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Parasitologia, Volume 5, Issue 1 (March 2025) – 7 articles

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17 pages, 7868 KiB  
Article
Babaçu (Attalea Speciosa) Residue Bio-Oil Repels Livestock Tick Larvae Rhipicephalus (Boophilis) Microplus
by Marina Moura Morales, Luciano Bastos Lopes, Bruno Rafael da Silva and Aaron Kinyu Hoshide
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010007 - 7 Feb 2025
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Abstract
Rhipicephalus (Boophilis) microplus (also known as southern cattle tick or Asian blue tick) is one of the most detrimental and prolific tropical cattle parasites. Currently, chemical acaricides used against these ticks have been less effective due to increased pesticide resistance stemming [...] Read more.
Rhipicephalus (Boophilis) microplus (also known as southern cattle tick or Asian blue tick) is one of the most detrimental and prolific tropical cattle parasites. Currently, chemical acaricides used against these ticks have been less effective due to increased pesticide resistance stemming from overuse of these treatments. We propose a novel tick repellent to address the waning efficacy of chemical treatments for R. (B.) microplus on cattle. In the search for an alternative, seven concentrations (100%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.13%, and 1.57%) of babaçu (Attalea speciosa) residue bio-oil were produced by hydrothermal pyrolysis at 180 °C. The repellency of these bio-oil concentrations was assessed using a tick climbing test. Additionally, toxicity tests were performed by organic chemical analysis and polyaromatic hydrocarbon analysis. The repellency to R. (B.) microplus tick larvae was 100% for concentrations higher than 3.13% babaçu residue bio-oil concentration. However, the 1.57% concentration can be promising even with less repellent effects (though still being 93.7% effective) due to lower toxicity. This is an innovative approach for overcoming drug resistance in these ticks. Future research can test other bio-oils and pyrolysis products as tick repellents and botanical acaricides to further diversify options for better managing these parasites in Brazil and elsewhere in the tropics. Full article
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26 pages, 2753 KiB  
Article
Duplication of a Type-P5B-ATPase in Laverania and Avian Malaria Parasites and Implications About the Evolution of Plasmodium
by Mark F. Wiser
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010006 - 27 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Two related P-type ATPases, designated as ATPase1 and ATPase3, were identified in Plasmodium falciparum. These two ATPases exhibit very similar gene and protein structures and are most similar to P5B-ATPases. There are some differences in the predicted substrate-binding sites of ATPase1 and [...] Read more.
Two related P-type ATPases, designated as ATPase1 and ATPase3, were identified in Plasmodium falciparum. These two ATPases exhibit very similar gene and protein structures and are most similar to P5B-ATPases. There are some differences in the predicted substrate-binding sites of ATPase1 and ATPase3 that suggest different functions for these two ATPases. Orthologues of ATPase3 were identified in all Plasmodium species, including the related Hepatocystis and Haemoproteus. ATPase3 orthologues could also be identified in all apicomplexan species, but no clear orthologues were identified outside of the Apicomplexa. In contrast, ATPase1 orthologues were only found in the Laverania, avian Plasmodium species, and Haemoproteus. ATPase1 likely arose from a duplication of the ATPase3 gene early in the evolution of malaria parasites. These results support a model in which early malaria parasites split into two clades. One clade consists of mammalian malaria parasites and Hepatocystis but excludes P. falciparum and related Laverania. The other clade includes Haemoproteus, avian Plasmodium species, and Laverania. This contrasts to recent models that suggest all mammalian malaria parasites form a monophyletic group, and all avian malaria parasites form a separate monophyletic group. ATPase1 may be a useful taxonomic/phylogenetic character for the phylogeny of Haemosporidia. Full article
15 pages, 4750 KiB  
Article
Detection of Kelch13 and Coronin Genes in Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594
by Tobili Y. Sam-Yellowe, Antara Roy, Trinity Nims, Sona Qaderi and John W. Peterson
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010005 - 21 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Colpodella species are predatory biflagellates phylogenetically related to pathogenic Apicomplexans. Following the attachment of Colpodella sp. to its prey, cytoplasmic contents of the prey are aspirated into a posterior food vacuole during myzocytosis. Trophozoites also endocytose nutrients as demonstrated by the uptake of [...] Read more.
Colpodella species are predatory biflagellates phylogenetically related to pathogenic Apicomplexans. Following the attachment of Colpodella sp. to its prey, cytoplasmic contents of the prey are aspirated into a posterior food vacuole during myzocytosis. Trophozoites also endocytose nutrients as demonstrated by the uptake of 40 and 100 nm nanoparticles in Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594. This nutrient uptake is actin-mediated. However, the markers of myzocytosis and endocytosis are unknown. Furthermore, the relationship between Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594 and Colpodella sp. identified in arthropods, humans, and animals are unknown. In this study, we investigated the conservation of the coronin and Kelch 13 genes in Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594 using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Kelch 13 distribution in Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594 was investigated using anti-Kelch 13 antibodies by immunofluorescence. Both genes were amplified from Colpodella sp. ATCC 50594. We amplified DNA encoding 18S rRNA with similarity to 18S rRNA amplified using piroplasm primers from the Italian Colpodella sp. identified in cattle and ticks. The detection of the coronin and Kelch 13 genes in Colpodella sp. provides, for the first time, markers for actin binding and endocytosis in Colpodella species that can be investigated further to gain important insights into the mechanisms of nutrient uptake in Colpodella sp. Full article
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7 pages, 3230 KiB  
Case Report
Dioctophyme renale in a 5-Month-Old Puppy from Delta del Tigre, Uruguay
by Alejandra Navratil-Oronoz, María Inés Fernández, Gillian Neumann Wadeer, Federico Machín, Agustín Maggio, Laura Gago and María Teresa Armúa-Fernández
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010004 - 21 Jan 2025
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Abstract
Dioctophyme renale, also known as the giant red kidney worm, is a parasitic nematode that infects various mammalian hosts, including dogs, and is associated with an important renal pathology. This case report describes the first known D. renale parasitism in a 5-month-old [...] Read more.
Dioctophyme renale, also known as the giant red kidney worm, is a parasitic nematode that infects various mammalian hosts, including dogs, and is associated with an important renal pathology. This case report describes the first known D. renale parasitism in a 5-month-old puppy from Uruguay. The animal presented with hematuria and was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasonography, which revealed characteristic ring-like structures in the right kidney, and urine sedimentation, which confirmed the presence of D. renale eggs. The dog underwent nephrectomy to remove the adult female parasite. While D. renale is typically associated with a prepatent period of 3.5 to 6 months in canines, this case is notable for the early presence of a mature parasite in a young dog. This finding suggests the possibility of a shorter prepatent period or alternative transmission routes, such as transplacental or lactogenic transmission. The case highlights the importance of including dioctophymosis in the differential diagnosis of young puppies in endemic areas, especially near freshwater sources. Given the zoonotic potential of D. renale, this case emphasizes the need for surveillance of this parasite, particularly in regions where untreated water and fish consumption pose risks to both animals and humans. Full article
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11 pages, 1620 KiB  
Article
Ancistrohaptor forficata sp. n. (Monopisthocotyla, Dactylogyridae): A New Parasite of Triportheus signatus (Characiformes, Triportheidae) from the Salgado River, Brazil
by Maria Fernanda Barros Gouveia Diniz, Wallas Benevides Barbosa de Sousa, Priscilla de Oliveira Fadel Yamada and Fábio Hideki Yamada
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010003 - 16 Jan 2025
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Abstract
The genus Ancistrohaptor was proposed to accommodate monopisthocotylans flatworms parasitic on the gills of species of the genus Triportheus in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. Its main characteristics are (a) an accessory piece of the male copulatory organ composed of two distinct parts; (b) [...] Read more.
The genus Ancistrohaptor was proposed to accommodate monopisthocotylans flatworms parasitic on the gills of species of the genus Triportheus in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. Its main characteristics are (a) an accessory piece of the male copulatory organ composed of two distinct parts; (b) dextral or dextroventral vaginal openings; and (c) large ventral anchors with elongated shafts. A new species of Ancistrohaptor was found to parasitize the gills of Triportheus signatus collected from the Salgado River, Ceará State, Brazil. A new species of Monopisthocotyla was collected and described. Ancistrohaptor forficata sp. n. is primarily characterized by having a male copulatory organ with less than one turn, the presence of an articulated accessory piece with a concave rod-shaped termination, and a free accessory piece that is clamp shaped and bifurcated, as well as a dorsal bar with shading present in its medial part. This is the fourth species description of the genus Ancistrohaptor for fish of the genus Triportheus and the first record for T. signatus and the aquatic ecosystems of the Caatinga domain. Full article
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15 pages, 2625 KiB  
Article
A New Species of Anthocotyle (Polyopisthocotyla: Discocotylidae) from the Gills of the European Hake Merluccius merluccius (Teleostei, Merlucciidae) with a Revision of the Composition of the Genus
by Chahinez Bouguerche
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010002 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 498
Abstract
This study revisits the taxonomy of Anthocotyle merluccii, originally described from the European hake Merluccius merluccius in the northeast Atlantic, addressing discrepancies in clamp morphology across populations. The original description from Belgium noted near-equal anterior clamp sizes, contrasting with populations from Plymouth [...] Read more.
This study revisits the taxonomy of Anthocotyle merluccii, originally described from the European hake Merluccius merluccius in the northeast Atlantic, addressing discrepancies in clamp morphology across populations. The original description from Belgium noted near-equal anterior clamp sizes, contrasting with populations from Plymouth (Atlantic) and the Mediterranean, which show marked size differences, questioning their conspecificity. We describe A. radkeaminorum n. sp. from M. merluccius in the western Mediterranean (off Algeria), distinguished from A. merluccii (Belgium) by differing anterior clamp size, genital atrium spine number, and overall anterior clamp dimensions. Populations from Plymouth, previously attributed to A. merluccii, are herein assigned to A. aff. merluccii based on differences in morphometrical traits pending further investigations. Additionally, A. radkeaminorum n. sp. differs from A. americanus in body and clamp size, atrial spine count, and hosts. Based on analysis of morphological and molecular data, we refute the synonymy of A. merluccii and A. americanus, and we reinstate the latter as a valid species. The distinction between A. merluccii and A. americanus was further supported by divergence in cox1 gene sequences analyzed from GenBank (10–11%). Finally, inconsistencies in terminal lappet hook morphology are discussed, cautioning against its use in species delineation. This work highlights the need for continued research to resolve species relationships within this genus. Full article
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30 pages, 2904 KiB  
Review
Checklist of Medico-Veterinary Important Biting Flies (Ceratopogonidae, Hippoboscidae, Phlebotominae, Simuliidae, Stomoxyini, and Tabanidae) and Their Associated Pathogens and Hosts in Maghreb
by Chaimaa Azzouzi, Noureddine Rabah-Sidhoum, Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh, Noureddine Mechouk, Scherazad Sedraoui and Ahmed Benakhla
Parasitologia 2025, 5(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5010001 - 30 Dec 2024
Viewed by 486
Abstract
Biting flies are hematophagous dipterans belonging to various taxonomic groups, such as the Hippoboscidae, Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, and Psychodidae families, some of which have significant medical and veterinary importance. They can host and spread various infections to humans and livestock and cause [...] Read more.
Biting flies are hematophagous dipterans belonging to various taxonomic groups, such as the Hippoboscidae, Ceratopogonidae, Simuliidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae, and Psychodidae families, some of which have significant medical and veterinary importance. They can host and spread various infections to humans and livestock and cause allergic reactions with their saliva. Several species of different families are present in the western Mediterranean region, with new species gradually being discovered. This study focuses on the brachyceran and the nematoceran species; it provides a systematic review listing all reported taxa of biting flies in the Maghreb countries (Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia). Additionally, the study includes a geo-historical reconstruction of distribution maps for species of epidemiological importance. The associated pathogens and hosts are also included in the checklists, alongside information on the biology and ecology of these parasitic arthropods, to offer a comprehensive overview of the state of dipteran-borne disease surveillance in North African countries. Overall, this work could serve as an exhaustive reference for entomologists and breeders participating in controlling biting fly and midge populations, whether from a technical or research perspective. Full article
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