Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100272
Witchuta Junsiri , Piyanan Taweethavonsawat
Wolbachia spp. are intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods. These bacteria influence reproductive traits in their hosts and are used in mosquito-borne virus control programmes. This study investigates the Wolbachia surface protein (WSP), a potential trigger of innate immune responses. The wsp gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, cloned, and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that wsp sequences from Wolbachia endosymbionts of Brugia pahangi and B. malayi formed two clades within the supergroup D. The wsp sequences were highly conserved, with 99–100% sequence identity across global isolates. Haplotype analysis revealed 13 distinct wsp haplotypes. The average antigenic score of the WSP protein was 1.029 for B. malayi and 1.026 for B. pahangi. MHC-NP analysis predicted eight antigen ligands for B. malayi and six for B. pahangi. Notably, a shared antigen ligand (VIADQKHGF) was identified for both species, associated with dog leukocyte antigens (DLA-8850101, DLA-8803401, and DLA-8850801). Additionally, a conserved ligand region (ALVMLLSLSNSAFSD) was identified in the WSP of B. malayi, corresponding to human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DR alleles HLA-DRB1∗04:04 and HLA-DRB1∗04:01). These findings provide new insights into the phylogenetic classification, sequence conservation, and immunogenic potential of the WSP protein in Wolbachia endosymbionts of Brugia spp.
{"title":"New insights into the genetic diversity, phylogeny, and immunogenic potential of the wsp gene in Wolbachia endosymbionts in Brugia malayi and Brugia pahangi","authors":"Witchuta Junsiri , Piyanan Taweethavonsawat","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Wolbachia</em> spp. are intracellular, maternally inherited bacteria that infect a wide range of arthropods. These bacteria influence reproductive traits in their hosts and are used in mosquito-borne virus control programmes. This study investigates the <em>Wolbachia</em> surface protein (WSP), a potential trigger of innate immune responses. The <em>wsp</em> gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, cloned, and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis showed that <em>wsp</em> sequences from <em>Wolbachia</em> endosymbionts of <em>Brugia pahangi</em> and <em>B. malayi</em> formed two clades within the supergroup D. The <em>wsp</em> sequences were highly conserved, with 99–100% sequence identity across global isolates. Haplotype analysis revealed 13 distinct <em>wsp</em> haplotypes. The average antigenic score of the WSP protein was 1.029 for <em>B. malayi</em> and 1.026 for <em>B. pahangi</em>. MHC-NP analysis predicted eight antigen ligands for <em>B. malayi</em> and six for <em>B. pahangi</em>. Notably, a shared antigen ligand (VIADQKHGF) was identified for both species, associated with dog leukocyte antigens (DLA-8850101, DLA-8803401, and DLA-8850801). Additionally, a conserved ligand region (ALVMLLSLSNSAFSD) was identified in the WSP of <em>B. malayi</em>, corresponding to human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DR alleles HLA-DRB1∗04:04 and HLA-DRB1∗04:01). These findings provide new insights into the phylogenetic classification, sequence conservation, and immunogenic potential of the WSP protein in <em>Wolbachia</em> endosymbionts of <em>Brugia</em> spp.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100272"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144138938","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.2025.100289
Samantha Hay-Parker , Roger I. Rodriguez-Vivas , Emilia Tobias , Frederic Beugnet , Nancy Montes , Erick García , Diego Bazaldua
Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode found worldwide and capable of infecting several animal species, including dogs. In Mexico, D. immitis infection in dogs has been detected in 22 of the 32 states, with a wide range of prevalence. Blood samples of 535 dogs from four ecological zones and 11 localities in Mexico were processed with ELISA (IDEXX SNAP 4Dx® Plus) with non-treated blood samples (NTB) and pre-heat-treated sera for immune complex dissociation (pre-ICD). Thick drop tests were also performed. The prevalence of D. immitis in each locality was estimated. The positive results were analyzed using χ2-test to identify the associated factors, and the variables with P < 0.2 were analyzed using a logistic regression. The overall prevalence found using the ELISA test with NTB was 15.5%, while it was significantly higher (22.6%) using the same test with pre-ICD. With the thick drop test, a lower prevalence (7.2%) was observed. The detection of positive cases of D. immitis infection was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the three tests. Of the studied dogs, 15.5% (83/535) were positive to both ELISA using NTB and pre-ICD; however, 7.1% (38/535) were only positive after pre-ICD. The higher prevalence was found in Ciudad del Carmen (48.3%), Tampico (48.3%), and Puerto Morelos (64.0%). The risk factors associated with D. immitis infection were the ecological zone (warm subhumid with summer rains: Aw1, OR 2.8, P = 0.003 and Aw0, OR 20.4, P = 0.003); and age of the animals (dogs ≥ 6 years, OR 2.8, P < 0.001). In Mexico, dogs from four ecological zones were found highly infected with D. immitis, the associated risk factors were the ecological zone and age of the animals. Pre-ICD revealed that 7.1% of ELISA antigen-tested samples were false negatives with NTB.
免疫双丝虫是一种世界范围内发现的线虫，能够感染包括狗在内的几种动物。在墨西哥，32个州中有22个州检测到犬只感染了免疫缺陷虫病，流行范围很广。采用ELISA （IDEXX SNAP 4Dx®Plus）对来自墨西哥4个生态区和11个地区的535只狗的血液样本与未处理的血液样本（NTB）和预处理的免疫复合物解离（pre-ICD）血清进行处理。还进行了厚跌落试验。估计了各地区蜱螨病的流行情况。阳性结果采用χ2检验确定相关因素，变量采用P <；0.2例采用逻辑回归分析。使用ELISA检测发现NTB的总患病率为15.5%，而使用相同的检测方法检测前icd的总患病率明显更高（22.6%）。厚滴试验的患病率较低（7.2%）。免疫弓形虫感染阳性病例检出率差异有统计学意义(P <；0.05)。研究犬中，15.5%（83/535）的NTB和pre-ICD ELISA均阳性；7.1%（38/535）仅在icd前阳性。卡门城（48.3%）、坦皮科（48.3%）和莫雷洛斯州港（64.0%）的患病率较高。与赤霉病感染相关的危险因素为生态地带（夏季多雨的温暖半湿润地区：Aw1， OR 2.8, P = 0.003; Aw0, OR 20.4, P = 0.003）；动物的年龄(狗≥6岁，OR 2.8, P <；0.001)。在墨西哥，来自4个生态区的犬只均出现高感染，相关危险因素为生态区和动物年龄。预icd显示，7.1%的ELISA抗原检测样品为NTB假阴性。
{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of Dirofilaria immitis infection in dogs from Mexico, including serum pre-heat treatment for the dissociation of immune complexes","authors":"Samantha Hay-Parker , Roger I. Rodriguez-Vivas , Emilia Tobias , Frederic Beugnet , Nancy Montes , Erick García , Diego Bazaldua","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> is a nematode found worldwide and capable of infecting several animal species, including dogs. In Mexico, <em>D. immitis</em> infection in dogs has been detected in 22 of the 32 states, with a wide range of prevalence. Blood samples of 535 dogs from four ecological zones and 11 localities in Mexico were processed with ELISA (IDEXX SNAP 4Dx® Plus) with non-treated blood samples (NTB) and pre-heat-treated sera for immune complex dissociation (pre-ICD). Thick drop tests were also performed. The prevalence of <em>D. immitis</em> in each locality was estimated. The positive results were analyzed using <em>χ</em><sup>2</sup>-test to identify the associated factors, and the variables with <em>P</em> < 0.2 were analyzed using a logistic regression. The overall prevalence found using the ELISA test with NTB was 15.5%, while it was significantly higher (22.6%) using the same test with pre-ICD. With the thick drop test, a lower prevalence (7.2%) was observed. The detection of positive cases of <em>D. immitis</em> infection was significantly different (<em>P</em> < 0.05) between the three tests. Of the studied dogs, 15.5% (83/535) were positive to both ELISA using NTB and pre-ICD; however, 7.1% (38/535) were only positive after pre-ICD. The higher prevalence was found in Ciudad del Carmen (48.3%), Tampico (48.3%), and Puerto Morelos (64.0%). The risk factors associated with <em>D. immitis</em> infection were the ecological zone (warm subhumid with summer rains: <em>Aw1</em>, OR 2.8, <em>P</em> = 0.003 and <em>Aw0</em>, OR 20.4, <em>P</em> = 0.003); and age of the animals (dogs ≥ 6 years, OR 2.8, <em>P</em> < 0.001). In Mexico, dogs from four ecological zones were found highly infected with <em>D. immitis</em>, the associated risk factors were the ecological zone and age of the animals. Pre-ICD revealed that 7.1% of ELISA antigen-tested samples were false negatives with NTB.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587414","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.2025.100293
Katharina Platzgummer , Edwin Kniha , Vít Dvorak , Petr Halada , Julia Walochnik , Barbora Vomackova Kykalova , Ida Hanusniakova , Robert Farkas , Petr Volf , Attila J. Trájer
In Europe, sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are characteristic Mediterranean fauna, though some species expand their range further north. However, the sand fly fauna of Central Europe remains underreported, particularly in Hungary where recent data is lacking due to limited and outdated entomological surveys. To address this gap, a series of sand fly surveys were conducted in Hungary, with significant findings from two trapping efforts in 2017 and 2024. In 2017, only a single female Phlebotomus papatasi was trapped in northern Hungary, which marks one of the northernmost records of the species. In 2024, a more extensive and geographically wider survey recorded 264 sand flies at 34 sites, including three species: Ph. mascittii, Ph. neglectus, and Ph. papatasi. Sand flies were found across diverse environmental settings, including urban, agricultural, and natural habitats. Particularly, the previously rare presence of Ph. mascittii at rural sites (natural rock formations) was reported. Analysis of historical and current data revealed the presence of four sand fly species in Central and South Transdanubia, with evidence suggesting potential range expansion. Blood meal analysis of engorged females identified a variety of domestic and wild host species, but no Leishmania or Phlebovirus infections were detected. Habitat modelling and linear discriminant analysis indicated substantial climate suitability across Southeast Europe, with most positive sand fly observations observed in discontinuous urban fabric CORINE Land Cover classes. This study offers important insights into the ecology, distribution, and climatic preferences of sand flies in Hungary and provides crucial baseline data to monitor potential future spread.
{"title":"Updating the distribution of sand flies in Hungary with implications on their biology and ecology","authors":"Katharina Platzgummer , Edwin Kniha , Vít Dvorak , Petr Halada , Julia Walochnik , Barbora Vomackova Kykalova , Ida Hanusniakova , Robert Farkas , Petr Volf , Attila J. Trájer","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Europe, sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are characteristic Mediterranean fauna, though some species expand their range further north. However, the sand fly fauna of Central Europe remains underreported, particularly in Hungary where recent data is lacking due to limited and outdated entomological surveys. To address this gap, a series of sand fly surveys were conducted in Hungary, with significant findings from two trapping efforts in 2017 and 2024. In 2017, only a single female <em>Phlebotomus papatasi</em> was trapped in northern Hungary, which marks one of the northernmost records of the species. In 2024, a more extensive and geographically wider survey recorded 264 sand flies at 34 sites, including three species: <em>Ph. mascittii</em>, <em>Ph. neglectus</em>, and <em>Ph. papatasi</em>. Sand flies were found across diverse environmental settings, including urban, agricultural, and natural habitats. Particularly, the previously rare presence of <em>Ph. mascittii</em> at rural sites (natural rock formations) was reported. Analysis of historical and current data revealed the presence of four sand fly species in Central and South Transdanubia, with evidence suggesting potential range expansion. Blood meal analysis of engorged females identified a variety of domestic and wild host species, but no <em>Leishmania</em> or <em>Phlebovirus</em> infections were detected. Habitat modelling and linear discriminant analysis indicated substantial climate suitability across Southeast Europe, with most positive sand fly observations observed in discontinuous urban fabric CORINE Land Cover classes. This study offers important insights into the ecology, distribution, and climatic preferences of sand flies in Hungary and provides crucial baseline data to monitor potential future spread.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100293"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144605393","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}
Local data are essential to understand the threat posed by invasive Anopheles stephensi and native malaria vectors on urban malaria transmission. This study investigated key bioecological features of invasive and native malaria vectors in Metehara town, Ethiopia. In parallel with a case-control study assessing the impact of An. stephensi on urban malaria transmission, a bioecological assessment was conducted between November 2023 and October 2024. All potential larval breeding habitats were mapped, followed by bimonthly collections of immature and adult mosquitoes from randomly selected locations. Immatures were collected using standard dippers, and adults with CDC light traps, BG Pro traps, and Prokopack aspirators. Adult Anopheles were identified morphologically, while species identification of immatures, adult blood-meal analysis, and sporozoite detection were performed via PCR. Of 767 potential larval breeding habitats, 98.3% (n = 754) were anthropogenic, with the majority (95.2%, n = 730) accessible for oviposition, either fully (73.1%, n = 551) or partially (23.7%, n = 179). More than half were water storage containers for human consumption (37.3%, n = 281) or associated with construction (20.8%, n = 157), while abandoned containers, including discarded tyres, accounted for 22.3% (n = 168). Among anthropogenic habitats positive for Anopheles immatures (55.3%, n = 417), one-third contained both An. stephensi and An. arabiensis. Habitat positivity for An. arabiensis showed significant seasonal variation (likelihood ratio, LR = 46.96, P < 0.01), whereas An. stephensi remained stable (LR = 13.06, P = 0.11). Of 2078 adult catches, An. arabiensis was the most abundant species (63.7%, n = 1323), followed by An. pharoensis (26.4%, n = 549). The human blood index was highest in An. arabiensis (21.8%), compared with An. pharoensis (8.3%) and An. stephensi (1.9%). Sporozoite rate was highest in An. pharoensis (4.2%, 23/548), followed by An. arabiensis (0.4%, 5/1321), while no An. stephensi tested positive (0/173). In conclusion, most breeding habitats were anthropogenic, supporting both native and invasive vectors. Anopheles arabiensis exhibited seasonal variation, whereas An. stephensi remained stable. Integrated vector control targeting anthropogenic larval habitats is recommended. Identification of An. pharoensis from larval pools, given its high sporozoite rate, is critical to guide urban malaria control.
{"title":"Co-occurrence of native and invasive malaria vectors in anthropogenic habitats in Metehara, Ethiopia: Opportunities for urban malaria control","authors":"Temesgen Ashine , Abena Kochora , Muluken Assefa , Nigatu Negash , Bedasa Gidisa , Elifaged Hailemeskel , Merit Alemayehu , Chaltu Assefa , Mihret Ebabu , Galana Mamo Ayana , Tedros Nigusse , Fikregabrail Aberra Kassa , Endashaw Esayas , Adane Eyasu , Sagni Chali , Adrienne Epstein , Fatou Jaiteh , John Bradley , Patricia Doumbe-Belisse , Alison M. Reynolds , Endalamaw Gadisa","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100337","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100337","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Local data are essential to understand the threat posed by invasive <em>Anopheles stephensi</em> and native malaria vectors on urban malaria transmission. This study investigated key bioecological features of invasive and native malaria vectors in Metehara town, Ethiopia. In parallel with a case-control study assessing the impact of <em>An. stephensi</em> on urban malaria transmission, a bioecological assessment was conducted between November 2023 and October 2024. All potential larval breeding habitats were mapped, followed by bimonthly collections of immature and adult mosquitoes from randomly selected locations. Immatures were collected using standard dippers, and adults with CDC light traps, BG Pro traps, and Prokopack aspirators. Adult <em>Anopheles</em> were identified morphologically, while species identification of immatures, adult blood-meal analysis, and sporozoite detection were performed <em>via</em> PCR. Of 767 potential larval breeding habitats, 98.3% (<em>n</em> = 754) were anthropogenic, with the majority (95.2%, <em>n</em> = 730) accessible for oviposition, either fully (73.1%, <em>n</em> = 551) or partially (23.7%, <em>n</em> = 179). More than half were water storage containers for human consumption (37.3%, <em>n</em> = 281) or associated with construction (20.8%, <em>n</em> = 157), while abandoned containers, including discarded tyres, accounted for 22.3% (<em>n</em> = 168). Among anthropogenic habitats positive for <em>Anopheles</em> immatures (55.3%, <em>n</em> = 417), one-third contained both <em>An. stephensi</em> and <em>An. arabiensis</em>. Habitat positivity for <em>An. arabiensis</em> showed significant seasonal variation (likelihood ratio, <em>LR</em> = 46.96, <em>P</em> < 0.01), whereas <em>An. stephensi</em> remained stable (<em>LR</em> = 13.06, <em>P</em> = 0.11). Of 2078 adult catches, <em>An. arabiensis</em> was the most abundant species (63.7%, <em>n</em> = 1323), followed by <em>An. pharoensis</em> (26.4%, <em>n</em> = 549). The human blood index was highest in <em>An. arabiensis</em> (21.8%), compared with <em>An. pharoensis</em> (8.3%) and <em>An. stephensi</em> (1.9%). Sporozoite rate was highest in <em>An. pharoensis</em> (4.2%, 23/548), followed by <em>An. arabiensis</em> (0.4%, 5/1321), while no <em>An. stephensi</em> tested positive (0/173). In conclusion, most breeding habitats were anthropogenic, supporting both native and invasive vectors. <em>Anopheles arabiensis</em> exhibited seasonal variation, whereas <em>An. stephensi</em> remained stable. Integrated vector control targeting anthropogenic larval habitats is recommended. Identification of <em>An. pharoensis</em> from larval pools, given its high sporozoite rate, is critical to guide urban malaria control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100337"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623412","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.2025.100325
Panagiota Tsafrakidou , Arsen Gkektsian , Michael Miaoulis , Lee W. Cohnstaedt , Alexandra Chaskopoulou
Sand flies are vectors of Leishmania spp. parasites, responsible for causing leishmaniasis in humans and animals. Effective control of sand fly populations is essential to interrupt pathogen transmission, yet conventional insecticide-spraying methods have shown limited and often unsustainable impact. As part of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) systems, attractant-based strategies offer a promising complementary approach by luring the vector for improved surveillance and control. Understanding the sensory cues that drive sand fly behavior is essential for the development of effective attract-and-kill or monitoring tools. However, the application of attractants in sand fly control remains underutilized, partially due to fragmented and inconsistent evidence across studies. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review, according to the PRISMA guidelines, to summarize current knowledge on sand fly attractants and evaluate their potential role within IVM frameworks. Articles published up to the end of 2024, were retrieved from four databases. The search strategy was adapted to the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework, with tailored search queries designed for each database in order to identify relevant field and laboratory studies. The 100 included studies were assessed using a customized tool and classified into five categories: “visual cues”, “olfactory cues”, “combined cues”, “attractive toxic sugar bates (ATSB)”, and a “special category”. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic approach to comprehensively and systematically summarize existing knowledge regarding sand fly attractants.
{"title":"Luring the vector: A systematic review of sand fly attractants","authors":"Panagiota Tsafrakidou , Arsen Gkektsian , Michael Miaoulis , Lee W. Cohnstaedt , Alexandra Chaskopoulou","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100325","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100325","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Sand flies are vectors of <em>Leishmania</em> spp. parasites, responsible for causing leishmaniasis in humans and animals. Effective control of sand fly populations is essential to interrupt pathogen transmission, yet conventional insecticide-spraying methods have shown limited and often unsustainable impact. As part of Integrated Vector Management (IVM) systems, attractant-based strategies offer a promising complementary approach by luring the vector for improved surveillance and control. Understanding the sensory cues that drive sand fly behavior is essential for the development of effective attract-and-kill or monitoring tools. However, the application of attractants in sand fly control remains underutilized, partially due to fragmented and inconsistent evidence across studies. To address this gap, we conducted a systematic review, according to the PRISMA guidelines, to summarize current knowledge on sand fly attractants and evaluate their potential role within IVM frameworks. Articles published up to the end of 2024, were retrieved from four databases. The search strategy was adapted to the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) framework, with tailored search queries designed for each database in order to identify relevant field and laboratory studies. The 100 included studies were assessed using a customized tool and classified into five categories: “visual cues”, “olfactory cues”, “combined cues”, “attractive toxic sugar bates (ATSB)”, and a “special category”. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic approach to comprehensively and systematically summarize existing knowledge regarding sand fly attractants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100325"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145265381","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.2025.100326
Daphne E. Mavrides , Maria Liapi , Stavros Malas , Anastasios D. Tsaousis , Eleni Gentekaki
Cryptosporidium spp. are globally important enteric pathogens in livestock and a leading cause of neonatal calf diarrhoea, with zoonotic potential. This study presents the first nationwide molecular survey of Cryptosporidium spp. and C. parvum gp60 subtypes in dairy cattle in Cyprus. A total of 517 faecal samples were collected from dams (n = 256) and their 3–7-day-old calves (n = 261) across 18 farms in five districts. Samples were screened by nested PCR and sequencing of the SSU rRNA and gp60 genes. Overall, Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence was 28.2%, with higher rates in calves (39.5%) than in dams (16.8%). Cryptosporidium parvum was the dominant species (85.6%), followed by C. bovis (8.2%), C. andersoni (4.8%), and C. ryanae (0.7%). Eight C. parvum gp60 subtypes were identified, six from family IIa and two from IId, the latter reported for the first time in Cypriot cattle. Subtypes IIaA14G1R1 and IIdA16G1 were strongly associated with severe diarrhoea, while IIaA17G2R1 predominated in asymptomatic calves. Several identified subtypes have been implicated in human outbreaks globally. Cyprus’s confined livestock population and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa provide a unique context for understanding Cryptosporidium transmission. This study establishes essential baseline data on the prevalence, molecular diversity, and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium in an island setting. The findings underscore the need for integrated surveillance and One Health strategies to control transmission, protect public health, and monitor the emergence of high-risk subtypes locally and beyond.
{"title":"First nationwide investigation of Cryptosporidium species and gp60 subtypes in dairy cattle in Cyprus","authors":"Daphne E. Mavrides , Maria Liapi , Stavros Malas , Anastasios D. Tsaousis , Eleni Gentekaki","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100326","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100326","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. are globally important enteric pathogens in livestock and a leading cause of neonatal calf diarrhoea, with zoonotic potential. This study presents the first nationwide molecular survey of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and <em>C. parvum gp60</em> subtypes in dairy cattle in Cyprus. A total of 517 faecal samples were collected from dams (<em>n</em> = 256) and their 3–7-day-old calves (<em>n</em> = 261) across 18 farms in five districts. Samples were screened by nested PCR and sequencing of the SSU rRNA and <em>gp60</em> genes. Overall, <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. prevalence was 28.2%, with higher rates in calves (39.5%) than in dams (16.8%). <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em> was the dominant species (85.6%), followed by <em>C. bovis</em> (8.2%), <em>C. andersoni</em> (4.8%), and <em>C. ryanae</em> (0.7%). Eight <em>C. parvum gp60</em> subtypes were identified, six from family IIa and two from IId, the latter reported for the first time in Cypriot cattle. Subtypes IIaA14G1R1 and IIdA16G1 were strongly associated with severe diarrhoea, while IIaA17G2R1 predominated in asymptomatic calves. Several identified subtypes have been implicated in human outbreaks globally. Cyprus’s confined livestock population and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa provide a unique context for understanding <em>Cryptosporidium</em> transmission. This study establishes essential baseline data on the prevalence, molecular diversity, and zoonotic potential of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> in an island setting. The findings underscore the need for integrated surveillance and One Health strategies to control transmission, protect public health, and monitor the emergence of high-risk subtypes locally and beyond.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100326"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145320146","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.2025.100323
Hsiao-Hsuan Wang , William E. Grant , Taylor G. Donaldson , Donald B. Thomas , Kimberly H. Lohmeyer , Adalberto Á. Pérez de León , Pete D. Teel
Cattle fever ticks (CFT), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus and R. (B.) microplus, threaten the economic security of the USA cattle industry as vectors of Babesia bigemina and B. bovis. Of the two CFT, R. microplus has a more invasive biology and thrives in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program successfully eliminated CFT from the southern USA and has since prevented CFT re-establishment by operating surveillance and quarantine in South Texas, including the permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border. However, introductions and successful establishment of alternate CFT hosts, including white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the Tamaulipan biome, have complicated eradication efforts. We used location intelligence and a spatially explicit, individual-based model to simulate potential impacts of wildlife hosts on R. microplus infestation/eradication dynamics in the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge that encompasses a brushland ecosystem with diverse coastal habitats, including parts of a lagoon in South Texas. Results of our hypothetical eradication scenarios suggest that even sparse populations of wildlife hosts can maintain R. microplus populations in habitat-specific refugia during eradication efforts. The present model version is the first to have incorporated a georeferenced representation of a real landscape and to have integrated site-specific field data on climatic conditions and cattle movement patterns. Model forecasts of spatially explicit chronologies of changes in R. microplus densities can aid in a priori evaluation of field sampling strategies and treatment applications in specific landscapes under specific environmental conditions.
{"title":"Leveraging location intelligence and individual-based modeling to simulate Rhipicephalus microplus infestation and eradication dynamics at the cattle-wildlife interface","authors":"Hsiao-Hsuan Wang , William E. Grant , Taylor G. Donaldson , Donald B. Thomas , Kimberly H. Lohmeyer , Adalberto Á. Pérez de León , Pete D. Teel","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100323","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100323","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cattle fever ticks (CFT), <em>Rhipicephalus</em> (<em>Boophilus</em>) <em>annulatus</em> and <em>R</em>. (<em>B</em>.) <em>microplus</em>, threaten the economic security of the USA cattle industry as vectors of <em>Babesia bigemina</em> and <em>B. bovis</em>. Of the two CFT, <em>R</em>. <em>microplus</em> has a more invasive biology and thrives in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. The U.S. Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program successfully eliminated CFT from the southern USA and has since prevented CFT re-establishment by operating surveillance and quarantine in South Texas, including the permanent quarantine zone along the Texas-Mexico border. However, introductions and successful establishment of alternate CFT hosts, including white-tailed deer (<em>Odocoileus virginianus</em>) and nilgai (<em>Boselaphus tragocamelus</em>) in the Tamaulipan biome, have complicated eradication efforts. We used location intelligence and a spatially explicit, individual-based model to simulate potential impacts of wildlife hosts on <em>R</em>. <em>microplus</em> infestation/eradication dynamics in the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge that encompasses a brushland ecosystem with diverse coastal habitats, including parts of a lagoon in South Texas. Results of our hypothetical eradication scenarios suggest that even sparse populations of wildlife hosts can maintain <em>R</em>. <em>microplus</em> populations in habitat-specific refugia during eradication efforts. The present model version is the first to have incorporated a georeferenced representation of a real landscape and to have integrated site-specific field data on climatic conditions and cattle movement patterns. Model forecasts of spatially explicit chronologies of changes in <em>R</em>. <em>microplus</em> densities can aid in <em>a priori</em> evaluation of field sampling strategies and treatment applications in specific landscapes under specific environmental conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100323"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145219887","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.2025.100247
Nima R. Moghaddas , Mohamed M. Traore , Gunter C. Müller , Joseph Wagman , Javan Chanda , Julian Entwistle , Christen M. Fornadel , Thomas S. Churcher
Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a potential new vector control tool that exploits the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. Little is known about the factors which drive ATSB efficacy, either as a standalone vector control tool or in combination with existing intervention strategies. It has been suggested that the percentage of wild mosquitoes caught fed on dye-containing sugar baits without the toxin could provide an entomological correlate of the potential epidemiological benefit of ATSB. A transmission dynamics mathematical model is combined with data from wild mosquitoes to investigate the relationship between the mosquito dyed fraction, bait-feeding rate and the potential epidemiological impact of ATSB in the presence of standard malaria control. The dyed fraction in Mali varies substantially in space and time (mean 0.34, standard deviation 0.15), causing estimates of the bait-feeding rate to be highly uncertain, especially in areas with existing vector control tools. The model indicates the dyed fractions observed in field experiments were broadly predictive of the reductions in mosquitoes caught when ATSB stations were deployed at scale in Mali (R2 = 0.90). Model projections suggest that if these bait-feeding rates were observed in all mosquitoes, then the widespread use of ATSB could substantially reduce malaria burden alone or in combinations with standard malaria control, though epidemiological impact is likely to vary substantially in different areas. For example, observing a dyed fraction of 5% would indicate a daily bait-feeding rate of 0.024 (range 0.008–0.049) which is projected to result in 0.13 clinical cases averted per person-year (range 0.051–0.22), a 39% efficacy (range 12–66%) in this particular site. Nevertheless, the uncertainty in the relationship between the observed dyed fraction and the true bait-feeding rate, and the underlying biology of mosquito sugar-feeding means that the epidemiological benefit of this new possible intervention remains unclear.
{"title":"Exploring the epidemiological impact of attractive targeted sugar bait against malaria in combination with standard malaria control","authors":"Nima R. Moghaddas , Mohamed M. Traore , Gunter C. Müller , Joseph Wagman , Javan Chanda , Julian Entwistle , Christen M. Fornadel , Thomas S. Churcher","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a potential new vector control tool that exploits the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. Little is known about the factors which drive ATSB efficacy, either as a standalone vector control tool or in combination with existing intervention strategies. It has been suggested that the percentage of wild mosquitoes caught fed on dye-containing sugar baits without the toxin could provide an entomological correlate of the potential epidemiological benefit of ATSB. A transmission dynamics mathematical model is combined with data from wild mosquitoes to investigate the relationship between the mosquito dyed fraction, bait-feeding rate and the potential epidemiological impact of ATSB in the presence of standard malaria control. The dyed fraction in Mali varies substantially in space and time (mean 0.34, standard deviation 0.15), causing estimates of the bait-feeding rate to be highly uncertain, especially in areas with existing vector control tools. The model indicates the dyed fractions observed in field experiments were broadly predictive of the reductions in mosquitoes caught when ATSB stations were deployed at scale in Mali (<em>R</em><sup>2</sup> = 0.90). Model projections suggest that if these bait-feeding rates were observed in all mosquitoes, then the widespread use of ATSB could substantially reduce malaria burden alone or in combinations with standard malaria control, though epidemiological impact is likely to vary substantially in different areas. For example, observing a dyed fraction of 5% would indicate a daily bait-feeding rate of 0.024 (range 0.008–0.049) which is projected to result in 0.13 clinical cases averted per person-year (range 0.051–0.22), a 39% efficacy (range 12–66%) in this particular site. Nevertheless, the uncertainty in the relationship between the observed dyed fraction and the true bait-feeding rate, and the underlying biology of mosquito sugar-feeding means that the epidemiological benefit of this new possible intervention remains unclear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378485","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}
Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is used for the treatment of leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis in Thailand, and relapse cases have been documented. To date, genomic analysis of drug-resistant L. martiniquensis strains is limited. In this study, comparative genome analyses were performed with an experimentally selected AmpB-resistant L. martiniquensis (AmpBRP2i) and two cryopreserved L. martiniquensis parasite strains isolated from a patient showing differences in response to AmpB treatment, LSCM1-WT (susceptible) and LSCM1-6 (resistant). Applying the GIP genome analyses package, we identified aneuploidy and gene copy number variations in all three samples, none of which correlated with AmpB resistance. In contrast, single nucleotide variant (SNV) analyses revealed an SNV in AmpB-resistant strains introduced a premature stop codon into a putative sterol C-24 reductase gene (C24R) (LSCM1_02556) involved in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in Leishmania. As Leishmania AmpB resistance has previously been linked to mutations in other genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in different species of Leishmania parasites, these results suggest that C24R may serve as an additional marker of AmpB resistance in Leishmania. We further identified two missense SNVs in AmpB-resistant strains in a putative ‘ABC transporter-like/ABC transporter family’ gene (LSCM1_01856) that could be involved in drug efflux. These initial findings pave the way for future research with a larger number of isolates to confirm the genomic signature we associate here with AmpB resistance.
{"title":"Genome analyses of amphotericin B-susceptible and -resistant strains of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis reveal variations potentially related to amphotericin B resistance","authors":"Narissara Jariyapan , Sivamoke Dissook , Pitiporn Noisagul , Patcharawadee Thongkumkoon , Chonlada Mano , Romteera Kittichaiworakul , Anuluck Junkum , Adisak Tantiworawit , Pascale Pescher , Gerald F. Späth , Hatim Almutairi , Padet Siriyasatien","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is used for the treatment of leishmaniasis caused by <em>Leishmania</em> (<em>Mundinia</em>) <em>martiniquensis</em> in Thailand, and relapse cases have been documented. To date, genomic analysis of drug-resistant <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> strains is limited. In this study, comparative genome analyses were performed with an experimentally selected AmpB-resistant <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> (AmpBRP2i) and two cryopreserved <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> parasite strains isolated from a patient showing differences in response to AmpB treatment, LSCM1-WT (susceptible) and LSCM1-6 (resistant). Applying the GIP genome analyses package, we identified aneuploidy and gene copy number variations in all three samples, none of which correlated with AmpB resistance. In contrast, single nucleotide variant (SNV) analyses revealed an SNV in AmpB-resistant strains introduced a premature stop codon into a putative sterol C-24 reductase gene (<em>C24R</em>) (<em>LSCM1_02556</em>) involved in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in <em>Leishmania</em>. As <em>Leishmania</em> AmpB resistance has previously been linked to mutations in other genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in different species of <em>Leishmania</em> parasites, these results suggest that <em>C24R</em> may serve as an additional marker of AmpB resistance in <em>Leishmania</em>. We further identified two missense SNVs in AmpB-resistant strains in a putative ‘ABC transporter-like/ABC transporter family’ gene (<em>LSCM1_01856</em>) that could be involved in drug efflux. These initial findings pave the way for future research with a larger number of isolates to confirm the genomic signature we associate here with AmpB resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684034","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.2025.100257
Guy Robinson , Rachel M. Chalmers , Kristin Elwin , Rebecca A. Guy , Kyrylo Bessonov , Karin Troell , Lihua Xiao
For 25 years, analysis of the gp60 gene has been the cornerstone of Cryptosporidium subtyping, particularly for Cryptosporidium hominis and Cryptosporidium parvum, during population-based and epidemiological studies. This gene, which encodes a 60 kDa glycoprotein, is highly polymorphic with several variable features that make it particularly useful for differentiating within Cryptosporidium species. However, while this variability has proven useful for subtyping, it has on occasion resulted in alternative interpretations, and descriptions of novel and unusual features have been added to the nomenclature system, resulting in inconsistency and confusion. The components of the gp60 gene sequence used in the nomenclature that are discussed here include “R” repeats, “r” repeats, alphabetical suffixes, “variant” designations, and the use of the Greek alphabet as a family designation. As the subtyping scheme has expanded over the years, its application to different Cryptosporidium species has also made the scheme more complex. For example, key features may be absent, such as the typical TCA/TCG/TCT serine microsatellite that forms a major part of the nomenclature in C. hominis and C. parvum. As is to be expected in such a variable gene, different primer sets have been developed for the amplification of the gp60 in various species and these have been collated. Here we bring together all the current components of gp60, including a guide to the nomenclature in various species, software to assist in analysing sequences, and links to useful reference resources with an aim to promote standardisation of this subtyping tool.
{"title":"Deciphering a cryptic minefield: A guide to Cryptosporidium gp60 subtyping","authors":"Guy Robinson , Rachel M. Chalmers , Kristin Elwin , Rebecca A. Guy , Kyrylo Bessonov , Karin Troell , Lihua Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For 25 years, analysis of the <em>gp60</em> gene has been the cornerstone of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> subtyping, particularly for <em>Cryptosporidium hominis</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em>, during population-based and epidemiological studies. This gene, which encodes a 60 kDa glycoprotein, is highly polymorphic with several variable features that make it particularly useful for differentiating within <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species. However, while this variability has proven useful for subtyping, it has on occasion resulted in alternative interpretations, and descriptions of novel and unusual features have been added to the nomenclature system, resulting in inconsistency and confusion. The components of the <em>gp60</em> gene sequence used in the nomenclature that are discussed here include “R” repeats, “r” repeats, alphabetical suffixes, “variant” designations, and the use of the Greek alphabet as a family designation. As the subtyping scheme has expanded over the years, its application to different <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species has also made the scheme more complex. For example, key features may be absent, such as the typical TCA/TCG/TCT serine microsatellite that forms a major part of the nomenclature in <em>C. hominis</em> and <em>C. parvum</em>. As is to be expected in such a variable gene, different primer sets have been developed for the amplification of the <em>gp60</em> in various species and these have been collated. Here we bring together all the current components of <em>gp60</em>, including a guide to the nomenclature in various species, software to assist in analysing sequences, and links to useful reference resources with an aim to promote standardisation of this subtyping tool.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792052","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}
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