Parasite Epidemiology and Control最新文献

{"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":"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":"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}

{"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}