Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107915
Samuel Lima de Santana , Maria Alice Varjal de Melo Santos , André Maciel Netto , Érima Maria de Amorim , Maria Gislaine Pereira , Aleson Aparecido da Silva , Danubia Guimarães Silva , Jaziela de Arruda Mendonça , Míriam Silva Rafael , Claudia Rohde , Ademir Amaral , Edvane Borges da Silva
The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which uses ionizing radiation, is a promising approach for suppressing Aedes aegypti, a major vector of arboviruses. However, limited knowledge of the transgenerational effects of gamma radiation may compromise the long-term effectiveness of SIT programs. This study investigated the impact of gamma irradiation on male Ae. Aegypti, and its consequences for fecundity, fertility, and genotoxicity across three generations (F0, F1, and F2). Male pupae were irradiated with 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy and then mated with non-irradiated females. Fecundity and fertility were quantified for the parental and filial generations, and genotoxicity was assessed using the micronucleus assay in larval neuroblasts, adult male Malpighian tubules, and adult female oocytes. Radiation induced a dose-dependent reduction in fertility, reaching near-complete sterility (97.1%) at 50 Gy. Micronucleus formation confirmed genotoxic effects, particularly at 30 and 40 Gy, in both somatic and germline tissues. Heritable damage was evident in F1 and F2 generations, with sex-specific patterns suggesting differences in DNA damage repair and retention, providing new evidence that gamma radiation induces inheritable genomic instability in Ae. aegypti and confirming 50 Gy as an effective sterilizing threshold for SIT applications. The micronucleus assay proved to be a reliable and sensitive biomarker for detecting inherited genomic alterations, supporting its use in quality control and cytogenetic monitoring. These findings inform SIT dose optimization and long-term biosafety protocols.
{"title":"Transgenerational genotoxic effects of gamma radiation on Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): Implications for programs with the Sterile Insect Technique","authors":"Samuel Lima de Santana , Maria Alice Varjal de Melo Santos , André Maciel Netto , Érima Maria de Amorim , Maria Gislaine Pereira , Aleson Aparecido da Silva , Danubia Guimarães Silva , Jaziela de Arruda Mendonça , Míriam Silva Rafael , Claudia Rohde , Ademir Amaral , Edvane Borges da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT), which uses ionizing radiation, is a promising approach for suppressing <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, a major vector of arboviruses. However, limited knowledge of the transgenerational effects of gamma radiation may compromise the long-term effectiveness of SIT programs. This study investigated the impact of gamma irradiation on male <em>Ae. Aegypti</em>, and its consequences for fecundity, fertility, and genotoxicity across three generations (F0, F1, and F2). Male pupae were irradiated with 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy and then mated with non-irradiated females. Fecundity and fertility were quantified for the parental and filial generations, and genotoxicity was assessed using the micronucleus assay in larval neuroblasts, adult male Malpighian tubules, and adult female oocytes. Radiation induced a dose-dependent reduction in fertility, reaching near-complete sterility (97.1%) at 50 Gy. Micronucleus formation confirmed genotoxic effects, particularly at 30 and 40 Gy, in both somatic and germline tissues. Heritable damage was evident in F1 and F2 generations, with sex-specific patterns suggesting differences in DNA damage repair and retention, providing new evidence that gamma radiation induces inheritable genomic instability in <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and confirming 50 Gy as an effective sterilizing threshold for SIT applications. The micronucleus assay proved to be a reliable and sensitive biomarker for detecting inherited genomic alterations, supporting its use in quality control and cytogenetic monitoring. These findings inform SIT dose optimization and long-term biosafety protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107915"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145538589","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107914
Abdullah D Alanazi
Numerous studies have explored the effects of nanoparticles on Giardia lamblia under in vitro and in vivo conditions, yet the findings remain inconsistent and incomplete due to the limited use of animal models. Green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (GSCNP) have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, including Leishmania, Echinococcus, and Toxoplasma gondii. This study investigated the anti-giardial efficacy of GSCNP biosynthesized using Rumex vesicarius extract, alone and in combination with metronidazole (MZ), in a murine model of giardiasis. GSCNP were synthesized via a hydroalcoholic extract of R. vesicarius acting as a reducing and capping agent. Treatments with GSCNP (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), alone or combined with MZ (7.5 or 15 mg/kg), were assessed for cyst load, enzyme and electrolyte profiles, cytokine responses (IL-17, IFN-γ), secretory IgA, and apoptosis-related gene expression. Co-administration of GSCNP (20 mg/kg) with MNZ (7.5 mg/kg) significantly reduced cyst excretion (p < 0.05), achieving complete cyst elimination compared to MZ monotherapies (15 mg/kg = 12.3 cysts; 7.5 mg/kg = 39.6 cysts). This combination normalized serum Na (148.9 mEq/L), K (5.6 mEq/L), Cl (112.7 mEq/L), α-amylase (271.7 mU/mL), and lipase (5.8 mU/mL), while markedly elevating IL-17 (323.6 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (445.7 pg/mL) levels (p < 0.001). Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of BCL-2 (5.97-fold) and moderate increases in caspase-3 (1.09-fold) and BAX (1.04-fold). These findings demonstrate that GSCNP, particularly in combination with subtherapeutic MZ, enhances anti-giardial efficacy through immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting their potential as a novel adjunctive therapy for giardiasis.
{"title":"Combination therapy of green synthesized copper nanoparticle and metronidazole showed promising efficacy against Giardia lamblia infection","authors":"Abdullah D Alanazi","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107914","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107914","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Numerous studies have explored the effects of nanoparticles on <em>Giardia lamblia</em> under <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> conditions, yet the findings remain inconsistent and incomplete due to the limited use of animal models. Green-synthesized copper nanoparticles (GSCNP) have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, including <em>Leishmania, Echinococcus,</em> and <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>. This study investigated the anti-giardial efficacy of GSCNP biosynthesized using <em>Rumex vesicarius</em> extract, alone and in combination with metronidazole (MZ), in a murine model of giardiasis. GSCNP were synthesized via a hydroalcoholic extract of <em>R. vesicarius</em> acting as a reducing and capping agent. Treatments with GSCNP (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), alone or combined with MZ (7.5 or 15 mg/kg), were assessed for cyst load, enzyme and electrolyte profiles, cytokine responses (IL-17, IFN-γ), secretory IgA, and apoptosis-related gene expression. Co-administration of GSCNP (20 mg/kg) with MNZ (7.5 mg/kg) significantly reduced cyst excretion (<em>p</em> < 0.05), achieving complete cyst elimination compared to MZ monotherapies (15 mg/kg = 12.3 cysts; 7.5 mg/kg = 39.6 cysts). This combination normalized serum Na (148.9 mEq/L), K (5.6 mEq/L), Cl (112.7 mEq/L), α-amylase (271.7 mU/mL), and lipase (5.8 mU/mL), while markedly elevating IL-17 (323.6 pg/mL) and IFN-γ (445.7 pg/mL) levels (<em>p</em> < 0.001). Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of BCL-2 (5.97-fold) and moderate increases in caspase-3 (1.09-fold) and BAX (1.04-fold). These findings demonstrate that GSCNP, particularly in combination with subtherapeutic MZ, enhances anti-giardial efficacy through immunomodulatory and anti-apoptotic mechanisms, supporting their potential as a novel adjunctive therapy for giardiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107914"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145538545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-15DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107916
Sultan A. Al Qahtani , Nada M. Saleh , Razan S. Alsubaie , Raghad Almutairi , Osama Hamid , Lamyaa AM Elhassan , Amir Abushouk , Mohammed Seed Ahmed , Amre Nasr
Plasmodium falciparum remains a major public health challenge in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the influence of haemoglobin variants and ABO blood groups on malaria susceptibility, severity, and immune response among Saudi children. A total of 587 children were classified into malaria-free controls (MFC, n = 196), uncomplicated malaria (UM, n = 215), and severe malaria (SM, n = 176). Blood samples were analysed for P. falciparum infection, haemoglobin genotypes, ABO blood groups, and IgG levels using PCR, ELISA. The median age was 4 years for MFC and UM groups, and 5 years for SM. Blood group O predominated in MFC (49.5%), while blood group A was more frequent in UM (44.7%) and SM (41.5%). Carriers of the HbS allele had reduced odds ratio of SM versus MFC (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72, P = 0.002). HbC allele carriers showed even stronger protective associations against SM versus MFC and UM in both unadjusted and adjusted models (P < 0.01). Blood group A was associated with higher susceptibility but did not reach statistical significance. Antibody analysis revealed higher total IgG and IgG subclass (IgG1–IgG4) levels in UM cases compared to MFC and SM (P < 0.001), suggesting a more effective immune response in UM. Hb S and C variants offer significant protection against severe malaria and high parasitaemia. Blood group A may be linked to increased susceptibility. These findings underscore the role of host genetic factors in malaria severity and may guide future prevention strategies in endemic areas.
恶性疟原虫仍然是沙特阿拉伯吉赞地区的一项重大公共卫生挑战。本研究调查了血红蛋白变异和ABO血型对沙特儿童疟疾易感性、严重程度和免疫反应的影响。587例儿童分为无疟疾对照组（MFC, n = 196）、无并发症疟疾组（UM, n = 215）和重度疟疾组（SM, n = 176）。采用聚合酶链反应（PCR）、酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）对血样进行恶性疟原虫感染、血红蛋白基因型、ABO血型和IgG水平分析。MFC和UM组的中位年龄为4岁，SM组的中位年龄为5岁。MFC以O型血为主（49.5%），UM以A型血为主（44.7%），SM以41.5%。HbS等位基因携带者SM与MFC的比值比降低（OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.22-0.72， P=0.002）。在未调整和调整的模型中，HbC等位基因携带者对SM的保护作用比MFC和UM更强
{"title":"Distribution of HbS, HbC variants, ABO blood groups in relation to malaria infection among Saudi children in Jazan region","authors":"Sultan A. Al Qahtani , Nada M. Saleh , Razan S. Alsubaie , Raghad Almutairi , Osama Hamid , Lamyaa AM Elhassan , Amir Abushouk , Mohammed Seed Ahmed , Amre Nasr","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107916","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107916","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plasmodium falciparum remains a major public health challenge in the Jazan region, Saudi Arabia. This study investigated the influence of haemoglobin variants and ABO blood groups on malaria susceptibility, severity, and immune response among Saudi children. A total of 587 children were classified into malaria-free controls (MFC, <em>n</em> = 196), uncomplicated malaria (UM, <em>n</em> = 215), and severe malaria (SM, <em>n</em> = 176). Blood samples were analysed for P. falciparum infection, haemoglobin genotypes, ABO blood groups, and IgG levels using PCR, ELISA. The median age was 4 years for MFC and UM groups, and 5 years for SM. Blood group O predominated in MFC (49.5%), while blood group A was more frequent in UM (44.7%) and SM (41.5%). Carriers of the HbS allele had reduced odds ratio of SM versus MFC (OR=0.40, 95% CI: 0.22–0.72, <em>P</em> = 0.002). HbC allele carriers showed even stronger protective associations against SM versus MFC and UM in both unadjusted and adjusted models (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Blood group A was associated with higher susceptibility but did not reach statistical significance. Antibody analysis revealed higher total IgG and IgG subclass (IgG1–IgG4) levels in UM cases compared to MFC and SM (<em>P</em> < 0.001), suggesting a more effective immune response in UM. Hb S and C variants offer significant protection against severe malaria and high parasitaemia. Blood group A may be linked to increased susceptibility. These findings underscore the role of host genetic factors in malaria severity and may guide future prevention strategies in endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107916"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145538536","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-11DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107909
Dang Anh Tuan
Dengue poses a mounting public-health threat in climate-sensitive, rapidly urbanizing settings. We conducted a narrative review with systematic elements to synthesize advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for dengue forecasting and to appraise their operational relevance to Ba Ria–Vung Tau (BRVT), Vietnam. Structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010 to 15 Dec 2024, English; peer-reviewed only) identified 20 eligible studies. For transparency, we report PRISMA 2020 counts; no meta-analysis was performed because of heterogeneity in populations, outcomes, and metrics. Across the evidence base, models typically used climate and environmental covariates (temperature, rainfall, humidity; earth-observation indices) with lagged effects. Deep-learning architectures—particularly long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and convolutional neural networks (CNNs)—and hybrid pipelines often outperformed classical statistical baselines on held-out tests, though performance reporting (e.g., root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)) was inconsistent. External validation remained uncommon, uncertainty calibration was variably reported, and code/data availability was limited, constraining generalisability. Using BRVT as a worked example, we outline a practical pathway that prioritises aggregate, non-identifiable data feeds; temporal hold-out (and, where feasible, adjacent-province external validation); and lightweight, real-time forecasting components compatible with existing surveillance workflows. We recommend future studies (i) adopt stronger validation and reporting standards, (ii) quantify uncertainty for risk-based decisions, and (iii) couple technical innovation with feasibility considerations (cost, governance, infrastructure, workforce). This review offers a climate-aware roadmap for translating AI/ML forecasting into actionable dengue early warning in BRVT and similar at-risk provinces.
登革热对气候敏感、快速城市化的环境构成越来越大的公共卫生威胁。我们对人工智能（AI）和机器学习（ML）在登革热预测方面的进展进行了系统性回顾，并评估了它们与越南巴里亚-头顿（BRVT）的业务相关性。对PubMed、Scopus和Web of Science（2010年至2024年12月15日，英文，仅限同行评审）进行结构化搜索，确定了20项符合条件的研究。为了提高透明度，我们报告了PRISMA 2020计数；由于人群、结果和指标的异质性，没有进行meta分析。在整个证据基础上，模型通常使用具有滞后效应的气候和环境协变量（温度、降雨、湿度；地球观测指数）。深度学习架构——尤其是长短期记忆（LSTM）网络和卷积神经网络（cnn）——以及混合管道在持久化测试中的表现通常优于经典的统计基线，尽管性能报告（例如，均方根误差（RMSE）、平均绝对误差（MAE）、接收者工作特征曲线下面积（AUC））不一致。外部验证仍然不常见，不确定度校准的报告是可变的，代码/数据的可用性有限，限制了通用性。以BRVT为例，我们概述了一个实用的途径，优先考虑聚合的、不可识别的数据源；暂时保留（以及，在可行的情况下，邻省外部验证）；并且轻量级的实时预测组件与现有的监视工作流程兼容。我们建议未来的研究(i)采用更强的验证和报告标准，（ii）量化基于风险的决策的不确定性，以及（iii）将技术创新与可行性考虑（成本、治理、基础设施、劳动力）结合起来。本综述为将AI/ML预测转化为BRVT和类似风险省份可操作的登革热早期预警提供了气候意识路线图。
{"title":"Harnessing artificial intelligence for dengue forecasting in climate-vulnerable regions: A narrative review with insights from Ba Ria–Vung Tau, Vietnam","authors":"Dang Anh Tuan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107909","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107909","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dengue poses a mounting public-health threat in climate-sensitive, rapidly urbanizing settings. We conducted a narrative review with systematic elements to synthesize advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for dengue forecasting and to appraise their operational relevance to Ba Ria–Vung Tau (BRVT), Vietnam. Structured searches of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (2010 to 15 Dec 2024, English; peer-reviewed only) identified 20 eligible studies. For transparency, we report PRISMA 2020 counts; no meta-analysis was performed because of heterogeneity in populations, outcomes, and metrics. Across the evidence base, models typically used climate and environmental covariates (temperature, rainfall, humidity; earth-observation indices) with lagged effects. Deep-learning architectures—particularly long short-term memory (LSTM) networks and convolutional neural networks (CNNs)—and hybrid pipelines often outperformed classical statistical baselines on held-out tests, though performance reporting (e.g., root mean squared error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)) was inconsistent. External validation remained uncommon, uncertainty calibration was variably reported, and code/data availability was limited, constraining generalisability. Using BRVT as a worked example, we outline a practical pathway that prioritises aggregate, non-identifiable data feeds; temporal hold-out (and, where feasible, adjacent-province external validation); and lightweight, real-time forecasting components compatible with existing surveillance workflows. We recommend future studies (i) adopt stronger validation and reporting standards, (ii) quantify uncertainty for risk-based decisions, and (iii) couple technical innovation with feasibility considerations (cost, governance, infrastructure, workforce). This review offers a climate-aware roadmap for translating AI/ML forecasting into actionable dengue early warning in BRVT and similar at-risk provinces.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107909"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145511478","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107905
Julia J. Alavez-Chávez , Mariel Aguilar-Domínguez , Ana C. Montes De Oca-Aguilar , Carlos I. Miranda-Caballero , Estefania Grostieta , Jair Reyes-Hernández , Dora Romero-Salas , Ingeborg Becker , André Luiz Rodrigues Roque , Anabel Cruz-Romero , Sokani Sánchez-Montes
Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are among the most diverse groups of dipterans worldwide, yet their role as vectors remains poorly understood, particularly in Neotropics. Although only females are hematophagous, their feeding behavior facilitates the mechanical transmission of a broad wide spectrum of pathogens, including Trypanosoma species. Unfortunately, most contributions on the relationship of Tabanidae and trypanosomatids are scarce, and in the Neotropical region, are limited to South America. Despite Mexico’s high horsefly diversity, there are no prior reports documenting their involvement in Trypanosoma transmission. In this study, horseflies were collected from two localities (Sontecomapan and Los Candadillos) in Veracruz, Mexico, using Malaise and Manitoba traps. 65 horseflies representing 12 species were identified, eight individuals were found to be positive for Trypanosoma DNA, all of whom were collected from Sontecomapan. Of these, seven were identified as Diachlorus ferragatus and one as Tabanus oculus, representing new tabanids–Trypanosoma associations in the Neotropical region. Obtained sequences of Trypanosoma were edited using Sequencher v4, aligned using the algorithm Clustal W with MEGA v11.0.11, phylogenetic reconstruction was conducted in IQ-TREE, the delimitation of Trypanosoma species was based on the concept of Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units and it was revealed the presence of Trypanosoma theileri sensu lato in T. oculus and parasites from two distinct clades (suggestive of two novel lineages) in D. ferragatus: one formed a sister group to avian trypanosomes (T. corvi and T. culicavium) provisionally designated as Trypanosoma sp. “ferragatus”, and another clusters closely with Trypanosoma terrestris as Trypanosoma sp. “veracrucensis”. Genetic distance analysis further supported the distinctiveness of T. corvi/T. culicavium and T. terrestris. This study provides the first molecular evidence of trypanosomatids infection in horseflies from Mexico and the Mesoamerican region, as well as the presence of new species of Trypanosoma associated with these diptera, highlighting the underexplored diversity of these parasites and emphasizing the need for further investigation into the potential vector role of tabanids in Neotropical ecosystems.
{"title":"New findings of trypanosomatid species associated with horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) from Mexico","authors":"Julia J. Alavez-Chávez , Mariel Aguilar-Domínguez , Ana C. Montes De Oca-Aguilar , Carlos I. Miranda-Caballero , Estefania Grostieta , Jair Reyes-Hernández , Dora Romero-Salas , Ingeborg Becker , André Luiz Rodrigues Roque , Anabel Cruz-Romero , Sokani Sánchez-Montes","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107905","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107905","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae) are among the most diverse groups of dipterans worldwide, yet their role as vectors remains poorly understood, particularly in Neotropics. Although only females are hematophagous, their feeding behavior facilitates the mechanical transmission of a broad wide spectrum of pathogens, including <em>Trypanosoma</em> species. Unfortunately, most contributions on the relationship of Tabanidae and trypanosomatids are scarce, and in the Neotropical region, are limited to South America. Despite Mexico’s high horsefly diversity, there are no prior reports documenting their involvement in <em>Trypanosoma</em> transmission. In this study, horseflies were collected from two localities (Sontecomapan and Los Candadillos) in Veracruz, Mexico, using Malaise and Manitoba traps. 65 horseflies representing 12 species were identified, eight individuals were found to be positive for <em>Trypanosoma</em> DNA, all of whom were collected from Sontecomapan. Of these, seven were identified as <em>Diachlorus ferragatus</em> and one as <em>Tabanus oculus,</em> representing new tabanids–<em>Trypanosoma</em> associations in the Neotropical region. Obtained sequences of <em>Trypanosoma</em> were edited using Sequencher v4, aligned using the algorithm Clustal W with MEGA v11.0.11, phylogenetic reconstruction was conducted in IQ-TREE, the delimitation of <em>Trypanosom</em>a species was based on the concept of Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units and it was revealed the presence of <em>Trypanosoma theileri</em> sensu lato in <em>T. oculus</em> and parasites from two distinct clades (suggestive of two novel lineages) in <em>D. ferragatus</em>: one formed a sister group to avian trypanosomes (<em>T. corvi</em> and <em>T. culicavium</em>) provisionally designated as <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. <em>“ferragatus”</em>, and another clusters closely with <em>Trypanosoma terrestris</em> as <em>Trypanosoma</em> sp. <em>“veracrucensis”</em>. Genetic distance analysis further supported the distinctiveness of <em>T. corvi</em>/<em>T. culicavium</em> and <em>T. terrestris</em>. This study provides the first molecular evidence of trypanosomatids infection in horseflies from Mexico and the Mesoamerican region, as well as the presence of new species of <em>Trypanosoma</em> associated with these diptera, highlighting the underexplored diversity of these parasites and emphasizing the need for further investigation into the potential vector role of tabanids in Neotropical ecosystems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107905"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145501431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107907
Zhi Li , Yuan Han , Jun-long Liu , Xue-yong Zhang , Xiuying Shen , Zhi-hong Guo , Hong Yin , Hong Duo , Yong Fu
Ticks are the most versatile vectors, capable of harboring the broadest spectrum of pathogens, including Theileria and Babesia parasites, which pose a substantial threat to public health. Although the piroplasm infection in ticks and hosts are prevalent in China, the information for the genetic diversity of the pathogens transmitted by ticks is limited in Qinghai Province. We investigated piroplasm diversity in 445 ticks from four counties using nested PCR and phylogenetic analysis. The findings of identification for tick species showed the collected ticks belonged to two genera (Haemaphysalis and Dermacentor) and five species (Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, Hae. danieli, Dermacentor everestianus, D. nuttalli and D. silvarum); and total infection rate of piroplasm was 33.71 %, and the most prevalent species were Theileria equi (15.28 %), T. luwenshuni (7.87 %) and Babesia caballi (4.49 %). The results of polymorphism for the piroplasm carried by ticks indicated that T. equi exhibited lower haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity than B. caballi, T. uilenbergi, T. ovis and T. luwenshuni. The phylogenetic analysis showed T. uilenbergi, T. ovis, T. luwenshuni, Theileria sp. and Theileria sp. OT3 identified from different ticks were each clustered with the corresponding pathogens carried by various ticks and hosts from different regions. This study reveals high diversity of piroplasm identified in ticks from Qinghai, with several parasites firstly detected in some tick species, highlighting the expanding spectrum of tick-borne pathogens in this region.
蜱是最通用的媒介，能够携带最广泛的病原体，包括伊氏杆菌和巴贝斯虫寄生虫，它们对公共卫生构成重大威胁。虽然蜱虫和宿主的梨质感染在中国普遍存在，但青海省对蜱虫传播的病原体遗传多样性的了解有限。采用巢式PCR和系统发育分析的方法，对4个县445只蜱的梨质多样性进行了调查。蜱类鉴定结果显示，采集到的蜱属属2属（血蜱属和皮蜱属）和5种（青海血蜱属、海南血蜱属、海南血蜱属）。danieli, Dermacentor everestianus， D. nutalli和D. silvarum)；梨质总感染率为33.71%，主要流行种为马伊勒菌（15.28%）、鲁文顺尼T.（7.87%）和卡巴贝斯虫（4.49%）。蜱携带的梨质多态分析结果表明，equi T. equi的单倍型多样性和核苷酸多样性低于B. caballi、T. uilenbergi、T. ovis和T. luwenshuni。系统发育分析表明，从不同蜱中鉴定出的乌伦堡氏蜱、紫氏蜱、鲁文顺氏蜱、伊勒氏蜱和OT3伊勒氏蜱均聚集有不同蜱和不同地区宿主携带的病原。本研究发现，青海省蜱类病原多样性较高，在部分蜱种中首次检出几种寄生虫，表明该地区蜱传病原体的分布范围正在扩大。
{"title":"High diversity of piro plasm species carried by ticks from Qinghai, China","authors":"Zhi Li , Yuan Han , Jun-long Liu , Xue-yong Zhang , Xiuying Shen , Zhi-hong Guo , Hong Yin , Hong Duo , Yong Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107907","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107907","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are the most versatile vectors, capable of harboring the broadest spectrum of pathogens, including <em>Theileria</em> and <em>Babesia</em> parasites, which pose a substantial threat to public health. Although the piroplasm infection in ticks and hosts are prevalent in China, the information for the genetic diversity of the pathogens transmitted by ticks is limited in Qinghai Province. We investigated piroplasm diversity in 445 ticks from four counties using nested PCR and phylogenetic analysis. The findings of identification for tick species showed the collected ticks belonged to two genera (<em>Haemaphysalis</em> and <em>Dermacentor</em>) and five species (<em>Haemaphysalis qinghaiensis, Hae. danieli, Dermacentor everestianus, D. nuttalli</em> and <em>D. silvarum</em>); and total infection rate of piroplasm was 33.71 %, and the most prevalent species were <em>Theileria equi</em> (15.28 %), <em>T. luwenshuni</em> (7.87 %) and <em>Babesia caballi</em> (4.49 %). The results of polymorphism for the piroplasm carried by ticks indicated that <em>T. equi</em> exhibited lower haplotype diversity and nucleotide diversity than <em>B. caballi, T. uilenbergi, T. ovis</em> and <em>T. luwenshuni</em>. The phylogenetic analysis showed <em>T. uilenbergi, T. ovis, T. luwenshuni, Theileria</em> sp. and <em>Theileria</em> sp. <em>OT3</em> identified from different ticks were each clustered with the corresponding pathogens carried by various ticks and hosts from different regions. This study reveals high diversity of piroplasm identified in ticks from Qinghai, with several parasites firstly detected in some tick species, highlighting the expanding spectrum of tick-borne pathogens in this region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107907"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145501433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107904
Kim Oanh Nguyễn , Jung-Mi Kang , Tuấn Cường Võ , Hương Giang Lê , Seemab Akhtar , Thu Hằng Nguyễn , Đăng Thùy Dương Nguyễn , Minkyoung Cho , Sahib Gul Afridi , Byoung-Kuk Na
The merozoite surface protein-3α of Plasmodium vivax (PvMSP-3α) is a promising vaccine candidate attributed to its important biological role and immunogenicity. The heterogeneity of pvmsp-3α in P. vivax populations underscore the importance of understanding the genetic diversity of this vaccine candidate in clinical isolates. In this study, we analyzed the genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of the pvmsp-3α in Pakistani P. vivax isolates. Blood samples collected from P. vivax-infected patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. The pvmsp-3α was amplified in 129 Pakistani P. vivax isolates, cloned, and sequenced. The genetic diversity and natural selection of pvmsp-3α in Pakistan and other geographical areas were comparatively analyzed. Pakistani pvmsp-3α exhibited genetic diversity. Size polymorphisms in block I and amino acid changes and recombination events in block II were the main factors generating genetic diversity in Pakistani pvmsp-3α. Comparative analysis of Pakistani pvmsp-3α with pvmsp-3α populations from other geographically different countries revealed that Pakistani pvmsp-3α showed the highest genetic diversity. Genetic differentiations and distinct natural selection trends were identified between and among Pakistani and other pvmsp-3α populations. Haplotype network analysis indicated substantial genetic heterogeneity in the gene in global P. vivax populations. This study expands the knowledge of genetic polymorphisms and evolutionary trends in the Pakistani pvmsp-3α population, providing valuable insight for understanding the genetic nature of the gene in global P. vivax populations.
{"title":"Genetic polymorphisms of merozoite surface protein-3α in Plasmodium vivax isolates from Pakistan","authors":"Kim Oanh Nguyễn , Jung-Mi Kang , Tuấn Cường Võ , Hương Giang Lê , Seemab Akhtar , Thu Hằng Nguyễn , Đăng Thùy Dương Nguyễn , Minkyoung Cho , Sahib Gul Afridi , Byoung-Kuk Na","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107904","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107904","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The merozoite surface protein-3α of <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> (PvMSP-3α) is a promising vaccine candidate attributed to its important biological role and immunogenicity. The heterogeneity of <em>pvmsp-3α</em> in <em>P. vivax</em> populations underscore the importance of understanding the genetic diversity of this vaccine candidate in clinical isolates. In this study, we analyzed the genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of the <em>pvmsp-3α</em> in Pakistani <em>P. vivax</em> isolates. Blood samples collected from <em>P. vivax</em>-infected patients in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, between 2020 and 2021 were analyzed. The <em>pvmsp-3α</em> was amplified in 129 Pakistani <em>P. vivax</em> isolates, cloned, and sequenced. The genetic diversity and natural selection of <em>pvmsp-3α</em> in Pakistan and other geographical areas were comparatively analyzed. Pakistani <em>pvmsp-3α</em> exhibited genetic diversity. Size polymorphisms in block I and amino acid changes and recombination events in block II were the main factors generating genetic diversity in Pakistani <em>pvmsp-3α</em>. Comparative analysis of Pakistani <em>pvmsp-3α</em> with <em>pvmsp-3α</em> populations from other geographically different countries revealed that Pakistani <em>pvmsp-3α</em> showed the highest genetic diversity. Genetic differentiations and distinct natural selection trends were identified between and among Pakistani and other <em>pvmsp-3α</em> populations. Haplotype network analysis indicated substantial genetic heterogeneity in the gene in global <em>P. vivax</em> populations. This study expands the knowledge of genetic polymorphisms and evolutionary trends in the Pakistani <em>pvmsp-3α</em> population, providing valuable insight for understanding the genetic nature of the gene in global <em>P. vivax</em> populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107904"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145487370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107899
Jasmine Coppens , Anke Stoefs , Jolien Baeyens , Hanne Rasson , Leo Heyndrickx , Jacob Verschueren , Bart K.M. Jacobs , Isra Deblauwe , Kevin K. Ariën , Marjan Van Esbroeck
This study investigated the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks collected in Belgium between 2018 and 2024, as well as the occurrence of Rickettsia spp. in ticks sampled in 2024. A total of 3739 ticks from 17 locations, of which 16 in Flanders and 1 in Wallonia, were collected from vegetation and tested in 510 pools for TBEV by RT-PCR. Sampling locations were selected based on potential exposure risk, including proximity to human TBE cases, evidence of TBEV antibodies in animals, or near the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. No TBEV RNA was detected in this collection. The 2432 ticks collected in 2024, were tested in 324 pools for Rickettsia spp. by PCR. Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae were found in half of the pools, corresponding to an estimated prevalence of 10 %. Rickettsia helvetica was the predominant species, with an estimated prevalence of 8 %, while two pools (1.26 %) tested positive for R. felis. These results contribute to the understanding of tick-borne disease epidemiology in Belgium. Continuous monitoring is recommended to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on Belgian tick populations and pathogen circulation.
{"title":"In search for tick-borne encephalitis virus and Rickettsia in Belgian Ixodes ricinus ticks: Evidence of rickettsia felis","authors":"Jasmine Coppens , Anke Stoefs , Jolien Baeyens , Hanne Rasson , Leo Heyndrickx , Jacob Verschueren , Bart K.M. Jacobs , Isra Deblauwe , Kevin K. Ariën , Marjan Van Esbroeck","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study investigated the presence of tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) in ticks collected in Belgium between 2018 and 2024, as well as the occurrence of <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. in ticks sampled in 2024. A total of 3739 ticks from 17 locations, of which 16 in Flanders and 1 in Wallonia, were collected from vegetation and tested in 510 pools for TBEV by RT-PCR. Sampling locations were selected based on potential exposure risk, including proximity to human TBE cases, evidence of TBEV antibodies in animals, or near the border between Belgium and the Netherlands. No TBEV RNA was detected in this collection. The 2432 ticks collected in 2024, were tested in 324 pools for <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. by PCR. Spotted Fever Group (SFG) rickettsiae were found in half of the pools, corresponding to an estimated prevalence of 10 %. <em>Rickettsia helvetica</em> was the predominant species, with an estimated prevalence of 8 %, while two pools (1.26 %) tested positive for <em>R. felis</em>. These results contribute to the understanding of tick-borne disease epidemiology in Belgium. Continuous monitoring is recommended to evaluate the impact of environmental changes on Belgian tick populations and pathogen circulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107899"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145487330","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-08DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107906
Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda , Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji , Li Li , Ibikunle Mark Akanbi , Georgina Nijideka Odaibo , Bernard Anyebe Onoja , Li-Qun Wang , Guo-Dong Dai , Wei-Gang Chen , Yao-Dong Wu , Sayed Ajmal Qurishi , Hafiz Muhammad Hamza Rasool , Ke-Ke Wu , Yi-Xuan Wu , Hong Yin , Wan-Zhong Jia , Bao-Quan Fu , Xue-Nong Luo , Hong-Bin Yan
Taenia hydatigena is a globally distributed cestode of veterinary importance that infects canids (definitive hosts) and ungulate livestock (intermediate hosts). Although non-zoonotic, its transmission ecology overlaps with zoonotic taeniids, making surveillance relevant within a One Health framework. Its epidemiology and genetic diversity remain poorly understood in West Africa. Nigeria, with its large and mobile livestock populations, provides a critical setting for investigating parasite transmission and phylogeographic dynamics. We conducted a large-scale abattoir survey of small ruminants (goats and sheep) across four major Nigerian states to assess infection prevalence, organ tropism, and demographic correlates. T. hydatigena cysticerci were characterized using full-length mitochondrial nad1 and nad4 genes, as well as concatenated nad1–nad4 datasets. Sequence diversity, haplotype structure, and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed in comparison with global T. hydatigena isolates. Among 1726 small ruminants examined, 8.9% (153/1726) were infected, with infection biased toward adult animals and cysts predominantly localized in mesenteric and omental tissues. Mitochondrial analyses revealed high haplotype richness, with nad4 showing greater variability than nad1, and concatenated sequences providing superior phylogenetic resolution. Nigerian isolates clustered both locally and globally, indicating long-standing endemicity reinforced by porous livestock trade networks. Unique regional haplotypes highlighted West Africa’s contribution to global T. hydatigena diversity. This study provides the most comprehensive molecular epidemiological assessment of T. hydatigena in Nigeria to date, underscoring an endemic, economically important burden and the need for integrated One Health interventions targeting the dog–livestock transmission cycle.
{"title":"Epizootiology and mitochondrial genetic diversity of Taenia hydatigena in Nigerian small ruminants: Implications for one health control","authors":"Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda , Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji , Li Li , Ibikunle Mark Akanbi , Georgina Nijideka Odaibo , Bernard Anyebe Onoja , Li-Qun Wang , Guo-Dong Dai , Wei-Gang Chen , Yao-Dong Wu , Sayed Ajmal Qurishi , Hafiz Muhammad Hamza Rasool , Ke-Ke Wu , Yi-Xuan Wu , Hong Yin , Wan-Zhong Jia , Bao-Quan Fu , Xue-Nong Luo , Hong-Bin Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107906","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107906","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Taenia hydatigena</em> is a globally distributed cestode of veterinary importance that infects canids (definitive hosts) and ungulate livestock (intermediate hosts). Although non-zoonotic, its transmission ecology overlaps with zoonotic taeniids, making surveillance relevant within a One Health framework. Its epidemiology and genetic diversity remain poorly understood in West Africa. Nigeria, with its large and mobile livestock populations, provides a critical setting for investigating parasite transmission and phylogeographic dynamics. We conducted a large-scale abattoir survey of small ruminants (goats and sheep) across four major Nigerian states to assess infection prevalence, organ tropism, and demographic correlates. <em>T. hydatigena</em> cysticerci were characterized using full-length mitochondrial nad1 and nad4 genes, as well as concatenated nad1–nad4 datasets. Sequence diversity, haplotype structure, and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed in comparison with global <em>T. hydatigena</em> isolates. Among 1726 small ruminants examined, 8.9% (153/1726) were infected, with infection biased toward adult animals and cysts predominantly localized in mesenteric and omental tissues. Mitochondrial analyses revealed high haplotype richness, with <em>nad4</em> showing greater variability than <em>nad1</em>, and concatenated sequences providing superior phylogenetic resolution. Nigerian isolates clustered both locally and globally, indicating long-standing endemicity reinforced by porous livestock trade networks. Unique regional haplotypes highlighted West Africa’s contribution to global <em>T</em>. hydatigena diversity. This study provides the most comprehensive molecular epidemiological assessment of <em>T</em>. hydatigena in Nigeria to date, underscoring an endemic, economically important burden and the need for integrated One Health interventions targeting the dog–livestock transmission cycle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107906"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145487419","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-07DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107902
Safaa Ibrahim Khedr , Mervat Z. El Azzouni , Rasha Abdelmawla Ghazala , Ann Morris Mikhail , Israa Sobhy Okap , Fadwa M. Arafa
Schistosomiasis mansoni remains one of the most significant public health concerns, with a high economic burden in many endemic countries. Although praziquantel treatment represents a fundamental pillar of its control strategy, yet, the global prevalence remains elevated. The inadequacy of the commercially available diagnostic techniques that detect early cases and low intensity infections could be the reason. Searching for an adequate diagnostic technique, the ongoing study casted the light on microRNAs as promising biomarkers for Schistosoma mansoni diagnosis, by measuring the serum levels of the host-derived mmu-miR-214-3p and the parasite-derived sma-bantam-5p in mice infected with the Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni. The serum expression patterns of the tested microRNAs were assessed in mice infected with 50 or 80 Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and were correlated with the corresponding hepatic and intestinal tissue egg count, inflammation grading, granuloma number and size, before and after praziquantel treatment. Results showed that serum miR-214-3p was significantly upregulated as early as the 4th week post-infection, even with low intensity infection. This upregulation continued as the disease progressed. As for sma-bantam-5p, it was detected starting from the 8th week post-infection, particularly with high intensity infection. Interestingly, the expression levels of both miRNAs were significantly reduced following treatment. This study uncovers new insights into the role of miR-214 and sma-bantam, especially if combined together, in detecting early cases, assessing the infection intensity, monitoring disease pathology and response to praziquantel treatment of the Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni that have not documented in an earlier work.
{"title":"First insight into the role of the host-derived mmu-mir-214 and the parasite-derived sma-bantam as biomarkers of the Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni infection before and after praziquantel treatment","authors":"Safaa Ibrahim Khedr , Mervat Z. El Azzouni , Rasha Abdelmawla Ghazala , Ann Morris Mikhail , Israa Sobhy Okap , Fadwa M. Arafa","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107902","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107902","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schistosomiasis <em>mansoni</em> remains one of the most significant public health concerns, with a high economic burden in many endemic countries. Although praziquantel treatment represents a fundamental pillar of its control strategy, yet, the global prevalence remains elevated. The inadequacy of the commercially available diagnostic techniques that detect early cases and low intensity infections could be the reason. Searching for an adequate diagnostic technique, the ongoing study casted the light on microRNAs as promising biomarkers for <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> diagnosis, by measuring the serum levels of the host-derived mmu-miR-214-3p and the parasite-derived sma-bantam-5p in mice infected with the Egyptian strain of <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em>. The serum expression patterns of the tested microRNAs were assessed in mice infected with 50 or 80 <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> cercariae, using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and were correlated with the corresponding hepatic and intestinal tissue egg count, inflammation grading, granuloma number and size, before and after praziquantel treatment. Results showed that serum miR-214-3p was significantly upregulated as early as the 4th week post-infection, even with low intensity infection. This upregulation continued as the disease progressed. As for sma-bantam-5p, it was detected starting from the 8th week post-infection, particularly with high intensity infection. Interestingly, the expression levels of both miRNAs were significantly reduced following treatment. This study uncovers new insights into the role of miR-214 and sma-bantam, especially if combined together, in detecting early cases, assessing the infection intensity, monitoring disease pathology and response to praziquantel treatment of the Egyptian strain of <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> that have not documented in an earlier work.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"272 ","pages":"Article 107902"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-11-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145480503","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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