Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Paragonimiasis in Southeast Asia: A 60-Year Bibliometric Analysis (1963–2023)","authors":"Harley M. Rodriguez,&nbsp;Jose Ma. M. Angeles","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01085-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01085-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Paragonimiasis is a neglected tropical disease, often mistaken with common respiratory diseases, has resulted in substantial global literature. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive literature specifically focused on paragonimiasis in Southeast Asia (SEA). To address this gap, we conducted a bibliometric assessment to provide an overview of existing literature on this disease.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A literature search was performed in SCOPUS, with metadata analysis using the Bibliometrix package in R. Network visualization was conducted through VOSViewer 1.6.20. Additionally, country-specific socio-economic data were obtained from the World Bank and correlated with scientific productivity using Spearman’s correlation analysis, with a significant level set at p-value &lt; 0.05.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>This study revealed that Thailand leads in paragonimiasis research within SEA contributing the most in terms of authors, institutions, and publications, followed by Vietnam and the Philippines. <i>Paragonimus heterotremus</i> emerged as the most highly cited <i>Paragonimus</i> species in the region. Keyword co-occurrence analysis identified three key research clusters: clinical epidemiology, molecular genetics, and immunodiagnostics. The latter has gained significant attention in recent years. Among socio-economic factors, research collaborations were statistically significant in enhancing scientific productivity in paragonimiasis research across SEA.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The study underscores the importance of strengthening international collaborations to advance paragonimiasis research. It also highlights immunodiagnostics as a crucial area for future research and policy development.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144574669","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":"Cercarial Dermatitis in Norway - An Emerging Zoonotic Disease","authors":"Arnulf Soleng,&nbsp;Thora Gundersen,&nbsp;Heidi Lindstedt","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01083-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01083-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Objective\u0000 <p>Cercarial dermatitis, often called swimmer’s itch, is a non-communicable skin condition caused by bird schistosomes. The host response is characterized by an early type I hypersensitivity reaction and a late phase of cutaneous inflammation, often leading to severe itching. Outbreaks of cercarial dermatitis in recreational waters can significantly impact public health. The aim of this present study was to describe the geographical distribution of reported cercarial dermatitis in Norway from 1980 to the end of 2023.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Methods\u0000 <p>The study is based on random reports obtained from private persons, hospitals, general practitioners and environmental health sectors experiencing the problem.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Results\u0000 <p>The first case of cercarial dermatitis in Norway was reported back in 1980. In the following years, an increasing number of cases were reported with a clear increase from 2010 and onwards. By the end of 2023 cercarial dermatitis was reported from a total of 414 lakes and 37 rivers. Approximately 81% are from freshwater below 300 m elevation, and 90.9% are from areas located south of the Arctic Circle at 66.3°N. As far as we know, the case report from 70.4°N is the northernmost in Europe.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Conclusions\u0000 <p>The observed increased geographical distribution of cercarial dermatitis in Norway might be explained by increased water temperatures, more infected migrating birds, more suitable environmental factors facilitating snail and fluke survival, as well as increased attention in media, internet and social networks. Identification of the causative agent or agents and their geographical distribution is important for estimating the potential health risk and for designing appropriate preventive and control measures for this emerging disease in Norway.</p>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12227355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564287","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":"Seroprevalence and Risk Variables Related To T. Gondii Infections in Sheep and Goats, Jimma Arjo District, East Wallaga Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia","authors":"Misganu Bulla,&nbsp;Efrem Degneh,&nbsp;Tigist Ashagire","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01082-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01082-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The research was carried out in the Jimma Arjo district between January and July 2022 to assess the seroprevalence and risk variables linked to infections caused by <i>T. gondii</i> in small ruminants.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>An indirect ELISA was used to assess blood samples from 267 randomly selected small ruminants (111 goats’ and 156 sheep) for <i>T. gondii</i> IgG antibodies. The data was evaluated with SPSS version 25 and STATA 14.0.</p><h3>Result</h3><p>An overall seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> was 54.7% (CI = 48.5–60.7). <i>Toxoplasma gondi</i> seroprevalence was significantly higher in sheep (62.2%) compared to goats (44.1%) (<i>P</i> = 0.00). The findings of the research revealed that age and species were significantly (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05) linked with exposure to <i>T. gondii</i>. Adult sheep and goats had a higher <i>T. gondii</i> infection (67.3%) than in younger animals (34.3%) (<i>P</i> = 0.00). While the seroprevalence did not vary statistically between the villages under study (<i>P</i> = 0.57). Tibe Chafe (61.4%) had the highest seroprevalence, followed by Jarso Kiltu (56.1%), Jamo Gambala (55.7%), and Hidhe village (48.5%) (&lt; 0xC8 &gt; 2 = 2.02; <i>P</i> = 0.57).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>In conclusion, it was discovered that <i>T. gondii</i> was widespread in sheep and goats across the research areas, and the infection was found to be strongly associated with the animals’ age, species and abortion history. Therefore, in order to fully understand the epidemiology of diseases, it is important to conduct molecular studies on all susceptible animals. Additionally, health education to prevent cat feces from contaminating animals’ food is necessary.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564288","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 Evolution of the Order Siphonaptera Inferred from the First Mitogenome of the Family Pygiopsyllidae","authors":"Xiaoxia Lin,&nbsp;Ju Pu,&nbsp;Wenge Dong","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01051-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01051-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Purpose\u0000 <p> This study presents the first mitogenome sequencing of Aviostivalius klossi bispiniformis and provides a morphological description, while evaluating the phylogenetic position of Pygiopsyllidae within Siphonaptera.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Methods\u0000 <p>Morphological identification and imaging of A. k. bispiniformis were performed using a SZ2-ILST dissecting microscope, while its mitogenome was sequenced on the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 high-throughput sequencing platform. Bioinformatics softwares were used to annotate and analyze the structural characteristics and variations of the A. k. bispiniformis. Phylogenetic trees of Siphonaptera were constructed using both Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian analyses (BI).</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Results\u0000 <p>The mitogenome of A. k. bispiniformis was 18,669 bp with a high AT content (79.7%). In A. k. bispiniformis, the trnL2 (UAA) gene exhibits a 9-bp anticodon loop, and the nad4-nad4L gene overlapping sequence was 10 bp. Both ML and BI analyses revealed an unstable phylogenetic position of Pygiopsyllidae within Siphonaptera.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Conclusion\u0000 <p>In conclusion, available phylogenetic analysis for fleas is subjected to partial taxa data and more taxa data is needed for further researches. This study promotes the understanding of evolution, genomics, and phylogeny of Pygiopsyllidae.</p>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144564289","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":"Microbiome diversity in Haemaphysalis flava (life stage-host dependent) and Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks with zoonotic implications in Nantong, China","authors":"Jing Su,&nbsp;Wei-Bing Zhang,&nbsp;Yu-Jie Chen,&nbsp;Bin Sun,&nbsp;Yun-Peng Zhai,&nbsp;Jian-Ming Yuan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01088-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01088-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study characterized the microbial communities of <i>Haemaphysalis flava</i> (<i>H. flava</i>) and <i>Haemaphysalis longicornis</i> (<i>H. longicornis</i>), in Nantong, China, and assessed the zoonotic implications.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We collected both on-host and off-host ticks and performed <i>16S rRNA</i> amplicon sequencing. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses included taxonomic composition assessment, community diversity evaluation, differential abundance analysis, interspecies abundance correlation and functional inference.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Rickettsia</i> dominated in <i>H. flava</i> (77.31%), while <i>H. longicornis</i> exhibited higher abundances of <i>Stenotrophomonas</i> (10.78%), <i>Coxiella</i> (10.04%), and <i>Psychrobacter</i> (9.70%). Comparative analyses of life stages and host associations were only performed for <i>H. flava</i> due to limited sample sizes of <i>H. longicornis</i> across developmental stages. <i>Rickettsia</i> was enriched in on-host <i>H. flava</i> (90.41–90.51%) compared to off-host specimens (46.12%). <i>α</i>-diversity analysis showed higher microbial richness in off-host nymphs than in on-host adults. <i>β</i>-diversity revealed strong species-specific clustering. Network analysis demonstrated more complex microbial interactions in adult ticks. Pathogen screening detected <i>Rickettsia japonica</i> (<i>R. japonica</i>, host-specific to <i>H. flava</i>), <i>Ehrlichia ewingii</i> (<i>E. ewingii</i>), and <i>Anaplasma bovis</i> (<i>A. bovis</i>). Functional prediction highlighted elevated B vitamin biosynthesis pathways in nymphs, aligning with <i>Coxiella</i>-like endosymbionts (CLEs)’s putative nutritional role.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study emphasizes the importance of enhanced tick surveillance and regular pathogen screening in domestic animals, particularly for spotted fever group (SFG) <i>Rickettsia.</i> CLEs may exhibit stage-specific abundance patterns aligned with the host's developmental nutritional requirements. These findings highlight the need for integrated One Health surveillance to mitigate tick-borne disease threats.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144537718","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":"Incidence of Ascaris Lumbricoides Over 20 Years in the Population of the United Mexican States (2003–2022) and Projection Through 2030","authors":"José Manuel Hernández,&nbsp; Gabriela-Ibañez-Cervantes,&nbsp;Benjamín Nogueda-Torres,&nbsp;Minerva Camacho-Nuez,&nbsp;Alejandro D. Camacho,&nbsp;Diego Fuentes-Domínguez,&nbsp;Gloria León-Avila","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01080-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01080-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Soil-transmitted helminth infections affect people who live in areas with poor sanitation and low socioeconomic levels. <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> is one of the most frequent parasites worldwide and in México. The General Directorate of Epidemiology reports data related to infections weekly, and this study was based on that. The aim of this study was to analyze the SINAVE data for twenty years (2003–2022) to assess the incidence of ascariasis in the United Mexican States.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We conducted a retrospective observational analysis of ascariasis from January 2003 to December 2022, classifying data by year, age group, state, and gender. A predictive model was used to estimate the new cases until 2030.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>From 2003 to 2022, the total number of new cases registered in the whole country decreased by 81.2%. The geographical distribution of the new cases was more pronounced in the Neotropical region of Yucatan, Tabasco, and Chiapas States. Women and infants from 1 to 9 years old exhibited the highest incidence. The prediction model showed that in 2030, there will be an incidence higher than 15,000 new cases in the United Mexican States.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This work indicates that <i>Ascaris</i> infection tends to decrease an is in accordance to our model, and could be related to hand hygiene and the look-down approach during the COVID-19 pandemic.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504369","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":"Prevalence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice and effectiveness of aqueous extracts from carob pods, Moringa oleifera, and Artemisia alba on the zoonotic parasite Hymenolepis diminuta infection","authors":"Reham G. A. Anter,&nbsp;Hoda A. Abd-Ellatieff,&nbsp;Hanaa Mohammed,&nbsp;Ahmed Bendari,&nbsp;Rehab E. Mohamed,&nbsp;Ashraf Fawzy Mosa Ahmed,&nbsp;Rasha Kamal Elsaid Fahmy,&nbsp;Marwa Alkaffas,&nbsp;Fatima M. Ibrahim,&nbsp;Doaa Naguib,&nbsp;Asmaa Aboelabbas Gouda","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01062-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01062-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Background\u0000 <p>Humans may inadvertently acquire infections from the tapeworm <i>Hymenolepis diminuta</i>, leading to gastrointestinal complications. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice. It then evaluated the effectiveness of aqueous extracts of carob pods (<i>Ceratonia siliqua</i>), <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, and <i>Artemisia alba</i>, and/or silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in treating <i>Hymenolepis diminuta</i> infection.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Methods\u0000 <p>Fecal samples from 125 lab. rats and mice (72 rats and 53 mice) were analyzed under a microscope. Then in the second part of the study, 120 laboratory male albino mice were used to evaluate the effectiveness of AgNPs alone or in combination with aqueous extracts of carob pods, <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, and <i>Artemisia alba</i> in treating <i>H. diminuta</i> infection.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Results\u0000 <p>Parasitological investigations revealed an overall prevalence of intestinal parasites at 37.60%, with rats showing 36.11% and mice at 39.62%. The most common ones found in rats was <i>Hymenolepis diminuta</i>, but in mice, <i>Giardia intestinalis</i> was the most prevalent. The results of the second part showed that the use of these treatments significantly reduced, and in some cases completely stopped, the release of <i>H. diminuta</i> eggs in the feces of mice when they were treated with <i>Artemisia alba</i> aqueous extract loaded AgNPs.</p>\u0000 \u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Conclusion\u0000 <p><i>H. diminuta</i> and <i>G. intestinalis</i> are common intestinal parasites in laboratory rats and mice, posing zoonotic risks. Aqueous extracts from carob pods, <i>Moringa oleifera</i>, <i>Artemisia alba</i>, along with AgNPs, exhibit antiparasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects against <i>H. diminuta</i>, with minimal effects on the intestines.</p>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504370","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":"Transcriptomic Analysis of Gene Expression in Immune Pathways in the Spleen of Takifugu rubripes After Infection with Scuticociliate Uronema marinum","authors":"Qingmeihui Sun,&nbsp;Yanqi Gao,&nbsp;Xiaohang Wang,&nbsp;Gengtong Zhao,&nbsp;Xiuli Wang,&nbsp;Ruijun Li","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01076-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01076-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>This study employed Illumina HiSeq™ 2000 sequencing to compare spleen transcriptomes of <i>Uronema marinum</i>-infected and healthy <i>Takifugu rubripes</i>. High-throughput analysis generated 25.6 Gb (infected) and 23.39 Gb (control) high-quality reads, meeting stringent quality standards (Q20 ≥ 98.3%, Q30 ≥ 95.1%). DESeq analysis identified 238 differentially expressed genes (116 upregulated/122 downregulated), functionally categorized into Gene Ontology (GO) domains: biological processes (54.03%), molecular functions (31.78%), and cellular components (14.19%). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment revealed 62 signaling cascades, with 80% of the top 20 pathways involving immune regulation—including cytokine-receptor interactions, focal adhesion, Jak-STAT signaling, and IgA-mediated immunity. Core immune components (<i>CXCR4</i>, <i>CCR9/CCL19</i>, <i>IL6R/IL12RB2</i>) demonstrated coordinated regulation with ECM-RTK complexes and cytoskeletal modulators (<i>RhoGAP</i>, <i>Paxillin</i>). Mechanistically, <i>PI3K-AKT/PKB</i> signaling cascades emerged as central regulators, interacting with <i>SHP2</i> phosphatases and Sprouty inhibitors to orchestrate anti-parasitic responses. Quantitative validation confirmed transcriptomic patterns, revealing &gt; 85% concordance in immune gene expression. As the first comprehensive analysis of teleost immunity against scuticociliates, this work delineates evolutionarily conserved defense mechanisms in marine fish, including three novel regulatory axes: Toll-like receptor signaling for pathogen recognition, complement-mediated lysis cascades, and antigen processing/presentation pathways. These findings identify candidate molecular targets and immune pathway interactions, laying groundwork for future development of targeted anti-parasitic strategies in aquaculture systems.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144504371","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":"New Data on the Endoparasitic Fauna of the Northern White-Breasted Hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus Barett-Hamilton 1900, in Romania","authors":"Oana Cristiana Vasiliu,&nbsp;Ioan Liviu Mitrea,&nbsp;Tiberiu C. Sahlean,&nbsp;Mariana Ionita","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01075-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01075-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Despite increasing interest in hedgehog parasitology across Europe, the endoparasitic fauna of the northern white-breasted hedgehog (<i>Erinaceus roumanicus</i>) in Romania remains insufficiently documented. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and diversity of endoparasitic infections and evaluate the influence of age, sex, and habitat on infection patterns.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between March 2021 and June 2022, data and samples were collected from 135 hedgehogs across Romania, primarily from the Bucharest Metropolitan Area (90/135). Coprological analysis was performed on 97 live individuals admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre, using a flotation technique with hyper-saturated sodium chloride solution and the Baermann method. Necropsies were conducted on 38 deceased individuals. Parasites were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified using morphological keys.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Endoparasites were detected in 82.47% (80/97) of hedgehogs examined by coproscopy, with mixed infections in 40.21% (39/97). Six parasite species were identified: <i>Crenosoma striatum</i> (61.86%), <i>Capillaria</i> spp. (23.71%), <i>Eucoleus aerophilus</i> (15.46%), <i>Hymenolepis erinacei</i> (14.43%), <i>Brachylaemus erinacei</i> (2.06%), and <i>Cystoisospora rastegaievae</i> (26.80%). Necropsy revealed a helminth prevalence of 76.3% (29/38), with <i>Physaloptera clausa</i> (55.26%) and <i>Nephridiacanthus major</i> (5.26%) found exclusively post-mortem. Statistical analysis of coprological data showed significantly higher <i>C. striatum</i> prevalence in adults (73.68%) compared to juveniles (31.82%), and in males (71.74%) versus females (52.94%) (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study provides the first comprehensive overview of endoparasites in <i>E. roumanicus</i> in Romania, highlighting notable infection rates and species richness. Results emphasize the influence of age and sex on infection trends, the need for zoonotic risk monitoring, and further research on the potential long-term impacts of parasitism on urban hedgehog populations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300933","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":"Characterization of Superoxide Dismutase in the Metacestode of Echinococcus granulosus Sensu Stricto (s. s.) and Buffalo Liver","authors":"Humera Aslam,&nbsp;Monika Rani,&nbsp;Malik Irshadullah","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01081-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01081-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The present study assessed the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the metacestode of <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> sensu stricto (s. s.) as well as in the liver of Indian water buffalo (<i>Bubalus bubalis</i>).</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>SOD activity was analyzed by the pyrogallol autoxidation assay and electrophoretic fractionation by native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, followed by specific staining of the enzyme. Besides this, metallic co-factor of SOD was determined using different concentrations of inhibitors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The protoscoleces and cyst wall have appreciable amount of SOD, and the level of SOD was found to be significantly (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.001) higher in the fertile compared to non-fertile cyst wall and the infected than non-infected liver. Four SOD activity bands were observed in the protoscoleces, while one band each in the fertile and non-fertile cyst wall, suggesting the occurrence of isozymes in the protoscoleces but not in the cyst wall. Approximately 99% and 16% of enzyme activity were inhibited at 5 mM concentration of KCN and H₂O₂, respectively. Furthermore, no activity band of SOD was detected in the gels treated with 5 mM KCN whereas, the same concentration of H₂O₂ and NaN₃ does not affect the visibility of SOD activity band.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study indicated that the protoscoleces and cyst wall contain a significant amount of SOD, which likely contributes to their survival within the hostile microenvironment of the host. Inhibition studies revealed the presence of Cu/Zn SOD in the protoscoleces, cyst wall, and host liver. The elevated SOD levels in infected liver may be a protective adaptation against self-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS).</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144300932","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}