Acta tropica最新文献

{"title":"Genetic diversity and population structure of Prosimulium rachiliense Djafarov (Diptera: Simuliidae) inTürkiye","authors":"Davut Ümit Şirin,&nbsp;Büşra Aslan Kocatürk","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107694","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107694","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The family Simuliidae contains many cryptic species within multiple species groups. <em>Prosimulium rachiliense</em> Djafarov, a member of the <em>P. hirtipes</em> species group, is widespread throughout Anatolia. Previous chromosomal research revealed that populations of <em>P. rachiliense</em> in western Anatolia differ cytogenetically from populations in Armenia. We used mitochondrial COI and nuclear ITSI-II sequences to perform phylogenetic analysis and species delimitation tests to reveal the genetic diversity of <em>P. rachiliense</em> in Anatolia and to test the possibility of cryptic lineages. Our results indicated two distinct lineages, one in eastern and one in western Türkiye, with significant genetic diversity in both lineages. Although species delimitation tests with COI dataset suggested multiple candidate species, those with ITS I-II and phylogenetic analyses indicated that <em>P. rachliense</em> is a single species with great genetic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis with COI confirmed that <em>P. rachiliense</em> is a nominal species within the <em>hirtipes</em> species group. Further analyses are needed using genome-wide SNP data with comprehensive sampling to understand deep population structure of <em>P. rachiliense</em> in Türkiye.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 107694"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144279945","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":"Enzymatic mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Anopheles sp mosquitoes: Implications for malaria vector control in Indonesia","authors":"Rizal Subahar ,&nbsp;Lisawati Susanto ,&nbsp;Surya Dwira ,&nbsp;Hendri Astuty ,&nbsp;Nurhadi Eko Firmansyah ,&nbsp;Gulshan Fahmi El Bayani ,&nbsp;Tilahun Adugna ,&nbsp;Syarifah Dewi ,&nbsp;Fadillah","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107691","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107691","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a major public health concern worldwide, with Anopheles mosquitoes serving as its primary vectors. The widespread use of synthetic insecticides in malaria control programs has resulted in the development of insecticide resistance in these mosquitoes, endangering control efforts. This study investigates metabolic resistance mechanisms in wild-caught Anopheles spp. from three regencies in Indonesia (Pesawaran, Pangandaran, and Purworejo), with an emphasis on enzymatic activity and ace-1 gene mutations. Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using human landing capture (HLC) and cow-baited collection (CLC). Biochemical assays were performed to evaluate the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and oxidase. Additionally, ace-1 gene mutations were analyzed using PCR-RFLP. Seven Anopheles species were identified. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in mosquito distribution across the regencies based on HLC (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). All Anopheles populations exhibited significantly elevated AChE and GST activity (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), suggesting strong metabolic resistance. Anopheles barbirostris from Pesawaran regency exhibited heterozygous ace-1 gene mutations (194, 120, and 74 bp bands), classifying it within AChE resistance group A. The findings confirm widespread metabolic resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes across Indonesia, which is most likely caused by chronic insecticide exposure. Continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance and its underlying mechanisms is critical to sustain malaria control and eradication efforts in Indonesia.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 107691"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144273935","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":"Bug as a drug: Unveiling anti-cancer properties of Toxoplasma gondii and its therapeutic prospects in cancer immunotherapy","authors":"Yie Wei Chua,&nbsp;Sek Chuen Chow","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107684","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107684","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In light of the growing global cancer burden, the development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Recently, pathogens have been examined for their potential in immunotherapy, with <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) emerging as an unexpected yet promising candidate. Given the widespread prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em>, particularly in tropical regions where climatic conditions favor the oocyst transmission, understanding its therapeutic potential may have far-reaching implications for global health. This review explores the potential of <em>T. gondii</em> as a cancer immunotherapy by examining various <em>T. gondii</em> variants characterized in current studies. It highlights the multifaceted mechanisms behind <em>T. gondii</em>'s anti-cancer properties, including the induction of Th1 immune responses, immunostimulation of the tumor microenvironment, inhibition of angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, as well as the induction of cancer cell apoptosis. However, several challenges hinder the application of <em>T. gondii</em> in immunotherapy, such as safety concerns related to viable <em>T. gondii</em>, its limited efficacy against non-solid tumors, and the need for further validation of non-viable <em>T. gondii</em> components. Additionally, the role of humoral immunity and potential synergies with conventional therapies require further investigation. Addressing these challenges could significantly enhance the efficacy and safety of <em>T. gondii</em>-based immunotherapy, offering a novel approach to cancer treatment and potentially improving patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 107684"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144242665","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":"Isolation, purification, structure elucidation, and antibody recognition of two phospholipases A2 and Crotoxin variation in the venom of the Tamaulipan rattlesnake Crotalus morulus","authors":"Miguel Angel Mejía-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Samuel Cardoso-Arenas ,&nbsp;Ricardo Miranda-Blancas ,&nbsp;Adrián Marcelo Franco-Vásquez ,&nbsp;Alejandro Carbajal-Saucedo ,&nbsp;Timoteo Olamendi-Portugal ,&nbsp;Fernando Zamudio ,&nbsp;Roberto Arreguín-Espinosa ,&nbsp;Gerardo Corzo","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107690","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107690","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The venom of six individuals of <em>Crotalus morulus</em>, an unstudied endemic species of Mexico, was analyzed by anti-crotoxin antibodies (anti-rCrotxB and anti-rCrotxAB) obtained from recombinant expression of crotoxin B and of a tandem protein containing both crotoxin A and B, to discern which individuals from the species <em>C. morulus</em> contain crotoxin. As a result, two new phospholipases were identified from only one of the six individuals named <em>C. morulus</em> 1032, which had the most toxic venom with a low median lethal dose (LD₅₀ &lt; 40 μg/20 g mouse). RP-HPLC fractionation and a combination of Edman degradation and endoproteolytic cleavages elucidated the primary structure of such phospholipases. The assigned names were Cm-PLA₂–1 and Cm-PLA₂–2, respectively. Cm-PLA₂–1 is a phospholipase type A₂ that showed neurotoxic activity towards mice with an LD₅₀ value of 16.6 μg/20 g mouse. Cm-PLA₂–1 is 92 % identical to crotoxin B from the venom of <em>Crotalus durissus terrificus.</em> The second phospholipase type A₂, Cm-PLA₂–2, did not cause lethality or any apparent signs of toxicity in mice when injected by the intravenous route up to a dose of 30 μg/20 g mouse. Two commercial antivenoms and anti-crotoxin B could not inhibit the enzymatic activity of Cm-PLA₂–1; however, they neutralize the venom of <em>C. morulus</em> 1032 with an ED₅₀ of &lt; 40 mg antibody/mg venom. Identification of <em>crotoxin-like</em> toxins in rattlesnake species is essential to understanding the mechanisms of envenomation of these crotalids, since some individuals have more toxic venom than others. Therefore, concerning crotalid antivenoms, attention must be paid to selecting species with crotoxin to be used as immunogens. This work provides information for future research on their crotalid toxicity and effects on humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 107690"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144261632","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":"FERAI, a novel brominated chalcone, induces ultrastructural alterations and apoptosis like-death in Leishmania braziliensis","authors":"Francisnaira da Silva Santos ,&nbsp;Gleice Rayanne Silva ,&nbsp;Laísia Alonso Uzêda ,&nbsp;Catarina Araújo Menezes Campos ,&nbsp;Fernando Leite Ferreira ,&nbsp;Felipe Sarmento Guerra ,&nbsp;Luís Cesar Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Hemerson Iury Ferreira Magalhães ,&nbsp;Francisco Jaime Bezerra Mendonça Junior ,&nbsp;Milena Botelho Pereira Soares ,&nbsp;Elisalva Teixeira Guimarães","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107689","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107689","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chalcones hold significant potential as bioactive agents due to their simple chemical structure and the possibility of generating more potent derivatives through strategic structural modifications. In a previous study, our research group evaluated the in vitro antileishmanial activity of (E)-1-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-yl)-3-(3‑bromo-4-ethoxy-5-methoxyphenyl)prop‑2-en-1-one (FERAI) against <em>Leishmania braziliensis</em> promastigotes and amastigotes. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of action of this compound in L. <em>braziliensis</em> parasites. Ultrastructural changes were examined using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Cell death patterns and mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological alterations in promastigotes, including cell body retraction and plasma membrane disruption. Transmission electron microscopy showed the presence of lipid inclusions, mitochondrial alterations, nuclear swelling, and flagellar loss. In addition, FERAI induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization and triggered apoptotic cell death in L. <em>braziliensis</em> promastigotes. Collectively, these findings suggest that mitochondrial depolarization and direct morphological damage to the parasite, followed by programmed cell death, are central mechanisms of FERAI action against L. <em>braziliensis</em> promastigotes. The elucidation of FERAI's mechanisms of action highlights its potential as a promising candidate for the development of new drugs against leishmaniasis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 107689"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144265043","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":"Defining Aedes aegypti density thresholds for preventing human arboviral infections","authors":"Roberto Barrera ,&nbsp;Verónica Acevedo-Soto ,&nbsp;Jose Ruiz-Valcarcel ,&nbsp;Joanelis Medina ,&nbsp;Reinaldo Rivera ,&nbsp;Luisa Otero ,&nbsp;Rafael Tosado ,&nbsp;Freddy A. Medina ,&nbsp;Rafael Saavedra ,&nbsp;Julieanne Miranda ,&nbsp;Kyle Ryff ,&nbsp;Grayson Brown ,&nbsp;Zachary J. Madewell ,&nbsp;Stephen H. Waterman ,&nbsp;Gabriela Paz-Bailey","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107688","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107688","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Effective control of local dengue virus transmission requires reducing the population of mosquitoes below a critical density threshold. <em>Aedes aegypti</em> density thresholds can serve as targets for intervention effectiveness. Most thresholds have been identified by correlating vector densities with pathogen transmission events. However, despite previous descriptive research there is a need for rigorously controlled field studies to clarify the interactions between <em>Ae. aegypti</em> density and human infections. We report on a multi-arm cluster randomized field trial aimed at determining the number of female <em>Ae. aegypti</em> mosquitoes below which dengue outbreaks are limited. We implemented four mosquito control treatments in a dose-response trial, using zero to three Autocidal Gravid Ovitraps (AGO traps) per house across study neighborhoods in Caguas, Puerto Rico from January 2021 to June 2024. We anticipated that significant reductions in <em>Ae. aegypti</em> populations would indicate a threshold density if low or no prevalence of dengue viruses was observed in mosquitoes or antibodies in residents through IgM and IgG serological testing. Results showed that female <em>Ae. aegypti</em> densities decreased by 44 %, 60 %, and 80 % in clusters with one, two, and three traps/house, respectively. The expected number of dengue-infected mosquitoes per thousand were 2.01, 1.70, 0.60, and 0.36 in clusters with zero, one, two, and three traps/house, respectively. Increases in dengue IgG antibody prevalence from 2022 to 2023 were noted only among residents aged 1–10 years, with rates of 25 %, 18 %, 6 %, and 5.9 % corresponding to the number of traps used. To reduce dengue incidence, local populations of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> should be kept below 4 females per AGO trap per week.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 107688"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144230804","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":"The first report of a fish coccidian parasite, Calyptospora mexicanus n. sp. (Eimeriorina: Calyptosporidae), in Mexico","authors":"Graciela Colunga-Ramírez ,&nbsp;Gábor Cech ,&nbsp;M. Leopoldina Aguirre-Macedo ,&nbsp;Kálmán Molnár ,&nbsp;Csaba Székely ,&nbsp;Graça Casal ,&nbsp;Boglárka Sellyei","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107687","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107687","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The genus <em>Calyptospora</em> is a poorly understood group of coccidian parasites that commonly cause liver infections in fishes from tropical regions. A survey of fishes in different water systems of the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico revealed the presence of an undescribed <em>Calyptospora</em> sp., which infects the pancreatic tissue wedged into the liver of <em>Mayaheros urophthalmus, Parachromis friedrichsthalii</em>, and <em>Rhamdia guatemalensis</em>. The identification of the new species, <em>Calyptospora mexicanus</em> n. sp., was based on morphological and histological data and supported by molecular analyses of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA). Sporulated oocysts were spherical in shape, 22.6–29.9 μm diameter, four obovoid to piriform sporocysts 11.8–15.3 μm length × 4.3–6.4 μm width. Each sporocyst is surrounded by a thin membrane veil supported by one sporopodium with 3.9–6.5 μm length, covered with sporopodial projections, and each sporocyst contains two sporozoites. The molecular data indicated 100 % sequence similarity between the sequences obtained from <em>C. mexicanus</em> n. sp. infecting the three fish species and 91.56−97.72 % sequence similarity with the previously reported species (<em>Calyptospora funduli, Calyptospora gonzaguensis, Calyptospora paranaidji, Calyptospora serrasalmi</em>, and <em>Calyptospora</em> sp.). Phylogenetic analysis placed <em>C. mexicanus</em> n. sp. in the family Calyptosporidae, resulting in the first coccidian parasite of fish reported in Mexico.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 107687"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144245628","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 impact of different scale removal methods on the geometric morphometrics of Aedes aegypti wings","authors":"Fernanda Stefhany Alves Santos ,&nbsp;Paulo Henrique Costa Corgosinho ,&nbsp;Filipe Vieira Santos de Abreu ,&nbsp;Marcela Sofia Vaca-Sánchez ,&nbsp;Pablo Cuevas-Reyes ,&nbsp;Maurício Lopes de Faria ,&nbsp;Henrique Maia Valério ,&nbsp;Magno Augusto Zazá Borges","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107686","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107686","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work aimed to test different treatments for removing wing scales from <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, and evaluate through geometric morphometrics, if these treatments can modify the wing venation morphometric pattern. The treatments were wing agitation in mineral water and NaOH (sodium hydroxide) saline solution using a mini-ultrasound, and manual wing scales removal using a size zero (0) tip brush. We propose an alternative method for mounting wings on slides using glycerin. We conclude that glycerin use for slide mounting provides better optics and translucency, and that treatments with NaOH saline solution and water can impair morphometric analysis of wings. The size zero (0) tip brush treatment efficiently removed wing scales, improving wing structure visualization without causing significant modifications to the specimens.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"268 ","pages":"Article 107686"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144232857","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":"Multi-marker analysis reveals an extensive genetic diversity in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (temperate lineage) and the first identification of Rhipicephalus rutilus in Tunisia","authors":"Amani Jomli ,&nbsp;Essia Sebai ,&nbsp;Safa Amairia ,&nbsp;Sayed Zamiti ,&nbsp;Moez Mhadhbi ,&nbsp;Mokhtar Dhibi ,&nbsp;Myriam Kratou ,&nbsp;Hatem Ouled Ahmed ,&nbsp;Lilia Messadi ,&nbsp;Mohamed Aziz Darghouth ,&nbsp;Mourad Ben Said","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The precise identification of <em>Rhipicephalus</em> species circulating in Tunisia is crucial for effective management and prevention of diseases, as these ticks are significant vectors for various pathogens affecting both animals and humans. Understanding their genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships further aids in developing targeted control strategies and improving disease surveillance efforts. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of three molecular markers (16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, and COI) for the precise molecular identification of tick species, the assessment of genetic diversity, and the phylogenetic classification of tick specimens belonging to the <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> sensu lato complex from Tunisia. A total of 28 tick specimens were collected from cattle and sheep across five Tunisian governorates, representing various bioclimatic zones. The morphological diagnosis, complemented by molecular tools, enabled the identification of two <em>Rhipicephalus</em> species: <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> and <em>Rh. rutilus</em>. BLAST analysis, genetic diversity assessment, and phylogenetic study identified <em>Rh. rutilus</em> specimens (<em>n</em> = 9) for the first time in Tunisia, noting moderate genetic diversity. Additionally, these analyses revealed extensive genetic diversity among <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> specimens (<em>n</em> = 19), which belong to two distinct clusters of the temperate lineage. The COI marker proved to be the most discriminative, highlighting distinct evolutionary patterns and marked genetic variability among isolates of the <em>Rh. sanguineus</em> and <em>Rh. rutilus</em> species. This study provides essential insights into the genetic diversity of <em>Rhipicephalus</em> ticks in Tunisia, emphasizing the importance of molecular identification in understanding their ecology and role as disease vectors. The insights gained have significant implications for tick management and vector-borne disease prevention, underscoring the need for further research on the mechanisms underlying this diversity and its effects on pathogen transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 107685"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144214619","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 genome, nuclear ribosomal RNA gene, and morphological-tegumental analysis of dermatitis-causing cercariae: Trichobilharzia sp. from Thailand","authors":"Ornampai Japa ,&nbsp;Khuruwan Klinbumrung ,&nbsp;Panuwat Katekaew ,&nbsp;Khanuengnij Prakhammin","doi":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.actatropica.2025.107683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Avian blood flukes of the genus <em>Trichobilharzia</em>, the largest subgroup of the Schistosomatidae family, are of medical and veterinary importance as causative agents of avian schistosomiasis and human cercarial dermatitis. Despite their significance, molecular data on <em>Trichobilharzia</em> species from Southeast Asia remain limited, and no mitochondrial genomes have been reported to date. This study presents the first complete mitochondrial genome and nuclear <em>ribosomal RNA</em> (<em>rRNA</em>) gene analysis of a <em>Trichobilharzia</em> sp. isolate (PYO) recovered from <em>Radix (Lymnaea) rubiginosa</em> in Phayao, Thailand, alongside comprehensive morphological characterization. Genomic features were analyzed using sequence-based and systematic approaches, while cercarial morphology and tegumental structures were examined in detail through light, confocal, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The morphological characteristics were generally consistent with those of other <em>Trichobilharzia</em> species. The circular mitochondrial genome of the PYO isolate is 14,810 bp in length, comprising 12 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 <em>rRNA</em> genes, 22 <em>transfer RNA</em> genes, and a repeat region. Gene content and arrangement were consistent with previously reported <em>Trichobilharzia</em> mitogenomes, with all genes transcribed in the same direction. ATG and TAG were the most common start and stop codons, respectively. Comparative analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial sequences consistently identified <em>T. regenti</em>, the most virulent and well-characterized species in the genus, as the closest relative of the PYO isolate, highlighting its potential medical and epidemiological significance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7240,"journal":{"name":"Acta tropica","volume":"267 ","pages":"Article 107683"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144214618","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}