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

{"title":"Redefining Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) species complex in Greece focusing on the mitogenome of Rhipicephalus secundus","authors":"Panagiota Ligda ,&nbsp;Jan Šlapeta ,&nbsp;Anastasios Saratsis ,&nbsp;Vaia Kantzoura ,&nbsp;Jaisy Chong ,&nbsp;Smaragda Sotiraki","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> species complex, referred to as <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>), is distributed globally with some species distributed in specific regions and others spread globally. In Greece, <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) in dogs, and <em>Rhipicephalus turanicus</em> and <em>Rhipicephalus bursa</em> in livestock, have been repeatedly reported however only based on morphological identification. Recently, there has been a great effort to accurately identify the species belonging to the <em>R. sanguineus</em> species complex, using modern molecular tools and describe their spatial distribution. The aim of this study was to expand the studies on the molecular characterisation of species of the <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) complex in the Mediterranean region, by molecularly characterising ticks collected from various locations and host species in Greece. Results confirm the presence of <em>Rhipicephalus rutilus</em>, <em>Rhipicephalus secundus</em>, <em>R. bursa</em>, and <em>R. turanicus</em>. The complete mitochondrial genome of <em>R. secundus</em> (approx. 15 kb) from sheep (<em>n</em> = 3) in Greece was sequenced and matched to sequences and morphological data from the type-material from Israel. Additionally, the mitogenome of <em>R. bursa</em> from goats (<em>n</em> = 2) in Greece was sequenced. This study provides a molecular reference for <em>R. secundus</em>, a tick species distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11696630/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142934335","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":"Species classification of Tabanus (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Western Thailand: Integrating DNA barcoding and modern morphometrics","authors":"Tanasak Changbunjong ,&nbsp;Thekhawet Weluwanarak ,&nbsp;Sedthapong Laojun ,&nbsp;Tanawat Chaiphongpachara","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The species of <em>Tabanus</em>, commonly known as horse flies, are remarkable ectoparasites capable of transmitting various pathogens to animals and humans. Given their role in disease transmission, accurate identification of horse fly species is critical but traditionally relies on morphological characteristics, requiring significant expertise and posing a high potential for error, especially with damaged specimens. To address the limitations of traditional morphological identification, this study highlights the importance of alternative techniques, including DNA barcoding and geometric morphometrics (GM). To enhance the reliability of species identification, DNA barcoding was employed to analyze 30 cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 (<em>cox</em>1) gene sequences from 15 horse fly species, which were then compared with sequences in the GenBank and BOLD databases. Most <em>cox</em>1 sequences aligned with existing data, with similarity percentages ranging from 96% to 100%. However, discrepancies were noted, including <em>Tabanus helvinus</em>, misidentified as <em>Tabanus aurilineatus</em>, and <em>Tabanus minimus</em>, whose sequences matched those of both <em>Tabanus minimus</em> and <em>Tabanus mesogaeus</em>. Besides DNA barcoding, GM analyses were conducted to enhance species classification accuracy. Our GM analyses employed the landmark-based method for the entire wing and the outline-based method for the first submarginal cell. While shape-based GM analyses demonstrated high reliability, with adjusted total accuracy scores of 97% and 96%, size-based GM analyses yielded significantly lower accuracy, with scores of only 27% and 23%, respectively. These findings provide a foundation for refining horse fly species classification by integrating DNA barcoding and GM approaches, offering valuable advances in species identification and developing targeted control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143346095","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":"Genome analyses of amphotericin B-susceptible and -resistant strains of Leishmania (Mundinia) martiniquensis reveal variations potentially related to amphotericin B resistance","authors":"Narissara Jariyapan ,&nbsp;Sivamoke Dissook ,&nbsp;Pitiporn Noisagul ,&nbsp;Patcharawadee Thongkumkoon ,&nbsp;Chonlada Mano ,&nbsp;Romteera Kittichaiworakul ,&nbsp;Anuluck Junkum ,&nbsp;Adisak Tantiworawit ,&nbsp;Pascale Pescher ,&nbsp;Gerald F. Späth ,&nbsp;Hatim Almutairi ,&nbsp;Padet Siriyasatien","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100255","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100255","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Amphotericin B deoxycholate (AmpB) is used for the treatment of leishmaniasis caused by <em>Leishmania</em> (<em>Mundinia</em>) <em>martiniquensis</em> in Thailand, and relapse cases have been documented. To date, genomic analysis of drug-resistant <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> strains is limited. In this study, comparative genome analyses were performed with an experimentally selected AmpB-resistant <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> (AmpBRP2i) and two cryopreserved <em>L</em>. <em>martiniquensis</em> parasite strains isolated from a patient showing differences in response to AmpB treatment, LSCM1-WT (susceptible) and LSCM1-6 (resistant). Applying the GIP genome analyses package, we identified aneuploidy and gene copy number variations in all three samples, none of which correlated with AmpB resistance. In contrast, single nucleotide variant (SNV) analyses revealed an SNV in AmpB-resistant strains introduced a premature stop codon into a putative sterol C-24 reductase gene (<em>C24R</em>) (<em>LSCM1_02556</em>) involved in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in <em>Leishmania</em>. As <em>Leishmania</em> AmpB resistance has previously been linked to mutations in other genes of the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway in different species of <em>Leishmania</em> parasites, these results suggest that <em>C24R</em> may serve as an additional marker of AmpB resistance in <em>Leishmania</em>. We further identified two missense SNVs in AmpB-resistant strains in a putative ‘ABC transporter-like/ABC transporter family’ gene (<em>LSCM1_01856</em>) that could be involved in drug efflux. These initial findings pave the way for future research with a larger number of isolates to confirm the genomic signature we associate here with AmpB resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143684034","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 the epidemiological impact of attractive targeted sugar bait against malaria in combination with standard malaria control","authors":"Nima R. Moghaddas ,&nbsp;Mohamed M. Traore ,&nbsp;Gunter C. Müller ,&nbsp;Joseph Wagman ,&nbsp;Javan Chanda ,&nbsp;Julian Entwistle ,&nbsp;Christen M. Fornadel ,&nbsp;Thomas S. Churcher","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a potential new vector control tool that exploits the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. Little is known about the factors which drive ATSB efficacy, either as a standalone vector control tool or in combination with existing intervention strategies. It has been suggested that the percentage of wild mosquitoes caught fed on dye-containing sugar baits without the toxin could provide an entomological correlate of the potential epidemiological benefit of ATSB. A transmission dynamics mathematical model is combined with data from wild mosquitoes to investigate the relationship between the mosquito dyed fraction, bait-feeding rate and the potential epidemiological impact of ATSB in the presence of standard malaria control. The dyed fraction in Mali varies substantially in space and time (mean 0.34, standard deviation 0.15), causing estimates of the bait-feeding rate to be highly uncertain, especially in areas with existing vector control tools. The model indicates the dyed fractions observed in field experiments were broadly predictive of the reductions in mosquitoes caught when ATSB stations were deployed at scale in Mali (<em>R</em>² = 0.90). Model projections suggest that if these bait-feeding rates were observed in all mosquitoes, then the widespread use of ATSB could substantially reduce malaria burden alone or in combinations with standard malaria control, though epidemiological impact is likely to vary substantially in different areas. For example, observing a dyed fraction of 5% would indicate a daily bait-feeding rate of 0.024 (range 0.008–0.049) which is projected to result in 0.13 clinical cases averted per person-year (range 0.051–0.22), a 39% efficacy (range 12–66%) in this particular site. Nevertheless, the uncertainty in the relationship between the observed dyed fraction and the true bait-feeding rate, and the underlying biology of mosquito sugar-feeding means that the epidemiological benefit of this new possible intervention remains unclear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378485","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":"Deciphering a cryptic minefield: A guide to Cryptosporidium gp60 subtyping","authors":"Guy Robinson ,&nbsp;Rachel M. Chalmers ,&nbsp;Kristin Elwin ,&nbsp;Rebecca A. Guy ,&nbsp;Kyrylo Bessonov ,&nbsp;Karin Troell ,&nbsp;Lihua Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>For 25 years, analysis of the <em>gp60</em> gene has been the cornerstone of <em>Cryptosporidium</em> subtyping, particularly for <em>Cryptosporidium hominis</em> and <em>Cryptosporidium parvum</em>, during population-based and epidemiological studies. This gene, which encodes a 60 kDa glycoprotein, is highly polymorphic with several variable features that make it particularly useful for differentiating within <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species. However, while this variability has proven useful for subtyping, it has on occasion resulted in alternative interpretations, and descriptions of novel and unusual features have been added to the nomenclature system, resulting in inconsistency and confusion. The components of the <em>gp60</em> gene sequence used in the nomenclature that are discussed here include “R” repeats, “r” repeats, alphabetical suffixes, “variant” designations, and the use of the Greek alphabet as a family designation. As the subtyping scheme has expanded over the years, its application to different <em>Cryptosporidium</em> species has also made the scheme more complex. For example, key features may be absent, such as the typical TCA/TCG/TCT serine microsatellite that forms a major part of the nomenclature in <em>C. hominis</em> and <em>C. parvum</em>. As is to be expected in such a variable gene, different primer sets have been developed for the amplification of the <em>gp60</em> in various species and these have been collated. Here we bring together all the current components of <em>gp60</em>, including a guide to the nomenclature in various species, software to assist in analysing sequences, and links to useful reference resources with an aim to promote standardisation of this subtyping tool.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100257"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143792052","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":"Transcriptome analysis of Aedes aegypti midgut and salivary gland post-Zika virus infection","authors":"Chunling Zhu ,&nbsp;Yuting Jiang ,&nbsp;Qianghui Zhang ,&nbsp;Jian Gao ,&nbsp;Chaojie Li ,&nbsp;Chunxiao Li ,&nbsp;Yande Dong ,&nbsp;Dan Xing ,&nbsp;Hengduan Zhang ,&nbsp;Teng Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiaoxia Guo ,&nbsp;Tongyan Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to investigate the transcriptomic changes in the midgut and salivary glands of <em>Aedes aegypti</em> mosquitoes infected with Zika virus (ZIKV), in order to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between the virus and the mosquito vector. <em>Aedes aegypti</em> from Jiegao (JG) and Mengding (MD) in China were experimentally infected with ZIKV, and the midgut and salivary gland tissues were collected at 2-, 4- and 6 days post-infection (dpi). High-throughput sequencing was performed to analyze the transcriptomic changes between ZIKV-infected and non-infected <em>Ae</em>. <em>aegypti</em> midgut and salivary gland tissues. Bioinformatics tools were employed for further analysis of the transcriptomic data. The expression levels of 8 significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were validated using RT-qPCR. A conjoint analysis of small RNA-seq and mRNA-seq was performed to screen interactional miRNA-mRNA pairs during ZIKV infection. Using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes, we constructed a protein-protein interaction network of genes and subsequently identified hub genes. The most significant transcriptional changes in <em>Ae</em>. <em>aegypti</em> occurred at 2 dpi. On 2, 4 and 6 dpi, 11 genes showed significant changes in both the midgut and salivary glands of the same mosquito strain, while 25 genes exhibited significant changes in the same tissue between the JG and MD strains. The expression tendencies of 8 DEGs obtained by RNA-Seq were similar to those detected by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, we individually identified 10 hub genes in the midgut and salivary glands. Based on previous miRNA research, we discovered the involvement of 9 miRNAs in the regulation of these hub genes. Our findings demonstrate that <em>Ae</em>. <em>aegypti</em> exhibit distinct transcriptomic changes in response to ZIKV infection. The identification of the hub genes and their regulatory miRNAs provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ZIKV infection in mosquitoes. This study contributes to a better understanding of the pathogen-vector interactions and may aid in the development of targeted strategies for ZIKV control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100251"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143644026","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":"Mating system of Biomphalaria sudanica, a vector of Schistosoma mansoni","authors":"Jenessa Olson ,&nbsp;Tom Pennance ,&nbsp;Johannie M. Spaan ,&nbsp;Maurice R. Odiere ,&nbsp;Jacob A. Tennessen ,&nbsp;Michelle L. Steinauer","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100241","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100241","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Biomphalaria</em> snails are intermediate hosts for schistosome parasites, which cause morbidity and mortality in humans worldwide. We aimed to determine the mating system of <em>Biomphalaria sudanica</em>, a hermaphroditic vector of schistosomiasis in the African Great Lakes, with the goal of informing the design of genetic studies such as linkage mapping to improve genome assembly and genetic association studies to identify snail resistance genes. To determine the relative rates of outcrossing <em>versus</em> selfing, we assayed the progeny of experimental crosses of snails in the laboratory using a PCR and restriction enzyme digest to determine snail genotype and parentage. Out of 7 experimental crosses and 56 total offspring assayed, 100% were derived from outcrossing rather than inbreeding. These results indicate that <em>B. sudanica</em> is primarily an outcrossing species, although previous work has shown that this species retains the capability of self-fertilization.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100241"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11772146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143061943","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":"Seasonal distribution and cercarial shedding of Bulinus spp. snails: Implications for urogenital schistosomiasis control in the Simiyu Region, northwestern Tanzania","authors":"Nyanda C. Justine ,&nbsp;Humphrey D. Mazigo ,&nbsp;Antje Fuss ,&nbsp;Bonnie L. Webster ,&nbsp;Eveline T. Konje ,&nbsp;Klaus Brehm ,&nbsp;Andreas Mueller","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Urogenital schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease of significant public health concern caused by the trematode species <em>Schistosoma haematobium</em>. Its transmission is localised and heterogeneous, with seasonal occurrences in Tanzania primarily facilitated by <em>Bulinus</em> spp. snails, which serve as intermediate hosts. To plan effective, data-driven control measures, it is crucial to understand the epidemiology of schistosomes in these snails. This study aimed to investigate the seasonal distribution, abundance, and <em>Schistosoma</em> spp. infections (assessed <em>via</em> cercarial emergence) in <em>Bulinus</em> spp. snails in two districts, Maswa and Meatu, in the Simiyu Region of Tanzania. Malacological surveys were conducted at 90 sites in total, comprising sites in 35 rivers, 32 ponds, and 23 branching streams. Each study site was sampled once during the rainy season and once during the dry season. Snails were collected using a standard scoop- and handpicking technique by two people for 15 min at each site. The collected snails were morphologically identified and subjected to a cercarial emergence experiment. Water physicochemical characteristics were recorded simultaneously with snail collection using a portable multiparameter water meter. The data were analysed using STATA v. 17. A total of 4997 <em>Bulinus</em> spp<em>.</em> snails were collected from 90 sites in the two districts. Of these, 91.4% (95% CI: 90.5–92.1%) were morphologically identified as <em>Bulinus nasutus</em> and 8.6% (95% CI: 7.8–9.4%) were identified as <em>Bulinus globosus</em>. <em>Bulinus</em> spp. snail abundance was almost evenly distributed across seasons, with 50.4% (95% CI: 48.9–51.7%) collected during the dry season and 49.6% (95% CI: 48.2–51.0%) collected during the rainy season. Water temperature and salinity were significantly negatively correlated with snail abundance (both <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). <em>Schistosoma</em> spp. cercarial emergence followed a seasonal pattern and was significantly higher during the rainy season (<em>P</em> = 0.005). Our findings underscore that <em>B. nasutus</em> was the most abundant freshwater snail distributed at nearly all the study sites during the rainy and dry seasons. Therefore, appropriate snail control strategies are recommended to complement ongoing schistosomiasis control strategies in the Simiyu Region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100248"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149006","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":"Genetic diversity of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum field isolates from Honduras in the malaria elimination phase","authors":"Alejandro Zamora ,&nbsp;Alejandra Pinto ,&nbsp;Denis Escobar ,&nbsp;Hugo O. Valdivia ,&nbsp;Lesly Chaver ,&nbsp;Gloria Ardón ,&nbsp;Erick Carranza ,&nbsp;Gustavo Fontecha","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria continues to be a major threat to public health in tropical regions, primarily affecting sub-Saharan Africa but also Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Malaria cases in Honduras have seen a significant decline and the country aims to eliminate the disease by 2030. This study examines the genetic diversity of <em>Plasmodium falciparum</em> and <em>Plasmodium vivax</em> in Honduras using four molecular markers (<em>Pfama1</em>, <em>Pfglurp</em>, <em>Pvmsp3α</em>, and <em>Pvmsp3β</em>), and the chloroquine resistance marker <em>pfcrt</em> in the context of the elimination phase. Our findings indicate that <em>P. falciparum</em> populations in Honduras are more homogeneous compared to <em>P. vivax</em>. The multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach, using four loci from <em>Pvmsp3α</em> and <em>Pvmsp3β</em>, proved more effective in assessing the genetic diversity of <em>P. vivax</em> than individual marker analyses. No geographical clustering was observed for <em>P. vivax</em> haplotypes, either within Honduras or globally. In Honduras, <em>P. falciparum</em> appears to be under more effective control, while <em>P. vivax</em> presents a greater challenge due to its higher genetic diversity. This requires enhanced surveillance, targeted control strategies, and measures to prevent the reintroduction of variants. The isolates of <em>P. falciparum</em> also displayed a wild-type <em>Pfcrt</em> phenotype, suggesting susceptibility to chloroquine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100230"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11699087/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142934276","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":"Unveiling hidden threats: Molecular surveillance of bacterial and protozoan infections in Asian water monitors (Varanus salvator) at Thailand’s Khao-zon Wildlife Breeding Station","authors":"Witchuta Junsiri ,&nbsp;Jitkamol Thanasak ,&nbsp;Tawewan Issarankura Na Ayudhaya ,&nbsp;Somjit Chaiwattanarungruengpaisan ,&nbsp;Piyanan Taweethavonsawat","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100250","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100250","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Asian water monitors (<em>Varanus salvator</em>) are often exposed to harmful microorganisms such as species of <em>Hepatozoon</em>, <em>Anaplasma</em>, <em>Rickettsia</em>, and <em>Borrelia</em>. These pathogens pose significant risks to wildlife and public health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence and genetic diversity of pathogenic microorganisms in <em>V. salvator</em> from the Khao-zon Wildlife Breeding Station, Ratchaburi, Thailand. Sixteen <em>V. salvator</em> were collected, and thin blood smears and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of the DNA isolated from blood were used to identify infections. Blood smear analysis revealed two positive samples (2/16; 12.5%) for <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. PCR results confirmed the presence of <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. (6/16; 37.5%), <em>Anaplasma</em> sp. (3/16; 18.75%), <em>Rickettsia</em> sp. (2/16; 12.5%), <em>Borrelia</em> sp. (4/16; 25.0%) and <em>Burkholderia</em> sp. (1/16; 6.25%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed 99.86% similarity of <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. sequences with <em>Hepatozoon ophisauri</em> (GenBank: MN723845) in <em>Pseudopus apodus</em> from Iran, whereas the <em>gltA</em> gene of <em>Rickettsia</em> sp. was closely related to <em>Rickettsia conorii raoultii</em> (GenBank: MF002515) in <em>Dermacentor nuttalli</em> from China. This study represents the first detection of the five pathogens in <em>V. salvator</em> from Thailand and provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity of these microorganisms. Our findings suggest that <em>V. salvator</em> may serve as reservoir for multiple pathogens, posing potential threats to both wildlife and humans. The presence of zoonotic agents such as <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., <em>Anaplasma</em> spp., and <em>Borrelia</em> spp. underscores the importance of continued surveillance in wildlife populations to mitigate the risk of emerging infectious diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100250"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143600501","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}