Acta tropica最新文献

{"title":"Fauna of simuliids (Diptera: Simuliidae) of the Tormes River hydrographic basin in central-western Spain and their responses to abiotic factors in their habitats","authors":"David López-Peña ,&nbsp;Manuel Salvador Portillo-Rubio ,&nbsp;Eduardo Moisés García-Roger ,&nbsp;Álvaro Lis-Cantín ,&nbsp;José Vicente Falcó-Garí","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Delving into knowing the blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) species composition of Spain and their ecological requirements is crucial, due to their instrumental role in natural food webs as intermediaries in the flow of energy in aquatic ecosystems, and because of the haematophagic behaviour displayed by females of several species. The present study has analysed the abundance and distribution of the larvae and pupae of blackfly species in 105 sampling stations located in lotic water bodies of the provinces of Ávila, Salamanca, and Zamora of the Tormes River basin. The study has allowed to identify 24 species: 17 from Ávila, 13 from Salamanca, and seven from Zamora, classified in three genera (<em>Metacnephia, Prosimulium</em>, and <em>Simulium</em>), and five subgenera (<em>Boophthora, Eusimulium, Nevermannia, Simulium, Wilhelmia</em>). The results include four first records for Ávila province: <em>Simulium</em> (<em>Nevermannia</em>) <em>armoricanum</em> <span><span>Doby &amp; David, 1961</span></span>, <em>Simulium</em> (<em>Nevermannia</em>) <em>cryophilum</em> (Rubtsov, 1959), <em>Simulium</em> (<em>Nevermannia</em>) <em>naturale</em> Davies, 1966, and <em>Simulium</em> (<em>Simulium</em>) <em>variegatum</em> <span><span>Meigen, 1818</span></span>. Among them, <em>S. armoricanum</em> shows the widest elevational range (900-1650 m a.s.l.), <em>S. naturale</em> shows the widest water temperature range (6-15 °C), and <em>S. cryophilum</em> stands out for inhabiting very fast waters. Blackfly communities were best discriminated by elevation and temperature. Our analyses allowed us to estimate the optima and tolerance ranges of the described species, with <em>S. argygreatum, S. reptans, P. latimucro</em> and <em>P. tomosvaryi</em> standing out for their preference for altitudes above 1000 m a.s.l., although with wide tolerance ranges. In terms of temperature, these two <em>Prosimulium</em> species were best represented at the coldest waters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107516"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142906258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of acaricides and their resistance mechanisms in hard ticks and control alternatives with synergistic agents","authors":"Jose Felix Rojas-Cabeza ,&nbsp;Elena N. Moreno-Cordova ,&nbsp;Jesus Fernando Ayala-Zavala ,&nbsp;Adrian Ochoa-Teran ,&nbsp;Daniel E. Sonenshine ,&nbsp;Jesus G. Valenzuela ,&nbsp;Rogerio R. Sotelo-Mundo","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are significant ectoparasites that transmit a variety of pathogens, leading to serious human and animal diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and many others. The emergence of acaricide resistance in hard ticks presents a formidable challenge for public health and livestock management, exacerbated by the increasing incidence of tick-borne diseases and associated economic losses, estimated at $20 billion annually in the livestock sector alone. This review examines the mechanisms underlying acaricide resistance, focusing on genetic mutations, metabolic detoxification processes, and behavioral adaptations in tick populations. We detail the role of commercial acaricides in tick control while emphasizing the adverse effects of their overuse, which contributes to the development of resistant strains. Innovative control strategies are explored, including using pesticide synergists that enhance the efficacy of existing acaricides by targeting the tick's phosphagen system. Additionally, this review highlights the importance of understanding the synergistic interactions between various control methods, including non-chemical approaches such as personal protection measures and landscape management. The review concludes by underscoring the urgent need for novel acaricides with new modes of action and implementing regular monitoring practices to combat acaricide resistance effectively. Addressing these challenges is vital for the sustainable management of tick populations and protecting public health and livestock productivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107519"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142919058","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}

{"title":"ToRCH pathogens-induced histopathological changes in placental tissues and associated post obstetric complications","authors":"Maryam Naseem ,&nbsp;Sanaullah Khan ,&nbsp;Dalal Sulaiman Alshaya ,&nbsp;Tawaf Ali Shah ,&nbsp;Sarwat Noreen ,&nbsp;Faiz Ur Rehman ,&nbsp;Kotab A. Attia ,&nbsp;Nuzhat Sultana","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107466","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Maternal infections caused by the ToRCH complex, comprising &lt;em&gt;Toxoplasma gondii&lt;/em&gt; (&lt;em&gt;T.gondii&lt;/em&gt;), Rubella Virus (RV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), are significant contributors to Bad Obstetric History (BOH). These infections can vertically transmit through the placental barrier, leading to complications in fetal development. This study investigates the histopathological changes induced by ToRCH pathogens in placental tissues and their association with post-obstetric complications in Pakistani women.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methodology&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 83 women were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: the Experimental group and the Control group. The Experimental group consisted of women with BOH and was further subdivided into two categories: Group A and Group B. Group A comprised women who experienced a recent miscarriage at the time of sample collection, while Group B consisted of women who gave birth normally at the time of sample collection. In contrast, the Control group included women with normal delivery and a normal obstetric history. To investigate ToRCH infections, venous blood samples were analyzed for ToRCH antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Additionally, small pieces of placental tissue collected after miscarriage or delivery were subjected to nucleic acid (NA) detection by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using ToRCH pathogen-specific primers. Histopathological examination of placental tissue was also performed to identify microscopic changes. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages) and chi-square tests to determine significant associations.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The study revealed an overall seroprevalence of ToRCH pathogens of 57.83 % in the study population, with 53.01 % detected in the Experimental group and 4.81 % in the Control group. In the Experimental group, IgM and IgG antibodies were detected in 14.45 % and 37.34 % of participants, respectively, with 1.20 % testing positive for both. Notably, the Control group showed no IgM positivity, while IgG was detected in 4.81 %. Nucleic acid (NA) detection revealed ToRCH pathogens in 54.21 % of placental tissues from the Experimental group only. Specifically, antibodies for &lt;em&gt;T.gondii&lt;/em&gt; and RV were most prevalent (19.27 % each), while NA detection was highest for RV, CMV, and HSV (14.45 % each). In contrast, the Control group showed minimal antibody detection, with only 2.40 % positivity for &lt;em&gt;T.gondii&lt;/em&gt; and CMV each. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in ToRCH infection (antibodies and NA) between study groups for CMV only (&lt;em&gt;p&lt;/em&gt; &gt; 0.05). Discrepancies between ToRCH antibodies and NA positivity were observed in 75.90 % of cases, with 71.08 % occurring in the Experimental group and 4.81 % in the Control group. Histopathological examination revealed chorionic villitis (CV) in 16.86 %","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142870970","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}

{"title":"Theranostics in the management of Acanthamoeba infections","authors":"Ruqaiyyah Siddiqui ,&nbsp;David Lloyd ,&nbsp;Naveed Ahmed Khan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107494","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107494"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142794349","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}

{"title":"ICOSL deficiency promotes M1 polarization to alleviate liver fibrosis in schistosomiasis mice","authors":"Lei Liu ,&nbsp;Peng Wang ,&nbsp;Shi-Qi Xie ,&nbsp;Wen-Jie Pu ,&nbsp;Jing Xu ,&nbsp;Chao-Ming Xia","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The expression of inducible co-stimulator ligand (ICOSL) on macrophage (Mφ) implies their ability to interact with inducible co-stimulator (ICOS)-expressing T cells, thereby modulating immune responses within the liver microenvironment. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying ICOS/ICOSL signaling in the regulation of Mφ polarization during Schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis. To investigate this, ICOSL-knock out (KO) and wildtype (WT) C57BL/6 mice were infected with <em>Schistosoma japonicum</em> (<em>S. japonicum</em>) to examine the dynamic changes in Mφ phenotype and observe the pathology alterations in the liver. There was significantly decreased expression of <em>ICOSL</em> both in monocytes of cirrhosis patients and the liver tissue of mice infected with <em>S. japonicum</em>. Furthermore, ICOSL-KO mice exhibited reduced liver granuloma formation and fibrosis during <em>S. japonicum</em> infection. Simultaneously, Mφ in ICOSL-KO mice polarized towards M1-type and induced apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Overall, the blockade of ICOSL signaling could promote M1 polarization, induce HSCs apoptosis, and ameliorate hepatic fibrosis, suggesting that ICOSL may serve as a potential biomarker for prognosis and therapeutic target for schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142708860","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}

{"title":"Integrated surveillance for Oropouche Virus: Molecular evidence of potential urban vectors during an outbreak in the Brazilian Amazon","authors":"Luiz Henrique Maciel Feitoza ,&nbsp;Nadson Willian Felipe Gasparelo ,&nbsp;Anne Caroline Alves Meireles ,&nbsp;Flávia Geovana Fontineles Rios ,&nbsp;Karolaine Santos Teixeira ,&nbsp;Michelli Santos da Silva ,&nbsp;Matheus de Araújo Paz ,&nbsp;Tárcio Peixoto Roca ,&nbsp;Hillquias Monteiro Moreira ,&nbsp;Kamila Pereira de França ,&nbsp;Deusilene Souza Vieira Dall'Acqua ,&nbsp;Genimar Rebouças Julião ,&nbsp;Jansen Fernandes de Medeiros","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Oropouche Virus (OROV) has <em>Culicoides paraensis</em> as its main vector in the urban cycle. Diagnoses of acute febrile cases and entomological collections were performed between January and April 2024 in the urban setting of Porto Velho, a city located in the western Brazilian Amazon. A total of 904 human samples were evaluated using RT-qPCR, of which 328 were positive for OROV. In addition, 3,950 insects were captured and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> was the most abundant and predominant species. Seven mosquito samples showed amplification for OROV from pools of <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus, Limatus durhamii</em> and <em>Aedes albopictus</em>. Due to the first record of OROV in the two latter species, our findings can support new hypotheses about potential or bridge vectors. In turn, the high density of <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> reinforces the supposition of this species as the main urban vector in the Amazon in the absence of <em>C. paraensis</em>. Complementary studies of vector competence and capacity are necessary for confirmation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107487"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142765446","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}

{"title":"Corrigendum to:“Molecular characteristics of Echinococcus multilocularis FABP1 and its regulatory functions on murine macrophages” [Acta Tropica, volume 255, article number 107247]","authors":"Xiang Li,&nbsp;Peng Liao,&nbsp;Wenjing Zhou,&nbsp;Xinqi Yang,&nbsp;Bin Ye","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107495","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107495"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142871055","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}

{"title":"Immature survival and female longevity of Aedes aegypti under natural winter conditions in the temperate region of Argentina","authors":"Cristian M. Di Battista ,&nbsp;Raúl E. Campos ,&nbsp;Sylvia Fischer","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107507","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107507","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The performance of <em>Aedes aegypti</em> was evaluated under natural winter nutritional and thermal conditions in the temperate region of Argentina. Immature stages were reared using leaf litter as a food source. The rearing was structured in three cohorts, the first started in late-fall, the second in early-winter and the last in mid-winter, and in each cohort two treatments were arranged according to solar exposure (sun and shade). The mean monthly temperature during the experiment ranged from 10.1 °C in July to 14.3 °C in the early days of October. Survival in the experiment was low (average 16.2 %), with a maximum (33 %) in mid-winter cohort. Development time from first instar larva to adult emergence varied between 24 and 103 days, was affected by cohort, treatment and their interaction, and showed an inverse relationship with temperature, particularly in the sun treatment. Individuals from the sun treatments of mid-winter and late-fall cohorts had shorter development times. Adult longevity was very low and was only affected by sex, being higher in females (4.5 days) than in males (3.1 days). The results of this work suggest that although immature stages may complete their development and reach the adult stage during the winter in temperate Argentina, females may not survive long enough to reproduce successfully.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107507"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142845579","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}

{"title":"Amblyomma kappa sp. n. (Acari: Ixodidae), a new species of reptile tick from subtropical East Asia closely related to the Oriental turtle tick (Amblyomma geoemydae) from tropical Southeast Asia","authors":"Mackenzie L. Kwak ,&nbsp;Yongjin Qiu ,&nbsp;Allen C.G. Heath ,&nbsp;Ai Takano ,&nbsp;Mamoru Takahashi ,&nbsp;Samuel Kelava ,&nbsp;Hisao Tamura ,&nbsp;Yurie Taya ,&nbsp;Ryo Nakao","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The correct delineation of tick species is critical for efforts aimed at safeguarding One Health. Historically, the Asian turtle tick (<em>Amblyomma geoemydae</em> sensu lato) has been regarded as a geographically widespread species across much of Asia. However, based on morphological and phylogenomic data, the subtropical lineage (from Japan, Taiwan, and parts of China) of <em>A. geoemydae</em> is recognised as a new species: <em>Amblyomma kappa</em> sp. n., and all life stages are described. The tropical lineage of <em>A. geoemydae</em> sensu stricto is recharacterized and a differential diagnosis is provided to distinguish the two species. The ecology, host associations, and medical importance of <em>A. kappa</em> are also discussed.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142845578","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}

{"title":"Protective humoral immunity induced by virus-like particles expressing Toxoplasma gondii CST1 or MIC8","authors":"Jie Mao ,&nbsp;Gi-Deok Eom ,&nbsp;Keon-Woong Yoon ,&nbsp;Su In Heo ,&nbsp;Hae-Ji Kang ,&nbsp;Ki Back Chu ,&nbsp;Eun-Kyung Moon ,&nbsp;Fu-Shi Quan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107501","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107501","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Protective efficacy assessment of toxoplasmosis vaccines, at least at the preclinical level, frequently involves lethal dose challenge infection. Nonetheless, their efficacies remain largely unexplored against low infection doses which better reflects how humans become infected in the real world. In this study, we compared the immunity elicited in mice that were heterologously immunized with recombinant baculovirus and virus-like particles expressing either the cyst wall protein (CST1) or microneme protein 8 (MIC8) of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>). We also investigated how these vaccines fared against both light and heavy infection intensities of <em>T. gondii</em> ME49. Interestingly, under light infection intensity, vaccines expressing CST1 induced significantly higher mucosal antibody responses than MIC8. Germinal center B (GC B) cell responses were elicited to a greater extent following immunization with either antigen, regardless of the infection dose. Similarly, both antigens suppressed IFN-γ production in the brains upon heavy infection. The overall vaccine-induced protection was also similar for the two vaccine antigens under heavy infection. However, in lightly infected mice, CST1 conferred improved GC B cell induction and further inhibited IFN-γ and cyst burden than those elicited by MIC8, thereby contributing to better protection. These findings indicated that light infection could be used to identify optimal vaccine candidates, thus highlighting the impact of infection intensity in vaccine efficacy evaluations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"261 ","pages":"Article 107501"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142852013","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}