Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Spatio-temporal dynamics of malaria incidence in children under five years of age and correlation with meteorological variability in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon between 2015-2022","authors":"Abas Mouliom ,&nbsp;Fredline Ilorme ,&nbsp;Joël Marcelin Ateba ,&nbsp;Germaine Ekoyol ,&nbsp;Jean Fotso ,&nbsp;Jean Pierre Kidwang ,&nbsp;Janvier Tchopwe ,&nbsp;Sali Djele ,&nbsp;Joel olivier Dzika ,&nbsp;Estelle Essangui Same ,&nbsp;Lawrence Ayong ,&nbsp;Innocent Mbulli Ali ,&nbsp;Else Carole Eboumbou Moukoko","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00464","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00464","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Changes in environmental temperature, humidity, and rainfall can affect the survival and behavior of the mosquito vector of malaria parasites, thereby influencing malaria incidence rates. We investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics of malaria incidence in two geo-epidemiological transmission zones (North and Far North regions) of Cameroon and assessed its correlation with various meteorological factors. Malaria and meteorological data were obtained from the local health information system and by remote sensing, respectively. Malaria risk was stratified according to spatial heterogeneity of incidence. The strength of the association between malaria incidence and meteorological variables was measured using distributed lag nonlinear models (DLNM). A generalized additive quasi-Poisson regression model was used to account for over-dispersion in the number of cases. The values observed during the non-epidemic season were used as exposure reference values for the effects predicted by the DLNM.</div><div>Between 2015 and 2022, the maximum recorded incidence was 190.6 (189.5–191.8) per 1000 person-years for the North region and 243.8 (242.9–244.7) for the Far North region. Stratification of health districts by malaria risk showed that most health districts are located in areas of very low to low transmission. From more than one millimeter rainfall per day (1 mm/day) on average, the risk of malaria transmission was 1.2 times higher (RR = 1.2, 95 % CI: 1.1–1.2) in the North region and 1.4 times higher (RR = 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.3–1.5) in the Far North region and increased with rainfall intensity. Humidity at 70 % increased the risk of transmission 2 times higher (RR = 2, 95 % CI: 1.4–2.8) in the North region and 3.7 times higher (RR = 3.7, 95 % CI: 2–4.6) in the Far North region. Collectively, the data reveal significant year-to-year variations in malaria incidences in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon, and a strong association with meteorological factors such as humidity and rainfall.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00464"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568193","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":"Strongyloides seroprevalence in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia: Epidemiological profiles and comparison of two assays","authors":"Emelia Osman ,&nbsp;Rahmah Noordin ,&nbsp;Rozita Mohd ,&nbsp;Lydia Kamaruzaman ,&nbsp;Siti Nor Azreen Abdul Manap ,&nbsp;S. Izuddin Mohd. Zali ,&nbsp;Nur Afrina Azhar ,&nbsp;Nor Suhada Anuar","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00458","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Strongyloides stercoralis</em> infection poses significant risks to individuals with suppressed immune systems, including patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, data on its prevalence in this population, particularly in Southeast Asia, remains scarce. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence using two assays, as well as to describe its epidemiological characteristics and associated laboratory parameters among patients with advanced CKD at a tertiary hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A total of 220 patients with stages 4 and 5 CKD were recruited. Serum samples were screened using a commercial IgG-ELISA (Bordier) and an IgG4-based rapid diagnostic test (IgG4-RDT). Epidemiological and clinical data were collected through structured interviews and medical records. The overall <em>S. stercoralis</em> seroprevalence was 44 %, with 41.8 % detected by IgG4-RDT and 6.8 % by IgG-ELISA, showing only slight agreement (κ = 0.2). These findings suggest that, despite the impaired humoral immunity typically observed in advanced CKD patients, specific IgG4 responses remain sufficiently detectable. It may reflect both a relatively preserved IgG4 response and the higher sensitivity of the IgG4-based assay in this population. No significant associations were found between seropositivity and demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, or laboratory parameters. However, cough was significantly associated with seropositivity. The results highlight a potentially underrecognized burden of <em>Strongyloides</em> infection among Malaysian CKD patients. Incorporating serological screening, particularly with the IgG4-RDT, into nephrology care may facilitate early detection and better management. Future studies are warranted to assess treatment outcomes and preventive strategies, including ivermectin prophylaxis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00458"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110218","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":"Level, trends and factors associated with early seeking care for children under five with a fever in Guinea","authors":"Sidiki Kaba ,&nbsp;Mamadou Dian Dilé Diallo ,&nbsp;Facinet Conté","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00459","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains the leading cause of morbidity in Guinea. To contain it, the National Malaria Control Programme, following the guidelines of the World Health Organisation, prioritises the mass distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, seasonal chemoprevention, intermittent preventive treatment for pregnant women and the proper management of all confirmed cases. The latest survey on malaria and anaemia indicators conducted in 2021 indicates a malaria prevalence of 17 % among children under five. Among these children who had a fever in the two weeks preceding the survey, only 32 % of cases were treated within 48 h in 2021, compared to 37 % in 2018. This represents a decline in the use of health care services, even though the prevalence of malaria remains high. In light of this observation, it is essential to identify the factors that explain this low use of health care and/or treatment for fever in children under five in Guinea.</div><div>In this context, the data used comes from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey and the 2021 Malaria and Anaemia Indicator Survey. Factors associated with early recourse to care for children with fever in Guinea are identified through descriptive and explanatory analyses.</div><div>The results show that early recourse to care for children with fever is low and declining, while the prevalence of malaria infections has remained unchanged (17 %) since 2018. Indeed, early recourse to health care for children is low in rural areas, in poor households and in the regions of Boké, Kindia, Labé and Nzérékoré.</div><div>Research into the factors associated with children suffering from fever seeking care early, particularly in endemic areas, could help to identify new strategies for eradicating malaria in Guinea. The impact of such research could be profound, saving countless lives and improving the health of the country's children.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00459"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145110114","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":"Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in Franceville, Gabon","authors":"Krista Mapagha-Boundoukou ,&nbsp;Larson Boundenga ,&nbsp;Mohamed H. Mohamed-Djawad ,&nbsp;Neil M. Longo-Pendy ,&nbsp;Patrice Makouloutou-Nzassi ,&nbsp;Mourad Ben Said ,&nbsp;Gael Darren Maganga","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00465","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00465","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal parasites represent a major constraint on the health and productivity of small ruminants worldwide. In Gabon, and particularly in Franceville, data regarding parasite diversity, prevalence, and associated risk factors remain scarce. Understanding these aspects is crucial to develop effective, targeted control strategies and to safeguard animal health and food security. A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to October 2019, covering both dry and rainy seasons in Franceville, southeastern Gabon. A total of 120 fecal samples (113 sheep and 7 goats) were collected from twelve farms representing semi-intensive and extensive husbandry systems. Samples were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation coprological techniques to identify and quantify parasite eggs and oocysts. Host and environmental data, including age, sex, physiological status, farming system, and season, were recorded. Statistical analysis included prevalence estimation, Chi-square tests for association, and linear regression models with model selection based on Akaike's Information Criterion. The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence of 91.7 % was observed, consistent with regional African data. Ten parasite genera were identified, encompassing nematodes, cestodes, and protozoa. The most prevalent were <em>Oesophagostomum</em>/<em>Haemonchus</em> complex (64.6 %), <em>Eimeria</em> spp. (53.3 %), <em>Strongyloides</em> spp. (42.5 %), and <em>Trichostrongylus</em> spp. (38.0 %). Nematodes exhibited the highest mean infection intensity (∼1577 eggs per gram), followed by protozoa and cestodes. Risk factor analysis revealed that juveniles had higher prevalence of infestation, but lower parasite loads than adults, males carried higher burdens than females, and pregnant females had significantly elevated parasite loads (∼2.5 times higher). Extensive farming was associated with increased prevalence and burden, while seasonality influenced genus-specific occurrence. Limitations included small sample size for goats and absence of molecular diagnostics. This first study in Franceville (Gabon) demonstrates a high burden and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants, with key host and environmental factors influencing infection dynamics. The findings highlight the urgent need for genus-specific, integrated control measures adapted to local husbandry and seasonal patterns, especially targeting vulnerable groups like pregnant females. Future longitudinal studies employing molecular tools are recommended to refine parasite identification and optimize intervention strategies. Given the zoonotic potential of some parasites, a One Health approach is essential to improve animal health, public health, and food security in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00465"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614369","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":"Culicidae vector ecology in southern Iran: Integrating Faunistics and molecular analysis of blood-feeding preferences to strengthen malaria surveillance in transition zones","authors":"Mohsen Kalantari,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00460","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00460","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Culicidae mosquitoes are pivotal vectors of malaria and arboviral diseases, necessitating continuous surveillance in transitional zones where ecological and anthropogenic factors amplify transmission risks. This study investigated the fauna and blood-feeding preferences of Culicidae in Shiraz, southern Iran—a region adjacent to malaria-endemic provinces—using molecular methods to inform vector control strategies. From April 2023 to January 2024, 1249 adult mosquitoes were collected across urban and rural sites via pyrethrum spray catches, CDC light traps, and manual aspiration. Morphological identification revealed <em>Culex pipiens</em> (39.0 %), <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> (23.6 %), and <em>Aedes caspius</em> (19.6 %) as dominant Culicinae species, while <em>Anopheles dthali</em> (80.6 % of Anophelinae) and <em>An. sacharovi</em> (19.4 %) comprised the primary Anophelinae. PCR-RFLP analysis of mitochondrial “cytochrome <em>b</em>” gene fragments from 50 blood-fed females demonstrated distinct host preferences: <em>Anopheles</em> spp. primarily fed on rodents/dogs (41 %) and humans (28 %), whereas <em>Cx. pipiens</em> exhibited marked anthropophily (54 % human blood meals). Spatial clustering of <em>An. sacharovi</em> in irrigation-rich northern Shiraz (<em>χ</em>^<em>2</em> = 12.7, *p* &lt; 0.01) and mixed human-livestock blood meals in <em>Cx. pipiens</em> highlighted ecological overlap favoring zoonotic spillover. These findings underscore the dual role of <em>Cx. pipiens</em> as an important vector for arboviruses and the residual malaria risk posed by <em>Anopheles</em> spp. in transitional zones. Molecular techniques proved critical for precise blood meal identification, surpassing traditional serological limitations. The study advocates for integrated vector management—combining targeted insecticide use, environmental modification, and cross-border surveillance—to mitigate malaria resurgence and emerging arboviral threats. Sustained entomological monitoring, leveraging molecular tools, is essential to safeguard Iran's malaria elimination achievements and address evolving public health challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"31 ","pages":"Article e00460"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160340","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":"Sliding mode control with stochastic modeling and mobility interaction for managing epidemic spread in high-population regions","authors":"Dewi Suhika ,&nbsp;Roberd Saragih ,&nbsp;Dewi Handayani ,&nbsp;Mochamad Apri","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00439","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00439","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Managing infectious disease transmission in high-mobility regions is a critical challenge due to dynamic population interactions and elevated transmission risks. This study develops a stochastic epidemiological model to simulate disease spread between two densely populated provinces in Indonesia, Jakarta and West Java. A robust sliding mode control (SMC) framework is proposed and integrated with an Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to estimate key epidemiological parameters in real time using limited observable data. The proposed framework functions as a theoretical and simulation-based tool to evaluate the potential effects of vaccination and isolation strategies. Although full-state variables are not directly measurable in practice, the EKF allows for the estimation of unobservable parameters, thereby enabling control analysis under uncertainty. Simulation results demonstrate that the SMC strategy significantly reduces infection levels in both provinces, achieving reductions of 84.45 % and 63.94 % in Jakarta, and 98.83 % and 58.35 % in West Java, for the original and Omicron variants, respectively. By incorporating stochasticity, the model captures natural fluctuations and mismatched uncertainties in epidemic progression. This work contributes a conceptual control framework that integrates EKF and SMC for managing stochastic epidemic systems. While the approach is not directly implementable for real-time policymaking, it offers valuable insight into disease dynamics and the potential impact of control strategies under limited observability. These findings support the use of data-driven control simulations for scenario evaluation and policy guidance in complex, uncertain epidemic settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00439"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144321819","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 evidence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in arid urban landscapes of shiraz cockroaches (Blattodea), Southwest Iran: Implications for urban public health surveillance","authors":"Mohsen Kalantari ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Negin Kiani Junaghani ,&nbsp;Mozaffar Vahedi ,&nbsp;Iraj Mohammadpour ,&nbsp;Qasem Asgari ,&nbsp;Amin Hosseinpour ,&nbsp;Mehdi Miri","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00446","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00446","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Microsporidia, particularly <em>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</em> and <em>Encephalitozoon intestinalis</em>, are emerging fungal pathogens of global concern, causing severe gastrointestinal and systemic infections in immunocompromised individuals. Cockroaches (Blattodea), as synanthropic pests, are potential mechanical vectors for disseminating these pathogens in urban environments. Despite their clinical significance, data on the role of cockroaches in transmitting microsporidia in arid regions remain scarce. This study assessed the contamination of cockroaches in Shiraz, Iran, with <em>E. bieneusi</em> and <em>E. intestinalis</em> to evaluate their public health risks. From January to June 2023, 378 cockroaches were collected from high-risk areas, including Hospitals and adjacent public areas. Specimens were morphologically identified and screened via microscopy. Molecular detection of <em>E. bieneusi</em> and <em>E. intestinalis</em> was performed using PCR targeting the 18sRNA region. DNA was extracted from pooled samples (10 cockroaches/pool) and amplified under standardized thermocycling conditions. All cockroaches were identified as <em>Periplaneta americana</em> (77.5 %) and <em>Blattella germanica</em> (22.5 %). In molecular assay, three positive case of <em>E. bieneusi</em> was detected, However, no <em>E. intestinalis</em> DNA was identified via PCR. This study reports the first molecular detection of <em>E. bieneusi</em> in Shiraz cockroaches. In continue, it records no evidence of <em>E. intestinalis</em>, which suggesting climatic or environmental barriers to limit this microsporidian persistence in this arid region. These findings highlight the need for integrated vector management and advanced molecular surveillance to elucidate the epidemiology of understudied pathogens like microsporidia in rapidly urbanizing regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00446"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144596450","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":"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":"2025-08-01","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":"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":"2025-08-01","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":"Diagnostic performance evaluation of ParaEgg for identifying intestinal helminthiasis: A comparative study with conventional copromicroscopy","authors":"Tilak Chandra Nath ,&nbsp;Heeil Lee ,&nbsp;Md. Mahamudul Hasan ,&nbsp;Tanmoy Roy Rudro ,&nbsp;Dipta Das ,&nbsp;Md. Taufiqur Rahman ,&nbsp;Nandiny Saha Roy ,&nbsp;Pritha Parial ,&nbsp;Proloy Chakraborty Tusher ,&nbsp;Tarek Siddiki","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00449","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00449","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Intestinal helminthiasis remains a significant public health concern in Bangladesh, affecting both humans and animals. Conventional copromicroscopic methods, though widely used, often lack sensitivity, particularly in areas with low prevalence and intensity of infection. ParaEgg, a new diagnostic tool, has been developed to improve the efficiency of copromicroscopic detection. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ParaEgg in detecting intestinal helminth infections in humans and dogs compared to commonly used traditional methods.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2024, analyzing 100 human stool samples and 100 dog fecal samples. For human samples, ParaEgg was compared with Formalin-Ether Concentration Technique (FET), Sodium Nitrate Flotation (SNF), Harada Mori Technique (HM), and Kato-Katz Smear (KK). For animal samples, ParaEgg was evaluated against FET, SNF, and HM. Diagnostic performance was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), with the composite results of all methods serving as the gold standard. Additionally, ParaEgg's efficacy was evaluated using naturally infected and experimentally seeded (<em>Trichuris</em> and <em>Ascaris</em> eggs) fecal samples.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The overall helminth infection rates were 24 % in humans and 53 % in dogs. In humans, five types of helminth genera (<em>Ascaris, Trichuris, Enterobius, hookworm, and Hymenolepis</em>) were detected, while six genera (<em>Toxocara, Trichuris, Spirometra, hookworm, Alaria, and Hymenolepis</em>) were identified in dogs. In human, ParaEgg detected 24 % of positive cases, closely following Kato-Katz Smear (26 %) and outperforming FET (18 %), SNF (19 %), and HM (9 %). In animal samples, ParaEgg demonstrated superior performance, identifying 53 % of positive cases compared to FET (48 %), SNF (45 %), and HM (29 %). ParaEgg exhibited a sensitivity of 85.7 % and specificity of 95.5 %, closely matching Kato-Katz Smear (sensitivity: 93.7 %, specificity: 95.5 %). Its NPV (80.1 %) and PPV (97.1 %) further confirmed its diagnostic reliability. In experimentally seeded samples, ParaEgg achieved 81.5 % recovery for <em>Trichuris</em> eggs and 89.0 % for <em>Ascaris</em> eggs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight ParaEgg as an effective diagnostic tool, comparable to Kato-Katz Smear and superior to traditional methods. Its ability to detect mixed infections, egg recovery rate and its high sensitivity in both human and animal samples underscore its potential for widespread application in field settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00449"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144656363","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}