Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Entamoeba histolytica in Different Water Sources of Niğde Province of Turkey","authors":"Cemal Candan,&nbsp;Mustafa Karatepe,&nbsp;Bilge Karatepe","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00886-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00886-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p>This study was carried out to determine the presence of <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> in water sources of Niğde province in Turkey, between June and November 2021.</p><p>A total of 90 water samples were taken from 15 different water sources (drinking water, well water, spring water, wastewater and dam water) every month and the presence of <i>E. histolytica</i> antigens in the samples was examined by ELISA.</p><p>The positivity for <i>E. histolytica</i> was determined in 7 (7.7%) of 90 samples. While no antigens were found in any of the samples in June and September, <i>E. histolytica</i> was positive for three samples (20%) in July, one sample (6.6%) in August and October and two samples in November (13.3%). One of 24 dam samples (4.1%), 1 of 12 wastewater samples (8.3%), 1 of 12 well samples (8.3%), and 4 of 24 fountain samples (16.6%) that examined by ELISA were found positive. On the other hand, none of the examined 18 spring samples were positive. In addition, 4 (8.8%) of 45 samples that examined in summer and 3 (6.6%) of 45 samples that examined in autumn were detected positive by using ELISA. <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i> positivity in samples was statistically insignificant in terms of months, water resources and seasons (<i>P</i> &gt; 0.05).</p><p>As a result, the presence of <i>E. histolytica</i>, which is an important public health problem in water sources, was determined for the first time in Niğde province of Türkiye with this study.</p>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1517 - 1521"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11379735/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142003360","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}

{"title":"The Elimination Status of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Southeast Asia Region","authors":"Samiur Rahim,&nbsp;Muhammad Manjurul Karim","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00880-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00880-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by an intracellular parasite that is transmitted to humans by sandfly bites. It is prevalent throughout Asia, Africa, the Americas, and the Mediterranean area, where 147 million people are at risk of contracting the illness. The manifestation of heterotrophic illness relies on both <i>Leishmania</i> implicated and the host’s immunological response, ranging from asymptomatic to severe leishmaniasis with potentially lethal effects.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>We reviewed the literature (published till 31st December 2023) on the worldwide situation of leishmaniasis, standard and novel detection techniques, and traditional and modern treatment strategies and endeavors to eliminate VL. Moreover, epidemiological data was collected from the World Health Organization’s publicly available databases. GraphPad Prism Version 8 was used to analyze and produce figures based on the epidemiological data.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Diagnosis of parasites in tissues or serology is commonly employed. Diagnosis by identifying parasite DNA using molecular techniques is becoming more popular. Despite recent findings of <i>L. donovani</i> resistance to pentavalent antimoniate medications, it continues to be the cornerstone in the medical management of VL. Amphotericin B and its lipid formulations, injectable paromomycin, and oral miltefosine are among the new therapy options being researched. The number of reported VL cases has reduced remarkably over the last decade due to human interventions made to eliminate VL. Particularly countries from the South East Asian region have experienced momentous progress in reducing VL cases and eliminating this disease from this region. Owing to the robust elimination programs, countries such as Bangladesh has eliminated VL as a public health concern. India and Nepal are on the verge of its elimination.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Rapid diagnosis, effective and inexpensive treatment, simple access to newly discovered medications, appropriate vector control, and a well-designed vaccine are all required for the elimination of this disease burden in impoverished areas of the globe.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1704 - 1716"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142003366","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":"Metazoan Endoparasites of the Gecko Phyllopezus periosus (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) Inhabiting the Rock Cliffs of a Waterfall Canyon in the Semi-Arid Region from Northeastern Brazil","authors":"José Guilherme Gonçalves-Sousa,&nbsp;Charles de Sousa Silva,&nbsp;Samuel Cardozo Ribeiro,&nbsp;Herivelto Faustino Oliveira,&nbsp;Robson Waldemar Ávila","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00868-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00868-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study describes the composition and infection patterns of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard <i>Phyllopezus periosus.</i></p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We collected 115 <i>P. periosus</i> over 12 expeditions on the rocky cliffs of the Missão Velha waterfall canyon in northeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected by hand, during active searches conducted between 18:00 h and 23:30 h. The infection patterns were estimated using prevalence, total abundance, and mean intensity of infection for all parasites found.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 4256 parasites were collected from 104 hosts, resulting in an exceptionally high overall prevalence of 90.4%. No significant ontogenetic difference in the prevalence of infection was detected. Although juveniles exhibited a high parasite prevalence their parasite loads were significantly lower compared to adults. Six species of endoparasites were found; among these, the nematode <i>Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis</i> was the most common endoparasite in the digestive tract, while the pentastomid <i>Raillietiella mottae</i> was the only species found in the respiratory tract.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Infection rates in Gekkota species appear to correlate with body size, with larger individuals generally exhibiting a higher prevalence. This pattern was also observed across separate populations of <i>P. periosus</i> and other geckos from distinct ecological domains. The dominance of the monoxenous <i>S. oxkutzcabiensis</i> highlights potential transmission mechanisms, suggesting that behaviors such as limb licking after feeding may contribute to its prevalence. The occurrence of <i>Physalopteroides venancioi</i>,<i> Oswaldocruzia</i> sp., <i>Parapharyngodon</i> sp., <i>Physaloptera</i> sp., infecting <i>P. periosus</i> are new records for this host. These findings significantly contribute to the knowledge of host-parasite dynamics in geckos.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1587 - 1591"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-024-00868-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142008066","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}

{"title":"Sero-Prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis and Associated Risk Factors among Febrile Patients Attending Metema Hospital, West Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia","authors":"Solomon Tesfaye,&nbsp;Tibebnesh Getu,&nbsp;Tilahun Yohannes,&nbsp;Damtew Bekele","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00882-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00882-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>In Ethiopia, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a public health concern that has been spreading to new endemic foci in recent years. An estimated 3.2 million people are at risk of infection, with 3700–7400 new cases yearly. Thus, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of VL and associated risk factors among febrile patients attending Metema Hospital, North West Ethiopia.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 404 febrile patients attending Metema Hospital from February 2021 to June 2021. The test for VL was done using an immune-chromatographic test (RK39) according to the manufacturer’s instructions (InBios International Inc., USA). An interviewer-administered, pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on risk factors associated with VL. Logistic regression and Chi-square assessed the association between VL and the associated risk factors.</p><h3>Reults</h3><p>The overall prevalence of visceral leishmaniasis was 18.8% (76/404), with a higher prevalence of VL in males, in the age category between 21 and 30, in study participants who completed elementary school, and in those who earned less than 500 birr monthly compared to their counterparts. Houses with thatched roofs (adjusted odd ratio (AOR) = 17.648, 95CI = 6.549,47.563), houses with mud walls (AOR = 2.538, 95% CI = 1.187–5.411), cattle ownership (AOR = 3.173, 95% CI = 1.286–7.826), dog ownership (AOR = 2,533, 95% CI = 1.256–5.111), presence of <i>Acacia</i> trees near houses (AOR = 1.975, 95% CI:1.004–3.886), presence of <i>Balanites</i> tree (AOR = 3.015, 95% CI = 1.610–5.992), and outdoor sleeping (AOR = 2.259, 95% CI: 1.107–14.607) were the predictors of VL in the present study.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In the study area, VL is still very common. Thus, preventing and controlling infection in the area is largely dependent on raising community awareness of VL prevention and control measures and implementing the necessary interventions on the determinants that have been identified.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1621 - 1629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142003365","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":"Combining Killed Vaccine Candidate with Different Adjuvants to Determine Prophylactic Potential against Leishmaniasis","authors":"Kübra Kelleci,&nbsp;Adil Allahverdiyev,&nbsp;Melahat Bağırova,&nbsp;Murat Ihlamur,&nbsp;Emrah Şefik Abamor","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00903-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00903-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Visceral Leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem caused by Leishmania species parasites. Approximately 500 thousand people get Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) every year. An effective and reliable vaccine against the disease has still not been formulated. Choosing the right adjuvant is important to increase immunogenicity in vaccines prepared with total antigens. In this study, we investigate the ideal adjuvant for use in vaccine formulations against VL. For this purpose, Leishmania antigens (FTLA) obtained from <i>L. infantum</i> parasites by the freeze-thaw method and three different adjuvants (alum-saponin and calcium phosphate) were used. The effectiveness of the formulations was investigated in vitro by cell viability analysis and determination of nitric oxide and cytokine production abilities in J774 macrophage cells. According to the study results, it was determined that formulations prepared with calcium phosphate produced 72% more NO and approximately 7.2 times more IL-12 cytokine. The results obtained showed that calcium phosphate salts can be used as ideal adjuvants in vaccine research against leishmaniasis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1613 - 1620"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142008057","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":"Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Aponurus laguncula Looss, 1907 (Digenea: Lecithasteridae) Parasitic in Atlantic Spadefish Chaetodipterus faber (Broussonet, 1782) (Acanthuriformes: Ephippidae) from Brazilian Coastal Zone","authors":"A. B. Machado,&nbsp;R. O. Simões,&nbsp;A. Maldonado Jr,&nbsp;M. A. J. Santos,&nbsp;J. L. Luque","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00878-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00878-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p>An integrative taxonomic description of <i>Aponurus laguncula</i> (Lecithasteridae), a digenean parasitic species of <i>Chaetodipterus faber</i> (Acanthuriformes) from Brazilian Southeast, is provided. Morphological techniques, as whole mounted slides, histology and scanning electron microscopy, and molecular analyses supported that integrative description.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Fifteen digenean specimens were stained in hydrochloric carmine and mounted on permanent slides. Two specimens were stained in hematoxylin and eosin following histological routine processing. Four parasites were dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, critical point dried with carbon dioxide and coated with gold to scanning electron microscopy analysis. Sequence of the large ribosomal subunit (28S rDNA) gene was generated and used to construct a phylogeny based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Morphological description and morphometric data obtained in present study were in accordance with previous studies of the species. Use of another morphological techniques, as scanning electron microscopy and histology, corroborated the observed features of whole mounted slides. Also, they provided a better observation of previous reported characteristics and new features reporting, such as an elongated hermaphroditic duct, a smooth tegument and cells that compose the prostatic gland. The molecular sequence obtained in the present study formed a robust clade with available sequences of species of <i>Aponurus</i>.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The integrative taxonomic approach successfully combined morphological observations, including both previously reported features and new descriptions from histological and electron microscopy analyses, with molecular data to identify these specimens as <i>A. laguncula</i>. Moreover, the detailed characterization of structures, such as the gonads in <i>A. laguncula</i>, that would be challenging to analyze using a single technique, was possible. Further molecular studies with less conserved genetic markers should be conducted to understand phylogenetic relationships between <i>Aponurus</i> species.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1600 - 1612"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142003363","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":"Comparative GRA6 and GRA7 for their Utility as Genetic Markers in the Genotyping of Cerebral Toxoplasmosis in Cerebrospinal Fluid","authors":"Nora Harminarti,&nbsp;Ika Puspa Sari,&nbsp;Wayan Tunas Artama,&nbsp;Darma Imran,&nbsp;Agnes Kurniawan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00901-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00901-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Cerebral toxoplasmosis is a severe symptom of <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) infection that often affects individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and can be fatal. <i>T. gondii</i> exhibits diverse strains with varied virulence, such as cerebral toxoplasmosis, which is connected with a specific strain. Molecular methods were used to investigate the genotype of the parasite. Some researchers have used genetic markers, such as the dense granule proteins GRA6 and GRA7, in order to identify <i>T. gondii</i> genotype. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of GRA6 and GRA7 as genetic markers for determining <i>T. gondii</i> strain from cerebrospinal fluid of AIDS patients with toxoplasmic encephalitis.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>160 serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were collected from 2013 to 2022. The serum samples were initially tested using ELISA anti Toxoplasma IgG, and the CSF was subsequently PCR of 5’SAG2 gene for those positive IgG. A total of 69 CSF successfully positive on PCR of 5’SAG2 were included for analysis of GRA6 and GRA7 by performing PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis for determination of <i>T. gondii</i> type.</p><h3>Result</h3><p>The findings of this study indicate that the use of GRA7 is better than GRA6 when using direct clinical samples. Out of the 69 samples analyzed, total of 36 samples (52.17%) were positive for GRA7. The cases can be classified as type I: 86,1% (31/36), type III: 2,7% (1/36) and atypical: 11,1% (4/36).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Comparison results between GRA6 and GRA7 for genotype determination shows good results on GRA7. GRA7 can be used as a genetic marker to find out the genotype of <i>T. gondii</i> in direct clinical samples where GRA6 cannot be used.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1555 - 1561"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142008058","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 Sero-Molecular Diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp. Infections in the Police Dogs and Their Trainers in Iran","authors":"Ali Asghari,&nbsp;Shirin Jalili,&nbsp;Nader Azadi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00904-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00904-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) and <i>Toxocara</i> spp. are two types of parasites that can infect humans and various animals, including dogs. Police dogs and their trainers have a vital role in law enforcement, and their health and well-being are crucial for them to effectively carry out their duties. No study has yet been conducted on the prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> and <i>Toxocara</i> spp. infections among police dogs and their trainers in Iran. The objective of this study was to determine the sero-molecular prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> and <i>Toxocara</i> spp. infections in police dogs and their trainers in Tehran, the capital of Iran.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In Tehran province, the anti-narcotics police have nearly 200 well-trained police dogs. Each dog is assigned a dedicated trainer and upon completing missions, is housed separately in a designated area. In the present study, a total of 150 samples were gathered. These included 50 blood samples from randomly selected police dogs, 50 fecal samples from the same dogs, and 50 blood samples from their trainers. The Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was performed to detect <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies in dog blood samples and the ELISA system was utilized to identify anti-<i>Toxoplasma</i> and anti-<i>Toxocara</i> antibodies in the sera of the dog trainers. A specific segment of the SAG2 and ITS genes were amplified via nested-PCR in order to molecularly detect <i>T. gondii</i> in human blood samples and <i>Toxocara</i> spp. in dog fecal samples.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Regarding serological findings, the prevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> in dog and human blood samples was 4% (2/50) and 10% (5/50), respectively. According to reports, the seroprevalence of <i>Toxocara</i> spp. in human blood samples was 6% (3/50). No statistically significant association was found between the prevalence of the examined parasites and variables (age, sex, and breed) in dogs, as well as the age variable in military personnel. Molecular findings showed that out of the 50 dog fecal samples and 50 human blood samples, there was no presence of <i>Toxocara</i> spp. and <i>T. gondii</i>, respectively.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Understanding the prevalence of parasitic infections helps public health officials assess the risk to human and animal populations. This information can guide the development of prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of these infections. Overall, the prevalence of parasitic infections, particularly <i>T. gondii</i> and <i>Toxocara</i> spp., in police dogs and their trainers remains uncertain and necessitates further in-depth research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1724 - 1728"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142008062","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":"Gastrointestinal Helminthic Infection among the Population in Northern Thailand","authors":"Ampas Wisetmora,&nbsp;Oranard Wattanawong,&nbsp;Adulsak Wijit,&nbsp;Jutikarn Phukowluan,&nbsp;Ampol Nachairan,&nbsp;Prueksarawuth Jaksuay,&nbsp;Sivapong Sungpradit,&nbsp;Nuttapon Ekobol,&nbsp;Thidarut Boonmars,&nbsp;Alisa Boonsuya,&nbsp;Phornphitcha Pechdee,&nbsp;Chutharat Thanchonnang,&nbsp;Nav La,&nbsp;Nathkapach K. Rattanapitoon,&nbsp;Patpicha Arunsan,&nbsp;Schawanya K. Rattanapitoon","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00892-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00892-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Gastrointestinal (GI) helminthic infections pose substantial public health threat, particularly in northern Thailand, with a heightened concern in Nan province. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of GI helminthic infections in Nan province and identify associated risk factors in local population.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2022. Fecal specimens were collected and examined using Kato-Katz technique and Formalin Ethyl-Acetate Concentration Technique (FECT). Univariate analysis employed the Chi-square test to explore correlations, while logistic regression was defined risk factors associated with parasite infections.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 739 individuals surveyed, 14.34% were revealed GI helminthic infections. Notably, infection rates were higher in males (20.40%) compared to females (8.95%), with a notable prevalence among individuals aged ≥ 60 (17.78%) and high infection rate was demonstrated in Kiew Chan village (21.67%). The most commonly detected helminths were minute intestinal flukes (MIFs) (10.01%) and <i>Capillaria</i> spp. (3.11%). Males were significantly associated with GI helminthic infections, while individuals aged 40–49 and aged 50–59 commonly displayed of parasite infections. Additionally, Kiew Chan village exhibited a significant association with GI helminthic infections, followed by Sop Puen village. Furthermore, fecal specimens of 13 rodent specimens were frequency revealed <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. (92.30%) and mostly exposed <i>Ancylostoma caninum</i> (41.93%) among 93 canines.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings highlight the imperative for immediate public health interventions in Nan province and analogous areas in northern Thailand. Implementing strategies to enhance sanitation infrastructure and promote hygiene education can significantly contribute for reducing the prevalence of GI helminthic infections and improve overall community health.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1648 - 1660"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142008063","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":"Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Yunnan Semi-fine Wool Sheep (Ovis aries) and wild Rodents in Yunnan, China","authors":"Zhao Li,&nbsp;Wen-Jie Cheng,&nbsp;Cai-Qin Deng,&nbsp;Meng-Ling Deng,&nbsp;Hai-Bo Peng,&nbsp;Xing-Quan Zhu,&nbsp;Feng-Cai Zou","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00875-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00875-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, a globally distributed zoonotic obligate intracellular parasite, infects a wide array of mammals, including humans, sheep, and birds. As a unique sheep breed in southwestern China, Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep occupies an important position in animal husbandry in Zhaotong due to its strong adaptability, high reproductive rate, and excellent wool quality. Lambs infected with <i>T. gondii</i> are prone to neurological symptoms and growth retardation, while <i>T. gondii</i> infection in ewes can cause abortions, stillbirths, and deformities, thus affecting sheep reproduction and sheep product quality. Meanwhile, mutton and dairy products contaminated with <i>T. gondii</i> can become potential sources of human infection, potentially threatening public health and safety.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>To understand the <i>T. gondii</i> infection in semi-fine wool sheep in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, 586 blood samples were collected and subjected to indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) for <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies, and the infection-related factors were analyzed through cross-sectional analysis. In the meantime, nested PCR was conducted on a total of 217 samples collected from 31 rodents caught in and around the sheep breeding ground to test the <i>T. gondii</i> B1 gene in rodent tissues.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 94 sera tested positive for <i>T. gondii</i> antibodies, with a total positive rate of 16.04% (94/586) (95% CI: 14.77–20.89). Cross-sectional statistical analysis on factors related to semi-fine wool sheep infection rate, including sampling season, sex, age, and weight, suggested that age (&lt; 6 months: 23.81%; 6–12 months: 11.74%; &gt; 12 months: 15.83%) was a significant factor explaining the infection rate differences (<i>P =</i> 0.003 &lt; 0.05, χ² = 11.62, df = 2). Thus, age was considered a key risk factor for <i>T. gondii</i> infection in this study (odds ratio, OR <i>=</i> 2.35, 95% CI: 1.42–3.87). Nested PCR analysis on 217 (heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, and muscle) tissues from the 31 rodents indicated that 11 tested positive. The total infection rate of rodents in and around the breeding ground was 35.48% (11/31), and 14 samples tested positive, with a positive infection rate of 6.45% (14/217).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The <i>T. gondii</i> infection rates of semi-fine wool sheep and rodents from their breeding environment in Zhaotong, Yunnan Province, were high, necessitating enhanced prevention, control, and treatment measures to ensure the healthy breeding of semi-fine wool sheep and veterinary public health and safety.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"69 3","pages":"1592 - 1599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2024-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-024-00875-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142003362","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}