Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"Variation and Demographic Determinants of Malaria Infection in Selected Villages of Bibugn Woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia.","authors":"Anmut Assemie","doi":"10.1155/japr/7884712","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/7884712","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, with heterogeneous transmission across ecological and demographic settings. This study assessed variation and demographic determinants of malaria infection in selected villages of Bibugn woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2016 and March to April 2017 in Ameba Amarsa, Debersina, and Moseba Shemiabo villages, which were purposively selected from the woreda. A total of 422 residents were randomly selected from the purposively selected villages. Thick and thin blood smears were examined microscopically to detect <i>Plasmodium</i> species. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS software. Associations between malaria infection and predictor variables were analyzed using chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level. Overall, 46 participants were positive, yielding a malaria prevalence of 10.9% (95% CI: 8.0%-14.3%). Infection was higher among males (67.39%) than females (32.61%), but not statistically significant (<i>χ</i> ² = 1.753, df = 1, <i>p</i> = 0.185). The occurrence of <i>Plasmodium</i> species was not significant in residence (<i>χ</i> ² = 3.609, df = 1, <i>p</i> = 0.058), but there is significant variation in age (<i>χ</i> ² = 9.909, df = 2, <i>p</i> = 0.007). <i>Plasmodium vivax</i> was the predominant species, accounting for 60.87% (28/46) of infections, whereas <i>P. falciparum</i> comprised 39.13% (18/46). Debersina village exhibited the highest proportion of infections (69.56%), followed by Moseba Shemiabo (17.39%) and Ameba Amarsa (13.04%). Malaria transmission persists at a moderate level in Bibugn Woreda, with <i>P. vivax</i> emerging as the dominant parasite contrasting the national pattern of <i>P. falciparum</i> predominance. Strengthening surveillance, improving vector control coverage, and incorporating <i>P. vivax</i> specific strategies are critical for accelerating malaria elimination efforts in the district.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7884712"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148905885","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}

{"title":"Effects of <i>Varroa destructor</i> on <i>Apis mellifera capensis</i> Drone Sperm Quality Characteristics and Colony Demographics.","authors":"Retha Christina Magrietha Kotze, Janice Faith Murray, Gerhard van der Horst, Mike Allsopp","doi":"10.1155/japr/8285152","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8285152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Varroa destructor (V. destructor)</i> threatens honeybee colonies and negatively affects drone weight and survival. Therefore, this mite species poses a risk to the reproductive potential of drones, and subsequently colony health and performance. However, studies on the impact of <i>V. destructor</i> infestation on sperm characteristics are limited, and results appear to be inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of <i>V. destructor</i> infestation on multiple sperm quality characteristics that are regarded as important for successful fertilization. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in the Western Cape, South Africa, during the summer of 2021, 53 sexually mature <i>Apis mellifera capensis (A.m. capensis)</i> were harvested. Analysis of semen included functional (total motility, progressive motility and swimming speeds; kinematic parameters) and structural sperm parameters (sperm head, tail, total length) using a computer-aided sperm analysis system. Drone weight and demographic information of colonies were also assessed. Three infestation groups were compared, i.e., < 1% (<i>n</i> = 4 colonies) (median: 0.33%; range: 0.00-0.40%), 1%-2% (<i>n</i> = 2 colonies) (median: 1.07%; range: 1.00%-1.45%) and 10% (<i>n</i> = 2 colonies) (10.0% ± 0.00%). In this study, <i>V. destructor</i> infestation had minor, non-significant effects on drone weight (11% lower in highly infested drones; <i>p</i> = 0.123) and sperm concentration (<i>p</i> = 0.064). Sperm motility was, however, significantly affected by infestation levels, with the least infected drones producing sperm with significantly higher total motility (99.1% vs. 83.9% and 68.2%; <i>p</i> = 0.002), progressiveness, swimming speed and kinematics (VCL, VSL, VAP; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Sperm vitality was not affected by <i>V. destructor</i> infestation (<i>p</i> = 0.559). Infestation altered sperm structure with drones from highly infected colonies producing significantly longer sperm (tail: 227 ± 1.22 <i>μ</i>m vs. 224 ± 2.31 <i>μ</i>m; total length: 236 ± 1.23 <i>μ</i>m vs. 233 ± 2.16 <i>μ</i>m; <i>p</i> < 0.001). Furthermore, significant relationships were observed between <i>V. destructor</i> infestation and sperm functionality as well as sperm structure. Colony demographics was not negatively affected by <i>V. destructor</i> infestation level, but in contrast, significant relationships were found between colony demographics and sperm motility and kinematic parameters as well as sperm structure. Findings of this study suggest that <i>V. destructor</i> infestation may hinder drone reproductive potential through subtle alterations in sperm quality, particularly sperm motility and kinematics. This study further highlights the importance of sperm quality parameters as markers of the impact of <i>V. destructor</i> infestation on honeybee drone and colony reproduction and survival.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8285152"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13532402/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148874501","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}

{"title":"Effects of Astragaloside IV Combined With Metronidazole on Cyst Shedding and Mucosal Immune and Inflammatory Responses in a Murine Model of Giardiasis.","authors":"Hossein Mahmoudvand, Amal Khudair Khalaf, Sahar Mahmoudvand, Ahmad Adineh, Aram Oladi, Javad Ghasemian Yadegari","doi":"10.1155/japr/1200923","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/1200923","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Giardiasis continues to be a significant intestinal parasitic infection, with instances of treatment failure and recurrence underscoring the necessity for supplementary therapeutic approaches. Astragaloside (AGS), a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, may serve as a promising adjunctive treatment; however, its efficacy against &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; infection has not been thoroughly examined. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the antigiardial efficacy of AGS both as a monotherapy and in combination with metronidazole (METR), focusing specifically on parameters such as parasite cyst burden and viability, intestinal mucosal immune responses, inflammatory markers, and hepatic safety associated with treatment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;The MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the in vitro antigiardial effects of AGS against &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; trophozoites. Mice infected with &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; were treated with AGS (10 and 15 mg/kg/day) and METR (7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day), both individually and in combination, over a 7-day period. Subsequently, stool samples were collected and analyzed to assess the presence and viability of &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; cysts. The levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in intestinal tissue, as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (&lt;i&gt;TNF-α&lt;/i&gt;), nuclear factor kappa B (&lt;i&gt;NF-κB&lt;/i&gt;), and interleukin-1 beta (&lt;i&gt;IL-1β&lt;/i&gt;), were quantified using commercial ELISA kits and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;AGS exhibited a clear concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; trophozoites, with a calculated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC&lt;sub&gt;50&lt;/sub&gt;) value of 30.24 ± 2.43 &lt;i&gt;μ&lt;/i&gt;g/mL. The administration of either METR or AGS (10 and 15 mg/kg) individually resulted in a partial reduction in both cyst quantity and viability. Notably, combined treatment with AGS and METR resulted in no detectable cysts in fecal samples collected 24 h after the final treatment dose, within the detection limits of microscopy-based analysis (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). Secretory IgA concentrations showed modest improvement following monotherapy but increased substantially after combination therapy (4.36 ng/mL, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). Correspondingly, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers &lt;i&gt;TNF-α&lt;/i&gt;, &lt;i&gt;NF-κB&lt;/i&gt;, and &lt;i&gt;IL-1β&lt;/i&gt; observed in untreated mice (5.3-, 4.29-, and 5.16-fold, respectively) were nearly restored to baseline values by the co-administration regimen of AGS 15 mg/kg + METR 7.5 mg/kg (1.11-, 0.86-, and 0.91-fold change, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.001). These findings indicate that AGS not only lacks hepatotoxicity but may also exert protective effects against infection-associated hepatic dysfunction.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;AGS administration was associated with a reduced &lt;i&gt;Giardia&lt;/i&gt; cyst burden at the prespecified 24-h post-treatment endpoint, restoration of mucosal","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1200923"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13479967/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794566","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}

{"title":"Parasitic Contamination of Fresh Vegetables Marketed and Cultivated in Small-Scale Farms in Hosanna Town and Its Surrounding Areas, Hadiya Zone, Ethiopia.","authors":"Gebremedhn Yohannes, Amha Gebremariam, Yoseph Baraki","doi":"10.1155/japr/6786335","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/6786335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fresh vegetables are important components of a healthy diet but may serve as vehicles for transmission of intestinal parasites when contaminated during production, harvesting, transport, and marketing. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables cultivated on small-scale farms and marketed through wholesale and retail outlets in Hosanna town and surrounding areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025 on 492 vegetable samples, including Ethiopian kale, Swiss chard, carrot, tomato, cabbage, and beetroot, collected from small-scale farms (<i>n</i> = 96), wholesale markets (<i>n</i> = 216), and retail markets (<i>n</i> = 180). Samples were washed with physiological saline and microscopically inspected for intestinal parasite infectious stages. The study revealed that parasitic contamination increased significantly along the farm (preharvest)-to-market (postharvest) chain (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with 35.42% of preharvest farm samples, 46.30% of wholesale, and 72.78% of retail market (postharvest) samples testing positive. Among farm (preharvest) samples, Ethiopian kale (54.16%) and beetroot (41.66%) had the highest contamination rates, predominantly with <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> (33.33%) and <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i>/<i>dispar</i> (16.67%). In wholesale markets (postharvest), carrot showed the highest contamination (69.44%), whereas <i>E. histolytica/dispar</i> was the most frequently detected parasite (30.56%). Retail markets (postharvest) exhibited the greatest contamination burden, particularly tomatoes and cabbages from Arada and Gofer Meda markets, where <i>E. histolytica/dispar</i> reached 50.00%. Leafy and root vegetables, especially Ethiopian kale and carrots, were the most contaminated with parasites. Fresh vegetables grown and sold in the study area were commonly contaminated with intestinal parasites, with retail vegetables showing the highest contamination rates. Enhanced hygiene practices during production, handling, and marketing, alongside targeted public health interventions, are crucial to reducing foodborne parasitic infections in the community.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6786335"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13426244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148653852","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}

{"title":"National Distribution of Bisexual and Parthenogenetic <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i> of Japan, and a Real-Time PCR-Based Method to Distinguish the Two Reproductive Groups.","authors":"Mizue Inumaru, Rio Noda, Kentaro Itokawa, Ryo Matsumura, Toshiya Kimura, Ryusei Kuwata, Satoko Nakao, Osamu Tsuha, Akihiro Takemura, Shoko Nishiyama, Takeo Yamauchi, Hiroo Tamatani, Akira Yoshikawa, Mitsuru Hattori, Toshinori Sasaki, Mamoru Watanabe, Kyoko Sawabe, Alisa Rose Aboshi, Daisuke Kobayashi, Chao Yang, Aiki Yamada, Haruhiko Isawa, Shinji Kasai, Yukiko Higa","doi":"10.1155/japr/9395344","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/9395344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Asian longhorned tick, <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i>, is a well-known vector of several zoonoses including SFTS and Japanese spotted fever. This species consists of two different reproductive forms, bisexual and parthenogenetic, which are suggested to have differential roles in disease transmission. In Japan, the distributions of these forms have been suspected from sex bias in each population. Meanwhile, recent insights about the origin of the parthenogenetic form suggest the possibility of individual-level diagnosis using mitochondrial phylogeny. To reassess the current distribution of those reproductive forms and potential changes over time in Japan, 1750 <i>H. longicornis</i> collected across 23 prefectures of Japan were investigated. The <i>COI</i> barcoding region was used to distinguish the mitochondrial haplogroup of each individual. Additionally, we developed real-time PCR probes to distinguish the two mitochondrial haplogroups representing each reproductive form. As previous studies have suggested, the parthenogenetic mitochondrial haplogroup was present throughout the country, while the bisexual mitochondrial haplogroup was found only in central and western Japan. Interestingly, populations consisting of either one or both haplogroups were found in neighboring areas, highlighting the need for more detailed and fine-scaled investigations in order to fully reveal the distribution of the reproductive groups. The newly developed real-time PCR method successfully differentiated all tested haplotypes. Furthermore, alignment of 173 <i>COI</i> haplotypes revealed that the diagnostic nucleotide selected for the method was consistent across all haplotypes, including those outside of Japan. This suggests that this method can accurately distinguish between the two haplogroups of <i>H. longicornis</i> in both Japan and other countries. This one-step method will serve as a rapid tool to distinguish bisexual and parthenogenetic <i>H. longicornis</i>, making further investigations, particularly into their role in disease transmission and shifts in distributions, possible.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9395344"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13426480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148653756","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}

{"title":"Assessment of Environmental Contamination With Soil-Transmitted Helminth Eggs From Human and Animal Faeces in Southern Côte d'Ivoire: A Rapid Approach for Identifying High-Risk Communities.","authors":"Nadège Akissi Kouame, Jean Tenena Coulibaly, Jules N Gatta Kouadio, Taki Jean Deles Avenie, Marie-Joëlle Alloua Aliali-Bedia, Sadikou Toure, Laurent Kouamé Valian, Kigbafori Dieudonné Silue","doi":"10.1155/japr/2672432","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/2672432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income regions, including the humid and lagoon areas in Côte d'Ivoire, where sanitation facilities are limited at the community level. Few studies have investigated the relationship between environmental (soil and water) contamination by STH eggs and their infection prevalence in humans and animals in endemic areas. We assume that assessing soil contamination with STH eggs could provide a rapid and cost-effective indicator for identifying high-risk communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2024 in three villages (Attehou, Bekpou and Tiagba) selected based on previous epidemiological data. A total of 215 and 58 stool samples, respectively, from school-aged children and animals (pigs, goats and sheep), in addition to 86 soil samples and 41 stagnant water samples, were collected. Human stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz method, and animal stool samples using the McMaster flotation technique. Soil samples were analysed using an optimised flotation method with different solutions, and water samples using a sedimentation-concentration technique. Proportions were compared using Fisher's exact test. STH eggs were detected in all matrices investigated, with an overall prevalence of 44.6%, 24.1%, 25.5% and 2.43%, respectively, in children, animals, soil and water. Only <i>Ascaris</i>, <i>Trichuris</i> and hookworm eggs were identified. The highest prevalence was observed in Tiagba among children (83.67%) and soil samples (33.33%). NaCl solution provided better egg recovery from soil samples (> 50%, <i>p</i> = 0.02). Higher soil egg counts were observed in the same villages where higher egg counts were found in children, particularly in Attehou and Tiagba. The abundance of STH eggs in the environment was associated with that observed in school-aged children. Our findings suggest that egg density in contaminated soil could serve as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to human stool examination for identifying high-risk communities, particularly in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, assessing soil contamination could help guide integrated control strategies and epidemiological surveillance approaches aiming to reach eliminating STH infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2672432"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13400998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148591573","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}

{"title":"Geospatial Analysis of Tsetse Infestation and Animal African Trypanosomiasis in Busia County, Kenya.","authors":"S S Burudi, P O Mudavadi, J K Cheruiyot, E O Mungube","doi":"10.1155/japr/2532768","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/2532768","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <i>Trypanosoma</i>, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies in the genus <i>Glossina</i>. The disease is a major constraint to livestock production, causing reduced productivity, anemia, and mortality in affected animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2024 to assess the spatial prevalence of AAT in cattle as well as tsetse fly abundance in Busia County, Kenya. A total of 762 cattle randomly selected from seven villages in Busia County were screened for AAT using the quantitative buffy coat technique. Packed cell volume (PCV) values were also determined. A tsetse survey was done by deploying 60 tsetse odor-baited biconical traps in thickets and along streams in Funyula, Butula, and Teso North subcounties to estimate tsetse flies' distribution and density. Overall reported prevalence of AAT was 6.82% (95% CI: 5.2-8.80). <i>Trypanosoma vivax</i> reported the highest prevalence amongst the reported species at 4.72%, which was significant (<i>p</i> = 0.006). Age, grazing system and breed significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) increased odds for trypanosome infection in cattle. Overall mean PCV for the study population was 24.82%. AAT-positive cattle registered significantly lower PCV (22.7 ± 3.38%) compared with 26.94 ± 1.71.0% in the trypanosome-negative cattle (<i>p</i> = 0.027). Two tsetse fly species were captured, with an apparent density ranging from 0.00 to 0.35 across the study sites. Species-wise, tsetse catches were not statistically different in fly trap densities (FTD) between <i>Glossina pallidipes</i> (Gpd) and <i>Glossina fuscipes fuscipes</i> (<i>p</i> = 0.429), despite Gpd exhibiting a higher mean FTD (0.117, SD = 0.175). The study confirmed that AAT is still endemic in Busia County, with evidence that transmission is localized rather than widespread.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2532768"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13379893/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497659","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}

{"title":"Identification of Ectoparasites Infesting Domestic Chickens and Evaluation of Control Practices Across Production Systems in and Around Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.","authors":"Yusuf Ahmed Elmi, Shihun Shimelis, Sisay Alemu, Yihenew Getahun Ambaw, Ambachew Motbaynor Wubaye, Simegnew Adugna Kallu","doi":"10.1155/japr/4621824","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/4621824","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ectoparasites threaten poultry health and productivity by decreasing egg production, lowering meat yields, and transmitting diseases. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and identifying the main species of ectoparasites, as well as assessing the current control practices in poultry production systems in Dire Dawa. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. Data collection involved visual observation of the entire bodies of chickens and interviewing the producers. Out of 768 chickens examined, 577 were infested with one or more ectoparasite species, with an overall prevalence of 75.1% (95% CI: 71.9-78.2). The most prevalent ectoparasites at the individual chicken level were fleas (35.0%), followed by lice (33.5%), mites (25.5%), and ticks (10.9%). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age and management systems were the identified risk factors. Chickens raised under semi-intensive systems were 2.3 times (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.7, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and under extensive systems were 3.5 times (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.3-5.3, <i>p</i> < 0.001) more likely to be infested by ectoparasites than those raised under intensive production systems. Adult chickens were twice as likely to be infested as young chickens (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4-2.8, <i>p</i> < 0.001). In this study, 83.9% of respondents were aware of ectoparasite infestations, and 47.1% and 30.9% of them relied on natural remedies and acaricides, respectively, to control and prevent them. Lack of knowledge and the high cost of treatments were the challenges in ectoparasite control and prevention. Therefore, ectoparasites in chickens were highly prevalent, suggesting a need for targeted educational campaigns and improved access to affordable treatments, though findings from this cross-sectional study warrant validation through longitudinal research.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4621824"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13366105/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148447679","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}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of Fascioliasis in Patients Referred to the Reference Laboratory in Urmia, Northwest Iran.","authors":"Fatemeh Ramzi, Zahra Ghahvechi Amiri, Diana Oladzad Abbas Abadi, Kambiz Diba, Yahya Azadeh, Mahya Zolfaghar Ghoshooni, Shiva Zeinali, Rasool Jafari","doi":"10.1155/japr/2019223","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/2019223","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Iran is one of the most important foci of human fascioliasis. West Azerbaijan Province is known for its traditional rural livestock husbandry, supported by many rivers. This environment could facilitate the transmission of fascioliasis between animals and humans. Thus, the present study investigated the seroprevalence of fascioliasis in patients referred to the Reference Laboratory in Urmia, Northwest Iran.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 919 sera were collected from patients referred to the Reference Laboratory of Urmia University of Medical Sciences from January to June 2023. The samples were examined by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay(ELISA) to detect IgG antibodies against <i>Fasciola hepatica</i>. Demographic information and symptoms of the participants were collected through a questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 919 sera tested, 532 (57.9%) and 387 (42.1%) were women and men, respectively. Among 919 subjects, three (0.326%) were seropositive for fascioliasis. Of the three positive cases, two were women aged 31 and 79 years, and one was a 60-year-old man; all were rural residents. All three positive cases had livestock around them in the village. Because of the small number of positive cases, further statistical analysis was not performed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The present findings suggest the presence of human fascioliasis in the Urmia District, West Azerbaijan Province, Northwest Iran, especially in rural areas, with a low prevalence. Therefore, the health care systems require educating the residents of the villages about fascioliasis, the route of its transmission, and strategies required for prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2019223"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13338629/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148405270","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}

{"title":"Marine Parasites as Bioindicators for Toxins and Their Potential Role as Environmental Sinks for Marine Fauna.","authors":"Anshika Yadav, Anita Yadav, Payal Mahobiya, Sandeep K Malhotra","doi":"10.1155/japr/5538084","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/5538084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Researches are being frequently conducted on the utility aspects of helminth parasites worldwide. The evolution is driven by the need for survival against the toxicity of biometals that emerged in zoonotic roundworms of Anisakidae.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study is aimed at investigating whether the sequestration of biometals from the environment into the body tissues of parasites serves a dual purpose: firstly, the removal of toxic metals and other biotoxins from the immediate environment of worms and, secondly, the utilization of extra available biometals, like sulfur and cysteine, in the surrounding environment to strengthen the cuticularization for the body's defense. Additionally, it examines whether the toxins absorbed by the tissues of worms thus protect tissues of the fish host from damage caused by toxicity; the potential \"environmental sink\" thus came into operation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>These worms exploited the alterations in chemical composition to adapt and evolve in the newer environment. An assessment of biotoxic influence generated through heavy metal toxicity was conducted during this investigation. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray micrographic analysis were the techniques employed. The studies were conducted in anisakid nematodes parasitizing reef-associated fishes at Ilha \"Grande\" Island, 19 km from Panaji, Goa, in India.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The first record of <i>Anisakis typica</i> third-stage larvae has recently appeared in Indian fish. The survival of worms of Anisakidae under the influence of a hostile environment comprising toxic biometals, like Hg, Pb, and Cd, was analyzed. The hypothesis of the metal filter being functional at the worm-iron influx interface was propounded. The typical anisakids of the family Anisakidae trigger a zoonotic mechanism that involves damage to human health.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The superfluous iron influx within the intestinal environment apparently brought about physiological changes in the host's body tissues as well. The excessive iron content from the tissues of nematodes first crossed the worm's membrane barrier. Next, the iron content was stored in different body organs of roundworms to avoid the influence of toxicity on the fish host's body. Apparently, the parasitic tissues of the nematode functionally operated as an environmental sink which could relieve body tissues of the host fish due to unwarranted duress under biometallic stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5538084"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13333935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148436557","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}