Parasites & Vectors最新文献

{"title":"Into the unknown: a literature review of helminths of amphibians and reptiles in Mesoamerica.","authors":"Tiffany Estrada-Pull, Eduardo Boza-Oviedo, Paula Alfaro-Segura, Jairo Alfonso Mendoza-Roldan, Alberto Solano-Barquero, Domenico Otranto, Alicia Rojas","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07579-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07579-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Helminths are an important but understudied component of amphibian and reptile biodiversity, particularly in Mesoamerica, a global biodiversity and cultural hotspot.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a comprehensive literature review of helminth parasites reported from amphibians and reptiles across Mesoamerica, yielding 71 publications with 1195 specimen records. Data extracted from each article included geographical location of the report, co-author affiliation and country of origin, host and parasite taxonomic details, deposition in taxonomic collections, and pathological data. In addition, a host-parasite association network was built to depict the most studied relationships.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This scoping review analyzed publications on helminths in Mesoamerican amphibians and reptiles, revealing clear geographic, taxonomic, and research biases. Most studies were published after 2000, peaking between 2006 and 2010, and focused largely on host-parasite relationships and species descriptions, likely reflecting the early consolidation of parasitological research in the region and the need to establish baseline biodiversity data. Research was concentrated in Costa Rica and Mexico, with Costa Rica contributing nearly half of all studies, and countries such as Honduras and El Salvador with no reports at all. However, much of the work was led by foreign, especially United States, institutions, highlighting the dominance of exogenous research efforts. Helminth diversity was dominated by nematodes (64.1%), followed by platyhelminths and acanthocephalans. A small number of parasite species and host species accounted for a disproportionately large share of records, particularly amphibians like Rhinella horribilis and Leptodactylus melanonotus, as well as Anolis lizards. Network analysis showed that these hosts act as key hubs supporting diverse parasite communities. Most parasite specimens were deposited in North American collections rather than local institutions, especially in the United States. Additionally, studies rarely included ecological or pathological data, focusing mainly on descriptive taxonomy. Overall, the findings highlight strong sampling biases, limited regional research capacity, and a need for more integrative ecological and pathological approaches in Mesoamerican parasitology.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our review underscores significant gaps in current knowledge, advocating for increased endogenous research and genuine international cooperation, systematic sampling of understudied host groups, and integration of One Health approaches to enhance understanding of host-parasite dynamics, biodiversity conservation, and potential zoonotic risks in Mesoamerica.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148550126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From buckets to backyards: a typology of community-based copepod interventions for Aedes vector control-a narrative review.","authors":"Peter Dambach, Valerie R Louis, Carlos Alberto Montenegro Quinonez","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07573-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07573-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Biological control using copepods, predatory freshwater crustaceans, has been explored as a strategy for suppressing Aedes mosquito larvae in domestic water containers. Although predation efficacy has been documented in laboratory and field settings, less attention has been given to how community-based copepod interventions are organised, delivered, monitored, and sustained under routine conditions. To support operational planning and adaptation, clearer insight is needed into how programmes mobilise communities, produce and distribute copepods, and maintain coverage over time.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a narrative, purposive synthesis of published and grey literature, complemented by the authors' field experience in Asia and Latin America. Sources were considered when they described field-based copepod deployments with sufficient operational detail to inform comparison of production arrangements, distribution channels, community roles, monitoring routines, or replenishment mechanisms. Using iterative cross-case comparison, we identified recurrent implementation configurations and organised them into a provisional typology of delivery models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Documented approaches include centralised public-health-led programmes, community-facilitated support and rearing systems, household-maintained post-programme approaches, and market-oriented or microenterprise pathways. Across settings, interventions differed in where copepods were produced, who placed them into containers, how communities participated, and how monitoring and replenishment were organised. The evidence base is uneven: centralised public health programmes are the most extensively documented, whereas household-led continuation and market-oriented approaches are less consistently reported and should be interpreted more cautiously. Cost information was limited and difficult to compare across contexts, with total programme costs shaped by staffing, training, monitoring intensity, transport, and facilitation requirements.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This narrative review proposes a heuristic typology for describing and comparing implementation modalities of community-based copepod deployment for Aedes vector control. Rather than identifying a single preferred model, the framework clarifies organisational choices that influence operational continuity, including production, last-mile delivery, community engagement, monitoring, and replenishment. Making these delivery architectures explicit can support better reporting, planning, adaptation, and evaluation of copepod-based interventions within integrated vector management.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13383430/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148536607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First molecular detection of the genus Almendravirus in Johnbelkinia ulopus and Anopheles apicimacula mosquitoes from the Colombian Caribbean.","authors":"Héctor Contreras-Martinez, Daniel Echeverri-De la Hoz, Yesica López, Yeimi López, Richard Hoyos, Luis Romero, Maira Alemán, Caty Martínez, Bertha Gastelbondo, Keren Álvarez, Gabriela Borja, Ketty Galeano, Alejandra García, Pedro Fragoso, German Arrieta, Salim Mattar","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07432-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07432-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rhabdoviridae includes many viruses, among which rabies virus is notable. Other genera in this family can infect mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and plants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between October 2022 and July 2023, mosquitoes were collected from some municipalities in the Córdoba and Cesar departments, Colombian Caribbean. Pools were formed according to taxonomic identification and geographic area. RNA was extracted, and sequencing was performed using MGI-G50 platform. Bioinformatics analyses were performed using the Galaxy platform and the Diamond-MEGAN program. The MAFFT program was used for sequence alignment. The Prokka program was used for genome annotation, IQ-TREE was used for phylogenetic reconstruction, and iTOL was used to visualize and edit the tree. The Clustal Omega program of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL-EBI) was used to construct a percent similarity matrix, and Unipro UGENE was used to align the amino acids of the L protein with the conserved consensus sequence (GDNQ).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two new genomes showing high similarity to Almendravirus arboretum (ABTV), and Almendravirus chico (RCHV) were identified in a single pool of Johnbelkinia ulopus mosquitoes collected in Córdoba. Additionally, a third genome with a low similarity percentage to the L segment of the Almendravirus menghai (MRV) from China was detected in Anopheles apicimacula from Cesar.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This is the first study in Colombia that reports the ABTV and RCHV in Jb. ulopus mosquitoes and the first report of a phylogenetically similar sequence to the MRV, which could be a new virus of the Rhabdoviridae family.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148520742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Species composition, abundance and seasonality of potential Rift Valley fever virus vectors in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.","authors":"Takalani I Makhanthisa, Milehna M Guarido, Alan Kemp, Melinda K Rostal, William B Karesh, Johana Teigen, Assaf Anyamba, Nichar Gregory, Jacqueline Weyer, Peter N Thompson","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07564-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07564-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, primarily infecting ruminants such as sheep and cattle and causing high abortion and neonatal mortality rates. Previous studies have indicated hyperendemic circulation of RVFV in north-eastern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The vectors of RVFV are not well characterized in this area, particularly with respect to species composition, seasonal abundance, and potential vector roles; however, several potential mosquito vector species have been identified. The aim of this study was to describe the species composition, abundance, and seasonal population dynamics of potential RVFV vectors in far north-eastern KZN, in order to identify likely important RVFV vectors in the area.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mosquitoes were sampled monthly at three sites (Namaneni, Mpala and Bumbe), for one-to-two nights per site over a period of 3 years (November 2019-November 2022). CO₂-baited CDC Miniature Light Traps, operated without light, and CO₂-baited tent traps (modified Shannon) were used at pans (temporary wetlands) at each site. Mosquitoes were morphologically identified using available taxonomic keys. A representative subset (approximately 40%) of collected mosquitoes, including potential primary and secondary vector species, were screened for RVFV RNA using real-time reverse transcription PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 141,594 mosquitoes consisting of 46 species from 8 genera, including Aedes (2610), Culex (89,143), Mansonia (45,029), and others, were collected. Culex (Culex) tritaeniorhynchus (55,491), Mansonia (Mansonioides) uniformis (35,453), and Culex (Lasioconops) poicilipes (14,192) were the most common species, varying in their relative proportions between sites. Mosquito species diversity and abundance differed across sites, with seasonal peaks occurring from January to April. Overall counts were higher at Namaneni (IRR = 3.30, 95% CI 2.62-4.16), p < 0.001) but lower at Bumbe (IRR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.23-0.54, p < 0.001), compared to Mpala. All 55,113 screened mosquitoes tested negative for RVFV.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Multiple potential RVFV vectors, such as Cx. tritaeniorhynchus, Cx. poicilipes, Aedes (Neomelaniconion) circumluteolus, Aedes (Neo.) mcintoshi, and Aedes (Aedimorphus) durbanensis, were found to be present in relatively high numbers and could play an important role in both endemic and epidemic RVFV transmission.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The history of cryptosporidiosis.","authors":"Dietmar Steverding","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07498-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07498-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this review, the history of cryptosporidiosis caused by parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium is outlined. These apicomplexan parasites evolved together with their vertebrate host during the early Cambrian period. The main etiological agents of human and bovine cryptosporidiosis are the zoonotic species C. parvum and the anthroponotic species C. hominis. Palaeoparasitological data indicate that humans have been parasitised by cryptosporidia since ancient times. Although the first Cryptosporidium species was described in 1907, the protozoan was only recognised as a gastrointestinal parasite of humans and cattle in the 1980s. The parasite became known to the general public primarily through media reports of waterborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis. Cryptosporidiosis is now acknowledged as a leading cause of diarrhoeal disease worldwide, with severe health implications for young, malnourished children and immunocompromised patients, and with severe economic consequences for cattle farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497713","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic diversity of West Nile virus lineage 2a circulating in Culex pipiens vector populations from Bucharest city during the 2024 and 2025 transmission seasons.","authors":"Sorin Dinu, Florian-Liviu Prioteasa, Aurelian Pintiliescu, Oana-Claudia Albu, Laura-Ioana Popa, Ramona-Ionela Iordache, Maria Condei, Mihaela Oprea","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07561-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07561-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging pathogen in Europe with an unprecedented northward expansion. In Romania, the virus has been endemic for at least three decades, and human infection cases are registered yearly, sometimes culminating in outbreak events. Bucharest, the capital city of Romania, is the largest urban area of the country, encompasses a multitude of mosquito and bird habitats, and has been continuously reported as an active hotspot for WNV transmission. The circulation of lineage 2 has been documented in Bucharest since 2010 in mosquito and human populations. Our study aimed to provide up-to-date information on WNV isolates circulating among mosquito vectors collected in Bucharest.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mosquito collection was performed during the 2024 and 2025 WNV transmission seasons at ten sampling sites. WNV was detected in mosquito pools by real-time PCR, and partial and complete genome sequences were obtained and used for inferring phylogeny.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In both study years, WNV isolates belonging to cluster B of lineage 2a were detected in Culex pipiens s.l. mosquito pools. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the presence of multiple isolate clusters containing sequences previously obtained from samples collected in Bucharest or elsewhere in Romania, as well as from other European countries. The high genetic diversity of WNV lineage 2a in the studied area is sustained by variations observed between sequences obtained from different sites, between sequences from the same site but in different years, and even between sequences from the same site in the same year.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Close genetic relatedness between the WNV isolates depicted in this study and viruses from European areas with intense WNV circulation in recent seasons, such as Greece, Hungary, Italy, and Russia, or from regions where the virus was recently identified, such as Poland, was demonstrated. A clear trend toward cluster replacement between the two study years was shown.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497707","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ticks and tick-borne diseases on southwestern Indian Ocean islands.","authors":"Antsa Rakotonirina, Nil Rahola, Dmitry A Apanaskevich, Miora Felaniaina Andrianandrasana, Thierry Baldet, Mihary Reine Razafimamonjy, Luciano Michaël Tantely, Mandaniaina Radotiana Andriamiarimanana, Malala Nirina Rakotomanga, Steven M Goodman, Marlène Dupraz, Diego Ayala","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07570-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07570-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Tick-borne diseases represent a growing global health concern, affecting both humans and animals, with an increasing number of disease outbreaks reported worldwide. On the southwestern Indian Ocean islands (SWIO)-including the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, La Réunion, Rodrigues and the Seychelles-the diversity of tick species and the pathogens they transmit remain poorly understood, posing a considerable impediment to improving public and animal health.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Here, we present the first comprehensive summary of tick species diversity and tick-borne pathogens in the SWIO region.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In this review, we list 42 tick species across seven genera with Haemaphysalis (13 species) and Ixodes (13 species) being the most species-rich. Although many species appear endemic to the SWIO region and, in numerous cases, to specific islands, the main vectors involved in pathogen transmission are cosmopolitan and introduced taxa. Tick-borne diseases such as babesiosis, borreliosis, and cowdriosis circulate on different islands in the SWIO region, particularly affecting cattle and small ruminants. Importantly, we highlight critical issues related to taxonomic identifications, molecular diagnostics, vector competence studies, and the integration of One Health approaches (i.e., an integrated and systemic approach that aims to sustainably balance and optimize the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems), which are further accentuated by the socio-economic and ecological contexts of each island.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Addressing these gaps will be essential to strengthen surveillance, assess risks, and design effective preventive and control strategies. We conclude that the insular context creates favorable conditions for the implementation of regional One Health strategies aimed at improving early detection, preparedness, and response to tick-borne diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148497731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparative speed of kill of induced Ixodes scapularis infestations following treatment of dogs with endectocides containing either sarolaner (Simparica Trio™), afoxolaner (NexGard^® PLUS), or lotilaner (Credelio Quattro™).","authors":"Kathryn E Reif, Todd M Kollasch, Casey L Locklear, Matthew D Eberts, Kayla N Braswell, Anastasia M W Cooper, James W Gillespie, Brian H Herrin, Jonas P McAbee, Carter M Morgan, Anna Grace Morrow, Bailey J Sperling, Daniel J Sweeney, William G Ryan","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07559-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07559-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ixodes scapularis is a consequential tick species in North America that can transmit multiple pathogens of canine and public health significance. Acaricidal speed is critical for reducing the risk of pathogen transmission. Herein, the immediate and sustained acaricidal speed of three monthly oral endectocide products against I. scapularis are compared.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-two dogs were randomly allocated equally among four groups and treated on day 0 with an endectocide containing lotilaner (Credelio Quattro™), afoxolaner (NexGard® PLUS) or sarolaner (Simparica Trio™), or left untreated. On days -2, 21, and 28, dogs were infested with 50 laboratory-reared, adult I. scapularis. Live tick counts were performed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48-h post-treatment, and after each reinfestation. Efficacy was compared using a linear mixed model of geometric mean live tick counts.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>At 8-h post-treatment of an existing infestation, only the lotilaner group had significantly lower mean live tick counts than the untreated group. At each subsequent assessment through 48 h, all treated groups had significantly lower mean live tick counts than the untreated group. Compared to the untreated group, following the day 21 reinfestation, mean live tick counts were significantly lower in the lotilaner group at 4 through 48 h, in the sarolaner group at 4, 24, and 48 h, and in the afoxolaner group at 24 and 48 h. Compared to the untreated group, following the day 28 reinfestation, mean live tick counts were significantly lower in the lotilaner group at 8 through 48 h, in the sarolaner group at 12 through 48 h and, in the afoxolaner group at 24 and 48 h. Within group, between day 0 and day 28, significant slowing of acaricidal speed was observed for sarolaner at the 12-h timepoint and for afoxolaner at the 8, 12, and 24-h timepoints. No significant loss of acaricidal speed occurred for lotilaner between day 0 and day 28.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In dogs, lotilaner has a faster onset of acaricidal activity against I. scapularis than sarolaner or afoxolaner. Lotilaner's acaricidal speed is sustained throughout the monthly dosing interval, whereas sarolaner and afoxolaner show slower acaricidal activity at the end of the month than at the beginning.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13523225/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148471956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Autoreactive and parasite-specific IgG repertoires in asymptomatic and mild Plasmodium falciparum infection in Côte d'Ivoire.","authors":"David Koffi, Nicolas Tchitchek, Fabien Herbert, Landry Tiacoh, André Offianan Touré, Ronald Perraut, Joseph Djaman, Sylviane Pied","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07508-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07508-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Naturally acquired immunity to Plasmodium falciparum involves parasite-specific antibodies as well as autoreactive responses that may contribute to immune regulation and tolerance. Characterizing these antibody repertoires across clinical phenotypes and transmission settings may help distinguish asymptomatic carriage from clinical malaria and identify biomarkers of exposure and protection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study in three malaria-endemic settings in Côte d'Ivoire (Korhogo, Man, and Abobo). Individuals with mild malaria (MM; n = 94) were enrolled across all three sites, whereas asymptomatic carriers (AS; n = 33) and endemic controls (EC; n = 39) were enrolled in Abobo only. Total IgG responses to P. falciparum (3D7 whole-parasite extract), self-antigens (human brain extract), and mosquito exposure (gSG6-P1) were measured by ELISA or Luminex. The breadth and specificity of autoreactive IgGs were assessed by PANAMA blotting followed by mass spectrometry. Multivariate analyses were used to identify antigenic signatures associated with clinical phenotype and, among MM individuals, differences in transmission intensity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with MM, AS individuals exhibited lower total IgG reactivity to P. falciparum antigens but higher levels of autoreactive IgG3 with a broader antigenic repertoire. Proteomic analysis identified γ- and β-actin, as well as several metabolic enzymes (including succinate-CoA ligase, acetyl-CoA acyltransferase 2, acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and glutaryl-CoA dehydrogenase) as targets distinguishing AS and EC from MM. Among MM cases, a cluster of brain antigens in the 50-75 kDa range differentiated sites with distinct transmission intensities. IgG responses to gSG6-P1 correlated with autoreactive IgG levels, suggesting an association between mosquito exposure and autoreactive immune responses.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Asymptomatic P. falciparum infection in a high-transmission setting was associated with enhanced autoreactive IgG3 responses, a profile that may reflect clinical tolerance and cumulative exposure. Autoreactive antibody signatures, together with markers of mosquito exposure, may serve as candidate biomarkers of malaria exposure and naturally acquired immunity and could inform surveillance and control strategies in endemic areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13435984/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148471963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vector-borne pathogen profiling and phylogeny of ticks infesting domestic dogs in Chad, Africa, using targeted next-generation sequencing and DNA barcoding.","authors":"Ian Kirimi Daniel, Maureen A Kelly, Rafael A N Ramos, Hassan Hakimi, Jobin Jose Kattoor, Rebecca P Wilkes, Metinou K Sidouin, Richard Ngandolo Bongo Nare, Philip Tchindebet Oaukou, Meriam N Saleh, Ellen Haynes, Christopher A Cleveland, Michael J Yabsley, Rebecca Garabed, Lucienne Tritten, Guilherme G Verocai","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07566-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07566-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Understanding the range of vectors and pathogen diversity in sub-Saharan Africa is crucial for efficient disease prevention and control efforts. Domestic dogs are susceptible to many vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) and serve as sentinels for several human pathogens. Yet, critical surveillance gaps in canine VBPs persist in Central Africa, where the tropical climate and pastoral agro-livelihoods create unique transmission risks.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional survey from September to October 2021, collecting 4238 ticks from 1254 domestic dogs across 56 villages in Chad, Africa. All ticks were identified morphologically and/or by sequence analysis of 16S rDNA, 12S rDNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene regions. A representative subset (n = 618) was subsequently screened for comprehensive, simultaneous detection of 21 VBPs using a targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) assay. Logistic regression models were used to assess associations between potential risk factors and pathogen detection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five tick species belonging to four genera were identified: Rhipicephalus linnaei (89.8%; 3805/4238), Rhipicephalus muhsamae (9.4%; 400/4238), Amblyomma variegatum (0.6%; 26/4238), Haemaphysalis leachi (0.1%; 4/4238), and Hyalomma truncatum (0.1%; 3/4238). Overall, 59.1% (365/618; 95% CI 55.1 - 62.9%) of the ticks were positive for at least one pathogen. We detected 14 pathogens, with the most prevalent being Hepatozoon canis (47.6%, n = 294/618), followed by Ehrlichia canis (8.4%, n = 52/618), Coxiella-like endosymbionts (5.3%, n = 33/618), Rickettsia spp. (4.7%, n = 29/618), Anaplasma platys (4.4%, n = 27/618), Anaplasma spp. (3.7%, n = 23/618), hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. (1.5%, n = 9/618), and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (1.1%, n = 7/618). Babesia caballi, Hepatozoon felis, Rickettsia conorii, and Rickettsia massiliae were each identified in < 1% of the ticks. The highest pathogen diversity was detected in R. linnaei, although R. muhsamae harbored the highest diversity of zoonotic Rickettsia species. Independent predictors for VBP infections included tick species for E. canis (P = 0.02) and H. canis (P = 0.001), and geographic region for E. canis (P = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions/significance: </strong>This study provides a comprehensive molecular characterization of canine VBPs in ticks from Central Africa using deep sequencing. The high pathogen prevalence and diversity highlight the need for expanded surveillance and control strategies in Chad, including educating dog owners on ectoparasite prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148472031","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}