Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy of Imidazolium Salt in Disinfecting Soft Contact Lenses Contaminated with Acanthamoeba spp. Trophozoites","authors":"Natasha Cristine Gonçalves,&nbsp;Igor Luiz Gonçalves Pereira,&nbsp;Henri Stephan Schrekker,&nbsp;Diane Ruschel Marinho,&nbsp;Marilise Brittes Rott","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><p> <i>Acanthamoeba</i> spp. can infect the cornea due poor lens hygiene allows colonization, and current cleaning solutions are ineffective due to resistant cyst formation. This study aimed to establish, for the first time, a standardized protocol for <i>Acanthamoeba</i> trophozoite adhesion to silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses and to quantify the impact of lens–drug interactions on antiparasitic efficacy. Additionally, the study evaluated the efficacy of 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (C₁₆MImCl) against <i>Acanthamoeba</i> trophozoites in the presence of soft contact lenses, in comparison with a commercial contact lens solution and chlorhexidine.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A protocol for trophozoites adhesion to silicone hydrogel contact lenses was developed, and the antiparasitic activity of C₁₆MImCl was compared to that of a commercial solution and chlorhexidine.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>C₁₆MImCl effectively eliminated all trophozoites in the presence of contact lenses and prevented encystment at concentrations ten times the minimum inhibitory concentration, despite partial absorption by contact lenses. Notably, it showed greater corneal cell viability than chlorhexidine, highlighting its potential as a safer alternative.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These results underscore its strong anti-amoebic activity, outperforming the commercial solution tested. While further cytotoxicity studies and tests simulating ocular conditions are warranted, C₁₆MImCl emerges as a promising candidate for a future contact lens cleaning and decontamination solution.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01249-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441517","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":"Phytoextracts Used in the Treatment of Cryptosporidiosis and Giardiasis: Current State","authors":"Ardra Panavoor Namboodiri,&nbsp;Shahira Abdelaziz Ali Ahmed,&nbsp;Panagiotis Karanis","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Phytoextracts are safer, more affordable, and more readily available than conventional medications, making them promising anti-parasitic treatment options. <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species (spp.) and <i>Giardia duodenalis</i> are protozoan parasites responsible for cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis, respectively, primarily affecting immunocompromised individuals, children, and populations in developing countries. Although treatment options exist, many of them have significant side effects. The current review aims to evaluate the efficacy of phytoextracts tested against <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>G. duodenalis</i> infections. The current review indicated that the Asteraceae and Rutaceae families were the most extensively investigated sources of phytoextracts. Additionally, <i>Zingiber officinale</i> is the only extract to demonstrate efficacy against both parasites in in vivo studies. Furthermore, <i>Curcuma longa</i> and <i>Morinda royoc</i> showed the highest in vitro efficacy against <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>G. duodenalis</i>, respectively. These results underscore the potential of phytoextracts as alternative therapeutic modalities for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01238-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147441426","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":"Host and Parasite-Targeted Mechanisms of Gedunin Against Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation","authors":"Abdullah D. Alanazi,&nbsp;Saeed M. Alasmari","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01240-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01240-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The main pharmacological interventions for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are associated with various adverse effects. The present study aims to comprehensively evaluate the antileishmanial impact of gedunin (GN) and its effects on the expression of immune and virulence-related genes.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The antileishmanial efficacy and synergistic effects of GN, both as a monotherapy and in combination with glucantime (GT), were evaluated against the intracellular amastigote stages of <i>Leishmania tropica</i>. Additionally, the impact of GN on the expression of genes related to immunomodulation and virulence factors, nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and its cytotoxicity on human monocytic THP-1 cells were assessed. In addition, the expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), NF-κB p65, IL-12, and IL-10 were evaluated in the Leishmania-infected macrophages. In vivo evaluation of GN, GT, and GN + GT was also performed in mice with CL through evaluating lesion size and parasite burden.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Investigations involving infected macrophages demonstrated that treatment with GN led to a progressive, concentration-dependent decline in the viability of intracellular amastigotes. the IC₅₀ values for GN, GT, and the combined GN + GT formulation were 8.63, 7.42, and 3.30 μg/mL, respectively. The FICI values determined for GN and GT were 0.31 and 0.49, respectively; indicated the existence of synergistic interactions when GN is combined with GT. The treatment with GN at both IC₅₀ and half-IC₅₀ concentrations, particularly when combined with GT at half-IC₅₀, resulted in a significant downregulation of the <i>GP63, MPI</i>, <i>Arg</i>, and <i>CP</i> gene expression levels compared to treatment with GT alone (P &lt; 0.001). The combination of GN at IC₅₀ with GT at IC₅₀ showed the highest elevation (P &lt; 0.001) in the expression level of iNOs, TNF-α, and IL-12; whereas, markedly increased the level of NF-κB p65 and ROS generation (P &lt; 0.001). In addition, we found that after 28 days of treatment, the cohort administered the GR + GT combination exhibited complete recovery (100%). Furthermore, the parasite load at the treated wound site was markedly diminished, with the most pronounced reduction observed in the GR + GT combination group (P &lt; 0.001).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The current study demonstrated that GN, especially in combination with GT, showed the potential in vitro and in vivo antileishmanial effects and reducing <i>Leishmania</i> virulence genes and enhancing host immune response. Future studies can elucidate the detailed molecular mechanisms, long-term effects, and possible clinical applications of GN in clinical models. These data form the basis for designing novel and targeted antileishmanial therapeutic strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147430075","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":"Pellioditis abyssinica n. sp. (Nematoda: Rhabditidae), a gastropod-associated nematode from Subulinidae snails in Ethiopia: description and molecular affiliation","authors":"E. S. Ivanova,&nbsp;Sergei E. Spiridonov","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01255-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01255-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The study describes the new species of a gastropod-associated nematode from Ethiopia.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Nematodes were isolated from snails collected in Ethiopia and were studied using morphological and molecular-phylogenetic methods of analyses.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The new species <i>Pellioditis abyssinica</i> is described as the sixth species of the genus originating in African continent. It is characterised by the infective juveniles 1013 (708–1267) µm long with a wide lateral field of 10–11 ridges, longish stoma of adult nematodes, females with long conical tails and prominent phasmids situated at anterior third of tail, males with holed spicules <i>ca</i> 65 µm long and unique molecular characteristics. Presence of 10–11 lateral ridges in ensheathed IJ is unique within the genus. DNA sequences for 18S rDNA, ITS rDNA and <i>Cox</i>1 mtDNA loci were obtained. Molecular-phylogenetic analysis placed the new species in the clade with another African <i>Pellioditis</i>, <i>P. kenyensis</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Gastropod-associated nematodes of the genus <i>Pellioditis</i> in the African continent are represented by at least seven species grouped in three clades, one of European origin and the rest native. Yet several more isolates remain undescribed. Both local and alien gastropod hosts were recorded for different <i>Pellioditis</i> species.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388990","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 Epidemiology of Giardia Species in Different Hosts in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Oluwasola Olaiya. Obebe,&nbsp;Christopher Ifunanya Chukwu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01251-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01251-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Giardia duodenalis</i> is a widespread flagellated protozoan parasite that infects the small intestines of many vertebrate hosts. The purpose of this study was to better understand the molecular epidemiology of <i>G. duodenalis</i> infections in Africa.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The PRISMA for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria were used and five academic databases were searched for literature on the molecular detection of giardiasis in humans and animals in Africa. The study used a random-effects model and heterogeneity to estimate the pooled prevalence across studies that met the inclusion criteria. Fifty articles were included in the final analysis from a total of 1,121 identified articles.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall pooled molecular prevalence of giardia was higher in humans at 32.2% (95% CI: 24.8; 40.5) and lower in animals at 14.1% (95% CI: 0.9; 21.7). These studies have also identified variations in the distribution of <i>Giardia duodena</i>lis assemblages with Morocco having the highest pooled prevalence of assemblages A in human giardiasis (81.8%), while Mozambique had the lowest (8.2%). Similarly, Mozambique has the highest pooled prevalence of assemblage B (90.4%), whereas South Africa has the lowest (1.7%). Assemblage E, which appears in cattle, sheep, and goats, was the most common, with Rwanda having the lowest pooled prevalence (10%) and the Central African Republic having the highest (95.3%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The high heterogeneity across all studies suggests these results should be used cautiously, however, the findings highlight the importance of ongoing research on G. duodenalis in humans and animals in order to inform public health policy and enhance management methods aimed at reducing zoonotic transmission.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388977","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 Effect of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. Leaf Extract on Encephalitozoon intestinalis, Acanthamoeba castellanii, and Leishmania major","authors":"Ülfet Çetinkaya,&nbsp;Gülay Sezer,&nbsp;Ayşe Gül Bakkal Zorlu,&nbsp;Türkan Mutlu Yar,&nbsp;Melike Öztürk,&nbsp;Gülşah Avcı,&nbsp;Ülkü Karaman","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01246-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01246-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Parasitic diseases are a major global health concern. Treating these diseases presents many challenges. <i>Elaeagnus angustifolia L</i>. (EA) is renowned for its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, and various parts of the plant are used to treat a variety of ailments. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro activity of the EA leaves against <i>Encephalitozoon intestinalis</i> (<i>E. intestinalis</i>), <i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> (<i>A. castellanii</i>), and <i>Leishmania major</i> (<i>L. major</i>) at different concentrations and incubation times.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Spore load was measured by real-time PCR using an infection model in human kidney epithelial (HEK) 293 cells for <i>E. intestinalis</i>. The viability of <i>A. castellanii</i> trophozoites and cysts, and <i>L. major</i> promastigotes was determined by trypan blue staining and hemocytometry. </p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Elaeagnus angustifolia L.</i> leaf extract significantly reduced the spore DNA load in <i>E. intestinalis</i> infections at a concentration of 5 µg/mL, but was ineffective at lower concentrations. The extract decreased the viability of <i>A. castellanii</i> trophozoites and cysts, as well as <i>L. major</i> promastigotes, at varying rates depending on the time and dose. It was particularly effective against <i>A. castellanii</i> cysts at low doses. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The biological activity of the plant extract obtained from the leaves of <i>Elaeagnus angustifolia L.</i> against three different parasites suggests that it could be used as a promising alternative in the treatment of parasitic infections.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12971744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389014","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":"Phylogenetic Placement of Whittingtonocotyle Neto, Rodrigues & Domingues, 2015 (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) Inferred from the First Molecular Data of Both Described Species","authors":"Melissa Miyuki Osaki-Pereira,&nbsp;André Luiz Quagliatto Santos,&nbsp;Reinaldo José da Silva","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01239-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01239-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study provides the first molecular assessment of the two species of the genus <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i>, parasites of the erythrinid fish <i>Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus</i>. The main objective was to evaluate the phylogenetic cohesion of <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> and to explore its preliminary phylogenetic affinities within Dactylogyridae based on available molecular and morphological evidence.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Morphological examinations were performed in parallel with analyses of partial LSU rDNA and COI mtDNA sequences. Phylogenetic reconstructions were conducted independently for each marker to assess the monophyly of <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> and to evaluate its relationships with other dactylogyrid taxa included in the available comparative dataset.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Both molecular datasets consistently recovered <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> as a strongly supported monophyletic lineage. In the phylogenetic reconstructions, <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> was recovered in proximity to <i>Urocleidoides</i> species parasitizing erythrinid fishes, although deeper backbone relationships showed limited statistical support.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Morphological data support the recognition of <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> as a distinct genus, whereas molecular analyses indicate a close phylogenetic proximity to erythrinid-associated <i>Urocleidoides</i>. This partial incongruence, together with the limited resolution of deeper relationships, highlights the need for expanded taxon sampling and multilocus datasets to fully resolve the evolutionary placement of <i>Whittingtonocotyle</i> within Dactylogyridae.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12971823/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147388957","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":"Application of COI-LAMP for Detection of Dirofilaria immitis with High Sensitivity and Specificity in Epidemiological Studies","authors":"Melih Gazi Genc,&nbsp;Ufuk Erol,&nbsp;Omer Faruk Sahın,&nbsp;Kursat Altay","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01253-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01253-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Dirofilaria immitis</i>, a mosquito-borne zoonotic nematode, has worldwide distribution and causes infections in domestic and wild animals. Microscopic, serological, and molecular diagnostic methods are used to investigate this parasite in the hosts. Molecular diagnostic methods are outstanding for their sensitivity and specificity. The LAMP method, which has been used in detecting many parasites with its high specificity and sensitivity in recent years, is also advantageous with its simplicity of application. This study aimed to use the <i>COI</i>-LAMP method in the diagnosis of <i>D. immitis</i> in different host species.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>LAMP primers specific for the <i>COI</i> gene of <i>D. immitis</i> were designed, and the method was optimized. Additionally, the sensitivity, specificity, and limit of detection of the LAMP method were determined, and the results were compared with those of the PCR method. Moreover, to demonstrate the effectiveness of the LAMP method in epidemiologic studies, 600 blood samples were collected from dogs (n:300) and cats (n:300) in different parts of Türkiye. gDNA obtained from these samples were researched with LAMP and PCR assays, and the results were compered. Level of agreement between assays was calculated with Cohen’s kappa test.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The limit of detection of the LAMP method was determined to be 0.0048 ng/μL, while that of the PCR method was 0.48 ng/μL, indicating that the LAMP method was approximately 100 times more sensitive than PCR. The blood samples were examined in terms of <i>D. immitis</i>, and ten samples (1.66%) were found to be positive. In contrast, six samples (1%) were positive by PCR. <i>D. immitis</i> was detected in nine (3%) dogs and one (0.33%) cat by LAMP method, and this parasite was detected in six (2%) dogs by PCR. <i>Dirofilaria immitis</i> was not detected by PCR in cat samples. The kappa value was calculated as κ = 0.76; this result revealed that the “substantial” agreement between assays.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Our results showed that <i>COI</i>-LAMP has high sensitivity in the diagnosis of <i>D. immitis</i> in different hosts. It was also understood that its use in epidemiological studies would be useful. Since it is critical to know more accurate epidemiological data in the fight against the disease, it will be useful to use more sensitive diagnostic methods, like LAMP, in studies to be conducted in this field.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12971837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147389027","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":"Avian Mite Dermatitis Caused by Microlichus sp. in the Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus)","authors":"Fabiane de Holleben Camozzato Fadrique,&nbsp;Thais Fernanda de Jesus,&nbsp;Filipe Obelar Martins,&nbsp;Eduarda Saldanha Rieffel,&nbsp;Maria Lucia Rösler,&nbsp;Lucas Almeida de Souza,&nbsp;Camila Belmonte Oliveira,&nbsp;Raqueli Teresinha França","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01226-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01226-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p> To report a case of avian dermatitis associated with <i>Microlichus sp.</i> (Acari: Epidermoptidae) in a free-ranging <i>Pitangus sulphuratus</i> (Great Kiskadee) from southern Brazil, emphasizing the clinical presentation and parasitological diagnosis.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A juvenile <i>P. sulphuratus</i> was rescued and admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center presenting feather loss and cutaneous lesions. Crust samples were collected from affected areas and examined microscopically after clarification in lactophenol. Mites were identified morphologically using classical and contemporary taxonomic keys. Topical ivermectin (0.4 mg/kg) was administered once daily for 10 consecutive days, and clinical evolution was monitored during rehabilitation.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Numerous mites morphologically consistent with <i>Microlichus</i> sp. were observed, supporting the diagnosis of epidermoptid infestation. Progressive resolution of dermatological lesions and complete feather regrowth were observed following treatment; however, no post-treatment parasitological reassessment was performed. To our knowledge, this represents the first clinical report of <i>Microlichus</i> sp. associated with dermatitis in <i>P. sulphuratus</i> in Brazil.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This case highlights the relevance of integrating clinical and parasitological investigations in wildlife rehabilitation settings and contributes to expanding current knowledge on the host range and potential health impacts of epidermoptid mites in free-ranging Neotropical birds.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-026-01226-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324361","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":"Echinococcosis in Humans and Animals in Algeria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis","authors":"Chaima Fennouh,&nbsp;Safia Yousfi,&nbsp;Soumia Saadet,&nbsp;Imane Ouchetati,&nbsp;Omar Salhi,&nbsp;Nassim Ouchene,&nbsp;Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01245-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01245-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i>, remains an endemic yet insufficiently documented zoonotic disease in Algeria. This study provides the first nationwide systematic review and meta-analysis summarizing epidemiological data from 2003 to 2024 in humans and animals, as no relevant studies were available prior to 2003.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A systematic search of nine databases (last updated: February 2025) was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies were screened and selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, resulting in 26 studies (22 animal studies and 4 human studies). Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a standardized form. Pooled prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q, τ² and I² statistics. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to host species, region, and study period. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots and Egger’s test. Human and animal datasets were analyzed separately to ensure comparability.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 764,040 animal samples were included, yielding an overall pooled prevalence of 4.69% (35,802 positive cases). The highest pooled prevalence was observed in dogs (16.9%). Among livestock, sheep showed the highest pooled prevalence (5.92%), followed by cattle, camels, and goats. Pooled estimates also indicated infection in horses (6.03%) and wild boars (6.31%), suggesting potential sylvatic transmission. Subgroup analyses revealed significantly higher pooled prevalence in southern regions (10.51%) and a declining temporal trend, from 14.1% in 2003–2009 to 6.09% in 2020–2024. Detection rates varied according to diagnostic methods, with ELISA and post-mortem examination yielding the highest pooled prevalences. All pooled estimates showed extreme heterogeneity (Cochran’s Q = 27,254.50; I² = 99.92%), which persisted after Freeman–Tukey transformation. Egger’s test indicated significant funnel-plot asymmetry (<i>p</i> = 0.0067), suggesting potential publication bias. Human data were limited to four studies, confirming the persistence of CE mainly in northern regions, but were insufficient to conduct meta-analysis.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>CE remains endemic in Algeria, with pronounced spatial, temporal, and host-related variability. Dogs play a central role in transmission, while the scarcity of human data highlights critical surveillance gaps. A strengthened One Health strategy emphasizing dog deworming, improved slaughterhouse practices, and better diagnostic and reporting systems is urgently needed.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147324281","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}