Acta Parasitologica最新文献

{"title":"A New Species of Gussevia (Monopisthocotyla: Dactylogyridae) Parasitizing the Gills of Astronotus Ocellatus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) in the Caatinga Domain, Northeastern Brazil","authors":"Ana Josilene Teles da Silva,&nbsp;Priscilla de Oliveira Fadel Yamada,&nbsp;Fabio Hideki Yamada","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01210-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01210-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>A new species of <i>Gussevia</i> Kohn et Paperna, 1964 (Monopisthocotyla, Dactylogyridae) is described based on specimens recovered from the gills of <i>Astronotus ocellatus</i> (Agassiz, 1831) (Cichliformes, Cichlidae) collected in the Ubaldinho weir, state of Ceará, Brazil.</p><h3>Materials and methods</h3><p>Some obtained monopisthocotylans were mounted on slides using Gray and Wess medium and studied using an optical microscope with a phase-contrast. Illustrations were made using a drawing tube attached to a Leica DM750 microscope and vectorized using Inkscape 1.4 software.</p><h3>Results</h3><p><i>Gussevia lamarckii</i> n. sp. is characterized by having an accessory piece nonarticulated with the MCO base, comprising two dorsal subunits, one Y-shaped and the other one rod-shaped; and an elongated peduncle. Furthermore, the new species can be easily distinguished from the other congeners by possessing (1) a ventral anchor with an external protuberance at the junction between the root and the shaft, and (2) a superficial groove at the base of the dorsal anchor.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This study presents a new species of the genus <i>Gussevia</i>, the fourth described from <i>Astronotus</i> fish and the first from <i>A. ocellatus</i> and the aquatic ecosystems of the Caatinga domain.</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":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01210-z.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146049965","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":"Psoroptes ovis Infestation Impairs Sexual Behavior and Reduces Testosterone Levels in Male Rabbits","authors":"María Fernanda González-Chávez,&nbsp;Héctor Javier Apodaca-Barreras,&nbsp;Lilia Francisca Montañez-Palma,&nbsp;Claudia Hallal-Calleros,&nbsp;Iván Flores-Pérez","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01206-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01206-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study evaluated the effects of chronic infestation with <i>Psoroptes ovis</i> on sexual behavior, testosterone levels, and physiological parameters in New Zealand male rabbits. <i>P. ovis</i> is a common ectoparasite in domestic rabbits (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>); however, its impact on physiological parameters and sexual behavior, relevant to reproduction and animal welfare, as well as experimental validity, remains poorly understood.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Twenty-three male rabbits were randomly assigned to control (<i>n</i> = 11) or experimentally infested (<i>n</i> = 12) groups and monitored for 77 days. Behavioral assessments included open-field and sexual behavior tests. Physiological data included serum testosterone, temperature, liver enzymes, and lipid profile.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Infested rabbits showed significant reductions in locomotor activity (− 23.2%), chin marking (− 38.3%), and exploratory activity (− 31.2%). Sexual performance was impaired, with an increase in both reaction time and ejaculation latency, while ejaculations decreased by 30.1% and serum testosterone levels by 58%. No significant changes were found in body weight, food intake, liver enzymes, or lipid markers.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These findings indicate that <i>P. ovis</i> infestation alters behavior and endocrine function in male rabbits, with implications for reproductive health and animal welfare, highlighting the need for early detection and control of ectoparasites in rabbits and underlining the importance that ectoparasitic infections could have on sexual performance in other species.</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":"146049908","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":"Unraveling the Genetic Diversity of Lernaea Parasites Infecting Carp Through 18 S rRNA Gene Analysis","authors":"Farzana Abbas,&nbsp;Muhammad Hafeez-ur-Rehman,&nbsp;Farzana Ashraf","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01209-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01209-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p><i>Lernaea</i> spp., commonly referred to as anchor worms, are widespread ectoparasitic copepods known for their broad host range and high morphological variability, which complicates accurate taxonomic identification.</p><h3>Purpose</h3><p>The hypothesis of this study was to accurately identified lernaea and differentiate at the species level using 18S rRNA gene sequencing, thereby overcoming the limitations and ambiguities of conventional morphological identification.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In this study, approximately 200 Lernaea specimens were collected from infected carps at fish farms in the Kasur district of Pakistan. Parasites were detached from hosts using potassium permanganate (KMnO₄) treatment and preserved in 70% ethanol for both morphological and molecular analyses. Initial morphological assessment was conducted under a stereomicroscope, focusing on key diagnostic features such as the structure of the anchor-shaped holdfast. For molecular characterization, genomic DNA was extracted using the Thermo Scientific GeneJET Genomic DNA Purification Kit. DNA quality and concentration were evaluated with a NanoDrop spectrophotometer. The partial 18S rRNA gene was amplified via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the products were visualized through agarose gel electrophoresis before sequencing. Sequence data were edited using BioEdit v7.0 and subjected to BLAST analysis against the NCBI GenBank database.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Phylogenetic relationships were inferred using the neighbor-joining method, revealing the presence of three<i> Lernaea species: L. cyprinacea, L. polymorpha,</i> and<i> L. ctenopharyngodonis.</i></p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings underscore the effectiveness of molecular tools particularly 18S rRNA gene analysis in resolving morphological ambiguities and provide novel sequence data that helps to explain<i> Lernaea</i> diversity in Pakistan.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146027437","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":"Global Prevalence and Future Prediction of Sarcocystis Infection in Pigs: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis","authors":"Milad Badri,&nbsp;Meysam Olfatifar,&nbsp;Leila Zaki,&nbsp;Kareem Hatam-Nahavandi,&nbsp;Leila Modarresnia,&nbsp;Ioannis Adamopoulos,&nbsp;Majid Pirestani,&nbsp;Giovanni Sgroi,&nbsp;Ali Asghari,&nbsp;Amir Abdoli,&nbsp;Aida Vafae Eslahi","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01204-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01204-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p><i>Sarcocystis</i> parasites are intricate intracellular protozoans that present significant health risks to both animals and humans. This study aims to provide a global overview of <i>Sarcocystis</i> prevalence in wild and domestic pigs. A comprehensive search across multiple electronic databases yielded 40 eligible studies from 21 countries around the world. The global pooled prevalence of <i>Sarcocystis</i> infection in pigs was estimated at 0.473 (95% CI = 0.392–0.555). The highest prevalence was found in jaw and diaphragm samples, with molecular detection methods providing the highest pooled prevalence. There were significant geographical and environmental factors influencing infection rates, with higher prevalence observed in European countries, high-income nations, and regions with specific climatic conditions. The findings give reason to enhance diagnostic techniques and control measures to lower the economic and public health burden caused by <i>Sarcocystis</i> infection in pigs, pointing out the need for further investigation regarding the potential of these parasites to be a zoonotic agent and environmental conditions.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958449","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 Report of Morphological Anomalies in Haemaphysalis megaspinosa Ticks from Japan","authors":"Ryo Matsumura,&nbsp;Kyoko Sawabe,&nbsp;Toshinori Sasaki,&nbsp;Kyo Itoyama,&nbsp;Haruhiko Isawa,&nbsp;Mizue Inumaru","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01201-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01201-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Morphological anomalies in ticks have been described in various species. Gynandromorphism, asymmetry, and lack of legs are well documented anomalies worldwide. However, only two cases have been reported in Japan. Furthermore, few studies have documented anomalies which could impact the identification of ticks. This study reports morphological anomalies in <i>Haemaphysalis megaspinosa</i> ticks for the first time.</p><h3>Method</h3><p>Host-questing <i>H. megaspinosa</i> ticks were collected from the southern part of Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan, using a flannel sheet (70 × 100 cm) dragged over vegetation. Morphological observations were performed using a light microscope.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 1,352 <i>H. megaspinosa</i> nymphs were collected, and morphological anomalies of the capitulum were observed in four individuals (0.3%). Among these, three individuals had a 3/3 dental formula, differing from those of normal individuals which have a 2/2 dental formula. The remaining specimen had a 3/2 dental formula and deformed palps.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Since the dental formula is a key morphological feature for identification of <i>Haemaphysalis</i> nymphs, this anomaly could potentially lead to misidentification. Hence, such anomalies, although potentially rare, are important to document considering accurate morphological identification. Further studies are needed to clarify the actual status of tick morphological anomalies in Japan.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958467","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":"Effectiveness of Thymol-Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles Against Toxocara Vtulorum Infective Larvae In Vitro","authors":"Sara Bayoumi Ali,&nbsp;Ayman Saber Mohamed,&nbsp;Sohair R. Fahmy,&nbsp;Fatma Mahmoud Mohammed,&nbsp;Mona F. Khalil","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01196-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01196-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>This study assessed the impact of different concentrations of thymol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (TC NPs) on the physiological condition and surface morphology of <i>Toxocara vitulorum</i> infective larvae in vitro.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Thymol-loaded chitosan nanoparticles were produced utilizing the emulsion-ionic gelation process with sodium tripolyphosphate and then freeze dried. UV-Vis, XRD, TEM, and DLS were used to analyze optical, structural, and size properties, as well as encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity. Toxocara vitulorum worms were gathered from buffaloes, and female worms were employed to extract and hatch eggs in the laboratory. The larvae were exposed to different concentrations of thymol, chitosan NPs, and TC NPs (0, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 µg/mL) and were kept at 37 °C for 24 h Trypan blue staining and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the toxicity and larvicidal activity of TC NPs at various doses. The oxidative stress indicators (GSH, MDA, CAT, and NO) were evaluated in treated larvae.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The exposed larvae to TC NPs had an increase in malondialdehyde, catalase and nitric oxide levels, while a depletion in glutathione concentration. Light microscopy analysis indicated that the exposed larvae lost their coiling habit, exhibiting many holes and wrinkles. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological changes in the larvae’s body wall, including numerous erosional and fissured regions, along with both small and large blebs resulting from exposure to TC NPs.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>TC NPs at environmentally relevant doses demonstrated considerable antihelminthic action against <i>Toxocara vitulorum</i> infective larvae, establishing a successful model for parasite control research.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><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":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01196-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958500","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":"Comparative Diagnostic Efficacy of Microscopy, LAMP and PCR for Detection of Bovine Babesiosis in New Valley Governorate, Egypt","authors":"Khatib H. Abdelwahab,&nbsp;Mohammed E. M. Tolba,&nbsp;W Senosy,&nbsp;Ahmed M. Ahmed,&nbsp;Abeer A. Khedr,&nbsp;Khaled Abdelaziz,&nbsp;Shawky M Aboelhadid,&nbsp;Wafaa G. Mahmoud","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01194-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01194-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Bovine babesiosis poses a serious threat to cattle in tropical and subtropical regions. This study compared 3 methods to detect babesiosis in naturally infected cattle; microscopy, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), and conventional PCR (cPCR), in Egypt’s New Valley Governorate.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 339 tick-infested cattle were examined for <i>Babesia</i> infection. Microscopic examination was done. Genomic DNA extraction for the LAMP and PCR assays was carried out. LAMP was performed and compared with cPCR.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Molecular methods revealed higher infection rates than microscopic examination: LAMP detected <i>Babesia</i> DNA in 40.7% (138/339) of samples, cPCR in 41.9% (142/339), while microscopy identified 31.9% (108/339). Clinically infected cattle exhibited fever, hemoglobinuria, pallor, and weight loss. Seasonal variation showed peak prevalence in summer (37.8%) and the lowest in winter (20%). Based on comparative analysis, LAMP showed 97.18% sensitivity, 100% specificity, and almost perfect agreement with cPCR (κ = 0.98, <i>P</i> = 0.13).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>These findings demonstrate high <i>Babesia</i> prevalence in tick-infested cattle and underscore LAMP’s value as a rapid, sensitive, and field-friendly tool for surveillance.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11686-025-01194-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958474","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":"Balanocochlis glans (Gastropoda: Thiaridae) as a New Intermediate Host of Centrocestus formosanus (Digenea: Heterophyidae) in the Philippines","authors":"Angelica M. San Diego,&nbsp;Janelle Laura J. Gacad,&nbsp;Misako Urabe,&nbsp;Kenneth Xavier O. Sanchez,&nbsp;Jonathan Carlo A. Briones,&nbsp;Elfritzson M. Peralta,&nbsp;Mudjekeewis D. Santos","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01167-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01167-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p><i>Centrocestus formosanus</i> Nishigori, 1924 is a zoonotic trematode known to cause centrocestiosis in the gills of fish and is also categorized as an intestinal trematodiosis in humans. Accurate identification of its pleurolophocercous cercariae is essential for assessing and managing public health risks.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Approximately 400 <i>Balanocochlis glans</i> snails were collected from the Casecnan River, Nueva Vizcaya, Luzon, Philippines. Cercariae were isolated using the crushing method and both morphological and molecular analyses (partial 28S rDNA and <i>cox</i>1 sequences) were performed for parasite identification.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A total of 13.75% of <i>B. glans</i> individuals were found to be infected with pleurolophocercous cercariae of <i>C. formosanus</i>, confirmed through molecular data.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The detection of <i>C. formosanus</i> in <i>B. glans</i> represents a new intermediate host record. These findings provide important baseline data for understanding the parasite's ecology and are critical for developing targeted interventions to mitigate its potential impact on aquatic ecosystems, public health, and local communities.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958453","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":"High Seropositivity for Helminths in Immunosuppressed Patients with Peripheral Eosinophilia","authors":"Abhishek Mewara,&nbsp;Nikita Sharma,&nbsp;Vignesh Pandiarajan,&nbsp;Sahajal Dhooria,&nbsp;Varun Dhir,&nbsp;Gaurav Prakash,&nbsp;Surinder Singh Rana,&nbsp;Ayush Vasisth,&nbsp;Surjit Singh,&nbsp;Ritesh Agarwal","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01203-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01203-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Eosinophilia is a hallmark of many helminthic infections. However, the underlying parasitic etiology often goes undetected—especially in immunosuppressed patients. We aimed to evaluate the helminthic seropositivity in immunosuppressed patients with peripheral eosinophilia at a tertiary care hospital in north India.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>In this retrospective observational cross-sectional study, a total of 115 immunosuppressed patients with eosinophilia were subjected to serological testing for six common helminths, i.e., IgG antibodies against <i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i>, <i>Toxocara canis</i>, <i>Trichinella spiralis</i>, <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i>, and <i>Taenia solium</i> by ELISA; IgG4 antibodies against <i>Wuchereria bancrofti</i> by ELISA; and <i>W. bancrofti</i> antigen by immunochromatographic assay. Absolute eosinophil counts (AEC) and clinical-demographic data were analyzed using non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation statistics.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Overall, 34 patients (29.6%) were positive for at least one parasitic serology, with <i>S. stercoralis</i> being the most common (18.3%), followed by <i>T. canis</i> (11.3%), <i>T. spiralis</i> (6.1%), <i>W. bancrofti</i> (5.2%), <i>E. granulosus</i> (5.2%), and <i>T. solium</i> (1.7%). Multiple seropositivities were detected in 14 (12.2%) patients. Seropositive patients had significantly higher median AEC than seronegatives (3021 vs. 1495 cells/µL, Wilcoxon <i>p</i> = 0.008). A statistically significant correlation was found between AEC and number of positive serologies per patient (Spearman’s ρ = 0.269, <i>p</i> = 0.003). A graded relationship between increasing seropositivity and severity of AEC was noted (Cochran–Armitage trend <i>p</i> = 0.006).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Nearly 30% of immunosuppressed patients with peripheral eosinophilia had serological evidence of helminthic infections. Helminth serology panel testing for persistent or unexplained eosinophilia along with clinical evaluation may facilitate early diagnosis and management in immunocompromised hosts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958539","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":"Development of a Specific Primer-Based Method for Detecting Bithynia siamensis siamensis, an Intermediate Host of the Liver Fluke Opisthorchis viverrini","authors":"Sattrachai Prasopdee,&nbsp;Panthong Kulsantiwong,&nbsp;Prapaporn Kumpay,&nbsp;Pannipha Kongkaew,&nbsp;Suchada Sumruayphol,&nbsp;Jutharat Kulsantiwong","doi":"10.1007/s11686-025-01205-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11686-025-01205-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>The liver fluke <i>Opisthorchis viverrini</i> is a major public health concern in Southeast Asia and a leading cause of cholangiocarcinoma. Its transmission relies on freshwater snails of the genus <i>Bithynia</i> as the first intermediate hosts. However, accurately identifying these morphologically similar snails remains challenging.</p><h3>Objectives</h3><p>This study aimed to develop species-specific primers for the accurate molecular identification of <i>Bithynia siamensis siamensis</i>, which serves as an important first intermediate host of <i>O. viverrini</i>.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) was employed to isolate a unique DNA fragment specific to <i>B. siamensis siamensis</i>. A distinct 820 bp RAPD-derived fragment was obtained, sequenced, and analyzed. From this fragment, a conserved internal region was selected and used to design a species-specific primer pair (BSS2F/BSS2R), which produces a 280 bp diagnostic amplicon. The specificity and sensitivity of the newly developed assay were subsequently evaluated against other freshwater snail species.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The designed primers consistently amplified a 280 bp fragment exclusive to <i>B. siamensis siamensis</i>, with no cross-reactivity to <i>B. siamensis goniomphalos</i>, <i>B. funiculata</i>, or other cohabiting snail species. The assay detected as little as 5 ng of genomic DNA and achieved 90% amplification success across samples from four provinces.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The RAPD-derived primer pair provides a rapid, reliable, and cost-effective molecular tool for the specific detection of <i>B. siamensis siamensis</i>. This approach enhances epidemiological surveillance of <i>O. viverrini</i> transmission and supports integrated One Health strategies for controlling opisthorchiasis in endemic regions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":6932,"journal":{"name":"Acta Parasitologica","volume":"71 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145958414","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}