Parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Environmental influences on the distribution and ecology of the fluke intermediate host <i>Galba truncatula</i>: a systematic review.","authors":"Christopher David Smith, Eric René Morgan, Rhys Aled Jones","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000957","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000957","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Galba truncatula</i> is one of the most distributed intermediate hosts of <i>Fasciola hepatica</i> across Europe, North Africa and South America. Therefore, understanding the environmental preferences of this species is vital for developing control strategies for fascioliasis and other trematodes such as <i>Calicophoron daubneyi</i>. This systematic literature review evaluates the current understanding of the snail's environmental preferences to identify factors which might aid control and areas where further research is needed. Searches were conducted using Google Scholar and PubMed and included papers published up to August 2023. After filtration, 198 papers with data from 64 countries were evaluated, and data regarding habitat type and habitat pH were noted, along with any other information pertaining to the snail's environmental preferences. The results show that <i>G. truncatula</i> can survive in a diverse range of climates and habitats, generally favours shallow slow-moving water or moist bare mud surfaces, temperatures between 10 and 25°C and was found in habitats with a water pH ranging from 5.0 to 9.4. However, there is limited understanding of the impact of several factors, such as the true optimum pH and temperature preferences within the respective tolerance limits or the reason for the snail's apparent aversion to peatland. Further research is needed to clarify the impact of biotic and abiotic factors on the snail to create robust risk assessments of fluke infection and assess opportunities for environmental control strategies, and for predicting how the snail and fluke transmission may be impacted by climate change.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1201-1224"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894016/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142770872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dissimilar local risk factors among patients diagnosed with cystic echinococcosis upon voluntary screening in highly endemic regions of Kyrgyz Republic.","authors":"Kursanbek M Raimkulov, Vera S Toigombaeva, Omurbek T Kuttubaev, Zhyldyz S Smailbekova, Asel D Adambekova, Maria N Ruzina, Lyudmila V Akhmadishina, Alexander N Lukashev","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000763","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000763","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Echinococcosis is a parasitic invasion caused by a cestode of the genus <i>Echinococcus</i>. Kyrgyzstan is a country in Central Asia known for an extremely high incidence of echinococcosis. A total of 10 093 subjects were screened in the Osh, Naryn and Batken regions of Kyrgyzstan in 2015–2017 by ultrasound and questioned for potential risk factors. Cystic echinococcosis (CE) prevalence (combined newly diagnosed and post-surgery cases) ranged between 0.2 and 25.2% across the study regions. Typical factors, such as dog or livestock ownership, weakly affected CE risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.18–1.83). Use of water from a well and owning a cat had a greater effect on CE risk (OR = 2.02–2.28). The risk factors of CE were highly dissimilar among the study regions, with patterns not always compatible with classical biohelminthosis transmission routes (no risk from livestock in certain areas, significant risk from using well water, owning cats). Therefore, the CE epidemic in Kyrgyzstan is not holistic in terms of potential mechanisms and risk factors, and certain areas can greatly benefit from preventive measures that will have limited efficiency elsewhere.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1118-1125"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894009/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142770836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and genotypic characterization of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in transboundary migratory Mongolian Gazelles (<i>Procapra gutturosa</i>): the first survey.","authors":"Sichao Gao, Bin Hu, Gaojian Li, Xing An, Yanan Xing, Shuyi Han, Yan Chun, Lingling Han, Du Xi, Wenchao Li, Hongxuan He","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000854","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The migration of Mongolian gazelles (<i>Procapra gutturosa</i>) poses a potential risk of outbreak for zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite infections. This study aims to investigate the infection status of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in these migratory Mongolian gazelles. We collected 120 fecal samples from Mongolian gazelles during their migration from Mongolia to China in December 2023. These samples were analysed using amplification and sequencing of partial SSU rRNA genes to detect the 4 presence of zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites and characterize their genotypes. Our analysis revealed the presence of several zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasites in the sampled Mongolian gazelles. <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. was detected in 14.17% (17/120) of the samples, followed by <i>Cystoisospora belli</i> in 13.33% (16/120), <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. in 16.67% (20/120) and <i>Cyclospora cayetanensis</i> in 30.00% (36/120). Moreover, we identified novel host-adapted genotypes of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>C. belli</i>, as well as the presence of ST2 and ST13 <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. subtypes, while distinct genotypes were found in <i>Blastocystis</i> sp. and <i>C. cayetanensis</i>. This study revealed the status of 4 prevalent zoonotic intestinal protozoan parasite infections in Mongolian gazelles and provided crucial insights into their characteristics. The prevalence of these parasites in the population highlights the potential risk of cross-border transmission of infectious diseases associated with long-distance migration. Furthermore, the identification of novel genotypes contributes to our understanding of the genetic diversity and adaptation of these parasites. These findings can inform the development of protective measures to mitigate the impact of these infections on the health and survival of Mongolian gazelles.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1154-1162"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142813910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Current status of schistosomiasis in school-aged children in Mwanga district, Tanzania: impact of two decades of annual Mass Drug Administration programme.","authors":"Jeremia J Pyuza, Brice Meulah, Pytsje T Hoekstra, Noel Mdende, Elizabeth Mvilli, Lisette van Lieshout, Stan T Hilt, Paul L A M Corstjens, Maria Yazdanbakhsh, Sia E Msuya, Govert J van Dam","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001045","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease with significant health implications, particularly among children. A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged children (SAC) in Mwanga district, Tanzania, a region known to be co-endemic for <i>S. haematobium</i> and <i>S. mansoni</i> infection and where annual mass drug administration (MDA) has been conducted for 20 years. In total, 576 SAC from 5 schools provided a urine sample for the detection of <i>Schistosoma</i> circulating anodic antigen using the upconverting particle-based lateral flow (UCP-LF CAA) test. Additionally, the potential of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) and microhaematuria dipstick test as field-applicable diagnostic alternatives for schistosomiasis were assessed and the prevalence outcome compared to UCP-LF CAA. Risk factors associated with schistosomiasis was assessed based on UCP-LF CAA. The UCP-LF CAA test revealed an overall schistosomiasis prevalence of 20.3%, compared to 65.3% based on a combination of POC-CCA and microhaematuria dipstick. No agreement was observed between the combined POC tests and UCP-LF CAA. Factors associated with schistosomiasis included age (5–10 years), involvement in fishing, farming, swimming activities and attending 2 of the 5 primary schools. Our findings suggest a significant progress in infection control in Mwanga district due to annual MDA, although not enough to interrupt transmission. Accurate diagnostics play a crucial role in monitoring intervention measures to effectively combat schistosomiasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1254-1259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11893996/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142472247","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nest secondary plants and their associations with haemosporidian blood parasites in blue tit females.","authors":"Jorge García-Campa, Sonia González-Braojos, Judith Morales","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000775","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000775","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Avian nests often contain aromatic plant fragments, which has led to propose among others that they repel ectoparasites or vectors of blood parasites (‘nest protection hypothesis’). To date, the relationship between secondary plant provisioning and the parent's blood parasites remains unexplored. We investigated whether the presence of secondary plants in nests during different reproductive stages (before incubation, during incubation and nestling period) was associated with the presence of nest-dwelling ectoparasites and females’ blood-parasite infections in blue tits (<i>Cyanistes caeruleus</i>) during chick rearing. In this species, females are highly exposed to parasites, particularly at the beginning of the breeding season, since they build the nest and incubate alone. They also brood the nestlings while the male assists with provisioning. We found that females that provided fewer plants before incubation were more likely to be infected by <i>Plasmodium</i>. Specifically, Females that did not provide <i>Achillea</i> herbs before incubation were more likely to be infected by both <i>Plasmodium</i> and <i>Haemoproteus</i>, reinforcing the ‘nest protection’ hypothesis. Thus, secondary plants may create an early environment that masks the odour of hosts or repels vectors. Surprisingly, the presence of <i>Lavandula</i> during the nestling period was positively related to <i>Leucocytozoon</i> infection. Given its fastest development among haemosporidians, we speculate that <i>Lavandula</i> herbs are provided by females to reduce mother-to-offspring transmission or as a self-medication strategy. Finally, the number of plant fragments provided before incubation was negatively associated with the number of (<i>Protocalliphora azurea</i>) larvae, whereas there were no associations with the presence of mites (<i>Dermanyssus gallinoides</i>).</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1126-1136"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894026/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625805","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The variety of abomasal nematode communities of captive and free-roaming populations of European bison, <i>Bison bonasus</i> (L.): a morphometric and molecular approach.","authors":"Marta Gałązka, Katarzyna Filip-Hutsch, Daniel Klich, Wanda Olech, Krzysztof Anusz, Anna M Pyziel","doi":"10.1017/S003118202400088X","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S003118202400088X","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Most studies concerning parasitic infections in European bison have been performed on free-ranging animals: comparatively little is known about the abomasal nematodes of captive wisents, which are widely used in reintroduction programmes. The aim of the study was to determine the infection level and species composition of abomasal nematodes in captive European bison in enclosures (including zoos) and breeding centres compared to free-ranging individuals. It also includes a morphological analysis of the parasites based on figures and measurement data. Altogether, 11 species of nematodes were detected, with both captive and free-ranging animals demonstrating similar species compositions. Among those, 2 species of blood-sucking nematodes were detected, including <i>Ashworthius sidemi</i> and <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>. Interestingly, <i>A. sidemi</i> was found in almost all free-roaming animals, but only in 1 captive European bison. In addition, <i>H. contortus</i> was predominant in captive animals. The morphological identification was confirmed molecularly for 5 nematode species: <i>A. sidemi</i>, <i>H. contortus</i>, <i>Ostertagia kolchida</i>, <i>O. ostertagi</i> and <i>Spiculopteragia boehmi</i>. The identification was performed using small subunit ribosomal rDNA. The study provides the first available set of specular lengths of the gastric nematodes of European bison, and the first molecular data of <i>O. kolchida</i> and <i>S. boehmi</i> derived from the same host species. Our findings may simplify the morphometrical and molecular identification of Trichostrongylidae species infecting European bison, and can be useful in developing new management strategies for populations of this near-threatened species in Europe.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1175-1184"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894010/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625816","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphological and molecular characterization of <i>Henneguya cardii</i> n. sp. (Cnidaria: Myxosporea) from the bulbus arteriosus of European seabass <i>Dicentrarchus labrax</i> (Teleostei: Moronidae).","authors":"Luis F Rangel, Ricardo Severino, Maria J Santos, Sónia Rocha","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001112","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A new species of Myxobolidae, <i>Henneguya cardii</i> n. sp., is described infecting the European seabass <i>Dicentrarchus labrax</i>, a fish of high commercial value intensively cultivated in southern Europe. <i>Henneguya cardii</i> n. sp. was found in the bulbus arteriosus and spleen with a prevalence of infection of 13.5%. In the heart, it forms irregular whitish plasmodia measuring 1 mm in size. Mature myxospores are broadly obovoid in frontal view and ellipsoidal in lateral view, with 2 equal caudal appendages. Polar capsules are ovoid and symmetric, with 3–4 polar tubule coils. Myxospores measure 10.2 ± 0.6 (8.8–11.6) μm in length, 8.0 ± 0.7 (5.3–8.8) μm in width and 5.6 ± 0.2 (5.1–6.4) μm in thickness. Caudal appendages are 36.6 ± 3.2 (27.4–42.9) μm long. Total spore length is 47.6 ± 3.2 (41.2–53.2) μm. Polar capsules measure 4.0 ± 0.2 (3.4–4.6) by 2.2 ± 0.1 (1.9–2.6) μm. Small subunit ribosomal RNA-based tree topologies position <i>H. cardii</i> n. sp. within a lineage of marine myxobolids that is mostly comprised of other <i>Henneguya</i> species. Host-relatedness is reinforced as the main evolutionary driver for myxobolids, with the positioning of <i>H. cardii</i> n. sp. further suggesting tissue tropism as another important evolutionary driver for marine heart infecting <i>Henneguya</i>. Nonetheless, the inner complexity of this lineage suggests that identification of the evolutionary patterns driving its phylogeny will require discovery of the true diversity of marine myxobolids.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1290-1297"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894001/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142546686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Host genotype and infection status interact to shape microbiomes in <i>Daphnia magna</i>.","authors":"Amruta Rajarajan, Ellen Decaestecker, Lore Bulteel, Jean-Claude Walser, Piet Spaak, Justyna Wolinska","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000787","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Host–bacterial communities (microbiomes) are influenced by a wide range of factors including host genotype and parasite exposure. However, few studies disentangle temporal and host-genotype-specific variation in microbiome response to infection across several host tissues. We experimentally exposed the freshwater crustacean <i>Daphnia magna</i> to its fungal parasite <i>Metschnikowia bicuspidata</i> and characterized changes in host–bacterial communities associated with the parasite's development within the host. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to assess bacterial communities of the host (a) 24 h (‘initial parasite exposure’) and (b) 10 days (‘successful infection’) after exposure to a standard dose of <i>M. bicuspidata</i> spores, in host guts, body tissue (excluding guts) and whole individuals. We also investigated whether bacterial community responses to parasite exposure varied by host genotype.Parasite exposure did not immediately alter host gut bacterial communities, but drove host-genotype-specific changes in the bacterial community composition of whole individuals. We validated that these changes were not driven by shifts in bacterial communities of the culturing medium, due to the addition of the parasite spore solution. Successful infection (i.e. the proliferation of <i>M. bicuspidata</i> spores in the host body) reduced alpha diversity and shifted abundance of dominant bacterial orders in the gut. Moreover, it induced a host-genotype-specific changes in body bacterial community composition. Overall, bacterial community responses to parasite exposure and subsequent infection are complex: they occur in a host-genotype-dependent manner, differentially at distinct timepoints after parasite exposure, and in specific host tissue.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1137-1147"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Understanding American tegumentary leishmaniasis in urban Montes Claros, Brazil: insights from clinical, immunological and therapeutic investigations.","authors":"Dayse M S Lopes, Jackeline M S Lima, Karine S M Ribeiro, Clarissa F Gomes, Rebeca M Rocha, Thainara S Gonçalves, Thallyta M Vieira, Sílvio F de Carvalho, M G Finn, Ana Paula Venuto, Alexandre F Marques","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024001057","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024001057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The challenge of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) continues in Brazil, presenting a persistent public health issue despite initiatives aimed at public outreach, vector control and health education. To gain a deeper understanding of this disease, a study was conducted in an endemic region located in the northern region of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The study monitored 30 resident patients diagnosed with ATL, using serum samples from 6 healthy individuals as controls. The localized cutaneous form of the disease was found to be predominant, with lesions appearing on various parts of the body and the majority of the affected individuals being male. The study found significantly higher levels of IgG anti-<i>α</i>-Gal antibodies in ATL-infected patients compared to healthy individuals. Treatment of 19 patients with meglumine antimoniate resulted in limited improvement in symptoms for most. Nonetheless, the study found that 12 patients who completed treatment with epithelialization of the lesions showed a significant decrease in IgG anti-<i>α</i>-Gal antibodies, indicating potential applications of this antibody in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. The study also identified <i>Leishmania</i> species in 7 analysed patients, revealing 6 cases infected by <i>Leishmania braziliensis</i> and 1 by <i>L. infantum</i>, with a significant difference in the anti-<i>α</i>-Gal responses. The findings of the study emphasize the urgent need for the development of human vaccines and innovative treatment strategies adapted to the diversity of <i>Leishmania</i> species causing cutaneous leishmaniasis and individual patient responses to improve the clinical management of ATL in Brazil and similar endemic regions.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1260-1268"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894006/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142625818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immunization of cattle with a <i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i> chitinase peptide containing predicted B-cell epitopes reduces tick biological fitness.","authors":"María Martina Esperanza Perez-Soria, Daniel Gustavo López-Díaz, Rafael Jiménez-Ocampo, Gabriela Aguilar-Tipacamú, Massaro W Ueti, Juan Mosqueda","doi":"10.1017/S0031182024000143","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182024000143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Rhipicephalus microplus</i>, the cattle fever tick, is the most important ectoparasite impacting the livestock industry worldwide. Overreliance on chemical treatments for tick control has led to the emergence of acaricide-resistant ticks and environmental contamination. An immunological strategy based on vaccines offers an alternative approach to tick control. To develop novel tick vaccines, it is crucial to identify and evaluate antigens capable of generating protection in cattle. Chitinases are enzymes that degrade older chitin at the time of moulting, therefore allowing interstadial metamorphosis. In this study, 1 <i>R. microplus</i> chitinase was identified and its capacity to reduce fitness in ticks fed on immunized cattle was evaluated. First, the predicted amino acid sequence was determined in 4 isolates and their similarity was analysed by bioinformatics. Four peptides containing predicted B-cell epitopes were designed. The immunogenicity of each peptide was assessed by inoculating 2 cattle, 4 times at 21 days intervals, and the antibody response was verified by indirect ELISA. A challenge experiment was conducted with those peptides that were immunogenic. The <i>chitinase</i> gene was successfully amplified and sequenced, enabling comparison with reference strains. Notably, a 99.32% identity and 99.84% similarity were ascertained among the sequences. Furthermore, native protein recognition was demonstrated through western blot assays. Chitinase peptide 3 reduced the weight and oviposition of engorged ticks, as well as larvae viability, exhibiting a 71% efficacy. Therefore, chitinase 3 emerges as a viable vaccine candidate, holding promise for its integration into a multiantigenic vaccine against <i>R. microplus.</i></p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1053-1062"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11770533/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139707432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}