Journal of Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"Molluscicidal Activity of Extracts and Fractions From <i>Hagenia abyssinica</i>, <i>Rosa abyssinica</i>, and <i>Cucumis ficifolius</i> Against <i>Biomphalaria</i> and <i>Bulinus</i> Snails.","authors":"Hirut Basha, Asfaw Debella, Milkyas Endale, Eyob Debebe, Meharu Mathewos, Tesfaye Biftu, Hassen Mamo","doi":"10.1155/japr/7968654","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/japr/7968654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Schistosomiasis continues to be a major public health concern in Ethiopia. Eliminating the intermediate host snails is an effective and cost-efficient strategy for preventing and controlling schistosomiasis transmission. However, chemical molluscicides have limitations due to their toxicity to nontarget aquatic organisms, environmental concerns, and the development of resistance. Plant-based molluscicides are biodegradable, less toxic, safe, and cost-effective. <b>Objective</b>: This study is aimed at evaluating the molluscicidal activity of <i>Hagenia abyssinica</i> flowers, <i>Rosa abyssinica</i> fruits, and <i>Cucumis ficifolius</i> roots against <i>Biomphalaria</i> and <i>Bulinus</i> species. <b>Methods</b>: Adult <i>Biomphalaria</i> and <i>Bulinus</i> species were subjected to varying concentrations of aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts and solvent partitions from <i>H. abyssinica</i>, <i>R. abyssinica</i>, and <i>C. ficifolius</i> for 24, 48, and 72 h. The investigation involved conducting a phytochemical analysis using standard screening methods. Female mice were subjected to an acute oral toxicity test using a 70% ethanol extract of <i>H. abyssinica</i>, <i>R. abyssinica</i>, and <i>C. ficifolius</i>. The mortality data were then determined using GraphPad Prism 9 software. <b>Results</b>: Aqueous and 70% ethanol extracts of <i>R. abyssinica</i> and <i>C. ficifolius</i> did not exhibit molluscicidal activities against <i>Biomphalaria</i> and <i>Bulinus</i> species. However, aqueous, 70% ethanol, and chloroform extracts of <i>H. abyssinica</i> showed significant molluscicidal activities against <i>Biomphalaria</i> species with 24-h LC₅₀ values of 39.05, 11.93, and 5.52 mg/L, respectively. Similarly, the LC₅₀ values of the same extracts against <i>Bulinus</i> species after 24 h of exposure were 40.08, 12.23, and 6.13 mg/L, respectively. The plant extract's LD₅₀ for acute toxicity against mice was found to be over 2000 mg/kg of body weight. <b>Conclusion</b>: <i>H. abyssinica</i> demonstrated potent molluscicidal activity, making it a potential candidate for application. Further isolation of active ingredients and field trials are necessary to determine the optimal conditions for its use in snail control.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7968654"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11611416/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142769937","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":"Prevalence of Intestinal Parasite Infection Among Prison Inmates and Their Associated Risk Factors at Hosanna Town, South-Central Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Abdulhakim Mussema, Weynshet Tafesse, Leyla Temam","doi":"10.1155/2024/7677743","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/7677743","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> In developing countries, prisoners are one of the marginalized groups most susceptible to intestinal parasite infection due to inadequate living conditions, malnutrition, a lack of potable water, overcrowding, and poor hygiene. Thus, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections among inmates of Hosanna town prison. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Hosanna Town's prisoners from June 1 to July 30, 2022, on a total of 420 inmates. The study participants were chosen using a simple random sampling technique. Sociodemographic, sanitation, hygienic, and related information were collected by using pretested questionnaires. In addition, about 5 g of stool sample was collected using a leak-proof plastic stool cup and examined microscopically by using direct wet mount preparation and formalin-ether concentration techniques, and data were analyzed by using SPSS Version 25. <b>Results:</b> This study indicated an overall 39.2% (95% CI: 34.6-44.1) prevalence of intestinal parasites (165/420). <i>Entamoeba histolytica/dispar</i> was the most prevalent intestinal parasite found, followed by <i>Giardia lamblia, Ascaris lumbricoides, Hookworms, Taenia</i> species, and <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i>. About 3.1% of participants had dual parasitic infections. In addition, there is a significant association in multivariable logistic regression analysis between intestinal parasitic infection and various hygiene practices such as not using soap when washing hands after using the toilet ((aOR 1.62 (95% CI: 1.06-2.48)), <i>p</i> ≤ 0.027), not regularly washing hands before meals ((aOR 2.83 (95% CI: 1.79-4.46)), <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), poor hand hygiene overall ((aOR 3.18 (95% CI: 2.00-4.99)), <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001), not trimming fingernails ((aOR 2.09 (95% CI: 1.29-3.37)), <i>p</i> ≤ 0.003), and length of time in prison (aOR: 4.27, 95% CI: 22.62-6.96, <i>p</i> = 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings of the study indicated that the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was 39.2%, with 38.8% of the infected individuals falling within the 25-34 age range. Additionally, 67.3% of those infected had been imprisoned for over a year. Furthermore, the personal hygiene status of prisoners was found to be substantially correlated with the presence of parasites. Hosanna town prison should ensure sufficient sanitary supplies, promote personal hygiene, and implement health education. Regular medical checkups and routine nail-clipping sessions are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and reducing parasite transmission among inmates.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7677743"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11581797/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142687196","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":"Molecular Identification of Selected Cervid Helminths in Supplementarily Fed European Bison Population.","authors":"Magdalena Świsłocka-Cutter, Rafał Kowalczyk, Anetta Borkowska, Tomasz Kamiński, Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska","doi":"10.1155/2024/2600633","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/2600633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Wild animals often suffer from infections with multiple species of parasites simultaneously. The exchange of parasites between different host species is common in nature and often involves intermediate hosts or sharing space such as pastures or watering holes. Supplementary feeding, leading to large aggregations of individuals, can have several adverse effects on wild ungulate populations, despite being a widespread management practice. One such effect is an increased risk of parasitic infections, particularly in social animals. We quantified the prevalence of selected helminths typically found in cervids, in samples of the European bison faeces, using molecular methods, and compared endoparasite species richness between supplementarily fed and nonfed European bison herds in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, NE Poland. <b>Methods:</b> Using the diagnostic PCR method, we analysed the faecal samples for molecular markers of nine parasite species which are typically found in cervids: moose, red deer, and roe deer. <b>Results:</b> All analysed samples tested positive for at least one parasite species, and the average number of parasite species per sample was 3.2. The most prevalent parasites were gastrointestinal nematodes: <i>Ostertagia leptospicularis</i> and <i>Ostertagia antipini</i>, found in 89.2% and 50.6% of the European bison faecal samples, respectively. We found significant differences in the prevalence of four parasite species between supplementarily fed and nonfed European bison herds. Co-occurrence analysis showed that most of the associations between parasite species pairs were random. <b>Conclusion:</b> Management practices, such as supplementary feeding, can influence the spread of parasite infections in social mammals. This study also promotes the application of molecular methods for noninvasive parasitological monitoring of wildlife populations of endangered ruminant species sharing resources with other ungulates.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"2600633"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11568891/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142647490","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":"Extracellular Vesicles Derived From <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> Have an Immunomodulatory Effect on THP-1 Macrophages.","authors":"Debabrata Chowdhury, Manu Sharma, James W S Jahng, Upinder Singh","doi":"10.1155/2024/7325606","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/7325606","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Recent studies have shown that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by various parasites are capable of modulating the host's innate immune responses, such as by altering macrophage (M<i>ϕ</i>) phenotypes and functions. Studies have shown that M<i>ϕ</i> promote early host responses to amoebic infection by releasing proinflammatory cytokines that are crucial to combating amoebiasis. Here, we are reporting for the first time the effect of EVs released by <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> (<i>Eh</i>EVs) on human THP-1 differentiated M<i>ϕ</i> (THP-1 M<i>ϕ</i>). We show that the <i>Eh</i>EVs are internalized by THP-1 M<i>ϕ</i> which leads to differential regulation of various cytokines associated with both M1 and M2 M<i>ϕ</i>. We also saw that <i>Eh</i>EV treatment thwarted Type 2 immune-response-related transcriptome pSTAT6 in the THP-1 M<i>ϕ</i>. Furthermore, <i>Eh</i>EVs stimulated M<i>ϕ</i> to reduce their energy demand by suppressing oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Hence, the human parasite <i>E. histolytica</i>-derived EVs are capable of eliciting an immune response from M<i>ϕ</i> that may contribute to overall infection status.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7325606"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11537751/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142583326","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":"Assessing the Malaria Burden and Community Response to the Malaria Control and Management Programs in Omoro District, Northern Uganda.","authors":"Divas Soyekwo, Elizabeth A Opiyo, Reiginald Austin, Stephen Ochaya","doi":"10.1155/2024/8009447","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/8009447","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Malaria remains the leading cause of hospitalization and death in the healthcare system. This study explored the malaria burden and community response to government malaria control programs in Omoro district. <b>Method:</b> This retrospective study involved 576 patient results from purposely selected health facilities data from health center III (HCIII) of Odek, Bobi, and Lapainat and health center IV (HCIV) of Lalogi. And prospective random section study involved 288 participants from Lutori and Lagude cells and Atyang A and Lagwaya villages who consented to answer the pretested questionnaire. <b>Results:</b> The prevalence of malaria in Omoro district in 2018 and 2019 was 81.6% and 97.2% for hospital record positivity and community surveys, respectively. The participants had 100% knowledge of malaria signs, symptoms, and cause. The average number of malaria attacks an individual received in the district from the health facility and community data was three. Nonadherence to government control programs was associated with an increased incidence of malaria infections. From questionnaire, the proportion of people that used local herbal remedies for treatment and prevention of malaria were 21.2% of the sampled 288 participants. <b>Conclusion:</b> The high rate of malaria attacks indicates that the area has a high prevalence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. The increase in the proportion of malaria attacks in 2019 suggests that the burden of malaria increased compared with that in the previous year, with approximately 21% of local herbal remedies for malaria treatment and management. The findings of this study suggest that malaria attacks are associated with household size, age, sex, occupation, and the household head. Participants who did not respond positively to government programs experienced more malaria attacks. These findings can be used to develop interventions to reduce the incidence of malaria in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"8009447"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11535283/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142583323","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 Rotational Grazing on the Control of <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i> Infesting Calves in Humid Tropical Conditions.","authors":"Gabriel Cruz-González, Juan Manuel Pinos-Rodríguez, Miguel Ángel Alonso-Díaz, Dora Romero-Salas, Jorge Genaro Vicente-Martínez, Agustín Fernández-Salas, Jesús Jarillo-Rodríguez, Epigmenio Castillo-Gallegos","doi":"10.1155/2024/7558428","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/7558428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Grazing management through pasture rotation has been mentioned as a viable alternative for the control of <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i>; however, there is limited information on rotational grazing at field level. The objectives of this research were (1) to evaluate the effect of rotational grazing with 30 and 45 days of pasture rest and continuous grazing (without rest) on <i>R. microplus</i> tick loads in Brahman heifers and its most common crosses with Holstein; (2) to know the parasite dynamics of <i>R. microplus</i> under the three grazing systems in the humid tropics of Mexico; and (3) to determine the effect of the treatments on the characteristics of the pastures (availability of forage biomass, plant height, and soil cover). The experiment was carried out for 1 year from April 2022 to March 2023, with three grazing treatments: Treatments 1 and 2 considered rotational grazing with 30 (RT30) and 45 days of rest (RT45), respectively, and Treatment 3 as continuous grazing (CT00). Thirty calves from 8 to 12 months of initial age were distributed in each treatment (<i>n</i> = 10). Every 14 days, the number of engorged and semiengorged female ticks in cattle was determined. Concomitantly, the region's temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall were recorded, as well as the agronomic characteristics of the pasture. Rotational grazing animals with 30 days of rest had the highest number of ticks, while grazing animals with 45 days of rest had the least. Tick load dynamics among groups did not correlate with climatic variables (<i>p</i> > 0.05). The height and grass cover presented significant changes due to grazing (<i>p</i> < 0.05), which could influence the tick cycle by the exposure of the soil, modifying the microclimatic conditions and consequently harming the survival and development of <i>R. microplus</i> in the evaluated systems. The negative effect of rotational grazing on the nonparasitic phase of <i>R. microplus</i> deserves further studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"7558428"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11496573/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142502422","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":"Soil-Transmitted Helminths in Kindergarten Children: Prevalence, Intensity and Associated Factors in Bule Hora Town.","authors":"Wako Dedecha, Tibeso Gemechu, Oliyad Husen, Habtemu Jarso, Lenco Bati","doi":"10.1155/2024/9356919","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/9356919","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a common problem in Ethiopia. This parasite affects the physical and mental development of children, causing malnutrition and iron deficiency anaemia. However, there are inadequate studies that demonstrate the extent of STHs and associated factors among kindergarten children in South Ethiopia, particularly in the study area. <b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated factors of STH infection among kindergarten students in Bule Hora town. <b>Methods:</b> An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 235 kindergarten children in Bule Hora town from January to February 2023. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect information on associated factors. EpiData and SPSS were used for data entry and analysis, respectively. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors. <b>Results:</b> In the present study, the prevalence of STH was 28.5% (95% CI: 22.7%-34.3%). <i>A. lumbricoides</i> 26 (11.1%) was the most common parasite identified. The arithmetic mean (+SD) of the egg counts for each species of STHs was as follows: <i>A. Lumbricoides</i> 1886.9 (+2103.2), <i>T. Trichiura</i> 299.2 (+305.8), and hookworms 756.1 (+739.4). Factors that showed significant association in the current study were hand washing after the toilet (AOR: 2.992, 95% CI: 1.299-6.891,), fingernail trimming (AOR: 3.646, 95% CI: 1.704-7.798,), and shoe wearing habit (AOR: 2.143, 95% CI: 1.170-3.924,). <b>Conclusion:</b> STH infection is a health problem among kindergarten children in Bule Hora town. Comprehensive health education on the value of hygienic habits, improved sanitation, and routine deworming of kindergarten children should be included in prevention and control efforts.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"9356919"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11415249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142289621","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":"In Vitro and In Silico Anthelmintic Activity of Extracts of <i>Lannea kerstingii</i> and <i>Ficus thonningii</i> on <i>Heligmosomoides polygyrus</i>.","authors":"Ndjinkeu Ntcheuzing Serena, Masoud Besati, Noumedem Anangmo Christelle Nadia, Mahdi Yaghoobi, Yamssi Cédric, Claire Ciancia, Ngouyamsa Nsapkain Aboubakar Sidiki, Vincent Khan Payne, Mpoame Mbida, Haibo Hu","doi":"10.1155/2024/1858154","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/1858154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The aim of this study was to assess the anthelmintic activity of <i>Lannea kerstingii</i> and <i>Ficus thonningii</i>, on a nematode model, to promote their use in the Cameroonian pharmacopoeia for the treatment of helminthiases. <b>Methods:</b> One nematode was used, <i>Heligmosomoides polygyrus</i>. First, the effect of the extracts on the eggs and larval stages (L1, L2, and L3) of <i>H. polygyrus</i> was evaluated, 100 <i>μ</i>L of extract and 100 <i>μ</i>L of parasite suspension (containing 50 eggs) were mixed in a 96-well microplate. The 96-well microplate was incubated for 20 h at 25°C in the WMicroTracker which measures the motility of the worms at various concentrations. Finally, docking studies were conducted by using the Glide module in Schrodinger Maestro. <b>Results:</b> The ethanolic extract of <i>L. kerstingii</i> with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 0.1371 mg/mL produced a higher ovicidal effect than the effect produced by other extracts of these plants. However, with an IC₅₀ of 0.31 mg/mL, the aqueous extract of <i>F. thonningii</i> showed the greatest effect on the L2 stage. The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of <i>L. kerstingii</i> and <i>F. thonningii</i> inhibited the development of the L3 larvae of <i>H. polygyrus</i> with a better effect for the ethanolic extracts. <b>Conclusion:</b> The use of <i>L. kerstingii</i> and <i>F. thonningii</i> for the treatment of helminthiasis has been proved in vitro and in silico by this research. However, more research is required, especially on the acute toxicity and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy to validate this scientific investigation.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"1858154"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11316912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141916909","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":"Zoonotic Parasites and Their Association With Human Activities in Northern Tanzania: An Integrated Ecosystem Approach for One Health.","authors":"Barakaeli Abdieli Ndossi, Eblate Ernest Mjingo, Hansol Park, Dongmin Lee, Mohammed Mebarek Bia, Heejae Yang, Sungbo Seo, Keeseon S Eom","doi":"10.1155/2024/8872837","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2024/8872837","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The community's awareness of the prevalence and impact of zoonotic diseases has been significantly underestimated, leading to insufficient implementation of control measures. This study was carried out in Northern Tanzania between 2019 and 2023 to investigate zoonotic parasites and the risks associated with human activities that contribute to zoonotic diseases. Cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 12 villages, including nine in Loliondo Division and three in Babati District. Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews were conducted to assess the community's knowledge and practices regarding the risks associated with zoonotic diseases in the surveyed areas. A total of 255 samples were collected from various sources, including latrines, households, livestock enclosures, domestic dogs, and chickens. Out of these samples, 152 tested positive for identifiable parasite eggs and oocysts. These parasites included hookworms (21.7%), <i>Trichuris</i> sp. (14.5%), <i>Strongyloides</i> sp. (13.8%), <i>Eimeria</i> sp. (19.7%), Taeniids (5.9%), <i>Hymenolepis</i> sp. (3.3%), <i>Spirometra</i> sp. (2.6%), and <i>Dipylidium</i> sp. (0.7%). Taeniids and <i>Spirometra</i> species were predominantly found in villages near protected areas such as Arash Sokoni, Oloipiri, Sukenya, Wasso, Orkuyiene, Haytemba, and Loliondo. Hookworms were most commonly detected in Arash Sokoni, Loliondo, Isuguro, and Hyatemba, while <i>Strongyloides</i> sp. was prevalent in Wasso, Sukenya, and Olobo villages. The quantitative analysis reveals significant associations between hygiene practices, proximity to livestock enclosures, ecological factors, and human-animal interaction, highlighting their pivotal roles in determining soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence across different villages. This study reveals that there was a generally low level of awareness regarding zoonotic diseases and STHs. The detection of STH samples, combined with the limited understanding of zoonotic diseases, emphasizes the importance of taking proactive measures to reduce transmission risks. Prioritizing education and promoting awareness along with implementing comprehensive strategies are essential steps to effectively tackle the problems linked to STH infections and substantially lessen the public health burden caused by zoonotic diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"8872837"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11281853/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141788417","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":"Experimental Protocol to <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Detection in Fresh Goat Milk.","authors":"Igor Falco Arruda, Patricia Riddell Millar, Mário Felipe Alvarez Balaro, Thamires Francisco Bonifácio, Raissa Cristina Ferreira Ramos, Maria Regina Reis Amendoeira","doi":"10.1155/2024/6895089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/6895089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a zoonotic parasite with global distribution capable of infecting homeothermic animals. Transmission of protozoan to humans includes ingestion of water and raw food contaminated with sporulated oocysts, ingestion of raw or undercooked meat with tissue cysts, and tachyzoites' transplacental transmission. Fresh goat milk intake has already been linked to human toxoplasmosis outbreaks, but little is known about the infectious potential of this biological sample. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to assess the survival and infectivity of <i>T. gondii</i> tachyzoites in fresh goat milk samples through an experimental protocol to detect this parasite via bioassay carried out with a murine model, DNA amplification, and serology. Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with fresh goat milk samples contaminated with different <i>T. gondii</i> RH strain tachyzoite concentrations per milliliter and stored for different refrigeration times. Animals showing clinical signs compatible to toxoplasmosis were euthanized. Milk samples contaminated with high parasitic loads and kept for a shorter refrigeration time were the most lethal ones. No significant differences were observed between mean death rates recorded for different goat milk contamination concentrations (<i>p</i> = 0.1888), and for the refrigeration time, contaminated milk samples were kept under (<i>p</i> = 0.9440). <i>T. gondii</i> DNA was amplified in all contaminated milk samples, but only one of the surviving mice was serologically positive. Results of the present study have shown <i>T. gondii</i> survival and infectivity in fresh goat milk samples, and it highlights its significant risk for public health. Therefore, molecular methods must be the tests of choice when milk samples are used to assess infection caused by protozoan in goats' dairy products.</p>","PeriodicalId":16662,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Parasitology Research","volume":"2024 ","pages":"6895089"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11458309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142391294","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}