Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-27DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.003
Cock van Oosterhout
{"title":"Evolution of generalism under Muller's ratchet.","authors":"Cock van Oosterhout","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Host-range expansion in parasites is usually framed as an adaptive response to heterogeneous environments and trade-offs. In this opinion article, I propose Ratchet-Driven Generalism (RDG): in some parasites, broad host range may instead arise non-adaptively after the loss of sexual recombination. Under Muller's ratchet, deleterious mutations accumulate in asexual or rarely recombining lineages. Over time, genomic erosion can degrade host-specific adaptations, including host-interaction genes. In parallel, reduced competitive filtering among parasite genotypes can weaken selection for host-specific performance. Consequently, genotypes that are merely viable across hosts may persist. RDG predicts genomic signatures of functional decay and reduced efficacy of selection. It also suggests that such generalism may be transient, because continued genomic erosion can increase extinction risk. I outline comparative genomic tests to examine RDG.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"705-715"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148340396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-07-09DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.008
Takele A Kassegn, Zhancheng Tian, Temesgen K Getahun, Hong Yin
{"title":"Aedes japonicus (Asian bush mosquito).","authors":"Takele A Kassegn, Zhancheng Tian, Temesgen K Getahun, Hong Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.008","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"781-782"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148424556","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-15DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.015
Peter Neumann, Alexis Beaurepaire, Maria Bouga, Robert Brodschneider, Norman L Carreck, Bjørn Dahle, Joachim R de Miranda, Raquel T de Sousa, Vincent Dietemann, Nurit Eliash, James D Ellis, Silvio Erler, Jay D Evans, Barbara Locke, Stephen Martin, Fanny Mondet, Linde Morawetz, Arrigo Moro, Aslı Özkırım, Delphine Panziera, Jeff Pettis, Christian W W Pirk, Aygün Schiesser, Victoria Soroker, Maeva A Techer, Geoffrey R Williams, Huoqing Zheng, Kirsten S Traynor
{"title":"Darwin's solution: Honeybees survive mite vectors and viruses through natural selection.","authors":"Peter Neumann, Alexis Beaurepaire, Maria Bouga, Robert Brodschneider, Norman L Carreck, Bjørn Dahle, Joachim R de Miranda, Raquel T de Sousa, Vincent Dietemann, Nurit Eliash, James D Ellis, Silvio Erler, Jay D Evans, Barbara Locke, Stephen Martin, Fanny Mondet, Linde Morawetz, Arrigo Moro, Aslı Özkırım, Delphine Panziera, Jeff Pettis, Christian W W Pirk, Aygün Schiesser, Victoria Soroker, Maeva A Techer, Geoffrey R Williams, Huoqing Zheng, Kirsten S Traynor","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.015","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Complex host-vector-virus interfaces can impose serious health challenges. Western honeybees have experienced high colony losses globally, mainly driven by the host-shifted, virus-vectoring ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor and Tropilaelaps mercedesae. Host populations can survive mite infestations through natural selection, offering a long-term strategy for colony health. However, host-vector-virus coevolution requires local adaptations of this triad, which is poorly understood. We propose harnessing natural selection through a global approach focused on standardized monitoring of colony survival, mite infestation levels, and control of reproductives. Studying native and adapted mite hosts, host shifts, and comparing susceptible to surviving hosts will enhance understanding of this host-vector-virus system. This strategy promotes colony health in both managed and wild host populations and provides insights into other host-vector-virus interfaces.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"716-728"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148253270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-07-06DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.007
Jan M Sütterlin, Markus Ganter
{"title":"Shaping an image: 3D-printable models of parasites.","authors":"Jan M Sütterlin, Markus Ganter","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parasites display many three-dimensional (3D) features that are related to their parasitic lifestyle. Using two-dimensional images alone, such 3D features are difficult to convey during teaching or public outreach. Thus, we provide parasite models for 3D printing to support education and to encourage adoption and adaptation by the parasitology community.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"680-683"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148397646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-19DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.014
Dan Li, Wan-Fang Zhang, Yuan-Ping Deng, De-Yong Duan, Wei Liu, Yi-Tian Fu, Qin Meng, Yu-Ke Zeng, Hany M Elsheikha, Lei Liu, Guo-Hua Liu
{"title":"Disrupted barriers, evolved risks: toward precision One Health in arthropod allergy.","authors":"Dan Li, Wan-Fang Zhang, Yuan-Ping Deng, De-Yong Duan, Wei Liu, Yi-Tian Fu, Qin Meng, Yu-Ke Zeng, Hany M Elsheikha, Lei Liu, Guo-Hua Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Arthropod-induced allergic diseases are increasingly recognized as a major global health challenge in the Anthropocene. Climate change, urbanization, and ecological disruption are expanding human exposure to allergenic arthropods, including hematophagous ticks and synanthropic mites, thereby intensifying allergic sensitization and disease burden. In this review, we examine how arthropod-derived molecules disrupt epithelial barrier integrity, activate innate immune pathways, and promote type 2 immune polarization and IgE-mediated sensitization, exemplified by alpha-gal syndrome. We further integrate the epithelial barrier hypothesis with advances in component-resolved diagnostics, AI-assisted precision medicine, and One Health surveillance approaches to provide a systems-level perspective on arthropod allergy. Finally, we highlight emerging translational challenges and future directions for prediction, prevention, and personalized management of arthropod-associated allergic diseases in a rapidly changing environment.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"729-748"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148284443","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-03-18DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.01.010
Abdul Ghafar, Ard M Nijhof, Abdul Jabbar
{"title":"Theileria orientalis.","authors":"Abdul Ghafar, Ard M Nijhof, Abdul Jabbar","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.01.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"779-780"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147487258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-25DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.005
Karine Frénal, Isabelle Louradour, Maude F Lévêque
{"title":"Next generation in parasitology 2026: Connecting young parasitologists across Europe.","authors":"Karine Frénal, Isabelle Louradour, Maude F Lévêque","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.06.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"667-673"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148333223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-13DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.013
Lucas Gentil Azevedo, Gabriela Torres Montanaro, Bruno Ribeiro Pinto, Marie-France Sagot, Ariel Mariano Silber, Pablo Ivan Pereira Ramos, Mariana Galvão Ferrarini
{"title":"From parasite biology to predictive metabolic models.","authors":"Lucas Gentil Azevedo, Gabriela Torres Montanaro, Bruno Ribeiro Pinto, Marie-France Sagot, Ariel Mariano Silber, Pablo Ivan Pereira Ramos, Mariana Galvão Ferrarini","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.013","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Protist parasites cause devastating diseases worldwide, yet their complex metabolism remains poorly understood. Genome-scale metabolic models (GEMs) have emerged as powerful tools to systematically represent and simulate parasite metabolism, enabling the prediction of gene essentiality, metabolic vulnerabilities, and host-parasite interactions. This review examines the current landscape of GEMs for protist pathogens, focusing on the key modeling decisions (objective functions, constraints, and compartmentalization) that govern model behavior and predictive scope. We discuss how these choices shape biological interpretability and how inherited assumptions from early reconstructions propagate across successive models. Ongoing challenges in standardization and reusability highlight the need for consistent annotation, validation, and adherence to FAIR data principles to build interoperable and reproducible resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"763-778"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148253434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Trends in parasitologyPub Date : 2026-08-01Epub Date: 2026-06-06DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.012
Endris A Ali, Mark A Stevenson, Abdul Ghafar, Abdul Jabbar
{"title":"The intraclass correlation coefficient: a fundamental metric in parasitological research.","authors":"Endris A Ali, Mark A Stevenson, Abdul Ghafar, Abdul Jabbar","doi":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.pt.2026.05.012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Parasites spread through shared environments, so observations from hosts sampled in the same environment are rarely independent. Ignoring shared environmental effects can lead to an underestimation of study outcome uncertainty and the potential to draw incorrect conclusions. Intraclass correlation coefficients help address this issue by quantifying cluster-level effects and adjusting sample sizes.</p>","PeriodicalId":23327,"journal":{"name":"Trends in parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"684-688"},"PeriodicalIF":7.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148176962","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}