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

{"title":"DNA barcoding Diplostomum (Digenea: Diplostomidae) through the lens of taxonomy: Status and issues","authors":"Ana Pérez-del-Olmo,&nbsp;Aneta Kostadinova","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100406","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100406","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Molecular barcoding is causing fundamental changes in our understanding of the species diversity in a large number of digenean families. Yet, after 16 years of barcoding, we are still far from reaching a global coverage and a clearer picture of the taxonomic diversity of <em>Diplostomum</em>, the most species-rich genus of the digenean family Diplostomidae, comprising important fish pathogens. Here, focusing on taxonomy, we provide an overview of the important developments during this period (2009–2025), an update of <em>Diplostomum</em> taxonomy and nomenclature for 49 species and species-level lineages barcoded to date, an assessment of the progress in several specific areas of current interest, such as species richness and taxonomic diversity, geographical distribution, life cycles, host specificity, and the status of barcode libraries, and identify problems with the use and interpretations of the new data gathered that may affect future work.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100406"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13380144/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148498624","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":"Entomological investigation of the 2023 chikungunya outbreak in Pouytenga, Burkina Faso, highlights the virus circulation in Aedes aegypti","authors":"Hyacinthe Kobié Toé ,&nbsp;Soumanaba Zongo ,&nbsp;Wendegoudi Mathias Ouédraogo ,&nbsp;Zoénabo Sana ,&nbsp;Alidou Zango ,&nbsp;Jean Baptiste Nana ,&nbsp;Aboubacar Sombié ,&nbsp;Zouera Laquera ,&nbsp;Lassane Kafando ,&nbsp;Hamed S. Ouédraogo ,&nbsp;Moussa Namountougou ,&nbsp;Adama Zida ,&nbsp;Athanase Badolo","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100358","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100358","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dengue outbreaks have occurred in Burkina Faso since 2013, but the country experienced its first chikungunya outbreak in Pouytenga in 2023. Thus, a field investigation was undertaken to determine entomological risk factors associated with the chikungunya outbreak to inform decision-making and respond to the outbreak. Field entomological investigations were performed during the chikungunya outbreak in Pouytenga in September-October 2023. Adult mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using Prokopack aspirators in selected households, while BG-sentinel traps were deployed in public places to assess mosquito density. The presence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV), dengue virus (DENV), yellow fever virus (YFV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) in <em>Aedes aegypti</em> was investigated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT qPCR). Water-holding containers were screened for the presence of <em>Aedes</em> larvae and/or pupae and to determine traditional Stegomyia indices. <em>Aedes</em> mosquito eggs were also collected using oviposition traps, with the resulting adults used to assess susceptibility status to pyrethroid, carbamate and organophosphate insecticides. A total of 784 adult mosquitoes were collected using both BG-sentinel trap (<em>n</em> = 183) and Prokopack aspirator (<em>n</em> = 601). <em>Aedes aegypti</em> was the only species of <em>Aedes</em> collected and represented 16% (122/784) of all mosquitoes. Two out of the three pools of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> mosquitoes were positive for chikungunya virus while one pool was positive for dengue virus, representing minimum infection rates (MIR) of 48.8 and 24.4, respectively. Terracotta jars, drums/barrel and tyres were the most predominant and positive breeding sites. The house index (HI), container index (CI) and Breteau index (BI) were all over the threshold criteria for arbovirus risk. <em>Aedes aegypti</em> from the population showed resistance to deltamethrin and pirimiphos-methyl but were susceptible to malathion. Our results indicate a high risk of CHIKV and DENV infection in mosquitoes during the chikungunya outbreak in Pouytenga. We emphasise the need to implement sustainable entomological and epidemiological surveillance at sentinel sites for early detection of circulating arboviruses, along with intensified vector control measures to prevent outbreaks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100358"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189308","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":"Formulation and evaluation of topical essential oil lotion as repellent against Aedes aegypti","authors":"Nataya Sutthanont ,&nbsp;Passanesh Sukphopetch ,&nbsp;Rittipun Rungruang ,&nbsp;Jiraporn Leanpolchareanchai ,&nbsp;Raweewan Srisawat","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100354","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100354","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquito-borne diseases, particularly dengue transmitted by <em>Aedes aegypti</em>, remain a major public health challenge, underscoring the urgent need for safe and effective plant-based repellents. We developed and evaluated a new lotion containing 15% w/w of a blend of citronella, patchouli, and sage essential oils, focusing on both skin safety and repellent efficacy. Skin compatibility was confirmed in 16 volunteers <em>via</em> patch testing at 30 min, 48 h, and 96 h post-application, with no irritation or allergic reactions observed. Repellent activity was assessed using the WHO-recommended Arm-in-Cage (AIC) method. The lotion achieved a mean complete protection time (CPT) of 103.13 ± 5.46 min and maintained &gt; 90% protection over 3 h, with repellency rates of 100.0%, 99.41%, 94.19%, and 91.01% at 0, 1, 2, and 3 h, respectively. Across all volunteers, the mean repellency was 96.17 ± 0.81%, while biting rates remained below 14% at 3 h. These findings indicate that the essential-oil blend provides safe, sustained, and effective protection, supporting its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic repellents for personal protection against <em>Ae. aegypti</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100354"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189309","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":"Long-term persistence of Schistosoma mansoni hotspots in western Kenya despite ongoing mass drug administration","authors":"Peter Olilah ,&nbsp;John Oguso ,&nbsp;Austine Okinyo ,&nbsp;Winka Le Clec’h ,&nbsp;Frédéric D. Chevalier ,&nbsp;Susan Musembi ,&nbsp;Timothy Anderson ,&nbsp;Eric M. Ndombi","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100349","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100349","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Previous studies have reported the existence of ‘hotspots’, where schistosomiasis prevalence and infection intensity remain high despite regular preventive chemotherapy. Western Kenya is one region where such hotspots were reported. We investigated whether hotspots remain following eight years of school-based deworming programme by comparing the prevalence and infection intensity of <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> between five purposively selected hotspots and non-hotspots in Siaya County, western Kenya. We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 500 participants (250 from hotspots and 250 from non-hotspots) between May and September 2023. The overall prevalence of <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> in the ten villages was 39.4%. However, the average prevalence in the hotspots was 2.08 times higher than in the non-hotspots (adjusted prevalence ratio, <em>Adj</em>PR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.65–2.66, <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). The intensity of infection was also significantly greater in hotspots than in non-hotspots (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Males had infection prevalence 1.22 times higher than females (<em>Adj</em>PR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, <em>P =</em> 0.055), but gender had no impact on prevalence and intensity. Age impacted both prevalence and intensity as they were all significantly higher in individuals ≤ 18 years of age compared to those &gt; 18 years. These results demonstrate the long-term persistence of <em>S. mansoni</em> hotspots over 8 years, despite ongoing mass drug administration efforts targeting school children. These results underscore the necessity to reconsider current control strategies, which could include vector control and other water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH)-based control measures in these persistent hotspots.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100349"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929081","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":"Repeated biannual cross-sectional surveys in primary schools set baseline seasonal and spatial surveillance for malaria and schistosomiasis in the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP), Malawi","authors":"Priscilla Kapolo ,&nbsp;Blessings Chiepa ,&nbsp;Rex B. Mbewe ,&nbsp;Blessings Kapumba ,&nbsp;Eggrey Kambewa ,&nbsp;Lucy Kaunga ,&nbsp;Sylvester Coleman ,&nbsp;James Chirombo ,&nbsp;Themba Mzilahowa ,&nbsp;Christopher M. Jones ,&nbsp;Michelle C. Stanton ,&nbsp;J. Russell Stothard","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100350","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100350","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Control of malaria and schistosomiasis among school children poses a key public health challenge in Chikwawa District, Malawi. Furthermore, anticipated environmental changes from the Shire Valley Transformation Programme (SVTP), a large-scale irrigation scheme, are expected to both alter transmission of malaria and schistosomiasis. To later inform future disease surveillance and appropriate control interventions, our study sought to establish comprehensive seasonal and spatial baseline epidemiological data. Four cross-sectional surveys were undertaken in 21 primary schools, covering two wet and two dry seasons. A total of 4176 children aged 7–13 years were examined using rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, urine reagent strips with egg-filtration microscopy for urogenital schistosomiasis, and urine-Circulating Cathodic Antigen (CCA) dipsticks for intestinal schistosomiasis. The overall prevalence was 10.8% (95% CI: 9.8–11.7%) for malaria, 36.5% (95% CI: 35.1–38.0%) for urogenital schistosomiasis, and 1.9% (95% CI: 1.5–2.4%) for intestinal schistosomiasis. Co-infection prevalence of malaria and urogenital schistosomiasis was 5.2% (95% CI: 4.5–5.9%). Macrohematuria was at 5.5% (95% CI: 4.8–6.2%) while microhematuria was at 26.2% (95% CI: 24.9–27.6%). Seasonal fluctuations were noted for malaria, whereas schistosomiasis was limited, although both diseases exhibited strong spatial heterogeneity. Alarmingly, malaria exceeded 25% and urogenital schistosomiasis surpassed 50% in certain schools, thus clearly demonstrating currently unmet public health needs. These are set to become further exacerbated by forthcoming SVTP-driven environmental change; hence, we provide critical evidence to guide the Malawi Ministry of Health in strengthening surveillance and preparing integrated disease control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100350"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145929080","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":"Exploration of geographical population structure of Anaplasma phagocytophilum: Insights from 12 newly sequenced European human and bovine genome assemblies","authors":"Clotilde Rouxel ,&nbsp;Pierre Lucien Deshuillers ,&nbsp;Meryl Vila-Nova ,&nbsp;Deborah Merda ,&nbsp;Pierre Boyer ,&nbsp;Benoit Jaulhac ,&nbsp;Claude Saegerman ,&nbsp;Laurent Delooz ,&nbsp;Grégoire Kuntz ,&nbsp;Henri-Jean Boulouis ,&nbsp;Nadia Haddad ,&nbsp;Anne-Claire Lagrée ,&nbsp;Virginie Chesnais","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100393","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100393","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em> is an obligate intracellular tick-borne bacterium widely distributed across the northern hemisphere. It is the causative agent of tick-borne fever in ruminants and human granulocytic anaplasmosis. The epidemiology of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> infection differs markedly between the USA and Europe. In the USA, human granulocytic anaplasmosis represents an increasing public health concern, whereas infections in ruminants are rarely reported. In contrast, in Europe only sporadic human cases have been described, while infections in ruminants cause significant economic losses. Previous genomic studies based on limited datasets suggested genetic divergence between USA and European strains, but the small number of available genomes, particularly from Europe, limited robust conclusions. In this study, we report 12 new European <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> genomes, including four human-derived genomes and eight genomes from cattle. Using a capture-based short-read sequencing approach, we doubled the number of publicly available European genomes. In addition, systematic quality assessment of these public assemblies revealed variable genome completeness and the presence of contamination in several genomes. After curation of these datasets and inclusion of our 12 new sequenced genomes, comparative genomic analyses were performed using phylogenetic and population genetic approaches. Our results confirm a marked genetic divergence between European and USA strains. Hence, the capture-based short-read sequencing can be performed on samples from naturally infected humans and ruminants to increase the representation of European genomes, particularly human isolates, confirming <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> population structure patterns previously inferred from limited gene-based and provide new potential genomic markers that may help identify lineages associated with zoonotic transmission.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100393"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148183978","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":"Pathogen diversity of the neglected winter tick Alloceraea inermis in Hungary","authors":"Éva S. Szabó ,&nbsp;Margarida Ruivo ,&nbsp;Domonkos Adorján Köves ,&nbsp;Máté Miklós ,&nbsp;Flóra Kulin ,&nbsp;Michiel Wijnveld ,&nbsp;Gábor Földvári","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100389","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100389","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ticks are important vectors of pathogens affecting human and animal health, making the identification of tick-borne agents essential. This study focused on the understudied winter tick, <em>Alloceraea inermis</em> (syn. <em>Haemaphysalis inermis</em>), which is widely distributed across Eurasia and, in some regions, appears to be increasing in occurrence. This species may play an important role in maintaining and potentially transmitting pathogens among its animal hosts. Although <em>A. inermis</em> rarely feeds on humans, occasional human parasitism does occur. Over two years, a total of 208 <em>A. inermis</em> ticks (123 females and 85 males) were collected from vegetation in a deciduous forest in Hungary during its autumn-winter activity period. Pathogen screening was performed using a reverse line blot hybridization assay targeting members of the genera <em>Anaplasma</em>, <em>Babesia</em>, <em>Borrelia</em>, <em>Ehrlichia</em>, <em>Rickettsia</em>, and <em>Theileria</em>. Species of <em>Rickettsia</em> were the most prevalent pathogens, with <em>Rickettsia helvetica</em> detected in 25.5% (53/208) of the samples, along with evidence for an uncharacterized <em>Rickettsia</em> species. Species of <em>Babesia</em> were the second most common pathogen group, with <em>Babesia microti</em> identified in 19.2% (40/208) of the ticks. Species of <em>Borrelia</em> were detected in 16.3% (34/208) of the samples, and “<em>Candidatus</em> Neoehrlichia mikurensis” was present in 14.9% (32/208) of the samples. The detected pathogens were more diverse and more frequent than expected, in some cases even surpassing prevalences in <em>Ixodes ricinus</em> observed in previous studies. In the future, we aim to clarify the vector role of <em>A. inermis</em> and assess associated health risks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100389"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148001181","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 survey of Borrelia spp. in bats and soft tick infesting bats in Thailand","authors":"Siwaporn Tuangpermsub ,&nbsp;Apinya Arnuphapprasert ,&nbsp;Elizabeth Riana ,&nbsp;Thongchai Ngamprasertwong ,&nbsp;Morakot Kaewthamasorn","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100374","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100374","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Bats are recognized reservoirs for numerous pathogens, including zoonotic agents. They harbor a variety of ectoparasites, such as ticks, which pose a potential risk for cross-species pathogen spillover. <em>Borrelia</em>, a genus of spirochete bacteria responsible for several vector-borne diseases, represents a significant public health concern due to its global distribution. However, its genetic diversity and circulation in Southeast Asia remain poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, this study investigated the occurrence and genetic diversity of <em>Borrelia</em> spp. in Thai bats and the ticks associated with them based on PCR and sequencing, without bacterial isolation or clinical case data. A total of 1031 bats were sampled across nine provinces in Thailand between February 2018 and February 2023. Morphological and molecular analysis-based methods identified and confirmed 96 <em>Reticulinasus</em> sp. ticks infesting <em>Craseonycteris thonglongyai</em> and <em>Eonycteris spelaea.</em> Molecular screening of 48 pooled tick samples (from 96 individual ticks) detected four <em>Borrelia</em>-positive pools originating from three individual <em>C. thonglongyai</em> bats. PCR screening of 814 bats targeting the <em>flaB</em> gene revealed 13 positive individuals (1.6%; 95% CI: 0.9–2.7%), comprising <em>Taphozous melanopogon</em>, <em>Hipposideros gentilis</em>, and <em>C. thonglongyai</em>. Multilocus sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA, <em>flaB,</em> and <em>glpQ</em> genes revealed three distinct <em>Borrelia</em> lineages. Two clustered within the relapsing fever <em>Borrelia</em> group, highlighting the need for further investigation of their transmission potential and epidemiological significance in other animal hosts. The third lineage formed a highly divergent, bat-associated clade, suggesting possible cryptic speciation based on sequence divergence across the three loci; however, formal taxonomic classification will require broader sampling and additional genetic markers. This study presents the first molecular-level evidence of <em>Borrelia</em> in Thai bats and bat-infesting ticks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100374"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147710012","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":"Investigating the impact of human behavioural factors on the effectiveness of malaria interventions in malaria-endemic regions: A systematic review","authors":"Lilian Nkechi Agbo ,&nbsp;Verner Ndudiri Orish ,&nbsp;Danladi Chiroma Husaini ,&nbsp;Polycarp Dauda Madaki ,&nbsp;Orish Ebere Orisakwe","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100371","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100371","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Malaria remains a major public health challenge. Intervention effectiveness is heavily mediated by human behaviour. This review synthesizes evidence on how behavioural factors influence the uptake, use, and impact of malaria interventions in endemic regions. We conducted a systematic review of studies (2000–2025) from PubMed, Google Scholar, Dimensions, and HINARI. Using the PEO framework, we included studies on behavioural factors and intervention effectiveness from endemic regions. Quality was assessed with CASP checklists; narrative synthesis was guided by behavioural theory. A total of 59 studies were included. Evidence was concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa (83%), with mostly cross-sectional designs (63%). Most studies (85%) exhibited a low risk of bias. Key themes studied were: (i) ITN use: ownership-use gap due to discomfort and misconceptions; (ii) Healthcare-seeking: delays and alternative care shaped by cost, access, trust; and (iii) Trust: distrust diverts care to informal providers. Protective determinants such as knowledge, perceived severity, and affordability were identified, whereas risk-enhancing determinants included discomfort, health system constraints, and perceived ineffectiveness. The findings indicate that malaria intervention effectiveness is fundamentally contingent on human behaviour. Technical strategies must address experiential barriers, build trust, and be locally tailored. Integrating behavioural insights is essential for sustainable control.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100371"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147656433","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":"Presence of Dirofilaria immitis in domestic cats and dogs in Chile: Assessment of monthly infection risk as a preventive tool","authors":"Rodrigo Morchón,&nbsp;Alberto Gil-Abad,&nbsp;Elena Infante González-Mohino,&nbsp;Manuel Collado-Cuadrado,&nbsp;Alfonso Balmori-de la Puente,&nbsp;Susana Castro-Seriche,&nbsp;José Alberto Montoya-Alonso,&nbsp;Elena Carretón,&nbsp;Iván Rodríguez-Escolar","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100403","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2026.100403","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Dirofilaria immitis</em> is the causative agent of heartworm disease, a cosmopolitan vector-borne zoonotic disease that affects domestic and wild mammalian animals, and can be fatal, affecting the vascular and pulmonary systems, as well as other systems such as the renal system. The aim of this study was to analyze the monthly risk of <em>D. immitis</em> infection in Chile as a disease prevention tool using Ecological Niche Models (ENM), validated with a seroepidemiological study. Vector presence data (<em>Culex</em> spp. and <em>Aedes</em> spp.) and bioclimatic variables were collected to model habitat suitability using MaxEnt, integrating them with the calculation of potential generations of the parasite. For validation, samples from 323 pets (178 cats and 145 dogs) from north-central Chile were analyzed. The ENM showed excellent predictive capacity (Area Under the Curve, AUC &gt; 0.89), with the human footprint being the variable with the highest contribution. The model showed marked seasonality, with maximum risk in the austral summer (January-February) dropping to near-zero levels in winter due to thermal restrictions and the Andes Mountains barrier. Serological analysis revealed <em>D. immitis</em> prevalence of 12.9% in cats and 5.5% in dogs, reporting the parasite’s circulation in the country. All positive animals were geolocalized in high or very high-risk areas. Projections to 2100 warn of a massive territorial expansion, estimating suitable habitat gains from 62.8% (Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSP) scenario SSP1-2.6) to 103.5% (scenario SSP5-8.5) toward the center-south. It is necessary to incorporate the generated dynamic colorimetric maps that alert about the risk of infection into chemoprophylaxis policies and active surveillance in Chile under the One Health approach.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100403"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13330657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148393198","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}