Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"title":"Distribution of ixodid ticks of cattle and associated risk factors in and around Guder town, west Shewa zone, Oromia, Ethiopia","authors":"Isayas Asefa Kebede ,&nbsp;Kirubel Abreham ,&nbsp;Asemamaw Alemayew ,&nbsp;Dimamnesh Worku ,&nbsp;Tefera Tarekagne ,&nbsp;Megersa Akasa Debele ,&nbsp;Segni Bedasa Gudina ,&nbsp;Abrahim Dawed Ahmed ,&nbsp;Haben Fesseha Gebremeskel","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00454","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00454","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are the most prominent ectoparasites of cattle, causing significant losses. From March to May 2024, a cross-sectional study was carried out in and around Guder town of the west Shewa zone of the Oromia region, Ethiopia, to identify species of ixodid ticks infesting cattle and estimate their prevalence and associated risk factors. Adult ixodid ticks were collected from 200 cattle using systematic random sampling methods and classified into species based on their morphology using a stereomicroscope. Of the examined cattle, 75.0 % (95 % CI: 68.5–80.6) were infested with one or more tick species. The highest prevalence of tick parasites was recorded in Mamo Mezemir kebele, male, young, extensive management system, and good-body condition of cattle, with prevalences of 94.7 %, 87.5 %, 86.7 %, 77.6 %, and 80.0 %, respectively compared to counterparts. Four genera of ticks were identified viz. <em>Amblyomma, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus), Hyalomma,</em> and <em>Rhipicephalus.</em> A total of 702 ticks were collected<em>. Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi</em> and <em>Hyalomma rufipes</em> were the most (38.7 %) and least (8.1 %) abundant tick species, respectively. The peasant associations and sex were the only risk factors associated with the tick infestations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). Cattle in the Mamo Mezemir kebele were 17 (OR = 16.9; 95 %CI: 1.9–149.2) times more likely to be infested by ticks than those in other regions. This study shows that ticks were a most significant concern for cattle in the studied area. Thus, strategic tick control, which includes the use of acaricides, and creating awareness for the livestock owners about the impact of tick infestation is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00454"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144891993","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":"Combined effect of methanolic extracts of Senna occidentalis (Fabaceae) and Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae) collected in the far-north region (Cameroon) on adults of Anopheles gambiae senso stricto GILES 1902","authors":"Ngatarang Celestine ,&nbsp;Nanga Woulsou Maurice ,&nbsp;Saotoing Pierre ,&nbsp;Ndjonka Dieudonné","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00450","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00450","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and objectives</h3><div>Malaria remains a significant public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa, primarily due to the presence of its primary vector, <em>Anopheles gambiae</em>. The increasing resistance to synthetic insecticides has necessitated the exploration of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as plant-derived bioactive compounds. This study investigated the adulticidal activity of methanolic extracts from the leaves of <em>Senna occidentalis</em> (Fabaceae) and <em>Khaya senegalensis</em> (Meliaceae) against <em>A. gambiae</em>, a primary malaria vector, in a laboratory experiment conducted from January to February 2020 at the Entomology Laboratory, University of Ngaoundéré, Adamaoua Region, Cameroon.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology and results</h3><div>The extraction yields were 17.8 % for <em>S. occidentalis</em> and 14.9 % for <em>K. senegalensis</em>. Phytochemical analysis revealed that <em>S. occidentalis</em> leaves contained 21.55 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g of polyphenols and 24.88 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/100 g of flavonoids, whereas <em>K. senegalensis</em> leaves contained 18.34 mg GAE/100 g of polyphenols, 34.34 mg QE/100 g of flavonoids, and 27.56 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g of tannins. Bioassays conducted according to World Health Organization (WHO) protocols demonstrated synergistic insecticidal effects between the extracts against <em>A. gambiae</em>. The lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values were 0.87 g/L for <em>S. occidentalis</em> and 1.07 g/L for <em>K. senegalensis</em>, with half-lethal time (HL₅₀) values of 2 h 48 min and 2 h 14 min, respectively. The most effective combination (<em>S. occidentalis</em> [75 %] + <em>K. senegalensis</em> [25 %]) achieved an LC₅₀ of 0.98 g/L and HL₅₀ of 1 h 45 min.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion and application</h3><div>These results highlight the potential of <em>S. occidentalis</em> and <em>K. senegalensis</em> extracts as sustainable biocides for controlling <em>A. gambiae</em> ss populations. Their synergistic efficacy and high phytochemical content support further development into eco-friendly vector control tools, aligning with global efforts to combat insecticide resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00450"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144665693","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":"Schistosoma haematobium infection and associated risk factors among pre-school age children in Gambella, Ethiopia","authors":"Tigist Mohammed ,&nbsp;Abraham Degarege ,&nbsp;Mulugeta Aemero ,&nbsp;Abebe Animut ,&nbsp;Yohannes Negash ,&nbsp;Yirgalem Gebrehiwot ,&nbsp;Berhanu Erko","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00448","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00448","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Schistosoma haematobium</em> can infect and cause morbidity in pre-school age children (PSAC) and due to its gradual nature, often goes unnoticed in its early stages and can result in long-term irreversible consequences during their most productive years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, intensity, and associated risk factors of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection among PSAC in Gambella, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to August 2024 among 390 PSAC in four localities in Gambella, Ethiopia. Urine specimens were examined microscopically and with urinalysis reagent strips. Data on associated factors and socio-demographic characteristics were collected from the PSAC mothers/caregivers using a structured questionnaire.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>The overall prevalence of <em>S. haematobium</em> infection was 16.7 %, of which 20 % (13/65) had heavy-intensity of infection. The prevalence of macro and microhematuria were 7.9 %, and 26.2 %, respectively. The prevalence of infection was significantly higher among PSAC who visited open water sources (90.8 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), bathed in open water (89.2 %, <em>P</em> = 0.004), and urinated in open water (89.2 %, <em>P</em> = 0.004), as well as among residents of Abaro and Tagni villages (72.3 %, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and who had mothers with no formal education (81.5 %, <em>P</em> = 0.006). The odds of infection were higher among children who played or bathed in infested water (AOR: 2.9, CI: 1.0–8.1) and those living in Abaro village (AOR: 4.3, CI: 1.6–11.9) compared to those who did not engage in these behaviors or lived in other villages, respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study showed that <em>S. haematobium</em> infection is prevalent among PSAC in Gambella region in Ethiopia, and contact with an open water while playing, bathing or urinating may increase the risk of acquiring infection with the parasite in this population group. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of the disease among PSAC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00448"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144580225","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":"2025-08-01","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":"Asymptomatic/submicroscopic Plasmodium vivax infection: A systematic review and META-analysis on the hidden challenge for preventing re-establishment of malaria transmission","authors":"Siqi Wang,&nbsp;He Yan,&nbsp;Li Zhang,&nbsp;Zhigui Xia,&nbsp;Jianhai Yin","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00442","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00442","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Plasmodium vivax</em> is not only the second most prevalent cause of malaria worldwide, but also the second leading cause of imported malaria in China. This poses a significant threat to preventing the re-establishment of malaria transmission, as the competent vector (<em>Anopheles sinensis</em>) suitable for <em>vivax</em> malaria transmission is widely distributed in China. Particularly, the asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection as another important source of infection deserves further study, but it is rarely reported.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>PubMed, CNKI and Wanfang databases were systematically searched for asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection relevant studies published between February 2014 and February 2024. I-squared statistics (<em>I</em>²) was used to assess heterogeneity among included studies. The pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratio and their corresponding 95 % Confidence Interval were estimated using the random effects model in Review Manager 5.4 software.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-one eligible studies were included in this analysis. Both study countries (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, <em>I</em>² = 95 %) and diagnostic methods (<em>P</em> = 0.001, <em>I</em>² = 95 %) were the source of heterogeneity. The rates of asymptomatic malaria infection detected by the gold standard method of microscopy in the countries from Africa, Asia, Oceania and Americas were 9.2 %, 4.8 %, 15.6 % and 14.5 %, respectively. And the corresponding rates of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection were 4.0 %, 2.1 %, 10.6 % and 13.0 %. In terms of diagnostic methods, the rate of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection (5.6 %) detected by polymerase chain reaction in the population was the highest (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>According to the asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection worldwide, the countries with the higher rate of asymptomatic infection are the main source of <em>vivax</em> malaria cases imported into China, which indicates a potentially higher potential risk of importation of asymptomatic <em>P. vivax</em> infection. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more sensitive, easier to operate, and more cost-effective techniques to detect and screen asymptomatic malaria infections in a timely manner, so as to prevent re-establishment of malaria transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00442"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144307051","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":"Malaria-induced dysregulation of selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) and plasma free amino acids; implications for pathogenesis and host immunity in a Nigerian population","authors":"Chukwuma Raphael Ekeanyanwu ,&nbsp;Paul Chidoka Chikezie ,&nbsp;Chidinma Lynda Ekeanyanwu","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00443","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00443","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a significant global health burden, particularly in regions like Nigeria. This study investigated the impact of malaria infection on plasma amino acid and micronutrient levels in a Nigerian population. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants, including malarious and healthy controls. Plasma levels of amino acids and selected micronutrients (Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Fe, Co) were measured using HPLC and ICP-MS, respectively. Results revealed significant alterations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) in plasma amino acid profiles (except histidine and proline) with increasing malaria severity. Essential amino acids including branched-chain amino acids like leucine and valine were depleted, indicating metabolic disruptions in the diseases. Aromatic and immune-related amino acids (arginine, tyrosine, tryptophan, glutamine, methionine, and cysteine) were reduced significantly (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01) compared to the uninfected groups. Additionally, malarious individuals exhibited significant deficiencies in several micronutrients, including calcium, sodium, zinc, and iron (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Malaria infection induces a complex metabolic response, leading to nutrient imbalances that may contribute to disease severity. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of targeted nutritional interventions to improve patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00443"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519006","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":"2025-08-01","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":"Integrating geospatial tools is crucial for enhancing control strategies against human lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana: A comprehensive review","authors":"Efiba Vidda Senkyire Kwarteng ,&nbsp;Ebenezer Asiedu ,&nbsp;Emmanuel Kobla Atsu Amewu ,&nbsp;Arnold Abakah ,&nbsp;Samuel Ato Andam-Akorful ,&nbsp;Allan Alfred Duker ,&nbsp;Alexander Kwarteng","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00444","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00444","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In Ghana, lymphatic filariasis (LF) infection transmission remains high in some endemic foci and continues to frustrate current control programs, posing serious health threats. Over the years, significant economic investments and efforts have been made to control human filarial infections in endemic regions. The need for interdisciplinary strategic action is crucial in eliminating human filarial infections. In this review, we discuss the application and integration of geospatial technology and Geographic Information Systems tools into existing control strategies to accelerate the elimination of lymphatic filarial infections in Ghana. Our analysis of six publications that have applied geospatial tools in LF in Ghana reveals the potential of geospatial tools to enhance surveillance, predict risk factors, and monitor MDA programs. It also highlights the limited integration of these tools in current LF control strategies and the need to address challenges such as data availability and funding to fully realize their benefits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00444"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144519159","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":"2025-08-01","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":"Prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile patients at two sites with different transmission intensities, Northwest Ethiopia","authors":"Abebaw Setegn,&nbsp;Yalewayker Tegegne,&nbsp;Ligabaw Worku,&nbsp;Ayalew Jejaw Zeleke","doi":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00441","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parepi.2025.e00441","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Malaria is the most prevalent and deadly mosquito-borne disease worldwide. In Ethiopia, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax coexist, adding to the country's malaria burden. Assessing the prevalence of malaria and identifying the factors linked to its transmission are essential strategies for effective prevention and control.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>To determine the prevalence and associated factors of malaria among febrile patients at two sites with different transmission intensities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An institution-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2021. The sample size was determined using the double population proportion formula, and participants were selected through a convenient sampling technique in which study participants were selected based on their easy convenience or willingness to participate until the expected sample size was obtained. Malaria diagnosis was performed via Geimsa-based microscopy. Data entry was performed using EpiData version 4.6.0, and analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with malaria, with a <em>p</em>-value &lt;0.05 considered statistically significant. Additionally, the difference in malaria prevalence between the two study areas was assessed using the chi-square test.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 528 study participants, the overall malaria prevalence was 16.1 % (85/528). Specifically, the prevalence was 13.6 % (36/264) at Maksegnit Health Center and 18.6 % (49/264) at Sanja Health Center. The difference in malaria prevalence between the two study sites was not statistically significant (<em>p</em> &gt; 0.05). In Maksegnit Health Center, malaria prevalence was significantly associated with the age groups 6–14 years: 16.09 (2.65–37.80) and 15–24 years: 8.21 (2.74–20.98), as well as rural residence 14.25 (3.13–44.86). In Sanja Health Center, significant associations were observed with the age group 15–24 years: 8.21 (2.74–20.98), lack of bed net availability: 11.84 (3.36–41.66), and recent travel history: 5.58 (1.32–23.70).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study revealed that malaria prevalence was moderately high in both study areas, with no statistically significant difference between the two sites. However, unique factors were associated with malaria prevalence in each location. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to address area-specific risk factors, such as improving bed net distribution, enhancing housing conditions, and eliminating mosquito-breeding sites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37873,"journal":{"name":"Parasite Epidemiology and Control","volume":"30 ","pages":"Article e00441"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144314057","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}