Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Investigation of Anaplasma Species with Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Sheep and Goats","authors":"Mustafa Karatepe,&nbsp;Münir Aktaş,&nbsp;Bilge Karatepe,&nbsp;Sezayi Özübek","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01056-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01056-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study was carried out to investigate <i>Anaplasma</i> important for veterinary and public health in sheep and goats in Niğde province in Türkiye by using molecular methods.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Blood samples were taken from randomly selected 690 animals (520 sheep and 170 goats), which were between 1 and 10 years old and from different study sites in Niğde by using the vacutainer tubes containing EDTA. After the genomic DNA extractions samples, the <i>Anaplasma</i> spp. 16S rRNA genes were amplified by PCR. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were performed on positive samples for the presence of <i>A. bovis</i>, <i>A. capra</i>, <i>A. ovis, A. platys</i>-like, and <i>A. phagocytophilum</i>. At the same time, the animals were tested for ixodid tick infestation and collected ticks were examined for identification under the stereo-microscope.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The results of PCR analysis show that the overall <i>A. ovis</i> prevalence was 63.3% (437/690) in small ruminants sampled. A total of 361 sheep (69.4%) and 76 goats (44.7%) were found to be infected with <i>A. ovis</i>, whereas no positivity was detected for <i>A. bovis</i>, <i>A. capra</i>, <i>A. platys</i>-like, and <i>A. phagocytophilum. Anaplasma ovis</i> positivity was observed at the highest percent in May (%74.6) while the lowest in June (%52.4). In total, 1361 ticks (579♀, 782♂) were collected from sheep and goats in Niğde. Ticks were identified as <i>Rhipicephalus bursa</i> (383, 28.1%), <i>R. turanicus</i> (607, 44.6%), <i>Hyalomma marginatum</i> (7, 0.5%), <i>Hy. excavatum</i> (247, 18.1%), <i>Hy. anatolicum</i> (23, 1.7%), <i>Haemophsalis parva</i> (21, 1.5%), <i>Hae. punctata</i> (7, 0.5%), <i>Hae. sulcata</i> (40, 2.9%) and <i>Dermacentor marginatus</i> (26, 1.9%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The present study reports a high prevalence of <i>A. ovis</i> 63.3% (437/690) in sheep and goats in Niğde province.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01056-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144140171","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 Analysis of Pseudapatemon spp. (Digenea: Diplostomoidea) Reveals a Lineage Specific to Scolopacid Shorebirds","authors":"Tyler J. Achatz,&nbsp;Roxanne M. Gasperetti,&nbsp;Sarah A. Orlofske,&nbsp;Vasyl V. Tkach","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01047-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01047-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Pseudapatemon</i> Dubois, 1936 is a small genus of diplostomoidean digeneans parasitic as adults in the intestines of scolopacid birds in the Holarctic and Indomalaya. Until now, no DNA sequences of any member of the genus were available and its phylogenetic affinities remained unknown. Herein, we sequenced 2 <i>Pseudapatemon</i> spp. from American woodcock in the United States and conducted molecular phylogenetic analysis to examine their relationships with other diplostomoideans.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Two species of diplostomids belonging to <i>Pseudapatemon</i> were collected from American woodcock in Wisconsin (USA). Partial nuclear 28S ribosomal rDNA and mitochondrial <i>CO1</i> genes were sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis based on 28S ribosomal data was used for phylogenetic inference.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In the phylogenetic tree, both species of <i>Pseudapatemon</i> spp. formed a strongly supported cluster in a 100% supported clade with another diplostomoidean parasitic in scolopacid birds, <i>Pulvinifer macrostomum</i> (Jägerskiöld, 1900). Very low intergeneric difference in 28S sequences (2.5%) was detected between <i>Pulvinifer</i> and <i>Pseudapatemon</i> spp. The 2 <i>Pseudapatemon</i> spp. in our analysis differed by 1.2% in partial 28S sequences and 13.5–13.7% in <i>CO1</i> sequences.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Representatives of the 2 currently sequenced genera of diplostomoideans from scolopacids proved to form a monophyletic clade. This provides evidence of an evolutionary host switch to scolopacid birds with subsequent radiation. Sequencing of other diplostomoideans from the Scolopacidae is needed to learn more about their phylogenetic relationships and address the question of the potential synonymy of <i>Pseudapatemon</i> and <i>Pulvinifer</i> Yamaguti, 1933.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144140170","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":"Risk Factors and Lesion Patterns in Treatment-Resistant Scabies: Impact of Sex, Age, and Comorbidities","authors":"Arzu Ferhatosmanoğlu,&nbsp;Leyla Baykal Selçuk,&nbsp;İbrahim Etem Arıca","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01055-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01055-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Scabies is a common parasitic skin condition with significant morbidity. This study aimed to identify risk factors for treatment failure and analyze lesion distribution patterns in relation to sex, age, and comorbidities in patients with treatment-resistant scabies.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The study included patients with dermatologist-confirmed scabies who had received at least one treatment within the past six months without clinical improvement. Clinical, sociodemographic, and cutaneous findings were evaluated.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 246 patients were included (130 females, 52.8%; 116 males, 47.2%). Males had significantly higher rates of excoriation (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), pustules (<i>p</i> = 0.047), tunnels (<i>p</i> = 0.046), and genital involvement (<i>p</i> = 0.012). Nodules were more common in individuals under 18 (<i>p</i> = 0.003), while excoriations predominated in those over 65 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Longer pruritus duration was observed in older adults, rural residents, and patients receiving weekend home visits (<i>p</i> = 0.017, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001, and <i>p</i> = 0.011, respectively), and was associated with increased lesion severity. A threefold increase in abdominal involvement and a 3.33-fold increase in pustules were seen in patients receiving three or more treatments. Higher education (university or above) was linked to a 46% reduced risk of treatment-resistant scabies.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study identifies key demographic and clinical risk factors associated with treatment failure in scabies and underscores the need for targeted management strategies. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first to comprehensively investigate lesion distribution and clinical patterns of resistant scabies in relation to sex, age, and comorbid conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01055-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144140140","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":"Promising Anthelminthic Effects of Camphene Against Protoscoleces and Hydatid Cysts of Echinococcus granulosus","authors":"Ikhlas Abbas Marhoon,&nbsp;Marwa Sami Alwan,&nbsp;Lubna A. Al-ibrahimi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01049-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01049-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The current research aims to investigate the anthelmintic effects and cellular mechanisms induced by camphene (CP), a natural monoterpene found in certain herbs, against hydatid cysts and protoscoleces (PSCs) of <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i>.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The anthelmintic properties of CP were examined using the eosin exclusion assay on PSCs. The effects of CP on the expression levels of apoptotic and DNA damage-related genes in PSCs were evaluated, along with its impact on the plasma membrane (PM) and its ability to induce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The <i>in vivo</i> efficacy of CP, administered at doses of 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day for 28 days, was assessed in mice infected with hydatid cysts by measuring the quantity, dimensions, and weight of the cysts, as well as analyzing serum levels of inflammatory cytokines.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Results indicated that CP significantly decreased the viability of PSCs both <i>in vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> (p &lt; 0.001) compared to the control group. A notable upregulation of apoptotic genes (<i>caspase-3</i> and<i> caspase-9</i>) and genes associated with DNA damage was observed (p &lt; 0.001). CP treatment also enhanced plasma membrane permeability and ROS generation (p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, CP resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the number, size, and weight of hydatid cysts, as well as in the serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β, with no significant changes in the serum levels of biomarkers related to liver and kidney function. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Recent research has demonstrated the promising <i>in vitro</i> and<i> ex vivo</i> effects of CP on hydatid cyst PSCs. Additionally, the study highlighted the <i>in vivo</i> potential of CP in controlling hydatid cysts within a murine model, attributing this efficacy to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the specific mechanisms of action and to evaluate its effectiveness in clinical trials, which may facilitate the application of these nanoparticles in the treatment and management of cystic echinococcosis. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144108490","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":"Genetic and Population Diversity of Temnocephalids Associated with the Invasive Crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus in Malaysia","authors":"Norhan N. Azri-Shah,&nbsp;Nor Asma Husna Yusoff,&nbsp;Farizan Abdullah,&nbsp;Ahmad Najmi Ishak,&nbsp;Norainy Mohd Husin,&nbsp;Hin Boo Wee,&nbsp;John Brian Jones,&nbsp;Muhammad Ikhwanuddin,&nbsp;Siti Azizah Mohd Nor,&nbsp;Marina Hassan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01050-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01050-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>A previous study revealed that temnocephalids <i>Diceratocephala boschmai</i>, <i>Craspedella pedum</i>, and <i>Decadidymus</i> sp. were highly prevalent in <i>Cheraq quadricarinatus</i> in Melaka and Johor, Malaysia.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Herein, study was conducted to extract temnocephalids from <i>C. quadricarinatus</i> and identified using a molecular approach via two DNA markers: 28S ribosomal DNA and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1). Thereafter, the population diversity of <i>D. boschmai</i> in Malaysia using the CO1 DNA marker was analysed to visualize the genetic associations among populations.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The analysis of 16 variable (segregating) sites in the CO1 gene alignment of sequence from <i>D. boschmai</i> revealed a calculated haplotype diversity of 0.1266 among populations which indicates genetic variation within the studied groups. Additionally, the determination of nucleotide diversity (II) yielded a value of 0.0035, and Tajima's D neutrality test yielded a negative value for all populations, suggesting no significant departure from neutral evolution.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>AMOVA analysis indicated that the genetic variation or polymorphism is primarily contributed within populations (95%) compared to between populations (4%).</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144084863","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":"Bomolochidae Claus, 1875 (Cyclopoida: Copepoda) Parasitizing the Marine Fishes of Kerala Coast (India): Host-Parasite Interaction and Species Diversity","authors":"P. Swaraj,&nbsp;M. V. Nikhila Reshmi,&nbsp;K. Rijin,&nbsp;O. K. Drisya,&nbsp;T. A. Jose Priya,&nbsp;Sudha Kappalli","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01052-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01052-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study aims to assess region-wise host-parasite interaction and diversity indices of bomolochid species infecting marine fishes along the Kerala coast. Also, it aims to generate COI barcodes and analyse the phylogenetics.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Marine fish species along the Kerala coast were sampled for the period 2016–2023 and examined for parasitization by bomolochid copepods. Host preference, prevalence, site-specificity, mean intensity, and biodiversity indices of recovered parasite species were assessed specifically in northern and southern regions of this coast. Mitochondrial COI sequences from bomolochid species were also generated, and their phylogenetic relationships were assessed with those of their counterparts found in the NCBI database.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Among the sampled fishes, 21 species from 20 genera and 14 families showed parasitization with 20 species of bomolochids. Four host families: Sciaenidae, Acanthuridae, Engraulidae, and Sillaginidae were recorded as new to the bomolochid infection along the Indian coast. Recovered bomolochid species, including nine <i>Bomolochus</i> species, six <i>Nothobomolochus</i> species, two <i>Pumiliopes</i> species, and one each of <i>Pseudorbitacolax</i>, <i>Ceratocolax,</i> and <i>Orbitacolax</i> species, with overall prevalence ranging from 0.28% to 57%. 65% of species prefer single-host, and 35% rely on two or three host species. The northern region encompassed all 20 bomolochid species, whereas only 10 species represented the southern region. Six species showed no region-specific host preference, but their prevalence showed marked differences (4.8–73.8%). The host preference of some bomolochid species spans multiple fish species within the same genus or family, as well as across different genera and families, with a varying degree of prevalence, either region-dependent or independent. The northern region displayed the highest species richness and diversity index compared to the southern region. However, the evenness values from both regions were found to be similar. The mitochondrial COI sequences from five bomolochid species signify the reliability of COI DNA barcoding for the identification of bomolochids at the species level. The analysis of phylogenetic relationships with those of its counterparts found in the NCBI database revealed that Bomolochidae constituted a biphyly topology that is distinct from that of the outgroup, i.e., Harpacticoida.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The generated information on bomolochid new host record, host preference, prevalence, site specificity, seasonality, diversity and genetic divergence forms the basis not only for further exploration of the species diversity and genetic variation of bomolochids but for analyzing the ecological and evolutionary aspects of species diversity and genetic variation of bomolochids and new host record along the Indian coasts and Indo-pacific region as well. </p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073734","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 Gastrointestinal Parasites and Associated Risk Factors Among Dairy Cattle in Bangladesh: An 8-Year Retrospective Study","authors":"Delower Hossain,&nbsp;Banya Banowary,&nbsp;Basant Saud,&nbsp;Iqramul Haq,&nbsp;Sabiha Zarin Tasnim Bristi,&nbsp;Ridwan Olamilekan Adesola,&nbsp;Shamsaldeen Ibrahim Saeed,&nbsp;Tanjeem Jannat,&nbsp;Amina Khatun,&nbsp;Umme Kulsum,&nbsp;Hiresh Ranjan Bhowmik,&nbsp;Anoar Jamai Masroure,&nbsp;Md Nurul Amin","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01043-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01043-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism remains a critical challenge in livestock health management, particularly in tropical regions where environmental conditions favor parasite proliferation. This study conducted an 8-year retrospective analysis (2017–2024) of GI parasites in dairy cattle across 11 districts in Bangladesh.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data were sourced from a private veterinary diagnostic laboratory, with a focus on the prevalence, types, and trends of GI parasites as well as associated risk factors. GI parasites were identified using different coproscopic methods including direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive analysis, followed by Poisson regression.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The most prevalent parasites identified were <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. (57.3%) and <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp. (22.6%), with notable peaks in prevalence during the years 2019 (65%) and 2021 (62%) for <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. and in 2017 (32%) for <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp. Other parasites, such as <i>Balantidium (B.) coli</i>, presented a lower but consistent prevalence (9.8%), whereas <i>Fasciola</i> spp. and <i>Haemonchus</i> spp. were identified less frequently. The analysis revealed that various factors significantly influenced parasite incidence, including seasonal variations, district-specific ecological conditions, and animal-related factors. Statistical analyses, particularly Poisson regression, demonstrated that male cattle (RR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.230–0.401) had a lower risk of infection with <i>Schistosoma</i> spp. than females, whereas regions with abundant water bodies, such as Manikganj (RR: 11.9, 95% CI: 6.801–20.648, p &lt; 0.001), Mymensingh (RR:7.9, 95% CI: 2.243–27.78, p &lt; 0.01), and Narayanganj (RR: 6.6, 95% CI: 3.867–11.177, p &lt; 0.001), presented higher prevalence rates. Seasonal trends revealed increased prevalence rates during the winter (<i>Schistosoma</i> spp.: RR: 1.5, CI: 1.090–1.919, p &lt; 0.05; <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp.: RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.322–3.299; <i>B. coli</i>: RR: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.672–2.151; and <i>Fasciola</i> spp. RR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.322–4.555), which aligns with periods of more significant water usage and potential exposure to contaminated sources.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study underscores the need for targeted parasite control programs, particularly in high-risk areas, and advocates for improved livestock management practices and regular veterinary interventions to mitigate the economic and health impacts of GI parasites. These findings provide valuable insights for developing tailored parasite management strategies to increase the productivity and well-being of dairy cattle in Bangladesh.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073878","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":"Endocytic Activity by Apicomplexa Parasites","authors":"Wanderley de Souza","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01038-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01038-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Macromolecules are incorporated by eukaryotic cells through a process known as endocytosis, intensely analyzed in mammalian and yeast cells, but still lacking deep studies in pathogenic protists. Here we present what is presently known on endocytic activity carried out in some members of the Apicomplexa group (mainly concentrated in <i>Plasmodium</i> and <i>Toxoplasma</i>, but with references to <i>Eimeria</i>,<i> Babesia</i>, and <i>Theileria</i>). In most cells, endocytic activity takes place throughout the cell’s surface. In apicomplexans, it is restricted to a special surface structure known as a micropore (also called cytostome). Recent studies indicate that several proteins are in the micropore, playing a role in macromolecule uptake from the medium via budding vesicles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073882","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":"Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Algeria (2011–2020): One Health Insights for Targeted Interventions","authors":"Hichem Dahmani,&nbsp;Omar Salhi,&nbsp;Mustapha Nabi,&nbsp;Djamel Mokrani,&nbsp;El Aid Kaaboub,&nbsp;Imane Ouchetati,&nbsp;Nassim Ouchene,&nbsp;Nadjet Amina Khelifi Touhami","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01048-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01048-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The epidemiology of human cutaneous leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sandflies, varies across regions, particularly affecting tropical and subtropical areas, with significant seasonal and demographic fluctuations. This study explores the temporal, seasonal, demographic, and spatial distribution of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the wilaya of Medea, Algeria, from 2011 to 2020.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The epidemiological data for this retrospective study were provided by the Prevention Service of the Directorate of Public Health (DSP) in Medea.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In 2011, 248 cases were reported (28.62/10⁵ inhabitants). A significant decline occurred in 2012, with 123 cases (13.92/10⁵, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), reaching a minimum of 61 cases in 2015 (6.50/10⁵, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). Cases fluctuated moderately from 2016 to 2019 (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05), but 2020 saw a sharp rise to 515 cases (49.74/10⁵, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), indicating a major epidemiological shift. Seasonal analysis revealed significant variations (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), with winter months showing the highest incidence, particularly December (433 cases) and January (269 cases). In contrast, summer months (June: 47 cases, July: 38 cases, August: 30 cases) had the lowest numbers. Demographically, children aged under 10 years old were most affected (721 cases, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). Men (875 cases) were more affected than women (657 cases, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Geographically, southern municipalities had the highest incidence (up to 31%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), while northern and eastern regions showed much lower rates. Some areas, like Chabounia, saw a dramatic increase in 2020 (80%, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001), while Chellalat El-Adhaoura showed a steady decline.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>CL in the Medea region shows significant variations over time, seasons, and geography, mainly affecting children, men, and southern areas. These findings highlight the need for stronger surveillance, targeted actions for vulnerable groups, and increased preventive measures, especially in winter, to better control the epidemic through a One Health approach.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073883","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":"Oral Treatment of Lactoferrin Nanocapsules Modulates the Immune Response of Mice to a Cryptosporidiosis Infection","authors":"Ibrahim Aly,&nbsp;Waleed E. Elawamy,&nbsp;Hanan T. Hamza,&nbsp;Hany M. El-Wahsh,&nbsp;Ahmed EL-Bahiry,&nbsp;Amira Matter,&nbsp;Lamia I. Bakr","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01022-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01022-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The current study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory impact of either lactoferrin (LF), lactoferrin nanocapsule (LF-NC), or lactoferrin conjugation with nanazoxid (NZ). Moreover, identifying drugs can effectively eliminate and successfully treat the infection with <i>Cryptosporidium</i>.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Sixty male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups, each of 10 mice. G1 served as the control, and G2 was inoculated with 10⁴ oocysts. Mice were orally administered NZ (200 mg/kg b.wt.), LF (150 µg/kg b.wt.), or LF-NC (150 mg/kg b.wt./day) for a period of six days post-infection. The immunomodulatory potential and drug efficacy were assessed by fecal and intestinal oocyst counts, measuring antioxidant activities and cytokine levels in addition. Intestinal tissues were examined histopathologically.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The cytokines TGF-β, INF-γ, and IL-10 were increased during infection and decreased following therapy. Mutually, the quantity of pathological lesions and oocysts in the ileal tissues was significantly diminished with the NZ plus LF-NC treatment. In addition, a considerable reduction of both fecal and intestinal samples, as well as a notable deterioration in oocyst counts, suggested that treatment with NZ alone or in combination with LF-NC was more effective.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>LF or LF-NC was found to exert a potent immunomodulatory effect on infected mice as well as minimize pathological lesions. This therapy approaches a successful therapeutic alternative for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis with few adverse effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01022-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144073887","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}