Parasites & Vectors最新文献

{"title":"Comparative analysis of isoxazoline activity on human and canine GABA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes.","authors":"Heinz Sager, Anouk Sarr, Emmanuelle Kuntz, Lucien Rufener","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06847-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06847-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Isoxazolines, including sarolaner, lotilaner, afoxolaner and fluralaner, are a class of ectoparasiticides that target gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABARs) in insects and acari. However, their potential action on mammalian GABARs has not been extensively compared.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study investigated the inhibitory effects of these isoxazolines on human and canine GABARs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Eleven functional GABAR subunit combinations from human and canine isoforms were successfully cloned and expressed. Two-electrode voltage-clamp measurements were performed to determine the inhibitory effects of the isoxazolines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sarolaner, afoxolaner and fluralaner exhibited partial to high inhibition of human and canine GABARs, with fluralaner showing the lowest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values (1.9-13 µM). In contrast, lotilaner had little or no inhibitory effect, with IC₅₀ values > 30 µM for both human and canine GABARs.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While neurological adverse events have been reported in dogs, particularly in breeds with the multidrug resistance 1 (MDR1) gene mutation, this study suggests that direct inhibition of canine GABARs may not be the primary cause. However, the interpretation of these results represents a challenge, and a direct correlation with documented cases of adverse events remains difficult. Further research is needed to understand the exposure of mammalian GABARs to isoxazolines and the analog-specific safety risks associated with the observed in vitro receptor activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"213"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12144822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144248990","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":"Exploring the mechanisms of action of the antimicrobial peptide CZS-5 against Trypanosoma cruzi epimastigotes: insights from metabolomics and molecular dynamics.","authors":"Juan Felipe Osorio-Méndez, Daniel Pardo-Rodriguez, Cristian Rocha-Roa, Lily Johana Toro, Laura Muñoz-Tabares, Delia Piedad Recalde-Reyes, Mónica P Cala","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06861-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06861-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected tropical illness affecting an estimated 6-7 million people worldwide. The currently approved drugs have significant limitations, but antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising therapeutic alternatives. Members of the cruzioseptin family, a group of AMPs derived from the frog Cruziohyla calcarifer, have demonstrated anti-T. cruzi activity, but their mode of action remains poorly understood. Herein, T. cruzi epimastigotes were used to identify active cruzioseptins and investigate their mechanism of action through untargeted metabolomics and molecular dynamics simulations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Synthetic versions of three previously unstudied cruzioseptins (CZS-5, CZS-7, and CZS-11) were evaluated for their effects on T. cruzi X-1081 epimastigotes via microplate assays with resazurin-based viability measurements. CZS-1, a peptide with known anti-T. cruzi activity, was also included. Selectivity was assessed via hemolysis assays on human erythrocytes. To evaluate membrane damage, DNA leakage assays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on epimastigotes treated with CZS-5. In addition, the interaction of cruzioseptins with the epimastigote membrane was modeled using molecular dynamics simulations. To explore additional mechanisms of action, a multiplatform metabolomic analysis (HILIC-LC-QTOF-MS and GC-QTOF-MS) was conducted to identify altered metabolites in epimastigotes treated with CZS-5.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the tested cruzioseptins, CZS-5 exhibited the highest potency (IC₅₀ = 4.7 ± 1.0 µM) and selectivity (SI = 50.3). This peptide induced DNA leakage from epimastigotes and caused surface alterations, suggesting membrane damage. Molecular dynamics simulations indicated that CZS-5 may exert its effects through the formation of toroidal pores in the parasite membrane. Untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed 118 altered metabolites in CZS-5-treated epimastigotes, with significant enrichment of glycerophospholipids (40.7%), supporting the involvement of membrane disruption. In addition, metabolic pathways were affected, suggesting complementary mechanisms of action, including oxidative stress and disruptions in energy metabolism.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>CZS-5 was identified as a potent cruzioseptin with multiple potential mechanisms of action in the epimastigotes stage of T. cruzi. Further validation is needed in clinically relevant parasite stages to assess its potential as a therapeutic agent.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"208"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139317/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234723","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":"Preliminary data on the vector competence of Aedes caspius for Dirofililaria immitis in a traditionally endemic area of northern Italy.","authors":"Alice Vismarra, Marco Genchi, Alessia Maltoni, Manuela Semeraro, Laura Helen Kramer, Mattia Calzolari, Annalisa Grisendi, Gastone Dalmonte, Marta Fozzer","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06828-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06828-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dirofilaria immitis, the agent of canine and feline heartworm disease, and Dirofilaria repens, the agent of subcutaneous dirofilariosis, are widespread mosquito-borne helminths. The present study is aimed at updating current knowledge of the composition of potential vector species in the northern region of Emilia-Romagna, a traditionally endemic area for D. immitis and D. repens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mosquitoes were collected in 2022 and 2023 as part of the regional surveillance plan for West Nile Virus (WNV). The capture zones included peri-urban and rural areas and mosquitoes were captured with CDC-CO₂ traps. DNA from approximately 30% of female mosquitoes of each captured species (Culex pipiens, Aedes caspius, Aedes vexans, Aedes albopictus) was extracted and analyzed for the presence of D. immitis and D. repens.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 140 pools (~ 20 mosquitoes each) in 2022 and 133 in 2023 have been analyzed. DNA of D. immitis was identified in 14 pools in 2022 and in 15 pools in 2023. None of the pools was positive for D. repens. In 2022, about 85% of the positive pools belonged to Ae. caspius species (11/13) and the other three pools to Ae. vexans. In 2023, 73% of the positive pools belonged to Ae. caspius, followed by Ae. vexans and Ae. albopictus (both 13.3%). A significant overlap emerged from the same traps positioned in Ferrara and Bologna provinces, which tested positive for D. immitis in both 2022 and 2023.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These data highlight how, despite the abundance of Cx. pipiens captured, the most receptive species for D. immitis appear to be Ae. caspius and Ae. vexans. Furthermore, the geographical data highlights how the areas of the province of Ferrara and Bologna are the main geographical reservoirs of the parasite.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"210"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12143055/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234752","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":"Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae): yet another invasive mosquito species in Germany.","authors":"Doreen Werner, Henrike Nehls, Christiane Eska, Helge Kampen","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06827-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06827-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>From August to October 2024, 62 specimens of the non-native mosquito species Anopheles hyrcanus were trapped in the federal state of Brandenburg, northeastern Germany. At one site, 59 specimens, and at a second site, 3 specimens were collected, with both sites located in floodplain areas, approximately 25 km apart. The records represent the northernmost collection sites of this species worldwide. Anopheles hyrcanus is considered a potential vector of malaria parasites, dirofilarial worms, and various viruses, although vector capacity appears to be generally low. The findings in Germany follow the recent detections of the species in Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, and Poland, suggesting possible establishment in more northern areas as a consequence of climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"211"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142929/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234722","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":"PD-1-dependent therapeutic effect of Trichinella spiralis cystatin on myocardial infarction in a mice model.","authors":"Weixiao Zhang, Wenhui Yin, Hongtao Wang, Lingqin Wu, Chang Li, Xinyu Peng, Xiang Li, Kaibo Jiang, Huiqi Yang, Chenyue Dang, Erhe Gao, Qiwang Jin, Xiaodi Yang","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06854-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06854-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ischemia-induced inflammation is the primary pathological mechanism underlying cardiac tissue injury caused by myocardial infarction (MI). Trichinella spiralis cystatin (Ts-Cys) has been shown to regulate macrophage polarization and alleviate various inflammatory and immune-related diseases. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) is a crucial checkpoint receptor molecule and highly involved in maintaining immune tolerance. In this study, our aims were to investigate whether recombinant Ts-Cys protein (rTs-Cys) could be used to treat MI with recruited macrophage-dominant myocardial inflammation and whether PD-1 is involved in the immunomodulation of Ts-Cys in inflammatory diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>MI models were established in wild-type (WT) and PD-1 knockout (PD-1^-/-) mice, followed by the intraperitoneal injection of rTs-Cys. The survival rates of mice were observed for 28 days post-surgery and treatment. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Histopathological evaluation of heart tissue affected by infarction was conducted to examine local inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiac tissue damage. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect messenger RNA expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the macrophage surface markers inducible nitric oxide synthase and arginase-1 in the MI area. Serological levels of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bone marrow-derived macrophages from WT and PD-1^-/- mice were used to assess the effects of rTs-Cys on macrophage polarization in vitro.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In WT mice, rTs-Cys treatment significantly improved the 28-day survival rate and cardiac function, reduced local inflammatory cell infiltration and cardiac pathological damage and increased VEGF expression levels of MI mice. The therapeutic effect of rTs-Cys was associated with macrophage polarization from the pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to the regulatory M2 phenotype with reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and increased levels of regulatory cytokines (IL-10 and TGF-β), as determined by both in vivo and in vitro tests. However, this therapeutic effect of rTs-Cys on MI was significantly reduced in PD-1^-/- mice, as reflected by the higher level of M1 macrophages, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and decreased levels of regulatory cytokines.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>rTs-Cys promotes M2-type polarization of macrophages through the PD-1 pathway to alleviate MI in mice and is, therefore, a potential drug for the treatment of MI and other inflammation-related diseases with involvement of the PD-1 checkpoint molecule.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"209"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142987/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144234724","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":"Molecular characterization of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens in parasitic ticks from Xinjiang, China.","authors":"Bingjie Wang, Zhiqiang Liu, Shiying Zhu, Jinchao Zhang, Wenwen Qi, Jianyu Wang, Dongfang Li, Lan He, Junlong Zhao","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06857-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06857-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ticks are a type of hematophagous parasite, serving as critical vectors of pathogens that cause numerous human and animal diseases. Climate change has driven the geographical expansion of tick populations and increased the global transmission risk of tick-borne diseases. However, there has been a lack of comprehensive data on tick species distribution and their associated pathogen profiles in Xinjiang, China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ticks were collected from 19 sampling sites across nine regions in Xinjiang. The species were identified using both morphological and molecular biological methods. The presence of tick-borne bacterial and protozoan pathogens was detected through polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed to further characterize the identified ticks and pathogens.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1093 ticks were collected and identified, representing four genera and nine species, with Hyalomma asiaticum being the dominant species. Haplotype diversity and genetic differentiation analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene of the dominant species demonstrated that the Hy. asiaticum population in Xinjiang exhibits high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.734), low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.00403), and significant genetic differentiation (Fst = 0.19716). Pathogen detection using PCR revealed an infection rate of 9.3% for Anaplasma, 18.1% for Rickettsia, and 9.0% for piroplasms. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the Anaplasma genus identified in ticks comprised Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma sp., and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Phylogenetic analysis based on the opmA gene showed that the Rickettsia genus identified in ticks included Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia conorii, Rickettsia slovaca, Rickettsia conorii subsp. raoultii, Rickettsia sp., Candidatus Rickettsia barbariae, and Candidatus Rickettsia jingxinensis. Similarly, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene demonstrated that the piroplasms identified in ticks included Theileria annulata, Theileria ovis, Babesia bigemina, Babesia occultans, and Babesia sp. All gene sequences of the detected pathogens showed 99.8-100% identity with corresponding sequences deposited in GenBank.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates that Xinjiang harbors a rich diversity of tick species with a wide geographical distribution. Furthermore, the tick-borne pathogens in this region are complex and diverse. These results underscore the necessity of sustained and enhanced surveillance efforts targeting ticks and tick-borne diseases in this region.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"207"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144226157","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":"Experimental evidence rules out mosquitoes as vectors of Lyme disease.","authors":"Miriama Pekľanská, Kateřina Kuníková, Romana Vlčková, Hana Slabová, David Hartmann, Karolina Volfová, Ivo Rudolf, Silvie Šikutová, Ryan O M Rego, Fernando Gabriel Noriega, Ondřej Hajdušek, Jan Perner, Jan Votýpka, Marcela Nouzová, Radek Šíma","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06823-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06823-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), is the most common vector-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere, with Ixodes ticks as its primary vectors. However, many patients do not recall tick bites, fueling speculation about alternative transmission routes, particularly via mosquito bites. This belief is reinforced by studies reporting Borrelia presence in mosquitoes. This study evaluates whether three mosquito species can acquire, maintain, and transmit Borrelia spirochetes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Culex pipiens biotype molestus) were fed on Borrelia-infected mice to assess pathogen acquisition. Additional experiments involved ex vivo feeding on Borrelia-enriched blood to examine spirochete persistence in the mosquito gut. The potential for mechanical transmission was tested by simulating interrupted feeding between infected and naive hosts. The role of trypsin in Borrelia survival and infectivity was also investigated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mosquitoes exhibited low efficiency in acquiring Borrelia from infected hosts. Spirochetes artificially introduced through ex vivo blood meals were rapidly eliminated during digestion, primarily due to trypsin activity. Inhibition of trypsin prolonged spirochete persistence and infectivity in the mosquito gut. Mechanical transmission experiments revealed no evidence of Borrelia transmission from infected to naive hosts.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings demonstrate that mosquitoes lack the biological capacity to efficiently acquire and maintain B. burgdorferi s.l. spirochetes and are unable to transmit them through natural or mechanical means. This study provides compelling evidence against mosquito-borne transmission of Lyme disease and reinforces Ixodes ticks as the sole competent vectors, which is crucial for targeted public health interventions and accurate risk communication.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"206"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12135369/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144226156","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":"MiR-383-5p promotes schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis by targeting peroxiredoxin-3.","authors":"Yi-Xin Li, Xin-Yue Zhang, Ju-Lu Lu, Ying-Ying Yang, Cong-Jin Mei, Pan-Pan Dong, Chuan-Xin Yu, Jian-Feng Zhang, Chun-Rong Xiong, Li-Jun Song, Kun Yang","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06824-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06824-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis, a major complication of infection, arises primarily from the host immune response to schistosome eggs. The mechanisms underlying the development of liver fibrosis remain unclear, but microRNAs (miRNAs) are thought to play a crucial role in this process. Our previous study revealed significantly reduced miR-383-5p expression in patients with advanced schistosomiasis, particularly in those with newly developed disease, suggesting a possible association between miR-383-5p and fibrotic progression. This study explores the role and mechanism of miR-383-5p in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The target gene of miR-383-5p was predicted through bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of miR-383-5p and its target gene in the livers of Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum)-infected mice were investigated. Dual-luciferase reporter assays and miR-383-5p mimics and inhibitors were transfected of into LX-2 cells to determine the regulation of miR-383-5p on its target gene. AAV-8-overexpressing miR-383-5p vector injected into mice infected with S. japonicum, the target gene expression level, fibrosis-related factors, and pathological changes of liver were evaluated. The target gene knockout mice were infected with S. japonicum, and the degree of liver fibrosis was detected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Target gene prediction identified peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), a mitochondrial peroxidase that scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS), as a target of miR-383-5p. During the progression of schistosome infection in mice, the expression level of miR-383-5p in the liver gradually decreased, reaching its lowest level 6 weeks after infection, at the peak of inflammation in egg granulomas, then gradually increasing, while the expression kinetics of PRDX3 were opposite to those of miR-383-5p. Using dual-luciferase reporter assays and transfection of miR-383-5p mimics and inhibitors into LX-2 cells, we confirmed that miR-383-5p directly targeted the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of PRDX3, leading to decreased mRNA levels of PRDX3. AAV8-mediated miR-383-5p overexpression and PRDX3 knockout in the mice infected with S. japonicum led to increased hepatic ROS and promoted the schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our findings suggest that downregulating miR-383-5p after schistosome infection may alleviate liver inflammation by de-repressing PRDX3, thereby increasing ROS scavenging and reducing oxidative stress. This study elucidates the role of the miR-383-5p/PRDX3 axis in schistosomiasis-induced liver fibrosis, suggesting that PRDX3 is a potential therapeutic target for this disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"205"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131343/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144216524","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":"Olfactory responses of the variegated fruit fly, Phortica variegata, an emerging vector of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda, to ecologically relevant volatiles.","authors":"Anna Laura Erdei, Magdolna Olívia Szelényi, Ferenc Deutsch, Balázs Kiss, Béla Péter Molnár","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06850-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06850-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The variegated fruit fly, Phortica variegata (Drosophilidae: Steganinae), is native to Europe and has emerged as a major vector of ocular nematosis caused by Thelazia callipaeda (Rhabditida: Thelaziidae), following the its introduction into Europe from Asia. Male P. variegata transmit these nematodes by feeding on tears of mammals, including wild and domestic carnivores (foxes, beech martens, wild cats, and dogs), lagomorphs, and humans. Understanding the olfactory responses of P. variegata to volatile cues is essential for developing attractant-based surveillance and control strategies, yet its olfactory ecology remains largely unexplored.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used gas chromatography coupled electroantennography to measure antennal responses to synthetic and natural volatile blends. A comparative analysis was performed on the antennal responses of both sexes of P. variegata and its well-studied relative, Drosophila melanogaster. Components of the synthetic blends were selected based on the odorant receptor repertoire of D. melanogaster and established mosquito attractants, with the rationale that conserved olfactory receptors among dipterans may allow P. variegata to detect similar compounds. Volatile extracts collected using active carbon adsorbent traps were also tested on the antennae and analyzed using gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Male P. variegata showed higher antennal responses to phenol, 3-octanone, and sulcatone than females, indicating olfactory sexual dimorphism. Compared to D. melanogaster, the antennae of P. variegata did not respond to several common plant alcohols and terpenoids. Instead, they showed stronger responses to compounds such as anisole, ethyl propanoate, butyl propanoate, propyl acetate, 3-octanone, nonanal, and decanal, suggesting that peripheral olfaction in P. variegata may be more tuned to microbial volatiles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Phortica variegata exhibits sexual dimorphism in olfactory responsivity, with males showing greater responsiveness to volatiles associated with host-seeking in other zoophilic dipterans, potentially guiding them to mammalian hosts for tear-feeding. Compared to D. melanogaster, P. variegata is more responsive to microbial and yeast-related volatiles and less responsive to plant-derived terpenoids, suggesting a foraging ecology linked to microbial substrates. The antennally detected volatiles identified in this study can be used as candidates for further behavioral studies to develop lures for vector management.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"204"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209077","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":"Association between landscape transformation and the Chagas disease vector dynamics in a rural area with continuous surveillance and control.","authors":"Leonardo Sandon, Diego Weinberg, Manuel O Espinosa, Marcelo C Abril, Roberto Chuit, Ximena Porcasi, Maria V Periago","doi":"10.1186/s13071-025-06849-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-025-06849-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Gran Chaco Region of Argentina, a hotspot for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) including Chagas disease (CD), has undergone significant landscape transformations due to deforestation and agricultural expansion. These changes have altered the dynamics of Triatoma infestans, the primary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of CD. This study investigates the association between environmental changes and vector infestation patterns in a rural area of Añatuya, Santiago del Estero, Argentina, under continuous surveillance and control since 2005.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Entomological data from 502 households across 13 rural settlements were collected over a decade (2009-2019). Spatial patterns of triatomine infestation were analyzed using kernel density estimation (KDE), and relationships between infestation, land use changes, household density, and proximity to deforested areas were assessed. Random Forest models were employed to identify key predictors of infestation, incorporating variables such as deforestation percentage, distance to agricultural plots, and domestic animal density.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Infestation patterns were highly heterogeneous, with significant hotspots identified in settlements such as Lote 27, Lote 47, and La Salamanca. Household density and distance to main roads emerged as the most important predictors of infestation, with higher infestation rates observed in areas with lower deforestation and greater distance from agricultural plots. Deforestation reduced sylvatic reservoirs of T. cruzi but influenced domestic triatomine populations, particularly in areas with intermediate household density. Continuous surveillance and control efforts, including insecticide application and house improvements, led to a significant reduction in infestation rates over time.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Landscape transformation plays a critical role in shaping T. cruzi transmission dynamics. While deforestation reduces sylvatic reservoirs, it also influences domestic triatomine populations, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental changes and vector ecology. Tailored control strategies that address both domestic and sylvatic cycles are essential for sustainable vector elimination. These findings underscore the importance of integrating environmental and spatial factors into CD control programs to achieve certification of transmission-free areas and reduce the burden of CD in endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"18 1","pages":"203"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12131463/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144209076","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}