Sand flies are principal vectors of Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Identifying precise vector species is crucial for effective control. We conducted a study on the species distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling in four southern provinces of Thailand. In this study, we collected 621 sand flies (346 females and 275 males) and identified all specimens based on morphology and DNA barcoding, employing cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and cytochrome b (cytb) genes. In female specimens, we also screened the small subunit 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene for Leishmania spp. and Trypanosoma spp. Morphologically, 467 (75.2%) sand flies were identified to species level, 47 (7.57%) to subgenus level, and 107 (17.23%) to genus level. These included Idiophlebotomus asperulus (43.48%), Sergentomyia khawi (26.73%), S. anodontis (2.25%), S. brevicaulis (2.25%), Grassomyia indica (0.48%), Phlebotomus (Euphlebotomus) spp. (4.83%), Phlebotomus (Lewisius) spp. (2.74%), Sergentomyia spp. (9.18%), and Phlebotomus spp. (8.05%). Among the 107 specimens identified to genus level, DNA barcoding further identified 49 (45.79%) as Sergentomyia barraudi (1.61%), S. bailyi (0.16%), Phlebotomus kiangsuensis (2.9%), and Ph. stantoni (1.61%). No Leishmania DNA was detected, but Trypanosoma DNA was found in females of S. khawi from Narathiwat Province. Expanding genetic reference databases of sand flies located in four provinces of southern Thailand will improve barcoding accuracy. Understanding sand fly species composition and distribution is imperative for vector control and disease prevention in Thailand.
{"title":"Species distribution and screening of Trypanosoma DNA in phlebotomine sand flies from four southern provinces of Thailand","authors":"Nantatchaporn Klaiklueng , Rawadee Kumlert , Sopavadee Moonmake , Toon Ruang-areerate , Padet Siriyasatien , Sakone Sunantaraporn , Darawan Wanachiwanawin , Pichet Ruenchit , Sirichit Wongkamchai","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sand flies are principal vectors of <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. Identifying precise vector species is crucial for effective control. We conducted a study on the species distribution of phlebotomine sand flies in cave-dwelling and non-cave-dwelling in four southern provinces of Thailand. In this study, we collected 621 sand flies (346 females and 275 males) and identified all specimens based on morphology and DNA barcoding, employing cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 (<em>cox</em>1) and cytochrome <em>b</em> (<em>cytb</em>) genes. In female specimens, we also screened the small subunit 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. Morphologically, 467 (75.2%) sand flies were identified to species level, 47 (7.57%) to subgenus level, and 107 (17.23%) to genus level. These included <em>Idiophlebotomus asperulus</em> (43.48%), <em>Sergentomyia khawi</em> (26.73%), <em>S. anodontis</em> (2.25%), <em>S. brevicaulis</em> (2.25%), <em>Grassomyia indica</em> (0.48%), <em>Phlebotomus</em> (<em>Euphlebotomus</em>) spp. (4.83%), <em>Phlebotomus</em> (<em>Lewisius</em>) spp. (2.74%), <em>Sergentomyia</em> spp. (9.18%), and <em>Phlebotomus</em> spp. (8.05%). Among the 107 specimens identified to genus level, DNA barcoding further identified 49 (45.79%) as <em>Sergentomyia barraudi</em> (1.61%), <em>S. bailyi</em> (0.16%), <em>Phlebotomus kiangsuensis</em> (2.9%), and <em>Ph. stantoni</em> (1.61%). No <em>Leishmania</em> DNA was detected, but <em>Trypanosoma</em> DNA was found in females of <em>S. khawi</em> from Narathiwat Province. Expanding genetic reference databases of sand flies located in four provinces of southern Thailand will improve barcoding accuracy. Understanding sand fly species composition and distribution is imperative for vector control and disease prevention in Thailand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100263"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143868349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246
Maria V. Murgia , Laurie Widder , Catherine A. Hill
Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) impact human and animal health on a global scale. Prevention of TBDs relies primarily on prevention of tick bites. New bite-prevention technologies are needed as an alternative to current approaches such as topical repellents and treated clothing which suffer low user compliance. To date, no passive spatial devices have been commercialized for area protection against ticks. The BiteBarrier (formerly the Personal Insect Repellent Kit, PIRK), a passive, lightweight device that emits transfluthrin, offers to fill this gap. In a previous study, we demonstrated contact toxicity of the BiteBarrier substrate to three tick species, Ixodes scapularis, Dermacentor variabilis and Amblyomma americanum, and reported differences in efficacy depending on species and short-range spatial efficacy against I. scapularis adult females. Here, we extended analyses and demonstrated modest spatial activity of the BiteBarrier substrate against A. americanum and D. variabilis adult females. Using a dual-choice behavioral assay, we showed that the three tick species preferred an area of untreated substrate. Lastly, we present a novel perimeter assay, developed to assess the efficacy of the BiteBarrier ground-based prototype against ticks. At short-range in a Peet Grady-style chamber, the BiteBarrier perimeter induced greater than 90% knockdown of I. scapularis adult females at 1 and 2 h post-exposure and 90% mortality at 48 h post-exposure. Taken together, study findings indicate the potential of the BiteBarrier perimeter to control ticks at near range and potentially, to protect against tick bites.
{"title":"The BiteBarrier perimeter: A passive spatial device for tick control and bite prevention","authors":"Maria V. Murgia , Laurie Widder , Catherine A. Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) impact human and animal health on a global scale. Prevention of TBDs relies primarily on prevention of tick bites. New bite-prevention technologies are needed as an alternative to current approaches such as topical repellents and treated clothing which suffer low user compliance. To date, no passive spatial devices have been commercialized for area protection against ticks. The BiteBarrier (formerly the Personal Insect Repellent Kit, PIRK), a passive, lightweight device that emits transfluthrin, offers to fill this gap. In a previous study, we demonstrated contact toxicity of the BiteBarrier substrate to three tick species, <em>Ixodes scapularis</em>, <em>Dermacentor variabilis</em> and <em>Amblyomma americanum</em>, and reported differences in efficacy depending on species and short-range spatial efficacy against <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females. Here, we extended analyses and demonstrated modest spatial activity of the BiteBarrier substrate against <em>A. americanum</em> and <em>D. variabilis</em> adult females. Using a dual-choice behavioral assay, we showed that the three tick species preferred an area of untreated substrate. Lastly, we present a novel perimeter assay, developed to assess the efficacy of the BiteBarrier ground-based prototype against ticks. At short-range in a Peet Grady-style chamber, the BiteBarrier perimeter induced greater than 90% knockdown of <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females at 1 and 2 h post-exposure and 90% mortality at 48 h post-exposure. Taken together, study findings indicate the potential of the BiteBarrier perimeter to control ticks at near range and potentially, to protect against tick bites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100254
María Vilá Pena , Inês Abreu Ramos , Génesis Bautista García , Elvira Íñiguez Pichel , Cristiana Cazapal Monteiro , José Ángel Hernández Malagón , Adolfo Paz Silva , Rita Sánchez-Andrade Fernández , María Sol Arias Vázquez
An active survey was performed by the Galician Vector Surveillance Network (ReGaViVec) to determine the distribution of questing tick species in the Autonomous Community of Galicia Galicia, north-western Spain. Monitoring of tick populations involved drag/flag sampling at 533 locations over a period of 5.5 years. The identification of tick species, sex, and stage was carried out according to morphological keys, and the results were analyzed considering three Köppen climate regions, i.e. Cfb (marine west coast climate), Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean climate), and Csa (hot-summer Mediterranean climate), season, environment (forest, rural, or urban), vegetation height (≤ 15 cm, 16–40 cm, and > 40 cm); and altitude (< 300 m, 301–500 m, 501–1000 m, and >1000 m). A total of 1378 ticks were collected at 260 locations: 62.92% in Csb, 24.38% in Cfb, and 12.70% in Csa. Of these, 2% were larvae, 45.2% were nymphs, and 52.8% were adults (58.3% females and 41.7% males). Six species were recorded, i.e. Ixodes ricinus (57.90%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) (26.05%), Dermacentor reticulatus (10.95%), Dermacentor marginatus (2.10%), Haemaphysalis sp. (2.61%), and Rhipicephalus bursa (0.36%). A seasonal pattern was recorded, with the relative abundance of I. ricinus and R. sanguineus (s.l.) peaking in spring-summer, and that of Dermacentor spp. and Haemaphysalis sp. peaking in autumn-winter. Significant differences were demonstrated in the species abundance distribution according to climate region, season, environment, and altitude. The highest tick abundance was recorded in summer, in rural areas, and at altitudes of < 300 m. Because most of the tick species present in the environment of Galicia have vectorial competence for emerging tick-borne pathogens, it is important to maintain research and coordination of tick surveillance practices in the region.
{"title":"Monitoring of questing tick species distribution in Galicia, north-western Spain, over a period of 5.5 years","authors":"María Vilá Pena , Inês Abreu Ramos , Génesis Bautista García , Elvira Íñiguez Pichel , Cristiana Cazapal Monteiro , José Ángel Hernández Malagón , Adolfo Paz Silva , Rita Sánchez-Andrade Fernández , María Sol Arias Vázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An active survey was performed by the Galician Vector Surveillance Network (ReGaViVec) to determine the distribution of questing tick species in the Autonomous Community of Galicia Galicia, north-western Spain. Monitoring of tick populations involved drag/flag sampling at 533 locations over a period of 5.5 years. The identification of tick species, sex, and stage was carried out according to morphological keys, and the results were analyzed considering three Köppen climate regions, i.e. Cfb (marine west coast climate), Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean climate), and Csa (hot-summer Mediterranean climate), season, environment (forest, rural, or urban), vegetation height (≤ 15 cm, 16–40 cm, and > 40 cm); and altitude (< 300 m, 301–500 m, 501–1000 m, and >1000 m). A total of 1378 ticks were collected at 260 locations: 62.92% in Csb, 24.38% in Cfb, and 12.70% in Csa. Of these, 2% were larvae, 45.2% were nymphs, and 52.8% were adults (58.3% females and 41.7% males). Six species were recorded, i.e. <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> (57.90%), <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>) (26.05%), <em>Dermacentor reticulatus</em> (10.95%), <em>Dermacentor marginatus</em> (2.10%), <em>Haemaphysalis</em> sp. (2.61%), and <em>Rhipicephalus bursa</em> (0.36%). A seasonal pattern was recorded, with the relative abundance of <em>I. ricinus</em> and <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l</em>.) peaking in spring-summer, and that of <em>Dermacentor</em> spp. and <em>Haemaphysalis</em> sp. peaking in autumn-winter. Significant differences were demonstrated in the species abundance distribution according to climate region, season, environment, and altitude. The highest tick abundance was recorded in summer, in rural areas, and at altitudes of < 300 m. Because most of the tick species present in the environment of Galicia have vectorial competence for emerging tick-borne pathogens, it is important to maintain research and coordination of tick surveillance practices in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100271
Akinlabi Oyeyiola , Adetunji Samuel Adesina , Adeoba Obadare , Joseph Igbokwe , Samuel Ayobami Fasogbon , Chukwuyem Abejegah , Patience Akhilomen , Danny Asogun , Ekaete Tobin , Olufemi Ayodeji , Omolaja Osoniyi , Meike Pahlmann , Stephan Günther , Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet , Ayodeji Olayemi
The zoonotic Lassa virus (LASV) is naturally maintained in rodents but commonly virulent in humans, killing thousands across West Africa annually. Human cases of Lassa fever surge during the dry season. In a hotspot for this disease, involving seven localities from Edo and Ondo states within Nigeria, we sought to depict how fluctuation patterns of LASV prevalence in rodents and levels of rodent infestation culminate in particularly heightened points of potential rodent-to-human transmission. We also explored how this variability may be driven by environmental and demographic factors. We determined active LASV infection by PCR and previous infection using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for IgG antibodies. Six out of the seven localities had active LASV infections, ranging between 3.7% (1/27) and 75.5% (37/49). In Ebudin and Ekpoma, where longitudinal sampling was conducted, prevalence differences were not statistically significant across locality, habitat, season, or year. Conversely, abundance peaked significantly indoors for Mastomys natalensis (the major LASV reservoir) and Praomys daltoni either during the dry or rainy season, depending on whether each of these rodent species occupied Ebudin or Ekpoma. Our results suggest that, since LASV occurrence is usually widespread in its natural reservoir within highly endemic areas, a more immediate component of zoonotic risk to prioritize for control would be the targeting of rodent infestation peaks when they occur inside human habitations. Over our two-year survey, these peaks in abundance were consistent in the months they occurred yearly for M. natalensis and P. daltoni per locality.
{"title":"Impact of seasonal change on virus-rodent dynamics in Nigeria’s Edo-Ondo hotspot for Lassa fever","authors":"Akinlabi Oyeyiola , Adetunji Samuel Adesina , Adeoba Obadare , Joseph Igbokwe , Samuel Ayobami Fasogbon , Chukwuyem Abejegah , Patience Akhilomen , Danny Asogun , Ekaete Tobin , Olufemi Ayodeji , Omolaja Osoniyi , Meike Pahlmann , Stephan Günther , Elisabeth Fichet-Calvet , Ayodeji Olayemi","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The zoonotic Lassa virus (LASV) is naturally maintained in rodents but commonly virulent in humans, killing thousands across West Africa annually. Human cases of Lassa fever surge during the dry season. In a hotspot for this disease, involving seven localities from Edo and Ondo states within Nigeria, we sought to depict how fluctuation patterns of LASV prevalence in rodents and levels of rodent infestation culminate in particularly heightened points of potential rodent-to-human transmission. We also explored how this variability may be driven by environmental and demographic factors. We determined active LASV infection by PCR and previous infection using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for IgG antibodies. Six out of the seven localities had active LASV infections, ranging between 3.7% (1/27) and 75.5% (37/49). In Ebudin and Ekpoma, where longitudinal sampling was conducted, prevalence differences were not statistically significant across locality, habitat, season, or year. Conversely, abundance peaked significantly indoors for <em>Mastomys natalensis</em> (the major LASV reservoir) and <em>Praomys daltoni</em> either during the dry or rainy season, depending on whether each of these rodent species occupied Ebudin or Ekpoma. Our results suggest that, since LASV occurrence is usually widespread in its natural reservoir within highly endemic areas, a more immediate component of zoonotic risk to prioritize for control would be the targeting of rodent infestation peaks when they occur inside human habitations. Over our two-year survey, these peaks in abundance were consistent in the months they occurred yearly for <em>M. natalensis</em> and <em>P. daltoni</em> per locality.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100271"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144105567","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100290
Clara F. Köhler , Maya L. Holding , Manoj Fonville , Ron P. Dirks , Hans J. Jansen , Sara Moutailler , Aurélie Heckmann , Jens Zarka , Erik Matthysen , Hein Sprong , Aleksandra I. Krawczyk
Sex and symbionts of arthropod vectors are potential modulators of infection with vector-borne pathogens. Here, we investigated the involvement of sex and presence of the bacterial symbiont Midichloria mitochondrii in immature stages of Ixodes ricinus ticks on the acquisition and abundance of the tick-borne spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato). There was no difference in the infection rate of M. mitochondrii between male and female larvae. The infection with M. mitochondrii but not tick sex increased the acquisition of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) by I. ricinus larvae feeding on naturally infected birds. The infection with B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in questing nymphs was positively associated with M. mitochondrii, but not with their sex. The infection rates of M. mitochondrii in field-collected ticks showed substantial spatial variation. In our field study, we observed that locations exhibiting higher M. mitochondrii prevalence in nymphs also have significantly higher infection rates with B. burgdorferi (s.l.). Thus, the M. mitochondrii symbiont appears to enhance the ability of immature I. ricinus ticks to acquire and/or maintain B. burgdorferi (s.l.) in nature and is therefore an additional factor that contributes to the spatial variation in Lyme disease risk.
{"title":"Midichloria mitochondrii stimulates the sylvatic cycle of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) in Ixodes ricinus and contributes to Lyme disease risk","authors":"Clara F. Köhler , Maya L. Holding , Manoj Fonville , Ron P. Dirks , Hans J. Jansen , Sara Moutailler , Aurélie Heckmann , Jens Zarka , Erik Matthysen , Hein Sprong , Aleksandra I. Krawczyk","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100290","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100290","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sex and symbionts of arthropod vectors are potential modulators of infection with vector-borne pathogens. Here, we investigated the involvement of sex and presence of the bacterial symbiont <em>Midichloria mitochondrii</em> in immature stages of <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> ticks on the acquisition and abundance of the tick-borne spirochete <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>). There was no difference in the infection rate of <em>M. mitochondrii</em> between male and female larvae. The infection with <em>M. mitochondrii</em> but not tick sex increased the acquisition of <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) by <em>I. ricinus</em> larvae feeding on naturally infected birds. The infection with <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) in questing nymphs was positively associated with <em>M. mitochondrii</em>, but not with their sex. The infection rates of <em>M. mitochondrii</em> in field-collected ticks showed substantial spatial variation. In our field study, we observed that locations exhibiting higher <em>M. mitochondrii</em> prevalence in nymphs also have significantly higher infection rates with <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>). Thus, the <em>M. mitochondrii</em> symbiont appears to enhance the ability of immature <em>I. ricinus</em> ticks to acquire and/or maintain <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) in nature and is therefore an additional factor that contributes to the spatial variation in Lyme disease risk.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100290"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144581268","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100279
Sugandika Bulumulla , Lihua Xiao , Yaoyu Feng , Amanda Ash , Joshua Aleri , Una Ryan , Amanda D. Barbosa
Cattle infected with Cryptosporidium can shed large quantities of the environmentally resistant oocysts, which can cause significant diarrhoeal disease, particularly in neonatal calves and in susceptible human populations worldwide. More than ten species of Cryptosporidium have been reported in cattle; however, C. parvum dominates in young calves in many countries, with C. ryanae, C. bovis and C. andersoni prevalent in older animals. Cryptosporidium hominis and C. parvum are the main species infecting humans. In most countries, zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is primarily caused by C. parvum IIa subtypes, which also dominates in calves, but in China, C. parvum infections in cattle are exclusively caused by IId subtypes. Outbreak investigations and molecular epidemiological studies support calves as a major source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. The zoonotic significance of increasing reports of C. hominis in cattle requires further investigation. Epidemiological investigations designed to better understand the sources and transmission dynamics using improved typing tools are required before better control strategies can be implemented.
{"title":"Cryptosporidium in cattle: Assessing the zoonotic risk","authors":"Sugandika Bulumulla , Lihua Xiao , Yaoyu Feng , Amanda Ash , Joshua Aleri , Una Ryan , Amanda D. Barbosa","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100279","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100279","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cattle infected with <em>Cryptosporidium</em> can shed large quantities of the environmentally resistant oocysts<em>,</em> which can cause significant diarrhoeal disease, particularly in neonatal calves and in susceptible human populations worldwide. More than ten species of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> have been reported in cattle; however, <em>C. parvum</em> dominates in young calves in many countries, with <em>C. ryanae</em>, <em>C. bovis</em> and <em>C. andersoni</em> prevalent in older animals. <em>Cryptosporidium hominis</em> and <em>C. parvum</em> are the main species infecting humans. In most countries, zoonotic cryptosporidiosis is primarily caused by <em>C. parvum</em> IIa subtypes, which also dominates in calves, but in China, <em>C. parvum</em> infections in cattle are exclusively caused by IId subtypes. Outbreak investigations and molecular epidemiological studies support calves as a major source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis. The zoonotic significance of increasing reports of <em>C. hominis</em> in cattle requires further investigation. Epidemiological investigations designed to better understand the sources and transmission dynamics using improved typing tools are required before better control strategies can be implemented.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100279"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144366616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100324
Paulina M. Lesiczka , Friederike D. von Loewenich , Robert Kohl , Aleksandra I. Krawczyk , Ron P. Dirks , Pierre H. Boyer , Benoît Jaulhac , Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska , Tina Uršič , Franc Strle , Stanka Lotrič-Furlan , Tatjana Avšič-Županc , Miroslav Petrovec , Hein Sprong
Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. However, despite its ubiquitous presence in animals and ticks, human cases are rarely reported in Europe. We generated genetic data from A. phagocytophilum from patients and compared them with sequences from wild and domestic animals to assess the zoonotic potential of the respective genotypes. The genomic sequence of an A. phagocytophilum isolate obtained from a Slovenian patient was determined. We also sequenced a groEL-gene fragment of eight isolates from human patients from France and Poland. The A. phagocytophilum genome from the Slovenian patient was more closely related to isolates from dogs than from sheep. Using groEL-based typing, isolates from humans were found within a distinct subcluster of A. phagocytophilum Ecotype I. This subcluster was defined as zoonotic. Strains from dogs, horses, cats, foxes, wolves, and wild boar were significantly overrepresented in this branch. Variants outside this subcluster were more abundant and found in a wider variety of domestic and wild animals, most notably ruminants. A similar pattern was observed for the MLST analyses targeting seven housekeeping genes. Human anaplasmosis in Europe is associated with a specific subcluster of A. phagocytophilum Ecotype I, which is not primarily associated with ruminants, but rather with dogs, horses, cats, carnivores, wild boar and hedgehogs. Our findings provide a reasonable explanation for the discrepancy between the omnipresence of A. phagocytophilum in the environment and the limited number of reported human cases. We recommend taking this genetic sub-clustering into account for future risk assessments.
{"title":"European human granulocytic anaplasmosis is caused by a subcluster of Anaplasma phagocytophilum Ecotype I","authors":"Paulina M. Lesiczka , Friederike D. von Loewenich , Robert Kohl , Aleksandra I. Krawczyk , Ron P. Dirks , Pierre H. Boyer , Benoît Jaulhac , Anna Moniuszko-Malinowska , Tina Uršič , Franc Strle , Stanka Lotrič-Furlan , Tatjana Avšič-Županc , Miroslav Petrovec , Hein Sprong","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100324","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100324","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> causes human granulocytic anaplasmosis. However, despite its ubiquitous presence in animals and ticks, human cases are rarely reported in Europe. We generated genetic data from <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> from patients and compared them with sequences from wild and domestic animals to assess the zoonotic potential of the respective genotypes. The genomic sequence of an <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> isolate obtained from a Slovenian patient was determined. We also sequenced a <em>groEL</em>-gene fragment of eight isolates from human patients from France and Poland. The <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> genome from the Slovenian patient was more closely related to isolates from dogs than from sheep. Using <em>groEL</em>-based typing, isolates from humans were found within a distinct subcluster of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> Ecotype I. This subcluster was defined as zoonotic. Strains from dogs, horses, cats, foxes, wolves, and wild boar were significantly overrepresented in this branch. Variants outside this subcluster were more abundant and found in a wider variety of domestic and wild animals, most notably ruminants. A similar pattern was observed for the MLST analyses targeting seven housekeeping genes. Human anaplasmosis in Europe is associated with a specific subcluster of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> Ecotype I, which is not primarily associated with ruminants, but rather with dogs, horses, cats, carnivores, wild boar and hedgehogs. Our findings provide a reasonable explanation for the discrepancy between the omnipresence of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> in the environment and the limited number of reported human cases. We recommend taking this genetic sub-clustering into account for future risk assessments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100324"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265380","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100301
Ivica Králová-Hromadová , Eva Čisovská Bazsalovicsová , Alžbeta Radačovská , Lucia Dinisová , Karl Skírnisson
The occurrence of Dibothriocephalus dendriticus and Dibothriocephalus ditremus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in salmonids from lakes Hafravatn, Thingvallavatn, Másvatn, and Ytra-Hólavatn in Iceland was studied. The exact taxonomic identification of plerocercoids was performed by a recently validated molecular discriminatory PCR-based approach using D. dendriticus-specific Dd_8 primers. Of 1684 plerocercoids isolated from 58 fish (40 Arctic charrs Salvelinus alpinus, and 18 brown trout Salmo trutta), 318 (18.9%) larvae were identified as D. dendriticus and 1366 (81.1%) as D. ditremus. The prevalence of D. ditremus was high at all four localities, ranging from 54.2% to 100%. Similarly, the prevalence of D. dendriticus ranged from 50.0% to 100% in all lakes, except for Ytra-Hólavatn, where a prevalence of 14.3% was recorded. All examined specimens of large benthivorous (LB) charr from Thingvallavatn were negative, which was related to the specific habitat and the different feeding specialization of the LB morph. In contrast, the prevalence and the intensity of infection with both D. dendriticus and D. ditremus were high in piscivorous and planktivorous Arctic charr morphs. The intensity of infection with D. dendriticus was lower in all four lakes compared to much higher values detected for D. ditremus. The relative abundance of D. dendriticus and D. ditremus plerocercoids in individual fish hosts showed substantially lower values for D. dendriticus in all four lakes. This can be explained by various climatic conditions required for egg development and by the different feeding ecology of aquatic birds, definitive hosts of both tapeworms.
{"title":"Occurrence and the first molecular genotyping of Dibothriocephalus dendriticus and Dibothriocephalus ditremus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in salmonids from Iceland","authors":"Ivica Králová-Hromadová , Eva Čisovská Bazsalovicsová , Alžbeta Radačovská , Lucia Dinisová , Karl Skírnisson","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100301","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100301","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The occurrence of <em>Dibothriocephalus dendriticus</em> and <em>Dibothriocephalus ditremus</em> (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in salmonids from lakes Hafravatn, Thingvallavatn, Másvatn, and Ytra-Hólavatn in Iceland was studied. The exact taxonomic identification of plerocercoids was performed by a recently validated molecular discriminatory PCR-based approach using <em>D. dendriticus</em>-specific Dd_8 primers. Of 1684 plerocercoids isolated from 58 fish (40 Arctic charrs <em>Salvelinus alpinus</em>, and 18 brown trout <em>Salmo trutta</em>), 318 (18.9%) larvae were identified as <em>D. dendriticus</em> and 1366 (81.1%) as <em>D. ditremus</em>. The prevalence of <em>D. ditremus</em> was high at all four localities, ranging from 54.2% to 100%. Similarly, the prevalence of <em>D. dendriticus</em> ranged from 50.0% to 100% in all lakes, except for Ytra-Hólavatn, where a prevalence of 14.3% was recorded. All examined specimens of large benthivorous (LB) charr from Thingvallavatn were negative, which was related to the specific habitat and the different feeding specialization of the LB morph. In contrast, the prevalence and the intensity of infection with both <em>D. dendriticus</em> and <em>D. ditremus</em> were high in piscivorous and planktivorous Arctic charr morphs. The intensity of infection with <em>D. dendriticus</em> was lower in all four lakes compared to much higher values detected for <em>D. ditremus.</em> The relative abundance of <em>D. dendriticus</em> and <em>D. ditremus</em> plerocercoids in individual fish hosts showed substantially lower values for <em>D. dendriticus</em> in all four lakes. This can be explained by various climatic conditions required for egg development and by the different feeding ecology of aquatic birds, definitive hosts of both tapeworms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100301"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144831121","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100320
Helena Brazal Monzó , Santiago Rayment Gomez , Doudou Sow , Aminata Colle Lo , Marie Pierre Diouf , Amadou Seck , Ibrahima Mbaye , Elhadji Babacar Fall , Catriona Patterson , Seyi Soremekun , Isaac A. Manga , Cheikh Cissé , Awa Diouf , Ndéye Aida Gaye , Kevin K.A. Tetteh , Alex Loukas , Brian Greenwood , Jean Louis A. Ndiaye , Chris Drakeley , Muhammed O. Afolabi
Although pediatric parasitic diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in regions with high rates of co-infection, this overlap may offer opportunities for integrated control strategies. This study aimed at a serological assessment of exposure to multiple parasitic infections among children aged 1–14 years in two Senegalese districts, Saraya (Kédougou Region) and Diourbel (Diourbel Region), to inform integrated control strategies. We analysed 883 dried blood spot samples. A multiplex bead-based immunoassay quantified IgG antibody against Plasmodium falciparum, helminths (Necator americanus, Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides stercoralis, Taenia solium), and intestinal protozoa (Cryptosporidium parvum, Giardia duodenalis) as proxies for single- and multiple-pathogen exposure. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for seropositivity. Recent malaria exposure was identified in 11% of children, while 42% showed evidence of historical exposure. Helminth seroprevalence ranged between 0.1% and 7.2%, whereas Cryptosporidium parvum and Giardia duodenalis seroprevalence values were 19.0% and 7.4%, respectively. Co-exposures to malaria and other parasites ranged from 9.4% to 18.0%. School-aged children exhibited higher seroprevalence rates for historical exposure to P. falciparum and S. stercoralis compared to pre-school children, while G. duodenalis was more seroprevalent in pre-school children. Saraya exhibited higher seroprevalence for historical P. falciparum and G. duodenalis exposure. Rare/never handwashing before meals, shorter travel time to a water source (< 10 min, likely reflecting residence near shared or surface water rather than improved household taps), and frequent contact with any waterbodies (daily/weekly) were associated with higher odds of parasite seropositivity. While seasonal malaria chemoprevention appears suitable, the low helminth seroprevalence coupled with substantial protozoan exposure suggests that current integrated interventions may require re-evaluation and enhancement.
{"title":"Serological assessment of pediatric parasite exposure in two Senegalese districts using multiplex serology","authors":"Helena Brazal Monzó , Santiago Rayment Gomez , Doudou Sow , Aminata Colle Lo , Marie Pierre Diouf , Amadou Seck , Ibrahima Mbaye , Elhadji Babacar Fall , Catriona Patterson , Seyi Soremekun , Isaac A. Manga , Cheikh Cissé , Awa Diouf , Ndéye Aida Gaye , Kevin K.A. Tetteh , Alex Loukas , Brian Greenwood , Jean Louis A. Ndiaye , Chris Drakeley , Muhammed O. Afolabi","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100320","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100320","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although pediatric parasitic diseases cause significant morbidity and mortality in regions with high rates of co-infection, this overlap may offer opportunities for integrated control strategies. This study aimed at a serological assessment of exposure to multiple parasitic infections among children aged 1–14 years in two Senegalese districts, Saraya (Kédougou Region) and Diourbel (Diourbel Region), to inform integrated control strategies. We analysed 883 dried blood spot samples. A multiplex bead-based immunoassay quantified IgG antibody against <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em>, helminths (<em>Necator americanus</em>, <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em>, <em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em>, <em>Taenia solium</em>), and intestinal protozoa (<em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em>, <em>Giardia duodenalis</em>) as proxies for single- and multiple-pathogen exposure. Multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for seropositivity. Recent malaria exposure was identified in 11% of children, while 42% showed evidence of historical exposure. Helminth seroprevalence ranged between 0.1% and 7.2%, whereas <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> and <em>Giardia duodenalis</em> seroprevalence values were 19.0% and 7.4%, respectively. Co-exposures to malaria and other parasites ranged from 9.4% to 18.0%. School-aged children exhibited higher seroprevalence rates for historical exposure to <em>P. falciparum</em> and <em>S. stercoralis</em> compared to pre-school children, while <em>G. duodenalis</em> was more seroprevalent in pre-school children. Saraya exhibited higher seroprevalence for historical <em>P. falciparum</em> and <em>G. duodenalis</em> exposure. Rare/never handwashing before meals, shorter travel time to a water source (< 10 min, likely reflecting residence near shared or surface water rather than improved household taps), and frequent contact with any waterbodies (daily/weekly) were associated with higher odds of parasite seropositivity. While seasonal malaria chemoprevention appears suitable, the low helminth seroprevalence coupled with substantial protozoan exposure suggests that current integrated interventions may require re-evaluation and enhancement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100320"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242
Aidan Patrick Simons , Amanda Lenfestey , Luis Fernando Chaves
Understanding the factors driving changes in mosquito abundance are key to quantify the risk they pose as vectors of pathogens. Here, to study the impacts of weather changes and density-dependent regulation on mosquito species abundance, we used season long weekly time series of Aedes japonicus (Theobald), Aedes triseriatus (Say), Aedes vexans (Meigen), Anopheles punctipennis (Say), Coquillettidia perturbans (Walker), and Culex pipiens L., common mosquito species in the Bloomington, IN, USA, area. We use the forced Ricker model to estimate population growth and density-dependence parameters, as well as the forcing by weather variables. We found that weather factors important for the population dynamics of these species were different. We found that Cx. pipiens population dynamics was not associated with any weather variables, while Ae. japonicus, Ae. triseriatus and Cq. perturbans were forced by relative humidity, Ae. vexans by SD of rainfall, and An. punctipennis by the kurtosis of temperature. These results illustrate the diversity of ways in which mosquitoes can respond to changing weather patterns and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of how mosquitoes respond to climate change by coupling field studies with mathematical modeling.
{"title":"Density-dependence and different dimensions of changing weather shape adult abundance patterns of common mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bloomington, Indiana, USA","authors":"Aidan Patrick Simons , Amanda Lenfestey , Luis Fernando Chaves","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the factors driving changes in mosquito abundance are key to quantify the risk they pose as vectors of pathogens. Here, to study the impacts of weather changes and density-dependent regulation on mosquito species abundance, we used season long weekly time series of <em>Aedes japonicus</em> (Theobald), <em>Aedes triseriatus</em> (Say), <em>Aedes vexans</em> (Meigen), <em>Anopheles punctipennis</em> (Say), C<em>oquillettidia perturbans</em> (Walker), and <em>Culex pipiens</em> L., common mosquito species in the Bloomington, IN, USA, area. We use the forced Ricker model to estimate population growth and density-dependence parameters, as well as the forcing by weather variables. We found that weather factors important for the population dynamics of these species were different. We found that <em>Cx. pipiens</em> population dynamics was not associated with any weather variables, while <em>Ae. japonicus</em>, <em>Ae. triseriatus</em> and <em>Cq. perturbans</em> were forced by relative humidity, <em>Ae. vexans</em> by SD of rainfall, and <em>An. punctipennis</em> by the kurtosis of temperature. These results illustrate the diversity of ways in which mosquitoes can respond to changing weather patterns and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of how mosquitoes respond to climate change by coupling field studies with mathematical modeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}