Acta tropica最新文献

{"title":"Bulk identification of Anophelinae larvae from fishponds using DNA metabarcoding","authors":"Tatiane Marques Porangaba Oliveira ,&nbsp;Pablo Secato Fontoura ,&nbsp;Gustavo Paschoal Policichio Silva ,&nbsp;Marcia C. Castro ,&nbsp;Marcelo U. Ferreira ,&nbsp;Maria Anice Mureb Sallum","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107835","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107835","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aquaculture can contribute to the increased abundance of malaria vectors in endemic settings across the Amazon Basin. Accurate identification of anopheline larvae breeding in fish-farming ponds is essential for the effectiveness of mosquito control interventions through entomological surveillance. A protocol was developed for bulk molecular identification, at the species level, of anopheline larvae present in fishponds before, during, and after an intervention with biolarvicides. DNA was extracted from total 14,994 third (L3) and fourth (L4) larval instar stages, grouped into 161 pools. The D2 region of the 28S RNA gene was amplified in each larvae pool. Taxonomic assignment was performed for 1,357 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs). The following species were assigned to 1,315 ASVs: <em>Nyssorhynchus albitarsis</em> H / <em>Nyssorhynchus marajoara</em> (7.60%), <em>Nyssorhynchus braziliensis</em> (0.53%), <em>Nyssorhynchus goeldii</em> / <em>Nyssorhynchus dunhami</em> (0.53%), <em>Anopheles costai</em> G1 (0.08%), <em>Anopheles</em> near <em>malefactor</em> (0.46%), <em>Nyssorhynchus tadei</em> (0.46%), <em>Anopheles peryassui</em> (34.07%), <em>Nyssorhynchus rangeli</em> (11.79%), <em>Nyssorhynchus darlingi</em> (15.36%), and <em>Nyssorhynchus triannulatus</em> (29.12%). Identification to species level was not possible for 42 ASVs. These ASVs were designated as <em>Nyssorhynchus</em> sp. and <em>Anopheles</em> sp. Interspecific genetic distances of the D2 region were calculated using the Kimura 2-parameter distance and ranged from 0% to 24.93%. All mosquito species mentioned above were found in fishponds prior to the application of biolarvicide. During treatment, <em>Nyssorhynchus</em> sp., <em>Ny. goeldii</em> / <em>Ny. dunhami, Ny. braziliensis, An. costai</em> G1, and <em>An</em>. near <em>malefactor</em> were not collected. In the post-treatment period, only <em>Ny. albitarsis</em> H / <em>Ny. marajoara, Ny. triannulatus</em>, and <em>Ny. darlingi</em> were found. Here a protocol for bulk molecular identification of anopheline larvae is described and it can be promising to entomological surveillance during larval control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107835"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mitochondrial DNA analysis reveals genetic diversity and population structure of Biomphalaria alexandrina in Egypt: Implications for schistosomiasis control","authors":"Mohamed R. Habib ,&nbsp;Shan Lv ,&nbsp;Yun-Hai Guo ,&nbsp;Yi Hu ,&nbsp;Shi-Zhu Li ,&nbsp;Xiao-Nong Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107825","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107825","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schistosomiasis, a debilitating parasitic disease, continues to be a significant global health challenge, with <em>Biomphalaria alexandrina</em> serving as the primary intermediate host for <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> in Egypt. This study presents an extensive mitochondrial survey and phylogenetic analysis of <em>B. alexandrina</em> populations sampled from eight different Egyptian governorates, utilizing mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) and 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene markers. Of 279 collected specimens, 262 yielded high-quality sequences for ≥1 marker, and 248 possessed both markers and were included in concatenated analyses. We identified substantial genetic diversity within the <em>B. alexandrina</em> populations, with 12 distinct COI haplotypes (accession numbers: PV926494-PV926505) and 15 distinct 16S rRNA haplotypes (accession numbers: PV874566-PV874580). Bayesian phylogenetic analyses confirmed that all collected <em>Biomphalaria</em> individuals belonged exclusively to the <em>B. alexandrina</em> species, providing no molecular evidence for the presence of <em>B. glabrata</em> in the surveyed areas, a finding crucial for epidemiological clarity. Furthermore, population genetic analyses indicated significant population structuring and varying levels of genetic differentiation among the <em>B. alexandrina</em> populations, suggesting the influence of geographical barriers and historical dispersal events, including recent demographic expansion. These findings offer crucial insights into the current genetic landscape and evolutionary dynamics of <em>B. alexandrina</em> in Egypt, which are vital for understanding the epidemiology of schistosomiasis and for developing more targeted, effective, and sustainable snail control strategies. The study underscores the importance of continuous molecular surveillance to monitor changes in snail populations and their potential impact on disease transmission dynamics, particularly in the context of ongoing environmental changes and control efforts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107825"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038831","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Vertical transmission of Oropouche virus and associated clinical outcomes: A case review and implications for public health surveillance in Brazil","authors":"Paulo Ricardo Martins-Filho ,&nbsp;Thialla Andrade Carvalho ,&nbsp;Leila Luiza Conceição Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Andréia Centenaro Vaez ,&nbsp;Cliomar Alves dos Santos ,&nbsp;Dalmo Correia","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107833","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107833","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107833"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145038915","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Free-living amoebae population in a caldera lake after a phreatomagmatic eruption","authors":"Sofia Jade Wong ,&nbsp;Kyle Christian Cabalquinto ,&nbsp;Caitrin Arelle Castillo ,&nbsp;Alexis Dominique Chua ,&nbsp;Juliana Lizbeth Dayao ,&nbsp;Izza Mae De Ocampo ,&nbsp;Alec Jan Delos Reyes ,&nbsp;Frederick Ramirez Masangkay ,&nbsp;Giovanni De Jesus Milanez","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107830","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107830","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Volcanic eruptions are natural disasters that can change life and the ecosystem. Through molecular testing, this study identified the free-living amoebae (FLA) population in a caldera lake following a phreatomagmatic eruption in 2020 and compared it with pre-established data in 2016 in the same lake. Four sampling sites were identified using purposively sampling, namely: Laurel (T1), Agoncillo (T2), San Nicolas (T3), and Talisay (T4). Water samples were filtered, cultured on NNA lawned with <em>Escherichia coli</em>, and checked microscopically for 14 days. Twelve (12; 30 %) of 40 water samples yielded positive amoebic growth from the water samples. Site T4 had the highest growth. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing confirmed the presence of <em>Acanthamoeba</em> T4 genotype in two isolates (PP741735 and PP741736). Volcanic eruptions can potentially disrupt the biodiversity of FLA and promote the proliferation of pathogenic forms. This poses health risks to tourists who frequent the area and, more importantly, residents residing along its shores. Local government involvement is necessary in cautioning residents, especially those who have returned from evacuation centers, about using the caldera waters, which is paramount to mitigating future cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107830"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145032459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"New tick records in the western Brazilian Amazon, with notes on rickettsial infection and molecular evidence for Amblyomma crassum in Brazil","authors":"Simone Delgado Tojal ,&nbsp;Marcelo B. Labruna ,&nbsp;Thiago Fernandes Martins ,&nbsp;Dionatas Ulises de Oliveira Meneguetti ,&nbsp;Lina de Campos Binder ,&nbsp;Jônatas Lima ,&nbsp;Edson Guilherme ,&nbsp;André Luis Moura Botelho ,&nbsp;Karoline Silva da Cruz ,&nbsp;Luís Marcelo Aranha Camargo","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107829","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107829","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the richness and abundance of ticks collected during two years in forest fragments of the state of Acre, western Brazilian Amazon. Considering all the environmental and host collections, the following 15 tick species were collected: <em>Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma crassum, Amblyomma humerale, Amblyomma latepunctatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma naponense, Amblyomma nodosum, Amblyomma oblongoguttatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma pacae, Amblyomma rotundatum, Amblyomma scalpturatum, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes luciae</em> and <em>Rhipicephalus microplus.</em> Data from the most two abundant tick species, <em>A. oblongoguttatum</em> and <em>A. scalpturatum,</em> indicated a tendency for adults of both species to be more abundant during the dry season, and the nymphs at late rainy season of each year<em>.</em> The findings of <em>A. crassum</em> consisted of six nymphs collected from an amphibian (<em>Rhinella marina</em>) and a mammal (<em>Didelphis marsupialis</em>), which were morphologically unique and whose 16S rRNA partial sequences were 100 % identity to a GenBank-16S rRNA partial sequence of <em>A. crassum</em> from Colombia. This is the first confirmed record of <em>A. crassum</em> in Brazil. A total of 155 tick specimens were molecularly tested for rickettsial infection, resulting in a 6.5 % overall infection rate. <em>Rickettsia amblyommatis</em> was detected in <em>A. coelebs</em> and <em>A. humerale,</em> whereas <em>Rickettsia rhipicephali</em> was detected in <em>H. juxtakochi.</em> With the present records of <em>A. crassum</em> and <em>H. juxtakochi</em>, the tick fauna of Acre increases to 26 species, which represents 48 % of the Ixodidae fauna in Brazil. This is undoubtedly an extraordinary representation, considering that the state of Acre represents &lt;2 % of the Brazilian territory.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107829"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145022532","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Morphology and phylogeny of a novel Ortholinea (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) species in the neotropical fish Batrachoides surinamensis, Bloch and Schneider, 1801 (Batrachoidiformes: Batrachoididae)","authors":"Jhonata Eduard ,&nbsp;Camila Maria Barbosa Pereira ,&nbsp;Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Progene Vilhena ,&nbsp;José Francisco Berredo ,&nbsp;Evonnildo Costa Gonçalves ,&nbsp;José Ledamir Sindeaux-Neto ,&nbsp;Michele Velasco","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107822","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107822","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Brazilian Amazon estuary is a highly dynamic environment, characterized by substantial organic matter input and a rich diversity of fish species that utilize this ecosystem for feeding and reproduction. Despite its ecological relevance, ichthyo-parasitological research in the region remains limited, particularly regarding the diversity of parasitic species within the class Myxozoa. Among the fish species for which parasitological data are still scarce is the Pacamã frogfish, <em>Batrachoides surinamensis</em> (Bloch and Schneider, 1801), a demersal species that feeds on small invertebrates and fish. The present study describes the morphological, molecular and phylogenetics aspects of <em>Ortholinea abadiensis</em> n. sp., a new species isolated from the urinary bladder of the <em>B. surinamensis</em>, collected on the coast of the Brazilian Amazon. Myxospores were observed dispersed in the liquid of the urinary bladder in 16 of the 20 specimens (80 %) of the specimens analyzed. The myxospores were subspherical with 18 to 20 superficial ridges and measured, 6.7±0.2 (6.3–7.1) µm in length, 6.0±0.5 (5.6–6.5) µm in width, and 6.1±0.1 (5.9–6.2) µm in thickness. The polar capsules were symmetrical and semispherical, with openings in opposite directions to the valves, which were 2.6±0.2 (2.2–3.2) µm in length and 2.4±0.1 (2–2.6) µm in width, with 5 to 6 turns of polar tubules. Morphometrically and morphologically, this species was distinct from other previously described <em>Ortholinea</em>. In the SSU rDNA phylogeny, <em>O. abadiensis</em> was positioned within a clade comprising marine species, with <em>O. nupchi</em> identified as its sister species. This study provides new morphological and molecular insights into a new species of the genus <em>Ortholinea</em> in a fish with a wide geographic distribution in South America.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107822"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145013719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Phlebotomine sand flies associated with a Boa constrictor snake in a chicken coop: species identification, trypanosomatid infection, and control","authors":"Sofia Arrais Haidar ,&nbsp;Gabriela de Oliveira Mosqueira ,&nbsp;Mário Barroso Ramos-Neto ,&nbsp;Matheus dos Santos Montenegro ,&nbsp;Vinícius Lima de Miranda ,&nbsp;Karine Brenda Barros-Cordeiro ,&nbsp;Nadjar Nitz ,&nbsp;Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107827","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107827","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Phlebotomine sand flies are known vectors of <em>Leishmania</em> spp. to mammals, but also may transmit <em>Sauroleishmania</em>, and <em>Trypanosoma</em> spp. to reptiles and amphibians. In the Brazilian Cerrado, the interactions among snakes, sand flies, and trypanosomatids remain poorly understood. Here, we describe sand flies associated with a <em>Boa constrictor</em> snake in a chicken coop and investigate trypanosomatid infections within these insects. In 2023, we observed sand flies resting on the snake and collected them using a manual aspirator. After seven days, we carried out collections using HP light traps over three consecutive nights. We counted the sand flies and grouped the female specimens into pools to detect trypanosomatids using SSU rRNA PCR. The snake was removed, and environmental management measures were implemented in the coop, including thorough cleaning and the installation of a cement floor. We conducted a subsequent collection for two nights in 2024. We collected a total of 1220 sand flies. We chose 230 females to test for trypanosomatids and used the rest (990) to identify the species. We identified 70 <em>Evandromyia lenti</em> (68 males and two engorged females) and four male <em>Ev. evandroi</em> resting on the snake. Inside the chicken coop, we collected 912 specimens (862 males and seven females of <em>Ev. lenti</em>, 40 males of <em>Ev. evandroi</em>, and three males of <em>Ev. termitophila</em>). Only one male <em>Ev. lenti</em> was captured in the nearby house. PCR revealed trypanosomatid DNA in four female pools (17 %), and no <em>Leishmania</em> DNA was detected. After environmental intervention, only three sand flies were captured. <em>Ev. lenti</em> was the most frequent species in the chicken coop interacting with the snake. Females collected in the coop were infected with trypanosomatids, and environmental management substantially reduced the local abundance of sand flies within two weeks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107827"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cystic echinococcosis and Taenia spp. infections in Nigeria: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence and geographical distribution","authors":"Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda ,&nbsp;Li Li ,&nbsp;Li-Qun Wang ,&nbsp;Guo-Dong Dai ,&nbsp;Yao-Dong Wu ,&nbsp;Olajumoke Abimbola Morenikeji ,&nbsp;Gui-Ting Pu ,&nbsp;Dossêh Jean Apôtre Afayibo ,&nbsp;Ke-Ke Wu ,&nbsp;Wan-Zhong Jia ,&nbsp;Xue-Nong Luo ,&nbsp;Hong-Bin Yan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107826","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107826","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) and <em>Taenia</em> spp. infections are major zoonotic helminthiases with substantial public health and economic burdens, particularly in endemic regions. Despite their classification as neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), these tapeworm infections remain understudied in Nigeria. Accurate epidemiological data are essential for evidence-based control strategies, yet comprehensive estimates of their prevalence and geographical distribution in Nigeria are lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis provide the first nationwide synthesis of CE and <em>Taenia</em> spp. infections in both human and animal populations, elucidating high-risk areas and guiding targeted interventions.</div><div>A comprehensive systematic search was conducted across four major databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Africa Journal Online, and ScienceDirect) to identify relevant studies published between 1979 and October 2024. Eligible studies were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and subjected to meta-analysis using RStudio (RStudio Team, 2024). Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic, while publication bias was assessed through the Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index, funnel plot asymmetry, and Egger’s regression test to ensure robustness of the findings.</div><div>The study compiled 156 datasets from 80 publications, primarily abattoir surveys. Of 86 reports on cystic echinococcosis (CE) in animals, half were from the Northwest. The South-South and North-Central regions had the most reports on Taenia infection (21.9% each). Post Mortem Examination and Microscopy (PME/MCS) were used in 76.5% of CE studies, while microscopy alone detected Taenia in 84.4% of cases. Among 5,542,336 hosts examined, 14,216 infections were identified, yielding an overall pooled prevalence of 0.26% (95% CI: 0.174–0.346%) likely an underestimate due to diagnostic limitations. Meta-analysis of CE in animals and human Taenia infections showed high variability (Q= 83,102.51; I²= 99.9%, P= 0.000), with individual study prevalence ranging from 0.00 to 27.91%. Human studies had weights of 2–3.5% (Q= 1003.05; I²= 96.9%, P&lt;0.0001).</div><div>This study reveals a high prevalence of cestode infections, particularly in Northern Nigeria, emphasizing the persistent burden of these neglected diseases. Findings highlight critical gaps in surveillance, diagnostics, and species data, underscoring the urgent need for integrated One Health interventions and targeted public health strategies. Enhanced research and regular monitoring are essential for effective control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107826"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145013644","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing the burden of congenital toxoplasmosis in Burundi, 2020","authors":"Salvator Minani ,&nbsp;Carlotta Di Bari ,&nbsp;Brecht Devleesschauwer ,&nbsp;Anastasie Gasogo ,&nbsp;Jean-Bosco Ntirandekura ,&nbsp;Sarah Gabriël ,&nbsp;Chiara Trevisan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107828","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107828","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) due to <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, an apicomplexan parasite, leads to significant sequelae in children, foetal losses and neonatal deaths worldwide. This study aimed to assess the burden of CT in Burundi for the year 2020. We used epidemiological and economic data collected in major hospitals in Burundi, the Ministry of Public Health in Burundi and international peer-reviewed literature to estimate the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and economic costs spent on prenatal consultations, diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis for pregnant women. In Burundi, the incidence of CT in 2020 was 2.7 cases per 1000 children (95 % UI: 1.8–3.7) and 1180 children (95 % UI: 797–1633) were born with CT. The health burden due to CT in 2020 was estimated at 7283 DALYs (95 % UI: 4469–10,920) when including and 3671 DALYs (95 % UI: 2286–5547) when excluding foetal losses, respectively. Approximately 550,000 USD (95 % UI: 222,027–1088,331) were economic losses due to CT in 2020, with 690 USD (95 % UI: 375–1002) per pregnant woman receiving treatment until delivery and 31 USD (95 % UI: 10–70) for an untreated one. This study demonstrates that CT is a significant public health concern in Burundi. However, due to data gaps, uncertainties in DALY and economic cost estimates remain. Control measures, including proper meat cooking, improved hygiene and sanitation practices, better management of cats and their faeces, routine diagnostic check-ups for pregnant women, and timely treatment for infected pregnant women, are crucial to reduce the health and economic burden of toxoplasmosis in Burundi.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107828"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145010237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of artesunate-loaded nanoparticles on Plasmodium berghei treatment in a mouse model","authors":"Haoshen Wen ,&nbsp;Yawei Li ,&nbsp;Jiayi Luo ,&nbsp;Wenhe Zhu ,&nbsp;Geoff Hide ,&nbsp;Xianmin Feng ,&nbsp;Zhao-Rong Lun ,&nbsp;De-Hua Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107823","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107823","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria is still one of the most important parasitic diseases with millions of cases reported globally every year. Combination therapies of artemisinin or its derivatives, with a partner drug, are the first-and second-line treatments for malaria. However, recently, artemisinin partial resistance or tolerance has emerged and emphasizes the need for new therapeutic approaches to malaria. For example, the encapsulation of artemisinin and its derivatives within nanoparticles offers a highly promising potential approach to improved therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we investigated the effects of this using artesunate, dihydroartemisinin and artemisinin. These drugs were captured in nanoparticles of zinc-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and tested on <em>Plasmodium berghei</em> clearance in a heavy-parasite-load mouse model. Results showed that the dosage of 16 mg/kg artesunate nanoparticles, with three injections over a 24 hr interval, had a significantly improved effect on parasite clearance and combatting the occurrence of hyperparasitaemia (parasitaemia ≥ 5 %). However, the same dosage regime, over a 12 hr interval, only delayed the occurrence of hyperparasitaemia. Using a 4-injection regime over 24 hr, both 10 mg/kg dihydroartemisinin nanoparticles and artemisinin nanoparticles showed stronger parasite clearance than the control non-encapsulated artemisinin at the same dose. These findings not only pose opportunities for novel malaria therapeutic approaches against hyperparasitaemia but also indicate a bright future for using nanoparticles for drug development in parasitic protozoa.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107823"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}