Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"Ruptured Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst with Massive Eosinophilic Pleural Effusion: A Case Report and Literature Review","authors":"Mehdieh Sadat Mehdizadeh,&nbsp;Niloofar Khoshnam Rad,&nbsp;Milad Nasrollahzadeh,&nbsp;Hossein Kazemizadeh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01207-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01207-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>This report describes the clinical presentation and management of aruptured giant thoracic hydatid cyst in a young adult, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeuticchallenges associated with pulmonary echinococcosis, particularly in endemic regions. The caseemphasizes the importance of early recognition to prevent severe complications.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A 22-year-old college student from Iran presented with progressive dyspnea, chest pain, fever, cough,and hemoptysis. Imaging studies, including chest radiography and computed tomography, wereperformed, revealing a giant cystic lesion in the left hemithorax with the pathognomonic “waterlily” sign. Surgical intervention via posterolateral thoracotomy was undertaken, involvingcomplete aspiration of the cyst, cavity cleansing, and chest tube placement.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Intraoperative findings confirmed a giant ruptured hydatid cyst. The cyst was successfully excised, and the patient received postoperative albendazole therapy to prevent recurrence. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus infection. The patient’s symptoms resolved following surgery, with no immediate postoperative complications.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Ruptured pulmonary hydatid cysts can present with acute respiratory symptoms and characteristic imaging signs such as the “water lily” sign. Surgical removal remains the cornerstone of treatment, complemented by antiparasitic medication. In endemic areas, heightened clinical suspicion and prompt intervention are essential to reduce morbidityand prevent life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><p>Diagnostic Pathway for Pleural Effusion in Pulmonary Hydatid Disease. This graphical abstract outlines the diagnostic approach to a patient from an endemic region presenting with respiratory symptoms. It emphasizes the critical diagnostic challenge: pleural fluid analysis can reveal either a classic eosinophilic exudate or a misleading transudate. The pathway demonstrates that irrespective of this biochemical finding, a definitive diagnosis relies on a systematic combination of imaging, serology, and crucially, cytological examination for hooklets, leading to appropriate management with surgery and albendazole.</p><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146155822","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":"Hematological and Biochemical Outcomes of Leishmania Infantum Infection in the South American Coati (Nasua nasua) in an Endemic Area of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Central Western Brazil","authors":"Gabriel Carvalho de Macedo,&nbsp;André Luiz Rodrigues Roque,&nbsp;Filipe Martins Santos,&nbsp;Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto,&nbsp;Carina Elisei de Oliveira,&nbsp;William Oliveira de Assis,&nbsp;Grasiela Edith de Oliveira,&nbsp;Andreza Castro Rucco,&nbsp;Gisele Braziliano de Andrade,&nbsp;Alanderson Rodrigues da Silva,&nbsp;Nayara Yoshie Sano,&nbsp;Julia Gindri Bragato Pistori,&nbsp;Samanta Cristina das Chagas Xavier,&nbsp;Ana Maria Jansen,&nbsp;Heitor Miraglia Herrera","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01218-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01218-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Wildlife is a major source of infectious diseases affecting humans and domestic animals; however, the impacts of parasitism on naturally parasitized fauna remain largely unknown. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes of <i>Leishmania infantum</i> infection in blood parameters of South American coatis (<i>Nasua nasua</i>) in an area endemic for leishmaniasis in the Brazilian Midwest region.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In total, 128 blood samples were obtained from 77 adult South American coatis. Health status was inferred from hematological and biochemical parameters categorized into the following indicators: red blood cell count, coagulation, immune response (IMRI), infection response, kidney damage, liver damage (LDI), cardiac damage, skeletal muscle damage (SMDI), nutritional profile (NPI), and protein profile (PPI). We compared the hematological and biochemical parameters of seropositive, DNA detection and negative groups using ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and assessed the direct effects of <i>L. infantum</i> on health indicators and body condition (BC) through path analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Our findings showed that <i>L. infantum</i> infection affected LDI, IMRI, PPI and NPI but had no negative impact on BC. However, BC was influenced by SMDI, IMRI, NPI and KDI regardless of parasitism.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Our results indicate that <i>L. infantum</i> may cause long-lasting subclinical infections associated with alterations in liver function, immune response, and protein and nutritional profiles of coatis living in urban areas of the Brazilian Midwest. We highlight the importance of monitoring the impact of <i>L</i>. <i>infantum</i> infections on wild mammals in leishmaniasis-endemic areas.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146155649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of biological and biochemical indicators associated with Toxoplasmosis in pregnant women","authors":"Asifa M. ALmaeahi,&nbsp;Hiba R. Al-abodi,&nbsp;Zainab Ataia","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01223-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01223-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important parasitic factors causing miscarriage in pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate some hematological parameters and cytokine levels (IL-6 and IL-27) in women who had first-trimester miscarriage due to toxoplasmosis compared to the control group.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>From January to December 2023, 65 women in Al-Shamiya District, Diwaniyah Governorate, central Iraq, who had previously been diagnosed with toxoplasmosis through serological testing and experienced a first-trimester miscarriage, were the subject of the current study. As controls, there were twenty healthy, non-pregnant women. Laboratory tests were performed on venous blood samples in order to evaluate hematological parameters. The slide agglutination test was also used to identify blood types, and the ELISA test was used to measure the levels of the immunological markers interleukin-6 and interleukin-27.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>According to the current findings, a statistically significant association was found between blood type and toxoplasmosis incidence (χ² = 12.39, df = 3, <i>P</i> = 0.006). This indicates a genuine association between the two variables, particularly the higher incidence among individuals with blood type B. Laboratory tests confirmed statistically significant differences between the infected women and the control group in most of the analyzed blood parameters. A marked increase in total white blood cell count was observed, while the red blood cell count decreased. The effect size and 95% confidence intervals further support the statistical reliability of the pooled data. The results confirmed a statistically significant difference (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) in interleukin-27 levels between the two study groups. However, the mean of 88 pg/mL in the abortion group and 73 pg/mL in the control group indicated a slight increase in serum interleukin-6 levels in the women who had abortions. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups (<i>p</i> ≈ 0.16) according to the Mann-Whitney U test used, due to the large variability in the results shown by the aborted animals.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>The present findings represent preliminary evidence that warrants further research in order to understand the molecular or immunological mechanisms underlying the relationship between toxoplasmosis infection and hematologic parameters and immune markers among women with history of abortion. This will to help stratify the most at-risk people and establish better prevention and early detection in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146155722","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":"Effects of Toxoplasma Gondii Type II Infection on Serum Serotonin Concentration and Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Gene Expression in Balb/c Mice","authors":"Elham Kordserkeche,&nbsp;Jasem Saki,&nbsp;Reza Arjmand,&nbsp;Mohammad Amin Behmanesh,&nbsp;Saeedeh Shojaee","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01213-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01213-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>T. gondii</i>is an obligate intracellular protozoan that infects approximately one-third of the global population. Research has increasingly suggested a connection between toxoplasmosis and alterations in behavior. This study aims to investigate the effects of <i>T. gondii</i> infection on serum serotonin levels and the expression of the indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) gene in the brain cells of Balb/c mice.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 84 female Balb/c mice were utilized in this study, with 42 assigned to the experimental group and 42 to the control group. The mice were further divided into six subgroups, each containing seven mice. Serum serotonin levels were quantified using the ELISA method, while the expression of the <i>IDO1</i> gene was assessed through quantitative real-time PCR.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>It is observed that the serotonin serum concentration in the infected Balb/c mice was substantially higher than the non-infected groups on the day 10th (371.17 ± 53.391 vs. 233.50 ± 1.225, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.0001), 20th (283.33 ± 41.707 vs. 233.33 ± 1.033, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05 ), 30th (269.17 ± 36.766 vs. 233.67 ± 0.516, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) and 40th (291.50 ± 62.956 vs. 233.67 ± 1.033, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05) post-infection, while the serotonin serum was dramatically diminished in the infected groups rather than the control mice on day 60th (197.50 ± 23.998 vs. 233.17 ± 1.472, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.01). Notably, the expression of the <i>IDO1</i> gene in brain cells increased by 5.65-fold on day 10 post-infection, followed by downward trends by day 40th (1.91-fold) was observed. Moreover, sharp fluctuations also took place on the 50th and 60th .</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>It is conclusively revealed that the serum level of serotonin and <i>IDO1</i> mRNA expression were significantly higher in <i>T.gondii</i> infected Balb/c mice than normal control group. However, future investigations could explore therapeutic interventions targeting IDO1 or serotonin pathways to mitigate neurological impacts in chronic <i>T.gondii</i> infections.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140576","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":"A New Species of Oxyascaris (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) from Hylid Scinax acuminatus from Chaco Seco Ecoregion, Argentina","authors":"Ana Nunes Santos,&nbsp;Luiz Felipe Ferreira Trindade,&nbsp;Francisco Tiago Vasconcelos Melo,&nbsp;Cynthya Elizabeth González","doi":"10.1007/s11686-026-01216-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-026-01216-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The genus <i>Oxyascaris</i> consists of seven species of nematodes that parasitize the digestive tract of amphibians and reptiles in the Neotropical region. This paper describes a new species of the genus based on specimens collected from a hylid anuran in the Dry Chaco ecoregion. A total of 14 specimens of <i>Scinax acuminatus</i> were collected between 2017 and 2021 in Matacos department, Formosa province, Argentina. The morphology of the nematodes was studied in detail using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Thirty-four nematodes belonging to the genus <i>Oxyascaris</i> were collected in the large intestine of seven of examined amphibians. Based on the number and arrangement of pairs of caudal papillae, the presence of lateral alae in males and females, the lack of a gubernaculum, the absence of a vesicle at the anterior region in females, and the distinctive morphology of the spicules (equal in length), we verified that the specimens belong to a new species. Additionally, we surveyed the geographical distribution of the species of the genus, which was represented on a map. The present work reports the 8th species of the genus <i>Oxyascaris</i> described in South America and the first of this genus to be described in an amphibian, anuran, from the Dry Chaco ecoregion in Argentina.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140604","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":"Sero-evidence of Latent Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Cancer Patients Before and After Chemotherapy, Northern Iran","authors":"Ramin Shekarriz,&nbsp;Nakisa Azari Noor,&nbsp;Zahra Hosseininezhad,&nbsp;Eisa Nazar,&nbsp;Mohammad Eslami Jouybari,&nbsp;Ehsan Zaboli,&nbsp;Maryam Ghasemi,&nbsp;Ali Sharifpour,&nbsp;Mahdi Fakhar","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01212-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01212-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Toxoplasmosis, caused by <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, affects a significant proportion of the global population. While typically asymptomatic in healthy individuals due to effective immune responses, immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, are at risk of developing acute toxoplasmosis due to the reactivation of latent infection. This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of latent <i>T. gondii</i> infection among cancer patients who were registered with the Iranian National Registry Center for Toxoplasmosis (INRCT), before and after chemotherapy, and to determine the relationship between chemotherapy and IgG antibody responses.</p><h3>Patients and Methods</h3><p>This cross-sectional study investigated the seroprevalence of <i>T. gondii</i> infection and its relationship with chemotherapy in 107 cancer patients with solid organ tumors. Participants were recruited from oncology centers in Sari, northern Iran, between 2023 and 2024 and were assessed for anti-<i>T. gondii</i> IgG and IgM antibodies using ELISA before and three weeks after chemotherapy initiation.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>At baseline, 80.4% of patients were IgG positive, indicating prior <i>T. gondii</i> exposure. Three weeks post-chemotherapy, 28.92% showed a significant increase in IgG titers. While age was significantly associated with <i>Toxoplasma</i> infection at baseline (<i>P</i> &lt; 0.05), no significant associations were found between demographic or clinical characteristics and IgG seropositivity or titer changes post-chemotherapy. Breast cancer patients exhibited the highest prevalence of <i>Toxoplasma</i> IgG.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These findings suggest a high prevalence of latent toxoplasmosis in cancer patients, with chemotherapy potentially influencing IgG titers in a subset of individuals, independent of other factors examined. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and clinical implications of these observations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140620","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 and Subtypes of Blastocystis in Symptomatic Children in Egypt and Anti-Blastocystis Efficacy of Artemisia alba-Loaded Silver Nanoparticles In Vitro and in Swiss Albino Mice","authors":"Doaa Naguib,&nbsp;Nabeel H. Alhussainy,&nbsp;Hany M. El-Wahsh,&nbsp;Faten A. Al Braikan,&nbsp;Osama Salem Basalem,&nbsp;Walaa Abdulsamad Mal,&nbsp;Ashraf Fawzy Mosa Ahmed,&nbsp;Fadi Baakdah,&nbsp;Mohammad Mousa Alshumrani,&nbsp;Wael Sobhy Darwish,&nbsp;Wesam Kamal Bakhsh","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01189-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01189-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Blastocystis</i><i> hominis</i> (<i>B. hominis</i>) is a common protozoan pathogen that affects the health of both humans and animals. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of <i>Blastocystis</i> in children and evaluate the effects of <i>Artemisia alba</i> aqueous extract-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on <i>B. hominis</i> infection, both in vitro and in mice. </p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Fresh fecal samples were collected from 235 children and analyzed for the presence of <i>B. hominis</i> using microscopy and culture techniques. Fifty positive samples were further subtyped using subtype-specific primers through PCR. Additionally, the effectiveness of <i>Artemisia alba</i> aqueous extract-loaded AgNPs in treating <i>B. hominis</i> infection was assessed both in vitro and in Swiss albino mice. </p><h3>Results</h3><p>Of the 235 children's fecal samples, 75 (32%) tested positive for <i>B. hominis</i>. Genotyping of 50 positive samples revealed that ST3 was the most common genotype, followed by ST1, ST2, and ST4. The results of the second phase showed that treatment with <i>Artemisia alba</i> aqueous extract-loaded AgNPs significantly inhibited the growth of <i>Blastocystis</i> in culture. Additionally, it significantly reduced the number of <i>Blastocystis</i> cysts found in the feces of treated mice. Furthermore, this treatment had minimal adverse effects on the liver, kidney, and intestine, especially when compared to metronidazole. </p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p><i>Blastocystis</i> is commonly found among children, with subtype ST3 being the most prevalent. The administration of <i>Artemisia alba</i> aqueous extract-loaded AgNPs demonstrated significant anti-<i>Blastocystis</i> activity, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the treatment was shown to be safe and may represent a promising option for addressing blastocystosis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146140582","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":"Insecticidal and Repellent Effects of Selected Botanicals against Tribolium Castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) with Reference To their Effect on Detoxifying Enzymes","authors":"Awaneesh Kumar,&nbsp;Anjumoni Devee,&nbsp;Sushmita Thokchom,&nbsp;Abhinandan Yadav,&nbsp;Jehan Zeb,&nbsp;Mohammed E. Gad,&nbsp;Abdelfattah Selim,&nbsp;Hattan S. Gattan,&nbsp;Mohammed H. Alruhaili,&nbsp;Mohamed M. Baz,&nbsp;Haytham Senbill","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01202-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01202-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The excessive application of various synthetic pesticides led to control difficulties, including insect resistance and environmental contamination. This study aimed to evaluate the insecticidal and repellent activities of twelve botanical powders and aqueous extracts against <i>Tribolium castaneum</i>, with a focus on acetylcholinesterase and glutathione-S-transferase detoxification enzyme activities. Toxicity tests revealed that <i>Azadirachta indica</i> dry powder was the most harmful, having the lowest LD₅₀ value of 2.09% w/w, while in aqueous extract <i>A. indica</i> was the most toxic, with an LC₅₀ of 2.20% after 24 h. Repellency tests demonstrated that <i>A. indica</i> exhibited the highest repellent effect in both powder and aqueous forms (86.66%). As a result of the most effective botanical application, biochemical analyses showed that acetylcholinesterase activity remained highest (6.17 ± 0.17 U/min/g) in <i>A. indica</i>-treated insects, whereas glutathione-S-transferase enzyme activity peaked in response to <i>Eucalyptus tereticornis</i> (85.00 U/min/g), indicating a strong physiological defense response. These results indicate that plants like <i>A. indica</i>,<i> D. stramonium</i>,<i> E. tereticornis</i>, and <i>Ar. nilagirica</i> can be used as promising bio-insecticides options for controlling <i>T. castaneum</i> in stored products.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146082436","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 and Comprehensive Molecular Characterization of Sarcocystis glareoli from Brain Samples of Small Mammals Captured in Lithuania","authors":"Petras Prakas,&nbsp;Dovilė Laisvūnė Bagdonaitė,&nbsp;Marius Jasiulionis,&nbsp;Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu,&nbsp;Vitalijus Stirkė,&nbsp;Linas Balčiauskas,&nbsp;Dalius Butkauskas","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01181-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01181-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The aim of the study was to assess <i>Sarcocystis</i> prevalence in brains of small mammals from Lithuania and to comprehensively characterize their genetic variability.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Brain samples of 687 small mammals (mice, voles and shrews) from Lithuania were analysed for <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. using light microscopy and DNA sequence analysis. Parasites isolated were genetically characterised at nuclear <i>18S</i> rRNA, <i>28S</i> rRNA, <i>ITS1</i>, <i>ITS2</i>, mitochondrial <i>cox1</i> and <i>cytb</i>, and apicoplast <i>rpoB</i>.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Microscopic and molecular examination revealed the presence of <i>S. glareoli</i> in three rodent species (<i>Apodemus flavicollis</i>, <i>Clethrionomys glareolus</i> and <i>Microtus arvalis</i>), with a total prevalence of 2.6%, (95% CI 1.4–4.4) and in single eulipotyphlan species (<i>Sorex araneus</i>), with a total prevalence of 0.65% (95% CI 0.02–3.6). Among the investigated hosts, the highest 13.0% (95% CI 6.4–22.6) infection rates occurred in <i>C</i>. <i>glareolus</i>. This study constitutes the first documented case of <i>S</i>. <i>glareoli</i> infecting a member of the order Eulipotyphla on a global scale. Additionally, we provide first <i>ITS2</i>, <i>cox1</i>, <i>cytb</i>, and <i>rpoB</i> sequences of <i>S</i>. <i>glareoli</i>. Only minor intraspecific genetic variability was observed in <i>ITS1</i> and <i>ITS2</i>. Phylogenetic analyses placed <i>S</i>. <i>glareoli</i> in close relation to <i>S</i>. <i>jamaicensis</i>, <i>S</i>. <i>microti</i>, and several undescribed <i>Sarcocystis</i> species.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The result of the present work is significant for the epidemiology and distinguishment of <i>S</i>. <i>glareoli</i> from genetically similar species and for phylogenetic studies of <i>Sarcocystis</i> spp. with small mammals as their intermediate hosts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146045924","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":"Detection of Toxoplasma Gondii and Risk Factors in Retail Meat in Southern Mexico","authors":"Leonardo Avendaño Vela,&nbsp;Jose L. Bravo Ramos,&nbsp;Sashenka Bonilla Rojas,&nbsp;María G. Sánchez Otero,&nbsp;Sokani Sánchez Montes,&nbsp;Luis A. Ortiz Carbajal,&nbsp;Carolina Palmeros Exsome,&nbsp;Aarón Bustos Baena","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01214-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01214-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> is a major foodborne parasite of global public health relevance; however, data regarding its circulation in retail meat from tropical regions of southern Mexico remain limited. This study provides updated molecular evidence on the presence of <i>T. gondii</i> in meats commonly sold for human consumption and evaluates retail-level and meat-specific risk factors within a One Health framework.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between February and July 2024, a total of 276 meat samples (pork, chicken, beef, lamb, and horse meat) were collected from butcher shops, local markets, and supermarkets in Veracruz, Mexico. DNA was extracted using Chelex-based protocols, and <i>T. gondii</i> detection was performed by PCR targeting the B1 gene, followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Prevalence estimates were calculated using Wilson’s score and Clopper–Pearson confidence intervals, while associations with potential risk factors were evaluated using Fisher’s exact test and Firth penalized logistic regression.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>T. gondii</i> DNA was detected in 30 samples (10.9%). Pork showed the highest positivity rate (28.0%), whereas chicken (3.1%), lamb (1.4%), and horse meat (25.0%) exhibited lower detection frequencies; no beef samples tested positive. Contamination was significantly associated with the retail environment, with butcher shops (adjusted OR = 22.50) and local markets (adjusted OR = 12.55) presenting markedly higher odds of detection compared with supermarkets. Phylogenetic analysis revealed low genetic diversity, with all local isolates clustering within a single monophyletic clade.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Pork, particularly when sold in butcher shops and local markets, represents the primary source of <i>T. gondii</i> exposure among retail meats in tropical southern Mexico. These findings underscore the need for improved biosecurity in small-scale production systems, enhanced hygiene practices in informal retail settings, and strengthened public education on safe meat handling and cooking. Future studies incorporating parasite viability assays and expanded sampling are warranted to refine consumer risk assessments.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049895","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}