Parasitology International最新文献

{"title":"Blastocystis in humans and domestic animals: Risk factors assessment and potential zoonotic transmission in a periurban and rural region of Northeastern Argentina","authors":"Rumesilda Eliana Alegre ,&nbsp;Paula Josefina Vaschalde ,&nbsp;Francisca Milano ,&nbsp;Lucas Daniel Monje","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103035","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103035","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Blastocystis</em> is a protist that infects both human and animal hosts worldwide. This study aimed to investigate the presence of <em>Blastocystis</em> in humans and domestic animals living in a periurban (PZ) and rural zone (RZ) in Northeastern Argentina and to assess their relation to socio-environmental conditions and hygiene practices as risk factors for human infection. In addition, we identified <em>Blastocystis</em> subtypes to evaluate the risk of zoonotic transmission. A total of 563 fecal specimens were collected from 289 humans, principally children, and 274 animals. Samples were examined by coprological examination and further analysis by real-time PCR and sequencing were performed. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to obtain socio-environmental and hygiene practices data. The results showed an overall prevalence of 41.6 % in children and 10.2 % in animals. Non-schooled children (OR = 0.54) and children from urban area (OR = 0.55) showed a lower risk of infection. Molecular analyses revealed five subtypes (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5, and ST7) present in humans and four subtypes (ST1, ST5, ST7 and ST10) in animals. The overlap of STs between humans and domestic animals in the same household (STs 1, 5 and 7) suggests potential zoonotic transmission, underscoring the role of infected animals as a potential risk factor for human infections. Our results can inform local health authorities to promote policies aimed at reducing transmission, emphasizing the need for direct molecular-level assessments of other common environmental sources, such as water and soil, highlighting the importance of adopting a One Health approach to better understand <em>Blastocystis</em> circulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103035"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143060016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic diversity and phylogeography of the global Theileria orientalis isolates inferred from MPSP gene sequences","authors":"El-Sayed El-Alfy ,&nbsp;Rana Elseadawy ,&nbsp;Somaya Saleh ,&nbsp;Bassem Elmishmishy ,&nbsp;Yara Al-Kappany ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Abbas","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103038","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103038","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background/objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;em&gt;Theileria orientalis&lt;/em&gt; is a non-transforming &lt;em&gt;Theileria&lt;/em&gt; species infecting cattle and water buffaloes. Several outbreaks of oriental theileriosis accompanied by considerable economic loss were documented in Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The major piroplasm surface protein (MPSP) gene has frequently been used to molecularly characterize &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; isolates worldwide. Various MPSP genotypes were detected with significant virulence variations. The present study provides the first in silico analysis for all globally published &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; MPSP isolates to evaluate their phylogeny, diversity, and population structure.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;All studies that tested &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; isolates using PCR-MPSP protocols were systematically collected from various databases. &lt;em&gt;Theileria orientalis&lt;/em&gt; MPSP-sequenced isolates on the GenBank were collected and the sequences were tested for their phylogenetic relatedness, genetic diversity, recombination, natural selection, and population structure using various software.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The collected &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt;-MPSP isolates (&lt;em&gt;n&lt;/em&gt; = 795) were clustered into 12 genotypes, including types 1 (Chitose), 2 (Ikeda), 3 (Buffeli), 4, 5, 7, 8, and N1-N5. The previously identified type 6 belonged to a separate species (&lt;em&gt;Theileria sinensis&lt;/em&gt;). The previously identified type 9 was transferred to type 4. Two unidentified isolates from water buffaloes in India were clustered into a new suggested genotype “type N5”. Of the 12 genotypes, Ikeda (type 2) is the most virulent in cattle. However, a few clinical cases have also been linked to types 1 (Chitose) and 7. In water buffaloes, &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; outbreaks have been linked to genotypes N2 and N5. Geographic mapping of various genotypes revealed the dispersal of types 1 and 3 worldwide. Overall, the 795 isolates comprised 532 haplotypes and displayed very high nucleotide (π = 0.14) and haplotype (Hd = 0.995) diversities. As a result, a very low sequence conservation value (C = 0.207) was determined. The twelve genotypes displayed comparable haplotype diversities accompanied by statistically significant negative Tajima's D and Fu's Fs values suggesting population expansion. A high value for the minimum number of recombination events (Rm = 65) was estimated for the 795 isolates, and this value varied from 0 to 23 at the genotype level. Most types also displayed significant positive selection (dn/ds ratio &gt; 1). This suggests that both recombination and positive selection occur in &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; MPSP gene, which could explain the very high genetic diversity among various &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; types. Different patterns were detected for the gene flow among &lt;em&gt;T. orientalis&lt;/em&gt; populations from various hosts and geographies; however, there is evidence for the genetic relatedness between populations from neighbouring c","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103038"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143041028","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Parasite fauna of Lake Biwa water system: A review on parasites using aquatic host organisms in their life cycle","authors":"Misako Urabe","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103034","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103034","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lake Biwa, with its long geological history, has given rise to many endemic species, but only four endemic parasites are known from Lake Biwa and connected water areas. They are considered to have co-evolved with their endemic host species or to have become adapted to the pelagic ecosystem unique to Lake Biwa. The number of parasite species introduced into this water system is rising, facilitated not only by the introduction of new species but also through genetic analyses that have revealed new information about previously known species. In addition, a few species are considered to have become extinct in the lake recently. Parasitological surveys of under-studied host taxa and more genetic studies are essential not only to understand the fauna of the Lake Biwa water system, but also to investigate parasite life cycles and host-parasite coevolution.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103034"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143024397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review of the genus Tyzzeria Allen, 1936 (Chromista: Apicomplexa), including the molecular phylogenetic position of Tyzzeria parvula (Kotlán, 1933) Klimeš, 1963","authors":"Mariana S. Oliveira ,&nbsp;Carlos Nei Ortúzar-Ferreira ,&nbsp;Viviane M. Lima ,&nbsp;Sergian V. Cardozo ,&nbsp;Carlos Wilson G. Lopes ,&nbsp;Bruno P. Berto","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103037","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103037","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Tyzzeria</em> Allen, 1936 is a coccidian genus traditionally associated with Anseriformes, although there are descriptions of <em>Tyzzeria</em> spp. from junglefowls, snakes, skinks and mice. In this sense, the current study performs a taxonomic review of <em>Tyzzeria</em> spp., evaluating those that should be valid, invalid or that require further studies for validation. Along with this review, oocysts morphologically identified as <em>Tyzzeria parvula</em> (Kotlán, 1933) Klimeš, 1963 were recovered from fecal samples of swan geese <em>Anser cygnoid</em> (Linnaeus, 1758) in the mountainous region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, which were molecularly identified through the sequencing of a <em>locus</em> of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S) gene, providing the first deposit of the genus <em>Tyzzeria</em> in GenBank. Finally, this sequence of <em>T. parvula</em> prompted a broad phylogenetic analysis covering species of the main chromist <em>taxa</em>, which evidenced homoplasies associated with taxonomic characters of gametogony, basic oocyst configuration and excystation structures; in addition to positioning <em>T. parvula</em> in a monophyletic group within the order Eimeriida together with <em>Schellackia</em> spp., <em>Eimeria</em> spp. and <em>Caryospora</em>-like spp. from reptiles and amphibians.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103037"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143024393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New species of Ellipsomyxa (Bivalvulida: Ceratomyxidae) parasitizing the gallbladder of Ageneiosus ucayalensis (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) in the Brazilian Amazon region","authors":"Camila Maria Barbosa Pereira ,&nbsp;Jhonata Eduard Farias de Oliveira ,&nbsp;Marcia de Nazaré Sacco dos Santos ,&nbsp;Lana Priscila Barbosa Pereira ,&nbsp;Igor Guerreiro Hamoy ,&nbsp;Marcelo Francisco da Silva ,&nbsp;José Ledamir Sindeaux-Neto ,&nbsp;Michele Velasco Oliveira da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103036","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103036","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study describes a new myxozoan species, <em>Ellipsomyxa matosi</em> n. sp. infecting the gallbladder of the catfish <em>Ageneiosus ucayalensis</em>, on Jutuba Island, municipality of Belém, state of Pará, Brazil. The new species was diagnosed based on morphological and molecular analyses. 33 specimens were examined between February and May 2023, and all (100 %) presented disporic plasmodia in the bile fluid, with ellipsoidal, slightly elongated mature myxospores, with a subtle valve projection in the apical region and a curved suture line, typical morphological characteristics of the genus <em>Ellipsomixa</em>. The polar capsules were pyriform and of equal size, with a subterminal opening and 6–7 polar tubule coils. No histopathological changes, lesions, or inflammatory responses were observed in the epithelial layer or any part of the tissue. PCA identified the proximity in spore length (SL) of the new species to <em>E. amazonensis</em> and <em>E. papantla</em>. The partial SSU rDNA sequence obtained was distinct from all other available sequences from species of this genus. The phylogenetic analysis obtained high nodal support, grouping the new species as an ancestor of the well-defined clade of <em>Ellipsomyxa</em> species described in the Amazon region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103036"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143009899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insecticidal effects of Sargassum vulgare and Caulerpa racemosa extracts on Aedes aegypti","authors":"Katiane Cruz Magalhães Xavier ,&nbsp;Dayane Kelly Dias do Nascimento Santos ,&nbsp;Rômulo Carlos Dantas da Cruz ,&nbsp;Lidiane Quérolin Macena da Silva ,&nbsp;Alex Michel Silva Araújo ,&nbsp;Patryck Érmerson Monteiro dos Santos ,&nbsp;Patrícia Maria Guedes ,&nbsp;Larissa Araújo Rolim ,&nbsp;Danilo Cesar Galindo Bedor ,&nbsp;Severino Alves Júnior","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103031","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103031","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dengue is a viral disease present in many regions of the world. <em>Aedes aegypti</em> transmits it, and the most effective way to eliminate the mosquito is during the larval stage. Seaweeds possess metabolites with insecticidal properties, making them potential sources of new larvicides and viable alternatives to synthetic products used to control insect vectors of diseases. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, <em>in vitro</em> toxicity, and larvicidal activities of the ethanolic extract of the seaweed <em>Sargassum vulgare</em> (SE) and hydroalcoholic extract of the seaweed <em>Caulerpa racemosa</em> (CH) against <em>Ae. aegypti</em>. The chemical composition of the crude extracts was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and toxic effects were assessed through <em>in vitro</em> cytotoxicity. The larvicidal activity was evaluated by determining mortality and lethal concentrations (LC₅₀ and LC₉₀), morphological analyses of larvae, and evaluation of the enzymatic action mechanism. The results showed that the extracts contained primary and secondary metabolites, mainly, alkaloids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and chlorophyll derivatives, all of which were biocompatible at all tested concentrations (3 to 100 μg/mL). The SE and CH extracts showed larvicidal potential at all tested concentrations, achieving 95 % and 50 % mortality after 48 h. Observed changes in the external morphology of the larvae included color change, loss of bristles, and gill filaments. At the same time, the enzymatic action mechanism occurred through stimulation of amylase, trypsin, and acetylcholinesterase activities. Therefore, both seaweed extracts offering alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103031"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143009894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Proposal to synonymize Neoplagioporus Shimazu, 1990 with Urorchis Ozaki, 1927; taxonomic revision and the description of Urorchis takahaya n. sp.","authors":"Shin Itsukushima ,&nbsp;Moe Gosho ,&nbsp;Karin Tsuchida ,&nbsp;Misako Urabe","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103030","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103030","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Urorchis</em> Ozaki, 1927 and <em>Neoplagioporus</em> Shimazu, 1990 (Digenea: Opecoelidae: Sphaerostomatinae) comprise species parasitic in freshwater fishes of eastern Asia, although the status of these genera is questionable. We revised these genera, primarily using evidence from a molecular phylogeny based on nuclear ribosomal DNA, including new sequences of four known and one new species. <em>Urorchis</em> was part of the clade of <em>Neoplagioporus</em> species, rendering the genus <em>Neoplagioporus</em> paraphyletic. Based on this evidence, we regard <em>Neoplagioporus</em> as a junior synonym of <em>Urorchis</em>, and amend its taxonomic diagnosis. Moreover, we consider <em>Neoplagioporus kajika</em> Urabe &amp; Higa, 2006 to be a junior synonym of <em>Urorchis zacconis</em> (Yamaguti, 1934). Finally, we describe a new species, <em>Urorchis takahaya</em> n. sp., from upstream fat minnow <em>Rhynchocypris oxycephalus</em> collected in an inlet of Lake Biwa, Shiga, Japan.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103030"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142971840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Ascaris lumbricoides infection diagnosed by colonoscopy: A case report and a brief literature review","authors":"Simona Gigliotti ,&nbsp;Elettra Mancuso ,&nbsp;Marta Pantanella ,&nbsp;Michele Manno ,&nbsp;Cristina Cosco ,&nbsp;Alessandro Corea ,&nbsp;Nora N. Raso ,&nbsp;Morena Campolo ,&nbsp;Francesca Divenuto ,&nbsp;Aida Giancotti ,&nbsp;Nadia Marascio ,&nbsp;Patrizia Doldo ,&nbsp;Angela Quirino ,&nbsp;Giovanni Matera","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103032","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103032","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Ascaris lumbricoides</em> is a nematode that parasitizes the human gastrointestinal tract, and it is the cause of the most common helminthic infections worldwide. It predominates in areas of poor sanitation. Early diagnosis of this intestinal infection is pivotal to avoid its severe and lethal complications such as gut obstruction, volvulus, and perforation.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>A 61-year-old Caucasian female was admitted to the Operational Unit of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgery with abdominal pain, in combination with nausea and vomiting for 2 months. The woman underwent a colonoscopy and surprisingly <em>A. lumbricoides</em> was highlighted. Diagnosis of <em>A. lumbricoides</em> infections is based on the microscopic detection of eggs in stool, thus, patient fecal samples collected were examined by microscopy-based methods, but no eggs were found. Previously, the patient was treated to eradicate <em>H. pylori</em>, using omeprazole, a common proton pump inhibitor.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Here, we supposed that previous therapy has mitigated the parasite infection severity. In our patient was identified <em>A. lumbricoides</em>, although she came from a medium socio-economic status family and despite, she reported to have never travelled in tropical and subtropical areas. This report highlights the importance of the awareness of ascariasis and that its preventive measures should be included in all health education programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103032"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142971837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artesunate-induced anaemia: A case report of a pharmacological complication to consider","authors":"Elia Asensi-Díaz ,&nbsp;Miguel Morante-Ruiz ,&nbsp;Paula Asensio-Mathews ,&nbsp;Miguel de Górgolas Hernández-Mora","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103029","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103029","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We present the case of a 52-year-old male, with a recent history of travel to Ghana, who was admitted to the ICU due to septic shock caused by severe malaria, with a parasitaemia index of 50 %. He received treatment with intravenous artesunate followed by dihydroartemisinin (40 mg) plus piperaquine (320 mg). Despite presenting with multiorgan failure upon admission, the patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement and a rapid clearance of parasitaemia, with a parasitaemia index of 0 % at 72 h after treatment's initiation. However, he developed severe anaemia with haemoglobin levels as low as 5.6 g/dL, requiring multiple blood transfusions.</div><div>The patient's anaemia was attributed to post-artesunate haemolytic anaemia (PDAH), based on a history of high parasitaemia levels and the onset of symptoms following artemisinin-based therapy. This conclusion was supported by a positive Coombs' test and elevated haemolytic markers. PDAH is likely caused by the pitting phenomenon, combined with the potential bone marrow suppression or drug-induced, antibody-mediated haemolysis. The patient received oral steroids for their capacity to suppress the immune response driving erythrocyte destruction in PDAH, resulting in a gradual recovery of haemoglobin levels. This case highlights the importance of recognizing PDAH in patients with severe malaria and high parasitaemia. Prompt diagnosis and management of haemolytic complications are crucial for recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103029"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142966204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Falciparum malaria in a child from Ghana with neutrophils showing phagocytosis of trophozoites, merozoites and possibly schizont","authors":"Antonio Beltrán-Rosel ,&nbsp;Jorge Ligero-López ,&nbsp;Beatriz López-Alonso ,&nbsp;Amparo Boquera-Albert ,&nbsp;Ingrid Ferreira-Ferreira ,&nbsp;Pilar Collado-Hernández ,&nbsp;José Miguel Rubio-Muñoz","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103028","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103028","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a significant health threat in tropical and subtropical regions. The immune response to <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> involves both humoral and cellular components, including phagocytosis by neutrophils. However, observing phagocytosis through light microscopy is uncommon. This report presents a rare case of falciparum malaria in a Ghanaian twin, highlighting intracellular <em>P. falciparum</em> forms in neutrophils. Two 7-year-old male twins from Ghana were admitted with fever, vomiting, and abdominal pain. They tested positive for <em>P. falciparum</em> infection via rapid diagnostic tests and blood smears. Child 1 displayed significant neutrophilia and intracellular parasites, including trophozoites, merozoites, and a potential schizont, within neutrophils. Child 2 showed no phagocytosis but exhibited other signs of systemic inflammation and hemolysis. Both children were treated successfully with piperaquine tetraphosphate/artenimol (Eurartesim®). This case provides rare microscopic evidence of <em>P. falciparum</em> phagocytosis by neutrophils, suggesting prior antibody development in the patient. While the findings highlight the role of phagocytosis in parasite clearance, the absence of similar observations in the second twin raises questions about individual immune responses and genetic factors. Further research is needed to explore the underlying biological mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"106 ","pages":"Article 103028"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142932599","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}