Frontiers in parasitology最新文献

{"title":"Unusual cholesterol crystal formation in a rare clinical case report of splenic echinococcal cyst in a patient from Sardinia, Italy.","authors":"Cinzia Santucciu, Ashkan Hajjafari, Soheil Sadr, Scilla Mastrandrea, Carlo Rettaroli, Luca Simbula, Mariano Scaglione, Salvatore Masala, Angela Peruzzu, Giovanna Masala","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1498099","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1498099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by <i>Echinococcus granulosus</i> sensu lato, the metacestode of a tapeworm parasite of high medical importance. Infection of the parasite leads to the development of echinococcal cysts, and the spleen is a rarely infected organ. A 46-year-old woman who was born and who resides in Sardinia, Italy, was referred to the Echinococcosis outpatient clinic at the University Hospital of Sassari (Sardinia, Italy) for a pain in the left flank. She used to live in the countryside, in contact with several animals, and for 2 years, she had been working in a family garden, growing vegetables as a hobby. Ultrasounds and X-ray were performed, which evidenced a rounded formation in the upper third of the spleen, while a CT scan confirmed a parasitological cyst. Immunological examinations on serum samples did not detect specific antibodies against <i>Echinococcus</i> spp. Following surgical exportation, the whole spleen with the cystic lesion was delivered to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the National Reference Laboratory for Echinococcosis for further laboratory analyses. Moreover, characterization of the cyst fluid resulted dense and shiny. Observation under a light microscope at ×400 magnification revealed the formation of rectangular crystals and aggregates attributable to cholesterol molecules. Subsequently, through parasitological investigation, molecular biology investigations confirmed <i>E. granulosus</i> sensu stricto G1. We describe cholesterol crystals in a splenic echinococcal cyst for the first time. There is no clear explanation of how the cholesterol crystals formed in this case, but this was attributed to multifactorial causes, including atherosclerosis, chronic inflammation, parasite metabolism, and host responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1498099"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11759282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143048985","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":"Emodepside: the anthelmintic's mode of action and toxicity.","authors":"Charity N Njeshi, Alan P Robertson, Richard J Martin","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1508167","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1508167","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nematode parasitic infections continue to be a major health problem for humans and animals. Drug resistance to currently available treatments only worsen the problem. Drug discovery is expensive and time-consuming, making drug repurposing an enticing option. Emodepside, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, has shown efficacy in the treatment of nematode parasitic infections in cats and dogs. It is now being considered and trialed for the treatment of onchocerciasis, trichuriasis (whipworm), and hookworm infections in humans. Its unique mechanism of action distinguishes it from traditional anthelmintics, positioning it as a promising candidate for combating resistance to other current drugs. Here, we provide a brief review of the available information on emodepside's pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability. We highlight the potential benefits and risks associated with its use, examining key toxicity effects. By exploring the literature, we aim to provide insights into the risks associated with emodepside that may impact its application in veterinary and human medicine. Although emodepside demonstrates a favorable safety profile, continued monitoring of its toxicity is crucial, particularly in vulnerable populations. This mini-review serves as a concise resource for researchers and clinicians interested in anthelmintic therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1508167"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732007/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017504","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":"Detecting two <i>Schistosoma</i> circulating antigens - CCA and CAA - in urine and serum to improve diagnosis of human schistosomiasis.","authors":"Pytsje T Hoekstra, Claudia J de Dood, Theresia Abdoel, Stan Hilt, Angela van Diepen, Katja Polman, Peter Kremsner, Lisette van Lieshout, Andrea Kreidenweiss, Ayola Akim Adegnika, Daniela Fusco, Tahinamandranto Rasomoelina, Mala Rakoto Andrianarivelo, Raphaël Rakotozandrindrainy, Rivo Andry Rakotoarivelo, Elisa Sicuri, Govert J van Dam, Paul L A M Corstjens","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1460331","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1460331","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Schistosomiasis is caused by infection with parasitic <i>Schistosoma</i> worms and affects more than 250 million people globally. The detection of schistosome derived circulating cathodic and anodic antigens (CCA and CAA) has proven highly valuable for detecting active <i>Schistosoma</i> infections, causing both intestinal and urinary schistosomiasis.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The combined detection of CCA and CAA was explored to improve accuracy in detecting <i>Schistosoma</i> infections.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Parallel detection of CCA and CAA was performed on two banked sample sets with matching serum and urine samples from <i>Schistosoma mansoni</i> (<i>Sm</i>) and <i>S. haematobium</i> (<i>Sh</i>) infected individuals using the non-concentration based lateral flow (LF) test comprising the sensitive luminescent up-converting reporter particle (UCP) technology.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Parallel detection of CCA and CAA increased the positivity rate for detecting both <i>Sm</i> and <i>Sh</i> infections compared to the detection of either antigen separately, demonstrating the added value of detecting both antigens in a single sample to confirm diagnosis, independent from the <i>Schistosoma</i> species. Significantly higher CCA concentrations in urine were observed in <i>Sm</i> infected individuals compared to <i>Sh</i> infected individuals, while serum CCA-concentrations were similar between species. CAA concentrations were higher in serum compared to those in urine, irrespective of species. When exploring the relationship of CCA and CAA in urine, the CCA/CAA ratio in <i>Sm</i> infected individuals was significantly higher than in <i>Sh</i> infected individuals, while no differences were observed in serum.</p><p><strong>Discussion and conclusion: </strong>Parallel detection of CCA and CAA via the UCP-LF platform showed added diagnostic value through an increased positivity rate for the detection of <i>Sm</i> and <i>Sh</i> infections, compared to only detecting either of the antigens. The combined and quantitative detection of CCA and CAA is indicative for identifying the infecting species, but needs further exploration.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1460331"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732024/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017500","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":"Praziquantel resistance in schistosomes: a brief report.","authors":"Gabriela Eastham, Dane Fausnacht, Matthew H Becker, Alan Gillen, William Moore","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1471451","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1471451","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Schistosomiasis is a group of both acute and chronic parasitic trematode infections of the genus <i>Schistosoma</i>. Research into schistosomiasis has been minimal, leading to its classification as a neglected tropical disease, yet more than 140 million people are infected with schistosomes globally. There are no treatments available for early-stage infections, schistosomal dermatitis, or Katayama syndrome, other than symptomatic control with steroids and antihistamines, as the maturing organisms seem to be mostly resistant to typical antiparasitics. However, praziquantel (PZQ) has been the drug of choice for schistosomiasis for decades in the latter stages of the disease. Though it is effective against all three clinically relevant species, heavy reliance on PZQ has led to concerns of schistosome resistance, especially in areas that have implemented this drug in mass drug administration (MDA) programs. This article summarizes the available literature concerning the available evidence for and against a warranted concern for PZQ resistance, genomic studies in schistosomes, proposed mechanisms of resistance, and future research in alternative methods of schistosomiasis treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1471451"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017542","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":"Metabolic changes that allow <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> artemisinin-resistant parasites to tolerate oxidative stress.","authors":"Alejandro David Bonive-Boscan, Héctor Acosta, Ascanio Rojas","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1461641","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1461641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Artemisinin-based treatments (ACTs) are the first therapy currently used to treat malaria produced by <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>. However, in recent years, increasing evidence shows that some strains of <i>P. falciparum</i> are less susceptible to ACT in the Southeast Asian region. A data reanalysis of several omics approaches currently available about parasites of <i>P. falciparum</i> that have some degree of resistance to ACT was carried out. The data used were from transcriptomics and metabolomics studies. One mitochondrial carrier of the parasite possibly involved in the mechanisms of tolerance to oxidative stress was modeled and subjected to molecular dockings with citrate and oxoglutarate. An increase in glutathione production was detected, changing the direction of the flux of metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle and boosting the glucose consumed. The models of the mitochondrial carrier, called PfCOCP, show that it may be important in transporting citrate and oxoglutarate from the mitochondrial matrix to the cytosol. If so, it may allow the parasite to tolerate the oxidative stress produced by artemisinin. This <i>in-silico</i> analysis shows that <i>P. falciparum</i> may tolerate artemisinin's oxidative stress through metabolic changes not reported before, showing the need for further experimental research on the many metabolic aspects linked to this phenotype.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1461641"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11731681/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017540","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":"Schistosomiasis endemicity and its role in sexually transmitted infections - a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Kwame Kumi Asare, Philip Afful, Godwin Kwami Abotsi, Czarina Owusua Adu-Gyamfi, George Benyem, Gnatoulma Katawa, Kathrin Arndts, Manuel Ritter","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1451149","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1451149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Schistosomiasis, a tropical parasitic disease, affects 779 million people globally, with 85% of cases in Africa. The interplay between schistosomiasis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can exacerbate health burdens, but most attention has focused on interactions with HIV, neglecting coinfections with other STIs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to understand the role <i>Schistosoma</i> infections play in STIs within schistosomiasis-endemic populations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the link between Schistosoma infections and STIs in endemic regions. It uses PRISMA guidelines, electronic databases, and Google Scholar to assess prevalence, associations, and heterogeneity, reducing bias using a Meta-Mar statistical tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A quantitative synthesis of 33 articles from 1975-2024 involved 22,587 participants from 13 countries, including regions in Africa, France, and China, examining coinfections of schistosomiasis and STIs, including HIV. The pooled estimates showed a significant risk association between schistosomiasis and STIs [RR (95% CI) = 1.18, (1.13-1.24); z/t = 7.55, p<0.0001] using a fixed effect model. Cochran's Q test (Tau² = 0.5061, Chi² = 476.65, df = 32, p<0.01) indicated significant heterogeneity. The Higgins I² statistic of 93.0% (91.5%-94.7%), H = 3.86 (3.43-4.33), highlighted substantial variance between studies. Subgroup analysis showed West Africa [Weight IV = 1.7%, RR (95% CI) = 1.78 (1.28-2.47), I² = 59%], East Africa [Weight IV = 10.5%, RR (95% CI) = 0.99 (0.86-1.13), I² = 54%], and Southern Africa [Weight IV = 82.0%, RR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.10-1.21), I² = 97%] contributed significantly to the high heterogeneity in the pooled analysis. Females had a notably higher risk of STIs in the context of schistosomiasis (k = 17, RR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.23-1.37, Q = 316.78, I² = 94.9%), compared to males (k = 6, RR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.77-1.15, Q = 53.44, I² = 90.6%) and the combined group of females and males (k = 9, RR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.88-1.02, Q = 16.38, I² = 50.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study found a high risk of coinfections between schistosomiasis and STIs, particularly in West and Southern Africa, confirming female genital schistosomiasis as a major risk for STIs.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1451149"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11731636/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017544","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":"Evolution of dirofilariasis diagnostic techniques from traditional morphological analysis to molecular-based techniques: a comprehensive review.","authors":"A M M T B Aththanayaka, B S W M T B Dayananda, H A K Ranasinghe, L D Amarasinghe","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1427449","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1427449","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dirofilariasis, caused by the nematode <i>Dirofilaria</i> spp., poses significant challenges in diagnosis due to its diverse clinical manifestations and complex life cycle. This comprehensive literature review focuses on the evolution of diagnostic methodologies, spanning from traditional morphological analyses to modern emerging techniques in the context of dirofilariasis diagnosis. The review traces the historical progression of diagnostic modalities, encompassing traditional approaches such as microscopic examination, serological tests (including ELISA and IFA), radiographic imaging, ultrasonography, and necropsy, which laid the foundation for subsequent advancements. The integration of molecular diagnostics marks a significant turning point in dirofilariasis diagnosis with the adoption of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and real-time PCR (qPCR) facilitating enhanced sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, recent strides in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, including whole-genome sequencing (WGS), targeted sequencing (TS), metagenomic sequencing (MS), and RNA sequencing (transcriptome sequencing), have revolutionized the landscape of dirofilariasis diagnostics. Emerging techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), digital PCR (dPCR), and digital microfluidics are also explored for their potential to augment diagnostic accuracy. The review addresses challenges associated with standardizing molecular protocols, tackling false positives/negatives, and discusses the advantages and limitations of each technique. By providing a comprehensive overview of dirofilariasis diagnostic strategies, from traditional to cutting-edge methods, this review aims to enhance understanding of the disease's diagnostic landscape. The insights gained have implications for improved disease management and guide future research endeavors toward refining diagnostic protocols and advancing therapeutic interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1427449"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11731637/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017522","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":"Understanding the <i>Cryptosporidium</i> species and their challenges to animal health and livestock species for informed development of new, specific treatment strategies.","authors":"Hannah Rideout, Alasdair J C Cook, Anthony D Whetton","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1448076","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1448076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Cryptosporidium</i> species are parasitic organisms of vertebrates with a worldwide distribution. They have an important impact globally upon human and animal health, and livestock productivity. The life cycle of these species is complex and difficult to disrupt to improve human health, animal health, food security and economic growth. This may contribute to the fact that no new treatment strategy has been widely accepted or applied in livestock for years. Here we consider the natural history of these parasites, their biochemistry and economic impact. Using recent developments in understanding these parasites we then consider viable and affordable approaches to enhancing control of their effects on livestock. These are based on advances in drug discovery, omics research and artificial intelligence applications to human and veterinary medicine that indicate putative new therapeutic approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1448076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732131/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017545","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":"Malaria and associated factors among under-five children in Borena pastoral communities, southern Ethiopia.","authors":"Alqeer Aliyo, Wako Golicha, Anteneh Fikrie","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1438218","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1438218","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Malaria continues to be an important threat to public health and infects millions of children under 5 years of age each year. Although Ethiopia has set targets for at-risk group interventions to eradicate and manage malaria, the illness is still a serious public health problem in areas where it is endemic, especially in the unique lowlands in the Borena zone.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to determine the prevalence of malaria and associated factors among children in Borena's pastoral communities, Oromia Regional State, southern Ethiopia, in 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 March to 30 April 2022 among 437 randomly selected households with children under 5 years of age in pastoral communities in the Borena zone. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with structured and pretested questionnaires and blood sample examination using microscopy. Thick and thin blood smears were prepared and examined under a microscope at a health center to confirm malaria cases. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with malaria, and a <i>p</i>-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The prevalence of malaria among children under 5 years of age was 27.8% (95% CI = 23.5-32.1), and the prevalence rates of <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i>, <i>Plasmodium vivax</i>, and mixed malaria were 68.4%, 25.6%, and 6%, respectively. Regarding the proportion of malaria among age groups, 81% of children under 5 years of age between 48 and 59 months were malaria-positive. In this study, fever within the last week (AOR = 13.34, 95% CI = 6.37-27.95) and not sleeping under insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI =1.95-4.92) were significantly associated with malaria. The age of the children was negatively associated with malaria prevalence.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The prevalence of malaria among children under 5 years old was high during the rainy season in this pastoral region of Ethiopia. Factors such as fever within the last week and not sleeping in insecticide-treated nets were significantly associated with malaria. Therefore, to reduce malaria-related infections and deaths among children under 5 years of age, the government ought to enhance the availability and utilization of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs).</p>","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"3 ","pages":"1438218"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11731693/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017453","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":"From laboratory to clinical practice: an update of the immunological and molecular tools for neurocysticercosis diagnosis","authors":"L. Toribio, J. Bustos, Hector H. Garcia","doi":"10.3389/fpara.2024.1394089","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fpara.2024.1394089","url":null,"abstract":"Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is caused by the invasion of Taenia solium larvae in the central nervous system (CNS) and stands as the predominant cause of epilepsy and other neurological disorders in many developing nations. NCC diagnosis is challenging because it relies on brain imaging exams (CT or MRI), which are poorly available in endemic rural or resource-limited areas. Moreover, some NCC cases cannot be easily detected by imaging, leading to inconclusive results. Multiple laboratory assays, principally immunological, have been developed to support the diagnosis and/or monitor the treatment efficacy, but its production can be costly, laborious, and non-globally accessible because they depend on parasite material. Therefore, recent advances have been focused on the implementation of recombinant or synthetic antigens as well as monoclonal antibodies for NCC immunodiagnosis purposes. Similarly, molecular diagnosis has been explored, obtaining promising results. Here we described the recent progress in the development of immunological and molecular diagnostic tools for NCC diagnosis over the past 13 years, discussing their potential application to address important challenges and how to focus future directions to improve NCC diagnosis with emphasis on enhance accessibility and the importance of test validation to provide an adequate support for clinical decisions.","PeriodicalId":73098,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in parasitology","volume":"12 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141715183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}