Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases最新文献

{"title":"Larvicidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes","authors":"Prakai Rajchanuwong ,&nbsp;Sawaporn Peaboon ,&nbsp;Ratchadawan Ngoen-Klan ,&nbsp;Atsalek Rattanawannee ,&nbsp;Atirat Noosidum ,&nbsp;Boonhiang Promdonkoy ,&nbsp;Jariya Chanpaisaeng ,&nbsp;Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organophosphates, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids are commonly used in Thailand to control mosquito vectors; however, long-term use of insecticides in vector control has led to the rapid development of insecticide resistance. In this study, we screened <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> strains as biological control agents for potential toxins against mosquito larvae as an additional control tool. Preliminary bioassays conducted on 434 strains demonstrated that 41 strains (11.64%) and 14 strains (3.97%) achieved 100% mortality against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> larvae, respectively. Three strains (JC690, JC691, and JC699) showed toxicity to both mosquito species, compared with the reference Bti strain. Strains JC691 demonstrated the highest efficacy against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, with an LC₅₀ value of 6.96 × 10⁴ CFU/ml and 1.16 × 10³ CFU/ml, respectively. A comparison of LC₅₀ values revealed that JC691 exhibited higher efficacy against <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> than that by Bti (Bti LC₅₀: 8.89 × 10⁴ CFU/ml) but lower efficacy against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> (Bti LC₅₀: 1.99 × 10³ CFU/ml). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that JC690, JC691, and JC699 are rod-shaped, have oval spores, and produce bi-pyramidal crystal proteins. Protein profile analysis using SDS-PAGE demonstrated distinct differences between these Thailand strains (JC690, JC691, and JC699) and the reference Bti strain. All three Thailand strains contained <em>cry</em>1I and <em>cry</em>2A genes, and only JC691 harbored the <em>cry</em>32 gene. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of <em>cry</em>32 indicated that the partial sequences of <em>cry</em>32 in JC691 from Thailand were distinct from those of other <em>B. thuringiensis</em> strains from different countries. This study demonstrates the potential of JC690, JC691, and JC699 as biocontrol agents for <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149005","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":"Insights into the transmission cycle of cutaneous leishmaniasis from an endemic community in rural Guatemala","authors":"Yaimie Lopez ,&nbsp;Aitor Casas-Sanchez ,&nbsp;Byron Arana ,&nbsp;Nidia Rizzo ,&nbsp;Erick Duran ,&nbsp;Norma Padilla ,&nbsp;Andrea de la Vega ,&nbsp;Esteban Bustamante ,&nbsp;Álvaro Acosta-Serrano ,&nbsp;Renata Mendizabal-Cabrera","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic vector-borne disease prevalent in 90 countries. Despite its endemicity in Guatemala, key transmission factors are still unknown. To address this, we characterized sand fly populations and <em>Leishmania</em> parasites in a Guatemalan community in 2022. We visited the households of 23 patients with lesions compatible with CL, sampled for sand flies and analysed <em>Leishmania</em> spp. presence in patients’ skin scrapings and in collected sand flies. We collected 93 sand flies, predominantly females including the vector species <em>Nyssomyia ylephiletor</em>, <em>Bichromomyia olmeca</em> and <em>Lutzomyia cruciata</em>. <em>Nyssomyia ylephiletor</em> was the most abundant species indoors. Four <em>Leishmania</em> spp. were identified including <em>L. panamensis</em>, <em>L. guyanensis</em>, <em>L. braziliensis</em> and <em>L. infantum</em> in CL lesions, <em>L. guyanensis</em> complex species (<em>L. guyanensis</em> or <em>L. panamensis</em>) and <em>Leishmania</em> sp. in sand flies. Sand fly species positive for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. were <em>Ny. ylephiletor</em>, <em>Dampfomyia deleoni</em>, <em>Dampfomyia</em> sp<em>.</em> and <em>Brumptomyia</em> sp. Blood-meal analysis revealed human and pig blood in engorged <em>Ny. ylephiletor</em> collected inside and in the proximity of the households. This is the first report of <em>L. guyanensis</em> in Guatemalan patients and provides insights into CL transmission dynamics, suggesting potential indoor transmission, pending more studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143360315","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":"The BiteBarrier perimeter: A passive spatial device for tick control and bite prevention","authors":"Maria V. Murgia ,&nbsp;Laurie Widder ,&nbsp;Catherine A. Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) impact human and animal health on a global scale. Prevention of TBDs relies primarily on prevention of tick bites. New bite-prevention technologies are needed as an alternative to current approaches such as topical repellents and treated clothing which suffer low user compliance. To date, no passive spatial devices have been commercialized for area protection against ticks. The BiteBarrier (formerly the Personal Insect Repellent Kit, PIRK), a passive, lightweight device that emits transfluthrin, offers to fill this gap. In a previous study, we demonstrated contact toxicity of the BiteBarrier substrate to three tick species, <em>Ixodes scapularis</em>, <em>Dermacentor variabilis</em> and <em>Amblyomma americanum</em>, and reported differences in efficacy depending on species and short-range spatial efficacy against <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females. Here, we extended analyses and demonstrated modest spatial activity of the BiteBarrier substrate against <em>A. americanum</em> and <em>D. variabilis</em> adult females. Using a dual-choice behavioral assay, we showed that the three tick species preferred an area of untreated substrate. Lastly, we present a novel perimeter assay, developed to assess the efficacy of the BiteBarrier ground-based prototype against ticks. At short-range in a Peet Grady-style chamber, the BiteBarrier perimeter induced greater than 90% knockdown of <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females at 1 and 2 h post-exposure and 90% mortality at 48 h post-exposure. Taken together, study findings indicate the potential of the BiteBarrier perimeter to control ticks at near range and potentially, to protect against tick bites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421670","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":"Monitoring of questing tick species distribution in Galicia, north-western Spain, over a period of 5.5 years","authors":"María Vilá Pena ,&nbsp;Inês Abreu Ramos ,&nbsp;Génesis Bautista García ,&nbsp;Elvira Íñiguez Pichel ,&nbsp;Cristiana Cazapal Monteiro ,&nbsp;José Ángel Hernández Malagón ,&nbsp;Adolfo Paz Silva ,&nbsp;Rita Sánchez-Andrade Fernández ,&nbsp;María Sol Arias Vázquez","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100254","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100254","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>An active survey was performed by the Galician Vector Surveillance Network (ReGaViVec) to determine the distribution of questing tick species in the Autonomous Community of Galicia Galicia, north-western Spain. Monitoring of tick populations involved drag/flag sampling at 533 locations over a period of 5.5 years. The identification of tick species, sex, and stage was carried out according to morphological keys, and the results were analyzed considering three Köppen climate regions, i.e. Cfb (marine west coast climate), Csb (warm-summer Mediterranean climate), and Csa (hot-summer Mediterranean climate), season, environment (forest, rural, or urban), vegetation height (≤ 15 cm, 16–40 cm, and &gt; 40 cm); and altitude (&lt; 300 m, 301–500 m, 501–1000 m, and &gt;1000 m). A total of 1378 ticks were collected at 260 locations: 62.92% in Csb, 24.38% in Cfb, and 12.70% in Csa. Of these, 2% were larvae, 45.2% were nymphs, and 52.8% were adults (58.3% females and 41.7% males). Six species were recorded, i.e. <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> (57.90%), <em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>) (26.05%), <em>Dermacentor reticulatus</em> (10.95%), <em>Dermacentor marginatus</em> (2.10%), <em>Haemaphysalis</em> sp. (2.61%), and <em>Rhipicephalus bursa</em> (0.36%). A seasonal pattern was recorded, with the relative abundance of <em>I. ricinus</em> and <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l</em>.) peaking in spring-summer, and that of <em>Dermacentor</em> spp. and <em>Haemaphysalis</em> sp. peaking in autumn-winter. Significant differences were demonstrated in the species abundance distribution according to climate region, season, environment, and altitude. The highest tick abundance was recorded in summer, in rural areas, and at altitudes of &lt; 300 m. Because most of the tick species present in the environment of Galicia have vectorial competence for emerging tick-borne pathogens, it is important to maintain research and coordination of tick surveillance practices in the region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100254"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143785288","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":"Density-dependence and different dimensions of changing weather shape adult abundance patterns of common mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bloomington, Indiana, USA","authors":"Aidan Patrick Simons ,&nbsp;Amanda Lenfestey ,&nbsp;Luis Fernando Chaves","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the factors driving changes in mosquito abundance are key to quantify the risk they pose as vectors of pathogens. Here, to study the impacts of weather changes and density-dependent regulation on mosquito species abundance, we used season long weekly time series of <em>Aedes japonicus</em> (Theobald), <em>Aedes triseriatus</em> (Say), <em>Aedes vexans</em> (Meigen), <em>Anopheles punctipennis</em> (Say), C<em>oquillettidia perturbans</em> (Walker), and <em>Culex pipiens</em> L., common mosquito species in the Bloomington, IN, USA, area. We use the forced Ricker model to estimate population growth and density-dependence parameters, as well as the forcing by weather variables. We found that weather factors important for the population dynamics of these species were different. We found that <em>Cx. pipiens</em> population dynamics was not associated with any weather variables, while <em>Ae. japonicus</em>, <em>Ae. triseriatus</em> and <em>Cq. perturbans</em> were forced by relative humidity, <em>Ae. vexans</em> by SD of rainfall, and <em>An. punctipennis</em> by the kurtosis of temperature. These results illustrate the diversity of ways in which mosquitoes can respond to changing weather patterns and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of how mosquitoes respond to climate change by coupling field studies with mathematical modeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149067","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":"Refining the annotation of Rhodnius prolixus aspartic proteases A1 family genes through proteogenomics","authors":"Radouane Ouali,&nbsp;Sabrina Bousbata","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhodnius prolixus</em> Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) a hematophagous model organism and vector of Chagas disease, relies on a complex repertoire of digestive enzymes to process its blood meals. Among these, aspartic proteases from the A1 peptidase family play a crucial role in nutrient breakdown. This study aims to refine the gene annotation of the A1 peptidase family in this organism through proteogenomics. A comprehensive analysis of aspartic protease gene sequences and protein isoforms, identified by proteomics, revealed discrepancies in existing gene annotations, including the identification of novel open reading frames and the consolidation of previously separated gene sequences. Our efforts led to the correction of seven gene annotations, reducing the total count of A1 peptidase genes from 19 to 15. Notably, 11 of these genes were confirmed at the protein level, while two were supported by transcriptomic data. Furthermore, our findings highlight instances of alternative splicing, as seen in RPRC015076, where proteoforms T1IFK7 and R4G5J6 are expressed through intron retention. This study not only provides a more accurate and comprehensive genomic framework for the A1 peptidase family but also offers new insights into the functional complexity and regulation of digestive enzymes in <em>R. prolixus</em>. These findings pave the way for future studies on insect digestive biology and their potential applications in vector control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100253"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684031","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":"Small mammals as hosts of vector-borne pathogens in the High Tatra Mountains region in Slovakia, Central Europe","authors":"Bronislava Víchová ,&nbsp;Michal Stanko ,&nbsp;Martina Miterpáková ,&nbsp;Zuzana Hurníková ,&nbsp;Yaroslav Syrota ,&nbsp;Patrícia Schmer-Jakšová ,&nbsp;Petronela Komorová ,&nbsp;Lucia Vargová ,&nbsp;Veronika Blažeková ,&nbsp;Dana Zubriková ,&nbsp;Klaudia Mária Švirlochová ,&nbsp;Gabriela Chovancová","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rodents and insectivores are significant reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens, contributing to the transmission of diseases affecting human and animal health. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of vector-borne pathogens in small mammals within the High Tatras region of Slovakia, an area with substantial recreational activity and protected zones. A total of 156 small mammals, comprising ten species, were screened for pathogens such as <em>Bartonella</em> spp., <em>Borrelia</em> spp., <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>, and <em>Babesia</em> spp. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in the studied animals reached 74.35%, with <em>Bartonella</em> spp. being the most common, identified in 57.7% of the animals, particularly in <em>Apodemus flavicollis</em> and <em>Clethrionomys glareolus</em>. <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>) was detected in 11.5% of the rodents, with <em>Borrelia afzelii</em> identified as the predominant species. <em>Babesia microti</em> was found in <em>A. flavicollis</em> and <em>Mus musculus</em>, with a total prevalence of 3.2%. The lowest was the prevalence of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> reaching 1.9%. This study provides evidence of the significant role of rodents as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens in protected areas of the High Tatras region and Tatra National Park.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11751563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143026256","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":"Exploring bioactive molecules released during inter- and intraspecific competition: A paradigm for novel antiparasitic drug discovery and design for human use","authors":"Pichet Ruenchit","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100256","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100256","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many antiparasitic drugs have become obsolete and ineffective in treating parasitic diseases. This ineffectiveness arises from parasite drug resistance, high toxicity, and low drug efficacy. Thus, the discovery of novel agents is urgently needed to control parasitic diseases. Various strategies are employed in drug discovery, design, and development. This review highlights the paradigm of searching for bioactive molecules produced during inter- and intraspecific competition among organisms, particularly between microbes and parasites, as a strategy for <em>de novo</em> antiparasitic drug discovery. Competitive interactions occur when individuals of the same or different species coexist in overlapping niches and compete for space and resources. These interactions are well recognized. Therefore, bioactive molecules released during these interactions are promising targets for novel drug discovery. Compelling data indicate that microbes remain a potential source for the discovery of novel antiparasitic drugs because of their diversity. Many antimicrobial producers in nature have yet to be isolated and investigated. This body of evidence underscores the success of numerous therapeutic drugs, including penicillin, β-lactams, and tetracyclines, which have been successfully discovered and developed for treating infectious diseases. This review comprehensively covers these concepts, with a particular focus on inter- and intraspecific competition in the discovery of novel antiparasitic agents. This approach will pave the way for identifying alternative strategies to control and eradicate parasitic diseases that continue to threaten human health. Additionally, this review discusses current antiparasitic drugs and their mechanisms of action, limitations, and existing gaps. This discussion emphasizes the ongoing need to explore novel antiparasitic drugs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100256"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143826358","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}

{"title":"DNA-elucidated life cycle of a highly pathogenic avian nematode: Streptocara incognita (Spirurida: Acuariidae) and its morphological development from infective third-stage larva to adult","authors":"Yasen Mutafchiev ,&nbsp;Yannick Roman ,&nbsp;Kathryn Griffiths ,&nbsp;Lyubomir Kenderov ,&nbsp;Michelle L. Michalski","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Streptocara incognita</em> Gibson, 1968 is an acuariid nematode associated with lethal cases of streptocarosis of diverse aquatic birds in North America and Europe. This study reports <em>S. incognita</em> as an agent causing severe and fatal necrosis of the oesophagus and proventriculus of anatids, i.e. <em>Somateria mollissima</em> (L.), <em>Marmaronetta angustirostris</em> (Ménétriés), <em>Tadorna tadorna</em> (L.) and <em>Spatula querquedula</em> (L.), kept in open pens in the Zoological Park, Clères, France. Comparative analysis of 12S rRNA gene sequences revealed that third-stage infective nematode larvae found in the amphipod <em>Gammarus pulex pulex</em> (L.) in the river passing through the pens belong to <em>S. incognita</em> thus elucidating the life cycle of this species. A partial sequence of the <em>cox</em>1 gene was also generated. To complement the brief original description of <em>S. incognita</em>, a detailed morphological description of the adult stages is provided based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, morphological data on the developing third- and fourth-stage larvae found in the definitive host and third-stage infective nematode larvae found in <em>G. pulex pulex</em> are also provided. This is the first record of an intermediate host of <em>S. incognita. Somateria mollissima</em>, <em>M. angustirostris</em> and <em>S. querquedula</em> are new host records.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985861","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":"Molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) from Thailand","authors":"Tanasak Changbunjong ,&nbsp;Tatiyanuch Chamsai ,&nbsp;Siriporn Tangsudjai ,&nbsp;Nareerat Sangkachai ,&nbsp;Chalisa Mongkolphan ,&nbsp;Luxsana Prasittichai ,&nbsp;Tanawat Chaiphongpachara","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Haemoparasites of the genera <em>Ehrlichia</em>, <em>Hepatozoon</em>, and <em>Babesia</em>, which are known tick-borne pathogens, infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (<em>Panthera tigris</em>) at a wildlife center in Thailand. From multiplex PCR results, haemoparasites were detected in the blood of 12 out of 17 tigers (70.6%), including 4 males and 8 females. Ten tigers (58.8%) were infected with <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, one (5.9%) was co-infected with <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. and <em>E. canis</em>, and another (5.9%) was infected solely with <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. No infection with <em>Babesia</em> spp. was found. Nucleotide sequence analyses of the VirB9 protein gene sequence of <em>E. canis</em> and the 18S rRNA gene sequences of <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp. revealed high levels of genetic similarity with GenBank reference sequences. The <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp. sequence from the co-infected tiger showed 98.1–99.9% similarity with <em>Hepatozoon canis</em>, while another sequence showed a 97.6–99.7% match with <em>Hepatozoon felis</em>. The detection of these parasites underscores the complex interactions and dynamics of disease transmission that exist within captive environments, highlighting the need for preventive measures. Therefore, appropriate steps should be taken to control ectoparasites and manage domestic animals within wildlife centers to minimize the risk of infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143454694","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}