Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"Exploring Ternary Essential Oil Mixtures of Moroccan Artemisia Species for Larvicidal Effectiveness Against <i>Culex pipiens</i> Mosquitoes: A Mixture Design Approach.","authors":"Abdellatif Alami, Yassine Ez Zoubi, Mouhcine Fadil, Saoussan Annemer, Mohammed Bassouya, Wafae Moustaid, Abdellah Farah","doi":"10.1155/japr/2379638","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/2379638","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Essential oils (EOs) have gained significant attention for their biopesticidal properties in pest management. This study investigates the insecticidal potential of EOs extracted from the aerial parts of three indigenous <i>Artemisia</i> species-<i>Artemisia absinthium</i>, <i>Artemisia arborescens</i>, and <i>Artemisia campestris</i>-collected from various provenances in Morocco. The EOs were tested individually and in combination against <i>Culex pipiens</i> (<i>C. pipiens</i>) larvae to explore potential synergistic interactions using a mixture design methodology. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analyses revealed quantitative and qualitative variations in the chemical composition of the oils. The primary constituents of <i>A. absinthium</i> were identified as thujone (32.20% ± 2.65%), camphor (19.95% ± 2.64%), and chamazulene (19.58% ± 2.33%). In <i>A. arborescens</i>, thujone (52.05% ± 3.84%), camphor (10.71% ± 3.08%), and eucalyptol (4.79% ± 1.53%) were the major components, while <i>A. campestris</i> comprised camphor (18.98% ± 2.65%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25% ± 2.33%), and thujone (6.63% ± 1.67%). When applied individually, all three EOs exhibited significant larvicidal activity against <i>C. pipiens</i> larvae, with <i>A. arborescens</i> showing the highest efficacy (LC₅₀ 11.11 <i>μ</i>g/mL (5.45 ± 22.62)) compared to <i>A. absinthium</i> (LC₅₀: 16.98 <i>μ</i>g/mL (6.73 ± 27.39)) and <i>A. campestris</i> (LC₅₀: 19.07 <i>μ</i>g/mL (13.57 ± 23.38)). In mixture experiments, the mixture design outcomes reveal that the ternary formulation comprising 58% <i>A. absinthium</i>, 26% <i>A. arborescens</i>, and 16% <i>A. campestris</i> emerged as the most effective blend, achieving complete larval eradication. This study highlights the potential of <i>Artemisia</i> EO combinations as a sustainable and effective alternative for managing mosquito vectors of disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2379638"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11867729/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143523799","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":"Efficacy of Anthelmintics Against Canine Hookworm Infections in the Bono East Region of Ghana.","authors":"Samuel Ayetibo Ofori, Papa Kofi Amissah-Reynolds, Opoku Gyamfi, Kofi Agyapong Addo, Simon Nyarko, Victor Agyei, Joshua Dwomoh, Esther Ayemugah","doi":"10.1155/japr/4079763","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/4079763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hookworm infections present a major health risk to dogs, especially in areas characterized by warmer climates and poor sanitation. This cross-sectional study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of hookworm infections and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments in dogs from the Bono East Region of Ghana. Four hundred and ninety-one (491) canine stool samples were examined using the McMaster technique to ascertain the prevalence of hookworms. Using in vivo and in vitro techniques, the efficacy of three anthelmintics (albendazole, pyrantel, and niclosamide) was assessed in an experimental control trial involving dogs naturally infected with hookworms. The effects of the drugs on hematological and biochemical parameters were measured within a 14-day period to assess changes over time. The study found a total prevalence of 54.2% (266), with significantly higher infection rates in puppies (69.8%, 97), hunting dogs (64.1%, 91), and rural dogs (84.2%, 160). Logistic regression identified age, purpose, and settlement type as risk factors for infection. Of the three treatments, niclosamide was the most efficacious, reducing egg counts by 95%, while albendazole was the least efficacious (-69%). In vitro tests confirmed the superior performance of niclosamide, with the lowest IC₅₀ value of 29.19 <i>μ</i>g/mL. Hookworm-infected dogs exhibited anemia, eosinophilia, hypoalbuminemia, and hypoproteinemia. There was significant improvement in the hematobiochemical parameters after treatment, particularly in niclosamide-treated dogs. Veterinarians can consider niclosamide, especially in resource-limited settings, due to its affordability. The findings emphasize the importance of regular monitoring and treatment of hookworm infections to improve the overall health and well-being of dogs in the region. Herein, we report for the first time on reduced efficacy of albendazole and pyrantel against dog-related hookworms in Ghana.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"4079763"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11865468/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143523798","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":"Detection of <i>Acanthamoeba</i> Harboring <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> Endosymbionts in Hospital Environments of Markazi Province, Iran.","authors":"Alireza Mohammadi, Abdolhossein Dalimi, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Majid Pirestani, Majid Akbari","doi":"10.1155/japr/6626888","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/6626888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Most <i>Acanthamoeba</i>s contain endosymbionts such as viruses, yeasts, protists, and bacteria, some of which are potential human pathogens, including <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> which often causes gastroenteritis and septicemia in humans. Amoebae have been shown to be resistant to chlorination and apparently protect ingested bacteria such as <i>C. jejuni</i> from free chlorine. Such resistance can have health implications, especially for drinking water treatment. The aim of this study is to identify <i>Acanthamoeba</i> in hospital samples in Markazi province, to determine the identity of <i>C. jejuni</i> endosymbiont in positive samples of <i>Acanthamoeba</i> in natural and laboratory conditions, and to determine the relationship between the two. The main aim of this study was to determine the identity of <i>C. jejuni</i> endosymbiont in <i>Acanthamoeba</i>-positive samples in natural and laboratory conditions. In this study, 134 samples including water, soil, and dust were collected from hospital environments. After molecular detection, the identity of the symbiotic <i>Campylobacter jejuni</i> in <i>Acanthamoeba</i> was determined by microscopic and PCR methods. Then, the ability of bacteria to infect the parasite was examined by cocultivation in vitro using real-time PCR. Finally, their relationship was examined based on statistical tests. The rate of contamination of hospital samples with <i>Acanthamoeba</i> was 44.7% on average. Out of 42 <i>Acanthamoeba</i> PCR-positive samples, seven isolates (16.67%) were found to be positive in terms of <i>C. jejuni</i> endosymbiont according to sampling location. The results showed that <i>Helicobacter</i> is able to penetrate and enter the <i>Acanthamoeba</i> parasite. In conclusion, our results showed that <i>C. jejuni</i> is able to contaminate <i>Acanthamoeba</i> in natural and laboratory conditions. The presence of pathogenic <i>Acanthamoeba</i> in various hospital environments and the hiding of <i>Helicobacter</i> as an endosymbiont inside it can pose a serious threat to the health of hospitalized patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6626888"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11845261/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143483552","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":"Impact of Titanium Mining and Other Anthropogenic Activities on Malaria Positivity Rates and Parasitemia in Five Selected Study Sites in Msambweni Subcounty, Kwale County, Kenya.","authors":"Edward Githinji, Collins Okoyo, Cassian Mwatele, Juma Mwatasa, Benard Chieng, Sylvie Araka, Henry Kanyi, Sammy Njenga, Judy Mwai","doi":"10.1155/japr/6967797","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/6967797","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Africa was home to 95% of malaria cases and deaths in 2021. The negative impacts of malaria can be aggravated by social-economic-environmental factors, more so agroeconomic practices such as irrigation, mining, and dam construction. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of water harvesting, sugarcane farming, and mining activities on <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> positivity rates and parasitemia densities in five selected sites in Msambweni Subcounty, Kwale Kenya. A cross-sectional concurrent mixed methods study was used to collect data. Kwale County was selected due to the high malaria endemicity possibly attributable to the suitable vector habitat characterized by the major anthropogenic activities. The study had five different arms of investigation; the first arm was the control (C), second dam (D) site, third sugarcane (S) site, fourth mining (M) site, and fifth dam-sugarcane-mining (DMS) site. Each of the 1025 consenting participants from 208 households provided a single blood sample for determining malaria prevalence and parasitemia using rapid diagnostic kit and microscopy. Overall, the malaria positivity rate was 22.9% by rapid diagnostic testing (RDT) and 20.1% by microscopy. <i>P. falciparum</i> observation by RDT was highest in the DMS site with 33.7% followed by S site with 26.8%, D site with 23.3%, and M site with 17.6%, and the least was the C site with 11.0%. The overall parasitemia density (parasite counts per 200 white blood cells) was 8.4 with a site-specific density of 18.7, 8.6, 7.1, 3.7, and 3.1 for DMS, S, D, M, and C sites, respectively. Univariable analysis of factors associated with malaria infection showed that participants in the DMS site were four times more likely to be infected with malaria (odds ratio (OR) = 4.1, <i>p</i> < 0.001) compared to those in the C site. Malaria vector and human host interactions are often enhanced by suitable environmental conditions especially ambient temperature which accelerate parasite growth in the mosquito and humidity. Anthropogenic activities may open up new breeding sites for the vector or increase human-<i>Anopheles</i> infective contact hours, hence the different positivity rates and intensities in <i>P. falciparum</i> transmission. The study results showed that prevalence of malaria and parasitemia was highest in areas where all the three anthropogenic activities were taking place. In the single-activity site, sugarcane farming predisposed participants to high malaria burden. Characterized relational interplay between these anthropogenic activities and <i>P. falciparum</i> parasitemia will be useful in developing tailored strategies towards optimized malaria control interventions in areas with and without anthropogenic activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"6967797"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11824397/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143414594","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":"Performance of Extracellular Vesicles From <i>Leishmania</i> (<i>Leishmania</i>) <i>infantum</i> for Serological Diagnosis of Human and Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis.","authors":"Allecineia Bispo da Cruz, Francieli Marinho Carneiro, Noemi Nosomi Taniwaki, Gislene Mitsue Namiyama, Débora Oliveira Dos Santos, Katia Gomes Castellão, Isabelle Martins Ribeiro Ferreira, Roberto Mitsuyoshi Hiramoto, Vera Lucia Pereira-Chioccola","doi":"10.1155/japr/8355886","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8355886","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic disease in which dogs are the main reservoirs. Until now, the serological tests do not present satisfactory sensitivity for diagnosis of these hosts. One of the functions of extracellular vesicles (EVs) is related to immunological host response. Here, we evaluated the ability of EVs released by <i>Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum</i> promastigotes (Leish-EVs) to be source of antigens for use in serological diagnosis for human visceral leishmaniasis (HumVL) and canine visceral leishmaniasis (CanVL). A total of 300 sera were tested. The 155 human sera were divided into 4 groups and 145 canine sera into 3 groups. In human sera, Leish-EVs were reactive in 73/74 sera from patients with VL (Hum-VL) with 98.64% sensitivity. The 26 sera from healthy individuals (NH) and 27 from individuals with asymptomatic toxoplasmosis (ATx) were nonreagent (100% specificity). Leish-EVs-ELISA had cross-reactivity or inconclusive results in 13.5% of sera from Chagas disease patients (CD). In canine sera, Leish-EVs were reactive in 60/63 sera from dogs with CanVL (Can-VL) with 95.24% sensitivity. Leish-EVs were nonreactive in sera from 57 dogs without Can-VL (NC) and 25 with other infections (OIs) with 100% specificity. Hum-VL produced more IgG1 against Leish-EVs than IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Can-VL produced more IgG2 against Leish-EVs than IgG1. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that Leish-EVs released by <i>L. (L.) infantum</i> when used as antigen in ELISA identified the host antibodies. The methodology was effective for serological diagnosis of VL, since results exhibited good sensitivity and specificity for human and canine sera.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8355886"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11774571/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143059241","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":"Conventional and Advanced Methods Used for the Diagnosis of Fascioliosis, a Food-Borne Zoonotic Disease.","authors":"Md Haydar Ali, Md Shahadat Hossain, Sharmin Shahid Labony, Anita Rani Dey, Joydeep Paul, Md Abu Hadi Noor Ali Khan, Md Abdul Alim, Anisuzzaman","doi":"10.1155/japr/1353367","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/1353367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fascioliosis is a food-borne zoonotic helminth infection caused by flatworms belonging to the family Fasciolidae, primarily affecting ruminants. The chronic form of fascioliosis is the most prevalent and is characterized by anemia, weight loss, cirrhosis, and liver dysfunction, along with atrophy, jaundice, and bottle jaw. In humans, infection results in fever, nausea, skin rashes, and severe abdominal pain. Climate changes and human-driven environmental alterations have contributed to an increasing incidence of fascioliosis in various regions. <i>Fasciola</i> species are widely distributed and have a high occurrence in tropical countries. Approximately 2.4-17 million humans are afflicted by fascioliosis in tropical and subtropical areas, with an additional 180 million facing the risk of infection. Fascioliosis poses a notable threat to ruminants; over 700 million production animals are at risk, and global annual financial losses surpass $3.2 billion. Conventional coprological methods and advanced molecular techniques are employed to diagnose fascioliosis in animals and humans. Within endemic areas, timely and accurate diagnosis is critical for successful prevention and treatment. Molecular approaches such as various PCR techniques and serological methods are extensively utilized to diagnose fascioliosis. In this review, we describe various conventional coprological and advanced DNA-based PCR techniques along with serological methods used for the screening, monitoring, and specific diagnosis of clinical and subclinical fascioliosis in humans and animals. The information accumulated in this review will be helpful for the diagnosis of fascioliosis in the field and research laboratories.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2025 ","pages":"1353367"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143007172","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":"Microscopic Malaria Infection and Its Determinants in Urban and Rural Populations Living in South-East Gabon.","authors":"Jean-Claude Biteghe-Bi-Essone, Roméo Karl Imboumy-Limoukou, Steede-Seinnat Ontoua, Nick Atiga, Nancy Mbani-Mpega, Lady Charlène Kouna, Jean Bernard Lekana-Douki, Lydie Sandrine Oyegue-Liabagui","doi":"10.1155/japr/8263358","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8263358","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A better understanding of malaria epidemiology in both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals is essential for developing strategies to control the disease. This study was conducted to determine <i>Plasmodium</i> infection prevalence and its associated factors among people living in Franceville (urban area) and in the villages of Pana and Mvengue (rural areas) in south-east Gabon between April and July 2022. This cross-sectional study was conducted among all consenting residents of Franceville, Mvengue, and Pana between April and July 2022. After obtaining informed consent, <i>Plasmodium</i> sp. infection was screened by microscopy, and a structured questionnaire was developed to record sociodemographic data, attitudes, and practices regarding malaria. A total of 976 participants were included, with 491 in urban areas and 485 in rural areas. The overall prevalence of <i>Plasmodium</i> sp. infection was 21.62% (211/976; 95% confidence interval (CI) [19.15-24.31]). The prevalence was highest in children aged 6-11 years. In urban areas, the prevalence was 19.35% (95/491; 95% CI [16.10-23.07]), and 96.84% of infections were asymptomatic. The most infected age group was 18-23 years. In rural areas, the prevalence was 23.92% (116/485, 95% CI [20.34-27.91], and 93.97% (109/116) of infections were asymptomatic. Socioeconomic characteristics, attitudes, and practices towards <i>Plasmodium</i> sp. infection were not associated with a risk of asymptomatic malaria infection. This study highlights the importance of asymptomatic <i>Plasmodium</i> sp. infection in south-east Gabon and the need for control strategies adapted to different areas and age groups. Detection and treatment of asymptomatic carriers could be an important lever for malaria control and elimination in the country.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"8263358"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11695082/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142921216","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":"Association Between <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection and Serum Neurotransmitter Levels in Major Depressive Disorder Patients: A Case-Control Study in Bangladesh.","authors":"Jerin E Gulshan, Samia Sultana Lira, M M A Shalahuddin Qusar, Md Ismail Hosen, Atiqur Rahman, Md Rabiul Islam, Taibur Rahman","doi":"10.1155/japr/7054920","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/7054920","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) is an obligate, intracellular, neurotropic protozoan parasite. After primary infection, <i>T. gondii</i> parasite undergoes stage conversion from fast-replicating tachyzoites to slow-replicating dormant bradyzoites, particularly in the brain, and persists for a lifetime of an individual. In this study, the impact of <i>T. gondii</i> infection in individuals with psychological disorder, that is, major depressive disorder (MDD) has been studied. Ninety-five MDD (<i>n</i> = 95) patients were enrolled with age and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs, <i>n</i> = 90). The seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection among these individuals was determined using the TOXO IgM/IgG Rapid Test Cassette that determines the anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgM and IgG antibodies in the serum samples. Furthermore, to understand the impact of <i>T. gondii</i> in developing major depression, the serum level of neurotransmitters (i.e., dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline) was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Our data suggest that anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG was slightly higher in MDD patients than in HCs. The level of dopamine was significantly lower in <i>T. gondii</i>-infected MDD patients than in HCs. However, adrenaline and noradrenaline levels showed increasing levels in <i>T. gondii</i>-infected MDD patients. The level of neurotransmitters was correlated with the DSM-D scores of MDD patients. These data, nevertheless, confirm that <i>T. gondii</i> might affect the level of neurotransmitters in MDD patients. However, whether the reduced level of dopamine and increased level of adrenaline and noradrenaline act as contributing factors for the development of MDD is yet to be known.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7054920"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-12-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11671603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142903247","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":"Phytochemical Analysis, Cytotoxicity, and Antitrypanosomal, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of <i>Clausena anisata</i> Fruit, <i>Azadirachta indica</i> Leaf, and Stem Bark Extracts.","authors":"Emmanuel Kofi Kumatia, Felix Kwame Zoiku, Prince Kyei Baffour, Anne Boakyewaa Anokye-Kumatia, Alex Asase","doi":"10.1155/japr/7509588","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/7509588","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is an infectious disease which kills humans and animals as a result of hematological distortions, oxidative stress, tissue and neuroinflammations. This study reports on the differences in cytotoxicity, antitrypanosomal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts from <i>Clausena anisata</i> fruit (CFE), <i>Azadirachta indica</i> (neem) leaf (NLE), and stem bark (NSBE), medicinal plants used to treat HAT in its endemic communities. The extracts remarkably inhibited <i>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</i> (GUTat 3.1) parasite in vitro with CFE recording the highest effect with an IC₅₀ of 0.0055 (0.0955) <i>μ</i>g/mL. The IC₅₀ of the standard <i>Coptis japonicum</i> was 0.5957 (0.0693) <i>μ</i>g/mL. Also, the antitrypanosomal activity of NLE was 123.34% higher than that of NSBE. The percentage number of wells containing viable <i>T. b. brucei</i> parasites was very significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.001) reduced for all the extracts after 48 h of incubation. Furthermore, the extracts did not show cytotoxicity against the liver (HepG2) cells (CC₅₀s > 100 <i>μ</i>g/mL and SI = 13.12-32,025.45). NSBE contained the highest quantity of phenolic compounds and flavonoids and also produced the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in the DPPH free radical scavenging assay (IC₅₀ = 4.99 ± 0.018) and protein denaturation assay (IC₅₀ = 0.1805 ± 0.0002 <i>μ</i>g/mL). In addition, phytochemical analysis showed that NLE contained the highest number of classes of phytochemical constituents (seven) among the extracts. These results indicate that CFE, NLE, and NSBE possessed significant antitrypanosomal activity as a result of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. However, a different mechanism was also involved in the antitrypanosomal activity of CFE and NLE, since their antitrypanosomal activity is greater than NSBE which demonstrated the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Due to the remarkable antitrypanosomal action of CFE, its constituents are being isolated for possible development into novel antitrypanosomal agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7509588"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11617053/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142780477","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":"Detection and Confirmation of <i>Naegleria fowleri</i> in a Primary Amebic Meningoencephalitis Patient Using a Molecular Approach.","authors":"Muhammad Aurongzeb, Muhammad Amer Nazir, Raheela Yasmin, Ammeema Kiran, Raiha Fatima, Rehan Ali, Salman Ahmed Khan, Asad Ul-Haq, Khalid Al-Regaiey, Turki Abualait, Imdad Kaleem, Shahid Bashir","doi":"10.1155/2024/5514520","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/5514520","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The <i>Naegleria fowleri</i> amoeba stands as the primary culprit behind primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), presenting a substantial global public health concern. In recent years, over 17 cases of PAM have been reported in Karachi, Pakistan, highlighting its increased prevalence in the country's most densely populated city. This study scrutinized 74 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples collected from meningitis patients across various health facilities in the city. These samples underwent thorough examination employing biochemical, microbial, and cytological methods. Additionally, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers targeting the <i>Naegleria</i> genus and <i>N. fowleri</i> was employed to ascertain the presence of <i>N. fowleri</i> in the CSF samples. While biochemical and cytological analyses provided supportive information, they failed to yield a distinct diagnostic pattern. Nevertheless, through direct microscopic observation, cultural growth, and PCR-based analyses, <i>N. fowleri</i> was definitively identified in one CSF sample.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"5514520"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11614516/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142769903","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}