Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"First Reported Case of Accidental Gastric Myiasis Caused by Gasterophilus Larvae in a Gray Wolf","authors":"Rabiga Uakhit,&nbsp;Christian Bauer,&nbsp;Ainura Smagulova,&nbsp;Vladimir Kiyan","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01012-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01012-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Myiasis is the infestation of living vertebrates by larvae (“maggots”) of dipterous flies. These include the <i>Gasterophilus</i> species (Oestridae). Their larvae are obligate endoparasites of equids, and their third instar larvae remain in specific areas of the gastrointestinal tract for many months. Non-equids are unsuitable hosts for <i>Gasterophilus</i> spp. However, their larvae have occasionally been found in the digestive tracts of carnivores and scavengers; this is known as accidental myiasis.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A gray wolf (<i>Canis lupus</i>) hunted near a settlement in northern Kazakhstan in February 2023 was necropsied. Its stomach, which was otherwise empty, contained four cylindrical, cream-coloured maggots, approximately 15 mm long, attached to the gastric mucosa.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The maggots were identified morphologically as second and third instar <i>Gasterophilus</i> larvae and molecularly as <i>Gasterophilus pecorum</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first reported case of accidental gastric myiasis in wolves. The causative species, <i>Gasterophilus pecorum</i>, is a common parasite of equids in Asian countries. The larvae must have survived the ingestion process intact and remained attached to the wolf’s stomach wall with cephalopharyngeal hooks for a prolonged period of time, lasting from more than half a day to several days.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01012-3.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143668094","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":"Clinical Analyses of 4 Cases of Microsporidial Keratoconjunctivitis","authors":"Yang Zhang,&nbsp;Shanshan Xu,&nbsp;Yingnan Xu","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01010-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01010-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><p>To report four cases of microsporidial keratoconjunctivitis (MKC) from The Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (from May 2023 to October 2024) and to aid ophthalmologists in diagnosing and treating MKC, as MKC has been increasingly reported in Asian healthy individuals but not much in Mainland China.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Four patients with MKC were studied. Demographic information, symptoms, and clinical data were collected. Diagnosis involved ophthalmic examinations, corneal scraping microscopy (including Giemsa staining, modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining, Calcofour white staining), bacterial and fungal cultures, and metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Treatment included various topical medications like polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), fluconazole, tacrolimus, sodium hyaluronate, and systemic medication such as albendazole.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Three cases were caused by Encephalitozoon hellem proved by mNGS. Patients had symptoms like eye redness, swelling, pain, foreign body sensation, and vision loss. Risk factors included improper contact lens - wearing habits, contact with birds, or exposure to potentially contaminated environments. All patients showed improvements after treatment, with 3 cases cured and 1 case improved.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>MKC is a unilateral, acute, non-purulent ocular surface infectious disease. Clinicians should be more aware of it. Diagnosis depends on recognizing clinical signs, exploring risk factors, and laboratory tests. There is no consensus on treatment, but combined topical and systemic anti-protozoal drugs showed good results. Further large-scale validation is needed. Relevant departments should strengthen water source management, and patients should pay attention to personal hygiene.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01010-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143621795","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":"A New Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxosporea: Myxobolidae) from the Gill Arch of the Western Creek Chubsucker, Erimyzon claviformis (Cypriniformes: Catostomidae), in Arkansas, USA","authors":"Chris T. McAllister,&nbsp;Donald G. Cloutman,&nbsp;Eric M. Leis,&nbsp;Alvin C. Camus,&nbsp;Henry W. Robison","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01001-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01001-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>No myxosporean species has been fully described from the gill of the western creek chubsucker, <i>Erimyzon claviformis</i> (Girard, 1856). Here, we report from morphometric, histopathological, and DNA sequence data on a new species of <i>Myxobolus</i> Bütschli, 1882 from the gill arch of <i>E. claviformis</i> from the Red River drainage, Arkansas, USA.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Between June 2021 and September 2022, 49 <i>E. claviformis</i> were taken with a backpack electrofisher from various watersheds in Calhoun, Columbia, Polk, and Sevier counties, Arkansas, USA, and McCurtain County, Oklahoma, USA, and their gills were examined macroscopically for myxozoan parasites. Gill samples with visible plasmodia were placed in individual vials containing 10% neutral-buffered formalin and 95% molecular grade ethanol. Morphometric analysis and photographic documentation was performed on plasmodia and released myxospores. <i>SSU</i> rRNA gene sequencing was performed on free myxospores, and intact gill tissue was evaluated for associated histopathologic changes.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Two of seven (29%) <i>E. claviformis</i> from Sevier County, Arkansas, were found to harbor plasmodia on the gill arches which yielded myxospores of a new species of <i>Myxobolus</i>. Myxospores of <i>Myxobolus girardi</i> n. sp. were orbicular to broadly elliptoid, with two ovoid to pyriform polar capsules. Two previous myxozoans found on gill lamellae reported only as <i>Myxobolus</i> sp. “A” and “B” and the new species can readily be distinguished from both of them by size and shape. <i>Myxobolus girardi</i> n. sp. was found to be most genetically similar (99.3%) to <i>Myxobolus stuartae</i> McAllister, Cloutman, Camus, Trauth, Ray, Robison, and Whipps, 2022 which infects the fins of <i>E. claviformis</i>, but at percentages considered to be representative of interspecific variation for the <i>SSU</i> rRNA gene.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This is the first gill infecting myxosporean described from <i>E. claviformis</i> and adds to our growing knowledge of these parasites from catostomid fishes.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01001-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143581193","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":"Eucoleus aerophilus (syn. Capillaria aerophila) infection in zoo-housed arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus)","authors":"Martin Polotzek,&nbsp;Floris van der Neut,&nbsp;Perrine Keiser,&nbsp;Zoë Tess Lara Lindhorst,&nbsp;Ann-Kathrin Kühling,&nbsp;Stephan Hering-Hagenbeck,&nbsp;Hans-Peter Fuehrer,&nbsp;David Ebmer","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01003-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01003-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Eucoleus aerophilus</i> (syn. <i>Capillaria aerophila</i>) (Nematoda: Capillariidae) is a common endoparasite of free-ranging canids. In zoological gardens, reports on <i>E. aerophilus</i>-infections are scarce. We here present a case series of <i>E. aerophilus</i> infections in zoo-held arctic foxes with the aim to provide assistance for zoo veterinarians for future cases.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of five zoo-born and -housed arctic foxes (<i>Vulpes lagopus</i>) were presented with coughing periods and strong phlegm, four of them showing rapid deteriorations at different time points including dyspnoea leading to death. Coproscopical analysis of pooled and individual faecal samples and necropsies were performed.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Faecal analysis showed shedding of typical capillariid eggs, which corroborated the suspicion of respiratory capillariosis. Multiple attempts of deworming using different anthelmintic treatment protocols (fenbendazole; milbemycinoxime and praziquantel; ivermectin; levamisole; selamectin; moxidectin and imidacloprid) did neither result in negative egg shedding periods nor in improvement of clinical symptoms. A regime performed with fenbendazole (100 mg/kg bodyweight per os over 14 days) resulted in cessation of egg shedding. At necropsy of four animals, multifocal chronical granulomatous pneumonia was diagnosed, associated with a massive infection with adult nematodes detected in trachea, bronchi and bronchioles and bacterial infections. Morphological analysis of extracted nematodes identified <i>E. aerophilus</i>, which was confirmed by molecular analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>We here show clinical and necropsy data and morphological and molecular worm identifications and call for further parasitological research in ex situ populations of arctic foxes to assess the impact of parasites on this species.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143583645","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":"Investigation of Eimeria Species in Chicken: Coprological Prevalence, Gross Pathological Lesion and Pathoanatomical Species Identification in South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia","authors":"Seid Kassaw,&nbsp;Seid Abdela,&nbsp;Asnakew Mulaw Berihun","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01000-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01000-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Eimeria</i> species are a prevalent coccidian parasite impacting chicken production, leading to substantial economic losses in Ethiopia’s poultry sector. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of <i>Eimeria</i> species, assess associated risk factors, and identify prevalent <i>Eimeria</i> species and gross lesions.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Thus, a cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2023 to May 2024 in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. 516 chickens were randomly selected and examined for coccidian oocysts using the flotation technique. Patho-anatomical examinations were performed on 60 positive chickens to identify the various <i>Eimeria</i> species of chicken further. Binary logistic regression was utilized to calculate the odds ratios for associated risk factors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The overall prevalence of chicken coccidiosis in this study was 20.3% (105/516). Age (AOR = 0.46, P = 0.001) and breed (AOR = 1.73, P = 0.023) were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of coccidiosis (P &lt; 0.05). However, no statistically significant associations were observed with sex, study area, or management practices (P &gt; 0.05), although the management system was considered a confounding factor. The most important identified <i>Eimeria</i> species were <i>E. tenella</i> (21.95%), <i>E. brunetti</i> (19.51%), <i>E. acervulina</i> (17.07%), <i>E. necatrix</i> (14.63%), and <i>E. maxima</i> (4.88%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings indicated that Eimeria-caused coccidiosis is a growing challenge to poultry production in South Gondar, highlighting the need for targeted control measures and improved management practices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143583644","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":"Host-Parasite Interactions and Integrated Management Strategies for Ecytonucleospora Hepatopenaei Infection in Shrimp","authors":"Balasubramanian Haridevamuthu,&nbsp;Gokul Sudhakaran,&nbsp;Rajakrishnan Rajagopal,&nbsp;Ahmed Alfarhan,&nbsp;Aziz Arshad,&nbsp;Jesu Arockiaraj","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01007-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01007-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei</i> (EHP) is a major parasitic pathogen in shrimp causing hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis, which leads to significant growth retardation and global economic losses. This pathogen employs various immune evasion strategies that complicate treatment and management.</p><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This review examines the complex host-parasite interactions, focusing on the immune evasion mechanisms used by EHP. The study explores how EHP manipulates host immune pathways, including NF-κB, JAK/STAT, Toll, and IMD, to suppress immune responses, inhibit antimicrobial peptide production, and avoid detection, thus ensuring its persistence in the host.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The authors reviewed recent research from databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, including studies up to 2024. The keywords <i>Ecytonucleospora hepatopenaei</i>, immune evasion, EHP treatment, and associated words with topics were used in this search.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>EHP induces oxidative stress, which weakens the host immune system while simultaneously upregulating antioxidant responses to favor its survival. The parasite also alters the gut microbiota and disrupts key cellular processes, such as cell cycle regulation, further enhancing its ability to sustain infection.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This review highlights the need for integrated management strategies, including disease-resistant breeding, microbiota modulation, and advanced diagnostics, to combat EHP. By providing an overview of EHP’s immune evasion tactics, this study aims to advance knowledge in the field and support efforts to improve shrimp health and aquaculture sustainability.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143564421","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":"First Molecular Characterization of Theileria equi from Northeastern Algeria","authors":"Rima Sadeddine,&nbsp;Souad Righi,&nbsp;Khelaf Saidani,&nbsp;Ahmed Benakhla","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01006-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01006-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is a tick-borne disease that affects equids and is caused by the parasites <i>Theileria equi</i>, <i>Theileria haneyi</i> and <i>Babesia caballi</i>. This disease leads to significant economic losses for the global equine industry. The current study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Piroplasmida infections in equines from El Tarf, located in northeastern Algeria, and investigate the phylogenetic diversity within isolates obtained from infected equines in this study and between those from previous studies.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 120 blood samples were collected from equines in three municipalities of El Tarf. The small subunit of the 18 S rRNA gene, commonly used for genotyping and phylogenetic analysis, was amplified from the positive samples and subsequently sequenced for further analysis.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The study found that 40% of equines were infected with <i>T. equi</i>, while no cases of <i>B. caballi</i> infection were detected. The positivity rate was almost identical across all three municipalities. Four distinct <i>T. equi</i> 18 S rRNA gene sequences were identified in equines from El Tarf. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these <i>T. equi</i> sequences could be categorized into three distinct clades. The isolates identified in this study grouped into clades A and C, indicating the presence of two genotypes of <i>T. equi</i> 18S rRNA sequences in El Tarf, Northeastern Algeria.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The results confirmed a high prevalence of equine piroplasmosis in three municipalities of El Tarf. They also demonstrated that different isolates of <i>T. equi</i> can coexist within the same geographic region, offering additional insight into <i>T. equi</i> sequences. This finding emphasizes the significant implications for the surveillance of Apicomplexan parasites.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143564422","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":"Scyphophyllidium garshai n. sp. (Cestoda: Phyllobothriidea) from the Grey Sharpnose Shark, Rhizoprionodon oligolinx Springer, 1964, in the Persian Gulf","authors":"Hossein Kouchaki Panchah,&nbsp;Mohammad Haseli","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01004-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01004-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>There is a single species in category 3 of the cestode genus <i>Scyphophyllidium</i> that possesses six bothridial facial loculi. For 19 years, this species was believed to parasitize only sharks of the genus <i>Scoliodon</i>. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether members of <i>Scyphophyllidium</i> with this unique scolex morphology are also found in another shark genus, <i>Rhizoprionodon</i>.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>The tapeworms belonging to a new species, isolated from several specimens of <i>Rhizoprionodon oligolinx</i> from the Persian Gulf, were stained, measured, drawn, and described.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Scyphophyllidium garshai</i> n. sp., placed in category 3 of the genus, closely resembles <i>S</i>. <i>latipi</i>, as both possess the unique characteristic of having six bothridial facial loculi, distinguishing them within the genus. It parasitizes <i>Rhizoprionodon oligolinx</i> from the Persian Gulf. The new species differs from <i>S</i>. <i>latipi</i> in quantitative characters such as total length, proglottid number, length of scolex proper, length of anterior loculus, length of symmetrical lateral and medial loculi of triplet, and length of lateral and medial posterior loculi.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The description of <i>S</i>. <i>garshai</i> n. sp. from <i>Rhizoprionodon oligolinx</i> confirms that the species of the genus <i>Scyphophyllidium</i> possessing six bothridial facial loculi occur not only in sharks of the genus <i>Scoliodon</i> but also in <i>Rhizoprionodon</i>. The status of the microtriches is discussed. The uniformity in morphology, whether in microstructure or macrostructure, suggests that the two species of the genus with six bothridial facial loculi have the potential to be considered as a separate category within the genus.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143553775","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 Closer Look at the Choricotyle chrysophryi-like (Polyopisthocotyla: Diclidophoridae) Species Complex: Description of a New Choricotyle from the Gills of Pagellus acarne (Teleostei: Sparidae) and Revision of Choricotyle spp. from Sparids","authors":"Chahinez Bouguerche","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-00999-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-00999-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The genus <i>Choricotyle</i>, the largest in the diclidophoridean family, includes <i>C. chrysophryi</i>, whose taxonomic status remains ambiguous. This study aims to resolve this ambiguity by describing a new <i>Choricotyle</i> species, <i>C. justinemusei</i> n. sp. previously identified as <i>C.</i> cf. <i>chrysophryi</i>, and clarifying the taxonomic status of related congeneric species, particularly those reported from sparids in Mediterranean and Atlantic waters.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p><i>Choricotyle justinemusei</i> n. sp. was described based on Mediterranean specimens from the gills of <i>Pagellus acarne</i>, found in the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris. The species was differentiated from its congeners through morphological and anatomical features, including the presence or absence of a terminal lappet, and of ring organ, number of atrial hooks and of testes. Molecular analysis using <i>cox</i>1 sequences was also conducted to aid in species identification.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Choricotyle justinemusei</i> n. sp. was described and distinguished from other <i>Choricotyle</i> species by several key morphological traits and molecular sequences. The record of <i>C. chrysophryi</i> from <i>Pagellus bogaraveo</i> in Atlantic waters was reassigned to <i>C. chrysophryi</i> <i>sensu</i> Llewellyn (1941). Furthermore, <i>C. pagelli</i> from <i>P. bogaraveo</i> was found to be distinct from <i>C. chrysophryi </i><i>sensu</i> Llewellyn (1941), confirming the validity of both <i>C. pagelli</i> and <i>C. chrysophryi</i> as separate species, and the former was reinstated as a valid species. A differential diagnosis was also provided for <i>C. marionis</i>, reinstating it based on its original type-host, <i>Spicara maena</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>This study clarifies the taxonomic status of <i>C. chrysophryi</i> and related species, describing <i>C. justinemusei</i> n. sp. and reinstating <i>C. pagelli</i> and <i>C. marionis</i> as valid species. These findings contribute to a more accurate understanding of <i>Choricotyle</i> species and their host specificity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-00999-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143533209","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":"Morphological and Chemical Changes in the Trophozoites and Cysts of Acanthamoeba Castellanii Induced by Camellia Sinensis Extracts","authors":"Lenu B. Fakae,&nbsp;Jizhou Zhong,&nbsp;Ka Lung Andrew Chan,&nbsp;Subbareddy Mekapothula,&nbsp;Gareth W. V. Cave,&nbsp;Xing-Quan Zhu,&nbsp;Carl W. Stevenson,&nbsp;Hany M. Elsheikha","doi":"10.1007/s11686-024-00941-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-024-00941-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Acanthamoeba castellanii</i> is an important opportunistic human protozoal pathogen that can cause both skin, ocular and brain infections. Recent studies have established that brews and solvent extract (SE) of green tea (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>) can inhibit the growth and encystation of <i>A. castellanii</i>. Here we characterized those growth and encystation inhibitions.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Herein, we characterize of the morphological and chemical changes that occur in the trophozoites and the encysting stage of <i>A. castellanii</i> after exposure to <i>C. sinensis</i> SE and brew using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) microspectroscopy and fluorescence-based assays.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>TEM showed ultrastructural changes in both <i>A. castellanii</i> stages. FTIR microspectroscopy revealed modifications of amide I and II band peaks in the <i>C. sinensis</i>-treated trophozoites, suggesting an inhibition of protein synthesis. Assessment of the nucleus integrity of trophozoites exposed to SE and brew revealed disruption of the nuclear membrane integrity, nuclear fragmentation, and chromatin degradation, and reduction in the quantity of DNA and RNA, indicating trophozoite death. These results are consistent with <i>C. sinensis</i> acting as a membrane-active anti-acanthamoebic, exhibiting amoebicidal activity against growing and encysting <i>A. castellanii</i>. This work underlines the importance of characterizing the effect of <i>C. sinensis</i> constituents, individually or in combinations, to clarify which ones are the primary components responsible for its action and the observed alterations in the structure and function of <i>A. castellanii</i>.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These results demonstrated that exposure to <i>C. sinensis</i> SE or brew alters the synthesis of protein, DNA, RNA and disrupts the cell wall integrity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"70 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2025-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-024-00941-9.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143533164","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}