Parasitology Research最新文献

{"title":"Correction to: Real‑time qPCR coupled with high‑resolution melting curve analysis for the detection of the internal transcribed spacer 1 of Angiostrongylus costaricensis.","authors":"Joban Quesada, Paula Alfaro-Segura, Carlos Mata-Somarribas, Jackeline Alger, Mazlova Toledo, Jucicleide Ramos de Souza, Javier Mora, Carlos Graeff-Teixeira, Alberto Solano-Barquero, Alicia Rojas","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08783-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08783-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13676485/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149216637","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":"Correction to: Serological investigation on Sarcocystis spp. infection and associated risk factors in South American camelids in Italy.","authors":"Elisa Castaldo, Gastón Moré, Gereon Schares, Francesco Buono, Stefano Scarcelli, Giovanni Sgroi, Farwa Humak, Walter Basso, Vincenzo Veneziano","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08776-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08776-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13649923/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149137904","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":"Optimization of tick identification via MALDI-TOF MS for implementation in routine diagnostics.","authors":"Maximilian Münch, Andreas Wieser, Christof Geldmacher, Stefan Kammermeier, Reinhard K Straubinger, Ard M Nijhof, Thomas Maier, Lidia Chitimia-Dobler","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08769-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08769-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ticks are important vectors of pathogens with substantial medical and veterinary relevance, a threat that may be further increased with the spread of invasive tick species. Reliable tick identification is relevant for accurate diagnostic elucidation of transmission pathways, and the development of targeted surveillance strategies and risk assessments. A standardized, rapid, and cost-effective identification workflow that can be implemented across laboratories is needed. Previous studies have shown that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising, objective, and economical approach for tick identification. However, the methodology remains insufficiently standardized and is not yet routinely applied for vector identification. The aim of this study was therefore to optimize MALDI-TOF MS-based tick identification for routine use in diagnostic laboratories. A simplified and standardized protocol for protein extraction from whole tick legs via brief incubation in 70% formic acid is presented. This protocol provides a robust basis for the development of a curated MALDI Biotyper® reference library, enabling reliable, expert-independent tick identification and supporting epidemiological surveillance of vectors and vector-borne pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13615165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149063839","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":"Stage-specific proteomic and phosphoproteomic remodeling in Theileria annulata.","authors":"Yijun Chai, Jinming Wang, Jin Che, Shuaiyang Zhao, Guiquan Guan, Hong Yin","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08721-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08721-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Theileria annulata, an apicomplexan parasite, causes lymphoproliferative disease in cattle and threatens the bovine industry in tropical and subtropical regions. To clarify life-cycle mechanisms and parasite-host interactions, we conducted high-resolution Orbitrap proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses of the schizont and piroplasm stages. In total, we confidently identified and quantified 2,093 proteins; among these, 459 proteins were observed in a phosphorylated state, comprising 5,069 distinct phosphorylation sites. Functional enrichment analysis of differentially abundant proteins indicated stage-associated remodeling of genetic information processing, carbohydrate, lipid, and amino-acid metabolism, and core cellular processes. Stage-associated proteins were linked to host-parasite interaction, mitochondrial function, and metabolic adaptation. Schizonts showed broader proteomic and phosphorylation profiles consistent with higher biosynthetic and energy demands. In contrast, piroplasms exhibited a more restricted proteomic profile associated with erythrocyte adaptation and invasion-related functions. Together, these stage-resolved datasets provide a reference for proteome and phosphoproteome remodeling across development and prioritize candidate stage-associated proteins and phosphosites for future functional validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149025825","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":"Molecular, parasitological and clinical diagnosis of female genital schistosomiasis: A diagnostic yield and comparative accuracy study using latent class analysis.","authors":"Adela Ngwewondo, Clarisse Engowei Mbah, Kingsley Ombaku Sama, Godlove Bunda Wepnje, Forgu Esemu Livo, Elvis Monya, Roger Somo Moyou","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08753-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08753-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected manifestation of Schistosoma haematobium infection whose diagnosis is restricted by the absence of a flawless \"gold standard\" diagnostic tool. This study compared the yield, accuracy, performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR), urine egg microscopy, and colposcopy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 143 female participants from S. haematobium-endemic communities in the West Region of Cameroon between July and August 2024. Participants underwent urine microscopy, genital swab PCR, and colposcopy, and a two-class latent class analysis model was developed using the R package poLCA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PCR yielded the highest positivity rate (73.4%), followed by urine egg microscopy (29.4%) and colposcopy/Visual FGS (23.08%). Among women with visual FGS, 68.75% were PCR-positive and had a lower median Ct value (29.6) than PCR-negative women (32.8) by SYBR Green PCR. Within the LCA framework, PCR provided a baseline sensitivity of 100.00% (95% CI: 94.85%-100.00%) and a specificity of 95.20% (95% CI: 91.88%-98.52%). urine egg microscopy and colposcopy/visual FGS served as highly specific rule-out tools with specificities of 83.32% (95% CI: 62.75%-100.00%) and 83.33% (95% CI: 62.76%-100.00%), despite their lower sensitivities of 29.06% (95% CI: 17.5%-40.62%) and 38.27% (95% CI: 29.92%-46.62%) respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The LCA model confirmed that a negative result from traditional tools cannot rule out infection necessitating the use of complementary diagnostic tools. However, clinicians should interpret positive PCR outcomes with care, as molecular detection cannot distinguish between active infection, recent parasite exposure, or residual DNA from past infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13597625/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149025827","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":"Does glochidia infestation of the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera) affect foraging behavior and growth in brown trout (Salmo trutta)?","authors":"Niklas Wengström, Johan Höjesjö, Karl Filipsson, Lisa Loeb, Hampus Kvarnliden, Martin Österling","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08759-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08759-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fish serve as hosts to a wide range of parasites, which can affect them in many ways, including their survival, growth, and foraging behavior. The highly threatened unionid mussels have an ectoparasitic life stage on the gills, skin, or fins of fish. Here, we compared prey handling time and growth between groups of brown trout (Salmo trutta) that were infested and non-infested with glochidia larvae of the freshwater pearl mussel (Margaritifera margaritifera). In a prey handling test, individual trout were presented with one large prey (maggot) and one small prey (Gammarus pulex) daily over eight days. Compared to non-infested trout, prey handling time was longer for infested trout feeding on larger but not on smaller prey. In a growth test, where trout were fed daily with minced calf liver over nine weeks, the growth rate was lower for infested than for non-infested trout. Moreover, the growth rate was higher for infested trout from which glochidia were expelled compared to trout from which glochidia were not expelled. We suggest that glochidia infestation can increase prey handling time of fish, ultimately reducing fish growth, but that slow prey handling may be transitory for fish losing glochidia, and result in compensatory growth of the fish. Slow prey handling, in combination with a negative effect of glochidia infestation on food competition between infested and non-infested trout, may be reasons behind the lower growth of infested fish.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13582126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148983243","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":"Molecular investigation of tick-borne pathogens in Ixodes ricinus feeding on lizards in the Central Pyrenees, Spain.","authors":"Sofia M Soares, Marta Sánchez-Sánchez, Ruth Rodríguez-Pastor, Clara Muñoz-Hernández, Alberto Moraga-Fernández, Laura Colorado, Henar Alonso, María Paz Peris, Patrick S Fitze, Isabel G Fernández de Mera, Javier Millán","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08742-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08742-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ixodes ricinus is the most widespread tick species in Europe, parasitizing a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including reptiles. However, the role of lizards in the ecology of tick-borne pathogens remains poorly understood. This study investigated tick infestation levels and the occurrence of tick-borne pathogens in I. ricinus feeding on European common lizards (Zootoca vivipara louislantzi) in the central Pyrenees, Spain. A total of 137 lizards were captured in summer and spring of 2024 at two sites (~ 1700 m.a.s.l.). Tick infestation prevalence was 98.5% and a mean abundance of 5.8 ± 7.0 ticks. Infestation was significantly higher in males, adults, and during spring. Molecular screening of 525 ticks (188 pools) using real-time and conventional PCR protocols detected Rickettsia spp. DNA in 15.4% pools, with an overall minimum infection rate (MIR) of 5.52%, with stage-specific MIRs of 4.79% in larvae and 7.81% in nymphs. Sequencing of 14 amplicons identified Rickettsia helvetica (n = 11) and Rickettsia monacensis (n = 3). Babesia DNA was detected at low prevalence (MIR: 0.38%) and sequences clustered within the Babesia divergens-Babesia capreoli complex. No Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA was detected. Our findings show that lizards can sustain high levels of I. ricinus infestation, constituting a reliable bloodmeal source for ticks infected with Rickettsia and Babesia in the mountain ecosystems of the Pyrenees. Although the lizard's role in pathogen transmission remains to be clarified, its consistent exposure to immature ticks highlights its potential value as a sentinel species for monitoring tick-borne pathogen circulation in high-altitude environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":"125 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13615137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149063802","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":"Complete mitochondrial genome of Baylisascaris sp. from a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) in Kansas.","authors":"Theresa A Quintana, Lauren E Camp, Steven A Nadler, Jeba R J Jesudoss Chelladurai","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08732-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08732-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Baylisascaris species parasitizing skunks have received limited attention compared to the well-characterized raccoon roundworm (B. procyonis). We present the first complete mitochondrial genome of a Baylisascaris sp. collected in Kansas, United States, from a striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis). We morphologically identified the nematode as Baylisascaris sp., extracted DNA, sequenced it on the Illumina platform, and de novo assembled the complete mitochondrial genome. The complete mitochondrial genome was 14,752 bp, consisting of 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, and 22 tRNAs. The genome had a significant AT-skew (70.5%). The mitochondrial genome obtained in this study was 98% identical to that of B. procyonis and grouped most closely to B. procyonis with 100% bootstrap support in a phylogenetic analysis of ascarid nematodes. The mitochondrial genome generated in this study (GenBank accession no. PZ025724) will benefit future studies in diagnostic epidemiology and systematics and has implications for public health.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13672518/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148536592","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":"Genetic diversity, population structure, and benzimidazole resistance profiling of Ascaris lumbricoides in northwestern Thailand.","authors":"Poom Adisakwattana, Tippayarat Yoonuan, Dorn Watthanakulpanich, Patsakorn Boonkead, Kateisara Phaiphilai, Orawan Phuphisut","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08727-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08727-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Ascaris lumbricoides remains one of the most prevalent soil-transmitted helminths worldwide, with ongoing transmission in endemic regions despite long-standing control programs. This study investigated the genetic diversity, population structure, and benzimidazole resistance of A. lumbricoides across three endemic regions of Thailand using mitochondrial (cox1 and nad1) and nuclear (β-tubulin) markers. Haplotype network analysis identified 13 haplotypes within the Thailand dataset, including three newly identified haplotypes, indicating measurable genetic diversity at the local scale. When analyzed in a global context incorporating reference sequences, substantially higher haplotype diversity was observed, reflecting broad genetic diversity across geographic regions. Despite this diversity, no clear geographic structuring was detected among Thai populations, suggesting ongoing gene flow and population connectivity. Phylogenetic analyses further demonstrated that all isolates clustered within a single major lineage and shared haplotypes with Ascaris suum (infecting pig), supporting genetic overlap and potential zoonotic transmission. Analysis of the β-tubulin gene revealed exclusively wild-type alleles at codons 167, 198, and 200, with no evidence of mutations associated with benzimidazole resistance. Overall, this study demonstrates measurable genetic diversity in Thailand's A. lumbricoides populations, with no evidence of clear geographic structuring. These findings provide baseline molecular data to support future surveillance of transmission dynamics and anthelmintic resistance.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13669075/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148520750","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":"Quinolones as anti-Toxoplasma agents: a comprehensive scoping review of in vitro and in vivo efficacy.","authors":"Maryam Hataminejad, Marzieh Asadi, Saeed Emami, Moozhan Mofidi, Mahbobeh Montazeri","doi":"10.1007/s00436-026-08724-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00436-026-08724-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Toxoplasmosis is a globally prevalent parasitic disease with significant therapeutic limitations, especially in vulnerable populations. This scoping review assesses the efficacy of quinolones against Toxoplasma gondii in vitro and in vivo. PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to August 2024. Original English-language studies evaluating quinolone effects on T. gondii were included. Screening and data extraction followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of 5,252 initial records, 29 studies were shortlisted for final qualitative synthesis. In vitro analysis revealed a stark dichotomy: while clinical fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin (IC₅₀ = 3.44-20 µM) possessed weak-to-moderate activity, experimental scaffolds, particularly Hydroxyquinolone derivatives (e.g., Compound A, IC₅₀ = 0.0004 μM) and endochin-like quinolones (ELQs) (e.g., ELQ-316, IC₅₀ = 0.000007 μM) achieved sub-nanomolar potency by inhibiting the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Structural optimization was essential; for example, adamantane-conjugated ciprofloxacin (Adam-Cipro) was 31-fold more potent than the parent drug (IC₅₀ = 0.64 µM vs. 20 µM). Combination regimens (e.g., gatifloxacin-pyrimethamine) maximized efficacy while also lowering resistance risks. Novel compounds such as ELQ-316 (0.08 mg/kg) decreased brain cyst burden by up to 88% in chronic models and provided complete protection in acute models. Translational challenges were identified, including the failure of decoquinate (DCQ) to suppress vertical transmission in pregnancy models and the emergence of resistance to ELQ-316. Key research gaps persist: the activity of quinolones against latent bradyzoites, efficacy in immunocompromised hosts, and safety in children and pregnant women remain unexplored. This review demonstrates that while conventional clinical quinolones are suboptimal against T. gondii, structure-optimized quinolones targeting the parasite mitochondria can yield outstanding potency. Efficacy is determined by precise structure activity relationships (particularly at the C-7 position) and advanced drug delivery systems. Despite ongoing translational challenges such as bioavailability optimization, tissue penetration barriers, and resistance management new quinolone compounds and combination regimens hold great promise as anti-Toxoplasma drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19968,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13652773/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148456351","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}