Food and Waterborne Parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Anisakid larvae in the organs of Atlantic mackerel, Scomber scombrus (L.): Host or parasite superiority?","authors":"Bahram Sayyaf Dezfuli ,&nbsp;Giovanni Bernacchia ,&nbsp;Morena De Bastiani ,&nbsp;Martina Pinca ,&nbsp;Emanuela Franchella ,&nbsp;Luca Bellini ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Castaldelli ,&nbsp;Luisa Giari","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Members of the Anisakidae family, in particular the genus <em>Anisakis</em> are among the most common seafood-borne parasites which may lead to anisakidosis, a zoonotic disease. <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) (Rudolphi, 1809) can infect humans by means of the ingestion of raw or undercooked fish harbouring the third-stage larvae of this nematode. Histopathological and ultrastructural investigations were performed on the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel <em>Scomber scombrus</em> (L.) from the Bay of Biscay. Results showed the presence of a high infection level of third-larval stages of an anisakid species in the visceral organs and rarely in the flesh of the host. A subsample of 15 live nematode larvae from 5 fish were genetically identified by mtDNA <em>Cox2</em> gene sequencing and found to belong to the species <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>). Of 41 Atlantic mackerel examined, 36 individuals (88 %) harbored <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) L3 larvae, with an intensity of infection ranging from 5 to 650 larvae per fish (86.97 ± 17.26, mean ± standard error). A total of 3131 larvae were counted and the number of calcified larvae was significantly higher than that of live ones (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). The most parasitized sites were the serosa covering the intestine and the pyloric caeca as well as the mesenteries which encircled the gonads. In most infected organs, a granuloma surrounded the calcified and live larvae with a more intense response around the former. Within the granuloma epithelioid cells, fibroblasts and collagen fibres were recognized, outside the granuloma, mast cells (MCs), melano-macrophage aggregates (MAs) and macrophages were frequent and to a lesser degree rodlet cells (RCs). This is the first study that has investigated the cellular immune responses in the visceral organs and flesh of Atlantic mackerel against <em>A. simplex</em> (<em>s.s.</em>) larvae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00300"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145525889","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":"The avian schistosome Trichobilharzia franki in mice: Migration, pathogenicity, and the host immune response","authors":"Tomáš Macháček ,&nbsp;Roman Leontovyč ,&nbsp;Jan Procházka ,&nbsp;Alena Revalová ,&nbsp;Martin Majer ,&nbsp;Barbora Šmídová ,&nbsp;Petr Horák","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00289","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00289","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cercarial dermatitis (CD; swimmer's itch) is a re-emerging skin disease caused by avian schistosomes, including <em>Trichobilharzia franki</em>. Here, we present morphological, genetic, and experimental evidence confirming the involvement of <em>T. franki</em> in recent CD outbreaks across Czechia. Ocellate furcocercariae were collected from <em>Radix auricularia</em> at four sites and identified as <em>T. franki</em> through ITS1 sequencing. Despite minor morphological differences from previously reported specimens, all isolates belonged to the genetically uniform <em>T. franki “auricularia”</em> clade. Experimental infection of mice with <em>T. franki</em> resulted in a ∼ 60 % penetration rate, accompanied by early-onset scratching and transient weight loss. Gross pathology demonstrated hemorrhages on lung surfaces and splenic atrophy at 2 days post-infection (dpi), along with a prominent enlargement of parotid lymph nodes at both 2 and 7 dpi. Histological examination of the skin revealed viable schistosomula, moderate leukocyte infiltration, epidermal hyperplasia, and the formation of hyperkeratotic crusts at 2 dpi. By 7 dpi, parasites were no longer detectable, but epidermal pathology persisted. In the lungs, eosinophil-rich foci and multifocal hemorrhages were observed at 2 dpi, transitioning to neutrophil-dominated lesions at 7 dpi, despite the absence of detectable schistosomula. Splenocytes from infected mice responded to homologous and heterologous cercarial antigens by producing IFN gamma, IL-4, and IL-10, indicating a mixed Th1/Th2/Treg profile and notable species cross-reactivity. However, parasite-specific IgG remained undetectable at 7 dpi. These findings confirm <em>T. franki</em> as the causative agent of CD outbreaks and underscore its capacity to induce localized and systemic pathology and immune response, cross-reacting with other schistosomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00289"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145109205","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":"Environmental contamination with taeniid cestode eggs: A systematic literature review","authors":"Justine Daudi Maganira","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Taeniid cestodes, including <em>Taenia solium</em>, the pork tapeworm, are neglected zoonotic parasites of significant public and veterinary health concern, particularly in low-income countries where sanitation infrastructure is inadequate and pigs and other animals are commonly reared under free-range systems. This review synthesizes published evidence on the occurrence of taeniid eggs or DNA in environmental matrices namely soil, water, vegetables, and sludge, and assesses their role in perpetuating the parasites' transmission cycle. A systematic review of peer-reviewed and indexed literature published between 1989 and 2024 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in multiple databases, including PubMed, African Journals Online, and Google Scholar, using keywords related to <em>Taenia</em> spp. eggs or DNA in environmental matrices. Articles were included if they reported original research on the detection of taeniid eggs or DNA. Non-English publications, reviews, and studies lacking original data were excluded. Titles and abstracts were screened for relevance, and full texts of eligible articles were reviewed. Data extraction focused on study characteristics, environmental matrices examined, detection methods, and reported prevalence. Contamination levels varied widely by matrix and geography, with higher rates reported in certain parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Vegetables and soil were the most frequently investigated matrices. While contamination in water and sludge remains under-explored; available data suggest they may also play a role in transmission. The findings underscore the critical need for molecular diagnostics to improve species-level identification and inform targeted control strategies. Overall, environmental contamination with taeniid cestode eggs is widespread; however, species-specific evidence for <em>T. solium</em> and other <em>Taenia</em> spp. remains limited due to the scarce use of molecular diagnostics. These findings highlight the urgent need for molecular studies to accurately identify <em>Taenia</em> spp. in environmental matrices. Integrated One Health interventions, including improved sanitation, pig management, public education, and enhanced diagnostic capacity, are essential to reduce taeniid cestodes contamination and mitigate associated zoonotic risks in endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00294"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145364028","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":"Detection and genetic diversity of Cryptosporidium in yaks in Xinjiang, China","authors":"Zhenjie Zhang ,&nbsp;Huigang Zhao ,&nbsp;Bowen Zhang ,&nbsp;Fuchang Yu ,&nbsp;Aiyun Zhao ,&nbsp;Junqiang Li ,&nbsp;Meng Qi ,&nbsp;Rongjun Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. is an important protozoan parasite that can cause diarrhea in both humans and animals worldwide. In the present study, a total of 826 yak fecal samples were collected from six counties in Xinjiang and tested for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> using PCR. Based on the <em>SSU</em> rRNA gene, 20 samples tested positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em>, resulting in an overall infection rate of 2.4 % (20/826). Hejing County exhibited the highest infection rate at 5.6 % (16/288), with significant ``<em>Cryptosporidium</em> species and one genotype were identified: <em>C. bovis</em> (<em>n</em> = 12), <em>C. parvum</em> (<em>n</em> = 3), <em>C. ryanae</em> (n = 3), <em>C. occultus</em> (n = 1), and <em>Cryptosporidium</em> sp. rat genotype IV (n = 1). Subtyping via the <em>gp60</em> gene revealed two subtypes for <em>C. bovis</em> (XXVIb, <em>n</em> = 4; XXVIc, n = 4), one subtype for <em>C. ryanae</em> (XXIa, n = 1), and one subtype for <em>C. parvum</em> (IIdA19G1, n = 1). Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these subtypes clustered with reference sequences from other regions and hosts, without distinct geographical or host specific isolation. In conclusion, the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection in yaks in Xinjiang is low, and the subtypes of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> exhibit genetic diversity among different bovine species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00298"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145417687","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":"Transcriptomic profiling of Kupffer cells exposed to Clonorchis sinensis extracellular vesicles: Unraveling the role of CSF3 in hepatic fibrosis","authors":"Zhuo Lan ,&nbsp;Xue Wang ,&nbsp;Yuxi Zhang ,&nbsp;Lu Zhou ,&nbsp;Xue Bai ,&nbsp;Xinhui Zhang ,&nbsp;Haokun Zhang ,&nbsp;Hongyu Qiu ,&nbsp;Junfeng Gao ,&nbsp;Guofeng Cheng ,&nbsp;Chunren Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00304","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Clonorchiasis, caused by <em>Clonorchis sinensis</em>, is a significant public health issue in China and East Asia. However, understanding its pathological mechanisms underlying this disease remains limited. Here, we isolated and characterized <em>C. sinensis</em> extracellular vesicles (CsEVs) and evaluated their uptake by Kupffer cells (KCs) <em>in vitro</em> in immortalized KC (ImKC) line and <em>in vivo</em> in a model of <em>C. sinensis</em> infection, investigating genes with altered gene expression after treatment with CsEVs and during progression to liver fibrosis. CsEVs were successfully taken up by KCs to regulate gene expression. RNA-sequencing analysis identified 694 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including upregulation of those encoding <em>colony-stimulating factor</em> 3 (<em>CSF</em>3), <em>IL1b</em>, and others. Further validation showed increased expressions of these genes in mice infected with <em>C. sinensis</em>. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses suggested that these DEGs were involved in pathways such as TNF signaling, and NF-κB signaling. During liver fibrosis progression, <em>CSF</em>3 expression positively correlated with alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels in the liver, both of which were higher compared with negative controls. <em>CSF</em>3 inhibition caused a significant decrease in α-SMA expression. This study was the first to report differential gene expression changes in ImKCs stimulated by CsEVs, with <em>CSF</em>3, the most significantly upregulated gene, having a potential role in liver fibrosis. These findings provide important data for the pathology of clonorchiasis and could identify new targets for treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00304"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145623731","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 molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in endemic communities in Caraga region, Mindanao, Philippines","authors":"Vachel Gay V. Paller ,&nbsp;Jasmine Renette D. Jimenez ,&nbsp;Allen Jethro I. Alonte ,&nbsp;Vicente Y. Belizario Jr. ,&nbsp;Billy P. Divina ,&nbsp;Kezia W. Kozel ,&nbsp;Martha E. Betson","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The fish-borne trematodes are a group of parasitic flatworms whose life cycle successively passes through various snails and fresh and brackish water fish, and terrestrial vertebrate hosts including humans. Human infection is common in countries where eating raw fish is practiced such as in the Philippines. Limited investigation in endemic areas along with misdiagnosis makes it challenging to address these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence, identify risk factors for, and molecularly identify fish-borne trematodes in eight helminth-endemic communities in Mindanao, Philippines through a household-based cross-sectional study. Fecal samples were collected from 1152 residents (age 10–59 years) from 386 households in the study communities and from 92 dogs and cats. These were examined microscopically for trematode infections. Molecular analysis of microscopy-positive fecal samples was conducted using the internal transcribed spacer 2 region (ITS2) gene. Further, household-heads were surveyed to investigate risk factors for infection.</div><div>The overall prevalence of infection in humans was 4.1 % (<em>n</em> = 47), with higher infection prevalence in Surigao del Norte province, where fish is often eaten raw or undercooked (as <em>kinilaw</em> and <em>sugba</em>). Males and adults were found to be more at risk of infection. Only 2 animals were positive, both of which are dogs. Molecular findings revealed three fish-borne trematode species: <em>Haplorchis taichui</em>, <em>Stellanthchasmus falcatus</em>, and <em>Opisthorchis viverrini</em>. To our knowledge, this study reports the first molecular identification of fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines. The results help address knowledge gaps on fish-borne trematodes in the Philippines and can be employed to improve control using evidence-based and targeted approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00302"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145578786","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":"Development of PCR, qPCR and LAMP methods for the detection of Spirometra mansoni (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidae) in the faeces of dogs and cats","authors":"Wen Li,&nbsp;Xuan Xuan Song,&nbsp;Si Si Ru,&nbsp;Jie Hao,&nbsp;Cheng Yue Cao,&nbsp;Xi Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Spirometra mansoni</em> is an important zoonotic parasitic tapeworm that is transmitted mainly through the faeces of definitive hosts such as cats and dogs. However, there is currently no molecular detection method for <em>S. mansoni</em> in the faeces of definitive hosts. Here, a PCR assay for <em>S. mansoni</em> in the faeces of definitive hosts was developed, and the effects of the sampling site, sample storage temperature and duration on the detection results were evaluated. qPCR assays and LAMP assays targeting the <em>cyt</em>b gene were performed with optimized primers, probe concentrations and annealing temperatures. The sensitivity and specificity of three assays, namely, PCR, qPCR and LAMP, were evaluated. Applications in the field were conducted using these established assays. The sensitivity of the <em>cox</em>1 gene to PCR was 0.7 ng/μL (egg-derived DNA) and 1.4 ng/μL (cat faecal DNA). The sampling site had no notable effect on the detection results, and target genes could still be effectively detected in samples after 180 days of storage at 37 °C, 25 °C, 4 °C, −20 °C and − 80 °C. The qPCR assay demonstrated a sensitivity of 100 copies/μL, with an amplification efficiency of 107.625 % (R² = 0.997), and the intrabatch/interbatch coefficients of variation (CVs) were &lt; 5 %, indicating good repeatability and suitability for quantitative detection. The sensitivity of the LAMP assay was 7.47 pg/μL (cat faecal DNA) and 355.5 fg/μL (egg-derived DNA). All three assays showed good specificity and no cross-reaction with the DNA of other common parasites in cat and dog faeces. A total of 218 stool samples were tested using three assays, all of which were negative. Our study successfully established PCR, qPCR and LAMP detection systems for <em>S. mansoni</em> in the faeces of definitive hosts, with the advantages of high sensitivity, strong specificity and operational simplicity, which are suitable for early diagnosis of infection of definitive hosts with <em>S. mansoni</em> and for epidemiological assessment of the spillover risk of sparganosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00291"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145159607","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 detection and genetic characterization of Toxoplasma gondii in goats’ milk and aborted goat kid tissues from Pakistan","authors":"Muhammad Yaser Khan ,&nbsp;Alessandra Barlaam ,&nbsp;Nicola Ferrari ,&nbsp;Alessia Libera Gazzonis ,&nbsp;Giovanni Giuseppe Normanno ,&nbsp;Alejandro Jiménez-Meléndez ,&nbsp;Lucy Jane Robertson ,&nbsp;Annunziata Giangaspero","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis is one of the most widespread foodborne diseases in humans and one of the major abortive pathogens in small ruminants. In South Punjab, Pakistan, the goat sector is pivotal in the economy and goat milk is commonly consumed raw. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> DNA in goat milk and to genotype any isolates; additionally, the prevalence and genotype of <em>T. gondii</em> in aborted goat kid foetuses were investigated. From three farms, previously identified as highly seropositive, milk samples were collected from 40 goats at three different lactation intervals: 15–30, 90, and &gt; 120 days after parturition (360 samples in total). Foetal brain and placenta tissue samples were also collected from three aborted goats. A 162 bp fragment of the 529-bp repeat element was targeted for detection of <em>Toxoplasma</em> DNA by real-time PCR. Positive samples were genotyped using nested-PCR targeting four genetic markers (GRA6, SAG1, 5’-SAG2, CS3). <em>T. gondii</em> DNA was detected in 14 milk samples (3.9 %), with higher detection in samples &gt;120 days lactation stage (6.7 %). Between farm detection ranged from 2.5 % to 5.8 %. All aborted tissues were positive, except one foetal brain tissue (83.3 %). DNA isolates revealed type II in all samples, except one milk sample, and four aborted tissues, with either type I or III. Our results highlight that consumption of raw milk poses a potential risk to the health of consumers in this region, and the importance of implementing sanitary and/or management measures among herds to reduce <em>Toxoplasma</em> transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00295"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363643","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 characteristics and zoonotic potential of enteric protozoans in domestic small ruminants in Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China","authors":"Meiru Hou,&nbsp;Xuewei Liu,&nbsp;Lu Zhou,&nbsp;Jiawang Zhou,&nbsp;Yuxi Zhang,&nbsp;Tianshuai Ma,&nbsp;Hongyu Qiu,&nbsp;Chunren Wang,&nbsp;Junfeng Gao","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>Giardia duodenalis</em>, <em>Enterocytozoon bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. are four common zoonotic intestinal protozoa, that cause frequent foodborne and waterborne outbreaks worldwide. Despite their public health importance, epidemiological data remain scarce from Heilongjiang Province in China. Fecal samples were collected from 845 sheep and 166 goats across 13 regions of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast China. PCR-based methods were used to detect these pathogens and PCR products were sequenced to determine the species/genotypes. The overall infection rates for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>G. duodenalis</em>, <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. were 4.15 % (42/1011), 2.67 % (27/1011), 12.15 % (127/1011), and 3.56 % (36/1011), respectively. The mixed infections with two or more protozoa occurred in 2.97 % (30/1011). The geographic location was a significant risk factor for the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., <em>E. bieneusi</em>, and <em>Blastocystis</em> sp. in domestic small ruminants. Four <em>Cryptosporidium</em> genotypes (<em>C. xiaoi</em>, <em>C. ubiquitum</em>, <em>C. bovis</em>, <em>C. andersoni</em>), seven <em>E. bieneusi</em> genotypes (BEB6, COS-I, CHS8, CHS7, CHG1, CHG3, J), two <em>G. duodenalis</em> assemblages (assemblage E, assemblage A), and six <em>Blastocystis</em> subtypes (ST10, ST14, ST26, ST5, ST15, ST30) were identified. This study provides critical data for developing control strategies with significant implications for zoonotic risk assessment in Heilongjiang Province.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00296"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145363644","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":"Survival of Anisakis simplex (s.s.) L3 exposed to different combinations of acetic acid and sodium chloride: In vitro observations","authors":"Kaan Kumas,&nbsp;Cyril Henard,&nbsp;Per Walter Kania,&nbsp;Kurt Buchmann","doi":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.fawpar.2025.e00293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parasitic nematode larvae within the family Anisakidae are important food-borne parasites with importance for consumer health and international trade. Apart from inactivation of larvae in fish products by heating and/or freezing, marination of herring fillets is widely used. The preferred marination process applies a solution with high contents of sodium chloride and acetic acid. We here describe the direct lethal effect on <em>Anisakis simplex</em> (sensu stricto) of different combinations of sodium chloride and acetic acid. We incubated a total of 1440 isolated worm larvae in 36 different combinations of sodium chloride and acetic acid over 8 weeks (w) at 5 °C. Worm mortality was correlated to incubation time, but acetic acid showed the strongest effect when compared to sodium chloride. Full worm mortality was induced by acetic acid (10 %) within 2 w and by 6 % acetic acid after 8 w. Sodium chloride was less effective as worms were alive in 10 % sodium chloride until 4 w and in 8 % until 8 w. A synergistic effect was noted as a combination of 4 % acetic acid and at least 2 % sodium chloride was effective within 6 w. At 8 w 2 % acetic acid combined with 6 % sodium chloride was found lethal for larvae. It cannot be excluded that worm larvae in host tissues will exhibit different mortality rates due to the protective effect of host cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":37941,"journal":{"name":"Food and Waterborne Parasitology","volume":"41 ","pages":"Article e00293"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145222794","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}