Pub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-08-20DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100309
Andrea Springer , Christin Krüger , Christina Strube , Dirk Steinhauer
Infections with facultatively parasitic Halicephalobus spp. nematodes are usually fatal in animals and humans. Here, transplacental transmission of a species of Halicephalobus is described for the first time, causing reproductive failure of a mare during two consecutive gestations. In both cases, histology showed adult and larval nematodes in the placenta and various foetal organs, without signs of generalized halicephalobosis in the mare. An identical 18S rRNA-ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 sequence generated from both placentas showed considerable divergence from a previously sequenced equine isolate, suggesting cryptic diversity among Halicephalobus isolates in vertebrates. This ubiquitous nematode may be a cause of equine abortion associated with considerable economic loss. Future research should aim at exploring effective treatment options and clarifying the true taxonomic diversity within the genus Halicephalobus.
{"title":"Worms and reproductive failure: First evidence of transplacental Halicephalobus transmission leading to repeated equine abortion","authors":"Andrea Springer , Christin Krüger , Christina Strube , Dirk Steinhauer","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infections with facultatively parasitic <em>Halicephalobus</em> spp. nematodes are usually fatal in animals and humans. Here, transplacental transmission of a species of <em>Halicephalobus</em> is described for the first time, causing reproductive failure of a mare during two consecutive gestations. In both cases, histology showed adult and larval nematodes in the placenta and various foetal organs, without signs of generalized halicephalobosis in the mare. An identical 18S rRNA-ITS1-5.8S rRNA-ITS2 sequence generated from both placentas showed considerable divergence from a previously sequenced equine isolate, suggesting cryptic diversity among <em>Halicephalobus</em> isolates in vertebrates. This ubiquitous nematode may be a cause of equine abortion associated with considerable economic loss. Future research should aim at exploring effective treatment options and clarifying the true taxonomic diversity within the genus <em>Halicephalobus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144923056","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-07-15DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100297
Patrick H. Kelly , Julie Davis , Ye Tan , Harrison M. Marick , Alexander Davidson , Agustín Estrada-Peña , Jennifer C. Moïsi , James H. Stark
Ticks of the Ixodes ricinus complex are the primary vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), the complex of genospecies that cause Lyme borreliosis, in Europe and North America. We summarized the tick surveillance data of host-seeking I. ricinus nymphs in Europe between 1999 and 2022 to quantify and map the occurrence and B. burgdorferi (s.l.) genospecies infection prevalence (NIP) across the continent in high resolution. Geocoordinates or reported subnational administrative units were extracted where tick surveillance data were collected and validated with previous systematic literature reviews to ensure comprehensiveness. Data were grouped according to country, year, and individual B. burgdorferi (s.l.) genospecies and quantified via random effects. In total, 278,189 host-seeking nymphs from 152 studies across 27 European countries were extracted. Overall NIP was 11.1% across Europe, with the highest NIP in eastern European countries (> 27%) and the lowest NIP within the United Kingdom (< 4.2%). Borrelia afzelii had the broadest distribution and highest NIP among the genospecies (4.7%). Importantly, this work provides a publicly available and highly precise geographically comprehensive database of the relative abundance and prevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) infection in host-seeking I. ricinus nymphs in Europe. These data can be utilized by researchers for further use and analyses of Lyme borreliosis.
{"title":"Occurrence and prevalence of host-seeking Ixodes ricinus nymphs infected with Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) genospecies in Europe (1999–2022)","authors":"Patrick H. Kelly , Julie Davis , Ye Tan , Harrison M. Marick , Alexander Davidson , Agustín Estrada-Peña , Jennifer C. Moïsi , James H. Stark","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks of the <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> complex are the primary vectors of <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>), the complex of genospecies that cause Lyme borreliosis, in Europe and North America. We summarized the tick surveillance data of host-seeking <em>I. ricinus</em> nymphs in Europe between 1999 and 2022 to quantify and map the occurrence and <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) genospecies infection prevalence (NIP) across the continent in high resolution. Geocoordinates or reported subnational administrative units were extracted where tick surveillance data were collected and validated with previous systematic literature reviews to ensure comprehensiveness. Data were grouped according to country, year, and individual <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) genospecies and quantified <em>via</em> random effects. In total, 278,189 host-seeking nymphs from 152 studies across 27 European countries were extracted. Overall NIP was 11.1% across Europe, with the highest NIP in eastern European countries (> 27%) and the lowest NIP within the United Kingdom (< 4.2%). <em>Borrelia afzelii</em> had the broadest distribution and highest NIP among the genospecies (4.7%). Importantly, this work provides a publicly available and highly precise geographically comprehensive database of the relative abundance and prevalence of <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) infection in host-seeking <em>I. ricinus</em> nymphs in Europe. These data can be utilized by researchers for further use and analyses of Lyme borreliosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100297"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144680210","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}
The evolutionary origin of coronaviruses is related to bats (order Chiroptera), and their association with pathologies in animals and humans is expected. Anthropic threats reduce bat diversity and expose humans to extraordinary transmission and spread of associated viruses, putting health and food security at risk owing to the multiple ecological roles that bats play. This study aimed to determine the presence of coronaviruses in bats in the Department of Córdoba, Colombia. Between 2022 and 2023, 11 municipalities were selected using non-probabilistic sampling methods. A total of 262 bats belonging to 16 species of five families were captured and identified. Serological tests were performed to detect SARS-CoV-2, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the coronavirus RdRp gene. RdRp-positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Five specimens (2.7%) had antibodies against the coronavirus N protein, and the RdRp gene was detected in 55 specimens (21.0%), all belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp gene revealed that the newly generated sequences represented alphacoronaviruses. Bats tested in ecoregions with greater anthropogenic intervention were shown to be carriers of coronaviruses, unlike bats from conserved ecoregions. Coronavirus surveillance in bats has revealed previous infections through serology and circulating infections in natural populations of different ecoregions of the Department of Córdoba, where inter-species jumps could be generated by contact between bats and domestic/wild animals, or humans.
{"title":"Bats from an area of the Colombian Caribbean reveal the circulation of Alphacoronavirus","authors":"Caty Martínez , Daniel Echeverri , Alfonso Calderón , Eliana Hurtado , Bertha Gastelbondo , Yésica López , Jairo Martínez , Yeimy López , Yesica Botero , Camilo Guzmán , Ketty Galeano , Valeria Bertel , Yonairo Herrera , Germán Arrieta , Joao Pessoa Araujo , Salim Mattar","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evolutionary origin of coronaviruses is related to bats (order Chiroptera), and their association with pathologies in animals and humans is expected. Anthropic threats reduce bat diversity and expose humans to extraordinary transmission and spread of associated viruses, putting health and food security at risk owing to the multiple ecological roles that bats play. This study aimed to determine the presence of coronaviruses in bats in the Department of Córdoba, Colombia. Between 2022 and 2023, 11 municipalities were selected using non-probabilistic sampling methods. A total of 262 bats belonging to 16 species of five families were captured and identified. Serological tests were performed to detect SARS-CoV-2, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the coronavirus RdRp gene. RdRp-positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Five specimens (2.7%) had antibodies against the coronavirus N protein, and the RdRp gene was detected in 55 specimens (21.0%), all belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp gene revealed that the newly generated sequences represented alphacoronaviruses. Bats tested in ecoregions with greater anthropogenic intervention were shown to be carriers of coronaviruses, unlike bats from conserved ecoregions. Coronavirus surveillance in bats has revealed previous infections through serology and circulating infections in natural populations of different ecoregions of the Department of Córdoba, where inter-species jumps could be generated by contact between bats and domestic/wild animals, or humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942773","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100333
Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães , Ariel Rocha de Almeida , Endrya do Socorro Foro Ramos , Juliana Telles-de-Deus , Vanessa Christe Helfstein , Vanessa dos Santos Morais , Jesus Maia dos Santos , Ramendra Pati Pandey , Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves , Antonio Charlys da Costa , Karin Kirchgatter , Élcio Leal
In this study, we investigated unclassified picorna-like viruses in Culex (Melanoconion) mosquitoes from São Paulo, Brazil, an area of high mosquito biodiversity and arbovirus activity. Two mosquito pools were processed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and datasets were analyzed via de novo assembly to reconstruct viral genomes and assess evolutionary relationships. We identified two highly similar viral genomes, named Culex (Melanoconion) picorna-like virus, CmV_B38 and CmV_B39, exhibiting 99.93% nucleotide identity, both of which encode a three-domain replication block characteristic of viruses within the order Picornavirales. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene revealed that these viruses form a distinct, previously undescribed clade, most closely related to Yongsan picorna-like virus 4 and several other unclassified viruses that have been reported predominantly in Asian regions. These findings may indicate possible geographical connectivity or convergence in viral evolution across distinct ecosystems. Notably, the results highlight the underexplored diversity of insect-specific viruses, particularly those associated with mosquito vectors. Furthermore, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that ecological factors and host specificity could influence the evolutionary dynamics of these viral lineages. The study not only enhances our understanding of the mosquito-associated virome but also emphasizes the critical need for ongoing viral surveillance, especially in biodiverse regions. Such efforts are essential for elucidating the evolutionary dynamics of RNA viruses and for anticipating the emergence of novel viral pathogens that may pose future risks to public health or agriculture.
{"title":"Evolutionary features of new picorna-like viruses in Culex (Melanoconion) mosquitoes","authors":"Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães , Ariel Rocha de Almeida , Endrya do Socorro Foro Ramos , Juliana Telles-de-Deus , Vanessa Christe Helfstein , Vanessa dos Santos Morais , Jesus Maia dos Santos , Ramendra Pati Pandey , Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves , Antonio Charlys da Costa , Karin Kirchgatter , Élcio Leal","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100333","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100333","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, we investigated unclassified picorna-like viruses in <em>Culex</em> (<em>Melanoconion</em>) mosquitoes from São Paulo, Brazil, an area of high mosquito biodiversity and arbovirus activity. Two mosquito pools were processed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), and datasets were analyzed <em>via de novo</em> assembly to reconstruct viral genomes and assess evolutionary relationships. We identified two highly similar viral genomes, named <em>Culex</em> (<em>Melanoconion</em>) picorna-like virus, CmV_B38 and CmV_B39, exhibiting 99.93% nucleotide identity, both of which encode a three-domain replication block characteristic of viruses within the order <em>Picornavirales</em>. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene revealed that these viruses form a distinct, previously undescribed clade, most closely related to Yongsan picorna-like virus 4 and several other unclassified viruses that have been reported predominantly in Asian regions. These findings may indicate possible geographical connectivity or convergence in viral evolution across distinct ecosystems. Notably, the results highlight the underexplored diversity of insect-specific viruses, particularly those associated with mosquito vectors. Furthermore, the data are consistent with the hypothesis that ecological factors and host specificity could influence the evolutionary dynamics of these viral lineages. The study not only enhances our understanding of the mosquito-associated virome but also emphasizes the critical need for ongoing viral surveillance, especially in biodiverse regions. Such efforts are essential for elucidating the evolutionary dynamics of RNA viruses and for anticipating the emergence of novel viral pathogens that may pose future risks to public health or agriculture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100333"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465155","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}
Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health concern, underscoring the need for accurate species-level identification of vector species, including Aedes mosquitoes. Identification based solely on morphology is often limited by interspecific overlap, environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity, and physical damage to field-collected specimens. This study evaluated nine Aedes species (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. chrysolineatus, Ae. lineatopennis, Ae. macfarlanei, Ae. poicilius, Ae. vexans, Ae. vigilax, and Ae. vittatus) and a related taxon (Aedeomyia catasticta) in Thailand, using DNA barcoding, wing geometric morphometric (WGM) analysis, and the Random Forests (RF) machine learning algorithm. DNA barcoding of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene showed strong concordance with morphological classifications, confirming its reliability for species-level identification. Across all 10 species, sequence similarity with GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System ranged from 96% to 100%, highlighting reliable identification when robust references are available. WGM analysis revealed significant wing shape differences among species (P < 0.05), with 91.05% classification accuracy. The Mahalanobis distance and RF algorithms, applied to newly field-collected specimens assigned as unknown species, demonstrated strong discriminatory power, both achieving 100% accuracy for seven species based on wing shape. Slightly lower accuracy was observed for three species, with Mahalanobis distance achieving 90% (one misclassified individual) and the RF algorithm 80% (two misclassified individuals). These findings present a practical guideline for identifying Aedes mosquitoes and a related taxon in Thailand by integrating approaches. Accurate species identification is essential for selecting targeted vector control strategies and enhancing the effectiveness of Aedes-borne disease surveillance and management.
{"title":"Accurate identification of medically important Aedes mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand through DNA barcoding, wing geometric morphometrics, and machine learning","authors":"Sedthapong Laojun , Tanasak Changbunjong , Morakot Kaewthamasorn , Pattaranatcha Charnwichai , Saowalak Kaewmee , Sineewanlaya Wichit , Rodolphe Hamel , Tanawat Chaiphongpachara","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100334","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100334","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquito-borne diseases remain a significant public health concern, underscoring the need for accurate species-level identification of vector species, including <em>Aedes</em> mosquitoes. Identification based solely on morphology is often limited by interspecific overlap, environmentally induced phenotypic plasticity, and physical damage to field-collected specimens. This study evaluated nine <em>Aedes</em> species (<em>Ae. aegypti</em>, <em>Ae. albopictus</em>, <em>Ae. chrysolineatus</em>, <em>Ae. lineatopennis</em>, <em>Ae. macfarlanei</em>, <em>Ae. poicilius</em>, <em>Ae. vexans</em>, <em>Ae. vigilax</em>, and <em>Ae. vittatus</em>) and a related taxon (<em>Aedeomyia catasticta</em>) in Thailand, using DNA barcoding, wing geometric morphometric (WGM) analysis, and the Random Forests (RF) machine learning algorithm. DNA barcoding of the cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 (<em>cox</em>1) gene showed strong concordance with morphological classifications, confirming its reliability for species-level identification. Across all 10 species, sequence similarity with GenBank and the Barcode of Life Data System ranged from 96% to 100%, highlighting reliable identification when robust references are available. WGM analysis revealed significant wing shape differences among species (<em>P</em> < 0.05), with 91.05% classification accuracy. The Mahalanobis distance and RF algorithms, applied to newly field-collected specimens assigned as unknown species, demonstrated strong discriminatory power, both achieving 100% accuracy for seven species based on wing shape. Slightly lower accuracy was observed for three species, with Mahalanobis distance achieving 90% (one misclassified individual) and the RF algorithm 80% (two misclassified individuals). These findings present a practical guideline for identifying <em>Aedes</em> mosquitoes and a related taxon in Thailand by integrating approaches. Accurate species identification is essential for selecting targeted vector control strategies and enhancing the effectiveness of <em>Aedes</em>-borne disease surveillance and management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100334"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465156","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100287
Falei Li , Xinrui Wang , Lihua Xiao , Yaoyu Feng , Yaqiong Guo
In southern China, snakes have cultural and economic significance, serving both as traditional dietary resources and as increasingly popular pets. However, the prevalence and clinical impacts of Cryptosporidium spp. in snakes in southern China remain poorly understood. Between April 2018 and September 2020, we collected 357 fecal samples from wild snakes, farmed snakes, and pet snakes in Hunan and Guangdong, two provinces in southern China. Cryptosporidium spp. were identified and subtyped by sequence analyses of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene, respectively. The intensity of oocyst shedding in Cryptosporidium-positive samples was evaluated using SSU rRNA-LC2 quantitative PCR. Histological examinations of gastric tissues from infected pet snakes were conducted to assess potential parasite-induced pathology. Overall, 93 of 357 (26.1%) samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., and the detection rates were 17.0%, 31.4%, and 46.2% in farmed snakes, pet snakes, and wild snakes, respectively. Five species of Cryptosporidium were identified, including C. serpentis (n = 77), C. tyzzeri (n = 6), C. varanii (n = 4), C. muris (n = 3), and C. parvum (n = 2). Only C. tyzzeri isolates were subtyped successfully and belonged to IXa subtype family. The highest average number of oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces was observed in C. serpentis samples (4.6 ± 1.7 logs), followed by C. varanii (3.5 ± 0.4 logs), C. tyzzeri (3.3 ± 1.0 logs), C. parvum (3.2 ± 0.4 logs), and C. muris (2.1 ± 1.7 logs). In pet snakes infected with C. serpentis, the gastric mucosal epithelial cells were heavily colonised by the parasites, resulting in significant damage to the villus structure. The results of this study indicate that C. serpentis is prevalent in snakes in southern China and has significant pathogenicity to snakes.
{"title":"High prevalence and pathogenicity of Cryptosporidium serpentis in snakes in southern China","authors":"Falei Li , Xinrui Wang , Lihua Xiao , Yaoyu Feng , Yaqiong Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100287","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100287","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In southern China, snakes have cultural and economic significance, serving both as traditional dietary resources and as increasingly popular pets. However, the prevalence and clinical impacts of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in snakes in southern China remain poorly understood. Between April 2018 and September 2020, we collected 357 fecal samples from wild snakes, farmed snakes, and pet snakes in Hunan and Guangdong, two provinces in southern China. <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. were identified and subtyped by sequence analyses of the small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the 60 kDa glycoprotein (<em>gp60</em>) gene, respectively. The intensity of oocyst shedding in <em>Cryptosporidium</em>-positive samples was evaluated using SSU rRNA-LC2 quantitative PCR. Histological examinations of gastric tissues from infected pet snakes were conducted to assess potential parasite-induced pathology. Overall, 93 of 357 (26.1%) samples were positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., and the detection rates were 17.0%, 31.4%, and 46.2% in farmed snakes, pet snakes, and wild snakes, respectively. Five species of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> were identified, including <em>C. serpentis</em> (n = 77), <em>C. tyzzeri</em> (<em>n</em> = 6), <em>C. varanii</em> (<em>n</em> = 4), <em>C. muris</em> (<em>n</em> = 3), and <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 2). Only <em>C. tyzzeri</em> isolates were subtyped successfully and belonged to IXa subtype family. The highest average number of oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces was observed in <em>C. serpentis</em> samples (4.6 ± 1.7 logs), followed by <em>C. varanii</em> (3.5 ± 0.4 logs), <em>C. tyzzeri</em> (3.3 ± 1.0 logs), <em>C. parvum</em> (3.2 ± 0.4 logs), and <em>C. muris</em> (2.1 ± 1.7 logs). In pet snakes infected with <em>C. serpentis</em>, the gastric mucosal epithelial cells were heavily colonised by the parasites, resulting in significant damage to the villus structure. The results of this study indicate that <em>C. serpentis</em> is prevalent in snakes in southern China and has significant pathogenicity to snakes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100287"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144502407","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-08-22DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100311
Shahira Abdelaziz Ali Ahmed , Sonia Boughattas , Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi , Huma Khan , Simuzar Mamedova , Ardra Namboodiri , Frederick R. Masangkay , Panagiotis Karanis
Cryptosporidium species are increasingly recognized as significant enteric pathogens, particularly within developing nations, where they pose serious public health challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine a decade of research (2015–2025) to map the epidemiological footprint of Cryptosporidium across Asia, incorporating 228 studies from 28 countries and analyzing a collective sample of 327,783 specimens collected from humans, water, and food. The overall pooled prevalence was 8.1%, with Southeast Asia emerging as the region of highest concern. Among the affected populations, immunocompromised individuals and children demonstrated the highest vulnerability. Environmental contamination was especially pronounced in surface water sources, while vegetables, particularly those sold in wholesale markets, were the most contaminated food matrices. Molecular findings identified 23 distinct species, and several subtypes predominated by C. parvum (IIa, IId) and C. hominis (Ia, Ib). Notably, some water samples from mixed and surface water sources exhibited extraordinarily high oocyst concentrations, reaching up to 80,000 oocysts/l. Diagnostic approaches varied widely, with a considerable proportion of studies employing traditional non-molecular techniques, thereby highlighting the need for more advanced and standardized detection protocols. Despite regional disparities and methodological variability, the findings reveal a consistent pattern of widespread exposure and environmental circulation of Cryptosporidium species across the continent. This underscores an urgent need for multisectoral collaborations and interventions aimed at bolstering water and food safety infrastructure, enhancing diagnostic capacity, and strengthening public health systems to effectively manage and prevent cryptosporidiosis throughout Asia.
{"title":"Cryptosporidium and cryptosporidiosis: An update of Asian perspectives in humans, water and food, 2015–2025","authors":"Shahira Abdelaziz Ali Ahmed , Sonia Boughattas , Mohammad Reza Mahmoudi , Huma Khan , Simuzar Mamedova , Ardra Namboodiri , Frederick R. Masangkay , Panagiotis Karanis","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> species are increasingly recognized as significant enteric pathogens, particularly within developing nations, where they pose serious public health challenges. This systematic review and meta-analysis examine a decade of research (2015–2025) to map the epidemiological footprint of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> across Asia, incorporating 228 studies from 28 countries and analyzing a collective sample of 327,783 specimens collected from humans, water, and food. The overall pooled prevalence was 8.1%, with Southeast Asia emerging as the region of highest concern. Among the affected populations, immunocompromised individuals and children demonstrated the highest vulnerability. Environmental contamination was especially pronounced in surface water sources, while vegetables, particularly those sold in wholesale markets, were the most contaminated food matrices. Molecular findings identified 23 distinct species, and several subtypes predominated by <em>C. parvum</em> (IIa, IId) and <em>C. hominis</em> (Ia, Ib). Notably, some water samples from mixed and surface water sources exhibited extraordinarily high oocyst concentrations, reaching up to 80,000 oocysts/l. Diagnostic approaches varied widely, with a considerable proportion of studies employing traditional non-molecular techniques, thereby highlighting the need for more advanced and standardized detection protocols. Despite regional disparities and methodological variability, the findings reveal a consistent pattern of widespread exposure and environmental circulation of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species across the continent. This underscores an urgent need for multisectoral collaborations and interventions aimed at bolstering water and food safety infrastructure, enhancing diagnostic capacity, and strengthening public health systems to effectively manage and prevent cryptosporidiosis throughout Asia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100311"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925779","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100273
Yasser M. Qureshi , Vitaly Voloshin , Amy Guy , Hilary Ranson , Philip J. McCall , James A. Covington , Catherine E. Towers , David P. Towers
Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) remain a critical intervention in controlling malaria transmission, yet the behavioural adaptations of mosquitoes in response to these interventions are not fully understood. This study examined the flight behaviour of insecticide-resistant (IR) and insecticide-susceptible (IS) Anopheles gambiae strains around an Olyset net (OL), a permethrin-impregnated ITN, versus an untreated net (UT). Using machine learning (ML) models, we classified mosquito flight trajectories with high balanced accuracy (0.838) and ROC AUC (0.925). Contrary to assumptions that behavioural changes at OL would intensify over time, our findings show an immediate onset of convoluted, erratic flight paths for both IR and IS mosquitoes around the treated net. SHAP analysis identified three key predictive features of OL exposure: frequency of zero-crossings in flight angle change; first quartile of flight angle change; and zero-crossings in horizontal velocity. These suggest disruptive flight patterns, indicating insecticidal irritancy. While IS mosquitoes displayed rapid, disordered trajectories and mostly died within 30 min, IR mosquitoes persisted throughout the 2-h experiments but exhibited similarly disturbed behaviour, suggesting resistance does not fully mitigate disruption. Our findings challenge literature suggesting permethrin’s repellency in solution form, instead supporting an irritant or contact-driven effect when incorporated into net fibres. This study highlights the value of ML-based trajectory analysis for understanding mosquito behaviour, refining ITN configurations and evaluating novel active ingredients aimed at disrupting mosquito flight behaviour. Future work should extend these methods to other ITNs to further illuminate the complex interplay between mosquito behaviour and insecticidal intervention.
{"title":"Machine learning reveals immediate disruption in mosquito flight when exposed to Olyset nets","authors":"Yasser M. Qureshi , Vitaly Voloshin , Amy Guy , Hilary Ranson , Philip J. McCall , James A. Covington , Catherine E. Towers , David P. Towers","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100273","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100273","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) remain a critical intervention in controlling malaria transmission, yet the behavioural adaptations of mosquitoes in response to these interventions are not fully understood. This study examined the flight behaviour of insecticide-resistant (IR) and insecticide-susceptible (IS) <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> strains around an Olyset net (OL), a permethrin-impregnated ITN, <em>versus</em> an untreated net (UT). Using machine learning (ML) models, we classified mosquito flight trajectories with high balanced accuracy (0.838) and ROC AUC (0.925). Contrary to assumptions that behavioural changes at OL would intensify over time, our findings show an immediate onset of convoluted, erratic flight paths for both IR and IS mosquitoes around the treated net. SHAP analysis identified three key predictive features of OL exposure: frequency of zero-crossings in flight angle change; first quartile of flight angle change; and zero-crossings in horizontal velocity. These suggest disruptive flight patterns, indicating insecticidal irritancy. While IS mosquitoes displayed rapid, disordered trajectories and mostly died within 30 min, IR mosquitoes persisted throughout the 2-h experiments but exhibited similarly disturbed behaviour, suggesting resistance does not fully mitigate disruption. Our findings challenge literature suggesting permethrin’s repellency in solution form, instead supporting an irritant or contact-driven effect when incorporated into net fibres. This study highlights the value of ML-based trajectory analysis for understanding mosquito behaviour, refining ITN configurations and evaluating novel active ingredients aimed at disrupting mosquito flight behaviour. Future work should extend these methods to other ITNs to further illuminate the complex interplay between mosquito behaviour and insecticidal intervention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100273"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144241274","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}
Leishmaniasis, the most neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, poses a substantial global health concern. The present review provides an in-depth overview of current findings on apoptosis and cell death mechanisms in leishmaniasis, integrating current advancements and key components. It explores the intricate interaction between Leishmania spp. and host cell apoptosis, a crucial basis of disease outcome. Leishmania spp. and host cell death pathways interplay is highly complex and multi-layered, and the current review discusses how Leishmania parasites manipulate host cell apoptotic signal transduction to establish and sustain infection. This includes the subversion of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling, the modulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and managing host cell death machinery for their survival and pathogenesis. Moreover, the present review explores the emerging evidence of apoptosis in Leishmania parasites. This fascinating phenomenon, while less widely studied, recommends immense therapeutic potential in targeting parasite-persistent mechanisms. Finally, we critically analyze the challenges and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the merits and mediator molecular mechanisms underlying Leishmania-induced apoptosis and its implications for novel therapeutic strategies against this debilitating disease.
{"title":"An inclusive assessment of apoptosis mechanisms in Leishmania species: A narrative literature review","authors":"Soheil Sadr , Iraj Sharifi , Solmaz Morovati , Helia Sepahvand , Shakiba Nazemian , Mehdi Bamorovat , Zahra Rezaeian , Baharak Akhtardanesh","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniasis, the most neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <em>Leishmania</em>, poses a substantial global health concern. The present review provides an in-depth overview of current findings on apoptosis and cell death mechanisms in leishmaniasis, integrating current advancements and key components. It explores the intricate interaction between <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and host cell apoptosis, a crucial basis of disease outcome. <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and host cell death pathways interplay is highly complex and multi-layered, and the current review discusses how <em>Leishmania</em> parasites manipulate host cell apoptotic signal transduction to establish and sustain infection. This includes the subversion of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling, the modulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and managing host cell death machinery for their survival and pathogenesis. Moreover, the present review explores the emerging evidence of apoptosis in <em>Leishmania</em> parasites. This fascinating phenomenon, while less widely studied, recommends immense therapeutic potential in targeting parasite-persistent mechanisms. Finally, we critically analyze the challenges and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the merits and mediator molecular mechanisms underlying <em>Leishmania</em>-induced apoptosis and its implications for novel therapeutic strategies against this debilitating disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854822","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 : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100285
Dima Abdallah , Eric Viscogliosi , Gabriela Certad
Species of Cryptosporidium are a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with severe outcomes in immunocompromised individuals and malnourished children. Despite the significant public health impact, no effective drug exists for these vulnerable populations. How Cryptosporidium spp. interact with the host remains incompletely understood. However, recent technological advances have begun to uncover novel mechanisms involved in parasite attachment, invasion, immune evasion through host pathway manipulation, potential host cell transformation, interactions with the gut microbiota, and modulation of viral co-infections. In this review, we synthesise these recent findings, offering an updated perspective on host-parasite dynamics and their implications for new therapeutic strategies.
{"title":"Cryptosporidium-host interactions: What’s new?","authors":"Dima Abdallah , Eric Viscogliosi , Gabriela Certad","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100285","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Species of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> are a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with severe outcomes in immunocompromised individuals and malnourished children. Despite the significant public health impact, no effective drug exists for these vulnerable populations. How <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. interact with the host remains incompletely understood. However, recent technological advances have begun to uncover novel mechanisms involved in parasite attachment, invasion, immune evasion through host pathway manipulation, potential host cell transformation, interactions with the gut microbiota, and modulation of viral co-infections. In this review, we synthesise these recent findings, offering an updated perspective on host-parasite dynamics and their implications for new therapeutic strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100285"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144518591","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}
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