Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Parasitic infection prevalence in tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon","authors":"Lucy Cho Nchang ,&nbsp;Chefor Magha ,&nbsp;Patience Agwa Fonong ,&nbsp;Narcisse Victor Tchamatchoua Gandjui ,&nbsp;Nancielle Mbiatong Tchatat ,&nbsp;Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng ,&nbsp;Frank Noel Nietcho ,&nbsp;Juluis Visnel Foyet ,&nbsp;Fanny Fri Fombad ,&nbsp;Tatiana Djikeussi Katcho ,&nbsp;Jerome Fru Cho ,&nbsp;Achim Hoerauf ,&nbsp;Manuel Ritter ,&nbsp;Samuel Wanji","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00409","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00409","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Parasitic infections are known to suppress the cell mediated immunity that protects against tuberculosis. The status of parasitic infections among bacteriologically confirmed tuberculosis patients and their household contacts in Cameroon is not well established. This study aimed at reporting the status of parasitic infections in TB patients and their household contacts with keen interest in associated risk factors to disease exposure.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>This was a hospital based cross-sectional descriptive study carried out with newly diagnosed active tuberculosis (TB) patients and their household contacts in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. Socio-demographic data and associated factors were collected using structured questionnaires. Blood, stool, urine and skin snip samples were collected following standard guidelines for investigation of parasitic infections. Descriptive analysis was performed, bivariate analysis was computed and a multivariable analysis was done to provide adjusted odds ratios (AOR).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 712 TB patients and 472 household contacts were recruited. The overall prevalence of parasitic infections in TB patients was 25.84 % (184/712) and household contacts was 31.36 % (148/472). Blood protozoan (<em>Plasmodium falciparum)</em> infection among active TB patients (20.22 %) and their household contacts (26.27 %) was the most frequently detected parasitic infection. <em>Loa loa</em> was the predominant helminth species seen among active TB patients while <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> was the predominant helminth infection detected in household contacts. TB patients and household contacts living in urban areas had lower odds of being associated with helminth infections (AOR 0.2, 95 % CI: 0.10–0.40; p ˂ 0.0001 and AOR 0.11, 95 % CI: 0.04–0.27; p ˂ 0.0001 respectively) as compared to those residing in rural areas.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>We observed that 31 % of the TB patients and household contacts are infected with parasites including P. falciparum, Loa loa and Since helminths can downregulate immune responses against bacterial infections and thus affect treatment efficacy, we recommend that diagnosis of parasitic infections should be included during TB diagnosis and treatment programmes, especially in rural areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00409"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7617333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143047534","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":"Emerging malaria in Indonesia: An overview of Plasmodium knowlesi infections","authors":"Nisa Fauziah ,&nbsp;Karomahul Malaya Jati ,&nbsp;Fedri Ruluwedrata Rinawan ,&nbsp;Naufal Fakhri Nugraha ,&nbsp;Bachti Alisjahbana ,&nbsp;Jontari Hutagalung","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00405","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00405","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Plasmodium knowlesi</em>, the fifth malaria-causing parasite species, is currently changing the landscape of the most dominant malaria-causing species in the Southeast Asia by becoming the emerging significant cause of malaria in the region, including in Indonesia. This study aimed to provide an overview of malaria caused by <em>P. knowlesi</em> in Indonesia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study utilized secondary data from the Indonesian National Referral Malaria Laboratory from 2011 to 2020 for the analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Analysis on 212 samples collected over ten years identified 66 (31.1 %) cases of <em>P. knowlesi</em> infection, with one (0.5 %) mixed infection of <em>P. knowlesi</em> and <em>P. vivax</em>. These cases were reported in seven provinces in Kalimantan and Sumatra islands. Males were 2.23 times more likely to be at risk for malaria compared to females, and this result was statistically significant (<em>p</em>-value = 0.037, 95 % CI: 0.84–5.91). There was no significant association between the risk of malaria and the age groups classified as non-productive and productive (<em>p</em>-value = 0.535, OR = 0.42, 95 % CI: 0.12–1.53). Individuals working outdoors were not significantly more protected compared to those working indoors (p-value of 0.116, OR = 0.15, 95 % CI: 0.02–1.49). The origin of the sample was found to be the most significant factor (p-value &lt;0.001), with individuals from Kalimantan having the highest risk for malaria caused by <em>P. knowlesi</em> (OR = 3.97, 95 % CI: 2.10–7.49).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Two major Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Kalimantan, which reported malaria cases during the period studied, exhibit a potential risk for <em>P. knowlesi</em> infections that is influenced by factors beyond natural hosts and vectors, such as sex, age, and occupation. Routine PCR examinations for suspected <em>P. knowlesi</em> infections are crucial for developing effective strategies to identify and control this simian malaria parasite.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00405"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158410","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":"Residual transmission of schistosomiasis in Ndikinimeki Health District (Centre Region, Cameroon) despite implementation of complementary control strategies: Prospects for elimination","authors":"Hervé Kengne Fogang ,&nbsp;Hugues C. Nana Djeunga ,&nbsp;Alvine C. Kengne-Fokam ,&nbsp;Murielle C. Tchami Mbagnia ,&nbsp;Flobert Njiokou ,&nbsp;Dickson S. Nsagha ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Yenshu ,&nbsp;Joseph Kamgno","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00410","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00410","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schistosomiasis control currently relies on school-based preventive chemotherapy (PC) with praziquantel, which has been proven, unfortunately, insufficient to interrupt disease transmission in areas with persistent transmission. In the Ndikinimeki Health District (Centre Region, Cameroon), complementary strategies (community-based preventive chemotherapy, water sanitation, hygiene, and health education) have also been implemented to accelerate the interruption of schistosomiasis transmission in this focus. The assessment of the impact of this package of interventions revealed that only a few individuals were still infected with <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em>. This study, therefore, aimed to investigate whether schistosomiasis transmission has been interrupted in the Ndikinimeki Health District by assessing the infection among the population of snails, intermediate hosts of schistosomiasis. A cross-sectional malacological survey was conducted in four health areas of the Ndikinimeki Health District using a standardized technique. Collected snails were transported to the laboratory, where they were identified and exposed to sunlight for cercarial shedding. Overall, 350 snails intermediate hosts of schistosomes were collected in 32 sampling sites. A total of 330 (94.3 %) were identified as <em>Biomphalaria pfeifferi</em> and <em>Biomphalaria camerunensis</em>, and 20 (5.7 %) as <em>Bulinus forskalii.</em> Of the 154 snails that survived during 30 days of follow-up, 16 (10.4 %; 95 % CI: 6.5–16.2) shed cercariae, the infection rate being quite heterogeneous between snails' species and communities. This study revealed a residual transmission of schistosomiasis in the snail populations, emphasizing the need for snail control to complement current interventions and accelerate schistosomiasis transmission interruption.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00410"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158414","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":"Application of molecular approach in combination with providing treatment and control measures for combating Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina infections in small scale livestock farms in Thailand","authors":"Nutsuda Klinkaew ,&nbsp;Pairpailin Jhaiaun ,&nbsp;Giang Thi Nguyen ,&nbsp;Ruttayaporn Ngasaman ,&nbsp;Domechai Keawnoi ,&nbsp;Niorn Rattanapob ,&nbsp;Pipat Arunvipas ,&nbsp;Meyanee Kanjanaphan ,&nbsp;Nuttapon Manojai ,&nbsp;Suwitcha Panchakhan ,&nbsp;Julaluk Jaiboon ,&nbsp;Piyavadee Numnual ,&nbsp;Prattana Tong-in ,&nbsp;Thongphanchang Khanthong ,&nbsp;Paween Srirarai ,&nbsp;Chutima Chantarakot ,&nbsp;Pattarakitti Noenchat ,&nbsp;Jaroonwit Napornram ,&nbsp;Somtat Yangsuk ,&nbsp;Tanakrit Cham-iam ,&nbsp;Ketsarin Kamyingkird","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2024.e00403","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Bovine babesiosis is a tick-borne disease that is caused by apicomplexan protozoan parasite in the genus of &lt;em&gt;Babesia. Babesia&lt;/em&gt; infections affect cattle health, reduce milk and meat production and lead to economic losses in tropical and subtropical countries. &lt;em&gt;Babesia&lt;/em&gt; parasites are difficult to diagnose in the early stage of infections during low parasitemia and asymptomatic conditions led to the lack of treatment and control at the early stage of infection. This study aimed to integrate a molecular tool for the detection and genetic characterization of &lt;em&gt;Babesia (B.) bovis and B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; in small-scale livestock farming in Thailand, and to study the risk factors association with &lt;em&gt;Babesia&lt;/em&gt; infections in small scale livestock farms in Thailand. This study was conducted in four regions of Thailand between June 2023 and January 2024. Dairy and beef cattle blood samples were collected, genomic DNA were extracted and nested PCRs were performed. Data associated with &lt;em&gt;Babesia&lt;/em&gt; infections were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview. Nested PCR targeting &lt;em&gt;B. bovis&lt;/em&gt; spherical binding protein 4 (&lt;em&gt;SBP4&lt;/em&gt;) and &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; rhoptries associating protein 1a (&lt;em&gt;Rap1a&lt;/em&gt;) genes were performed and direct sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were conducted. Risk factors association with &lt;em&gt;Babesia&lt;/em&gt; infections were analyzed. PCR results, chemotherapeutic treatment options, and vector control suggestions were also reported to local veterinarians and farmers within 14 days. A total of 964 livestock blood samples were collected from 126 small scale farms in four regions of Thailand. &lt;em&gt;B. bovis&lt;/em&gt; infection was predominant in buffalo (31.25 %), followed by dairy cattle (11.44 %) and beef cattle (7.47 %). &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; infection was predominant in goats (53.33 %), followed by beef cattle (25.33 %) and dairy cattle (8.88 %). Mixed infection was also detected in beef and dairy cattle at 2.09 % and 1.58 %, respectively. Molecular characterization of &lt;em&gt;B. bovis SBP4&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina RAP1a&lt;/em&gt; sequences showed that &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;B. bovis&lt;/em&gt; Thai isolates were closely related among geographical areas and shared genetic similarity among different hosts but were genetically distinct from &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;B. bovis&lt;/em&gt; from other countries. Risk factor analysis identified five factors associated with &lt;em&gt;B. bovis&lt;/em&gt; infection and one factor associated with &lt;em&gt;B. bigemina&lt;/em&gt; infection in small-scale livestock farming in Thailand. All the farmers were very satisfied with the integrative approach. This study implemented sensitive and specific nested PCR methods for the detection of &lt;em&gt;Babesia&lt;/em&gt; in livestock. Applying an integrative approach by providing a sensitive diagnostic tool for identification of the infected animals and providing proper treatment and control measures to local farmers help combating babesiosis in small s","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00403"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11750565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143025185","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":"Identification of CβS and ODC antimony resistance markers in anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis field isolates by gene expression profiling","authors":"Farzaneh Zarrinkar ,&nbsp;Iraj Sharifi ,&nbsp;Razieh Tavakoli Oliaee ,&nbsp;Ali Afgar ,&nbsp;Elaheh Molaakbari ,&nbsp;Mehdi Bamorovat ,&nbsp;Zahra Babaei ,&nbsp;Ebrahim Eskandari ,&nbsp;Ehsan Salarkia ,&nbsp;Marzieh Asadi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00413","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00413","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antiparasitic resistance represents a serious global public health concern with tremendous economic and safety implications. This study intended to investigate the expression of the two major resistant markers: cystathionine β synthase (CβS) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in antimony unresponsive <em>Leishmania tropica</em> isolates compared to responsive ones. Twenty-six patients were randomly selected from widely known foci of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeastern Iran. Written informed consent of the patients was obtained. Two smears were prepared from the edge of each active lesion; one for microscopic direct smear preparation and the other for inoculation into monophasic NNN media, then for mass production of promastigotes into RPMI-1640 monophasic culture for performing nested PCR and gene expression quantification by real-time PCR. Twenty-six patients consisting of 13 unresponsive and 13 responsive equally distributed among female and male groups. All cases were identified to be <em>L. tropica.</em> Both resistant gene markers were significantly up-regulated in unresponsive and responsive isolates. The findings showed that CβS and ODC are directly linked with the resistance to L. <em>tropica.</em> Alternative drugs or combination therapy and monitoring drug resistance to prevent the spread of resistant isolates are proper strategies to control the disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00413"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158409","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":"Intestinal protozoa infections and associated factors among diarrheal under-five children in Borena district, central Ethiopia","authors":"Alebie Mesfin ,&nbsp;Woynshet Gelaye ,&nbsp;Getaneh Alemu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00408","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00408","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In impoverished nations, intestinal protozoan infections (IPIs) are a leading cause of diarrhea in children. However, in the majority of afflicted nations, including Ethiopia, the role played by each intestinal protozoa species in causing diarrhea and the risk factors linked with it are not adequately addressed. This would support focused intervention efforts. The prevalence of IPIs and related variables were evaluated between April and May 2023 among 380 under-five children in Borena district of Amhara region, central Ethiopia, by an institution-based cross-sectional survey. Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. The study included a structured questionnaire to gather data regarding sociodemographic characteristics and perceived risk factors for IPIs. Using saline and iodine wet mounts as well as Richie's modified formol-ethyl acetate concentration technique, stool samples were collected and analyzed under a microscope. SPSS was used to enter and evaluate the data. At a 95 % confidence level, bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to determine the factors linked to intestinal protozoa infection. Among 380 participants, 136 (35.8 %) were tested positive for one or more intestinal parasite species at least by one of the diagnostic methods. 118 (31.1 %; 95 % CI: 26.6–36.1) children were infected by intestinal protozoans.</div><div>The parasites detected were: <em>G. lamblia</em> 71 (18.7 %) and <em>E. histolytica/disar</em> 54 (14.2 %), <em>E. vermicularis</em> 3 (0.8 %), <em>A. lumbricoides</em> 2 (0.5 %), <em>H. nana</em> 2 (0.5 %) and <em>T. trichiura</em> 1 (0.3 %). Seven (1.8 %) participants were infected by both protozoan species. Children whose mothers/guardians did not attend formal education were at higher risk of IPI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.801; 95 %CI: 1.666–4.711, <em>p</em> <em>&lt;</em> <em>0.001</em>) than children from literate mothers/guardians. Absence of functional toiltet in the household (AOR = 1.952; 95 %CI: 1.195–3.187, <em>p = 0.008</em>), hand washing with water alone, rather than with soap/ash (AOR = 3.052; 95 %CI: 1.203–7.746, <em>p = 0.019</em>) and having frequent contact with animals (AOR = 2.103; 95 %CI: 1.238–3.574, <em>p = 0.006</em>) were associated with IPIs. These findings revealed that <em>Giardia lamblia</em> and <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> are public health problems causing diarrhea among under-five children in the study area, and their transmission is associated with the illiteracy of mothers/guardians, the absence of functional toilets, not using soap/ash during hand washing, and frequent contact with domestic animals. Therefore, when diagnosing, treating, and educating patients about diarrhea, healthcare professionals should take these protozoans into account.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00408"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158418","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":"A ten-year evaluation of central nervous system cystic echinococcosis in a highly endemic area of Iran: Molecular epidemiology and clinicopathological characteristics","authors":"Mohsen Najjari ,&nbsp;Ali Dehesht Manesh ,&nbsp;Shahab Rezaeian ,&nbsp;Bibi Razieh Hosseini Farrash ,&nbsp;Mohammad Ali Mohammadi ,&nbsp;Mohammad Ebrahimipour","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00414","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00414","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis can involve various organs in humans with the brain and spine being particularly vulnerable. This research aimed to study clinicopathological features and molecular analysis of the central nervous system (CNS) echinococcosis cases in a central hospital for hydatid cyst surgery in northeastern Iran. CNS echinococcosis cases from surgically managed human CE cases at Ghaem hospital in northeastern Iran were analyzed from 2012 to 2022. Demographic and clinicopathological data were collected for CNS echinococcosis cases and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) blocks were used for molecular analysis. The total prevalence of CNS echinococcosis cases was 1. 8 %. Most of the CE cases were reported in women (64. 7 %) and from rural areas (58. 8 %). The highest number of cases (41. 2 %) were aged ≤18 years, with majority being ranchers (47. 1 %). Thirteen cases (76.5 %) were found to have cysts in their brain, particularly in the supratentorial site. Headache was the most commonly reported sign in cases (9/13, 69.2 %). Infiltration of eosinophils, polymorphic inflammatory cells, and giant cells, gliosis, and foreign body granulomatous reaction, along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells showing degeneration and necrotic foci in the brain infections. Spine infections included bone cartilage, ligaments, and hydatid cyst wall fragments. PCR analysis conducted on 17 samples revealed the presence of 13 isolates of <em>E. granulosus sensu lato.</em> Among these, 11 were classified within the <em>E. granulosus sensu stricto</em> (G1 and/or G3) complex, while 2 isolates were identified as belonging to the <em>E. canadensis</em> G6/G7. Cerebrospinal infection is a significant aspect of CE cases in northcentral Iran, with a higher prevalence among women and in rural areas. Children were the most affected age group, with the <em>E. granulosus s.s.</em> genotypes being the most common.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"28 ","pages":"Article e00414"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143158408","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 associated risk factors of bovine Schistosoma and Fasciola infections among cattle in South Achefer District, North West Ethiopia","authors":"Solomon Tesfaye,&nbsp;Mastewal Yeshambel,&nbsp;Amir Alelign,&nbsp;Tilahun Yohannes","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00415","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00415","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bovine schistosomiasis and fasciolosis, caused by flatworms from different species of <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em>, continue to be significant animal health concerns in cattle farming in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, not enough epidemiological information is available in most parts of Ethiopia in this respect. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the magnitude of these two important zoonotic diseases and the associated risk factors in south Achefer district, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June and August of 2020. The research cattle, which belonged to farmers in three selected localities, were chosen by a simple random sampling method. Freshly collected faecal samples were subjected to a parasitological test using the sedimentation technique to identify eggs of <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em>. We used Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test to ascertain the degree of variation between the proportions of disease occurrence. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the risk factor analysis. The overall prevalence of <em>Schistosoma bovis</em> and <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> was 9.6 % (37/384) and 54.2 % (208/384), respectively. Cross-bred cattle had around twice the odds of contracting <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> than local cattle (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.02–3.43). The prevalence of <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> was more than seven times higher in younger cattle than in older cattle (AOR: 7.31, 95 % CI: 3.54–15.08). Comparatively to cattle in good physical health, those in poor physical condition were shown to contract <em>Fasciola hepatica</em> more than four times (AOR: 4.85, 95 % CI: 1.94–12.14). This study indicated that bovine <em>Schistosoma</em> and <em>Fasciola</em> infections remain among the major cattle health problems in the study area. Therefore, appropriate intervention methods should be implemented for effective zoonotic disease control in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135291","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 of intestinal parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding areas: A cross-sectional survey","authors":"Pokkamol Laoraksawong ,&nbsp;Uthaitip Bunkasem ,&nbsp;Anunya Pradidthaprecha","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00416","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00416","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intestinal parasitic infections are a major public health issue worldwide, and vegetables contaminated with these parasites have been implicated in their transmission. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasites (IPs) on fresh vegetables in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding areas. This cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 1 to December 31, 2022. Vegetable samples were purchased from 12 markets in Bangkok and on surrounding areas. A total of 1800 fresh vegetable samples were collected and examined using direct wet-mount microscopy by parasitologists. The total prevalence of IPs in fresh vegetables was 21.17 %, with the highest prevalence observed in peppermint (79.17 %), followed by Thai basil (72.50 %) and <em>Centella asiatica</em> (40.83 %). Soil-transmitted helminths were predominantly detected, including hookworm larvae (13.06 %), <em>Strongyloides</em> spp. (rhabditiform larvae) (6.61 %), and <em>Ascaris lumbricoides</em> (2.50 %). Furthermore, open-air markets in rural areas had a 1.40 times higher chance (95 % CI: 1.10–1.74, <em>P</em> = 0.005) of IP contamination in vegetables than structured markets in urban areas. Additionally, fresh products in rural open-air markets were 8.54 times more likely to be contaminated with <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. (95 % CI: 2.57–28.40, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and 2.46 times more likely to be contaminated with Taeniidae spp. (95 % CI: 1.01–5.95, <em>P</em> = 0.036) compared to produce from structured markets in urban areas. The presence of these parasites in fresh vegetables highlights the need for improved food safety measures, including proper hygiene practices during vegetable cultivation, harvesting, transportation, and storage. Public health education campaigns on the risks of consuming contaminated vegetables should also be implemented to reduce the burden of intestinal parasitic infections in Thailand.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00416"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143241549","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 of Coxiella burnetii in unpasteurized dairy products in west of Iran","authors":"Soheila Mohammadkhanifard,&nbsp;Amin Jaydari,&nbsp;Ehsan Rashidian,&nbsp;Nemat Shams,&nbsp;Peyman Khademi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00411","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00411","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by <em>Coxiella burnetii</em>. This study investigated the prevalence of <em>C. burnetii</em> in traditional dairy products, specifically yogurt and cheese, in Lorestan Province. A total of 100 samples of traditional yogurt and unpasteurized cheese were collected from various regions. To analyze the genome of <em>C. burnetii</em>, DNA was purified and molecular detection was performed using nested PCR with primers specific to the <em>IS1111</em> transposon gene. The results revealed a prevalence of 13.3 % (95 % CI: 6.9 %–24.16 %) in yogurt samples and 12.5 % (95 % CI: 5.46 %–26.11 %) in cheese samples. Additionally, a significant seasonal variation in contamination levels was observed, with a <em>p</em>-value of less than 0.05. However, no significant correlation was found between geographical location and the degree of contamination. These findings suggest that the contamination of dairy products with <em>C. burnetii</em> is likely due to the bacterium's ‘spore-like’ form and the lack of pasteurization in the traditional production of yogurt and cheese. While the direct risk of transmission via unpasteurized dairy products is considered low, these products should still be monitored in Q fever outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143135106","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}