Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of Long-Lasting Insecticide-Treated Bed Net Possession, Utilization, and Prevalence of Malaria Among Patients Visiting Bahir Dar Health Center.","authors":"Elsabet Adugna Gudeta, Daniel Mulu Mengistu, Sissay Menkir Mekonnen","doi":"10.1155/japr/9689904","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/9689904","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia despite recent progress in control and elimination efforts, including the scale-up of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February to March 30, 2021, among suspected malaria patients attending Bahir Dar Health Center, Amhara Regional State, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 403 participants were selected by simple random sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and LLIN possession and utilization were collected using a structured questionnaire, and malaria infection was determined by microscopic examination of blood smears. Among a total of 403 participants, 283 (70.2%) possessed at least one LLIN and 268 (66.5%) reported regular use during sleeping hours. The overall malaria prevalence was 3.7% (15/403). <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> was the predominant species (60.0%), followed by <i>Plasmodium vivax</i> (26.7%) and mixed infections (13.3%). Malaria prevalence was significantly higher among rural than urban residents (14.3% vs. 2.9%; <i>p</i> = 0.002) and among participants without LLINs compared with LLIN owners (8.0% vs. 1.8%; <i>p</i> = 0.002). No significant associations were observed between malaria prevalence and sex, age, educational status, or LLIN washing practices. Malaria transmission persists at measurable levels in Bahir Dar despite moderate LLIN coverage and utilization. Strengthening universal LLIN coverage, promoting proper and consistent use, and implementing targeted interventions in rural communities are essential to further reduce malaria transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"9689904"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13273636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148277775","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":"Small-Scale Field Trials to Assess the Molluscicidal Activity of <i>Hagenia abyssinica</i> Against <i>Biomphalaria</i> Snail Species.","authors":"Hirut Basha, Asfaw Debella, Milkyas Endale, Meharu Mathewos, Habtamu Tadesse, Hassen Mamo","doi":"10.1155/japr/1322550","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/1322550","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health burden in many developing countries. Plant-based molluscicides have gained considerable attention as alternatives for snail control, owing to their relatively lower toxicity and favorable environmental profile. However, prior to large-scale application, plant-based molluscicides require rigorous small-scale field trials and comprehensive toxicity assessments under natural conditions to confirm their efficacy and evaluate their potential impact on nontarget organisms, particularly fish. This study evaluated the molluscicidal activity of 70% ethanol and chloroform fractions of <i>Hagenia abyssinica</i> flowers against <i>Biomphalaria</i> species and assessed the acute toxicity of the 70% ethanol extract on Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) through a small-scale trial. Female flowers of <i>H. abyssinica</i> were collected in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Adult <i>Biomphalaria</i> species were exposed to 70% ethanol and chloroform fractions of <i>H. abyssinica</i> for 24, 48, and 72 h. Fish toxicity was assessed following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines at the National Fish and Other Aquatic Lives Research Center in Sebeta. Lethal concentration values (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀) were calculated from mortality data using probit regression analysis in IBM SPSS software. In fish toxicity assessments, the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ for the 70% ethanol extract were 38.71 and 57.14 mg/L, respectively. Fish fingerlings showed no significant difference in survival at concentrations up to 16 mg/L, establishing this level as the no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC). The study found that both the 70% ethanol extract and chloroform fraction of <i>H. abyssinica</i> flowers displayed significant molluscicidal activity against <i>Biomphalaria</i> species, with LC₅₀ values of 78.77 and 36.49 mg/L, respectively, after 24 h. The LC₅₀ of the 70% ethanol extract for molluscicidal activity was about twice that needed for fish, showing that fish were more sensitive than <i>Biomphalaria</i> snails. This differential toxicity raises important ecological concerns.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1322550"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13273023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148277895","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":"Leishmaniasis Transmission Risk at the Forest-Peridomestic Interface in an Area of Southern Sinaloa, Mexico: Entomological, Molecular, and Climatic Evidence.","authors":"Juan José Ríos Tostado, Hipólito Castillo Ureta, José Israel Torres Avendaño, José Marcial Zazueta Moreno, César Enrique Romero Higareda, Luz Isela Peinado Guevara, Annete Itzel Apodaca Medina, Edith Hilario Torres Montoya","doi":"10.1155/japr/5071505","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/5071505","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leishmaniasis, caused by <i>Leishmania</i> spp. and transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, affects almost 1,000,000 people annually across more than 90 countries. In Mexico, growing evidence of locally acquired transmission in northwestern states makes ecoepidemiological work increasingly urgent. We aimed to conduct a 2-year ecoepidemiological study in four rural communities of Sinaloa, Mexico, to identify vectors, determine their food sources, detect <i>Leishmania</i> DNA, and relate it to climatic factors. CDC light traps were operated bimonthly along a peridomestic-to-forest gradient; dipterans were identified morphologically, <i>Leishmania</i> spp. DNA confirmed by PCR-RFLP, and habitat differences tested with Kruskal-Wallis and Spearman rank correlation (<i>α</i> = 0.05). We collected 9984 dipterans over 12 sampling rounds; sylvatic sites accounted for 81.5% of captures, peaking in September and November. <i>Culicoides furens</i> (Ceratopogonidae) was numerically dominant. Three sand fly species were recovered: <i>B</i>. <i>olmeca olmeca</i>, <i>M</i>. <i>cayennensis maciasi</i>, and <i>P</i>. <i>texana</i>. <i>Leishmania</i> spp. DNA was detected in 7 of 35 <i>C</i>. <i>furens</i> pools; no sand fly tested positive. <i>C</i>. <i>furens</i> fed primarily on <i>Homo sapiens</i>; <i>M</i>. <i>cayennensis maciasi</i> fed on <i>Canis lupus familiaris</i> in peridomestic settings. Rainfall was the strongest predictor of abundance (Spearman rho up to 0.824, <i>p</i> < 0.01); wind speed showed an inverse relationship. Repeated detection of <i>Leishmania</i> DNA in <i>C</i>. <i>furens</i> suggest the hypothesis that this species contacts infected reservoirs, though experimental vector competence studies remain needed. The first record of <i>B</i>. <i>olmeca olmeca</i> for Sinaloa carries clear epidemiological implications. The forest-community interface is the dominant exposure zone, and risk is likely to intensify with rising temperatures. Priority actions include: experimentally evaluating the vector competence of <i>C. furens</i>, and intensifying sand fly surveillance to clarify the role of local dipteran fauna in <i>Leishmania</i> transmission dynamics.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5071505"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13270774/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148271900","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 Knowledge, Attitudes, Prevention Practices, and Self-Reported Malaria Prevalence Among Summer Degree Students at Debre Markos University, Ethiopia, 2025.","authors":"Asmamaw Habtamu, Lamenew Fenta","doi":"10.1155/japr/5834041","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/5834041","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, affecting all population groups including educated professionals such as university students. Understanding knowledge, attitudes, and prevention practices among these study participants is crucial for designing effective interventions. This study is aimed at assessing self-report prevalence, knowledge, attitude, prevention practices, and related factors of malaria among summer students pursuing bachelor's degrees at Debre Markos University from July to September 2025.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 366 study participants using a structured questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics and malaria-related knowledge, attitudes, prevention practices, and its self-report prevalence. Data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with malaria prevalence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 366 study participants, 63.7% were male, and 50.83% were aged 30-39 years. The majority (70.5%) resided in rural areas of the East Gojjam, West Gojjam, and Awi zones, as well as areas surrounding Bahir Dar City in the Amhara Region. Overall, 16.7% of participants tested positive for malaria between April and June 2025. Regarding knowledge, 75.4% demonstrated satisfactory awareness of malaria, and 82.8% correctly identified its causative agent. However, knowledge about insecticide-treated net (ITN) utilization and appropriate treatment-seeking behavior was limited. In terms of attitudes, 74.86% recognized malaria as a serious health problem, and 71.04% agreed on the importance of ITN use. Despite this, preventive practices were inadequate: only 71.58% reported consistent ITN use, 39.07% sought treatment at health facilities, and 15.57% completed the full course of antimalarial medication. Rural residence, inconsistent ITN use, and failure to eliminate mosquito breeding sites were significantly associated with malaria prevalence (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Malaria remains a significant public health concern even among educated populations in the study area. The findings highlight gaps in prevention practices and treatment compliance despite good knowledge and attitudes. Strengthening behavioral interventions, promoting consistent ITN use, and enhancing community-based awareness programs are essential to reduce malaria transmission among university students and rural communities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5834041"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13270209/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148271944","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":"Malaria Epidemiological Characteristics in Urban and Suburban Areas of Bamako, Mali.","authors":"Abdoulaye Kassoum Kone, Boubacar Maiga, Amagana Dolo, Bahiry Camara, Adama Traoré, Jean Douba Mounkoro, Sayon Kamissoko, Kassoum Kayentao, Mouctar Diallo","doi":"10.1155/japr/8652385","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8652385","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Malaria remains a major health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Malaria burden may vary according to different settings in a city. We aim to describe malaria epidemiology in urban and suburban areas in Bamako, capital of Mali.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in children and adults seeking care with febrile illnesses in urban and suburban community health centers in Bamako. The Community Health Care Center (CScom) of Dravéla in urban setting and the Confessional Health Center of Nafadji in suburban setting were selected. In Dravéla, participants of all age categories with fever (or a history of fever) were enrolled. In Nafadji, children of 0-59 months old, with fever (or a history of fever in the last 24 h), were enrolled. In addition to clinical signs and parasitological, sociodemographic parameters were also assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> malaria prevalence was, respectively, 68% and 61.16% in Dravéla and Nafadji. Severe malaria cases have been reported in Nafadji, including cerebral malaria (15.15%) and severe malaria anemia (1.64%). Self-medication and use of impregnated mosquito nets were, respectively, 45.5% and 69.5% in Dravéla, and 32.8% and 39.8% in Nafadji.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results suggest that malaria is the main cause of fever and morbidity in peri-urban and urban areas of Bamako. The impregnated mosquito nets were less frequently used in the suburban area. In Bamako, during the dry season, malaria transmission is high; control efforts and tools should be maintained during that period.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8652385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13254482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148252086","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":"Unveiling the Silent Regulators: Noncoding RNAs in Parasitic Disease Diagnosis and Therapy.","authors":"Neyon Loku Gamage, Koshila Ranasinghe","doi":"10.1155/japr/4071834","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/4071834","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parasitic diseases remain a major global health burden, particularly in tropical and low-resource regions, where limitations in early diagnosis and effective therapeutics contribute to high morbidity and mortality. Emerging evidence highlights noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as critical regulators of host-parasite interactions, offering novel opportunities for diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted therapy. However, most of these findings are derived from in vitro experiments and preclinical models with limited validation in clinical settings. This review comprehensively examines the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs), small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the diagnosis and treatment of major parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, helminthic infections, cryptosporidiosis, and scabies. Distinct miRNA expression profiles are associated with disease presence, severity, and clinical outcomes, positioning them as promising noninvasive biomarkers detectable in body fluids. Specific miRNAs such as miR-223, miR-155, miR-145, and miR-3158 modulate immune responses, inflammation, and parasite survival across multiple infections. Beyond diagnostics, miRNAs actively participate in disease pathogenesis and host defense, enabling therapeutic modulation of immune pathways. siRNA-based approaches further demonstrate therapeutic potential through RNA interference-mediated silencing of essential parasite genes, successfully impairing parasite growth, viability, and development in diseases such as cystic echinococcosis, cryptosporidiosis, and scabies. Additionally, lncRNAs have emerged as key regulators of innate and adaptive immunity, influencing cytokine signaling, macrophage differentiation, and inflammatory pathways while serving as novel biomarkers for parasitic cardiomyopathies and protozoan infections. Despite promising advances, the clinical translation of ncRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics faces significant challenges, including delivery efficiency, stability, specificity, off-target effects, and ethical considerations. Continued research, improved delivery platforms, and well-designed clinical trials are essential to harness the full potential of ncRNAs. Therefore, while ncRNA-based strategies represent a promising direction for future research, their application in parasitic disease diagnosis and therapy remains largely at an experimental level. Continued investigation of ncRNA-based methods is required to address current limitations and enable safe and effective clinical translation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"4071834"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13250697/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148226089","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":"Polymorphism of <i>pfmdr1</i> Gene Mutation Conferring Resistance to Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapy in <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> in Patients at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital in Northern Uganda.","authors":"Florence Peace Amito, Harriet Angwech, Lonzy Ojok, Godfrey Wokorach, Stephen Ochaya, Quinto Ogwang, Robert Opiro, Richard Echodu","doi":"10.1155/japr/8966853","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8966853","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Malaria is one of the most devastating infectious diseases in humans, and antimalarial drugs have been used to combat it with minimal success. Worldwide, malaria treatment is threatened by the emergence and spread of artemisinin resistance, which is associated with mutations in the &lt;i&gt;PfK13&lt;/i&gt; propeller domain. In Sub-saharan Africa, data relating to the prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/i&gt; malaria infection in association with the &lt;i&gt;Kelch 13&lt;/i&gt; mutations are mainly from research settings outside disease-endemic areas. This study is aimed at establishing the prevalence of &lt;i&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/i&gt; malaria infection in association with &lt;i&gt;Kelch 13&lt;/i&gt; mutations among patients presenting with fever at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) in northern Uganda.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;This cross-sectional study enrolled all participants presenting with fever at GRRH between April 2022 and January 2024. Data on adults and children aged ≥ 6 months with fever and confirmed diagnosis of malaria using mRDT, microscopy, and PCR were collected. Parasite DNA was extracted using the Chelex method and sequenced for multidrug resistance genes, and Sanger customized CRF forms were used to capture variables on social demographics, clinical presentation, and treatment. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 25, and the sequenced data were analyzed using molecular evolutionary genetic analysis (MEGA) Version 11.1.10. All sequences from a single population were aligned using the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;In total, 353 participants were recruited, and the overall prevalence of &lt;i&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/i&gt; malaria was 60.6% (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 214), with the highest number of cases registered in Gulu City (24.9%). Women were the most affected participants (37.1%). The most common clinical presentations among the participants were fever (91.8%; &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 324), chills (90.7%; &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 320), and headaches (72.0%; &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 254). Genotyping results of the mutant genes showed that of all 214 &lt;i&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/i&gt; isolates examined, the &lt;i&gt;pfmdr1&lt;/i&gt; SNP at Codon 1034 1042 (29.6%, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 94) had the highest prevalence, followed by the &lt;i&gt;pfmdr&lt;/i&gt; SNP at Codon 86 184 (28%, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 89), and the SNP fragment at codon 1246 (25.8%, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 82) recorded the lowest prevalence. &lt;i&gt;Kelch 13&lt;/i&gt; propeller gene, known to be associated with artemisinin resistance, was also isolated in 16.7% (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 53) of the samples. There was a 90.1% (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 318) prevalence of the SNPs 86 184, 1034 1042 of the &lt;i&gt;pfmdr1&lt;/i&gt; gene, and &lt;i&gt;K13&lt;/i&gt; propeller gene, with no significant difference between the sexes (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.756). The SNP at Codon 1246 of &lt;i&gt;pfmdr1&lt;/i&gt; showed a significant difference between the location and mutation (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.017). The median parasite load in patients with mutations in 86 184, 1034 1042, and &lt;i&gt;K13&lt;/i&gt; propeller genes varied significantly among ","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8966853"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13250382/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148226155","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":"Isolation and Molecular Identification of Potentially Pathogenic Free-Living Amoeba in Tap Water Faucets in Quezon City, Philippines.","authors":"Jehudiel Eugenio R Tiglao, Davin Edric V Adao","doi":"10.1155/japr/8388296","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/8388296","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous in environmental water and soil, and their presence in water systems for human consumption is a public health concern due to their potential pathogenicity and ability to act as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria. This study identified potentially pathogenic FLAs in urban water systems, specifically from tap water faucets. A total of 26 faucets were sampled, with 16 (62%) testing positive for FLAs. These included faucets from comfort rooms (<i>n</i> = 6), laboratories (<i>n</i> = 4), households (<i>n</i> = 14), and public parks (<i>n</i> = 2). Initial identification was based on the morphology of trophozoites and cysts, followed by molecular identification using universal 18S rRNA primers and sequencing. A total of 21 FLAs were isolated, including 11 <i>Vermamoeba vermiformis</i>, three <i>Vannella</i> spp., and one each of <i>Ptolemeba bulliensis</i>, <i>Protacanthamoeba bohemica</i>, <i>Stenamoeba polymorpha</i>, <i>Stenamoeba amazonica</i>, and <i>Micriamoeba tesseris</i>, along with two unidentified species. One of the unidentified isolates exhibited branching trophozoites and distinct double-walled cysts. The high detection rate of FLAs in tap water suggests a potential health risk, either through direct infection or by serving as vectors for pathogenic bacteria. These findings highlight the importance of routinely monitoring urban water systems for FLA contamination to safeguard public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"8388296"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13248780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148218133","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":"Quill Mites Parasitising African Shrikes: New Host Records and Distributional Insights Into Host and Habitat Specificity.","authors":"Maciej Skoracki, Martin Hromada, Wanyoke Wamiti, Bozena Sikora, Jakub Z Kosicki","doi":"10.1155/japr/2067519","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/2067519","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Quill mites of the family Syringophilidae are permanent ectoparasites inhabiting the lumen of avian feather quills and exhibiting high host and microhabitat specificity. Despite the broad geographic distribution and ecological diversity of shrikes (Laniidae), their syringophilid fauna has received insufficient study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined 288 museum specimens representing 13 shrike species (genera <i>Lanius</i>, <i>Urolestes</i> and <i>Corvinella</i>) from the Afrotropical region. Mites were extracted from feather quills, identified morphologically and analysed with respect to host associations, microhabitat preferences, prevalence and evolutionary patterns of host-parasite relationships.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five syringophilid species belonging to three genera, <i>Syringophilopsis</i>, <i>Syringophiloidus</i> and <i>Aulonastus</i>, were recorded from eight host species. Several new host and locality records substantially expanded the known distribution of quill mites in Laniidae. All recorded species were oligoxenous and showed strict feather-type specificity. Two phylogenetically distinct lineages of <i>Syringophilopsis</i> were found on closely related shrike hosts. No representatives of the subfamily Picobiinae were detected. Prevalence ranged from 2.5% to 25.0%.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The distribution patterns of syringophilid mites associated with shrikes suggest a complex evolutionary history that cannot be explained by a single process and likely involves ancestral host tracking, secondary colonisation and lineage sorting, with some associations potentially reflecting cospeciation. Additionally, the absence of representatives of Picobiinae may reflect historical constraints in host-parasite associations or limited colonisation and persistence of body-feather specialists in shrikes. All recorded species exhibited strict feather-type specificity, highlighting microhabitat specialisation as a key factor structuring shrike-quill mite associations. The generally low prevalence observed in shrikes is likely related to their predominantly solitary behaviour, which may limit opportunities for direct transmission of these permanent and highly host-specific parasites. These findings provide a basis for future studies on the coevolutionary relationships between corvid birds and their syringophilid mites.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2067519"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13244067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148211519","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":"Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Captive Wild Animals of Bangladesh: Implications for Zoo Health Management and Zoonotic Risk.","authors":"Md Shahriar Rahman, Jarin Tasnim, Md Shakil Mahmud Supto, Tarek Siddiki, H M Shahadat, Tilak Chandra Nath","doi":"10.1155/japr/1056182","DOIUrl":"10.1155/japr/1056182","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gastrointestinal helminth (GIH) infections remain a significant but undercharacterized threat to captive wildlife health and may contribute to zoonotic transmission at the human-animal interface, particularly in Bangladesh, where zoological facilities are located near densely populated urban centers. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and host distribution of GIHs among captive wild animals in two major facilities-the Bangladesh National Zoo and Tilagarh Eco Park, Sylhet-between May and December 2023. In a cross-sectional design, 80 fecal samples from mammals, birds, and reptiles were analyzed using a modified formalin-ether sedimentation technique, and parasites were identified based on morphological criteria. Overall, 51.25% (41/80) of animals were infected with at least one helminth species. Five helminth taxa were detected, including members of Ascarididae and Capillarinae with known zoonotic relevance. Infection prevalence varied by host group, with the highest burden observed in reptiles (100%), followed by herbivorous mammals, whereas carnivorous and omnivorous mammals had lower prevalence (16.67%). Mixed infections occurred in 27.78% of infected animals. The low occurrence of trematodes and cestodes likely reflects the limited availability of intermediate hosts under captive conditions. Despite the absence of overt clinical signs, the high prevalence suggests substantial subclinical infection that may compromise animal welfare and increase zoonotic risk. These findings highlight critical gaps in parasitological surveillance and management in captive wildlife systems and underscore the need for integrated One Health approaches, including routine monitoring, improved husbandry, and targeted parasite control strategies to mitigate infection risks at the human-animal interface.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2026 ","pages":"1056182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13239147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148199193","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}