Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Pathological Fracture of the Tibia Due to Lytic Bone Lesion Caused by Hydatidosis with Absence of Systemic Involvement: A Case Report and Review of Literature","authors":"Nashwah Samir AlHariry,&nbsp;Enas A. El Saftawy,&nbsp;Wesam Gamal Abousenna,&nbsp;Mansour A. Alghamdi,&nbsp;Basma Emad Aboulhoda","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01041-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01041-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This report raises attention to hydatidosis in bone as a neglected lytic osseous disease.</p><h3>Case Presentation</h3><p>The authors reported a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with pain and swelling in the right upper leg. X-ray suggested a lytic lesion in the right proximal tibia. Adenocarcinoma metastasis was suspected, yet, the investigations revealed negative Positron emission tomography (PET) scan metastatic work-up and negative alpha-fetoprotein, Cancer Antigen (CA) 15.3, CA 19.9, CA125, and Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The histopathological evaluation of the extracted core biopsy showed a granulomatous reaction with reactive fibrosis. Immune reactive CD68 cells were recorded in the epithelioid macrophages and foreign body giant cells. Four months later, the patient was presented with a pathological fracture in the upper right leg. Surprisingly, the histopathological evaluation of the Hematoxylin and Eosin sections and the cytological assessment reported pathognomonic structures for hydatid in the form of foreign body giant cells engulfing laminated hyaline eosinophilic material and a scarce number of hooks. The absence of cellular atypia excluded malignancy. Periodic acid schiff highlighted the pathognomonic laminated fragments and granulation tissue. Masson trichrome staining emphasized collagen deposition.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Osseous hydatidosis is a neglected disease that may mimic lytic bone tumors. Vague radiological features and scarce parasite-derived structure in histopathology may misinterpret the disease. Raising attention to bone hydatidosis among clinicians is recommended.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143930125","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":"Evaluation of a Rapid Immuno-Chromatographic Test for Schistosoma japonicum in Indonesia","authors":"Gunawan,&nbsp;Joko Prastowo,&nbsp;Wisnu Nurcahyo,&nbsp;Pandji Wibawa Dhewantara,&nbsp;Anis Nur Widayati,&nbsp;Hayani Anastasia,&nbsp; Samarang,&nbsp;Made Agus Nurjana","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01039-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01039-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a rapid diagnostic test based on immunochromatography for detecting IgG antibodies in serum against <i>Schistosoma japonicum</i> in Indonesia.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Blood and stool samples were collected from an endemic area in Indonesia to compare and evaluate the applicability of using a JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Based on the research results, out of the total of 226 individuals, 38 individuals were declared positive for <i>S. japonicum</i> infection by microscopic examination, in which 36 individuals were declared positive while 2 individuals were declared negative for the infection by JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test. Out of the 226 samples, 190 individuals were declared negative for <i>S. japonicum</i> infection by microscopic examination, 186 individuals were declared negative, while 4 individuals were declared positive for the infection by JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test. The sensitivity and specificity of the JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test were 94.44% (95% CI 81.34–99.32%) and 97.89% (95% CI 94.70–99.42%), respectively.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Evaluation of JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test for the detection of <i>Schistosoma japonicum</i> in Indonesia has yielded promising results. The test exhibited high sensitivity, correctly identifying 34 out of 36 confirmed cases. Furthermore, it demonstrated excellent specificity by accurately identifying 186 out of 190 uninfected individuals. These findings highlight the substantial potential of the JDBIOTECH Schi IgG Rapid Test as a valuable tool for the early diagnosis of <i>Schistosoma japonicum</i> infections within the Indonesian population.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143913839","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":"Alveolar Echinococcosis: Is Non-Radical Liver Resection a Game Changer in the Current Treatment Approach to Patients with Advanced Alveolar Echinococcosis Disease? Single Center Experience of Poland","authors":"Małgorzata Polańska-Płachta,&nbsp;Magdalena Czerwińska,&nbsp;Małgorzata Ostrowska,&nbsp;Jerzy Stefaniak,&nbsp;Jerzy A. Polański","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01040-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01040-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Alveolar echinococcosis is parasitic disease caused by <i>Echinococcus multilocularis</i> and spread endemically in the northern hemisphere. Although alveolar echinococcosis is considered a rare disease, with approximately 18,000 new cases diagnosed annually, it continues to present significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Alveolar echinococcosis affects the liver through slow, asymptomatic infiltration over many years. At the time of diagnosis, approximately 70% of cases are not eligible for radical lesion resection. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether non-radical surgery increases patients’ survival rates.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a prospective analysis on patients diagnosed with alveolar echinococcosis in years 1995–2017 who underwent liver resection. Age, gender, mass of lesion, extensive nature of the operation (radical vs. conservative) and surgical procedures were collected. Mortality was analyzed.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Mean resected lesions’ weight was statistically higher in non-radically resected group 1396,00 g (SD ± 845,39) compared with radically resected group 549,43 g (SD ± 364,27), <i>p</i> = 0,004. The type of surgical treatment did not significantly affect patient survival.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The complete lesion resection (in combination with albendazole) is only a curative therapy, if feasible. In advance stages when radical resection is not feasible, the reductive or debulking surgery should be done for symptoms’ alleviation and quality of life improvement.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143888795","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 β-Tubulin Isotype-1 Polymorphisms in Haemonchus contortus from Pakistani Livestock: New Insights into Benzimidazole Resistance and Protein Structure Analysis","authors":"Mashal Khalid,&nbsp;Kiran Afshan,&nbsp;Ghulam Narjis,&nbsp;Sabika Firasat,&nbsp;Umer Chaudhry","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01037-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01037-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Haemonchus contortus</i>, a gastrointestinal hematophagous parasitic nematode, causes substantial economic losses to the livestock sector across the globe. The widespread use of benzimidazoles in livestock has contributed greatly to the evolution of resistance in <i>H. contortus</i>. To effectively tackle this expanding threat, regular and diligent monitoring is required to identify and manage resistance, ensuring that treatment techniques continue to be effective.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to investigate the genetic and structural variations in β-tubulin isotype-1 of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> isolated from goats and cattle in Pakistan, with a focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying resistance to benzimidazole. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 150 goats and 100 cattle from four abattoirs in Rawalpindi were tested for <i>Haemonchus contortus</i>. Faecal samples were cultured for L3 larvae, DNA was isolated, and whole genome sequencing was performed. β-tubulin isotype 1 gene sequence was extracted. Phylogenetic tree with reference genome from GenBank, and protein models were generated via ExPaSy and I-TASSER and validated with SAVESv.6.0.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Six genotypes of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> isotype1 β-tubulin gene, each with a length of 385 base pairs were identified. The E198A SNP was the most prevalent mutation among the larvae of <i>Haemonchus contortus</i> collected from cattle (62.5%) and goats (50%), followed by the F200Y which was detected in 6 (37.5%) larvae collected from cattle and 9 (37.5%) larvae from goats. SNP F167Y was not identified in any of the samples. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the isolates were closely related to <i>H. contortus</i> from China (KX258930) and <i>H. contortus × H. placei</i> hybrids from Pakistan. Six genotypes of β-tubulin isotype 1 gene were translated into three haplotypes based on protein sequences: wild type/susceptible, E198A-resistant/mutant, and F200Y-resistant/mutant. Structural analysis revealed high model quality and confidence, with the E198A and F200Y resistant/mutants exhibiting different characteristics, with refined quality factors exceeding 91%.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study demonstrated alterations in tubulin structure and function are crucial for understanding anthelmintic resistance patterns. These findings help for improving therapeutic approaches, comprehending resistance mechanisms, and promoting sustainable parasite control.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143888550","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":"Impact of Soluble Schistosomal Egg Antigens on Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus in an Induced Diabetic Mouse Model","authors":"Mohammed Y. Shakra,&nbsp;Morsy R. M. Geneedy,&nbsp;Haitham Kh. Ahmad,&nbsp;Moamen A.I. Mazen,&nbsp;Mostafa E. Mostafa","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01035-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01035-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> soluble egg antigen (SEA) on type 1 diabetes (T1D) in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mouse model.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study examined the effects of Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) on type 1 diabetes (T1D) using a mouse model, involving 50 mice divided into three groups: a healthy control group receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), a diabetic control group with STZ-induced T1D also receiving PBS, and a diabetic treated group receiving SEA. Biochemical and immunological analyses were conducted on blood samples collected at four and eight weeks post-treatment to assess metabolic markers like blood glucose and insulin levels, as well as immune markers including TNF-α, TGF-β, FOXp3, IL-4, and IL-10.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>SEA treatment induced early immune modulation at four weeks and sustained metabolic and immunological improvements at eight weeks, marked by increased regulatory T cells (elevated FOXp3), activation of immunosuppressive pathways (increased TGF-β), reduced inflammation (decreased TNF-α), a shift to an anti-inflammatory Th2 response (elevated IL-4 and IL-10), improved glycemic control, lower blood glucose levels, and higher insulin levels.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>SEA exhibits potential therapeutic effects against T1D by modulating immune responses, promoting Th2 polarization, and increasing regulatory T cell activity. This immunological shift reduces systemic inflammation and enhances glycemic control.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01035-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143888549","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":"Treating Hymenolepiasis with Pumpkin Seeds: Effect on Ileum Histology and Dwarf Tapeworm Morphology","authors":"Majed H. Wakid,&nbsp;Anan O. Alhawiti,&nbsp;Alaa S. Banjar,&nbsp;Rowaid M. Qahwaji,&nbsp;Hattan S. Gattan,&nbsp;Maimonah S. Alghanmi,&nbsp;Haifaa A. Mahjoub,&nbsp;Mohammad F. Al-Refai","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01042-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01042-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Hymenolepis nana</i> is a worldwide intestinal tapeworm parasite that mainly infects children due to a lack of awareness and hygiene. Recently, Praziquantel (<i>PZQ</i>), the drug of choice for treating hymenolepiasis, has shown serious side effects. This study aimed to evaluate histological changes in the ileum of the small intestine caused by hymenolepiasis in an experimental animal model and to assess the efficacy of pumpkin seeds extract (PSE) in eliminating the parasite at different periods compared to medicinal treatment with <i>PZQ</i> drug. In addition, we investigated the morphological alterations in adult dwarf tapeworms after treatment with pumpkin seed extract.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The histological examination of the small intestine was conducted among four experimental mice groups: normal non-infected control group, infected untreated group, infected and <i>PZQ</i> treated group, and the fourth group was infected and treated with PSE.The morphological investigations were performed on mice from the infected untreated group and those from the infected and treated with pumpkin seed extract group.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Treatment with PSE showed a noticeable preservation of the normal structure of villi and crypts with a normal thickness of the muscle layer. In addition, there was a marked decrease in the number of mononuclear leukocytes and goblet cells. This effect was observed to be duration dependent. The size of the mature segment in the untreated control group ranged from 342.85 to 415.38 μm, and 14.28–26.92 μm in length and width, respectively. The gravid segments revealed a uterus with eggs subjugating the entire area in the segment, with size ranges from 373.33 to 576.92 μm in length and 46.66–76.92 μm in width. The treated group with PSE showed mature segments with size ranged from 261.53 to 346.42 μm in length and 7.69–21.42 μm in width, while the gravid segments ranged from 30.76 to 50 μm and 414.28–492.30 μm, in width and length, respectively. The treatment with pumpkin seed extract tenanted the worm growth through an apparent reduction in the sizes of proglottids, deformity of the lateral margins and gonads, loss of internal structure, and reduction of egg production.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The results of this study clearly reveal the efficacy of pumpkin seeds on <i>H. nana</i> infection, a promising, safe, inexpensive natural alternative anthelmintic therapy, with more superior and significant results in improving and protecting mucosal integrity in comparison to <i>PZQ</i>.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01042-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143888551","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":"In vitro Evaluation of the Nematicidal Efficacy of Quercetin on Adult Toxocara canis","authors":"Rasha A. Elmahy,&nbsp;Nahla A. Radwan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01026-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01026-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Toxocara canis</i> is a globally distributed zoonotic parasite found in dogs' intestines, leading to various pathological damages, particularly to the intestinal flora. The larval stage causes human toxocariasis, especially in children, and may result in neurological disorders and blindness. Quercetin is a flavonoid with strong secondary metabolites and possesses medicinal advantages and antiparasitic qualities.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The assay involved  four groups, each of  10 young adult <i>T. canis</i>; Group I was incubated in concentrations of an ethanolic extract of quercetin, Group II in albendazole (0.2 mM/ml) (+ve control), Group III in RPMI 1640 medium with ethanol (control), and Group IV in RPMI 1640 medium only (-ve control). The potential action of quercetin against adult <i>T. canis</i> in vitro was detected using scanning electron microscopy, histological investigations, and enzyme analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>SEM declared that exposure to LC90 of quercetin caused body shrinkage, cuticle and caudal papillae swelling, and disfigurement and erosion of cuticular annulations. Compared to albendazole's effect on the treated worm's body wall, results showed that quercetin generates oxidative stress and has an extensive and variable effect on <i>T. canis</i> organs, including the body wall, the gut, and the genitalia.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Quercetin may set the stage for a new class of medications with remarkable potential for treating parasitic nematodes in dogs and could be extended to humans. This is the first time to employ a comprehensive study illuminating the potential action of quercetin against adult <i>Toxocara canis</i> in vitro.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01026-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143865513","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":"Investigation of Theileria spp. in Livestock in Northern Algeria and Identification of a Novel Haplotype of Theileria orientalis","authors":"Asmaa Sekkai,&nbsp;Tahar Kernif,&nbsp;Bachir Medrouh,&nbsp;Zahra Messaoudi,&nbsp;Hocine Ziam,&nbsp;Amina Boutellis","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01029-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01029-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Theileria</i> species are tick-borne, intracellular apicomplexan protozoan parasites that pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity. <i>Theileria orientalis</i>, the etiological agent of oriental theileriosis, is a benign <i>Theileria</i> species with worldwide distribution, including Algeria, where investigations on its prevalence and genetic diversity in domestic ruminants are limited. This study aimed to investigate the molecular and phylogenetic profiles of <i>Theileria</i> spp. in Algeria.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 149 blood samples were collected from cattle, sheep, and goats in Bouira and Tizi-Ouzou regions. Molecular identification was performed using a PCR assay targeting the <i>Cox3</i> and <i>Tams1</i> genes. Positive samples were sequenced to assess their phylogenetic relationships.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Analysis of the <i>Cox3</i> gene revealed an overall infection rate of 12.75% ± 2.73% (19/149), with all positive cases detected in cattle. Further analysis of the <i>Tams1</i> gene identified <i>Theileria annulata</i> in 11.40% ± 5.10% (17/149) of the samples. Sequencing of two samples negative for <i>T. annulata</i> showed a 99.84% identity with <i>Theileria orientalis</i>.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study reports the identification of a novel <i>T. orientalis Cox3</i> haplotype in Algeria, emphasizing the need for further epidemiologic and phylogenetic analyses to understand better the distribution, diversity, and impact of this pathogen on livestock populations in the region.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143861372","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 Proctoeces maculatus (Digenea: Fellodistomidae) Infecting the Ribbed Mussel, Geukensia demissa: Detection of a Unique Haplotype in New England, USA","authors":"Andrew A. Davinack,&nbsp;Isabel Varetto,&nbsp;Cam Grosser,&nbsp;Emma Russo","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01034-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01034-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Parasites play critical roles in ecosystems, influencing host populations and community dynamics. Despite their ecological significance, the diversity and genetic structure of parasites in the ribbed mussel, <i>Geukensia demissa</i> (Dillwyn), a key species in salt marsh ecosystems, remain poorly understood. This study provides the first record of the trematode <i>Proctoeces maculatus</i> (Looss, 1901) infecting <i>G. demissa</i> in the Herring River estuary, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Among 50 mussels examined, <i>P. maculatus</i> prevalence was 66%, with infection intensities ranging from light (less than 20 sporocysts per individual) to over 300 sporocysts per individual. Heavily infected mussels displayed mantle discoloration, suggesting potential pathological impacts. Molecular analysis of the 28 S ribosomal RNA gene identified a unique haplotype, GD1, restricted to <i>G. demissa</i> populations in Cape Cod. Haplotype network analysis revealed GD1’s distinctiveness within <i>P. maculatus</i> populations, while genetic divergence (K2P: 0.001–0.003) indicated incipient host-associated differentiation rather than cryptic speciation. These findings highlight the role of ecological partitioning, such as the salt marsh-specific habitat of <i>G. demissa</i>, in shaping parasite genetic structure.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143835704","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":"Seropositive Rate and Associated Factors of Schistosomiasis in Hunan Province, China: A Three-Year Cross-Sectional Survey","authors":"Lingqi Xu,&nbsp;Yu Zhou,&nbsp;Ling Tang,&nbsp;Benjiao Hu,&nbsp;Liyun Zhu,&nbsp;Yanfeng Gong,&nbsp;Liang Shi,&nbsp;Junhui Huang,&nbsp;Jiamin Wang,&nbsp;Ning Xu,&nbsp;Yue Chen,&nbsp;Qingwu Jiang,&nbsp;Mao Zheng,&nbsp;Yibiao Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01033-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01033-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>China’s Hunan Province, known for its extensive lake and marshland areas, continues to face considerable challenges in eliminating schistosomiasis. This study aims to examine the epidemiological characteristics of schistosomiasis in the province, focusing on seropositive rates across various demographic groups, spatial distribution, and identifying key associated factors to inform targeted control measures.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>From 2020 to 2022, the number of people screened each year using the indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) was 1,053,973, 682,921, and 729,782, respectively. The Cochran-Armitage test for trend and chi-square test were employed to assess differences in seropositive rates among different times, age groups, genders, educational levels, and occupations. Spatial autocorrelation analysis was conducted to identify clusters of seropositive rates at the village level. A multiple logistic model was used to identify associated factors and generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to obtain the parameter estimates.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>From 2020 to 2022, the seropositive rate of schistosomiasis in Hunan Province were 1.53% (95% CI: 1.51–1.55), 2.22% (95% CI: 2.19–2.26), and 2.06% (95% CI: 2.03–2.10), respectively. The seropositive rate in Hunan Province was spatially clustered in each year, with high-high clustering areas mainly distributed around the southern Dongting Lake region, the tributary areas of Dongting Lake, as well as along the Yangtze River. The seropositive rate increased with age, with individuals aged 60–69 showing the highest seropositive rate (adjusted odds ratio [OR] when compared to &lt; 10 years old: 47.94; 95% CI: 30.04–76.52). Males had higher seropositive rate compared to females (adjusted OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.69–1.76). Compared to farmers, fishermen (adjusted OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 2.40–2.70) and business/service staff (adjusted OR: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.52–1.74) had higher seropositive rate. The seropositive rate decreased with increasing educational level. Individuals using tap water and sanitary toilets had lower seropositive rate compared to those who did not use (tap water: adjusted OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.64–0.68; sanitary toilets: adjusted OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.97). Additionally, those who raised sheep had a higher seropositive rate compared to those who did not (adjusted OR: 4.67; 95% CI: 4.04–5.39).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health issue in Hunan Province, with the seropositive rate remaining clustered in certain regions and high-risk populations. Achieving schistosomiasis elimination requires sustained targeted interventions, improved sanitation infrastructure, enhanced health education, and long-term monitoring and comprehensive control measures for high-risk areas and vulnerable populations to reduce transmission risk and ensure sustainable disease elimination.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01033-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143835634","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}