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

{"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":"Bats from an area of the Colombian Caribbean reveal the circulation of Alphacoronavirus","authors":"Caty Martínez ,&nbsp;Daniel Echeverri ,&nbsp;Alfonso Calderón ,&nbsp;Eliana Hurtado ,&nbsp;Bertha Gastelbondo ,&nbsp;Yésica López ,&nbsp;Jairo Martínez ,&nbsp;Yeimy López ,&nbsp;Yesica Botero ,&nbsp;Camilo Guzmán ,&nbsp;Ketty Galeano ,&nbsp;Valeria Bertel ,&nbsp;Yonairo Herrera ,&nbsp;Germán Arrieta ,&nbsp;Joao Pessoa Araujo ,&nbsp;Salim Mattar","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The evolutionary origin of coronaviruses is related to bats (order Chiroptera), and their association with pathologies in animals and humans is expected. Anthropic threats reduce bat diversity and expose humans to extraordinary transmission and spread of associated viruses, putting health and food security at risk owing to the multiple ecological roles that bats play. This study aimed to determine the presence of coronaviruses in bats in the Department of Córdoba, Colombia. Between 2022 and 2023, 11 municipalities were selected using non-probabilistic sampling methods. A total of 262 bats belonging to 16 species of five families were captured and identified. Serological tests were performed to detect SARS-CoV-2, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect the coronavirus RdRp gene. RdRp-positive samples were sequenced using Sanger sequencing. Five specimens (2.7%) had antibodies against the coronavirus N protein, and the RdRp gene was detected in 55 specimens (21.0%), all belonging to the family Phyllostomidae. Phylogenetic analysis of the RdRp gene revealed that the newly generated sequences represented alphacoronaviruses. Bats tested in ecoregions with greater anthropogenic intervention were shown to be carriers of coronaviruses, unlike bats from conserved ecoregions. Coronavirus surveillance in bats has revealed previous infections through serology and circulating infections in natural populations of different ecoregions of the Department of Córdoba, where inter-species jumps could be generated by contact between bats and domestic/wild animals, or humans.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942773","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":"Pseudocapillaria tomentosa (Nematoda: Capillariidae) in fish and its significance in comprehending host-parasite relationships: A review","authors":"Amin Marandi ,&nbsp;Anne Majgaard Jensen ,&nbsp;Louise von Gersdorff Jørgensen","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100265","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100265","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Helminth parasites, including capillariids, pose a significant health risk to animals, including fishes, birds, and mammals. <em>Pseudocapillaria tomentosa</em> is a widespread, but poorly studied parasite primarily infecting freshwater cyprinid fishes in the northern hemisphere. However, despite controlled laboratory procedures, the parasite is also prevalent in many zebrafish (<em>Danio rerio</em>) research facilities due to inadequate measures to ensure biological security and the ability of the nematode to endure chlorine treatment. <em>Pseudocapillaria tomentosa</em> typically causes chronic disease in fish, leading to morbidity, mortality, and economic challenges. Clinical signs include emaciation, ulcers, anemia, and hemorrhage, as well as reduced growth and reproductive ability, and prominent humpback lesions in severe infections. Diagnosing <em>P. tomentosa</em> infections involve observation of eggs in wet mount preparations or worms in histological sections of the intestine. However, definitive species identification requires detailed morphological examination and molecular analyses. <em>Pseudocapillaria tomentosa</em> can be effectively managed through anthelmintic treatments such as emamectin, fenbendazole, albendazole, and mebendazole as well as preventive measures including maintaining optimal water quality, reducing fish density, and implementing strict quarantine protocols. This review discusses the use of the zebrafish to study host-parasite interactions, particularly with the parasitic nematode <em>P. tomentosa</em>. The zebrafish is a suitable model for studying infectious diseases, including parasites, due to its well-characterized immune system, reporter lines and cell lineages. This model organism exhibits immune responses to helminth antigens, including eosinophilia and the upregulation of inflammatory cytokines like Tnf-α and Ifn-γ. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in susceptibility to parasitic infections in zebrafish and an imbalanced or dysbiotic gut microbiome can predispose fish to parasitic infections, while a healthy, balanced microbiome can enhance resistance. Furthermore, probiotic-based interventions are being explored as a way to boost mucosal immunity and modify the gut microbiome to prevent parasitic infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100265"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143922470","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":"Survey of tick-borne pathogens in Rhipicephalus microplus ticks from livestock in the Northern Punjab Province, Pakistan","authors":"Mariachiara Ciarma ,&nbsp;Sophie Melis ,&nbsp;Beatrice Bisaglia ,&nbsp;Gherard Batisti Biffignandi ,&nbsp;Gull Sanober Sunny ,&nbsp;Michela Vumbaca ,&nbsp;Sara Epis ,&nbsp;Muhammad Arshad ,&nbsp;Haroon Ahmed ,&nbsp;Davide Sassera ,&nbsp;Michele Castelli","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are worldwide distributed hematophagous ectoparasites that can act as vectors of numerous zoonotic pathogens of concern for human and veterinary health. In this study, we investigated the presence and abundance of bacterial and protozoan tick-borne pathogens in livestock-associated ticks from Northern Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 374 ticks were collected by convenience sampling in 40 villages and were morphologically and molecularly characterized, with all of them being identified as <em>Rhipicephalus microplus</em>. Out of 121 adult female ticks that were tested by PCR, 57 (47.1%) were positive for <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, 16 (13.2%) for <em>Anaplasma marginale</em>, 13 (10.7%) for <em>Theileria orientalis</em>, 3 (2.5%) for <em>Ehrlichia muris</em>, and none for <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. Phylogenetic analyses indicated a high proximity of the newly characterized pathogens with conspecifics from other countries, thus suggesting possible recent long-distance spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. Moreover, the investigated pathogens showed seasonal variations in ticks, being more abundant during summer. The higher temperature and lower humidity of this season may represent favourable conditions for tick and pathogen survival and spread. The present findings provide an updated report of the distribution of ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with livestock in Punjab. This highlights the need for further research to monitor the presence and dissemination of these pathogens, and to develop local and general epidemiological control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100275"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144222726","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":"An inclusive assessment of apoptosis mechanisms in Leishmania species: A narrative literature review","authors":"Soheil Sadr ,&nbsp;Iraj Sharifi ,&nbsp;Solmaz Morovati ,&nbsp;Helia Sepahvand ,&nbsp;Shakiba Nazemian ,&nbsp;Mehdi Bamorovat ,&nbsp;Zahra Rezaeian ,&nbsp;Baharak Akhtardanesh","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Leishmaniasis, the most neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <em>Leishmania</em>, poses a substantial global health concern. The present review provides an in-depth overview of current findings on apoptosis and cell death mechanisms in leishmaniasis, integrating current advancements and key components. It explores the intricate interaction between <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and host cell apoptosis, a crucial basis of disease outcome. <em>Leishmania</em> spp. and host cell death pathways interplay is highly complex and multi-layered, and the current review discusses how <em>Leishmania</em> parasites manipulate host cell apoptotic signal transduction to establish and sustain infection. This includes the subversion of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic signaling, the modulation of pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and managing host cell death machinery for their survival and pathogenesis. Moreover, the present review explores the emerging evidence of apoptosis in <em>Leishmania</em> parasites. This fascinating phenomenon, while less widely studied, recommends immense therapeutic potential in targeting parasite-persistent mechanisms. Finally, we critically analyze the challenges and future directions in this field, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the merits and mediator molecular mechanisms underlying <em>Leishmania</em>-induced apoptosis and its implications for novel therapeutic strategies against this debilitating disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100260"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143854822","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":"Global prevalence of Cryptosporidium infections in cattle: A meta-analysis","authors":"Rachel Buchanan ,&nbsp;Przemyslaw Wieckowski ,&nbsp;Eleni Matechou ,&nbsp;Frank Katzer ,&nbsp;Anastasios D. Tsaousis ,&nbsp;Marta Farré","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The apicomplexan parasites <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. are the causative agents of a severe diarrhoeal disease called cryptosporidiosis. <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species are capable of infecting a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including humans and livestock. In cattle, cryptosporidiosis is now one of the most important causes of neonatal scour globally, either as a sole agent or co-infecting with other pathogens. Cryptosporidiosis is considered globally endemic, with a prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> in stool samples from 13% to 93% in European cattle. This disease has a significant economic burden, with costs associated with veterinary diagnosis and medication, animal rearing, and supplemental nutrition. It is also associated with a reduced long-term growth rate in calves, causing huge economic losses in the livestock industry. Moreover, cattle act as a zoonotic reservoir for <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em>, a species that is capable of infecting humans as well. As such, monitoring the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in cattle is important due to the public health risk and financial burden the clinical disease causes. Publications reporting on the prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in cattle were collected from PubMed and Google Scholar. Information regarding the age of the animals, the species of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> in positive samples, the genotype of <em>C. parvum</em> found in samples, and the diarrhoeic status of the cattle was collected where available. A total of 248 publications were collected for this meta-analysis from six continents and 63 countries to provide an estimation for global bovine <em>Cryptosporidium</em> prevalence. The global prevalence of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> infection ranged between 27.0% and 37.5% in calves and pre-weaned cattle, respectively, with <em>C. parvum</em> being the most frequently identified species, particularly the IIa subfamily. Diarrhoea was reported in 7080 pre-weaned cattle samples, of which 38.1% tested positive for <em>Cryptosporidium</em>. Regarding symptoms, we found that in countries reporting over 50% of diarrhoeic positive cattle, <em>C. parvum</em> was the most common species. Continued monitoring and reporting of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. in cattle are crucial for both public health and economic reasons. Consequently, efforts should focus on underreported regions and the development of control measures to reduce prevalence and limit zoonotic transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100264"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942772","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":"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}

{"title":"Insecticide resistance intensity in Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) from five malaria epidemiological zones in Kenya","authors":"Edith Ramaita ,&nbsp;Silas Agumba ,&nbsp;Joseph Mwangangi ,&nbsp;Stanley Kitur ,&nbsp;Lucy Wachira ,&nbsp;Samson Otieno ,&nbsp;David Mburu ,&nbsp;Damaris Matoke-Muhia ,&nbsp;Elijah Juma ,&nbsp;Charles Mbogo ,&nbsp;Eric Ochomo ,&nbsp;Luna Kamau","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100252","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100252","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Insecticide-based malaria vector-control interventions have been economically important in reducing malaria prevalence. However, insecticide resistance now threatens the continued efficacy of insecticides in malaria vector control. Monitoring insecticide resistance in mosquito populations is needed to guide the implementation of effective insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategies. Thus the study assessed the levels and intensity of insecticide resistance in <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>) in five malaria epidemiological zones of Kenya, which are subjected to different vector control interventions. <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> (<em>s.l</em>.) mosquito larvae were sampled from Teso in Busia County in the lake malaria-endemic zone, Kwale in Kwale County in the coastal malaria-endemic zone, Kakuma in Turkana County, a malaria epidemic zone, Mwea in Kirinyaga County in the seasonal malaria transmission zone of Central Kenya and Thika in Kiambu County in the low-risk malaria zones. The mosquito larvae were reared into adults, and the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) bottle DD intensity of resistance assays were conducted at 2× , 5× , and 10× the discriminating doses (DD); the WHO guidelines were used to evaluate the percentage knockdown or mortality of the adult vectors. <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> (<em>s.l</em>.) mosquitoes from all the malaria epidemiological zones showed resistance to deltamethrin and pirimiphos-methyl, while mosquitoes from most of the zones were resistant to alpha-cypermethrin. However, the mosquitoes were susceptible to the other insecticides tested, i.e. chlorfenapyr and clothianidin. In cases where resistance was found, the resistance intensity ranged from low to moderate levels. <em>Anopheles arabiensis</em> was the most prevalent species in all the sites except in Busia County, where <em>An. gambiae</em> (<em>sensu stricto</em>) was the majority. The results of this study showed widespread insecticide resistance in <em>An. gambiae</em> (<em>s.l</em>.) to commonly used insecticides in different malaria epidemiological zones in Kenya. Routine surveillance of insecticide resistance through monitoring and subsequent management in the zones of occurrence is a reliable component of evidence-based policy decision-making for mitigating malaria transmission using insecticide-based vector control interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100252"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684033","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":"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":"Clinical canine Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) infections are associated with highly elevated total IgG ELISA titers and convalescent Th2 immune responses","authors":"K. Emil Hovius ,&nbsp;Tess van den Bergen ,&nbsp;Osama Almalik ,&nbsp;Ellen Versmissen ,&nbsp;Victor P. Rutten ,&nbsp;Hein Sprong ,&nbsp;Joppe W. Hovius","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Lyme disease is caused by <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>), which is transmitted through species belonging to the <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> complex. Canine Lyme Disease (CLD) is an established clinical entity in the USA. In Europe, an unambiguous diagnosis is rarely made, although it has been shown that dogs can be naturally infected and develop antibodies against <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>). The relation of <em>Borrelia</em> total IgG, IgG2, and IgG1 specific antibodies and the incidence of symptoms was studied in a prospective cohort study. In a tick-dense area in the Netherlands, 84 dogs in 4 age cohorts were followed up during 7 consecutive half-years. In addition, 31 Bernese Mountain dogs (BMD), known to have robust anti-<em>Borrelia</em> antibody responses, were clinically monitored and serologically examined. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) analysis on repeated half-year measurements of clinical and serological results showed a strong association between the clinical signs fever combined with lameness in time, which in turn was associated with transiently high total IgG titers and elevated IgG1 titers against <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu stricto</em>). In BMD, we observed seroconversions and persistence of specific high total IgG and IgG1 titers. Although the latter also developed a persistent reaction against the <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) C6 peptide, their tissues tested negative for <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) DNA. This study strongly suggests that dogs - not vaccinated against <em>Borrelia</em> spp. infections - that encounter yearly tick infestations are recurrently infected. Some breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers and BMD, in the course of multiple tick-infestation seasons, develop transient symptoms compatible with CLD. Symptoms were strongly associated with temporarily raised total IgG and concomitant or convalescent high IgG1 antibody responses against <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu stricto</em>). Our findings provide insights into the resistance of dogs against <em>B. burgdorferi</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) infections and show that transient symptoms of CLD only occur in a subset of infected dogs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100258"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143917353","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}