Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Epidemiological patterns of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Iran and its neighboring endemic high-risk territories: A systematic review","authors":"Jalal Mohammadi ,&nbsp;Mohammad Amin Rezaei ,&nbsp;Kourosh Azizi ,&nbsp;Zahra Nasiri ,&nbsp;Mohsen Kalantari","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00499","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00499","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study synthesizes epidemiological, virological, and ecological data from Iran and its neighboring endemic countries between 2005 and 2025. Analysis of 55 included studies revealed that the disease disproportionately affects males aged 15–44, particularly livestock handlers, slaughterhouse workers, and housewives, with elevated incidence in border provinces during spring and summer. <em>Hyalomma</em> ticks were identified as the primary reservoirs and vectors, while domestic ruminants—sheep, goats, and cattle —were confirmed as served as amplifying hosts. Phylogenetic investigations highlighted the Asia 1 genotype (Clade IV) across all three nations. Case fatality rates varied regionally, ranging from 8% to 20% in Iran and escalating to 12%–40% in Iran's territories, reflecting disparities in healthcare access and outbreak management. Endemic transmission hubs were concentrated in interconnected border zones, driven by unregulated livestock trade and seasonal migration that facilitate bidirectional pathogen exchange. The findings underscore the role of ecological connectivity and socioeconomic practices in perpetuating CCHF's regional burden. This review provides a novel, integrated perspective on cross-border transmission dynamics, offering insights for targeted interventions. Addressing these gaps will be critical to curbing CCHF's impact high-risk regions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e00499"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797366","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":"Plasmodium falciparum genetic diversity in border areas of Myanmar assessed by genotyping merozoite surface protein genes","authors":"Jia Ma ,&nbsp;Yanrui Wu ,&nbsp;Weilin Zeng ,&nbsp;Xi Chen ,&nbsp;Zheng Xiang ,&nbsp;Cuiying Li ,&nbsp;Yanmei Zhang ,&nbsp;Hui Zhao ,&nbsp;Mengxi Duan ,&nbsp;Tao Liang ,&nbsp;Ye Mou ,&nbsp;Xiuya Tang ,&nbsp;Cheng Liu ,&nbsp;Myat Thurein Kyaw ,&nbsp;Aye Nyein Thu ,&nbsp;Myat Phone Kyaw ,&nbsp;Liwang Cui ,&nbsp;Zhaoqing Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00489","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00489","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Background&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;The description of genetic diversity of malaria parasite populations in malaria-endemic areas may help determine the effectiveness of malaria interventions in the region. This study aimed to evaluate the genetic diversity and allele frequencies of the merozoite surface protein 1 gene (&lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt;) and merozoite surface protein 2 gene (&lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt;) in &lt;em&gt;Plasmodium falciparum&lt;/em&gt; populations collected from Paletwa Township in western Myanmar and two regions along the China-Myanmar border (the Myitsone and Bhamo regions of Myanmar).&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Between 2013 and 2022, malaria cases in China were predominantly imported, with border counties in Yunnan reporting the highest number of cases nationwide. Furthermore, malaria transmission rates in adjacent townships in Myanmar remained relatively high. A total of 176 &lt;em&gt;P. falciparum&lt;/em&gt;-infected blood samples were collected from local residents with infections in Bhamo and Paletwa Township in Myanmar, as well as from migrant malaria patients from Yunnan, China, who had worked in Myitsone, Myanmar. Among them, 96 samples were collected from Paletwa Township, Myanmar in 2015, and 28 from Bhamo, Myanmar in 2018–2019, both from local residents. In 2013, 55 samples were obtained from Chinese migrant workers returning from Myitsone, Myanmar, via the Tengchong border checkpoint in Yunnan, China. The genomic DNA was extracted, and the &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt; genes were genotyped by nested PCR using allele-specific primers for &lt;em&gt;P. falciparum.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;A total of 176 and 162 samples were successfully genotyped at the &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt; genes, respectively. Among them, 54 samples were successfully amplified for the &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt; allelic families in Myitsone, 27 samples in Bhamo, and 95 samples in Paletwa Township. Additionally, 46 samples were successfully amplified for the &lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt; allelic families in Myitsone, 24 samples in Bhamo, and 92 samples in Paletwa Township. Among the three cities, MAD20 was the most frequent allele in the &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt; gene, while 3D7 was the most frequent allele in the &lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt; gene. The MAD20 allele predominated with 89% (48/54), 85% (23/27) and 67% (64/95) in Myitsone, Bhamo and Paletwa Township respectively, followed by K1 with 65% (35/54) and 44% (12/27) in Myitsone and Bhamo, respectively. The second most frequent allele in Paletwa Township was RO33, representing 47% (45/95) of the population. In migrant workers, residents of Bhamo and residents of Paletwa Township, the multiplicity of infection (MOI) estimated from &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt; was 1.87, 1.33 and 1.56, respectively And meanwhile, the MOI estimated from &lt;em&gt;Msp2&lt;/em&gt; was 1.17, 1.29 and 1.35 respectively. Migrant workers harbored MOI and rate of multi-infections more frequently (72%) than residents of Bhamo or Paletwa Township (43% and 45%, respectively) based on &lt;em&gt;Msp1&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusi","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e00489"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147991853","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":"Polymorphisms of the plasmodium falciparum dihydropteroate synthase gene among patients attending LEPI and ADLUCEM hospitals in the west region of Cameroon","authors":"Guela Djoukou Mba Edna ,&nbsp;Noumedem Anangmo Christelle Nadia ,&nbsp;Yamssi Cedric ,&nbsp;Simeni Njonnou Sylvain Raoul ,&nbsp;Ngongang Ouankou Christian ,&nbsp;Tchuenkam Kom Pacome ,&nbsp;Ngouyamsa Nsapkain Aboubakar Sidiki ,&nbsp;Tientcheu Noutong Jemimah Sandra ,&nbsp;Toumko Towa Merveille ,&nbsp;Guemegne Anaiss Patricia Line ,&nbsp;Kana Tsague Yval ,&nbsp;Haibo Hu ,&nbsp;Simeon Pierre Choukem","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cameroon bears a high malaria burden, and sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (SP) remains widely used for intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy despite the adoption of artemisinin-based combination therapies. Continued programmatic use of SP under sustained malaria transmission exerts selective pressure for resistant <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> strains. This study investigated the molecular epidemiology of resistance-associated mutations in the <em>P. falciparum</em> dihydropteroate synthase (<em>Pfdhps</em>) gene in two health facilities in the Mbouda Health District, Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Blood samples were collected from consenting patients, and tested using a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and thick blood smear to detect <em>P. falciparum</em> and determine parasite density. Positive samples were spotted onto Whatman filter paper for molecular analysis. Parasite DNA was extracted using the Chelex 100 method. The Pfdhps gene was amplified by semi-nested PCR, and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was performed using <em>AvaII</em> and <em>BstUI</em> to detect the A437G and A581G mutations, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 286 samples (198 women and 88 men aged 29 ± 20 years) were collected, <em>P. falciparum</em> was present in 87 (30.41%). Male participants had a slightly higher mean parasite density (2343 ± 1240 parasites/μL) compared to females (2283 ± 1483 parasites/μL). Education level was also significantly associated with positivity (<em>p</em> = 0.001), with the highest prevalence among participants with primary education only (41.66%) and the lowest among those with no formal schooling (10.34%). The frequency of the A581G mutant allele was 67.60%, while that of A437G was 45.07%. The wild-type allele frequencies were 48.87% for A437G and 22.53% for A581G. Mixed alleles were observed only for A437G (1.40%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The high frequency of <em>Pfdhps</em> mutations suggests substantial sulfadoxine resistance pressure in the study area. However, as <em>dhfr</em> mutations associated with pyrimethamine resistance were not assessed, overall sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine efficacy cannot be conclusively determined.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e00510"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147849639","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 amitraz acaricide footbaths against cattle and goat tick infestations on sites in Highveld and Lowveld regions of Zimbabwe","authors":"Obey Daga ,&nbsp;Thokozani Hove ,&nbsp;Silvester Chikerema ,&nbsp;Vladimir Grosbois ,&nbsp;Christopher Gadzirai ,&nbsp;Frédéric Stachurski ,&nbsp;Mathieu Bourgarel ,&nbsp;Laure Guerrini","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00479","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00479","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks cause significant economic losses in the Zimbabwean livestock sector. Conventional control methods such as plunge dipping or hand spraying are costly, water-intensive, and often impractical, particularly during dry seasons. This study evaluated the efficacy of amitraz acaricide footbaths in reducing tick infestations on cattle and goat across three sites in the Highveld and Lowveld regions of Zimbabwe between February and October 2023. Tick infestation levels were compared between livestock managed using conventional tick control methods (plunge dipping complemented by tick grease application in Lowveld, or complete body hand spraying in the highveld) and livestock managed using footbathing complemented by tick grease application. A total of 21,500 ticks representing eight species were collected on 48 cattle and 48 goats. The effects of treatment and season on tick infestation were tested using zero-inflated negative binomial regression models, which accounted for excess zeros and overdispersion in tick count data. In the Lowveld, footbaths significantly reduced cattle tick infestation by the 3 most abundant tick species: <em>Ripicephalus microplus</em> (40% reduction), <em>Amblyoma. hebraeum</em> (51%) and <em>R. decoloratus</em> (43%). Significant reductions in infestation rate by <em>A. hebraeum</em> (70%) and <em>R. decoloratus</em> (68%) was also observed on goats from the same Lowveld site. In the Highveld goat site, footbath significantly reduced infestation by <em>A. hebraeum</em> (91%), <em>R. appendiculatus</em> (46%), <em>R. decoloratus</em> (49%) and <em>R. evertsi evertsi</em> (82%) on goats. In the Highveld cattle site where the conventional method to control ticks was complete body hand spraying, footbathing was not more effective than the conventional method for controlling <em>R. decoloratus</em>, the dominant tick species. Tick counts varied seasonally, with <em>Rhipicephalus</em> subgenus <em>Boophilus</em> ticks most abundant on cattle, during the dry season in Lowveld and during the rainy season in Highveld). Similarly, footbath did not perform better than conventional methods to control Hyalomma tick species (i.e. <em>H. truncatum</em> and <em>H. rufides</em>) found in goats and cattle in the Highveld and Lowveld sites. The study also shows patterns of seasonal variation (i.e. difference between the rainy season and the dry season) in ticks infestation rates that differ depending on site, host species and tick species. These findings suggest that acaricide footbaths provide a practical, low-cost alternative for tick control in both cattle and goats, especially in areas with limited water resources.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e00479"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146122648","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":"Phylogeny of Wolbachia strains in populations of Aedes aegypti and Culex pipiens in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran","authors":"Alireza Sanei-Dehkordi ,&nbsp;Amir Hossein Roozitalab ,&nbsp;Saeed Shahabi ,&nbsp;Mehrnaz Rahimi ,&nbsp;Zahra Rousta ,&nbsp;Raziyeh Shahheidari ,&nbsp;Elahe Golestani ,&nbsp;Azim Paksa","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2026.e00495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Aedes aegypti</em>, and <em>Culex pipiens</em> are the primary vector of human arboviral diseases, which represent an important public health problem. Controlling mosquitoes with <em>Wolbachia</em> as an endosymbiont bacterium is a new approach in this field. This study was conducted to detect <em>Wolbachia</em> infection in <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex pipiens</em> in Hormozgan Province, South of Iran.</div></div><div><h3>Material and method</h3><div>Specimens of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. pipiens</em> were collected from 10 localities in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan province of southern Iran. All samples were identified using valid identification keys. After DNA identification by Collin's method, genomic DNA of the mosquitoes were used for detection of <em>Wolbachia</em> infection by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of <em>Wolbachia</em> surface protein (wsp gene).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In this study, a total, 460 <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and 716 <em>Cx. pipiens</em> were collected. From a total of 358 adult <em>Cx. pipiens</em> screened using the wsp primer, 212 (59.22%) <em>Cx. pipiens</em> mosquitoes infected <em>Wolbachia</em>. The <em>Cx. pipiens</em> wsp sample sequences were similar to <em>Wolbachia</em> strains belonging to supergroups B. Out of a total of 230 <em>Ae. aegypti</em> investigations of <em>Wolbachia</em> infection, the results showed that there is no <em>Wolbachia</em> infection in this species.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>By utilizing wsp molecular maker, our study demonstrated the presence of supergroup B strain of <em>Wolbachia</em> in individual <em>Cx. pipiens</em> samples. Although no <em>Wolbachia</em> infection in <em>Ae. aegypti</em> was detected in present study but it is possible to introduce <em>Wolbachia</em> populations with <em>Wolbachia</em>-free populations by infecting this species and it can be used as a promising tool for controlling vectors and reducing the transmission of arboviral diseases by cytoplasmic incompatibility.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"33 ","pages":"Article e00495"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147797367","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 and risk factors of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Northwestern Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study on Bengali and Santal women","authors":"Aleya Begum ,&nbsp;Fahmida Tasnim Liza ,&nbsp;Mandira Mukutmoni ,&nbsp;Kanij Fatema Oishee ,&nbsp;Tilak Chandra Nath","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00473","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00473","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a major public health challenge in low-resource settings. This cross-sectional study examined the prevalence and risk factors of STH infections among reproductive-aged women (15–49 years) from the Bengali and Santal communities in Northwestern Bangladesh. A total of 352 women participated in a questionnaire assessing STH-related knowledge and practices, with 188 providing stool samples for parasitological analysis. The study revealed an overall STH prevalence of 81.9 % (154/188) among the surveyed women. <em>Ascaris lumbricoides</em> was the predominant species, infecting 78.72 % (148/188, 95 % CI: 72.0–84.2 %) of participants, followed by hookworm species 5.31 % (10/188, 95 % CI: 2.7–9.8 %) and <em>Trichuris trichiura</em> 3.19 % (6/188, 95 % CI: 1.3–7.1 %). Socioeconomic factors such as low income, limited education, occupation, and unsanitary toilet facilities were significantly associated with STH infections. Poor hygiene practices, consumption of undercooked food, and inadequate health education were also linked to higher infection rates. Additionally, irregular nail trimming and infrequent deworming medication use emerged as key behavioral risk factors. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education, improved sanitation, and regular deworming programs to reduce STH transmission. Strengthening community-based interventions and promoting hygienic practices could significantly alleviate the STH burden among rural women in Northwestern Bangladesh.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00473"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145841485","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 Borrelia and Rickettsia in hard ticks infesting domestic and wild animals in Cameroon","authors":"Archile Paguem ,&nbsp;Pierre Kamtsap ,&nbsp;Kingsley Tanyi Manchang ,&nbsp;Alfons Renz ,&nbsp;Sabine Schaper ,&nbsp;Gerhard. Dobler ,&nbsp;Robert E. Rollins ,&nbsp;Lidia Chitimia-Dobler","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00475","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00475","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are blood-sucking arthropods which can vector various, pathogenic microorganisms between humans and domestic or wild animal hosts. In Cameroon, little is still known about the diversity of ticks and tick-borne pathogens found feeding on these various hosts. This study investigates the frequency of positive pools of <em>Borrelia</em> spp. and <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. in 415 DNA pools arising from 1148 collected ticks belonging to five genera and twenty-five tick species collected from both domestic and wild animals in Cameroon. Tick species were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly when necessary. All tick pools were tested for <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. using molecular methods of which 18.01 % and 10.38 % of tick pools tested positive for <em>Rickettsia</em> or <em>Borrelia</em> DNA, respectively. This is the first <em>Borrelia</em> spp. detection in ticks collected from wild animals in Cameroon. Three species of <em>Rickettsia</em> were found in ticks feeding on domestic animals, namely, <em>Rickettsia africae, Rickettsia aeschlimannii</em>, and <em>Rickettsia massiliae. Borrelia</em> spp. in Cameroon are closely related to <em>Candidatus</em> Borrelia javanensis from China, as well as <em>Candidatus</em> Borrelia africana and <em>Candidatus</em> Borrelia ivorensis from the Ivory Coast. Although the risk this <em>Borrelia</em> species could pose to humans or animals is currently not known, both <em>Rickettsia</em> species are known to cause human disease warranting continuous monitoring and future research to determine the overall public health risk these microorganisms could pose.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"32 ","pages":"Article e00475"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939082","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":"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}