Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"A dual-method assessment of West Nile and Chikungunya viruses in blood donations from Fars province, southwestern Iran","authors":"Mohsen Kalantari,&nbsp;Hadis Bagheri,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi,&nbsp;Hamzeh Alipour,&nbsp;Leila Kasraian,&nbsp;Sorna Dabaghmanesh,&nbsp;Saeed Shahabi,&nbsp;Azim Paksa","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00538","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00538","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>West Nile virus (WNV) and Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) are emerging arboviral threats with potential implications for blood transfusion safety. This study investigated the prevalence of active viremia and past exposure to these viruses among blood donors in Fars province, southwestern Iran. Between December 2023 and September 2024, a cross-sectional survey enrolled 314 asymptomatic blood donors from transfusion centers in Shiraz and Jahrom. Whole blood specimens underwent RNA extraction and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) targeting WNV polyprotein and CHIKV envelope E1 genes. Serum samples were tested for virus-specific IgM and IgG antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). No confirmatory neutralization testing was performed. None of the 314 donations yielded detectable WNV or CHIKV RNA by RT-PCR. Using the rule of three for zero-event samples, the upper 95% confidence bound for true viremia prevalence was estimated at 0.96% per virus. Serological testing identified 12 donors (3.82%) with WNV IgG antibodies, while no samples tested positive for CHIKV IgG or for IgM antibodies against either virus. Among seropositive cases, 9 originated from Shiraz (4.3% site prevalence) and 3 from Jahrom (2.9% site prevalence). The majority of WNV IgG-positive donors were male (11/12, 91.7%) and engaged in outdoor occupations such as farming or manual labor (10/12, 83.3%). All 12 positive ELISA results were reproducible upon duplicate retesting. Active viremic infections with WNV or CHIKV were absent among 314 blood donors in southwestern Iran during the study period, indicating a low transfusion-transmission risk at that time within the limitations of a single cross-sectional survey. Confirmatory neutralization testing was not performed; therefore, seroprevalence estimates are presumptive. However, the detection of WNV IgG in nearly 4% of donors provides serological evidence of prior community exposure. These findings support the need for ongoing integrated arboviral surveillance incorporating human, vector, and reservoir populations, particularly among occupationally exposed groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00538"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148770175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nationwide epidemiology of hospitalized schistosomiasis in Japan: Coexistence of residual Schistosoma japonicum and non-japonicum infections","authors":"Tatsuya Shingu,&nbsp;Naoaki Ohkubo,&nbsp;Kei Yamasaki,&nbsp;Ryo Torii,&nbsp;Ryosuke Hata,&nbsp;Masahiro Tahara,&nbsp;Kei Nakamura,&nbsp;Chinatsu Nishida,&nbsp;Makoto Okawara,&nbsp;Yoshihisa Fujino,&nbsp;Shinya Matsuda,&nbsp;Kiyohide Fushimi,&nbsp;Hiroshi Mukae,&nbsp;Kazuhiro Yatera","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00527","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00527","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schistosomiasis remains a global public health concern, and although transmission of <em>Schistosoma japonicum</em> was eliminated in Japan in 1977, patients continue to be encountered as chronic sequelae of past infections and as imported infections acquired overseas. However, nationwide data on hospitalized patients are limited. We conducted a nationwide retrospective study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database to clarify the contemporary epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with schistosomiasis between fiscal years 2014 and 2020. A total of 111 unique hospitalized patients were identified, of whom 103 (93%) had <em>S. japonicum</em> infection and 8 (7%) had non-japonicum schistosomiasis. Patients with <em>S. japonicum</em> infection were older than those with non-japonicum infection (mean age 77.4 vs. 43.8 years), and the age distribution showed a predominant peak in elderly individuals, with a smaller relative increase among middle-aged adults. Coexisting hepatobiliary conditions among <em>S. japonicum</em> cases, including liver cirrhosis (25%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (14%), and colorectal cancer was identified in 4% of patients. Geographic clustering was evident in historically endemic regions, particularly Yamanashi and Fukuoka Prefectures. In contrast, non-japonicum cases were sporadic and more frequently observed in younger individuals. Praziquantel was administered to 4 patients (4%), consistent with the predominance of chronic sequelae rather than active infection. In conclusion, the current inpatient burden of schistosomiasis in Japan predominantly reflects the long-term clinical legacy of past <em>S. japonicum</em> transmission, underscoring the importance of continued clinical awareness and surveillance despite the elimination of domestic transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00527"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular evidence of Rdl mutations linked to Fipronil resistance in urban populations of Blattella germanica in Iran","authors":"Shahin Saeedi,&nbsp;Hassan Akrami,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi,&nbsp;Azim Paksa,&nbsp;Ahmad Gholami,&nbsp;Mitra Boroomand,&nbsp;Sahar Souri Pilangorgi,&nbsp;Ehsan Saki,&nbsp;Mozaffar Vahedi,&nbsp;Mehdi Miri,&nbsp;Aboozar Soltani","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00530","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00530","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The German cockroach is a major urban pest and a persistent public health threat, largely due to its ability to rapidly develop resistance to commonly used insecticides. Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole insecticide widely incorporated into bait formulations, is increasingly compromised by resistance in field populations. This study evaluated the susceptibility of four urban <em>B. germanica</em> populations from Iran to fipronil and investigated the presence of Rdl gene mutations associated with phenylpyrazole resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Topical bioassays revealed substantial variation in susceptibility, with resistance ratios ranging from 1.77 to 13.35 across populations, indicating heterogeneous exposure histories and potential genetic differentiation. Sequencing of a 245-bp fragment of the Rdl gene revealed no occurrences of the well-known A302S mutation; however, the A299S and A301S mutations, previously linked to fipronil resistance, was detected in two populations exhibiting the highest levels of resistance. Haplotype reconstruction of 21 individuals identified 17 haplotypes, suggesting considerable genetic diversity that may reflect multiple evolutionary origins of Rdl variants and ongoing selective pressure. However, larger sample sizes would be required to confirm this pattern.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Field populations of <em>Blattella germanica</em> exhibited variable susceptibility to fipronil, ranging from susceptible to moderately resistant. Molecular analysis did not detect any established target-site resistance mutations in A302S, although A299S and A310S substitution were identified in two populations and require further investigation. These findings suggest that fipronil remains an effective control agent in many urban environments; however, reduced susceptibility in some populations underscores the importance of ongoing resistance monitoring and integrated pest management strategies to mitigate future resistance development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00530"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological study and risk factors of internal parasite infections in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran","authors":"Moein Abolhasani Drounkola,&nbsp;Mohammad Reza Salimi Bejestani,&nbsp;Emad Changizi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00529","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00529","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background/objective</h3><div>Given the importance of zoonotic diseases among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, and the role of wild animals as natural reservoirs of many pathogens, this study was designed to investigate the epidemiology and identify risk factors associated with internal parasitic infections in wild boar (<em>Sus scrofa</em>) in Mazandaran province.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>From January 2021 to December 2023, 15 wild boars, including 6 males and 9 females, that died in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, were collected, those that were killed in car accidents or illnesses, and transferred to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory of Semnan University, Semnan, Iran, for parasite examination. The contents of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were sieved, and the mucosa was examined for parasites. For the liver, the bile duct was examined, and for the lungs, the bronchi of both lobes were cut off, and all the parasites in this area were found, sieved, and washed, so that all the remaining worms were collected in the sieve. For muscle examination, several methods were used, including the squash prep test, tissue digestion, pathological assay, and Dab smear.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>All of the boars had at least one parasite, and 13 species of helminths and protozoa were identified. Eight species of nematodes were identified, including <em>Ascarops strongylina</em> (33.3%), <em>Globocephalus urosubulatus</em> (26.6%), <em>Gongylonema pulchrum</em> (6.6%)<em>, Metastrongylus apri</em> (53.3%), <em>Metastrongylus pudendotectus</em> (46.6%), <em>Oesophagostomum dentatum</em> (20%)<em>, Physocephalus sexalatus</em> (33.3%), and <em>Trichuris suis</em> (6.6%). Moreover, two species of trematodes (<em>Dicricoelium dendriticum</em> (13.3%) and <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> (6.6%)), one species of Acanthocephala (<em>Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus</em> (86.6%)), and one protozoan (<em>Sarcocyst</em> spp. (26.6%)) were identified<em>.</em> In addition, larvae of <em>Taenia hydatigena</em> were observed<em>.</em></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Wild boar populations in Mazandaran province exhibit a high prevalence of internal parasitic infections, indicating the active presence of parasitic cycles in the region's natural habitats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00529"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, attitude and practice of farmers towards ticks and tick borne diseases in selected districts of west Gojam, Ethiopia: Implications for control and prevention","authors":"Gedam Tola,&nbsp;Sissay Menkir,&nbsp;Yelfwagash Asmare,&nbsp;Melaku Wale,&nbsp;Abaineh Munshea","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00534","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00534","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a serious threat to livestock productivity in Ethiopia, which leads to considerable economic losses. Smallholder farmer's knowledge, attitudes, and practices play a major role for effective management.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers regarding ticks and TBDs in the West Gojam zone, Amhara Region, and identify factors determining disease and vector management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 384 farmers using a multi-stage sampling technique and a structured questionnaire. KAP levels were assessed using a standardized scoring system and classified into binary outcomes. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26; Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to figure out socio-demographic determinants of KAP at a 95% confidence level.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>While 59.4% of respondent's demonstrated adequate knowledge and 89.8% maintained a favourable attitude towards tick and TBD control, regarding implementation, 49.22% of participants exhibited good management practices. Logistic regression revealed that awareness levels and specific animal husbandry practices were statistically significant associations with knowledge and attitude (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Crucially, while knowledge scores were positively correlated with acaricide usage, higher knowledge did not consistently correspond to effective application.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Farmers in the study area demonstrated moderate knowledge and highly favourable attitudes towards tick control, alongside weaker and more inconsistent reported management practices. Intervention strategies should focus on bridging these practical gaps through targeted veterinary extension services.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00534"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148843585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Larvicidal Activity of Solvent Extracts of Combined Garlic (Allium sativum) and Ginger (Zingiber officinale) against Mosquito Species","authors":"Anmut Assemie,&nbsp;Beyene Bashu Haile","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00526","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00526","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquitoes are major vectors of infectious diseases, including malaria and lymphatic filariasis. This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of combined garlic and ginger against mosquito species. Larvae were collected from breeding sites and identified using standard morphological keys. Equal quantities of both plant materials (20 g total) were extracted using aqueous, ethanol, and methanol solvents. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts was conducted using standard qualitative methods. Larvicidal activity was assessed by exposing ten larvae to extract concentrations of 250, 500, and 750 ppm. Mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis to determine LC₅₀ values, while Pearson's chi-square goodness-of-fit statistics were used to evaluate the adequacy of the fitted probit models using R software. Qualitative phytochemical screening detected the same classes of secondary metabolites across all solvent extracts. Larvicidal activity showed a clear concentration-dependent increase, with methanol extract demonstrating the highest efficacy (up to 96.7 ± 3.3% mortality at 750 ppm), followed by ethanol and aqueous extracts. Probit analysis yielded lower estimated LC₅₀ values for methanol extracts than for ethanol and aqueous extracts in <em>An. gambiae</em> s.l. (180 ppm; 95% CI: 140–230 ppm) and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> (300 ppm; 95% CI: 240–380 ppm). The model showed good fit across treatments, with non-significant chi-square values (χ² = 1.87–3.20, p &gt; 0.05), indicating that the fitted probit models adequately described the observed dose–response data. The positive control (malathion) resulted in 100% larval mortality, whereas the negative control (distilled water) showed 0% mortality. Overall, the findings demonstrate that combined garlic and ginger extracts possess promising larvicidal activity under laboratory conditions. However, further studies incorporating additional concentrations, quantitative phytochemical analyses, isolation of active compounds, and field evaluations are required before practical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00526"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148641382","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in retail meats from fresh Markets in Songkhla Province, Thailand","authors":"Siriluk Kaewmanee,&nbsp;Domechai Kaewnoi,&nbsp;Ketsarin Kamyingkird,&nbsp;Ruttayaporn Ngasaman","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00531","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00531","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is a significant foodborne protozoon responsible for human toxoplasmosis, typically transmitted via undercooked meat, contaminated water, or contact with oocysts in cat feces. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of <em>T. gondii</em> in retail meats within Songkhla province to assess public health risks. A total of 304 meat samples—comprising chicken (<em>N</em> = 108), pork (<em>N</em> = 107), and beef (<em>N</em> = 89)—were collected from 30 fresh markets across seven regions of Songkhla. DNA was extracted from 100 μl of meat juice and analyzed using GRA7 nested-PCR assays. Positive samples underwent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic lineage. The overall prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> was 4.93% (15/304, 95% CI, 2.79–8.01%). Contamination was most frequent in poultry (10.19%), followed by pork (3.74%), while all beef samples tested negative. Geographically, the Singhanakorn-Sathing Phra (SH-ST) area exhibited the highest prevalence. Molecular analysis showed a 99.46% identity with reference GRA7 sequences (e.g., KU599267.1, KU599318.1). Notably, phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic heterogeneity, with some isolates (HB2, KS4) matching reference strains while others (SS1, SS4) indicated divergent lineages. These findings confirm the presence of genetically diverse <em>T. gondii</em> in the local meat supply, particularly in poultry. There is an urgent need for enhanced food safety programs, including the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on farms and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in slaughterhouses, alongside public education regarding meat consumption habits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00531"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mathematical modelling of the effects of public health educational campaigns on the transmission dynamics of Taenia solium Taeniasis","authors":"Gideon Eustace Rwabona,&nbsp;Abdoelneser Degoot,&nbsp;Silas Mirau,&nbsp;Sayoki Mfinanga,&nbsp;Verdiana Grace Masanja","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00528","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00528","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Taenia solium</em> Taeniasis is a zoonotic intestinal infection that poses a significant threat to public health and imposes a substantial economic burden on developing regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study formulates and rigorously analyses a deterministic mathematical model, comprised of a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations, to investigate the transmission dynamics of the parasite under the influence of public health education campaigns. Using the next-generation matrix method, we derive the effective reproduction number, <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>e</mi><mi>d</mi></mrow></msub></math></span>, as the fundamental threshold for disease persistence. Stability analysis demonstrates that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>e</mi><mi>d</mi></mrow></msub><mo>&lt;</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>, ensuring disease eradication, whereas the infection persists and reaches a stable endemic equilibrium when <span><math><mrow><msub><mrow><mi>R</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>e</mi><mi>d</mi></mrow></msub><mo>&gt;</mo><mn>1</mn></mrow></math></span>. Numerical simulations are provided to validate the analytical findings and to explore the parameter space associated with behavioural modification. The results indicate that public health education is a highly effective control measure, capable of significantly reducing prevalence and potentially eliminating <em>T. solium</em> Taeniasis in endemic settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00528"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148738239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and molecular detection of Theileria in ixodid ticks in central and southern Shanxi, China","authors":"Jia Cui,&nbsp;Fengping Wang,&nbsp;Huaxiang Rao,&nbsp;Bosi Dang,&nbsp;Yuyao Dou,&nbsp;Yiping Liu,&nbsp;Jingrong Niu,&nbsp;Liqing Wang,&nbsp;Changxin Wu,&nbsp;Juan Yu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00533","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00533","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Theileria</em>, an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan transmitted primarily by ixodid ticks, poses a significant threat to animal health and livestock productivity. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence and genetic diversity of <em>Theileria</em> species in ixodid ticks in central and southern Shanxi Province, China.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>First, a certain number of tick samples were collected, including 102 sheep-infesting ticks from Baitupo Village and Wangjiazhuang Village in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, China, and a total of 60 cattle-infesting ticks from Daxigou Village in Yuncheng City and Matian Town in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Then, genomic DNA was extracted from tick samples, followed by conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the <em>18S rRNA</em> gene for the detection of <em>Theileria</em>. All positive amplicons were subsequently sent for Sanger sequencing. The obtained nucleotide sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis along with reference sequences retrieved from NCBI GenBank using MEGA-X software. DnaSP, Arlequin and PopART software were employed to conduct haplotype-based geographical evolution analysis for the same species of <em>Theileria.</em></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Molecular screening revealed an overall average <em>Theileria</em> infection prevalence of 67.28% (109/162) across the surveyed samples. The positive rates varied markedly by sampling site: 77.42% (48/62) in Baitupo Village, 47.50% (19/40) in Wangjiazhuang Village, 61.90% (13/21) in Daxigou Village, and 74.36% (29/39) in Matian Town. The infection rates of <em>Theileria</em> showed statistically significant differences among different regions (<em>χ</em>² = 9.497, <em>P</em> = 0.023). Among these, forty sequences from positive sheep-infesting ticks for <em>Theileria</em> infection were identified as <em>Theileria luwenshuni</em>. The 11 sequences from positive cattle-infesting ticks were classified as <em>Theileria orientalis.</em> Phylogenetic analysis displayed that sequences of <em>T. luwenshuni</em> had the closest genetic relationship with strains previously identified in Changzhi, Shanxi, China (GenBank: OR999605). Meanwhile, <em>T. orientalis</em> sequences clustered together with the Chinese <em>T. orientalis</em> reference strain (GenBank: OQ507242.1). The phylogeographic analysis revealed that all <em>T. luwenshuni</em> isolates examined in this study belonged to a single conserved haplotype, while six divergent haplotypes were identified among <em>T. orientalis</em> sequences.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our study revealed a high prevalence of <em>Theileria</em> infection among ixodid ticks in central and southern Shanxi, China, underscoring an urgent demand for targeted intervention strategies to limit the transmission of theileriosis and alleviate its rising risks to veterinary and public health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00533"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148770161","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-infection with Schistosoma mansoni and Helicobacter pylori: epidemiological patterns and implications for integrated control","authors":"Ashraf Fawzy Mosa Ahmed,&nbsp;Hala Shehata Ali,&nbsp;Nabeel H. Alhussainy,&nbsp;Hany M. El-Wahsh,&nbsp;Bander Hasan Saleh,&nbsp;Turki Asiri,&nbsp;Karem Ibrahem,&nbsp;Fadi Baakdah,&nbsp;Haifaa A. Mahjoub,&nbsp;Wesam K. Bakhsh,&nbsp;Ala A. Azhari,&nbsp;Hatoon A. Niyazi,&nbsp;Doaa Naguib","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00535","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00535","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Co-infections with <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> and <em>Helicobacter pylori</em> are frequently reported in low-resource endemic settings; however, their combined systemic and hematological effects in true co-endemic populations remain incompletely characterized. While <em>S. mansoni</em> transmission is primarily driven by exposure to agricultural water, <em>H. pylori</em> reflects persistent household and sanitation-related transmission, highlighting distinct yet overlapping epidemiological pathways. This study aimed to assess the association between occupational freshwater exposure and <em>S. mansoni</em> infection and to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and biochemical profiles associated with <em>S. mansoni</em> and <em>H. pylori</em> mono- and co-infections in a rural Egyptian population. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural agricultural village in Egypt. Participants were stratified into four groups: <em>S. mansoni</em> mono-infection (Gp1), <em>S. mansoni-H. pylori</em> co-infection (Gp2), <em>H. pylori</em> mono-infection (Gp3), and uninfected controls (Gp4). Clinical assessment, stool microscopy using the Kato-Katz thick smear technique, <em>H. pylori</em> coproantigen ELISA, complete blood counts, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Comparative statistical analyses were used to evaluate group differences and associated risk factors.</div><div>Occupational exposure (farm work) was strongly associated with <em>S. mansoni</em> infection (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), reinforcing its role as a key transmission driver in rural endemic settings. Gastrointestinal symptoms were largely non-specific, although hematochezia occurred exclusively among individuals infected with <em>S. mansoni</em>. Co-infection did not significantly influence <em>H. pylori</em> antigen levels (<em>P</em> = 0.190), indicating limited biological interaction between the pathogens. Systemic alterations were predominantly driven by <em>S. mansoni</em>, including thrombocytopenia and marked eosinophilia (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), alongside elevated serum globulin levels (<em>P</em> = 0.037), suggesting sustained immune activation. Other biochemical parameters showed no significant differences.</div><div>In endemic rural settings, co-infection with <em>S. mansoni</em> and <em>H. pylori</em> does not demonstrate synergistic systemic effects but rather reflects overlapping transmission pathways with distinct epidemiological determinants. These findings suggest that integrated screening strategies may offer limited additional clinical benefit beyond pathogen-specific management, while still supporting coordinated control efforts targeting shared risk environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"34 ","pages":"Article e00535"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148770162","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}