Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Sequence Localization of SeGPx in S. digitata Genome Contigs and Determination of its Presence in the Whole Worm Extract.","authors":"Jefrillah Jebaseelan, Sankar Natesan, Anand Setty Balakrishnan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01104-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01104-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Lymphatic filariasis, caused by three major filarial species, is marked by immune evasion strategies involving antioxidant enzymes. The role of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGPx) in this process remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify and characterise SeGPx in Setaria digitata, a genomic analogue of Wuchereria bancrofti, and evaluate its potential as a diagnostic antigen.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>segpx sequences were identified through bioinformatics tools, including BLAST and UniProt databases. Due to limited nematode entries, a validated SeGPx sequence from Lymnaea stagnalis was used as a proxy in PSI-BLAST to identify homologues. Enzymatic activity was confirmed through spectrophotometric assay and activity staining on SDS-PAGE to confirm its enzymatic activity and molecular mass confirmation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The segpx gene was localised within the S. digitata genome data (Contig 127, nucleotides 56,000-58,000). The enzyme assay showed a time-dependent decline in absorbance at 340 nm due to NADPH oxidation, plateauing after 13 min. Enzyme activity was calculated as 0.139 U, with a specific activity of 0.198 U/mg protein. A clear band at ~ 20 kDa was visualised via activity staining, confirming SeGPx presence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Combined sequence-based identification and enzymatic validation confirm the functional presence of SeGPx in S. digitata. These findings support its role in oxidative stress mitigation and potential as a diagnostic antigen. The precise gene localisation offers a foundation for recombinant cloning, providing a streamlined alternative to conventional purification approaches for diagnostic development in filariasis.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"166"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144688576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Larvicidal Effects against Culex quinquefasciatus of Nigella sativa Seeds and its Silver Nanoparticles.","authors":"Jefrillah Jebaseelan, Umamaheswari Kopula Ganesh, Prince Leeban Johnwilmet, Rajalakshmi Anbalagan, Jayalakshmi Krishnan, Anand Setty Balakrishnan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01096-x","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01096-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Lymphatic filariasis is a debilitating disease where progression from acute to chronic stages is often exacerbated by secondary bacterial infections, facilitated by normal skin microbiota. The disease is transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus, which also carries other diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nigella sativa seeds possess antibacterial properties effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and exhibit larvicidal activity against various mosquito larvae. In this study, aqueous extracts of N. sativa seeds and synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were evaluated for antibacterial efficacy against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay. Larvicidal activity against Culex (Cx.) quinquefasciatus was also evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The aqueous seed extract (100 mg/mL) and extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) (100 µg/mL) exhibited significant antibacterial activity. Notably, both also showed considerable antioxidant activity at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Larvicidal activity revealed LC₅₀ values of 33.88 ppm for the seed extract and 0.52 ppm for extract-synthesized AgNPs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that N. sativa seeds and their extract-synthesized AgNPs have strong potential for mosquito control and managing secondary bacterial infections in lymphedema, particularly if formulated as an ointment. Further research on ointment formulations could enhance their public health applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"164"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Worldwide Epidemiology of Cyclospora cayetanensis in HIV/AIDS Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Farzad Mahdavi, Ali Pouryousef, Mohammad Reza Mohammadi, Kambiz Karimi, Asma Mousivand, Farajolah Maleki, Ali Asghari, Mina Mamizadeh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01099-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01099-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cyclospora cayetanensis is a coccidian protozoan parasite belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of C. cayetanensis in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature search was performed in international databases for studies published until October 18, 2024, focusing on cross-sectional and case-control studies. Data from eligible studies were analyzed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software, employing random-effects models for pooled estimates and weighted odds ratios (ORs), along with heterogeneity assessment via I² statistic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This systematic review analyzed 73 studies, including 48 cross-sectional and 25 case-control involving 13,986 HIV/AIDS patients and 3,559 non-HIV/AIDS controls across 22 countries, mainly in Asia and Africa. The global prevalence of C. cayetanensis infection was 4% in HIV/AIDS patients (95% CI: 2.9-5.4%) versus 1.8% in controls (95% CI: 1.1-3.2%), resulting in an OR of 3.5 (95% CI: 2.04-6.06), indicating HIV/AIDS patients were significantly more likely to be infected. Sensitivity analysis indicated that none of the studies significantly affected the pooled estimates and weighted ORs. The prevalence of infection showed no significant association with quantitative variables such as publication year, sample size, and Human Development Index (HDI). Moreover, the pooled prevalence of C. cayetanensis infection was estimated across various subgroups, including publication year, World Health Organization (WHO) region, country, continent, country income level, HDI value, and sample size.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings confirm the opportunistic nature of C. cayetanensis infection and highlight the need for increased awareness and diagnosis of this infection in HIV/AIDS patients. Monitoring this opportunistic infection is vital for patient management, particularly in resource-limited areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"163"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144673687","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Rare Case of Cutaneous Strongyloidiasis in an Immunocompromised Patient: Clinical Insights and Implications.","authors":"Faride Khanabadi, Taher Elmi, Mojtaba Didehdar, Hossein Torkashvand, Leila Masoori, Mohammad Ali Daneshmand, Fatemeh Zahra Gharib","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01092-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01092-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Strongyloides stercoralis (S. stercoralis) is a soil-transmitted nematode endemic to tropical and subtropical regions. While infections often remain asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, they can progress to hyperinfection or disseminated disease in immunocompromised hosts, particularly those receiving corticosteroid therapy. Disseminated strongyloidiasis is associated with a high mortality rate if not promptly diagnosed and treated.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>We present the case of a 45-year-old woman from northern Iran with a long-standing history of corticosteroid use for rheumatoid arthritis, who developed a non-healing ulcer on her back accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite and diarrhea. Laboratory investigations confirmed the presence of S. stercoralis larvae in both stool specimens and a skin biopsy. Stool examination was performed using the stool culture method, and the biopsy was obtained from the lesion site. The patient was treated successfully with a combination of thiabendazole and ivermectin, leading to complete resolution of both cutaneous and gastrointestinal manifestations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This case underscores the importance of considering cutaneous strongyloidiasis in immunosuppressed patients, especially in endemic regions. Early recognition and prompt anti-parasitic therapy are critical for preventing severe complications and improving clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144681780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating Light Trap Efficiency and Leishmania Infection Status in Sand Fly Species from Kousseri, Northern Cameroon.","authors":"Aime Ngouateu Tateng, Thierry Rostand Tebo-Nzesseu, Omer Bebe Ngouateu, Cedric Yamssi, Emmanuel Ndille Elanga, Cyrille Ndo, Michel Lontsi-Demano, Vincent Payne Khan, Blaise Dondji","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01094-z","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01094-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The role of sand flies in Leishmania transmission in Cameroon remains understudied, limiting the implementation of a national control program. To address this, a one-year survey, from September 2020 to August 2021, was conducted in Kousseri a visceral leishmaniasis (VL) endemic focus with the aim to evaluate the efficiency of light traps and detect Leishmania sp. infection in sand fly specimens. The checklist and distribution map of sand fly species from Cameroon are also provided.</p><p><strong>Material and methods: </strong>Light traps efficiency was evaluated using incandescent and ultraviolet (UV) Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) miniature light traps. These traps were deployed across the selected sites in Kousseri, and the captured female specimens were morphologically identified to the species level and tested for Leishmania donovani infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the Internal Transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 2150 females collected, eleven species across three genera were identified: 81.44% belonged to the genus Sergentomyia, 17.49% to Grassomyia, and 1.07% to Phlebotomus. UV light traps were more efficient in capturing abundant sand fly specimens than incandescent light traps, specifically, Se antennata, Se schwetzi, Se adleri, and Ph. duboscqi were highly captured. None of the tested sand fly species were positive for Leishmania donovani infection. The present study confirms the existence of Ph. duboscqi, a proven vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in sub-Saharan Africa foci, including Cameroon. Based on previous reports of Leishmania transmission, this sand fly species could be the likely vector of leishmaniasis in Kousseri. This study underscores the need for further ecological and epidemiological investigations to deepen our understanding of leishmaniasis transmission dynamics and inform the development of effective control strategies in Northern Cameroon.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"162"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First Report of the Anti-Parasitic Effect of a Cannabis sativa full-spectrum Extract on Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto.","authors":"Florencia Gatti, Clara María Albani, Cristina Luján Ramírez, Patricia Eugenia Pensel, Adriana Andrea Albanese, Giselle Magalí Fuentes, Dalila Elisabet Orallo, Diego Nutter, María Celina Elissondo","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01090-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01090-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Cystic echinococcosis is a parasitic zoonosis caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato. Albendazole (ABZ) is the drug of choice, although its efficacy is variable. The present research aimed to assess the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a full-spectrum extract of Cannabis sativa inflorescences against E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Protoscoleces and cysts were incubated in vitro with the C. sativa extract, achieving final CBD concentrations of 1, 5, 10, and 50 µg/ml. Viability was evaluated periodically. Structural and ultrastructural alterations were also recorded. For the clinical efficacy study, female CF-1 mice were infected. Six months later, mice were divided into groups (n = 10): (a) water control; (b) ABZ; (c) C. sativa extract, and (d) ABZ + C. sativa extract. Treatments were administered every 24 h for 30 days. The efficacy of the treatments was evaluated according to the weight of the cysts collected and the ultrastructural alterations observed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The C. sativa extract caused a significant decrease in the viability of protoscoleces and cysts in vitro. The greatest effect was observed with 50 µg/ml, which generated the reduction in protoscoleces viability to 0% between 6 and 24 h post-incubation (pi) and the collapse of 92 ± 13% of the cysts after 24 h pi. All the in vivo treatments reduced the weight of the cysts and caused ultrastructural alterations, especially the combination of ABZ + C. sativa extract.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>We demonstrated the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of a full-spectrum extract of C. sativa inflorescences against E. granulosus s.s.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential Therapeutic Effects of Isopropyltoluene (P-Cymene) Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Dexamethasone-Immunosuppressed Mice.","authors":"Zafer Saad Alshehri","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01093-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01093-0","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Toxoplasmosis is a potentially life-threatening opportunistic infection that primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems. Given the pharmacological characteristics of p-Cymene (p-isopropyltoluene, CM), the present experimental study was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic effects and possible mechanisms of action of CM against Toxoplasma gondii infection in immunocompromised mice.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;BALB/c mice, rendered immunocompromised through dexamethasone treatment and subsequently infected with the T. gondii ME49 strain. Then, mice received CM at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg, either as a monotherapy or in conjunction with pyrimethamine (PYM, 10 mg/kg), over a two-week period. The investigation involved the assessment of various parasitological parameters such as the number and dimensions of T. gondii cysts and tissue levels of oxidant and antioxidant markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the brain of the tested mice. In addition, the gene expression level of immune responses related cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-12) as well as apoptosis (Caspase-3, Bcl-2, and BAX) and pathogenesis-related genes (BAG1) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (Real-time-PCR).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The administration of CM, particularly in conjunction with PYM, resulted in a significant (p &lt; 0.001) reduction in the number and size of brain Toxoplasma cysts. This treatment also significantly reduced the tissue level of MDA (p &lt; 0.001), whereas markedly increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes of GPx and SOD (p &lt; 0.001). CM at the dose of 10 mg/kg mainly in combination with PYM significantly (p &lt; 0.001) upregulated the expression levels of IFN-γ (5.23-fold change), IL-12 (4.33-fold change), Caspase-3 (3.3-fold change), and BAX (4.21-fold change); whereas, obviously (p &lt; 0.001) downregulated the expression of IL-4 (1.10-fold change), Bcl-2 (1.09-fold change), and BAG1 (1.28-fold change). Following treatment with CM, particularly the combinations of PYM at 10 mg/kg over a 14-day period, there was a marked modulation of serum levels of AST, ALT, BUN, and Cr in the IC-infected mice. Post hoc analysis indicated no significant differences in the serum levels of liver and kidney function biomarkers between healthy mice treated with CM at doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg and the control group of healthy mice that received normal saline.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The findings of this survey indicate that CM alone and in combination with PYM demonstrates significant efficacy in treating chronic toxoplasmosis in mice with dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression. The results suggest that potential mechanisms for managing latent toxoplasmosis may include the regulation of oxidative stress, enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity, induction of apoptosis, and modulation of inflammatory responses","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"159"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and Evaluation of a Recombinant Attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis Vaccine Expressing the EnGAM59 Gametocyte Antigen of Eimeria necatrix for Coccidiosis Control.","authors":"Dandan Liu, Yongcui Feng, Yu Zhang, Feiyan Wang, Xinyin Zhang, Zhaofeng Hou, Xilong Kang, Jinjun Xu, Zhiming Pan, Jianping Tao","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01100-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01100-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Gametocyte proteins are precursors of the oocyst wall proteins in Eimeria and play a crucial role in the development of immune-blocking vaccines and in reducing oocyst output. In this study, the gametocyte antigen gene Engam59 from E. necatrix was selected to construct eukaryotic expression plasmid pVAX1-Engam59. This plasmid was then transferred into the attenuated Salmonella Enteritidis strain Z11ΔrfbG to construct the live vector vaccine Z11ΔrfbG(pVAX1-Engam59). The immune protective efficacy of the Z11ΔrfbG(pVAX1-Engam59) was subsequently evaluated through chicken immune protection trials. The results showed that pVAX1-Engam59 was successfully expressed in Hek293t cells and was successfully transferred into Z11ΔrfbG. In vivo organs colonization tests showed that Z11ΔrfbG(pVAX1-Engam59) was more easily cleared by the host compared to Z11 wild-type strain. By day 14 post-infection, no bacteria were detected in the spleen or liver, and only a low amount of bacteria were found in the intestine. Chicken immune protection trials further revealed that immunization with Z11ΔrfbG(pVAX1-Engam59) stimulated lymphocyte proliferation and increased the levels of both anti-coccidial and anti-Salmonella antibodies in chickens. The anti-coccidial index (ACI) for chickens orally and intramuscularly administered Z11ΔrfbG(pVAX1-Engam59) was 157.7 and 157.9, respectively, indicating a moderate level of protection against coccidiosis. This study provides the foundation for the development of new live vector vaccines against coccidiosis.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"160"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diagnostic Accuracy of Various Genetic Markers (tpi, gdh, and bg) for Prevalence and Genotyping of Giardia duodenalis in Human Samples: A Comparative Global Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Laya Shamsi, Fariba Shadfar, Zahra Bahramdoost, Ali Pouryousef, Ali Asghari, Farajolah Maleki","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01101-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11686-025-01101-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Giardia duodenalis is a widespread intestinal protozoan causing giardiasis in humans and animals. Precise detection and genotyping of this parasite are vital for understanding its epidemiology, implementing appropriate treatments, and mitigating transmission. Molecular techniques, particularly multilocus genotyping (MLG) targeting the beta-giardin (bg), triose phosphate isomerase (tpi), and glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) genes, have improved diagnostic precision. However, variations in sensitivity and diagnostic performance among these genes can influence prevalence rates and genotyping results, particularly for assemblages A and B, the most common in humans.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study evaluated the pooled prevalence of G. duodenalis in human samples confirmed positive by microscopy and/or small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA), using bg, tpi, and gdh genes. A comprehensive literature search identified 32 studies with MLG design published up to January 13, 2025, encompassing 96 datasets from 21 countries on four continents. Data extraction and quality assessments were conducted independently by two reviewers. Meta-analyses employed a random-effects model using CMA software, with heterogeneity assessed via the I² statistic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Pooled prevalence and diagnostic accuracy were highest using the tpi gene (64.3%; 95% CI: 56.1-71.8%), followed by gdh (59.7%; 95% CI: 51.8-67.1%) and bg (58.3%; 95% CI: 49.8-66.3%). Nonetheless, a notable fraction of microscopy- and/or SSU rRNA-confirmed samples were undetected by these loci. Assemblage B was more prevalent than A across all genetic markers. The gdh gene showed superior sensitivity for assemblage B (59.5%), whereas bg had a slightly higher detection rate for assemblage A (41.6%). These findings underscore the importance of using multiple genetic markers for precise detection and genotyping. The tpi gene offers the highest sensitivity for overall prevalence among Giardia-positive samples, while gdh and bg contribute critical assemblage-specific insights.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The higher prevalence of assemblage B underlines the need for targeted public health strategies, especially given its association with more severe or recurrent infections. Overall, integrating MLG with SSU rRNA analysis is essential for improving diagnostics, surveillance, and control strategies for giardiasis globally.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"161"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144635896","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insights into the Association Between Blastocystis Infection and Colorectal Cancer.","authors":"Amel Shehab, Mona El-Sayad, Amal Allam, Bassam Mohamed, Rasha Elsaka, Marwa Ibrahim, Naglaa Abd El-Latif","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01079-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01079-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Given the unclear relationship between Blastocystis spp. infection and colorectal cancer (CRC), this study aimed to provide insight into Blastocystis infection, assess the effect of chemotherapy on Blastocystosis in CRC patients, and explore potential links between CRC and Blastocystis subtypes (STs).</p><p><strong>Subjects: </strong>A total of 150 participants were divided into three groups: Group I (50 CRC patients not receiving chemotherapy), Group II (50 CRC patients who were receiving chemotherapy), and Group III (50 healthy, age- and sex-matched controls).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Blastocystis spp. was detected in 42 cases through microscopy and culture, with infection rates higher in Group I (40%) and Group II (32%) compared to the control group (12%). Among all participants, 86 were asymptomatic, while 64 experienced symptoms. PCR analysis confirmed Blastocystis in 26 out of the 42 cases. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis identified 60% of isolates as Group A and 16% as Group C, while sequencing later confirmed that 24% belonged to Group B. PCR-sequence-tagged site (STS) analysis revealed five STs (ST1, ST2, ST3, ST5, and ST7), with ST1 (52%) and ST3 (24%) identified as the most prevalent STs.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Blastocystis infection was significantly higher in CRC patients, suggesting a possible association with the disease. It appears to act as an opportunistic pathogen, contributing to symptom development regardless of CRC. The absence of significant differences in ST distribution across groups indicates that Blastocystis pathogenicity is complex and not exclusively linked to specific STs.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":"156"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12259763/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}