Acta tropica最新文献

{"title":"Can malaria rapid diagnostic tests be used to detect simian malaria?","authors":"Wanassanan Madmanee ,&nbsp;Nicholas P.J. Day ,&nbsp;Nicholas J. White ,&nbsp;Arjen M. Dondorp ,&nbsp;Suchinda Malaivijitnond ,&nbsp;Mallika Imwong","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107819","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107819","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The increasing recognition of zoonotic malaria, particularly from <em>Plasmodium</em> species infecting non-human primates (NHP), poses significant diagnostic challenges. Performance of human malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) has not been evaluated in simian malaria.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 131 blood samples from NHP hosts with confirmed malaria were analyzed using 14 different commercially available RDTs, detecting the antigens <em>P. falciparum</em> HRP2 (PfHRP2) and either <em>Plasmodium</em> Lactate-dehydrogenase (pLDH) or aldolase. Thirty samples from macaque monkeys without malaria served as controls. Subgroup analysis assessed RDT sensitivity in samples with parasite densities above the conventional cut-off of &gt;200 parasites/μL. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used as reference standard.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Observed <em>Plasmodium</em> species and geometric mean parasite genome equivalents in the blood samples from monkeys with malaria were <em>P.</em> cynomolgi (73.2 parasites/μL), <em>P.</em> inui (272.8 parasites/μL), and <em>P. coatneyi</em> (158.4 parasites/μL. Overall RDT sensitivity ranged from 34.2 to 94.3 % across RDT brands and was higher in samples with parasite densities exceeding 200 parasites/μL, reaching &gt;90 % sensitivity for the detection of for <em>P. cynomolgi, P. inui</em>, or <em>P. coatneyi</em> in the best-performing RDT. False positive test results were not observed in the control samples from monkeys without malaria, but in those with malaria, a PfHRP2 positive test result was observed in 1 % to 17 % of the RDTs. Overall, the performance of pLDH-based tests was similar to aldolase-based tests. Observed test sensitivity was highest for the detection of <em>P. inui</em> infections.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The performance of RDTs in detecting simian malaria varies according to RDT brand, infecting <em>Plasmodium</em> species, and parasite density. Most RDT brands show good performance to detect simian <em>Plasmodium</em> species when parasite density exceeds 200 parasites/µL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"271 ","pages":"Article 107819"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008029","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":"Residual malaria transmission in Western Burkina Faso: Vector Behavior, insecticide resistance, and the efficacy limits of next-generation LLINs","authors":"Kouamé Wilfred Ulrich Kouadio ,&nbsp;Miriam Félicité Amara ,&nbsp;Dieudonné Diloma Soma ,&nbsp;Roch Kounbobr Dabiré ,&nbsp;Abdoulaye Diabaté ,&nbsp;Olivier Gnankiné ,&nbsp;Moussa Namountougou","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107824","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107824","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An entomological surveillance was carried out in two districts of western Burkina Faso to assess the impact of mass-distributed next-generation long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) (Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO) LLINs and Interceptor® G2) on <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> s.l. populations, focusing on insecticide resistance trends and residual malaria transmission patterns, along with their environmental and operational determinants. Hourly indoor and outdoor mosquito collections were conducted across four households per district form August–October 2023 using Human Landing Catch and Pyrethrum Spray Catch. All collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified. Molecular analysis was performed on <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> s.l<em>.</em> to determine species composition, blood meal sources, <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> infection rates, and insecticide resistance mutations. Seven <em>Anopheles</em> species were recorded, with the <em>An. gambiae</em> s.l. complex being predominant. Species composition varied significantly by month (August–October), with <em>An. coluzzii</em> being the dominant species, followed by <em>An. arabiensis</em>. Early and late biting behaviors were observed among vector populations. Entomological inoculation rates were 0.875, 0.437, and 0.063 infectious bites/person/month in August, September, and October, respectively. <em>Kdr-west</em> and <em>kdr-east</em> mutations were detected across all members of the <em>An. gambiae</em> s.l. complex, though at varying frequencies. This study highlights the diversity and behavioral adaptability of the <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> s.l. complex. Despite widespread use of LLINs and indoor residual spraying (IRS), substantial residual malaria transmission persists. These findings offer critical evidence for optimizing vector control and resistance management strategies in Burkina Faso.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107824"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008096","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":"Hiding in plain sight: Uncovering the hidden diversity of Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the Republic of Korea using DNA barcoding data","authors":"Jiseung Jeon ,&nbsp;Dong-Yeol Lee ,&nbsp;Seung Bak An ,&nbsp;Jihun Ryu ,&nbsp;Jong-Uk Jeong ,&nbsp;In-Soon Roh ,&nbsp;Kwang Shik Choi","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107821","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107821","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Culicoides</em> spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) are vectors of livestock diseases, including bluetongue, Akabane, and African horse sickness. Accurate species identification is a crucial first step in effective vector management. However, morphological identification of the genus <em>Culicoides</em> is challenging due to their small size (&lt;2.5 mm) and considerable intraspecific morphological variability. Additionally, there is a notable lack of molecular studies to support the identification process. This study aimed to use DNA barcoding data (Cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1) to accurately identify <em>Culicoides</em> species in the Republic of Korea (ROK) and to elucidate intra- and interspecies relationships. Samples were collected from livestock farms across various regions of the ROK between 2022 and 2024. DNA barcoding sequences were analysed, and species delimitation was conducted using split methods (ABGD, ASAP, bPTP, GMYC) to investigate the potential presence of cryptic species. A total of 24 morphospecies were identified, among which five (<em>Culicoides circumbasalis, Culicoides circumscriptus, Culicoides erairai, Culicoides kibunensis</em>, and <em>Culicoides sumatrae</em>) formed two or more molecular operational taxonomic units, suggesting the potential existence of cryptic species. In addition to compiling existing literature, we updated the checklist of <em>Culicoides</em> species in the ROK, identifying three species (<em>C. circumbasalis, C. thurmanae</em>, and <em>C. verbosus</em>) that had not been previously documented in the ROK. The findings of this study provide a foundation for the precise identification of <em>Culicoides</em> species in East Asia and contribute to the development of effective control programs aimed at managing livestock disease outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107821"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145008083","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":"Spatial-temporal distribution and influencing factors analysis of human Echinococcosis in mainland China from 2004 to 2020","authors":"Wenjun Ma ,&nbsp;Qiang Zhang ,&nbsp;Qianqian Cui ,&nbsp;Hongju Duan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107817","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107817","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Echinococcosis is a chronic parasitic disease with an uneven distribution that poses a significant threat to human health and impedes economic development. As China is one of the major endemic countries, it is crucial to elucidate the spatiotemporal distribution and primary influencing factors of this disease for effective prevention and control, particularly for long-term research. This study utilizes data on human echinococcosis in mainland China from 2004 to 2020, integrating socio-economic, biological, meteorological, and other indicators. Employing methods such as epidemiological analysis, inverse distance weighting (IDW), cluster analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, we analyzed high-incidence areas and significant related factors to identify high-risk regions and elucidate local epidemiological characteristics. The findings indicate that human echinococcosis in China is predominantly concentrated in the northwest region but exhibits a trend of spreading southeastward. The disease primarily affects young and middle-aged individuals aged 25 to 45, with reported cases among infants and adolescents accounting for as high as 9.4 %. Although the disease lacks obvious seasonality, it is significantly correlated with factors such as the number of sheep, illiteracy rate, temperature, precipitation, humidity, and the level of urbanization. To effectively reduce the spread of this disease, it is imperative to strengthen interdepartmental cooperation, enhance public health awareness, and continuously implement targeted prevention and control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107817"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144999400","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":"Emerging trends and Innovative strategies for the diagnosis of Leishmaniasis: A quantum leap from classical to modern era","authors":"Lalit Nharwal ,&nbsp;Mirza Adil Beg ,&nbsp;Dev Sehgal ,&nbsp;Om Prakash Singh ,&nbsp;Abhay Tiwari ,&nbsp;Angamuthu Selvapandiyan ,&nbsp;Garima Chouhan","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107820","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107820","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Leishmania</em> comprises a distinct group of species that exhibit distinct clinical features. Interestingly, this clinical variability frequently overlaps or intersects resulting in symptoms that don’t follow typical patterns and often resemble those of unrelated diseases. Diagnosing leishmaniasis is challenging as current techniques exhibit several lacunae including cross-reactivity with other protozoal species, inability to discriminate between species, along with differential sensitivity and specificity. Thus, despite multiple methods that can clinically confirm leishmaniasis disease, there are pitfalls present and the diagnostic methods are still far from being ideal. Over the last two decades, the emergence of non-invasive immunological and molecular techniques have played a key role in transforming and advancing the diagnostic approaches used for leishmaniasis. Although antibody-detection diagnostics such as rK39 ELISA, direct agglutination tests, indirect fluorescent antibody tests and immunochromatographic strip tests are very sensitive, they cannot be used to detect prior infections or to distinguish between <em>Leishmania</em> species. Molecular methods such as PCR and LAMP assay have gained popularity because of their extraordinary sensitivity and specificity as well as their versatility in analysing varied samples. However, diagnosing relapses and co-infections associated with leishmaniasis continues to pose significant challenges. Both misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis can significantly impact a patient’s survival. Here, this systematic and comprehensive review provides an overview of both conventional and emerging diagnostic methods for <em>Leishmania</em>, including biosensors and AI-based tools. It highlights innovative strategies to bridge traditional and advanced methods, emphasizing that improved diagnostics are critical for effective disease detection, management and control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107820"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144999394","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":"Evaluating the mosquito population dynamics using Human Landing and Human Double Net catches in a dengue emerging area; A case study from Sri Lanka","authors":"T.K.C. Wickramasinghe ,&nbsp;S.N. Weerakoon ,&nbsp;T. Ranathunge ,&nbsp;P. Nitharsini ,&nbsp;A. Perera ,&nbsp;A.S.J. Bandara","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107818","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107818","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Human Landing Collection (HLC) and Human Double Net (HDN) trap are widely used adult mosquito sampling techniques that contribute to effective vector surveillance and dengue control planning. This study evaluated the effectiveness of HLC and HDN, mosquito species composition, and biting activity of dengue vectors in two dengue-endemic areas, Mawanella and Dehiovita (Kegalle District, Sri Lanka). Monthly collections were conducted from July 2023 to March 2024 using three HLC collectors and one HDN for 24-hour sampling per site. The total mosquito count (<em>N</em> = 807) varied significantly based on sampling method (HLC vs. HDN), locality, and species composition (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05, one-way ANOVA). HLC was the most effective sampling method, yielding the highest mosquito count (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05, <em>t</em>-test), with significantly higher mosquito abundance in Mawanella (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05, <em>t</em>-test). Among the collected mosquitoes, <em>Culex</em> spp. (<em>n</em> = 302) were the most abundant, followed by <em>Armigeres</em> spp. (<em>n</em> = 285), <em>Aedes albopictus</em> (<em>n</em> = 215), and <em>Ae. aegypti</em> (<em>n</em> = 5). The low abundance of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> suggests that <em>Ae. albopictus</em> is the primary dengue vector in the study area. The density of <em>Ae. albopictus</em> increased progressively from September onwards. Biting rate analysis revealed significant peaks from 06:00–09:00 and 15:00–18:00 hrs (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05, one-way ANOVA), with extended activity until 21:00 hrs. These findings highlight the need to schedule space-spraying interventions during peak biting hours and reinforce the importance of sustained personal protective measures in the evening. Additionally, integrating adult mosquito control with larval source reduction strategies is essential for comprehensive dengue vector management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107818"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144988519","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":"Genetic diversity, prevalence and risk factors of trichomonads from captive non-human primates in China","authors":"Yilei Zhang ,&nbsp;Yangfan Li ,&nbsp;Jiawei Mi ,&nbsp;Jiawen Zhang ,&nbsp;Guodong Xiao ,&nbsp;Siqi Xiong ,&nbsp;Yew Hwong ,&nbsp;Shibin Feng ,&nbsp;Congshan Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107816","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107816","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Trichomonads are flagellated protozoan parasites, some of which are pathogenic and have zoonotic potential. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships and risk of trichomonads in captive non-human primates (NHPs) in China. Data on trichomonad prevalence and diversity in captive NHPs are limited. To better understand the prevalence status of trichomonads, fecal samples from 356 NHPs across three zoos in China were collected, including Cercopithecidae (<em>n</em> = 179), Hylobatidae (<em>n</em> = 64), Cebidae (<em>n</em> = 65), Callithrix (<em>n</em> = 48). The ITS-1/5.8S/ITS-2 gene was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to investigate the prevalence rate and species identification of trichomonads. Phylogenetic analysis was then conducted to assess evolutionary relationships and genetic characteristics. A prevalence of 22.19 % (79/356) was observed in NHPs, with younger animals, Cebidae and living condition at higher risk of infection. Six trichomonad species in NHPs were identified, including <em>Tetratrichomonas</em> spp., <em>Honigbergiella</em> spp., <em>Simplicimonas</em> spp., <em>Pentatrichomonas hominis, Hypotrichomonas hampli</em>, and <em>Trichomitus</em> spp. These findings highlight the presence of multiple trichomonads species in NHPs, which may serve as potential sources of zoonotic, and emphasize the necessity of improving health management strategies and strengthening monitoring of zoonotic disease transmission risks within NHP populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"270 ","pages":"Article 107816"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144990927","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":"Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs): Redefining antiparasitic drug delivery.","authors":"Aracely López-Monteon, Rodolfo Peña-Rodríguez, José María Rivera-Villanueva, Anahí Sosa-Arróniz, Lidia E Chiñas-Rojas, Angel Ramos-Ligonio","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107764","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a highly promising platform in the biomedical field, particularly for advanced drug delivery. Their customizable design, which permits precise adjustment of porosity, pore size, and chemical composition, renders them ideal vehicles for the efficient transport and controlled release of therapeutic agents, a capability crucial for addressing parasitic diseases. In this review, we focus on the use of MOFs as drug delivery systems used in parasitic diseases. MOFs are highly effective drug delivery systems. Their capacity to encapsulate and precisely release antiparasitic compounds enhances therapeutic potency, enabling lower doses that reduce toxicity and improve patient safety (e.g., in Chagas disease). Additionally, MOFs augment drug activity and bioavailability, facilitating targeted delivery to infection sites. They can also protect vital tissues and modulate the host's immune response. Certain MOFs exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cytoprotective properties. Their application has been demonstrated in various parasitic diseases, including cutaneous leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, chronic toxoplasmosis, and trichinosis. While challenges persist in optimizing their synthesis, achieving precise controlled release, and ensuring long-term biocompatibility, the promising results obtained to date unequivocally warrant sustained investment in their research and development. Ultimately, MOFs could provide more effective, safer, and highly targeted treatments, thereby transforming the lives of millions affected by these diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":" ","pages":"107764"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768282","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":"An intelligent autoregressive-distributed lag model: A climate-driven approach for predicting dengue fever incidence in Taiwan cities.","authors":"Duen-Yian Yeh, Jai-Houng Leu, Shitong Ye, Ching-Hsue Cheng","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107761","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dengue fever lacks specific treatments and vaccines. Its prevalent areas globally are mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, with its spread being strongly influenced by meteorological factors such as temperature and rainfall. Given the numerous influencing variables, an accurate prediction model is highly desirable to support anti-dengue control strategies. This study developed a climate-driven dengue fever model to predict the areas susceptible to dengue fever spread in Taiwan under current and future climate change. The data were sourced from the CDC's open platform in Kaohsiung City and Tainan City, which have higher dengue fever incidence compared to other cities in Taiwan. Climate factors and Google Trends variables were utilized to forecast dengue fever incidence. A novel hybrid model, integrating an intelligent algorithm with an autoregressive-distributed lag model and incorporating a mechanism to include or exclude outbreak periods, was proposed to assess their influence on forecasting accuracy. The results indicated that the proposed model with support vector regression yielded the best results for Kaohsiung data, while the proposed model with gene expression programming showed the best performance for Tainan data. Additionally, the findings revealed that once dengue fever occurs, its duration is quite long, up to 10 weeks, and the lag periods of weather attributes contribute to the continued recurrence of dengue in Taiwan. Overall, the results of this study can serve as a reference for implementing sustainable prevention and control programs and for government agencies to prepare early responses to dengue fever.</p>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":" ","pages":"107761"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144768281","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":"Leptospiral shedding and seropositivity in asymptomatic stray dogs in Bosnia and Herzegovina.","authors":"Jelena Marić, Ivona Subić, Marija Stojiljković, Branislav Stanković, Sonja Obrenović","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107759","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Leptospirosis is a (re) emerging zoonosis that occurs worldwide. Dogs could develop infections that range from asymptomatic to severe, and shed leptospires with their urin. The aim of this study was to compare the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) by examining urine samples, and serological examination of the blood of stray dogs by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) on ten serovars of Leptospira spp. A total of 100 blood samples and 50 urine samples of clinically healthy stray dogs were collected from June to November 2024 in the Banja Luka region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Positive MAT titres (≥ 100) were detected in 15,0 % (15/100) of samples. Dogs were most commonly reactive to Australis (60,0 %) followed by Pomona (26,67 %) Bratislava (20.0 %), Canicola (13,33 %) and 6,67 % for Icterohaemorrhagiae, Grippotyphosa and Sejroe serovars. A positive result of the qPCR test was found in 11 (22.0 %) dogs, with only one of these dogs was positive in the MAT test. It has been found that MAT is not a good method for identifying dogs that shed leptospires in their urine. The study indicates a significant prevalence of leptospirosis in clinically healthy dogs. Therefore, it is important to implement appropriate control measures to prevent further spread of the disease in both human and animal populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":" ","pages":"107759"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144758921","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}