Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"High efficacy of camphene and metronidazole combination therapy against Giardia lamblia infection in mice","authors":"Marwa Sami Alwan,&nbsp;Hussam Saeed Al-Aredhi,&nbsp;Ikhlas Abbas Marhoon","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00440","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00440","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although synthetic antigiardial medications frequently exhibit efficacy, they may also result in negative side effects. Furthermore, issues related to drug resistance and the potential for mutagenic effects have been highlighted. The current research seeks to assess the combined anti-giardial efficacy of camphene (CP) both independently and in conjunction with metronidazole (MNZ) in the context of <em>Giardia lamblia</em> infection. The <em>in vitro</em> effectiveness of CP, both as alone treatment and in conjunction with MNZ, was assessed for its anti-giardial properties against both cysts and trophozoites of <em>G. lamblia</em> using a cell viability assay. Additionally, the effects of CP (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), both alone and in combination with MNZ (5 mg/kg), were investigated. This assessment focused on the load and viability of cysts, serum electrolyte levels, adaptive-response cytokines (Interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IFN-γ), as well as the expression levels of apoptosis-related genes encoding the enzymes caspase-3, −8, and − 9. Both CP and the combination of CP with MNZ markedly increased the mortality of cyst and trophozoites (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001); indicating the existence of synergistic interactions when CP is co-administered with MNZ. CP alone and in the combination with MNZ significantly enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, while, downregulated the expression of the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide oxidase (NADH), peroxiredoxin1a (PXR1a), and superoxide reductase (SOR) genes in <em>G. lamblia</em> trophozoites following (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001). By <em>in vivo</em>, the load and the viability of <em>G. lamblia</em> cysts excreted from the feces of infected mice, significantly modulated the serum electrolytes (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001), increased the serum levels of the cytokines IL-17 and IFN-γ (p &lt; 0.001), and reduced the caspase-3, −8, and − 9 gene expression following a seven-day treatment with CP and CP + MNZ. Recent research has revealed hopeful effects of CP alone, particularly its synergistic interactions with MNZ against <em>G. lamblia</em> infection. Nevertheless, additional investigation is necessary to make clear the specific mechanisms and to evaluate its effectiveness in clinical trials, which could enhance the application of CP in the treatment and management of giardiasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00440"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271373","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":"Comprehensive review of Wolbachia research (1936–2024): Global landscape, mapping progress and themes","authors":"Manal Mohamed Elhassan Taha ,&nbsp;Siddig Ibrahim Abdelwahab ,&nbsp;Hafeez Yagoub Mohamed ,&nbsp;Ahmed Jerah ,&nbsp;Aied M. Alabsi ,&nbsp;Saleh Mohammad Abdullah ,&nbsp;Bassem Oraibi ,&nbsp;Hassan Ahmad Alfaifi ,&nbsp;Yasir Osman Hassan Babiker ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Saeed Alshahrani ,&nbsp;Abdullah Mohammed Farasani ,&nbsp;Ahmed S. Alamer ,&nbsp;Tawfeeq Altherwi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00438","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00438","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Wolbachia</em>, an obligatory gram-negative intracellular bacterium associated with <em>Rickettsia</em>, was initially identified in <em>Culex pipiens</em> mosquitoes and later in diverse invertebrates. This study utilizes bibliometric methodologies to quantitatively analyze <em>Wolbachia</em> research (WR), filling a gap in systematic analysis. Following PRISMA guidelines, original English papers were extracted from Scopus and analyzed using VOSViewer and Bibliometrix to assess performance indices, citations, co-word mapping, emerging themes, and the evolution of WR. Since its inception between 1936 and 1961, WR has grown to 4800 documents by 2024, with notable surges in 2022 and 2024. Scholars like O'Neill, Hoffmann, and Bourtzis have significantly influenced this field. Bradford's law highlights WR distribution among 876 sources, with 37.54 % of studies being collaborative. Six thematic areas have evolved toward practical applications, particularly in vector control and disease management. Emerging topics since 2015, such as “cytoplasmic incompatibility” and “arboviruses,” reflect growing interest in microbiology and disease control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00438"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144365107","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":"Distribution of Rhipicephalus microplus and Hyalomma lusitanicum, and the pathogens they are carrying: A systematic review","authors":"Afito Luciano ,&nbsp;Binta J.J. Jallow ,&nbsp;Mandie Liu ,&nbsp;Yuting Ma ,&nbsp;Regina Daniel Miambo ,&nbsp;Fanming Meng","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00437","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00437","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em> and <em>Hyalomma lusitanicum</em> are highly adaptable ectoparasites that feed on vertebrates, including people and both domestic and wild animals. This systematic review aims to identify, compile, and evaluate relevant articles published after January 1, 2000, until April 30, 2024, from several scientific databases documenting the distribution or prevalence of <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em> and/or <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, as well as tick-borne pathogens globally. We conducted a thorough search in Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Scopus from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2024. This systematic review was implemented according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Of the 223 studies included in this systematic review, 83.0 % detected <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em>, reported across 42 countries. In contrast, 17.0 % detected <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, which has only been reported in eight countries. A total of 113 studies included in this systematic review reported the presence of tick-borne pathogens, with 78.8 % focused on <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em> and 21.2 % addressing <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>. In this review, 94 tick-borne pathogens were reported. Of the tick-borne pathogens identified in <em>Rh</em>. <em>microplus</em>, bacteria were the most reported, representing 71.6 %, followed by viruses with 15.1 %. Among bacteria, the genus <em>Anaplasma</em> was the most frequent, with 26.8 %, followed by <em>Rickettsia</em>, with 17.2 %. The tick-borne pathogens identified in <em>Hy</em>. <em>lusitanicum</em>, bacteria were the most frequent, with 68.1 %, followed by protozoa, with 21.3 %. Genus <em>Rickettsia</em> was the most frequent among bacteria, with 25.5 %, followed by <em>Anaplasma</em> with 19.2 %. This systematic review provided insight crucial for managing and controlling tick-borne diseases by integrating the One Health approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00437"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271374","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":"Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in domestic sheep in the Faroe Islands","authors":"Eyðfinn Magnussen ,&nbsp;Bergur Hanusson ,&nbsp;Pikka Jokelainen ,&nbsp;Sunnvør í Kongsstovu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00436","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00436","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Little has been known about the zoonotic parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> in the remote isolated archipelago of the Faroe Islands. This study was conducted to estimate <em>T. gondii</em> seroprevalence in domestic sheep in the Faroe Islands. We tested samples from 122 sheep slaughtered for human consumption in October 2021 for presence of antibodies against the parasite using a commercial multi-species ELISA. The sheep originated from 14 land lots across the Faroe Islands. Four sheep were seropositive for <em>T. gondii</em>, corresponding to a seroprevalence estimate of 3.3 %. All four seropositive sheep were adult ewes; the seroprevalence estimate among adult ewes was 19.0 %. At least one seropositive sheep was found from three of the 14 land lots (21.4 %). All seropositive sheep were adult ewes, suggesting acquired infections from oocysts. The infections occurred in three distant out-fields, indicating multifocal environmental oocyst contamination.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144212274","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 of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies among waste collectors in Kuwait","authors":"Anfal Yousef","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00431","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00431","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease with a global burden, particularly affecting pregnant women, neonates and immunosuppressed individuals. Latent toxoplasmosis has also been associated with neuropsychological disorders in immunocompetent individuals. In Kuwait, the unregulated presence of stray cats in residential areas may contribute to toxoplasmosis spread within the community. The targeted population of this study were waste cleaners, a potentially higher risk group in the community. The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> among waste collectors across two governorates of Kuwait – Kuwait City and Jahra.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Blood samples were collected from 201 waste workers from two different cities: 53 and 148 workers from Kuwait City Governorate and Jahra Governorate, respectively. These samples were analysed to determine the seroprevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> antibodies (IgM and IgG) and IgG avidity using a chemiluminescence immunoassay.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed that a total of 1 % and 21 % of waste workers had <em>T. gondii</em> IgM and IgG antibodies in their sera, respectively. Furthermore, 26 % of seropositive workers exhibited high avidity, indicating that infections were likely not recent. Almost half of seropositive workers (49 %) demonstrated low IgG avidity.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Recent travel history, age, or nationality were not statistically significant factors in determining seropositivity. The results of this study highlight the widespread presence in waste workers, where one in five was seropositive for <em>T. gondii</em> with no significant differences in both cities. Our findings emphasise the need for implementing preventive measures within a One Health framework to control the spread of toxoplasmosis in the environment, the food industry and the community.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271372","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":"Economic burden of malaria on developing countries: A mini review","authors":"Kelechi Chinemerem Mezieobi ,&nbsp;Esther Ugo Alum ,&nbsp;Okechukwu Paul-Chima Ugwu ,&nbsp;Daniel Ejim Uti ,&nbsp;Benedict Nnachi Alum ,&nbsp;Simeon Ikechukwu Egba ,&nbsp;Clinton Michael Ewah","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00435","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00435","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a major public health challenge in developing nations, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, with profound economic implications. This study examines the economic burden of malaria by analyzing its effects on economic growth, labor productivity, healthcare expenditure, and overall economic stability. A systematic literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, JSTOR, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, with search terms including “Malaria,” “Economic Costs,” “GDP Effect,” “Labor Productivity,” “Health Care Expenditure Impact,” and “Economic Growth.” The search was restricted to studies published between 2000 and 2023, excluding those lacking quantitative data or precise economic evaluations. Findings indicate that malaria significantly hampers GDP growth, reduces investment, and negatively impacts the tourism sector and human capital development. The disease contributes to high absenteeism and presentism, particularly in the agricultural sector, exacerbating poverty and food insecurity. Both direct and indirect economic costs impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems, households, and public services, creating poverty cycles and increasing debt among affected populations. To mitigate these effects, the study underscores the need for strengthened healthcare systems, enhanced prophylactic interventions, sustained research and development, economic support programs, and global collaboration. Given the significant impact of malaria on the health and economic status of nations, tackling both its health and economic effects will fast tract the attainment of sustainable development especially in malaria-endemic countries.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00435"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144184407","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":"Global geographical distribution of Toxoplasma gondii genotypes from dogs: A systematic review","authors":"Maryam Hataminejad ,&nbsp;Mahbobeh Montazeri ,&nbsp;Asal Tanzifi ,&nbsp;Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00433","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00433","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite with a complex life cycle involving various intermediate hosts, including dogs. Dogs can act as intermediate hosts for <em>T. gondii</em>, allowing the parasite to undergo asexual reproduction within their tissues. This can lead to the formation of tissue cysts containing bradyzoites, which can be transmitted to other hosts. Therefore, the infectious strains of <em>T. gondii</em> in dogs could reflect the primary genotypes infecting the environment, humans, and animals. This comprehensive research aims to assess the genetic diversity of <em>T. gondii</em> isolates collected from dogs worldwide. A thorough search of four academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science) and Google Scholar was conducted for literature published from January 1990 to March 2024. In the present study, a total of 26 papers met the criteria for inclusion. The results revealed that atypical genotypes were the most prevalent, accounting for 78.2 % of the total isolates (151 out of 193). Clonal Types III, II, and I were less frequent, with prevalence rates of 9.8 % (19 out of 193), 7.8 % (15 out of 193), and 3.1 % (6 out of 193), respectively. Type I clonal isolates have been documented in regions including Asia, Europe, and North America. Type II isolates have been identified in Africa, Europe, Oceania, and North America. Furthermore, Type III isolates, along with atypical genotypes, have been reported across Africa, Asia, North America, and South America. According to an analysis of 159 ToxoDB genotypes found in dogs worldwide, ToxoDB #2 (Type III) was the most prevalent genotype (18/159), followed by ToxoDB #1 or #3 (Type II) (15/159), ToxoDB #9 (15/159), and ToxoDB #20 (15/159). Overall, our study revealed low genetic diversity of <em>T. gondii</em> in dogs from Europe, Oceania, and Africa, with circulating clonal strains. Conversely, despite the higher number of isolates in Asia, North America, and South America, non-clonal parasites with extensive genetic diversity were prevalent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00433"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144190476","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":"Implemented strategic trypanosomosis and vector control activities along the Birbir River Basin through the application of deltamethrin-based insecticides using stationary attractive devices (targets), ground spraying, and live bait techniques","authors":"Behablom Meharenet,&nbsp;Tekalegn Desta,&nbsp;Dessalew Shitu,&nbsp;Mintesnot Tsegaye","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00432","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00432","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Baseline and control intervention entomological and parasitological studies were conducted from September 2016 to February 2018 with the intended purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of implemented strategic trypanosomosis and vector control activities. The baseline and control intervention entomological studies compared and revealed a decline in the overall apparent fly density from 2.61 flies/trap/day during the baseline study to 1.68 flies/trap/day after the control intervention, representing a reduction of 64.37%. Additionally, the mean daily catch per trap showed a significant reduction from 5.23 ± 1.58 to 3.35 ± 1.58 (mean catch ± SD). The comparison of baseline and control study results showed a significant decline in the overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis, from 7.91% to 4.81% (likelihood ratio = 13.49, <em>P</em> ≤ 0.00), corresponding to a reduction of 60.81%. Furthermore, a better herd mean packed cell volume (PCV) was observed during the control intervention study (22.53 ± 4.48 and 25.68 ± 4.04, mean PCV ± SD) compared to the baseline (21.87 ± 4.57 and 25.41 ± 4.27, mean PCV ± SD) in parasite-infected cattle. Therefore, the results of the study clearly showed that the implemented vector control activity, specifically the application of deltamethrin insecticides on stationary attractive devices (targets), ground sprays, and live bait techniques, effectively suppressed both the vector population (Glossina flies) and parasite prevalence (trypanosomiasis) during the study period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00432"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169948","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":"Biocontrol potential of Arabidopsis thaliana against Biomphalaria glabrata, the intermediate host of Schistosoma mansoni, focusing on biological, physiological, histopathological, and genotoxic impacts","authors":"Najla Y. Beit Elmal ,&nbsp;Fathy A. Abdel Ghaffar ,&nbsp;Salwa A.H. Hamdi ,&nbsp;Amina M. Ibrahim ,&nbsp;Mona F. Fol ,&nbsp;Nesma A. Mostafa","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00428","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00428","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Controlling <em>Biomphalaria</em> species with plant products is crucial in the treatment of schistosomiasis since it is eco-friendly and generally less harmful to non-target organisms. The goal of this study was to determine the molluscicidal activity of an aqueous extract of <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> leaves against <em>Biomphalaria glabrata.</em> A preliminary phytochemical screening test revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, anthraquinones, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and carbohydrates. Following exposure to sub-lethal concentrations (LC₁₀ 75.62 mg/L and LC₂₅ 90.52 mg/L) of aqueous extract of <em>A. thaliana</em>, a reduction in survival, reproductive, and fecundity rates of <em>B. glabrata</em> were detected, as well as a substantial decrease in GSH, CAT, and SOD, while increasing MDA and NO levels. In addition, there was an increase in liver and renal functions as well as lipid profiles, compared to the control group. Histopathological examination of the digestive gland of treated <em>B. glabrata</em> showed a shrinkage of the tubules and an increase in the inter-tubular spaces as well as degeneration in the oocytes and spermatocytes of the hermaphrodite glands with a loss of connective tissues between the acini. Also, the comet assay revealed a genotoxic effect of aqueous extract of <em>A. thaliana</em> on <em>B. glabrata,</em> with a significant increase in the tail moment, tail length, and DNA percentage reflecting DNA damage compared to the control group. Conclusively, <em>Arabidopsis thaliana</em> aqueous extract acts as a natural molluscicidal agent against <em>Biomphalaria glabrata</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00428"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144116253","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 Coranus spp. in a pregnant patient: A case of misidentified Chagas disease vector in Spain","authors":"Jorge Ligero-López ,&nbsp;María Dolores Bargues ,&nbsp;Patricio Artigas ,&nbsp;Giulia Colangeli ,&nbsp;Fabiola Peiró-Codina ,&nbsp;María Ducons-Márquez ,&nbsp;Beatriz López-Alonso ,&nbsp;Pilar Goñi ,&nbsp;Antonio Beltrán-Rosel","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00426","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00426","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chagas disease is a significant public health concern in the Americas, transmitted primarily by vectors of the Triatominae subfamily. While Europe, particularly Spain, is free from endemic vectors, the potential for misidentification of non-hematophagous insects as Chagas vectors exists, leading to unnecessary alarm. We present the case of a 31-year-old pregnant Venezuelan woman residing in Spain, who sought medical attention after being bitten by an arthropod she identified as <em>Triatoma infestans</em>. The patient's awareness of Chagas disease in her country of origin heightened her concern about vertical transmission of <em>Trypanosoma cruzi</em> to her fetus. However, serological testing for <em>T. cruzi</em> antibodies was negative. The insect was initially misidentified as <em>T. infestans</em> but was later confirmed through molecular analysis to be <em>Coranus</em> spp., a non-hematophagous reduviid predator. The 18S rRNA gene sequence revealed a 99.37 % similarity to <em>Coranus</em> spp., ruling out any vectorial capacity for Chagas disease. This case underscores the importance of accurate arthropod identification, especially in non-endemic regions, to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment. From a public health perspective, the introduction of a Chagas disease vector into Spain would represent a serious threat, necessitating prompt identification and containment measures. Our findings highlight the challenges posed by invasive species and the need for vigilance in regions where Chagas disease is not endemic. Proper identification of suspected vectors is crucial to ensure appropriate clinical and public health responses, preventing unwarranted anxiety and ensuring accurate disease surveillance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"29 ","pages":"Article e00426"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143887973","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}