ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100437
Ashley L Webster, Michal Polak
{"title":"Priming for protection: inducible attachment-resistance to ectoparasitic mites in <i>Drosophila</i>.","authors":"Ashley L Webster, Michal Polak","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100437","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100437","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ectoparasites are ubiquitous and are often harmful to host fitness. Whereas protective responses to ectoparasitism in vertebrate hosts are well documented, our understanding of such defences in invertebrates remains limited. Here, we examined attachment-resistance in adult <i>Drosophila</i> to their naturally co-occurring ectoparasitic mites, <i>Gamasodes pachysetis</i> (Parasitidae). Significant differences in mite attachment duration were documented among 6 species of <i>Drosophila</i>, providing evidence for interspecific differentiation in attachment-resistance. Experiments with <i>D. malerkotliana</i>, a species exhibiting a relatively high rate of mite detachment, revealed that pre-infesting flies significantly reduced mite attachment duration compared to naïve controls, indicating a priming effect. In contrast, a reduction in attachment duration was not observed in <i>D. malerkotliana</i> after experimentally wounding the abdominal cuticle. These results suggest that the priming effect is not simply a response to cuticle damage, and that its activation may depend on mite-specific factors. Eight genes were individually tested for their effects on the rate of mite detachment from adult flies by deploying the GAL4-UAS gene knockdown system in <i>D. melanogaster</i>. Knockdown of heat shock protein 70Ba (Hsp70Ba) and prophenoloxidase 2 (PPO2), which underlie general stress and melanization responses, respectively, significantly prolonged mite attachment duration, implicating their involvement in host attachment-resistance to mites. Together the results support the existence of inducible protective mechanisms mediating parasitism by mites in a naturally occurring invertebrate host-ectoparasite symbiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609033","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-07-10DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100425
Carla A Culda, Rommel Lenin Vinueza, Marjorie Riofrío-Lazo, Renato Leon, Diego Páez-Rosas, Andrei Daniel Mihalca
{"title":"Patent <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i> infection in Galapagos sea lion rookeries in San Cristóbal Island.","authors":"Carla A Culda, Rommel Lenin Vinueza, Marjorie Riofrío-Lazo, Renato Leon, Diego Páez-Rosas, Andrei Daniel Mihalca","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100425","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100425","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Galapagos sea lion (<i>Zalophus wollebaeki</i>) is an endemic and endangered species that plays a vital role in the ecosystem dynamics of the archipelago. In recent decades, they have faced a significant population decline, related to the effects of climate variability and anthropogenic influences. Thus, the co-occurrence of sea lion resting areas with mosquito breeding sites and the presence of free-roaming domestic dogs present significant health risks related to parasite transmission. This research demonstrates the occurrence of <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i> (canine heartworm) in <i>Z. wollebaeki</i>, indicating their possible function as a definitive host for this parasite. Blood samples collected in August 2023 from 50 individuals (juveniles and adults) in 2 rookeries of San Cristóbal Island, revealed a 2% prevalence of <i>D. immitis</i> in juvenile females, as confirmed by Knott's test and polymerase chain reaction analysis. Results of this work emphasize the critical necessity for effective monitoring and conservation strategies to address the threat posed by <i>D. immitis</i> and to safeguard this endangered species.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144609032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-07-07DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025000551
Antonio Bosco, Giovanni Jesu, Alessandro Nappa, Emanuele Bambacaro, Giuseppe Martone, Serena Montagnaro, Francesco Vinale, Gabriele Panarello, Giuseppina Iacomino, Giuliano Bonanomi, Filip Strbac, Lavinia Ciuca, Laura Rinaldi, Giuseppe Cringoli
{"title":"A novel <i>in vitro</i> repellent bioassay to evaluate the effect of wood vinegar against louse <i>Haematopinus tuberculatus</i>.","authors":"Antonio Bosco, Giovanni Jesu, Alessandro Nappa, Emanuele Bambacaro, Giuseppe Martone, Serena Montagnaro, Francesco Vinale, Gabriele Panarello, Giuseppina Iacomino, Giuliano Bonanomi, Filip Strbac, Lavinia Ciuca, Laura Rinaldi, Giuseppe Cringoli","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025000551","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025000551","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The water buffalo farm with intensive breeding techniques promotes the spread of lice (<i>Haematopinus tuberculatus</i>), leading to a reduction in meat and milk productions. Current control measures include the use of chemicals, which in the long-term lead to the development of resistance. Given the lack of alternative solutions, the aim of this study was to evaluate the repellent effect of a low impact by-product, the wood vinegar (WV), against <i>H. tuberculatus</i> using a new <i>in vitro</i> bioassay test. The test consisted of a glass Petri dishes subdivided in 3 separate areas. WV was tested at different concentrations (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%). Each of the 3 replicates was performed with 10 adults, at 27 °C and 75% relative humidity. Observations were made 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 180 min after application to evaluate movement, the living/dead ratio and the ability to overcome the obstacle area of the lice, in terms of comparative avoidance (%). Additional <i>in vitro</i> cytotoxicity tests were performed. The test performed showed a repellent effect of 77% for the 100% WV concentration against lice of both sexes 30 min after exposure, similar (<i>P</i> < 0.05) to the repellent effect of deltamethrin (77%). The <i>in vitro</i> bioassay developed during the experiment proved to be reliable and can be used to evaluate the repellent effect of new molecules against lice before testing them <i>in vivo</i>. Furthermore, WV has a potential to be a valid tool for the control of buffalo pediculosis, although <i>in vivo</i> studies have to be undertaken.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144576098","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>Longicollum pagrosomi</i> yamaguti, 1935 (Palaeacanthocephala: Echinorhynchida) in cultured large yellow croaker (<i>Larimichthys crocea</i>) and its phylogenetic implications.","authors":"Zhongjie Ren, Xiaoao Yang, Lihua Jiang, Denghui Zhu, Zhen Tao, Yanjie Wang, Peipei Fu, Rui Song","doi":"10.1017/S003118202510036X","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S003118202510036X","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A species of acanthocephalan collected from the hindgut of <i>Larimichthys crocea</i> was identified as <i>Longicollum pagrosomi</i> Yamaguti, 1935 based on morphological characteristics. The complete mitochondrial genome of this parasite was sequenced. The mitogenome exhibited a circular structure with a total length of 14 632 bp, containing 12 protein coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs (rRNAs), 22 transfer RNAs (tRNAs) and 2 major non-coding regions. The most frequently used start codon was GTG, and the most abundant amino acid was valine. The phylogenetic analyses of the mitogenome using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods showed that the genus <i>Longicollum</i> formed a sister clade to the genus <i>Pomphorhynchus</i>, supporting the monophyly of <i>Pomphorhynchus</i>. This study reported a new host for <i>L. pagrosomi</i> and revealed the first complete mitogenome sequence of the genus <i>Longicollum</i>.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144541832","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-07-01DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100401
Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno, Carlos Cedillo-Peláez, Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres, Lluvia Guadalupe Moreno-Pérez, Claudia Virginia Zaragoza-Vera, Luz Belinda Ortiz-Alegría, Irma Cañedo-Solares, Lizbeth Xicoténcatl-García, Fernando García-Lacy, Heriberto Caballero-Ortega
{"title":"New genetic variants of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> isolates and a novel <i>ROP5</i> allele in free-range chickens from Tabasco, México.","authors":"Luis Fernando Valenzuela-Moreno, Carlos Cedillo-Peláez, Claudia Patricia Rico-Torres, Lluvia Guadalupe Moreno-Pérez, Claudia Virginia Zaragoza-Vera, Luz Belinda Ortiz-Alegría, Irma Cañedo-Solares, Lizbeth Xicoténcatl-García, Fernando García-Lacy, Heriberto Caballero-Ortega","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100401","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a protozoan parasite that causes infection in birds and mammals (terrestrial and marine), both domestic and wild. The state of Tabasco has favourable climatic and ecological conditions for the replication and dissemination of this parasite. Therefore, the aim of this study was to isolate and genotype <i>T. gondii</i> from free-range chickens in this region of México by PCR-RFLP of 15 genetic markers. A total of 12 chickens were obtained from 7 municipalities. Serological survey by the modified agglutination test (MAT) of chicken serum samples revealed that 9 out of the 12 chickens (75%) tested had antibodies against <i>T. gondii</i> (titres ≥ 1:10). <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> DNA was detected by PCR in tissues from 8 out of the 12 chickens. Twelve viable strains of <i>T. gondii</i> were isolated from the heart and brain samples of eight chickens by bioassay in mice. Genetic characterization of tachyzoite-derived DNA was performed using 10 multilocus RFLP-PCR genotyping markers (<i>SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1</i> and <i>Apico</i>) and five virulence-related markers (<i>CS3, ROP5, ROP16, ROP17</i> and <i>ROP18</i>). A total of 6 ToxoDB PCR-RFLP genotypes were identified, including #8 (also known as Type BrIII), #28, #38, and 3 new genotypes designated as #344, #345 and #346. Combination of <i>ROP18/ROP5</i> alleles were 1/3, 3/3 and 4/3. ToxoDB #344 and #345 genotypes also had a new allele at the <i>ROP5</i> locus. These results suggest high genetic diversity of <i>T. gondii</i> in southeastern México.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-9"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144529163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-06-25DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025000484
Aparna Sudhakar, Abritty Kisku, Shreya Rao, Pratima Jhanwar, Utpal Tatu
{"title":"Chemotactic behaviour of <i>Giardia lamblia</i> and <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> towards nutrient sources.","authors":"Aparna Sudhakar, Abritty Kisku, Shreya Rao, Pratima Jhanwar, Utpal Tatu","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025000484","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025000484","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chemotaxis is the phenomenon of sensing external concentration gradients by cells and the cellular movement towards or away from the cells. While there have been intensive studies on prokaryotes, little research has been conducted on the chemotaxis in flagellated eukaryotes, such as <i>Giardia lamblia</i> (<i>G. lamblia</i>) and <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> (<i>T. vaginalis</i>). The current study uses a 2-chamber assay to discuss the motility of <i>G. lamblia</i> and <i>T. vaginalis</i> towards simple sugars. The cells were observed moving towards the sugars in a concentration and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the cell movements were independent of change in osmolarity. Experiments compared the motility of the parasites grown in TYI-S-33 medium and TYI-S-33 medium without glucose (starvation media). It was noted that the starved cells showed a better chemotactic response towards the carbohydrates than the non-starved cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144485508","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-06-24DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025000599
Bronwyn Neufeld, Sergio España-Cueto, Lisette van Lieshout, Bonnie L Webster, Pytsje T Hoekstra, Sekeleghe Kayuni, J Russell Stothard, Tegwen Marlais, Shinjiro Hamano, Amaya L Bustinduy
{"title":"Closing the diagnostic gap in male genital schistosomiasis (MGS): current detection tools and novel strategies.","authors":"Bronwyn Neufeld, Sergio España-Cueto, Lisette van Lieshout, Bonnie L Webster, Pytsje T Hoekstra, Sekeleghe Kayuni, J Russell Stothard, Tegwen Marlais, Shinjiro Hamano, Amaya L Bustinduy","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025000599","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025000599","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Male genital schistosomiasis (MGS), a gender-specific manifestation of urogenital schistosomiasis and neglected tropical disease, typically results from the entrapment of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> eggs within the male genital tract. Across the world, there are no current and accurate estimates of the burden of MGS, due to disease underreporting primarily from diagnostic challenges and a lack of general awareness within the health system. Diagnostic methods for MGS are extremely limited. Conventionally, semen microscopy for <i>Schistosoma</i> ova is used though this technique suffers from low sensitivity and lacks protocol standardization. The introduction of molecular diagnostics, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), has partly helped overcome this challenge of low sensitivity, though may not be suitable for use in resource-constrained settings. To address these challenges, in this review, we propose a two-step diagnostic algorithm for MGS in accordance with recent WHO guidelines, consisting of a high sensitivity serological test followed by a high specificity test (microscopy or molecular assay, dependent on setting). Further investigation is required into standardization of sample collection, processing, storage, and analysis in order to identify an evidence-based optimal diagnostic pipeline. New diagnostic tools are needed such as isothermal molecular assays, alongside optimization for semen analysis, which may alleviate barriers to diagnosis and present opportunities for integration with other sexual and reproductive health screening. These areas of future investigation underpin the development of a suitable diagnostic pipeline, as the continued neglect of MGS and its underdiagnosis presents a threat to the goal of elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144476286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100334
Alejandra Valentin-Decuadro, Leandro Ramiro Tana-Hernandez, Paula Faral-Tello, Pablo Fresia, Mariana Guirado, Marianella Rodriguez Rey, Gonzalo Diaz, Valentina Gimenez, Gabriela Greising, Nora Fernandez, Juan Pablo Gesuele, Maria E Francia
{"title":"<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> seroprevalence, seroconversion rates and genetic variability in humans from Uruguay.","authors":"Alejandra Valentin-Decuadro, Leandro Ramiro Tana-Hernandez, Paula Faral-Tello, Pablo Fresia, Mariana Guirado, Marianella Rodriguez Rey, Gonzalo Diaz, Valentina Gimenez, Gabriela Greising, Nora Fernandez, Juan Pablo Gesuele, Maria E Francia","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100334","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Toxoplasmosis, caused by the obligate intracellular parasite <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, is one of the most prevalent zoonotic parasitic infections worldwide. When acquired during pregnancy, <i>T. gondii</i> can be transmitted to the fetus, with clinical outcomes influenced by gestational age at time of infection and the parasite's genotype. Prenatal screening enables the detection of maternal seroconversion and offers a critical window for intervention. In Uruguay, despite mandatory serological screening during pregnancy, national data on <i>T. gondii</i> seroprevalence and maternal seroconversion have not been updated in two decades. In addition, the genetic diversity of local strains remains poorly characterized. In this study, we analysed publicly available serological data from pregnant individuals attending Uruguay's largest public maternity hospital between 2019 and 2023. We found that seroprevalence has modestly declined from 50% (reported in 1998) to 45.5%, with a congenital transmission rate of 0.58%. Clinical analysis of affected newborns revealed chorioretinitis as the predominant manifestation. To investigate parasite diversity, we performed genotyping of <i>T. gondii</i> strains using <i>in silico</i> PCR-RFLP following molecular detection. Our findings revealed substantial genetic diversity, including novel allele combinations not previously described in the region. These results highlight both the continued public health burden and the evolving genetic landscape of <i>T. gondii</i> in Uruguay. Our findings underscore the need to strengthen surveillance and prevention strategies for congenital toxoplasmosis in South America.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144369132","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-06-23DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100346
Peter S Wasson, Maia Kavanagh Williamson, Amelia Hallas-Potts, Benjamin Lopez-Jimena, Magdalena Koscielniak, Steven Tait, Margaret Gyapong, Olimpia Lamberti, Rhoda Ndubani, Ashley Preston, Janelisa Musaya, Sekeleghe A Kayuni, Dingase Kumwenda, Lisette van Lieshout, Bonnie L Webster, Jennifer A Downs, Amy Sturt, Sabine Specht, Morgan E Lemin, Elizabeth F Long, Eyrun F Kjetland, Bodo S Randrianasolo, J Russell Stothard, Anouk Gouvras, David Rollinson, W Evan Secor, Kwame Shanaube, Amaya L Bustinduy
{"title":"'Female Genital Schistosomiasis: Translational Challenges and Opportunities' - outputs and actions from a consultative, collaborative and translational workshop.","authors":"Peter S Wasson, Maia Kavanagh Williamson, Amelia Hallas-Potts, Benjamin Lopez-Jimena, Magdalena Koscielniak, Steven Tait, Margaret Gyapong, Olimpia Lamberti, Rhoda Ndubani, Ashley Preston, Janelisa Musaya, Sekeleghe A Kayuni, Dingase Kumwenda, Lisette van Lieshout, Bonnie L Webster, Jennifer A Downs, Amy Sturt, Sabine Specht, Morgan E Lemin, Elizabeth F Long, Eyrun F Kjetland, Bodo S Randrianasolo, J Russell Stothard, Anouk Gouvras, David Rollinson, W Evan Secor, Kwame Shanaube, Amaya L Bustinduy","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100346","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a chronic disease manifestation of the waterborne parasitic infection <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> that affects up to 56 million women and girls, predominantly in sub-Saharan Africa. Starting from early childhood, this stigmatizing gynaecological condition is caused by the presence of <i>Schistosoma</i> eggs and associated toxins within the genital tract. <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> typically causes debilitating urogenital symptoms, mostly as a consequence of inflammation, which includes bleeding, discharge and lower abdominal pelvic pain. Chronic complications of FGS include adverse sexual and reproductive health and rights outcomes such as infertility, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage. FGS is associated with prevalent human immunodeficiency virus and may increase the susceptibility of women to high-risk human papillomavirus infection. Across SSA, and even in clinics outside endemic areas, the lack of awareness and available resources among both healthcare professionals and the public means FGS is underreported, misdiagnosed and inadequately treated. Several studies have highlighted research needs and priorities in FGS, including better training, accessible and accurate diagnostic tools, and treatment guidelines. On 6 September, 2024, LifeArc, the Global Schistosomiasis Alliance and partners from the BILGENSA Research Network (Genital Bilharzia in Southern Africa) convened a consultative, collaborative and translational workshop: 'Female Genital Schistosomiasis: Translational Challenges and Opportunities'. Its ambition was to identify practical solutions that could address these research needs and drive appropriate actions towards progress in tackling FGS. Here, we present the outcomes of that workshop - a series of discrete translational actions to better galvanize the community and research funders.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-11"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144369131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
ParasitologyPub Date : 2025-06-20DOI: 10.1017/S0031182025100322
Claire H Caygill, Salwa Omar Alqurashi, Adriana Adolfi, Jessica Carson, Angelika Sturm, Daniel S Evans, Jess B Jinks, Koen J Dechering, Lisa Reimer, Shaun H Pennington, Parveen Sharma, Stephen A Ward, Giancarlo A Biagini
{"title":"An accessible 3D HepG2/C3A liver spheroid model supporting the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>.","authors":"Claire H Caygill, Salwa Omar Alqurashi, Adriana Adolfi, Jessica Carson, Angelika Sturm, Daniel S Evans, Jess B Jinks, Koen J Dechering, Lisa Reimer, Shaun H Pennington, Parveen Sharma, Stephen A Ward, Giancarlo A Biagini","doi":"10.1017/S0031182025100322","DOIUrl":"10.1017/S0031182025100322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Current liver-stage <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> models are complex, expensive and largely inaccessible, hindering research progress. Here, we show that a 3D liver spheroid model grown from immortalized HepG2/C3A cells supports the complete intrahepatocytic lifecycle of <i>P. falciparum</i>. Our results demonstrate sporozoite infection, development of exoerythrocytic forms and breakthrough infection into erythrocytes. The 3D-grown spheroid hepatocytes are structurally and functionally polarized, displaying enhanced albumin and urea production and increased expression of key metabolic enzymes, mimicking <i>in vivo</i> conditions - relative to 2D cultures. This accessible, reproducible model lowers barriers to malaria research, promoting advancements in fundamental biology and translational research.</p>","PeriodicalId":19967,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"1-8"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144333674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}