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Efficacy of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats (280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin) in the prevention of feline Aelurostrongylus abstrusus infection evaluated in a multi-diagnostic approach Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-24 Marie-Kristin Raulf, Katharina Raue, Nadja Rohdich, Eva Zschiesche, Jonathan Raue, Kristina Merhof, Holger A. Volk, Manuela Schnyder, Simone Morelli, Donato Traversa, Rainer K. A. Roepke, Christina Strube
Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is one of the most important respiratory nematodes of felines. Infections may lead to respiratory clinical signs with varying severity or even death, emphasizing the need for preventive treatment of cats with outdoor access to circumvent patent infections. Therefore, the preventive efficacy of a spot-on formulation of 280 mg/ml fluralaner and 14 mg/ml moxidectin (Bravecto®
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Angiostrongylus cantonensis induces energy imbalance and dyskinesia in mice by reducing the expression of melanin-concentrating hormone Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-23 Hui Huang, Zhongyuan Zhang, Mengdan Xing, Zihan Jin, Yue Hu, Minyu Zhou, Hang Wei, Yiwen Liang, Zhiyue Lv
Infection with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (AC) in humans or mice can lead to severe eosinophilic meningitis or encephalitis, resulting in various neurological impairments. Developing effective neuroprotective drugs to improve the quality of life in affected individuals is critical. We conducted a Gene Ontology enrichment analysis on microarray gene expression (GSE159486) in the brains of AC-infected
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Phosphoproteomic analysis reveals changes in A-Raf-related protein phosphorylation in response to Toxoplasma gondii infection in porcine macrophages Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Dingzeyang Su, Shifan Zhu, Kangzhi Xu, Zhaofeng Hou, Fuxing Hao, Fan Xu, Yifan Lin, Yuyang Zhu, Dandan Liu, Qiangde Duan, Xinjun Zhang, Yuguo Yuan, Jinjun Xu, Jianping Tao
Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that causes severe threats to humans and livestock. Macrophages are the cell type preferentially infected by T. gondii in vivo. Protein phosphorylation is an important posttranslational modification involved in diverse cellular functions. A rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma kinase (A-Raf) is a member of the Raf family of serine/threonine
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Echinococcus granulosus ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes (E2D2 and E2N) promote the formation of liver fibrosis in TGFβ1-induced LX-2 cells Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-20 Xiaodi Du, Ruiqi Hua, Xue He, Wei Hou, Shengqiong Li, Aiguo Yang, Guangyou Yang
Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a widespread zoonosis caused by the infection with Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (E. granulosus s.l.). CE cysts mainly develop in the liver of intermediate hosts, characterized by the fibrotic tissue that separates host organ from parasite. However, precise mechanism underlying the formation of fibrotic tissue in CE remains unclear. To investigate the potential impact
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Inhibition of Foxp3 expression in the placenta of mice infected intraperitoneally by toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites: insights into the PPARγ/miR-7b-5p/Sp1 signaling pathway Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-17 Yue Zhong, Cheng Qin, Qing Wang, Maoyuan Ding, Chong Qiu, Yunzhao Xu, Jinling Chen
Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoa, infects approximately 30% of the global population. Contracting T. gondii at the primary infection of the mother can result in neonatal microcephaly, chorioretinitis, hydrocephalus, or mortality. Our previous study indicated that pregnant mice infected with T. gondii displayed a decrease in both the number and the suppressive ability
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An optimised YOLOv4 deep learning model for efficient malarial cell detection in thin blood smear images Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-16 Dhevisha Sukumarran, Khairunnisa Hasikin, Anis Salwa Mohd Khairuddin, Romano Ngui, Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman, Indra Vythilingam, Paul Cliff Simon Divis
Malaria is a serious public health concern worldwide. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for controlling the disease’s spread and avoiding severe health complications. Manual examination of blood smear samples by skilled technicians is a time-consuming aspect of the conventional malaria diagnosis toolbox. Malaria persists in many parts of the world, emphasising the urgent need for sophisticated
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High temperatures and low humidity promote the occurrence of microsporidians (Microsporidia) in mosquitoes (Culicidae) Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-11 Artur Trzebny, Olena Nahimova, Miroslawa Dabert
In the context of climate change, a growing concern is that vector-pathogen or host-parasite interactions may be correlated with climatic factors, especially increasing temperatures. In the present study, we used a mosquito-microsporidian model to determine the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind and rainfall on the occurrence rates of opportunistic obligate microparasites
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A first report of Pseudosuccinea columella (Say, 1817), an alien intermediate host for liver fluke, in Malawi Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-11 S. Jones, A. Juhász, P. Makaula, L. J. Cunningham, J. Archer, C. Nkolokosa, G. Namacha, E. Kambewa, D. Lally, D. R. Kapira, P. Chammudzi, S. A. Kayuni, J. Musaya, J. Russell Stothard
Starting in October 2021, quarterly malacological surveys have been undertaken in Malawi, with the sampling of 12 specified freshwater habitats throughout a calendar year. Each survey monitors the presence of aquatic intermediate snail hosts of medical and veterinary importance. In March 2023, the alien lymnaeid species Pseudosuccinea columella was encountered for the first time in the surveys, in
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Advances in the study of the interaction between schistosome infections and the host's intestinal microorganisms Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-10 Ao Hong, Abdulrahim Umar, Hao Chen, Zheng Yu, Jing Huang
Schistosomiasis, also called bilharziasis, is a neglected tropical disease induced by schistosomes that infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. In the life cycle of schistosomiasis, eggs are regarded as the main pathogenic factor, causing granuloma formation in the tissues and organs of hosts, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and liver granulomatous immune responses and irreversible
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Who was the first to visualize the malaria parasite? Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-10 Emmanuel Drouin, Patrick Hautecoeur, Miles Markus
Human malaria, an ancient tropical disease, is caused by infection with protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Plasmodium and is transmitted by female mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Our understanding of human malaria parasites began officially in 1880 with their discovery in the blood of malaria patients by Charles Louis Alphonse Lavéran (1845–1922), a French army officer working in Algeria
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Laboratory evaluation of the contact irritancy of a clothianidin solo formulation vs. clothianidin-deltamethrin mixture formulations for indoor residual spraying against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles gambiae sensu lato Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-10 Thomas Syme, Boris N’dombidjé, Aicha Odjo, Martial Gbegbo, Damien Todjinou, Corine Ngufor
Clothianidin-based indoor residual spraying (IRS) formulations have become available for malaria control as either solo formulations of clothianidin or a mixture of clothianidin with the pyrethroid deltamethrin. While both formulations have been successfully used for malaria control, studies investigating the effect of the pyrethroid in IRS mixtures may help improve our understanding for development
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Anopheles sacharovi in Italy: first record of the historical malaria vector after over 50 years Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-10 Donato Antonio Raele, Francesco Severini, Luciano Toma, Michela Menegon, Daniela Boccolini, Giovanni Tortorella, Marco Di Luca, Maria Assunta Cafiero
Anopheles sacharovi, a member of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, was a historical malaria vector in Italy, no longer found since the last report at the end of 1960s. In September 2022, within the Surveillance Project for the residual anophelism, a single specimen of An. maculipennis sensu lato collected in Lecce municipality (Apulia region) was molecularly identified as An. sacharovi. This record
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Anopheles aquatic development kinetic and adults’ longevity through different seasons in laboratory and semi-field conditions in Burkina Faso Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-08 Nicaise D. C. Djègbè, Dari F. Da, Bernard M. Somé, Lawata Inès G. Paré, Fatoumata Cissé, Wadaka Mamai, Karine Mouline, Simon P. Sawadogo, Joseph D. Challenger, Thomas S. Churcher, Roch K. Dabiré
Anopheles mosquitoes are ectothermic and involved in numerous pathogen transmissions. Their life history traits are influenced by several environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and photoperiodicity. Despite extensive investigations of these environmental conditions on vector population ecology, their impact on the different life stages of Anopheles at different seasons in the
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Toxoplasma gondii modulates the host cell cycle, chromosome segregation, and cytokinesis irrespective of cell type or species origin Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-05 Lisbeth Rojas-Baron, Kira Senk, Carlos Hermosilla, Anja Taubert, Zahady D. Velásquez
Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan intracellular obligate parasite and the etiological agent of toxoplasmosis in humans, domestic animals and wildlife, causing miscarriages and negatively impacting offspring. During its intracellular development, it relies on nutrients from the host cell, controlling several pathways and the cytoskeleton. T. gondii has been proven to control the host cell cycle,
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Impact of environmental factors on Biomphalaria pfeifferi vector capacity leading to human infection by Schistosoma mansoni in two regions of western Côte d'Ivoire Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-05 Edwige A. Sokouri, Bernardin Ahouty Ahouty, Martial N’Djetchi, Innocent A. Abé, Ble Gbacla Flora Dominique Yao, Thomas Konan Konan, Annette MacLeod, Harry Noyes, Oscar Nyangiri, Enock Matovu, Mathurin Koffi
Intestinal schistosomiasis remains a worrying health problem, particularly in western Côte d'Ivoire, despite control efforts. It is therefore necessary to understand all the factors involved in the development of the disease, including biotic and abiotic factors. The aim of this study was to examine the factors that could support the maintenance of the intermediate host and its vectorial capacity in
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Trx4, a novel thioredoxin protein, is important for Toxoplasma gondii fitness Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Zhi-Wei Zhang, Meng Wang, Li-Xiu Sun, Hany M. Elsheikha, Cheng-Lin Lei, Jin-Lei Wang, Bao-Quan Fu, Jian-Xun Luo, Xing-Quan Zhu, Ting-Ting Li
To successfully replicate within the host cell, Toxoplasma gondii employs several mechanisms to overcome the host cell defenses and mitigate the harmful effects of the free radicals resulting from its own metabolic processes using effectors such as thioredoxin proteins. In this study, we characterize the location and functions of a newly identified thioredoxin in T. gondii, which was named Trx4. We
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Cell fusing agent virus rarely transmits vertically in artificially infected laboratory-colonized Aedes aegypti mosquitoes Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Dilip K. Nag, Kathryn Efner
Vertical transmission (VT) of arboviruses (arthropod-borne viruses) can serve as an essential link in the transmission cycle during adverse environmental conditions. The extent of VT among mosquito-borne arboviruses can vary significantly among different virus families and even among different viruses within the same genus. For example, orthobunyaviruses exhibit a higher VT rate than orthoflaviviruses
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Efficacy of moxidectin, using various dose regimens, against JYD-34, a macrocyclic lactone resistant isolate of Dirofilaria immitis Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-04 Elizabeth M. Martin, Elizabeth B. Mitchell, Stephen Yoon, John W. McCall, Becky Fankhauser, Abdelmoneim Mansour, Scott McCall, Matthias Pollmeier
Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are the only class of drugs currently commercially available that are effective for preventing heartworm disease. The data presented in this article provide information on the efficacy of oral moxidectin against JYD-34, a known ML-resistant Dirofilaria immitis isolate, when dogs are treated under various dosing regimens. Fifty-two purpose-bred Beagle dogs were used in five
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An inside out journey: biogenesis, ultrastructure and proteomic characterisation of the ectoparasitic flatworm Sparicotyle chrysophrii extracellular vesicles Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Enrique Riera-Ferrer, Hynek Mazanec, Ivona Mladineo, Peter Konik, M. Carla Piazzon, Roman Kuchta, Oswaldo Palenzuela, Itziar Estensoro, Javier Sotillo, Ariadna Sitjà-Bobadilla
Helminth extracellular vesicles (EVs) are known to have a three-way communication function among parasitic helminths, their host and the host-associated microbiota. They are considered biological containers that may carry virulence factors, being therefore appealing as therapeutic and prophylactic target candidates. This study aims to describe and characterise EVs secreted by Sparicotyle chrysophrii
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Insights and challenges of insecticide resistance modelling in malaria vectors: a review Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Eric Ali Ibrahim, Mark Wamalwa, John Odindi, Henri Edouard Zefack Tonnang
Malaria is one of the most devastating tropical diseases, resulting in loss of lives each year, especially in children under the age of 5 years. Malaria burden, related deaths and stall in the progress against malaria transmission is evident, particularly in countries that have moderate or high malaria transmission. Hence, mitigating malaria spread requires information on the distribution of vectors
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New benzimidazole derivative compounds with in vitro fasciolicidal properties Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-03 Elora Valderas-García, Verónica Castilla-Gómez de Agüero, Laura González del Palacio, Giulio Galli, Nerea Escala, Marta Ruiz-Somacarrera, Marta González-Warleta, Esther del Olmo, Rafael Balaña-Fouce, María Martínez-Valladares
Control of the zoonotic food-borne parasite Fasciola hepatica remains a major challenge in humans and livestock. It is estimated that annual economic losses due to fasciolosis can reach US$3.2 billion in agriculture and livestock. Moreover, the wide distribution of drug-resistant parasite populations and the absence of a vaccine threaten sustainable control, reinforcing the need for novel flukicides
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Concordance between two monoclonal antibody-based antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for measuring cysticercal antigen levels in sera from pigs experimentally infected with Taenia solium and Taenia hydatigena Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Gianfranco Arroyo, Luz Toribio, Sara Garrido, Nancy Chile, Teresa Lopez-Urbina, Luis A. Gomez-Puerta, Miguel Muro, Robert H. Gilman, Yesenia Castillo, Pierre Dorny, Seth E. O’Neal, Armando E. Gonzalez, Hector H. Garcia
Antigen detection in Taenia solium cysticercosis confirms viable infection in the intermediate host (either pig or human). The reference B158/B60 monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based Ag-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has acceptable levels of sensitivity and specificity in human neurocysticercosis with multiple brain cysts, although its sensitivity is lower in cases with single brain cysts, whereas
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Comparison of a multiplex PCR with DNA barcoding for identification of container breeding mosquito species Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Julia Reichl, Christina Prossegger, Sarah Petutschnig, Maria Sophia Unterköfler, Karin Bakran-Lebl, Mateusz Markowicz, Alexander Indra, Hans-Peter Fuehrer
Identification of mosquitoes greatly relies on morphological specification. Since some species cannot be distinguished reliably by morphological methods, it is important to incorporate molecular techniques into the diagnostic pipeline. DNA barcoding using Sanger sequencing is currently widely used for identification of mosquito species. However, this method does not allow detection of multiple species
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Correction: Vector competence of Ixodes ricinus instars for the transmission of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in different small mammalian hosts Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Lars K. Lindsø, Hildegunn Viljugrein, Atle Mysterud
Correction: Parasites & Vectors (2024) 17:23 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-023-06110-7 Following publication of the original article [1], it came to the authors’ attention that results regarding larval Ixodes ricinus feeding success in wood mice (“Apodemus sylvaticus, 36%”) and bank voles (“Myodes glareolus, 31%”) had been interchanged in the abstract and graphical abstract of the article. The article
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Association between environmental gradient of anthropization and phenotypic plasticity in two species of triatomines Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Federico G. Fiad, Miriam Cardozo, Julieta Nattero, Gisel V. Gigena, David E. Gorla, Claudia S. Rodríguez
Triatoma garciabesi and T. guasayana are considered secondary vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and frequently invade rural houses in central Argentina. Wing and head structures determine the ability of triatomines to disperse. Environmental changes exert selective pressures on populations of both species, promoting changes in these structures that could have consequences for flight dispersal. The aim of
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Mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries in northern Spain Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-04-02 Fátima Goiri, Mikel A. González, Aitor Cevidanes, Jesús F. Barandika, Ana L. García-Peréz
Mosquitoes inhabiting urban green spaces and cemeteries in Europe represent a crucial facet of public health concern and contribute to the ecological balance. As urbanization intensifies, these areas increasingly serve as vital habitats for various mosquito species, fostering breeding grounds and increasing the risk of disease transmission. A study was conducted in the three main cities (inland, coastal
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Spatiotemporal distribution and bionomics of Anopheles stephensi in different eco-epidemiological settings in Ethiopia Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-31 Temesgen Ashine, Adane Eyasu, Yehenew Asmamaw, Eba Simma, Endalew Zemene, Adrienne Epstein, Rebecca Brown, Nigatu Negash, Abena Kochora, Alison M. Reynolds, Mikiyas Gebremichael Bulto, Temesgen Tafesse, Alemayehu Dagne, Biniyam Lukus, Endashaw Esayas, Sinknesh Wolde Behaksra, Kidist Woldekidan, Fikregabrail Aberra Kassa, Jimma Dinsa Deressa, Muluken Assefa, Dereje Dillu, Gudissa Assefa, Hiwot Solomon
Malaria is a major public health concern in Ethiopia, and its incidence could worsen with the spread of the invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi in the country. This study aimed to provide updates on the distribution of An. stephensi and likely household exposure in Ethiopia. Entomological surveillance was performed in 26 urban settings in Ethiopia from 2021 to 2023. A kilometer-by-kilometer
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Introduction of protein vaccine candidate based on AP65, AP33, and α-actinin proteins against Trichomonas vaginalis parasite: an immunoinformatics design Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-31 Forozan Ghasemi Nezhad, Afsaneh Karmostaji, Parisa Sarkoohi, Behzad Shahbazi, Zahra Gharibi, Batul Negahdari, Khadijeh Ahmadi
Trichomonas vaginalis is the most common nonviral sexually transmitted disease (STI) worldwide. Vaccination is generally considered to be one of the most effective methods of preventing infectious diseases. Using AP65, AP33 and α-actinin proteins, this research aims to develop a protein vaccine against Trichomonas vaginalis. Based on the B-cell and T-cell epitope prediction servers, the most antigenic
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Complex effects of testosterone level on ectoparasite load in a ground squirrel: an experimental test for the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-30 Li-Qing Wang, Zhi-Tao Liu, Jian-Jun Wang, Yu-Han Fang, Hao Zhu, Ke Shi, Fu-Shun Zhang, Ling-Ying Shuai
The immunocompetence handicap hypothesis suggests that males with a higher testosterone level should be better at developing male secondary traits, but at a cost of suppressed immune performance. As a result, we should expect that males with an increased testosterone level also possess a higher parasite load. However, previous empirical studies aimed to test this prediction have generated mixed results
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Evaluation of feline heartworm disease based on gross necropsy, serology, pulmonary histopathology, and radiographic evidence in adult shelter cats in northeastern Alabama Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-29 C. Thomas Nelson, Calvin M. Johnson
: Veterinary knowledge regarding feline heartworm has been increasing significantly over the past two decades. Necropsy surveys of shelter cats have shown feline adult heartworm infection prevalence to be 5–20% of the rate in unprotected dogs; however, other studies have shown feline heartworm antibody prevalence up to 33%, reflecting higher exposure rates and potential immature adult infections. Thus
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Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Frans Jongejan, Cheng Du, Elias Papadopoulos, Valeria Blanda, Santina Di Bella, Vincenza Cannella, Annalisa Guercio, Domenico Vicari, Sharon Tirosh-Levy, Amir Steinman, Gad Baneth, Sanna van Keulen, Iris Hulsebos, Laura Berger, Xiaojun Wang
Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two tick-borne protozoan parasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi,, which are clinically relevant in susceptible horses, donkeys, and mules. Moreover, equine piroplasmosis significantly constrains international trading and equestrian events. Rapidly diagnosing both parasites in carrier animals is essential for implementing effective control measures. Here, a rapid
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Temperature, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density influence the measured bio-efficacy of insecticide-treated nets in cone assays Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Jilly Jackson Mseti, Masudi Suleiman Maasayi, Aidi Galus Lugenge, Ahmadi B. Mpelepele, Ummi Abdul Kibondo, Frank Chelestino Tenywa, Olukayode G. Odufuwa, Mgeni Mohamed Tambwe, Sarah Jane Moore
The WHO cone bioassay is routinely used to evaluate the bioefficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for product pre-qualification and confirmation of continued ITN performance during operational monitoring. Despite its standardized nature, variability is often observed between tests. We investigated the influence of temperature in the testing environment, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density
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mmu-miR-374b-5p modulated inflammatory factors via downregulation of C/EBP β/NF-κB signaling in Kupffer cells during Echinococcus multilocularis infection Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-29 Guiting Pu, Yanping Li, Tingli Liu, Hong Li, Liqun Wang, Guoliang Chen, Shanling Cao, Hong Yin, Tharheer Oluwashola Amuda, Xiaola Guo, Xuenong Luo
Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is an important infectious disease caused by the metacestode larvae of Echinococcus multilocularis, seriously threatening global public health security. Kupffer cells (KCs) play important roles in liver inflammatory response. However, their role in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis has not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression
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Optimizing malaria vector control in the Greater Mekong Subregion: a systematic review and mathematical modelling study to identify desirable intervention characteristics Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-29 Yuqian Wang, Nakul Chitnis, Emma L. Fairbanks
In the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), new vector-control tools are needed to target mosquitoes that bite outside during the daytime and night-time to advance malaria elimination. We conducted systematic literature searches to generate a bionomic dataset of the main malaria vectors in the GMS, including human blood index (HBI), parity proportion, sac proportion (proportion with uncontracted ovary sacs
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Correction: Progress in controlling the transmission of schistosome parasites in Southern Ethiopia: the Geshiyaro Project in the Wolaita Zone Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-28 Birhan Mengistu, Ewnetu Firdawek Liyew, Melkie Chernet, Geremew Tasew, Santiago Rayment Gomez, Rosie Maddren, Benjamin Collyer, Ufaysa Anjulo, Adugna Tamiru, Kathryn Forbes, Zelalem Mehari, Kebede Deribe, Teshale Yadeta, Mihretab Salasibew, Getachew Tollera, Roy Anderson
Correction: Parasites & Vectors (2024) 17:113https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06156-1 Following publication of the article [1], the authors flagged that the family name of the first author had been incorrectly spelled as 'Mengsitu' instead of 'Mengistu'. The name has since been corrected in the article. The authors thank you for reading and apologize for any inconvenience caused. Mengistu B, Liyew
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Effects of rodent abundance on ticks and Borrelia: results from an experimental and observational study in an island system Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-27 Nosheen Kiran, Ilze Brila, Tapio Mappes, Saana Sipari, Yingying Wang, Erin Welsh, Eva R. Kallio
Lyme borreliosis is the most common tick-borne disease in Europe and is often caused by Borrelia afzelii, which is transmitted by Ixodes ricinus ticks. The prevalence and abundance of infected ticks fluctuate in time and space, influencing human infection risk. Rodents are reservoir hosts for B. afzelii and important feeding hosts for larval ticks. In the study reported here, we examined how variation
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Landscape level associations between birds, mosquitoes and microclimates: possible consequences for disease transmission? Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-26 Louie Krol, Laure Remmerswaal, Marvin Groen, Jordy G. van der Beek, Reina S. Sikkema, Martha Dellar, Peter M. van Bodegom, Gertjan W. Geerling, Maarten Schrama
Mosquito-borne diseases are on the rise. While climatic factors have been linked to disease occurrences, they do not explain the non-random spatial distribution in disease outbreaks. Landscape-related factors, such as vegetation structure, likely play a crucial but hitherto unquantified role. We explored how three critically important factors that are associated with mosquito-borne disease outbreaks:
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Molecular characterization and zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in humans and domestic animals in Heilongjiang Province, China Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-25 Yaru Hao, Aiqin Liu, He Li, Yiyang Zhao, Lan Yao, Bo Yang, Weizhe Zhang, Fengkun Yang
Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are significant parasitic diseases shared between humans and domestic animals. Due to the close contact between humans and domestic animals in rural areas, it is important to consider the potential transmission of zoonotic parasites from infected domestic animals to humans. This investigation aimed to determine the prevalence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium
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Effects of soil on the development, survival, and oviposition of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-24 Kellen C. Pautzke, Allan S. Felsot, John P. Reganold, Jeb P. Owen
Water quality is known to influence the development and survival of larval mosquitoes, which affects mosquito-borne pathogen transmission as a function of the number of mosquitoes that reach adulthood and blood feed. Although water properties are known to affect mosquito development, few studies have investigated the link among soil properties, water quality, and mosquito development. Given the large
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Prevalence of non-falciparum malaria infections among asymptomatic individuals in four regions of Mainland Tanzania Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-23 Zachary R. Popkin-Hall, Misago D. Seth, Rashid A. Madebe, Rule Budodo, Catherine Bakari, Filbert Francis, Dativa Pereus, David J. Giesbrecht, Celine I. Mandara, Daniel Mbwambo, Sijenunu Aaron, Abdallah Lusasi, Samwel Lazaro, Jeffrey A. Bailey, Jonathan J. Juliano, Julie R. Gutman, Deus S. Ishengoma
Recent studies point to the need to incorporate the detection of non-falciparum species into malaria surveillance activities in sub-Saharan Africa, where 95% of the world’s malaria cases occur. Although malaria caused by infection with Plasmodium falciparum is typically more severe than malaria caused by the non-falciparum Plasmodium species P. malariae, P. ovale spp. and P. vivax, the latter may be
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Novel trypanosomatid species detected in Mongolian pikas (Ochotona pallasi) and their fleas in northwestern China Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-22 Shiyi Wang, Suwen Wang, Xiaoshuang Han, Sándor Hornok, Huiqian Wang, Nan Wang, Gang Liu, Meihua Yang, Yuanzhi Wang
In the family Trypanosomatidae, the genus Trypanosoma contains protozoan parasites that infect a diverse range of hosts, including humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. Wild rodents, as natural reservoir hosts of various pathogens, play an important role in the evolution and emergence of Trypanosomatidae. To date, no reports are available on the trypanosomatid infection of pikas (Lagomorpha: Ochotonidae)
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The crosstalk between cholangiocytes and hepatic stellate cells promotes the progression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and periductal fibrosis during Clonorchis sinensis infection Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-22 Junyeong Yi, Ji Hoon Jeong, Jihee Won, Seok Chung, Jhang Ho Pak
Clonorchis sinensis infection is one of the risk factors that provokes chronic inflammation, epithelial hyperplasia, periductal fibrosis and even cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Disrupted or aberrant intercellular communication among liver-constituting cells leads to pathological states that cause various hepatic diseases. This study was designed to investigate the pathological changes caused by C. sinensis
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New insight into avian malaria vectors in New Zealand Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-22 E. R. Schoener, D. M. Tompkins, L. Howe, I. C. Castro
Mosquitoes (Culicidae) are vectors for most malaria parasites of the Plasmodium species and are required for Plasmodium spp. to complete their life cycle. Despite having 16 species of mosquitoes and the detection of many Plasmodium species in birds, little is known about the role of different mosquito species in the avian malaria life cycle in New Zealand. In this study, we used nested polymerase chain
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Attributes of Anopheles gambiae swarms in South Central Uganda Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Krystal Birungi, Danspaid P. Mabuka, Victor Balyesima, Frederic Tripet, Jonathan K. Kayondo
Anopheles gambiae continues to be widespread and an important malaria vector species complex in Uganda. New approaches to malaria vector control are being explored including population suppression through swarm reductions and genetic modification involving gene drives. Designing and evaluating these new interventions require good understanding of the biology of the target vectors. Anopheles mosquito
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Fleas of wild carnivores in Romania: diversity, distribution, and host-associations Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Georgiana Deak, Angela Monica Ionică, Áron Péter, Attila David Sándor, Ioana Adriana Matei, Gianluca D’Amico, Emmanuel Liénard, Călin Mircea Gherman, Andrei Daniel Mihalca, Emilie Bouhsira
Fleas are important hematophagous insects, infesting mammals and birds with a worldwide distribution. Fleas of medical importance have been reported from various carnivores worldwide, such as felids, canids, or mustelids. Romania hosts a wide carnivore diversity, but very little is known about flea species that parasitize these animals in Romania. This study aimed to provide a better understanding
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The genetic diversity of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni, intermediate hosts of Schistosoma japonicum in hilly regions of China, using microsatellite markers Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-21 Jing Song, Hongqiong Wang, Shizhu Li, Chunhong Du, Peijun Qian, Wenya Wang, Meifen Shen, Zongya Zhang, Jihua Zhou, Yun Zhang, Chunying Li, Yuwan Hao, Yi Dong
The elimination of schistosomiasis remains a challenging task, with current measures primarily focused on the monitoring and control of Oncomelania hupensis (O. hupensis) snail, the sole intermediate host of Schistosome japonicum. Given the emerging, re-emerging, and persistent habitats of snails, understanding their genetic diversity might be essential for their successful monitoring and control.
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Identification of host protein ENO1 (alpha-enolase) interacting with Cryptosporidium parvum sporozoite surface protein, Cpgp40 Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Yuexin Wang, Na Li, Guanda Liang, Luyang Wang, Xiaotian Zhang, Zhaohui Cui, Xiaoying Li, Sumei Zhang, Longxian Zhang
Cryptosporidium parvum is an apicomplexan zoonotic parasite causing the diarrheal illness cryptosporidiosis in humans and animals. To invade the host intestinal epithelial cells, parasitic proteins expressed on the surface of sporozoites interact with host cells to facilitate the formation of parasitophorous vacuole for the parasite to reside and develop. The gp40 of C. parvum, named Cpgp40 and located
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Relationship between genetic diversity and morpho-functional characteristics of flight-related traits in Triatoma garciabesi (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Thaiane Verly, Sebastián Pita, Ana Laura Carbajal-de-la-Fuente, Gabriela Burgueño-Rodríguez, Romina V. Piccinali, Federico G. Fiad, Néstor Ríos, Francisco Panzera, Patricia Lobbia, Paz Sánchez-Casaccia, Antonieta Rojas de Arias, María José Cavallo, Gisel V. Gigena, Claudia S. Rodríguez, Julieta Nattero
Triatoma garciabesi, a potential vector of the parasitic protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the causative agent of Chagas disease, is common in peridomestic and wild environments and found throughout northwestern and central Argentina, western Paraguay and the Bolivian Chaco. Genetic differentiation of a species across its range can help to understand dispersal patterns and connectivity between
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Investigations of the tick burden on passeriform, water-associated and predatory birds reveal new tick–host associations and habitat-related factors of tick infestation Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Andor Pitó, Boglárka Bukor, Előd Győrig, Vojtěch Brlík, Jenő Kontschán, Gergő Keve, Nóra Takács, Sándor Hornok
Previous studies on the tick infestation of birds in the Carpathian Basin focused on songbirds (Passeriformes). Thus, the primary aim of the present work was to extend the scope of previous studies, i.e. to include aquatic (water-associated) bird species in a similar context, especially considering that these birds are usually long-distance migrants. Between March 2021 and August 2023, 11,919 birds
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Rapid classification of epidemiologically relevant age categories of the malaria vector, Anopheles funestus Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Emmanuel P. Mwanga, Doreen J. Siria, Issa H. Mshani, Sophia H. Mwinyi, Said Abbasi, Mario Gonzalez Jimenez, Klaas Wynne, Francesco Baldini, Simon A. Babayan, Fredros O. Okumu
Accurately determining the age and survival probabilities of adult mosquitoes is crucial for understanding parasite transmission, evaluating the effectiveness of control interventions and assessing disease risk in communities. This study was aimed at demonstrating the rapid identification of epidemiologically relevant age categories of Anopheles funestus, a major Afro-tropical malaria vector, through
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The plant-like protein phosphatase PPKL regulates parasite replication and morphology in Toxoplasma gondii Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Xi-Ting Wu, Xu-Wen Gao, Qiang-Qiang Wang, Kai He, Muhammad Saqib Bilal, Hui Dong, Yi-Dan Tang, Hui-Yong Ding, Yue-Bao Li, Xiao-Yan Tang, Shaojun Long
The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii encodes dozens of phosphatases, among which a plant-like phosphatase absent from mammalian genomes named PPKL, which is involved in regulating brassinosteroid signaling in Arabidopsis, was identified in the genome. Among the Apicomplexa parasites, T. gondii is an important and representative pathogen in humans and animals. PPKL was previously identified to modulate
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A molecular assessment of Ostertagia leptospicularis and Spiculopteragia asymmetrica among wild fallow deer in Northern Ireland and implications for false detection of livestock-associated species Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Maggie Lyons, Tony L. Brown, Angela Lahuerta-Marin, Eric. R. Morgan, Paul M. Airs
Wild deer populations utilizing livestock grazing areas risk cross-species transmission of gastrointestinal nematode parasites (GINs), including GINs with anthelmintic resistance (AR) traits. Wild deer have been shown to carry problematic GIN species such as Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus species in the UK, but the presence of livestock GINs in Northern Ireland deer populations is unknown
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Accelerating targeted mosquito control efforts through mobile West Nile virus detection Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Zsaklin Varga, Rubén Bueno-Marí, José Risueño Iranzo, Kornélia Kurucz, Gábor Endre Tóth, Brigitta Zana, Safia Zeghbib, Tamás Görföl, Ferenc Jakab, Gábor Kemenesi
Different mosquito control strategies have been implemented to mitigate or prevent mosquito-related public health situations. Modern mosquito control largely relies on multiple approaches, including targeted, specific treatments. Given this, it is becoming increasingly important to supplement these activities with rapid and mobile diagnostic capacities for mosquito-borne diseases. We aimed to create
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New insights into the molecular phylogeny, biogeographical history, and diversification of Amblyomma ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) based on mitogenomes and nuclear sequences Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-18 Juan E. Uribe, Samuel Kelava, Santiago Nava, Andrea P. Cotes-Perdomo, Lyda R. Castro, Fredy A. Rivera-Paéz, Silvia Perea, Ben J. Mans, Alexander Gofton, Ernest J. M. Teo, Rafael Zardoya, Stephen C. Barker
Amblyomma is the third most diversified genus of Ixodidae that is distributed across the Indomalayan, Afrotropical, Australasian (IAA), Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic ecoregions, reaching in the Neotropic its highest diversity. There have been hints in previously published phylogenetic trees from mitochondrial genome, nuclear rRNA, from combinations of both and morphology that the Australasian
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Low diagnostic performance of thick blood smears of 50 µl in comparison with direct examination of 10 µl blood and the leukoconcentration technique of 5ml blood among loiasis-suspected patients with low microfilaremia in Gabon, Central Africa, using the STARD-BLCM guidelines Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Noé Patrick M’Bondoukwé, Matthieu Owono-Medang, Marie Noëlle Moussavou-Boussougou, Yvan Akoue, Valentin Migueba, Dmitry Bulaev, Anouk Neven, Luice Aurtin Joel James, Sylvie Alberte Ntsame Ella, Denise Patricia Mawili-Mboumba, Julienne Atsame, Michel Vaillant, Marielle Karine Bouyou Akotet
The aim of this study was to determine performance indicators of thick blood smears of 50 µl (TBS-50), following the Standards for the Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies–Bayesian Latent Class Model (STARD-BLCM) guidelines. TBS-50 was compared with two common parasitological techniques—direct examination of 10 µl blood and a leukoconcentration of 5 ml—for the diagnosis of microfilaremic loiasis
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Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae in the anterior chambers of the eye and ocular adverse events after a single dose of 8 mg moxidectin or 150 µg/kg ivermectin: results of a randomized double-blind Phase 3 trial in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana and Liberia Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Eric M. Kanza, Amos Nyathirombo, Jemmah P. Larbelee, Nicholas O. Opoku, Didier K. Bakajika, Hayford M. Howard, Germain L. Mambandu, Maurice M. Nigo, Deogratias Ucima Wonyarossi, Françoise Ngave, Kambale Kasonia Kennedy, Kambale Kataliko, Kpehe M. Bolay, Simon K. Attah, George Olipoh, Sampson Asare, Mupenzi Mumbere, Michel Vaillant, Christine M. Halleux, Annette C. Kuesel
After ivermectin became available, diethylcarbamazine (DEC) use was discontinued because of severe adverse reactions, including ocular reactions, in individuals with high Onchocerca volvulus microfilaridermia (microfilariae/mg skin, SmfD). Assuming long-term ivermectin use led to < 5 SmfD with little or no eye involvement, DEC + ivermectin + albendazole treatment a few months after ivermectin was proposed
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New artificial hematophagy system with attractive polymeric biofilm for maintenance of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Angelita Milech, Caroline Quintana Braga, Carolina dos Santos Bermann, Jaqueline Ferreira de Souza, André Ricardo Fajardo, Élvia Silveira Vianna, Camila Belmonte Oliveira
Maintaining mosquito colonies in the laboratory requires a blood supply so that females' oocytes can mature and oviposition can take place. In this study, a new artificial hematophagy system for colonization and maintenance of Culex quinquefasciatus in the laboratory was developed and tested. We developed an attractive polymeric biofilm including 25% l-lactic acid for use as a membrane in an artificial
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A cyst-forming coccidian with large geographical range infecting forest and commensal rodents: Sarcocystis muricoelognathis sp. nov. Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Tao Qin, Paula Ortega-Perez, Gudrun Wibbelt, Maklarin B. Lakim, Sulaiman Ginting, Yuvaluk Khoprasert, Konstans Wells, Junjie Hu, Thomas Jäkel
The geographic distribution and host-parasite interaction networks of Sarcocystis spp. in small mammals in eastern Asia remain incompletely known. Experimental infections, morphological and molecular characterizations were used for discrimination of a new Sarcocystis species isolated from colubrid snakes and small mammals collected in Thailand, Borneo and China. We identified a new species, Sarcocystis
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Impact of climate change on temperature variations and extrinsic incubation period of malaria parasites in Chennai, India: implications for its disease transmission potential Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 P. K. Kripa, P. S. Thanzeen, Nagaraj Jaganathasamy, Sangamithra Ravishankaran, Anupkumar R. Anvikar, Alex Eapen
The global temperature has significantly risen in the past century. Studies have indicated that higher temperature intensifies malaria transmission in tropical and temperate countries. Temperature fluctuations will have a potential impact on parasite development in the vector Anopheles mosquito. Year-long microclimate temperatures were recorded from a malaria-endemic area, Chennai, India, from September
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Correction: Avian Plasmodium in invasive and native mosquitoes from southern Spain Parasites Vectors (IF 3.2) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Marta Garrigós, Jesús Veiga, Mario Garrido, Clotilde Marín, Jesús Recuero, María José Rosales, Manuel Morales-Yuste, Josué Martínez-de la Puente
Correction: Parasites & Vectors (2024) 17:40 https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-024-06133-8 Following publication of the original article [1], the authors flagged that they had erroneously omitted the following acknowledgement of Funding from the declaration of their article: Finally, this paper was financed by Programa QUALIFICA, Junta de Andalucía, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación