Fabiano Paschoal, Saturno Dias, Jorge Luiz Silva Nunes, José Luis Luque
{"title":"Description of Colobomatus conodoni n. sp. (Cyclopoida: Philichthyidae), a New Parasitic Copepod from the Barred Grunt Conodon nobilis (Linnaeus, 1758) (Actinopterygii: Haemulidae) Off the Brazilian Coast","authors":"Fabiano Paschoal, Saturno Dias, Jorge Luiz Silva Nunes, José Luis Luque","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00949-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00949-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><p>Copepods of the genus <i>Colobomatus</i> Hesse, 1873 are parasites associated with subcutaneous spaces of marine fish. To date, around 76 species of the genus have been described in marine ecosystems, but few species have been recorded in the South Atlantic Ocean.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>One hundred and eight specimens of <i>Co</i>. <i>nobilis</i> were purchased along the littoral of Brazil. The copepods were collected from the skull bones associated to the nasal cavities, fixed and preserved in 80% ethanol and for microscopical observation, specimens were cleared in 85% lactic acid. Drawings were made with the aid of an Olympus BX51 microscope equipped with a drawing tube.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Colobomatus conodoni</i> <b>n</b>. <b>sp</b>. can be distinguished from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: (i) two cephalic processes that are longer than the cephalosome, (ii) third abdominal somite with a pair of processes, (iii) caudal rami forked at the tip.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first representative of the family Philichthyidae Vogt, 1877 described parasitizing a species of the teleost genus <i>Conodon</i> Cuvier. Together with the new species, the number of philichthyid species in the South Atlantic Ocean increases to 12 and extends the list of <i>Colobomatus</i> spp. to 77.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142995751","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 and Morphological Characterization of Two Clinostomum (Digenea: Clinostomidae) Species with the First Case of Clinostomum tilapiae from Turkey","authors":"Mehmet Öztürk, Şinasi Umur","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00955-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00955-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of <i>Clinostomum</i> species in wild birds in Turkey using morphological and molecular methods.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>51 birds of 18 species from seven orders previously reported as definitive hosts of the <i>Clinostomum</i> spp. were collected. Identification of the species was made by morphological characteristics and partial sequence of the <i>cox</i>1 gene.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>This study concludes that <i>Ardea alba</i> and <i>Ardea cinerea</i> were infected with <i>Clinostomum complanatum</i>, while <i>Ardea purpurea</i> was infected with <i>Clinostomum tilapiae</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p><i>Clinostomum complanatum</i> has been reported for the first time in the definitive hosts in Turkey. This study is the first molecular report of <i>C. tilapiae</i> in definitive hosts and the first report in Turkey. The present work indicates that <i>Clinostomum</i> species in the Afrotropic and Palearctic regions can also be found in Turkey.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-024-00955-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142976627","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":"Detection of Eimeria oocysts in chicken feces using flotation recovery with sucrose or saturated saline solution","authors":"Aruto Takano, Daikichi Morinaga, Isao Teramoto, Toshimitsu Hatabu, Yasutoshi Kido, Akira Kaneko, Takeshi Hatta, Naotoshi Tsuji, Shigehiko Uni, Kazumi Sasai, Hiromitsu Katoh, Makoto Matsubayashi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00960-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00960-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Flotation methods are widely used to detect oocysts/cysts of protozoans and eggs of helminths, except trematodes. However, details regarding the concentration and recovery rates of these parasites are poorly understood.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Using <i>Eimeria tenella</i> oocysts as a model parasite, the present study evaluated three check points: (1) the proportion of parasites that remain floating in flotation solution (sucrose or saturated saline) during centrifugation, (2) the proportion of oocysts that naturally float after addition of flotation solution after centrifugation, and (3) the rate of recovery on cover slips after completion of the flotation protocol.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>After centrifugation in sucrose solution and saturated saline solution, 82.4% and 60.3% of oocysts floated, respectively. After addition of flotation solution after the final centrifugation step, the recovery rates for oocysts that naturally floated again for 30 min in sucrose and saturated saline were 39.2% and 38.2%, respectively. The recovery rate on cover slips as the final step after performing a commonly used flotation method was 36.4% in sucrose solution (the rate for saturated saline solution could not be assessed due to rapid crystallization).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our results suggest that floating oocysts could have become dispersed by the addition of flotation solution, and not all of these oocysts remained floating after an additional 30 min of settling time although collection on cover slips could be effective for accurate recovery.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142939351","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}
Fatemah A.M. Aryan, Petras Prakas, Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu, Donatas Šneideris, Zein Abd-Al-Aal, Abd Allah A. Alhoot, Amira I. El-Kabbany, Laila M.A. Tahrani, Osama M.E. El-Azazy
{"title":"Sarcocystis Cymruensis in the Brown Rat (Rattus Norvegicus) from an Urban District in Kuwait: Detailed Morphologic and Molecular Characterization","authors":"Fatemah A.M. Aryan, Petras Prakas, Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu, Donatas Šneideris, Zein Abd-Al-Aal, Abd Allah A. Alhoot, Amira I. El-Kabbany, Laila M.A. Tahrani, Osama M.E. El-Azazy","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00952-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00952-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of <i>Sarcocystis</i> (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in brown rats from Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Kuwait, and to describe detected parasites using morphological and DNA analysis methods.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Ninety-eight brown rats (<i>Rattus norvegicus</i>) were examined for <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. Obtained sarcocysts were investigated using light microscopy and electron microscopy. The detected <i>Sarcocystis</i> species was characterised at nuclear <i>18S</i> and <i>28S</i> ribosomal RNA (rRNA), internal transcribed spacers 1 and 2, (<i>ITS1</i> and <i>ITS2</i>), mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (<i>cox1</i>) and cytochrome b (<i>cytb</i>), and apicoplast RNA polymerase beta subunit (<i>rpoB</i>).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Sarcocysts were found in thigh muscles of 13.3% of the animals examined, while no oocysts/sporocysts were detected in faecal samples. Under a light microscope, sarcocysts were spindle-shaped, 850–3152 × 73–125 μm (1781 ± 763 × 99 ± 15 μm) in size and had thin (up to 0.9 μm) and apparently smooth cyst wall. By transmission electron microscopy, sarcocyst wall was 0.7–1.1 μm in thickness with numerous osmiophilic bleb-like protrusions. Based on DNA sequencing the sarcocysts examined were identified as <i>S</i>. <i>cymruensis</i>. Notably, <i>ITS2</i> and <i>rpoB</i> sequences of <i>S</i>. <i>cymruensis</i> were obtained for the first time. No intraspecific variation was detected comparing <i>28S</i> rRNA, <i>ITS1</i>, <i>cox1</i> and <i>cytb</i> sequences of <i>S</i>. <i>cymruensis</i> isolated from Kuwait, Grenada and China. According to phylogenetic analysis, <i>S</i>. <i>cymruensis</i> was most closely related to <i>S</i>. <i>muris</i>, <i>S</i>. <i>myodes</i> and <i>S</i>. <i>ratti</i> using rodents as their intermediate hosts and cats as their identified or predatory mammals as their presumed definitive hosts.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We present the first report of <i>S. cymruensis</i> in Kuwait and in Persian Gulf area. The study shed light on the usefulness of different genetic loci for the characterization of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. from rodents.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142938948","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}
Elham Akhlaghi, Shahriar Shafa, Zahra Akbari, Zahra Babaei, Mohammad Ali Mohammadi, Saeedeh Shamsaddini, Ali Sharifi, Majid Fasihi Harandi
{"title":"Identification and Characterization of Acanthamoeba from Contact Lens Care Solutions and Hospital Environments in the Ophthalmology Wards and Operating Rooms in Southeastern Iran","authors":"Elham Akhlaghi, Shahriar Shafa, Zahra Akbari, Zahra Babaei, Mohammad Ali Mohammadi, Saeedeh Shamsaddini, Ali Sharifi, Majid Fasihi Harandi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00948-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00948-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>Different <i>Acanthamoeba</i> species are among the most ubiquitous organisms causing serious diseases in humans including central nervous system (CNS) and eye infections. Contact lenses, lens care solutions and the hospital environments particularly the indoor and outdoor environments of ophthalmology wards where people are present with different types of eye diseases, are the potential sources of human infection. The purpose of the present study was the molecular investigation of free-living amoebae in the used contact lenses, lens care solutions and hospital samples from the ophthalmology wards and operating rooms in a referral hospital in southeastern Iran.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Samples were collected from the lens care solutions, used contact lenses, and from indoor and outdoor environments of the ophthalmology ward and operating room of a major referral hospital in Kerman, Southeastern Iran. The samples were cultured on non-nutrient agar (NNA) in 28-30<sup>o</sup>C and microscopically studied. Molecular study including PCR-sequencing and phylogenetic analysis on partial 18 S rDNA were performed on positive culture samples.</p><h3>Result</h3><p>In total 70 samples were collected from the used contact lenses and lens care solutions, as well as the hospital environment of which 11.4% (8 out of 70) were found positive using NNA culture. Two out of 40 samples (5.0%) from the used contact lenses and the care solutions were found positive for the presence of <i>Acanthamoeba</i> T4 genotype. <i>Acanthamoeba</i> cysts were identified in two out of 22 dust samples (9.1%) collected from the ophthalmology ward and operating rooms. <i>Protacanthamoeba bohemica</i> was found in the soil samples from outdoor environment of the ophthalmology ward.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study identified <i>Acanthamoeba</i> species in contact lenses and in indoor environmental samples from the ophthalmology ward. T4 genotype was found on the contact lenses examined in this study. In the dust sampled from within the ophthalmology ward <i>Acanthamoeba</i> sp. was identified.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142938949","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}
Fan Zhang, Haining Zhang, Zhi Li, Ru Meng, Peiling Ye, Yong Fu
{"title":"Evolutionary Analysis of Hypoderma Pantholopsum in Tibetan Antelopes on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau","authors":"Fan Zhang, Haining Zhang, Zhi Li, Ru Meng, Peiling Ye, Yong Fu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00954-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00954-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Hypoderma pantholopsum</i> is a parasite that parasitizes Tibetan antelopes (<i>Pantholops hodgsonii</i>). This study aims was to reveal the genetic diversity within <i>H. pantholopsum</i> and contribute to the protection of Tibetan antelope.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p><i>H. pantholopsum</i> was subjected to mitochondrial genome sequencing, annotation, and phylogenetic analysis. PhyloSuite and BEAST were used to construct phylogenetic tree and divergence time for the parasite.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The complete <i>H. pantholopsum</i> genome was 16,265 bp in length. The complete mitochondrial genomes contained 37 typical genes, which included 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and 2 rRNAs. Phylogenetic trees constructed based on the 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and mitochondrial genome sequences showed that <i>H. pantholopsum</i> clustered on the same branch as the <i>Hypoderma</i> species in the GenBank database. According to the divergence time for the COI gene, <i>H. pantholopsum</i> emerged and differentiated approximately 11.59 million years ago (Mya), which indicates that <i>H. pantholopsum</i> appeared much earlier than <i>H. bovis</i> and <i>H. sinense</i> in the genus <i>Hypoderma</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study explored that the complete mitochondrial genome of <i>H. pantholopsum</i>, along with the phylogenetic evolution, and divergence time estimation, provide valuable data for future investigations into the phylogeny and differentiation of <i>Hypoderma</i> species on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.</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":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142939134","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}
Flávio Martins de Oliveira, Gabriela Francine Martins Lopes, Rosy Iara Maciel Azambuja Ribeiro, José Augusto Ferreira Perez Villar, Cristina Toscano Fonseca, Débora de Oliveira Lopes
{"title":"Evaluating the Immunoprotective and Diagnostic Potential of Schistosoma mansoni Epitopes from Sm050890 and Sm141290 Proteins Identified Through Reverse Vaccinology","authors":"Flávio Martins de Oliveira, Gabriela Francine Martins Lopes, Rosy Iara Maciel Azambuja Ribeiro, José Augusto Ferreira Perez Villar, Cristina Toscano Fonseca, Débora de Oliveira Lopes","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00981-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00981-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Schistosomiasis remains a parasitic disease affecting millions of people worldwide, requiring interventions like vaccination. In previous work, our group used reverse vaccinology to identify two epitopes from the <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> proteins, Sm050890 (44–58) and Sm141290 (225–239). This study evaluated the immune response profile and protection induced by peptides, as a mixture of immunogens, in murine vaccination trials. Additionally, the diagnostic potential of these peptides was assessed on immunoassays.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Mice were immunized with a formulation containing the mixture of the peptides, subsequently infected, and perfused for worm burden recovery and quantification. Liver and blood samples from animals were used to evaluate the effect of immunization on the formation of granulomas and specific anti-peptide antibodies (IgG). Additionally, cytokine measurement was performed in splenocyte cultures from immunized mice, and peripheral blood serum from individuals infected with <i>S. mansoni</i> was used to assess the recognition of the peptides by IgG antibodies.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The vaccine stimulated an increase in the production of IgG and IgG2c antibodies, associated with a significant reduction of 44 − 29% in worm burden. Although the vaccine did not reduce liver pathology, it enhanced the production of IFN-γ while decreasing IL-10 production by splenocytes. Furthermore, the peptides Sm050890 (44–58) and Sm141290 (225–239) were not recognized by IgG antibodies in the serum from infected individuals.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Overall, our data suggest that the peptides Sm050890 (44–58) and Sm141290 (225–239) are promising vaccine candidates against schistosomiasis and can be used to compose a multiepitope/chimeric vaccine in future studies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142939170","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":"Kalubustrongylus arsoensis gen. et sp. n. (Trichostrongylidae: Filarinematinae) and Other Nematodes Belonging to the Suborder Trichostrongylina Parasitic in the Common Spiny Bandicoot, Echymipera kalubu, of Papua Indonesia","authors":"Hideo Hasegawa, Kartika Dewi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00982-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00982-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The present paper reports the nematodes of the suborder Trichostrongylina collected from the common spiny bandicoot, <i>Echymipera kalubu</i>, in Arso, Papua Indonesia. The description of <i>Kalubustrongylus arsoensis</i> <b>gen.</b> et <b>sp. n</b>. (Trichostrongylidae: Filarinematinae) is given herein.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>The specimens were collected from three common spiny bandicoots at Arso, Papua Indonesia, captured using traditional snap traps in August 1993. The new taxon is described and illustrated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Type and voucher specimens were deposited in the Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense (MZB), Bogor, Indonesia.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The new genus <i>Kalubustrongylus</i> is classified as a member of the subfamily Filarinematinae in the family Trichostrongylidae by having a bilaterally symmetrical synlophe and an uncoiled body, and by lacking a cephalic vesicle. It resembles <i>Peramelistrongylus</i> but is distinguished by having additional ridges in the synlophe, an elliptical bursa, an apically divided dorsal ray and minute extra-dorsal rays. Besides <i>Ka. arsoensis</i>, <i>Mackerrastrongylus biakensis</i>, <i>Peramelistrongylus skedastos</i>, <i>Beveridgiella</i> spp., <i>Dessetostrongylus</i> sp. and Herpetostrongylinae sp. were collected. <i>Dessetostrongylus</i> is recorded for the first time outside of Australia and from non-dasyurid marsupials.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The present findings add a genus to the three genera previously known in the subfamily Filarinematinae in the family Trichostrongylidae.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142939171","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}
Loubna Dib, Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh, Noureddine Mechouk, Carla Andrea Culda, Ali Bouattour, Ahmed Benakhla, Hamza Leulmi
{"title":"New Record of Rhipicephalus fulvus (Neumann, 1913) from Goats and Sheep in Northeastern Algeria After more than a Century","authors":"Loubna Dib, Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh, Noureddine Mechouk, Carla Andrea Culda, Ali Bouattour, Ahmed Benakhla, Hamza Leulmi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00951-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00951-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Tick diversity in Algeria has garnered increasing interest due to its implications for animal health and zoonotic diseases. Recent reports of abnormal ulcerative lesions in goats and sheep in the Cheria region of northeastern Algeria have raised concerns about a potential association with tick infestations. The aim of this study is to hypothesize the potential involvement of ticks in these unusual lesions.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>A total of 52 tick specimens were collected from the affected animals, comprising 24 adult males, 24 adult females, and four engorged females. A morphological examination was performed to identify the tick species.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The morphological analysis identified the non-engorged ticks as <i>Rhipicephalus fulvus</i>. The observed ulcerative lesions were likely caused by reactions to the tick’s saliva. Notably, this finding marks the first recorded presence of <i>R. fulvus</i> in Algeria since its original description by Neumann in 1913.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Identifying <i>R. fulvus</i> highlights its reemergence in the region and suggests a potential impact on livestock health. This discovery underscores the need for enhanced tick surveillance and further studies to understand the tick’s origin, distribution, and role in animal health.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142938950","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":"Expression Analysis of Thirteen Genes in Response to Nifurtimox and Benznidazole in Mexican Isolates of Trypanosoma cruzi by Digital PCR","authors":"Paulina Ochoa-Martínez, Aracely López-Monteon, Jaime López-Domínguez, Rebeca Georgina Manning-Cela, Angel Ramos-Ligonio","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00986-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00986-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Despite being the most relevant and critical option for managing Chagas disease, pharmacological therapy is currently limited by the availability of only two drugs, benznidazole and nifurtimox. Their effectiveness is further restricted in the chronic phase of the infection, as they induce severe side effects and require prolonged treatment. Additionally, the use of these drugs can lead to the emergence of substantial resistance problems, compounded by the potential natural resistance of some parasite isolates. This study analyzes the expression of 13 genes by digital PCR in four Mexican <i>T. cruzi</i> isolates treated with NFX and BZN. Each isolate exhibited a unique combination of enzyme expression in response to the oxidative stress induced by the antichagasic agents. Notably, we observed the overexpression of cruzipain (CZP), L-threonine dehydrogenase (TDH), and detoxification-related enzymes such as Glutathionyl spermidine synthetase (GST) and Superoxide dismutase-A (SOD). These findings highlight the need for further studies to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this resistance, which pose both unexpected challenges for Chagas disease therapy and a biological barrier to the action of these drugs. These findings highlight the need for further studies to understand how these resistance mechanisms contribute to treatment failure and constitute a biological barrier to drug action.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142939168","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}