Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"An ELISA Using a T. gondii GRA6-Derived Peptide as Antigen Successfully Detected Ovine Toxoplasmosis","authors":"İrem Yavuz,&nbsp;Muhammet Karakavuk,&nbsp;Çağrı Kandemir,&nbsp;Hüseyin Can,&nbsp;Sedef Erkunt Alak,&nbsp;Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu,&nbsp;Mert Döşkaya,&nbsp;Özlem Günay-Esiyok,&nbsp;Mervenur Güvendi,&nbsp;Tuğba Karakavuk,&nbsp;Cemal Ün,&nbsp;Adnan Yüksel Gürüz,&nbsp;Ayşegül Aksoy Gökmen,&nbsp;Aysu Değirmenci Döşkaya","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01208-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01208-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is considered the second most common pathogen causing abortions in sheep, resulting in great economic losses. Thus, timely, sensitive and specific diagnosis of ovine toxoplasmosis is very important. In this study, diagnostic performance of an ELISA using a <i>T. gondii</i> GRA6 peptide (GRA6 ELISA) was investigated using serum samples (<i>n</i> = 61) collected from sheep diagnosed with toxoplasmosis using a commercial ELISA kit. Additionally, an <i>in house</i> ELISA using <i>T. gondii</i> tachyzoite lysate antigen (TLA ELISA) was also used to compare its performance with that of the GRA6 ELISA. Using the commercial ELISA kit as reference, the TLA ELISA and the GRA6 ELISA showed sensitivities of 83.7% and 88.4%, and specificities of 85% and 80.0%, respectively. Cohen’s kappa coefficient between TLA ELISA/ GRA6 ELISA and commercial ELISA kit was 0.652 and 0.675, respectively, indicating that both tests have good agreements. When we analyzed serum samples (<i>n</i> = 19) collected from a sheep group that had experienced abortions and were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis using a commercial ELISA kit, sensitivity values for the TLA ELISA and the GRA6 ELISA reached 100% and 89.5%, respectively. According to the seroprevalence results in serum samples analyzed, the commercial ELISA kit detected seroprevalence as 68.2% whereas the GRA6 ELISA and TLA ELISA detected seroprevalence as 66.7% and 61.2%, respectively. Furthermore, among the serum samples that yielded compatible results across the three different ELISA assays (<i>n</i> = 45), 31 were identified as seropositive, corresponding to a seroprevalence rate of 68.9% (31/45). In conclusion, the GRA6 ELISA detected ovine toxoplasmosis with high sensitivity and specificity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958443","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":"Unveiling Hidden Threats: Molecular Detection and Genetic Diversity of Hepatozoon spp. and Toxoplasma Gondii in Wild Rodents of Saudi Arabia and Their Ectoparasites","authors":"Maryam Ijaz,&nbsp;Samia Q. Alghamdi,&nbsp;Abdullah D Alanazi,&nbsp;Mubashra Salim,&nbsp;Muhammad Naeem,&nbsp;Muhammad Ali,&nbsp;Shabana Mukhtiar,&nbsp;Kasim Sakran Abass,&nbsp;Hira Muqaddas,&nbsp;Adil Khan,&nbsp;Furhan Iqbal","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01200-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01200-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Present investigation was designed to report the PCR based presence of <i>Hepatozoon</i> spp., <i>Plasmodium</i> spp., <i>Haemoproteus</i> spp., <i>Leucocytozoan</i> spp., <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> and <i>Neospora caninum</i> nd phylogenetic diversity of detected pathogens in the blood samples of four wild rodent species (<i>Meriones rex</i>, <i>Acomys dimidiatus</i>, <i>Myomys yemeni</i> and <i>Rattus rattus</i>). Ectoparasites infesting these rodents were also reported.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 54 rodents and 365 ecto-parasites infesting them were collected during August till October 2020 from Al Makhwah governorate in Saudi Arabia. PCR-base approached was used for the detection of parasites in rodent bloods followed by their DNA sequence based confirmation and phylogenetic analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Hepatozoon</i> spp. and <i>T. gondii</i> were detected by PCR in seven (13%), and one (2%) out of 54 analyzed rodents, respectively. <i>Meriones rex</i> and <i>Myomys yemeni</i> were found infected with <i>Hepatozoon</i> spp., while <i>T. gondii</i> was detected only in <i>Myomys yemeni</i>. Phylogenetic analysis of both pathogens showed that Saudi isolates were closely related to isolates previously reported from various countries worldwide. Ecto-parasites infesting three rodent species included ticks (<i>Haemaphysalis</i> and <i>Rhipicephalus</i> spp.), fleas (<i>Parapulex chephrensis</i>), mites (<i>Laelaps echidninus</i>) and lice. <i>Myomys yemeni</i> had no ecto-parasite infestation. Female <i>Meriones rex</i> was significantly more prone to <i>Hepatozoon</i> spp. infection than males.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first report that Saudi rodents are infected with <i>Hepatozoon</i> spp. and <i>T. gondii</i>. More large scale studies are recommended for the better understanding of the host-parasite interactions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958506","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":"Comparing the Interactions of Trichomonas vaginalis/gallinae Legumain-Like Cysteine Protease 1 (LEGU-1) and Human Legumain (LGMN) Protein Sequences with Proton Pump Inhibitor Drugs (Lansoprazole, Omeprazole, and Esomeprazole) by Bioinformatics Analyses","authors":"Ahmet Efe Köseoğlu,&nbsp;Meltem Kutnu,&nbsp;Buminhan Özgültekin,&nbsp;Gülsüm Deniz Köseoğlu,&nbsp;Sabina Neziri,&nbsp;Bilge İrem Göç,&nbsp;Yusuf Şeflekçi,&nbsp;Nehir Özdemir Özgentürk,&nbsp;Yağmur Ekenoğlu Merdan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01187-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01187-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The flagellar parasite <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> is the main cause of trichomoniasis cases globally and is associated with a broad range of complications. Due to the diverse range of virulence factors participating in the attachment, proliferation and resistance of this pathogen, preventive and well-tolerated compounds are necessary. One of the virulence factors in <i>T. vaginalis,</i> the legumain-like cysteine protease LEGU-1 is of particular interest as a target due to its potential influence on trichomoniasis and tumor development in urogenital systems, as well as its closely related to the avian strain <i>T. gallinae</i>. Previous studies on antineoplastic proton pump inhibitors revealed they also have legumain (LGMN) inhibitory activities.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Therefore, this study aimed to compare the molecular interactions of <i>T. vaginalis/gallinae</i> LEGU-1 and H. sapiens LGMN with proton pump inhibitor drugs (lansoprazole, omeprazole, and esomeprazole) through sequence analysis, 3D modeling, and molecular docking.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Although sequence analyses revealed low homology between <i>T. vaginalis/gallinae</i> LEGU-1 and H. sapiens LGMN, secondary and 3D structural comparisons uncovered their structural conservation. Possible binding sites in all three proteins identified via CB-DOCK2 were compared to the previously described sites for LGMN, followed by targeted docking using Autodock Vina. Identification of amino acids mutually interacting with all three ligands by both programs revealed the overall conservation of the binding pockets. The variations in the number of amino acids within the binding sites for all three proteins displayed the variations in the binding energies for each ligand. Lansoprazole, omeprazole and esomeprazole were shown to bind <i>T. vaginalis/gallinae</i> LEGU-1 and <i>H. sapiens</i> LGMN, with lansoprazole having the highest binding energy.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Conclusion Beyond our promising bioinformatics results, this study can guide further research on the development of alternative therapeutic methods against trichomoniasis and concomitant conditions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773153","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":"Synovial Parasitosis and Inflammatory Biomarker Profiles in Osteoarthritis: Associations with Host and Therapeutic Factors","authors":"Faika Hassanein,&nbsp;Amany I. Shehata,&nbsp;Akram M. Aldawoudy,&nbsp;Inas M. Masoud","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01180-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01180-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of chronic disability worldwide, affecting millions and posing a substantial public health burden. It leads to progressive cartilage degeneration, inflammation, and impaired joint function, underscoring the need for early diagnostic biomarkers and insight into contributory factors such as parasitic infections. Recent evidence suggests a connection between knee OA and low-grade intestinal inflammation, as well as alterations in the gut microbiota. We aimed to examine synovial fluid for parasitosis (SP) among osteoarthritic patients (OPs) and to detect associated biomarkers.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Synovial fluid samples were aspirated and divided into three portions. The first portion was spread to make thin films and stained with various stains. The second portion was centrifuged, and the resulting pellets were inoculated using Jones’ media. The third one was analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique to assess Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and matrix metalloproteases-9 (MMP9) biomarkers.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Synovial parasitosis was detected in 57% of OA patients, with Blastocystis sp. being the most prevalent (40%), followed by microsporidia (16%). Corticosteroid-treated (CST) patients had a higher prevalence of SP, while TNF-α and MMP9 levels were elevated in infected compared with noninfected patients. Elevated biomarker levels correlated with infection multiplicity, indicating inflammatory activation.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study highlights a significant prevalence of SP among OPs (57%), with Blastocystis sp. being the most common parasite. CST-treated patients had a higher SP than those with non-CST. Elevated TNF-α and MMP-9 levels could be biomarkers for identifying patients at risk for disease progression due to SP. Further research should be conducted using molecular techniques, along with studies utilizing antiparasitic treatment among infected OA patients.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01180-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773132","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":"Changes in Parasite Communities of Paralonchurus Brasiliensis (Sciaenidae) in Southeastern Brazil Across a Two-Decade Interval","authors":"Taíssa Casanova,&nbsp;Thiago dos Santos Cardoso,&nbsp;Raquel de Oliveira Simões,&nbsp;Fabiano Paschoal,&nbsp;José Luis Luque","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01195-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01195-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study compares the metazoan parasite communities of the banded croaker <i>Paralonchurus brasiliensis</i> in Sepetiba Bay, southeastern Brazil, across a two-decade interval.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 193 fish were examined: 93 individuals sampled between September 2001 and March 2002 (previously published dataset) and 100 individuals collected between May and August 2022. Parasites were identified using standard parasitological procedures, and community descriptors were recalculated to allow direct comparison between sampling periods. Differences in parasitological indices and community structure were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Eighteen parasite species were recorded, with eleven occurring in both sampling periods. Four crustacean taxa represent new host records for <i>P. brasiliensis</i>. A shift in parasite functional structure was detected: adult endoparasites predominated in 2001, whereas larval endoparasites dominated in 2022. Significant declines were observed in the prevalence and abundance of <i>Aponurus pyriformis</i> and <i>Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) pereirai</i>, and mean species richness and diversity indices were lower in 2022. While nMDS revealed partial overlap in community composition, PERMANOVA indicated statistically significant temporal differences.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The results reveal a simplification of parasite communities and a decline in key taxa across two decades, consistent with environmental disturbance in Sepetiba Bay. These findings highlight the value of parasite assemblages as indicators of ecological change and underscore the need for integrated parasitological and environmental monitoring.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145772968","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":"n-Butanol Fraction of Dioscorea dumetorum Tuber Aqueous Extract Exhibited Potent Antimalarial Activity in Plasmodium berghei-infected Mice","authors":"U. Okeme,&nbsp;M. T. Yakubu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01184-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01184-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Dioscorea</i><i> dumetorum</i> (locally known as <i>Esuru</i> {Yoruba tribe of Nigeria}) has been claimed to be used in folk medicine for the management of malaria without information on the anti-plasmodial rich fraction. It is against this background that the current study was designed to provide information on the anti-plasmodial rich fraction of <i>Dioscorea dumetorium</i> tubers. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The n-hexane (nHF), ethylacetate (EAF), and n-butanol (nBF) fractions obtained from <i>D. dumetorum</i> tubers were screened for anti-plasmodial activity. The most potent fraction, nBF, was further subjected to column chromatography and the resulting three sub-fractions (CCF1-CCF3) were equally screened for anti-plasmodial activity. The most potent sub-fraction, CCF1, was chemically profiled using HPLC. </p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results revealed that the nBF and CCF1 demonstrated the most profound inhibition (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) of parasite growth by 49.13% and 40.80% respectively. The CCF1contained 11 chemical compounds with allantoin and protodioscin being relatively the most abundant. The significant and dose-dependent suppression of parasitemia by the n-BF and its CCF1 in the murine model conferred potent anti-plasmodial activity on them. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In conclusion, the nBF and CCF1 from the <i>D. dumetorum</i> tubers represents a promising and pharmacologically relevant source for the development of novel antimalarial therapies or lead compounds.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145773093","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":"Assessing Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections and Drug Compliance in Water Sanitation and Hygiene Communities, Ogun State, Nigeria","authors":"Oluwaseyi T. Taiwo,&nbsp;Sammy O. Sam-Wobo,&nbsp;Kehinde O. Ademolu,&nbsp;Adewale O. Talabi,&nbsp;Hammed O. Mogaji,&nbsp;Adewale M. Taiwo","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01159-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01159-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain a major public health concern in sub-Saharan Africa, where inadequate sanitation and unsafe water contribute to ongoing transmission.</p><h3>Objective</h3><p>This study examined the prevalence and associated risk factors of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> among school-aged children in 20 WASH-focused communities across four Local Government Areas in Ogun Central, Nigeria, between March 2021 and March 2023.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Urine and stool samples were collected from 1,019 pupils and analyzed using standard parasitological techniques, while structured questionnaires captured demographic information, WASH indicators, and attitudes toward anthelmintic treatment.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall prevalence of <i>S. haematobium</i> was 2%. Significant associations were observed between infection and water sources (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), toilet facilities (<i>p</i> = 0.045), and haematuria (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Age was also identified as a significant demographic factor influencing infection.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings highlight the persistent vulnerability of children in WASH-dependent communities to urinary schistosomiasis and emphasize the need for integrated control strategies that combine improved sanitation, safe water supply, health education, and regular mass drug administration.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145772982","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":"Seroprevalence and the Associated Risk Factors of Neospora caninum in Egyptian Dairy Cattle with Evaluation of Diagnostic Agreement Between Serum and Milk Samples","authors":"E. S. Abdel Massieh,&nbsp;H. M. Auda,&nbsp;N. M. Bakry,&nbsp;Reem M. Ramadan,&nbsp;O. H. Refaei","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01183-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01183-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Neospora caninum</i> is a common infectious cause of abortion in cattle globally. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of <i>N. caninum</i>, identify associated risk factors, and assess the diagnostic agreement between serum and milk samples.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 254 individual serum samples were collected from dairy cattle in two Egyptian governorates. The seroprevalence of <i>N. caninum</i> antibodies was determined using a commercial ELISA kit (ID Vet – France). For assessment of diagnostic agreement between individual serum and milk samples, 92 milk samples from the same animals representing different days in milk (DIM) were tested using the same ELISA kit.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall seroprevalence of <i>N. caninum</i> antibodies was 31.9%. The seroprevalence rates for Faiyum and Alexandria governorates were 28% and 40.5%, respectively. For seropositive animals to <i>N. caninum</i>, the odds of suffering from abortion are 5.5 times greater than the odds for seronegative animals (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.001), reaching 12.4 times in multivariable analysis. While the animal’s location was found to have a significant relationship with the seroprevalence of <i>N. caninum</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.048) in univariable analysis, multivariable logistic regression showed no significant effect (<i>P</i> = 0.33<i>)</i>. The age, parity, animal productive category, gynecological disorders, and the average milk production had no significant relation with the seroprevalence of <i>N. caninum</i> (<i>P</i> &gt; 0.05). The Kappa coefficients between individual serum and milk samples were 0.59, 0.52, and 0.64 for all samples (n = 92), ≤ 220 DIM (n = 42), and ˃ 220 DIM (n = 50), respectively.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p><i>N. caninum</i> is prevalent in Egypt. Abortion history can be used as a key predictor factor for <i>Neospora</i> in the examined herds. The late lactation period is the preferred time for testing milk samples; however, we do not recommend replacing individual serum samples with milk samples.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01183-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754283","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":"Protective Effect of S-Methylcysteine Against Toxoplasma gondii-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Female Albino Rats","authors":"Nermeen I. Ashry,&nbsp;Dina M. M. EL Shewehy,&nbsp;Dina A. Elbadry,&nbsp;Amira Ismail","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01172-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01172-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) is a zoonotic parasite that causes severe disease, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Current treatments have significant side effects and are ineffective against the latent stage of the parasite. S-Methylcysteine (SMC), a compound from garlic, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its efficacy against <i>T. gondii</i> is unknown.</p><h3>Objective</h3><p>To evaluate the in vivo effects of SMC on <i>T. gondii</i> infection, focusing on hormonal and histopathological changes and its therapeutic potential.</p><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><p>Forty-eight adult female albino rats were divided into eight groups of six. Four groups were infected intra-vaginally with 200 <i>T. gondii</i> cysts, while controls received saline. For two months, treatment groups were administered daily doses of SMC (50 mg/kg), Spiramycin (200 mg/kg), or a combination of both via gastric tube. After sacrifice, blood samples were collected for hormonal analysis (estrogen, progesterone, LH, FSH). The ovaries and uterus were excised and histologically examined using hematoxylin and eosin staining for microscopic evaluation.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> infection caused significant hormonal disruption and severe uterine and ovarian inflammation. Treatment with either SP or SMC alone partially mitigated these effects. However, the combined SMC and Spiramycin treatment showed the most significant improvement, significantly mitigated hormonal imbalances and promoted substantial tissue recovery.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>S-Methylcysteine shows promising therapeutic potential in ameliorating the hormonal and histopathological damage associated with <i>T. gondii</i> infection, especially when combined with Spiramycin. Future studies, including human clinical trials, are needed to investigate its mechanisms and confirm its safety and effectiveness.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01172-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754285","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 Impact of Chronic Toxoplasmosis on the Gonadotropic Gonadal Axis in Male Rats","authors":"Samar Nagah El-Beshbishi,&nbsp;Soha Ibrahim Awad,&nbsp;Elham Farag Almeniar,&nbsp;Mona Younis Youssef,&nbsp;Nora Labeeb El-Tantawy,&nbsp;Amira Ibrahim Taman","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01185-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01185-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> (<i>T. gondii</i>) causes latent infections in host tissues, including those of the central nervous system. In males, the hypothalamic pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis controls reproductive function through a hormonal cascade. Disruption of this axis can impair spermatogenesis and lead to infertility. This study aimed to investigate the impact of chronic infection by <i>T. gondii</i> on the HPG axis in male rats, especially with respect to FSH, serum, and intratesticular testosterone (ITT) concentrations, via histopathological examination of the testes.</p><h3> Methods</h3><p> A total of 36 outbred male Wistar rats were included in this study (24 cases and 12 controls). The ME-49 strain of <i>T. gondii</i> was utilized to infect rats. At days 40, 50, and 60 following infections, the rats were euthanized, and the testes were obtained for histopathological examination. Serum and testicular tissue samples were investigated for FSH and testosterone serum levels, and the ITT concentration was measured.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>There was a statistically insignificant decrease in the serum testosterone level and the concentration of ITT at 40 and 50 days between the <i>Toxoplasma</i>-infected group and the control group; the difference was significant on day 60 (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). At all specified time points, the <i>Toxoplasma</i>-infected rat group’s mean serum FSH concentration was substantially greater than that of the control group (<i>P</i> &lt;  0.01). The <i>Toxoplasma</i>-infected groups presented abnormal histopathology findings in their testicular tissues.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Toxoplasmosis impacts the male hormones essential for spermatogenesis and disrupts testicular histology, indicating that chronic toxoplasmosis has a negative effect on the HPG axis and impacts male fertility.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145754284","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}