectious processes, and brain biopsy samples were essential for diagnosis. Two of the GAE patients survived following combined therapy.

Conclusions

Infections caused by FLA are rare but highly severe, particularly non-keratitis presentations. Early clinical suspicion, rapid and accurate diagnosis, and aggressive treatment are crucial to improving patient outcomes.

Purpose

Livestock sustainability intersects environmental, economic, and social dimensions, particularly through its influence on animal health. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity of eukaryotic gastrointestinal parasites and microbiota in domestic animals from productive systems located within Colombian conservation areas, where livestock coexist with wild mammals such as primates, pumas, Andean bears, and tapirs. Specifically, we examined how natural vegetation fragmentation relates to parasite diversity, richness, and equitability.

Methods

Fecal samples from cattle, horses, and domestic dogs were analyzed using metabarcoding of the 18S rRNA gene via Nanopore sequencing, focusing on protozoa as key indicators. Microscopy was used to confirm molecular findings. Epidemiological descriptors, including prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance, were estimated, and Bayesian Poisson regression models were applied to assess associations between landscape metrics and parasite or fungal diversity.

Results

From 50 collected samples, 27 yielded usable sequences, revealing 11, 12, and 3 parasite taxa in cattle, horses, and dogs, respectively. The diversity of eukaryotic microbiota and parasites in cattle and horses correlated positively with native forest cover and negatively with forest shape irregularity, indicating that larger and more compact forest patches favor greater parasite diversity.

Conclusion

Parasite transmission between livestock and wild mammals in conservation landscapes represents a bidirectional ecological risk. Although extensive forest cover enhances ecosystem integrity, it may also increase parasite diversity, with potential implications for livestock health and disease management strategies.

Purpose

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic disease in Algeria. In southeastern regions, data concerning this infection are limited. Therefore, we aimed to assess the epidemiological status and identify the causative Leishmania spp. in El Meghaier province.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted between 2023 and 2024. Diagnosis was confirmed by microscopic examination. For patients with positive results, clinical and demographic data were recorded. Molecular analysis was then carried out on DNA extracted from Giemsa-stained slides to identify the Leishmania species.

Results

In total 722 suspected cases were analyzed and only 118 were positive cases. A predominance in males was detected, and the most affected group age was [≥ 20] years old (N = 51; 43.2%). The statistical analysis showed strong association between age group and the positivity rate (X² = 37.59, P < 0.0001). Multiple lesions were observed in 72 patients (61.1%), most frequently located on the feet (76 cases; 64.4%) and hands (15 cases; 12.7%). Among the 118 microscopically positive samples, 53 were included for molecular analysis. Of these, 29 yielded a positive PCR amplification. Initial parasite typing was performed using PCR-ITS1, which detected Leishmania DNA in 14 samples (26.4%), predominantly L. major (92.8%). Samples negative by PCR-ITS1 were subsequently analyzed using nested ITS1-PCR, which identified 15 additional positives (38.5%). Sequencing of the amplified products confirmed the presence of L. major (66.6%) and L. infantum (13.3%).

Conclusion

These findings confirm, for the first time, the occurrence of both L. major and L. infantum in the study area. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential vectors and reservoirs involved.

Introduction

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are apicomplexan protozoan parasites belonging to the family Sarcocystidae. Toxoplasma gondii is a significant zoonotic pathogen responsible for abortion and congenital infections in both humans and animals worldwide. Transmission to humans occurs through ingestion of tissue cysts (bradyzoites) in raw or undercooked meat, oocysts in felid faeces, transplacental transmission from infected mothers, or consumption of milk containing tachyzoites. Neospora caninum is a major cause of reproductive failure in cattle, manifesting as abortion, stillbirth, infertility, early foetal death, and decreased milk production. The parasite has been identified as a leading cause of bovine abortions, particularly in European dairy herds. Although N. caninum is not definitively proven to be zoonotic, its close phylogenetic and biological relationship with T. gondii raises concerns about potential human infection risk that warrant investigation.

Materials and methods

This study investigated the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA in milk samples from dairy animals in Samsun province, Turkey. Between September 2022 and June 2024, raw milk samples (10 ml) were collected from cattle (n = 107), sheep (n = 100), and buffaloes (n = 100) at various local dairies. DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed using Tox4-Tox5 and Np6-Np21 primer pairs for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively.

Results

Toxoplasma gondii DNA was detected in 21% (21/100) of buffalo, 19% (19/100) of sheep, and 14.95% (16/107) of cattle milk samples. Neospora caninum DNA was found in 16% (16/100) of sheep, 13.8% (14/107) of cattle, and 12% (12/100) of buffalo milk samples. These findings indicate a substantial prevalence of both parasites in raw milk intended for human consumption in the region.

Conclusion

Given the potential viability of tachyzoites in unpasteurised milk and dairy products, consumption of raw milk may represent a significant risk factor for human infection with T. gondii and possibly N. caninum. Further comprehensive and systematic studies are needed to better characterize the public health risks associated with these parasites in raw milk and dairy products.

Hydatidosis is an infection caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus). The liver and lungs are the most commonly affected organs. However, ovarian hydatid cyst (OHC) is a relatively rare manifestation. Herein, we report a case of primary OHC in a 65-year-old woman. Additionally, upon review of reported OHC cases in Iran, a total of 13 cases have been documented in various studies, with our case being the second reported from Tehran. Most cases originated from different regions of Iran, except for the southwest and southeast, with an average patient age of 38 years. The predominant symptom was abdominal pain, and approximately 77% of the initial diagnoses were unclear. Notably, our patient represents the oldest reported case to date and presented with a right-sided OHC, a first reported in Iran. Gynecologists, radiologists, and pathologists should have a high degree of suspicion for hydatid cysts when evaluating septated cystic pelvic masses. To ensure accurate preoperative diagnosis, a combined approach using imaging, serologic tests, and clinical evaluation is recommended in endemic echinococcosis regions.

Purpose

Bovine piroplasmosis is a highly prevalent tick-borne disease caused by Theileria spp. and Babesia spp., which inflicts significant losses on the beef and dairy cattle industries globally. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bovine piroplasmosis in southern Xinjiang.

Methods

A total of 595 blood samples were collected from 10 farms of southern Xinjiang in February of 2023. Various genetic markers combined with PCR were utilized to identify the species of piroplasms. Based on the sequenced data, a phylogenetic tree was constructed by using MEGA11.

Results

The results indicated that 231 samples (38.82%) were positive for piroplasms, including 195 positive samples of Theileria annulata (32.77%), 33 positive samples of T. orientalis (5.55%), one positive sample of Babesia spp. (0.17%), and 2 positive samples of T. ovis (0.34%). Subsequently, a qPCR method was used to detect the distribution of buparvaquone-resistant strains of T. annulata. The results showed that 39.49% (77/195) of positive samples of T. annulata were detected to be resistant to buparvaquone. Three T. orientalis genotypes were identified: type 1 (Chitose), type 2 (Ikeda), and type 3 (Buffeli). The above results revealed that bovine piroplasmosis was widespread in this region, with the farm-level prevalence ranging from 24.2% to 50.5%.

Conclusion

This study confirms the prevalence of piroplasms in bovine blood samples from endemic regions of southern Xinjiang, and will provide scientific data for the prevention and control of bovine piroplasmosis, especially for T. annulata.