Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factor Analysis of Bovine Trypanosoma Infection in Cattle across Three Egyptian Governorates","authors":"Abdelfattah Selim,&nbsp;Mohamed Marzok,&nbsp;Hattan S. Gattan,&nbsp;Mohammed H. Alruhaili,&nbsp;Hesham Ismail,&nbsp;Abdelrahman M. Hereba","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01118-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01118-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A cross-sectional study was conducted in three governorates of the Nile Delta region in Egypt from January to December 2024. The objective was to determine the seroprevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and evaluate associated risk factors. A total of 540 cattle blood samples were examined using the CATT/<i>T. evansi</i> test, and relevant animal data were analyzed to identify risk associations. The overall prevalence of trypanosomosis was 24.4% (132/540), with the highest rate observed in Kafr El-Sheikh governorate at 26.1% (49/188). The prevalence was significantly associated with age, packed cell volume (PCV), and body condition score (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of infection increased fourfold in cattle older than 3 years, twofold in anemic animals, and threefold in those with poor body condition. The findings indicate that bovine trypanosomosis is a prevalent among examined cattle in the area studied. Therefore, the implementation of strategic prevention and control programs is essential to improve livestock health and productivity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144868980","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":"Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Oxidative Stress and Hematological Recovery in Dogs with Babesia Gibsoni Infection","authors":"Asma Idress Mundassery,&nbsp;Rathish Ramachandran Latha,&nbsp;Vinodkumar Kulangara,&nbsp;Pradeep Mampilli,&nbsp;Bipin Kuriyedath Chitharalil,&nbsp;Janus Abbdulkhaderkunju,&nbsp;Deepa Padinjare Meleppat","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01122-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01122-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><i>Babesia gibsoni</i> infection in dogs causes hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and systemic inflammation, with many cases progressing to chronic or relapsing forms due to persistent parasitemia and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the clinical, hematobiochemical, and oxidative changes associated with <i>B. gibsoni</i> infection and assessed the therapeutic benefit of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjunct to triple therapy. Nineteen dogs confirmed positive for <i>B. gibsoni</i> via blood smear and PCR were identified; however, only twelve Labrador Retrievers of similar age (2–3 years) were enrolled for treatment to minimize variability in breed and age. The remaining dogs were excluded due to different breeds or incomplete treatment. Six healthy controls were also included. Infected animals exhibited significant alterations in leukocyte count, erythrocyte indices, platelet count, and urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPC) compared to healthy controls, indicating systemic inflammation and renal involvement. Twelve infected dogs were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I received the triple therapy (doxycycline, clindamycin, metronidazole), while Group II received the same treatment with oral NAC (70 mg/kg for 5 days). Clinical, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters were reassessed on Day 21. Both groups showed improvement post-treatment; however, Group II demonstrated greater recovery, including higher RBC counts, hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and serum antioxidant capacity, along with reduced bilirubin and UPC levels. Mann–Whitney U test on Day 21 revealed significant improvements in serum antioxidant activity and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in Group II (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Although other parameters did not reach statistical significance, several showed favorable trends toward improvement in the NAC group. These findings suggest that NAC supplementation enhances hematological recovery, reduces oxidative stress, and supports renal function in dogs with babesiosis. Given its favorable impact, NAC may serve as a valuable adjunct in managing canine babesiosis, particularly in cases with suspected or confirmed oxidative injury. Further studies with larger sample sizes are recommended.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869006","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":"Parasitic Mites of Honey Bees (Apis Spp.): A Detailed Review of Varroa destructor in Parasitism, Pathogen Transmission and its Management","authors":"Ganesan Jeyapriya,&nbsp;Ettiappan Sumathi,&nbsp;Vangili Ramasamy Saminathan,&nbsp;Perumal Renukadevi,&nbsp;Ramasamy Sasikala,&nbsp;Sundaravadivel Sathiya Priya,&nbsp;Sivakumar Kowsika,&nbsp;Subramanian Pradeep","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01124-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01124-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The parasitic mite <i>Varroa destructor</i> is the primary factor contributing to global honeybee (<i>Apis mellifera</i>) colony losses, posing a sustainable challenge to apiculture and pollination services. Its intricate life cycle adaptive reproductive strategies, and advanced sensory mechanisms have facilitated its emergence as the most destructive honeybee parasite. <i>V. destructor</i> uses highly specialized feeding strategies that extract essential nutrients from their hosts and introduce various pathogens, causing honeybee health problems. The mite functions as a viral vector, particularly in the case of the transmission and proliferation of deformed wing virus (DWV), which has resulted in significant colony weakening and collapse. <i>V. destructor</i> has emerged as the most destructive ectoparasite of honeybees, compromising both individual bee health and overall colony resilience. Its success is attributed not only to its direct feeding behavior and viral vectoring ability, but also to advanced chemical communication, immune suppression, and behavioral adaptations. Synergistic mite-pathogen interactions highlight the need for effective control measures. Current control approaches include advanced detection systems in the form of Var-Gor, focused neural and viral pathway inhibitions, and other control measures such as essential oils. The development of synergistic management strategies involving biotechnology, genetic resistance, and sustainable treatment alternatives, is critical to control <i>V. destructor</i> infestations. A deeper understanding of the evolutionary arms race between honeybees and <i>V. destructors</i> will be crucial to the development of long-term, sustainable control strategies that safeguard bee populations and preserve pollination services, which are vital to world agriculture. This review aims to synthesize current understanding of <i>V.</i> <i>destructor</i> biology, its interactions with honeybee host (<i>A. mellifera</i> and <i>A. cerana</i>), and the associated microbial and viral pathogens. We also explore recent developments in detection, population dynamics, and sustainable management strategies including botanicals, essential oils, and organic acids. By integrating ecological, physiological, and molecular perspectives, this review highlights the need for multidisciplinary approaches to effectively manage <i>Varroa</i> and mitigate its impact on global apiculture.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144868984","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 the Expression Levels of miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b in the Serum of Acute and Chronic Forms of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis","authors":"Mohammad Hamedanipour,&nbsp;Zohre Khosravany,&nbsp;Zahra Mirabedini,&nbsp;Mehdi Mohebali,&nbsp;Mohammad Barati,&nbsp;Hamed Mirjalali","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01123-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus <i>Leishmania</i>. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can influence the progress and outcome of the disease. This study aimed to investigate the expression levels of miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b in the serum of acute and chronic forms of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Iran.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Samples were collected from 30 clinical cases of CL in Golestan province, who suffered from either acute or chronic forms of the disease, including 15 for each. <i>Leishmania</i> species were identified using PCR (kDNA gene). Total RNA was extracted from serum samples, complementary DNA (cDNA) was synthesized based on the loop technique, and the expression levels of miRNAs (miR-155, miR-133a, and miR-146b) were determined through quantitative real-time PCR analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Conventional PCR on kDNA confirmed the presence of <i>L. major</i> in 30 patients. Healing after one course of treatment and no response to treatment were considered as acute and chronic forms, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant changes, the expression of miR-133a and miR-155 was upregulated in patients with acute CL compared to those with chronic form, while miR-146b was downregulated in patients with acute CL.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>In the current study, the expression changes of miR-155, miR-146b, and miR-133a in acute patients was compared to those patients with chronic CL. Although it was not significant, alterations in the expression levels of miRNAs were observed between acute and chronic forms of CL suggesting different pathogenesis of clinical forms.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144869007","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":"Detection of Sarcocystis halieti DNA in the Blood of Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum) and Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) from Lithuania, and in Eurasian Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) from Greece","authors":"Eglė Rudaitytė-Lukošienė,&nbsp;Vaidas Palinauskas,&nbsp;Grigorios Markakis,&nbsp;Dalius Butkauskas,&nbsp;Petras Prakas","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01119-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01119-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Sarcocystis</i> (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) is a cyst-forming coccidian parasite that infects mammals, reptiles and birds. Despite the emergence of studies employing less invasive or lethal methods to study these parasites, <i>Sarcocystis</i> species have yet to be detected in avian blood. The objective of this study was to molecularly identify <i>Sarcocystis</i> species in the blood DNA samples of three avian host species.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 93 DNA samples from avian blood were subjected to a screening procedure for <i>Sarcocystis</i>. Samples from three bird species, 30 western house martins (<i>Delichon urbicum</i>), 40 barn swallows (<i>Hirundo rustica</i>) and 23 Eurasian griffon vultures (<i>Gyps fulvus</i>) were used for PCR and sequencing.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Nine samples were found to be positive for <i>Sarcocystis</i>, with a prevalence of 17.4% among Eurasian griffon vultures, 7.5% prevalence among barn swallows, and 6.7% prevalence among western house martins. Based on the sequencing of the partial <i>ITS1</i> locus <i>S</i>. <i>halieti</i> was identified.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In this paper, <i>S</i>. <i>halieti</i> was molecularly discovered for the first time across all three examined avian host species. Furthermore, <i>S</i>. <i>halieti</i> has been recorded as the first species identified in swallows (Hirundinidae family). However, conclusive confirmation of <i>S. halieti</i> infection in the analysed animals requires examination of muscle tissue for sarcocysts. The results demonstrate that molecular diagnostics from blood samples using PCR/sequencing has the potential to identify <i>Sarcocystis</i> species in avian hosts and implementation of such a technique could prove advantageous in the analysis of these parasites in wild animals.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832262","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 the Oxidative Stress Reducing Potentials of Sub-Fractions of Capsicum Frutescens L. Aqueous Extract on Early Established Plasmodium in Mice","authors":"David Chukwuma Nwikwe,&nbsp;Bankole Emmanuel Ofeniforo,&nbsp;Nnaemeka Tobechukwu Asogwa,&nbsp;Charles Obiora Nwonuma,&nbsp;Elizabeth Abidemi Balogun","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01121-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01121-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Resistance to malaria parasites has overwhelming impacts on the host’s antioxidant microenvironment, stimulating oxidative stress during nutrient hunt. Hence, settlers in malaria-ravaged communities have resorted to plant use for fever and malaria due to its availability and affordability. This work assessed the oxidative stress status through antioxidant parameters of sub-fractions of <i>Capsicum frutescens</i> L. fruit (CFL) aqueous extract in <i>Plasmodium berghei</i> (NK65)-parasitized mice.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Two hundred and four (204) mice (combined sexes) weighing 24.0 ± 3.0 g were randomized into seven Groups (<i>n</i> = 4) and intraperitoneally inoculated with parasitized erythrocytes (0.2 mL). Group A = 10 mL/kg normal saline (control), Group B = 10 mg/kg body weight chloroquine, and Groups C-G respectively received 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 mg/kg body weight of each sub-fraction. On Days 4 and 8 post-inoculation, mice from each group were euthanized. Blood and liver were taken and prepared using standard procedures to develop homogenates of erythrocytes and liver. Assessment of lipid peroxidation using malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidants using superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase concentrations were done in the homogenates.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Treatment with CLF sub-fractions in erythrocytes and liver homogenates significantly reduced (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) MDA levels with a concomitant increase in the untreated. Conversely, the treated groups revealed a significant increase in the antioxidant enzymes in a dose-dependent fashion compared with the untreated on Days 4 and 8 post-inoculation. However, sub-fraction B was more pronounced than sub-fractions A and C.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study suggests that CFL sub-fractions, especially sub-fraction B, possess in vivo antiplasmodial and antioxidant potency against fever and malaria by elevating antioxidant capacity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832261","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":"The First Record of Gyrodactylus perccotti Ergens & Yukhimenko, 1973 (Monopisthocotyla: Gyrodactylidae), A Parasite of the Alien Chinese Sleeper (Perccottus glenii Dybowski, 1877), in Bulgaria","authors":"Nina Vancheva,&nbsp;Boyko B. Georgiev","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01120-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01120-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The Chinese sleeper <i>Perccottus glenii</i> is native in East Asia and has become invasive in West Siberia and Europe. It was recorded in the Bulgarian section of the Danube in 2005. The aim of the present study is to report on the presence of gyrodactylid infection in this alien fish species.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In the spring of 2019, two specimens of <i>P. glenii</i> were caught from the Lake Srebarna Biosphere Reserve (Northeastern Bulgaria) and examined for ectoparasites. The gyrodactylid specimens found were studied morphologically in glycerine-gelatine mounts. The ITS1-5.8 S-ITS2 fragment of rDNA was analysed.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Gyrodactylus perccotti</i>, a specific parasite of the Chinese sleeper, was found on the caudal fin of one of the studied specimens with low abundance, two specimens only. The morphology and the DNA analysis showed full correspondence with the previously published data.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This finding represents the first record of <i>G. perccotti</i> from Bulgaria. The results of the present study increase the knowledge of the non-native geographical range of <i>G. perccotti</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144832279","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":"Molecular Prevalence, Associated Risk Factors, and Genetic Characterization of Theileria Ovis in Sheep and Goats","authors":"Faleh A. AlFaleh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01110-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01110-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Theileria</i> species is an important tickborne pathogen of sheep and goats globally. This study was performed in western Saudi Arabia to investigate the prevalence, associated risk factors, and phylogenetic analysis of <i>Theileria ovis</i> (<i>T. ovis)</i> in sheep and goats.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 300 blood samples, 190 from sheep and 110 from goats, were collected. The investigation was performed using PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (<i>ssu rRNA</i>) gene, in addition to genetic characterization.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The proportion of goats and sheep testing positive was variable ranging from 9.1 to 13.2%. The total prevalence of <i>T. ovis</i> was found to be 9.1% in goats and 13.2% in sheep. The enrolled sheep and goats were confirmed to be infected with <i>T. ovis</i> by sequencing the partial <i>ssu rRNA</i> gene, and a similar genotype was identified. Age, housing, sex, and tick infestation factors were significantly associated with the infection (<i>p &lt;</i> 0.05). Multivariable model analysis indicated that <i>T. ovis</i> infection was 4.6, 0.4, 3.1, and 8.2 times higher in ages <i>&gt;</i> 1 year, females, closed housing, and tick infestation, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and high nucleotide identities revealed similar genotypes of <i>T. ovis</i> exist in the field, and were close to Turkish <i>T. ovis</i> (OM066225, a goat strain).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>We reported a low to relatively moderate molecular prevalence of <i>T. ovis</i> in goats and sheep, respectively, from the western region. However, it is recommended to adopt control measures to reduce <i>T. ovis</i> infection in small ruminants in this area.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810927","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, Molecular and Phylogenetic Characterization of Auerbachia megacapsula n. sp. (Myxozoa: Coccomyxidae) from Larimichthys crocea Richardson, 1846","authors":"Xue Chen,&nbsp;Wei Chen,&nbsp;Huichao Pu,&nbsp;Yang Zhou,&nbsp;Yuanjun Zhao,&nbsp;Chengzhong Yang","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01107-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01107-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study describes a novel myxosporean species, <i>Auerbachia megacapsula</i> n. sp., isolated from the gallbladders of <i>Larimichthys crocea</i> Richardson, 1846 from the South China Sea.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The morphometry and morphological studies were carried out using Nikon Ni-U microscope. Molecular analysis, phylogenetic reconstruction, molecular clock estimation, and cophylogenetic inference based on small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) sequences, were performed using appropriate softwares.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The myxospores were characterized by their club-shaped morphology, with a broader anterior region and a less prominent posterior extension. In the side view, the sutural line was indistinct, with the smooth, asymmetrical valves jointed at the edge. Mature myxospores measured 22.2 ± 1.7 (15.9–25.5) µm in length and 12.8 ± 0.9 (11.4–14.3) µm in width. The polar capsule was 18.9 ± 1.4 (14.1–20.5) µm in length and 4.7 ± 0.3 (3.6–5.0) µm in width, with polar tubules coiled 2–4 turns, reaching a total length of 83.3 ± 1.5 (82.2–84.4) µm. Molecular analysis based on SSU rDNA revealed that the species shares the highest similarity of 98.3% with <i>Auerbachia chaetodoni</i>, supporting its novelty. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species occupies a basal position within the main <i>Auerbachia</i> clade.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The integration of morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic evidence, together with distinct host specificity and geographic distribution, supports the recognition of <i>Auerbachia megacapsula</i> n. sp. as a novel species within the family Coccomyxidae.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810928","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 Potential of miRNA-92a-3p as Lead for Sequence-Based Therapies for Malaria","authors":"Sowmya R. Prabhu,&nbsp;Sayandrila Paul,&nbsp;Shashikiran Umakanth,&nbsp;Manjunath Hande,&nbsp;Abdul Vahab Saadi,&nbsp;Himanshu Gupta,&nbsp;Kapaettu Satyamoorthy","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01117-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01117-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>An upsurge in antimalarial drug resistance is compounded by the constant emergence and dispersal of genetic diversity in the virulent malaria parasite, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> (<i>Pf</i>), conferring a survival advantage that poses a serious threat to malaria control efforts. The highly polymorphic nature of the multicopy multigene var family that encodes erythrocyte membrane protein (EMP) drives the phenotypes associated with complicated malaria. Despite significant antigenic variation, analyzing the overlapping patterns among parasite isolates from different regions is crucial for effective vaccine development. While microRNAs are emerging as crucial modulators in influencing the host-parasite interactions, host miR-92a-3p revealed possibility to disrupt <i>PfEMP</i> variants associated with clinical malaria.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The present study was performed to understand the crucial involvement of miR-92a-3p as an inhibitor of <i>PfEMP</i> during clinical malaria. For the cross-sectional study, the sequences for the <i>Pf</i> Duffy binding-like (DBL) domain were amplified and analyzed from 20 infected patient samples through PCR, cloning, and Sanger sequencing to assess the sequence variability and explore for the availability of the miR-92a target site among uncomplicated and complicated malaria cases. Extending to the host genome, a case-control study was undertaken to assess the relative impact of miR-92a gene polymorphisms.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Despite notable sequence variability in the DBLα domain across parasite isolates, a conserved motif facilitating host miR-92a binding was consistently observed, indicating a potential target site for therapeutic intervention. The comparative miR-92a mutation analysis revealed two healthy controls and nine cases with single-nucleotide and multi-nucleotide variants, suggestive of genetic influences on miRNA-mediated regulation.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The identification of conserved miR-92a binding motifs within the DBLα domain of <i>PfEMP</i>, despite the genetic variability among isolates, underscores the regulatory potential of this miRNA. The findings of the present study are also informative of mutational mechanisms affecting miRNA synthesis and thus reveal the prospects of implementing miR-92a as an antisense strategy to target candidate genes for specific therapeutic interventions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144810926","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}