Frontiers in parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Molecular genetic characterization of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> and <i>Cystoisospora</i> protozoan infections in cats from large cities of Kazakhstan.","authors":"Lyudmila Lider, Rabiga Uakhit, Nurassyl Manapov, Valentina Yerzhanova, Alexandr Andreyev, Ainura Smagulova, Carlos Hermosilla, Vladimir Kiyan","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1608542","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1608542","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp. and <i>Cystoisospora</i> spp. are significant unicellular parasites that cause gastrointestinal infections in both humans and animals globally. Among these, <i>Cryptosporidium felis</i> and <i>Cystoisospora felis</i> are particularly important for feline health and pose potential zoonotic risks, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. Kazakhstan, characterized by its diverse climate zones and an increasing population of pets, provides an excellent context for studying the epidemiology and genetic diversity of these parasites. In Kazakhstan, the mandatory registration of pets offers a valuable opportunity to explore the distribution and molecular characteristics of these parasites. This study focuses on the prevalence, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> and <i>Cystoisospora</i> from companion and shelter cats across five major cities in Kazakhstan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Overall, from five cities, 1301 fecal samples were collected and studied. Samples were study by direct modified Sheather's flotation technique was applied using a sugar solution. Samples were screened using the 18S rRNA gene for Cryptosporidium and the ITS-1 gene for Cystoisospora. Nucleotide sequences were aligned with the MUSCLE multiple sequence alignment program. Phylograms were constructed with the MEGA11 software using the Maximum Likelihood (ML) method.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>In total, we examined 1,301 fecal samples and found that 31 (2.4%) contained <i>Cryptosporidium</i> spp., including 10 identified as <i>Cryptosporidium felis</i>. Additionally, 121 samples (9.3%) tested positive for <i>Cystoisospora felis</i>. The studied <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i> isolates obtained in this study belong to subtype IIdA15G1, which is dominant and clusters well with previously reported sequences from different countries on the gp60 gene. Shelter cats are more susceptible to these parasites, with a prevalence of 3.1% for <i>Cryptosporidium</i> and a notably higher rate of 19.0% for <i>Cystoisospora</i>. In contrast, companion cats showed lower rates, at 1.6% for <i>Cryptosporidium</i> and 5.1% for <i>Cystoisospora</i>. Our findings identified the species <i>Cystoisospora felis</i>, <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i>, and <i>Cryptosporidium felis</i>, with a determined subtype of XIXa.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1608542"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12301373/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144735876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Down-regulation of colon mucin production induced by <i>Eimeria pragensis</i> infection in mice.","authors":"Yulia Dwi Setia, Mio Kokubo-Tanaka, Ryusei Tanaka, Akemi Yoshida, Eiji Nagayasu, Parnian Ahmadi, Ayako Yoshida, Haruhiko Maruyama","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1621486","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1621486","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Eimeria pragensis</i>, an intestinal protozoa infecting mice, induces colitis and reduces goblet cell numbers in the large intestine. In the present study, we investigated the pathogenesis and the mechanisms underlying goblet cell down-regulation in the early phase of infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male C57BL/6 mice were orally infected with 300 oocysts. Fecal oocyst shedding and body weight were monitored daily. Colon tissues were collected at 3, 8, and 13 days post-infection (dpi) to assess pathological changes. Parasite burden was assessed by histological analysis (H&E staining) and qPCR targeting 5S rRNA. Goblet cells were visualized using PAS-Alcian Blue staining and Muc2 immunohistochemistry. To elucidate mechanisms of goblet cell dysfunction, we performed RNA sequencing of large intestine tissue to examine host as well as parasite transcriptomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fecal oocyst excretion peaked at 8-9 dpi. Body weight decreased from 6 to 11 dpi, with recovery after 12 dpi. Maximal parasite accumulation in the proximal colon was observed at 8 dpi in histological examination as well as qPCR. Colon length was significantly shortened at 3 dpi. Goblet cell area significantly reduced at 8 dpi (p < 0.05). RNA sequencing of infected large intestines revealed that <i>E. pragensis</i> produced enzymes that were known to degrade mucin and tight junctions, and proteins that could activate the Notch-Hes1 signaling pathway. As for host responses, genes associated with Th1-type inflammation, epithelial barrier disruption, and immune regulation were up-regulated as early as 3 dpi.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our findings suggested that <i>E. pragensis</i> infection induces a mucosal barrier dysfunction in the early phase of the infection, which possibly causes the tissue invasion of bacteria in the large intestine. Th1-type inflammatory response, thus induced, reduces goblet cell numbers and mucin production. This model provides valuable insight into the mechanisms of mucosal barrier disruption during protozoan infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1621486"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12234464/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144593043","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigating the prevalence of three medically important pathogens in <i>Ixodes pacificus</i> from southern Oregon.","authors":"Andrew T Partin, Emilio E DeBess, Phillip Q Spinks, Michael J Yabsley, Kayla B Garrett, James R Clover, Geoffrey R Taylor","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1599377","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1599377","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In the far western United States of America, <i>Ixodes pacificus</i> is the primary vector of several pathogens of public health and veterinary importance including the Lyme disease spirochete <i>Borrelia burgdorferi</i> sensu lato (s.l.), as well as <i>Borrelia miyamotoi</i> and <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Ixodes pacificus</i> is common in southern Oregon yet there are few published studies on the distribution of tick-borne pathogens in this region.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using real-time quantitative PCR, we assessed the prevalence of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l., <i>B. miyamotoi</i>, and <i>A. phagocytophilum</i> among 2,463 unfed <i>I. pacificus</i> adults and nymphs combined into 260 pools (131 nymph, 129 adult) with nearly equal numbers of each life stage from 12 locations in Jackson County, Oregon.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In our study, 27.9% (36/129) and 29.8% (39/131) of adult and nymph pools, respectively, tested positive for at least a single pathogen. Nymph pools had a higher pool positivity rate (PPR) for <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l. with 15.3% (20/131) testing positive compared to 3.1% (4/129) of adult pools. Nymph pools also had a higher minimum infection rate (MIR) and maximum-likelihood estimate of pooled prevalence (EPP) for <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l. than adults. Interestingly, the prevalence of <i>B. burgdorferi</i> s.l. varied greatly in nymph pools across collection sites (0-70%). PPR of <i>B. miyamotoi</i> was 21.7% (28/129) for adults and 12.2% (16/131) for nymphs, making it the most frequently detected pathogen in adult pools and the most detected pathogen overall. <i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i> was the least frequently detected pathogen overall with a PPR of 3.1% (4/129) and 2.3% (3/131) for adults and nymphs, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance, pathogen testing, and public education regarding ticks in areas such as southern Oregon where <i>I. pacificus</i> is common but little research has been done.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1599377"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12226487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144577135","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"RDT performance through high-throughput bead-based antigen detection during malaria school survey in Senegal.","authors":"Mamadou Alpha Diallo, Ibrahima M Ndiaye, Djiby Sow, Mame Cheikh Seck, Khadim Diongue, Mariama Touré, Katerine E Battle, Bassirou Ngom, Mouhamad Sy, Amy Gaye, Yaye Dié Ndiaye, Mamane Nassirou Garba, Aida Sadikh Badiane, Aita Sene, Medoune Ndiop, Jules François Gomis, Sarah K Volkman, Doudou Sene, Bronwyn L MacInnis, Ibrahima Diallo, Mouhamadou Ndiaye, Dyann F Wirth, Daouda Ndiaye","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1598280","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1598280","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) remain the frontline tool for malaria diagnosis, but their performance in detecting low-density infections is variable and poorly characterized at the population level.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of HRP2-based RDTs by integrating high-throughput bead-based HRP2 quantification into school-based malaria surveys.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Senegalese districts (Diourbel, Tambacounda, and Kédougou), enrolling 3,748 school-aged children. All participants were tested using RDTs, and dried blood spots were analyzed with a multiplex bead-based HRP2 assay. A Gaussian mixture model was used to classify HRP2 positivity, and logistic regression assessed the relationship between HRP2 concentration and RDT outcome.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall RDT positivity rate was 7.2%, with marked heterogeneity across districts (Diourbel: 3.0%, Kédougou: 15.9%, Tambacounda: 7.6%). HRP2 concentration was the strongest predictor of RDT positivity (aOR: 14.55 per log₁₀ increase, 95% CI: 11.14-19.00). RDT limits of detection (LOD₉₅) varied significantly: 3.9 ng/mL in Tambacounda, 121.2 ng/mL in Kédougou, and 204.3 ng/mL in Diourbel.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>RDTs remain a useful surveillance tool, particularly in moderate- to high-transmission settings. However, reduced sensitivity at lower antigen concentrations in hypo-endemic areas highlights the value of complementary high-sensitivity assays for elimination-focused strategies. Future research should explore the application of these integrated diagnostic approaches in regions without seasonal malaria chemoprophylaxis intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1598280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12159022/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144287368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"<i>In vitro</i> co-culture model of <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>, <i>Candida albicans</i>, and <i>Lactobacillus crispatus</i>: a system for assessing antimicrobial activity and microorganism interactions in vaginitis.","authors":"Fernanda Gomes Cardoso, Luisa Trindade Dos Santos, Saulo Almeida Menezes, Graziela Vargas Rigo, Tiana Tasca","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1523113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fpara.2025.1523113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> is a flagellated protozoan causing trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection. It is associated with various complications, particularly in asymptomatic carriers. Another major cause of vaginitis is <i>Candida albicans</i>, a normal member of the vaginal microbiota, which causes vulvovaginal candidiasis when immune imbalances occur, leading to recurrent infections. Treatment-resistant strains of these pathogens pose a significant challenge. <i>Lactobacillus crispatus</i>, a dominant species in the vaginal microbiota, produces antimicrobial compounds that help protect the vaginal mucosa. This study establishes an <i>in vitro</i> co-culture of <i>T. vaginalis</i>, <i>C. albicans</i>, and <i>L. crispatus</i> to simulate the vaginal microenvironment at the site of infection. MRS medium was chosen for the co-culture, with initial cell densities determined as follows: <i>T. vaginalis</i> at 1.0 × 10⁶ trophozoites/mL (counted using a hemocytometer), 3.33 × 10⁴ CFU/mL for <i>C. albicans</i>, and either 5.53 × 10⁶ CFU/mL (for co-culture with the ATCC isolate) or 5.53 × 10⁷ CFU/mL (for co-culture with a fresh clinical isolate) for <i>L. crispatus</i>. The cell densities of <i>C. albicans</i> and <i>L. crispatus</i> were quantified as colony-forming units (CFU) on selective agar. The incubation period for co-culture, ensuring optimal growth of all microorganisms, was 24 hours. In co-culture, <i>L. crispatus</i> at both tested densities acidified the medium. The co-culture system demonstrated lower MIC values for metronidazole (50 µM in the ATCC isolate co-culture and 25 µM with the fresh clinical isolate) and lower MFC values for fluconazole (6.25 µM), compared to monocultures of <i>T. vaginalis</i> (100 µM) and <i>C. albicans</i> (12.50 µM). Furthermore, the triple co-culture increased the cytotoxicity to vaginal cell and erythrocytes for the ATCC isolate while significantly inhibited both biofilm formation and metabolic activity of <i>C. albicans</i> (by up to 92% and 90%, respectively), as well as its yeast-to-hyphae transition (by up to 70%). SEM analyses highlighted the morphological differences among <i>T. vaginalis</i>, <i>C. albicans</i>, and <i>L. crispatus</i>, including isolate-specific size variations in the protozoan. These findings suggest that this <i>in vitro</i> co-culture system is a valuable tool for evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of novel compounds against vaginitis pathogens and for studying interactions within the vaginal microenvironment.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1523113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12034676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144025211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report: High burdens of air sac worms (<i>Diplotriaena</i> sp.) in three northern flickers (<i>Colaptes auratus)</i> and a pileated woodpecker (<i>Dryocopus pileatus</i>).","authors":"Alyssa R Freeman, Lyndon E Sullivan-Brugger, Bethany Groves, Nicki Rosenhagen, Kayla B Garrett, Michael J Yabsley","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1547153","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1547153","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Diplotriaena</i> spp. are nematode parasites of the abdominal and thoracic air sacs of numerous avian species worldwide. <i>Dipoltriaena</i> infections are generally subclinical, but high worm burdens can lead to morbidity and mortality. In this case series, <i>Diplotriaena</i> were recovered from a pileated woodpecker (<i>Dryocopus pileatus</i>) in 2017 and three northern flickers (<i>Colaptes auratus</i>) in 2023 and 2024 from Washington, USA. All four presented to a wildlife rehabilitation center with either respiratory signs or trauma with varied severity. A large number of worms (>44 worms) were surgically removed from the pileated woodpecker. The bird improved and was subsequently released. All three northern flickers were humanely euthanized due to poor prognosis and worsening conditions. Nematodes from Cases 1 and 4 were identified as a <i>Diplotriaena</i> sp. but they did not match any described species. Ethanol-fixed worms were available from one flicker case for genetic characterization. Partial 18S rRNA sequences (888bp) from two worms from a flicker were identical and 98-98.5% similar to numerous <i>Diplotriaena obtusa</i> sequences. The sample <i>Diplotriaena</i> sp. grouped separately from the three closest matches in the GenBank database, <i>Diplotriaena anthreptis</i> and two clades of <i>Diplotriaena obtusa</i> and <i>Diplotriaena bargusinica.</i> The partial COI sequences (674bp) were identical to each other and ~80-85% similar to numerous Spiruromorpha representatives. Due to a lack of available samples in the GenBank database and incomplete morphological descriptions of the genus, identification to species was not possible. In summary, all four cases in this case series occurred in free-ranging birds in Washington state and represented unusually high burdens of <i>Diplotriaena</i> sp. We believe that the high worm burden contributed to trauma, respiratory pathology, and weight loss. Additional surveillance is needed to determine the prevalence and impact of this parasite on woodpecker populations and to more accurately identify the parasite species in these two species of woodpeckers.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1547153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11968718/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143797241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial: One Health approaches and modeling in parasitology in the climate change framework and possible supporting tools adopting GIS and remote sensing.","authors":"Tommaso Orusa, Annalisa Viani, Silvio G d'Alessio, Riccardo Orusa, Cyril Caminade","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1560799","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1560799","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1560799"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11962023/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143775209","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trichocystatin-2 from <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i>: role of N-terminal cysteines in aggregation, protease inhibition, and trichomonal cysteine protease-dependent cytotoxicity on HeLa cells.","authors":"Verónica Aranda-Chan, Montserrat Gutiérrez-Soto, Claudia Ivonne Flores-Pucheta, Octavio Montes-Flores, Rossana Arroyo, Jaime Ortega-López","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1512012","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1512012","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> is a protozoan parasite that causes trichomoniasis, the most common nonviral neglected sexually transmitted disease worldwide. Biomarkers and therapeutic targets, including specific trichomonad cysteine proteases (CPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, have been identified to diagnose and treat this disease. Trichocystatin 2 (TC-2) was previously identified as one of the three endogenous inhibitors of the parasite's cathepsin L-like CPs, including TvCP39, which is involved in <i>T. vaginalis</i> cytotoxicity and is a potential therapeutic target. TC-2 contains five cysteines, including four located in the N-terminal sequence. These cysteines may be responsible for the formation of multimers of the recombinant protein expressed in <i>E. coli</i>. To determine whether these cysteines are responsible for the formation of TC-2 multimers and the effect of the N-terminus on CP inhibition, a recombinant TC-2 mutant was expressed, purified, characterized, and compared with the recombinant wild-type TC-2 protein. <i>In silico</i> and experimental analyses revealed that wild-type and mutant TC-2 proteins presented similar results in terms of secondary and tertiary structure prediction and high thermal stability. However, compared with that of wild-type TC-2, multimer formation was significantly reduced in the mutant lacking the four N-terminal cysteines, leading to a significant reduction in papain inhibition but not in trichomonal CP activity. These results support the hypothesis that the four cysteines located in the N-terminal region are responsible for aggregation, and their deletion affected the interaction of TC-2 with papain without affecting its inhibitory activity on homologous target proteases that are crucial for <i>T. vaginalis</i> virulence. Our results provide essential data supporting the use of TC-2 as a potential therapeutic target.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1512012"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11959277/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143765820","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the AiDx Assist device for automated detection of <i>Schistosoma</i> eggs in stool and urine samples in Nigeria.","authors":"Brice Meulah, Pytsje T Hoekstra, Samuel Popoola, Satyajith Jujjavarapu, Moses Aderogba, Joseph O Fadare, John A Omotayo, David Bell, Cornelis H Hokke, Lisette van Lieshout, Gleb Vdovine, Jan Carel Diehl, Temitope Agbana, Louise Makau-Barasa, Jacob Solomon","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1440299","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1440299","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Schistosomiasis is a public health concern and there is a need for reliable field-compatible diagnostic methods in endemic settings. The AiDx Assist, an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated microscope, has shown promising results for the detection of <i>Schistosoma haematobium</i> eggs in urine. It has been further developed to detect <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> eggs in stool.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, we evaluated the performance of the AiDx Assist for the detection of <i>S. mansoni</i> eggs in stool samples and further validated the performance of the AiDx Assist for the detection of <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs in urine samples. Additionally, the potential of the AiDx Assist for the detection of other helminths in stool samples was explored. In total, 405 participants from an area endemic for both <i>S. mansoni</i> and <i>S. haematobium</i> provided stool and urine samples which were subjected to AiDx Assist (semi- and fully automated), while conventional microscopy was used as the diagnostic reference.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Only samples with complete test results were included in the final analysis, resulting in 375 stool and 398 urine samples, of which 38.4% and 65.3% showed <i>Schistosoma</i> eggs by conventional microscopy. The collected images of the stool samples were retrospectively examined for other helminth eggs via manual analysis. For the detection of S. mansoni eggs, the sensitivity of the semi-automated AiDx Assist (86.8%) was significantly higher compared to the fully automated AiDx Assist (56.9%) while the specificity was comparable, with 81.4% and 86.8%, respectively. Retrospectively, eggs of <i>Ascaris lumbricoides</i> and <i>Trichuris trichiura</i> were visualized. For the examination of urine samples, a comparable sensitivity in the detection of <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs was found between the semi-and the fully automated modes of the AiDx Assist, showing 94.6% and 91.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the specificity was comparable, with 90.6%and 91.3% respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The AiDx Assist met the World Health Organization Target Product Profile criteria in terms of diagnostic accuracy for the detection of <i>S. haematobium</i> eggs in urine samples and performed modestly in the detection of <i>S. mansoni</i> eggs in stool samples. With some further improvements, it has the potential to become a valuable diagnostic tool for screening multiple helminth parasites in stool and urine samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1440299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11955702/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143756394","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> in La Trinidad, Benguet, Philippines: a One Health approach.","authors":"Jannette Depay Awisan, Pilarita Tongol Rivera, Jose Ma Moncada Angeles","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1557608","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2025.1557608","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Cryptosporidium</i> species are zoonotic protozoa responsible for cryptosporidiosis, a serious public health concern for humans and animals. These protozoa are recognized for their capacity to infect various hosts, resulting in outbreaks that can cause significant health and economic consequences. The One Health approach considers human, animal, and environmental health interconnectedness and is vital in understanding and controlling the spread of such zoonotic diseases. This study adopts this approach to evaluate the prevalence of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> in humans, companion animals, livestock, and environmental water sources in La Trinidad, Benguet.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2022, adhering to research ethical standards approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and following COVID-19 safety protocols such as social distancing, use of PPE, and regular sanitation of equipment and facilities. Stratified random sampling resulted in 314 participating households, which provided fecal samples from humans (up to two members), companion animals, and livestock. Samples were analyzed using microscopy (Sugar Flotation Technique, Formalin Ether Concentration Technique, and Kinyoun staining) and molecular methods, with genomic DNA extracted and nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Water samples from 19 community sites underwent filtration and nested PCR analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the 493 human, 363 animal, and 19 water samples analyzed, microscopic analysis revealed that 151 samples tested positive for <i>Cryptosporidium</i> oocysts, and molecular confirmation identified 135 (15.77%) as <i>Cryptosporidium parvum</i>. Livestock exhibited the highest prevalence (37.27%), followed by companion animals (18.58%) and humans (9.33%), indicating significant zoonotic transmission risks and highlighting the need for improved biosecurity measures. All water samples were negative.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The high burden of <i>Cryptosporidium</i> in livestock presents significant risks for zoonotic transmission and reflects major shortcomings in biosecurity and sanitation. In contrast, the low human prevalence of COVID-19 suggests that enhancing hygiene practices combined with social restraint may help control infectious events. Further research is required to confirm this relationship. These results highlight the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce transmission risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"4 ","pages":"1557608"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11949896/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143756397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}