Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Epidemiology of Schistosoma haematobium infection and microhaematuria among schoolchildren in a setting of sustained mass drug administration in Banfora, Burkina Faso","authors":"Mamoudou Cissé ,&nbsp;Alamissa Soulama ,&nbsp;Constant Sirima ,&nbsp;Arthur D. Djibougou ,&nbsp;Souleymane Gnissi ,&nbsp;Seydou Nakanabo-Diallo ,&nbsp;Muhammed Afolabi ,&nbsp;Issaka Zongo","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00470","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00470","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Limited evidence exists regarding the current epidemiology of <em>Schistosoma (S.) haematobium</em> infection following decades of mass drug administration implementation in many areas of Burkina Faso, including the Cascades region, which is predominantly a riverine community with a high risk of schistosomiasis. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlates of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection and microhaematuria among schoolchildren in the municipality of Banfora, southwestern Burkina Faso.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024 among schoolchildren aged 5–15 years in the Banfora municipality. Sociodemographic and water contact data were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Each consenting child provided a freshly voided urine sample, which was examined for the presence of <em>S. haematobium</em> eggs and microhaematuria using the urine filtration technique and urine multistix reagent test strips, respectively. Correlates of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection and microhaematuria were determined using multivariable logistic regression.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The mean age of the children was 8.79 ± 2.22 years. Of the 300 school children tested, 11 (3.67 %) were found to be infected with <em>S. haematobium</em> eggs. The geometric mean intensity of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection was 14.94 eggs/10 mL of urine (95 % CI: 4.96–44.98), and 27.27 % of the infected participants (3/11) had a heavy infection. The prevalence of microhaematuria was 13.33 % (40/300). Being a boy was the main risk factor for <em>S. haematobium</em> infection (adjusted OR: 11.0, 95 % CI: 2.5–48.2), while having a urinary tract infection was significantly associated with <em>S. haematobium</em> infection (adjusted OR: 59.6, 95 % CI: 6.9–515.7). Risk factors for microhaematuria included living in rural areas (adjusted OR: 8.3, 95 % CI: 2.4–28.6) and <em>S. haematobium</em> infection (adjusted OR: 31.3, 95 % CI: 5.9–165.8).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Our findings show that <em>S. haematobium</em> infection is hypoendemic in the Banfora municipality. However, the high prevalence of heavy infections is a particular concern, and targeted treatment strategies and complementary measures, including health education, should prioritize school-aged children living in rural areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145718927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular identification of potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae in environmental samples from urban areas of Kerman, Southeastern Iran","authors":"Abbas Ali Ghasemi ,&nbsp;Elham Akhlaghi ,&nbsp;Zahra Babaei ,&nbsp;Naser Zia-ali ,&nbsp;Sima Rostami ,&nbsp;Mehdi Borhani ,&nbsp;Tayyebeh Ghasemi ,&nbsp;Majid Fasihi Harandi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00476","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00476","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed protozoans in various habitats. Some genera of these amoebae have the potential to be pathogenic to humans. The aim of this study was to identify the distribution of different FLA species in various environmental sources in Kerman, southeastern Iran. A total of 141 samples, including city fountains, tap water, and soil samples, were collected from various regions of the city. After filtration and cultivation on non-nutrient agar, molecular analysis was performed using PCR-sequencing with genus specific primers for <em>Acanthamoeba</em>, <em>Balamuthia, Vahlkampfidae</em>, and <em>Hartmannella</em>. PCR- sequencing fountain water samples revealed the presence of <em>Acanthamoeba</em>, <em>Hartmannella</em> and <em>Naegleria</em> species. Among the sequences obtained from <em>Acanthamoeba</em> isolates, 72.7 %, 18.2 %, and 9.1 % belonged to the genotype T4, T3, and T6, respectively. Two <em>Naegleria</em> species were identified as <em>Naegleria canariensis</em> and <em>N. australiensis</em>. Molecular analysis of tap water samples showed the presence of <em>Acanthamoeba</em> T6 genotype and <em>Hartmannella (Vermamoeba) vermiformis</em>. Sequencing of soil samples revealed the presence of <em>Acanthamoeba lenticulata</em> (T5) and <em>Vermamoeba vermiformis</em> species. The presence of potentially pathogenic FLA in urban environments in Iran presents potential hazards of infection for the people and appropriate measures needed to minimize the risks to human health including disinfection of water systems using chlorine dioxide, molecular monitoring, the implementation of educational measures for the public and health professionals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00476"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Pulicaria undulata extract: Evaluation of antibacterial and larvicidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti","authors":"Suad M.B. Hussain ,&nbsp;Wjdaan M. Alsehli ,&nbsp;Renad S. Alanzi ,&nbsp;Mo'awia Mukhtar Hassan ,&nbsp;Chellasamy Panneerselvam ,&nbsp;Ghazi A. Alatawi ,&nbsp;Al Thabiani Aziz ,&nbsp;Hatem A. Al-Aoh ,&nbsp;Kamalesh Balakumar Venkatesan","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00474","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00474","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The present study reports the green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using <em>Pulicaria undulata</em> extract and evaluates their larvicidal and antibacterial potential. UV–Visible spectroscopy confirmed ZnO NP formation by a sharp peak at 294 nm, indicating surface plasmon resonance and nanoparticle stability. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed irregular, agglomerated nanoparticles with heterogeneous morphology, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed a crystalline wurtzite hexagonal structure with high purity and crystallinity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified hydroxyl, carboxylic, and Zn<img>O functional groups, highlighting the role of plant phytochemicals in nanoparticle stabilization. Histopathological analysis demonstrated significant tissue damage in <em>Aedes aegypti</em> larvae treated with ZnO NPs, including midgut disruption and muscular degeneration, suggesting strong larvicidal activity. Antibacterial assays against <em>Escherichia coli</em> and <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> showed concentration-dependent zones of inhibition, with <em>S. aureus</em> exhibiting higher susceptibility. SEM images of bacterial cells post-treatment revealed severe morphological damage, including membrane rupture and shrinkage, confirming the antibacterial mechanism <em>via</em> structural disruption. Overall, the biosynthesized ZnO NPs exhibit promising eco-friendly properties with effective larvicidal and antibacterial activity, indicating their potential applications in mosquito vector control and antimicrobial therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00474"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, risk factors, and rifampicin resistance pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Sekota town, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Getaneh Mengistu ,&nbsp;Zinaye Tekeste ,&nbsp;Daniel Mehabie ,&nbsp;Solomon Tesfaye ,&nbsp;Amir Alelign","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00471","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00471","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in developing countries. However, in some parts of Ethiopia there is limited information on the prevalence, associated risk factors and the level of drug resistant TB. Therefore, this study aimed to determine TB prevalence, identify associated risk factors, and assess rifampicin resistance in Sekota Town, northwest Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to June 2023 at Tefera Hailu Memorial Hospital in Sekota town. Morning sputum and fine needle aspirate samples from pulmonary and extrapulmonary cases, respectively, were collected from 422 individuals who visited the hospital during the study period, and the samples were tested for <em>Mycobacterium tuberculosis</em> using the GeneXpert MTB/RIF molecular assay. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and clinical data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall prevalence of all forms of TB in this study was 19.90 %. Of the overall TB cases, 52.4 % were pulmonary (EPTB), whereas 47.6 % were extra-pulmonary (PTB). Among TB positive cases, the prevalence of rifampicin resistant TB was determined to be 2.4 %. Students (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.66; 95 % CI: 1.11–19.61), pastoralists (AOR = 2.75; 95 % CI: 1.19–6.33), and merchants (AOR = 13.96; 95 % CI: 1.20–162.40) had higher odds of TB infection. Regular alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.62; 95 % CI: 1.10–6.24) and contact with TB patients (AOR = 3.95; 95 % CI: 2.02–7.33) were associated with increased odds of TB infection. HIV sero-positives and those over the age of 45 years were also found to be more likely to be infected with TB. The prevalence of rifampicin-resistant TB among confirmed cases was 2.4 %.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study revealed a high prevalence of TB, with risk factors including HIV infection, alcohol use, contact with TB patients, and high-risk occupational and social groups such as students, merchants, and pastoralists. Targeted TB prevention and control efforts focusing on these high-risk populations are needed to reduce the disease burden in the study area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00471"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145798701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plants with promising antileishmanial activity in Colombia: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Carlos Nieto-Clavijo ,&nbsp;Liliana Morales ,&nbsp;Guillermo Zambrano ,&nbsp;Andrés Delgado-Aldana ,&nbsp;Zayda-Lorena Corredor-Rozo ,&nbsp;Eliana Patricia Calvo ,&nbsp;Dario Tinjacá ,&nbsp;Jacqueline Chaparro-Olaya","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00467","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00467","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Leishmaniasis remains a global public health challenge. The exceptional biodiversity of Colombia includes numerous plants that constitute a promising resource for the development of new antileishmanial therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>To systematically assess the <em>in vitro</em> antileishmanial activity of Colombian plants, estimate pooled IC₅₀ values through meta-analysis, and identify plant-derived preparations with favorable selectivity indices (SI) as potential candidates for further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic search (2000–April 2025) of PubMed, EMBASE, and LILACS identified <em>in vitro</em> studies reporting IC₅₀ values of Colombian plant-derived preparations against <em>Leishmania spp.</em> A random-effects model was used to estimate pooled IC₅₀ values. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified QUIN tool. Subgroup analyses explored methodological and biological factors such as plant part, extraction solvent, and taxonomic family.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thirteen studies provided complete data for meta-analysis. The pooled mean IC₅₀ was 37.89 μg/mL (95 % CI: 34.99–40.78), with substantial heterogeneity (I² = 100 %), consistent with marked differences in plant species, plant parts, extraction solvents, <em>Leishmania</em> species/strains, cell lines, and assay protocols. Leaf essential oils of <em>Xylopia discreta</em>, crude leaf extracts of <em>Lippia origanoides</em> and <em>Moquilea salicifolia</em>, and bark/wood fractions of <em>Handroanthus chrysanthus</em>, exhibited potent <em>in vitro</em> leishmanicidal activity (IC₅₀ = 0.39–11.1 μg/mL) and high selectivity indices (SI = 18.9–134).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Colombian plants represent a promising source of leishmanicidal agents, with several species exhibiting strong <em>in vitro</em> antileishmanial activity and remarkably high SI values. However, since SI thresholds were originally established for purified compounds, their interpretation for other plant-derived preparations should be approached with caution. Moving toward standardized assays and reporting practices will be key to translating these findings into reproducible and actionable knowledge.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00467"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Residual antimalarial drug concentrations before treatment in malaria patients in Asia and Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis depicting its implication for drug pressure","authors":"Karol J. Marwa ,&nbsp;Maria Zinga ,&nbsp;Hussein R. Mnkungwe ,&nbsp;Ritah Mutagonda ,&nbsp;Anthony Kapesa ,&nbsp;Richard O. Mwaiswelo ,&nbsp;Bruno Mmbando ,&nbsp;John P.A. Lusingu ,&nbsp;Erasmus Kamugisha","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00477","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00477","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Resistance to antimalarial drugs has been a major hindrance towards malaria control and elimination. Extensive drug use may increase pressure on parasites, thereby promoting the emergence and spread of resistance, particularly when drug levels are below minimum inhibitory concentrations. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the magnitude of pre-treatment with antimalarial drugs among patients attending health facilities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Studies reporting residual drug levels among <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> malaria patients were searched through the Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS, and EMBASE online databases. The protocol for the review was registered at PROSPERO (Reference number: CRD42024581540). Two independent reviewers extracted data. Potential publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. Pooled proportion estimates were calculated using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using I² statistics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifteen (15) studies involving 3522 malaria patients were included in the analysis. The heterogeneity among the studies included in the meta-analysis was high (I² &gt; 95% and <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). The overall estimated pooled proportions of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels using the random effects model were 24.0% (95% CI 16.0%- 34.0%), with the pooled proportion estimates being higher in Africa (31.0%, 95% CI 19.0%- 44.0%) than in Asia (11.0%, 95% CI 5.0%- 18.0%). Subgroup analysis (per drug type) showed that the pooled proportion estimates of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels were higher for Chloroquine and Lumefantrine (55.0%, 95% CI 26.0%–82.0% &amp; 34.0%, 95% CI 10.0%–63.0%, respectively), contributed by most studies from Africa. With regard to mefloquine, the proportion estimates were 10.0%, 95% CI 01.0%–26.0% contributed by most studies from Asia.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The substantial pooled proportions of malaria patients with pre-treatment drug levels imply the existence of drug pressure, which is potential for the development of antimalarial drug resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00477"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of topical Ivermectin in controlling human Demodex infestation: Evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Anon Paichitrojjana ,&nbsp;Kitsarawut Khuancharee ,&nbsp;Anand Paichitrojjana","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00461","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Demodex</em> mites are usually harmless but can contribute to inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea, blepharitis, and demodicosis. While new therapies like lotilaner, niclosamide, and berberine show promise against <em>D. folliculorum</em>, ivermectin remains widely used for its strong antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the direct effectiveness of ivermectin in reducing <em>Demodex</em> mite density in associated skin diseases is not fully quantified.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies published between December 2014 and December 2024. Eligible studies have assessed the effect of topical ivermectin on <em>Demodex</em> mite number or density using standardized diagnostic methods. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS) and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data were pooled using a random-effects model where appropriate.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 2344 studies were identified, with five studies (<em>n</em> = 180 participants) meeting the inclusion criteria. All studies reported significant reductions in <em>Demode</em>x mite count or density after daily application of topical ivermectin 1 %. Meta-analyses demonstrated a mean reduction of 70.01 mites/cm² and an 80 % decrease in <em>Demodex</em>-positive (≥5 D/cm²) rates. A 16-week treatment duration was associated with a notable reduction, with effects sustained for up to 12 weeks post-treatment. Only mild, localized adverse events were reported, with no systemic side effects observed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Topical ivermectin is effective and well-tolerated for reducing the number and density of <em>Demodex</em> mites. A 16-week treatment course significantly decreases mite burden and improves clinical outcomes with minimal adverse events. However, the potential for mite repopulation after treatment underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring. Study heterogeneity and the limited number of included trials warrant cautious interpretation of the findings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00461"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222903","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Community knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the use of plants for mosquito control: The case of Arjo Gudatu District, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia","authors":"Lensa Tesfaye,&nbsp;Esayas Aklilu,&nbsp;Ketema Tolossa,&nbsp;Abebe Animut","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00463","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00463","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mosquitoes are the species that transmit malaria and various viral diseases to humans. The main mosquito control strategies, particularly indoor spraying with insecticides and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, have proven to reduce the incidence and spread of malaria. However, their effectiveness is threatened by the emergence and spread of insecticide-resistant vectors. Indigenous plants offer a safe, effective, and locally accessible solution to address the rising threat of mosquito-borne diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the inhabitants of Arjo Gudatu District, Ethiopia, regarding the use of plants to control mosquitoes.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among the inhabitants of Mada Jalala, Karsa Dako, and Lalisa Dimtu kebeles (the lowest administrative level) in the Arjo Gudatu district, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. Randomly selected households were interviewed using a questionnaire developed for this study. The data were collected through door-to-door interviews, checked for completeness and consistency, entered into SPSS version 25, cleaned, and analyzed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of the 398 household representatives interviewed, 63.5 % (253 individuals) reported knowing the use of plants for mosquito control. Of these, about 75 % (190 out of 253) plants were for this purpose, and 79 % (200 out of 253) expressed a positive attitude to using plants to control mosquitoes. The most frequently mentioned plant was <em>Securidaca Longpedunculata</em> (31 respondents, 12 %), followed by <em>Echinops Sphaocephalus L.</em> (28 respondents, 11 %) and <em>Agave Sisalana Perrine Ex Engelm.</em> (21 respondents, 8.3 %). These plants were cited for their roles as repellents, adulticides, and larvicides.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Agave sisalana Perrine ex Engeln, Securidaca longepedunculate,</em> and <em>Echinops sphaerocephalus</em> L. were the plants most commonly used to control mosquitoes. The plants were used in traditional mosquito control as adulticides, larvicides, and repellents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00463"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145466060","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Scorpion species distribution and sting epidemiology in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad, Iran – Implications for management","authors":"Mohsen Fakhraei ,&nbsp;Raziyeh Shahheidari ,&nbsp;Amir Hossein Roozitalab ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Mohsen Kalantari","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00462","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scorpion envenomation represents a significant public health burden in Iran, particularly in Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad Province, which reports 40,000 to 50,000 cases annually. The ecological adaptability and diversity of scorpions contribute to their widespread distribution, heightening the risk of human encounters and the associated economic and psychosocial impacts. This epidemiological study investigated scorpion distribution and sting patterns in Dena and Boyer-Ahmad counties, southwestern Iran, during a six-month sampling period from spring to September 2024. Specimens were collected diurnally and nocturnally using UV light within 500-m radii of predetermined sites, primarily from beneath rocks and old walls in desert environments. Among 208 identified scorpions, <em>Hottentotta zagrosensis</em> (<em>n</em> = 132) predominated, followed by <em>Hemiscorpius lepturus</em> (<em>n</em> = 28), <em>Compsobuthus rugosulus</em> (<em>n</em> = 24), <em>Mesobuthus eupeus</em> (<em>n</em> = 20), and <em>Orthochirus sp.</em> (<em>n</em> = 4). The Buthidae family accounted for 86.53 % of specimens. Concurrently, clinical and demographic data from 156 sting cases recorded in local health centers during 2024 were analyzed. Males comprised 54.5 % of cases, with hands (48.1 %) and feet (37.2 %) being the most frequent sting sites. Most incidents occurred indoors (82.7 %) and between 6 p.m. and midnight (31.4 %). Notably, no fatalities were reported. This research provides the first comprehensive faunistic and epidemiological data for these counties, revealing <em>H. zagrosensis</em> as the dominant species. The findings establish a critical foundation for developing targeted ecological management strategies, public health interventions, and conservation efforts to mitigate scorpion-related risks in southwestern Iran.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00462"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145269922","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Visceral leishmaniasis outbreak investigation and risk factors among communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2022–2023","authors":"Tadele Shiwito Ango ,&nbsp;Daniel Dansa Dana ,&nbsp;Sefonias Getachew ,&nbsp;Wakgari Deressa","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00466","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00466","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), also known as kala-azar, remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, caused mainly by <em>Leishmania donovani</em> and transmitted through infected female <em>Phlebotomine</em> sandflies. The disease disproportionately affects impoverished, rural populations. Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of outbreaks is vital for timely prevention and control.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study was aimed to investigate a VL outbreak and associated risk factors among communities in South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2022–2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive cross-sectional study followed by an unmatched case–control study (1:2 ratio) was conducted from June 2022 to January 2023. Forty-five laboratory-confirmed VL cases and ninety controls without previous VL history were included. Data on socio-demographic, environmental, and behavioral factors were collected using structured interviews. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors, and the strength of association was expressed using adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Statistical significance was set at <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 45 VL cases and 3 deaths were recorded, yielding an attack rate of 9.7 per 100,000 population and a case fatality rate of 7 %. The highest attack rate occurred in Salamago District (51.6/100,000), followed by Nyangatom (19.5/100,000). Adults were the most affected group (87 % of cases). The epidemic curve suggested a propagated outbreak peaking in week 24 of 2022. Independent predictors of VL infection included never using long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) (AOR = 7.97; 95 % CI: 1.63–39.04), inconsistent LLIN use (AOR = 5.33; 95 % CI: 1.59–17.83), sleeping under acacia trees (AOR = 5.13; 95 % CI: 1.26–20.78), and living in houses with wooden walls (AOR = 6.62; 95 % CI: 2.07–21.25).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The outbreak was concentrated in the Salamago District, predominantly affecting adult males. Inconsistent use of LLINs, outdoor sleeping under acacia trees, and poor housing conditions significantly increased VL risk. Strengthening vector control programs, promoting consistent LLIN utilization, improving housing quality, and enhancing community awareness are essential to prevent future VL outbreaks in pastoral settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}