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Parasitologia, Volume 6, Issue 3 (June 2026) – 6 articles

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22 pages, 9498 KB

Open AccessArticle

Binding Affinity Modeling to Predict Human CD4 T Cell Epitopes in Leishmania Proteins

by Magda Melissa Flórez, Dariannis Larios-Illidge, Wilson David Martínez, Karel Rojas, Yajaira Uribe, Daniel Ricardo Delgado, Eliasid Aguilar, Osvaldo Yáñez and Francy Elaine Torres

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030028 - 31 May 2026

Viewed by 228

Abstract

Leishmaniasis causes skin ulcers to complex visceral involvement, and available treatment options for humans are highly toxic and have prolonged application schemes. So far, there are no licensed vaccines for humans, so it is necessary to develop a strategy that can prevent the development of the disease. A cellular immune response of a CD4⁺ Th1 profile is essential to eliminate intracellular Leishmania amastigotes; therefore, the identification of sequences that bind to HLA class II pockets could induce a protective immune response. This study aimed to identify CD4⁺ T epitopes from immunogenic Leishmania proteins. First, three prediction tools were used to compare 15-mer sequences throughout the complete protein sequence against 25 HLA-DR alleles using NH, SMT, CPA, CPB, and CPC proteins. Six peptides were identified as strong HLA-DR binders using the three bioinformatic prediction tools. After alignment, molecular docking analysis, and molecular dynamics, the stability and affinity of the peptide–DR4 complex were confirmed for three sequences. This bioinformatics strategy allowed a sequential screening from 1857 to three promising candidates, namely, SMT_133-148, CPA_39-54, and CPA_301-316, which increases the probability of being natural Leishmania spp. CD4⁺ T cell epitopes in humans. Full article

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14 pages, 2100 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Association Between Toxoplasma gondii Genotypes (Types I, II, III) and Spontaneous Abortion in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Kelly Mayanny Inacio Silva, Gessyk Monteiro Marques, Ana Maria de Castro, Silvio Carneiro Cunha Filho, Sandro Estevan Moron, Raphael Gomes Ferreira, Cláudia Denise Mendanha Mangueira, Fabricio Souza Campos, Gil Rodrigues dos Santos, Erica Eugênio Lourenço Gontijo, Sara Falcão de Sousa, Jaqueline Cibene Moreira Borges, Samara Tatielle Monteiro Gomes, João Bartholomeu Neto, Fabio Pegoraro, Walmirton Bezerra D’Alessandro, Janne Marques Silveira and Marcos Gontijo da Silva

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030027 - 19 May 2026

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Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between T. gondii genotypes (types I, II, III) and cases of spontaneous abortion in humans. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ScienceDirect) were searched for studies published in the last 10 years. Observational studies evaluating T. gondii genotypes in abortion cases were included. Results: Eight cross-sectional studies were included. A pooled positivity proportion for T. gondii of approximately 20% was observed among abortion cases, with substantial heterogeneity (I² > 90%). Genotype distribution varied across studies, with types I and III being the most frequently reported. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests a possible association between T. gondii infection and spontaneous abortion; however, the role of specific genotypes remains uncertain due to limited and heterogeneous data. More multicenter studies are needed to robustly address the issue. Full article

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10 pages, 1374 KB

Open AccessCase Report

Case Report of a Mixed Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae Malaria Infection in a Returning Patient from Cameroon to Greece with False Negative Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test

by Eleni V. Patsoula, Anastasia Bimpa, Nikolaos Tegos, Anastasia Panagopoulou, Ilias Karaiskos, Argyro Triantafyllou and Eleni Papadogeorgaki

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030026 - 18 May 2026

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Abstract

Malaria in a Greek citizen with prior malaria history residing and working in Cameroon returning in his home country is a medical emergency warranting prompt and accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We describe a mixed malaria case of a febrile patient, a professional returning to Greece from a malaria-endemic country whose initial diagnosis was a false-negative malaria rapid diagnostic test. Subsequent alternative rapid diagnostic test, malaria thin-film blood examination and molecular diagnosis revealed mixed malaria infection from Plasmodium ovale and Plasmodium malariae. The patient was successfully treated and achieved complete clinical recovery. The case described here highlights important points regarding prompt and accurate malaria diagnosis in returning travelers in non-endemic countries, emphasizing the importance of revealing cryptic mixed malaria cases and providing molecular approaches to malaria diagnosis in combination with the gold-standard microscopy. Full article

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11 pages, 935 KB

Open AccessArticle

Community Participation Challenges in Aedes aegypti Surveillance: Analysis of Reluctance Factors in Two Cities in Argentina from March to December 2021

by Milagros Girart, Catalina Canosa, Carolina Goizueta, Manuel Osvaldo Espinosa, María Victoria Periago and Carolina López Ferloni

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030025 - 14 May 2026

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Abstract

Dengue represents a growing challenge for public health in Argentina, where entomological surveillance is essential to Aedes aegypti control interventions. However, low community participation in surveillance activities constitutes a major obstacle to these interventions. In this mixed-methods (quantitative–qualitative) study, we analyzed the reasons for reluctance to undergo household inspections in Tartagal and Puerto Iguazú between March and December 2021. A total of 9065 responses were recorded, among which the most frequent reason was the perception that inspection was unnecessary (64.2%). Four additional categories of reluctance were identified: impossibility or restriction of access to the housing unit, lack of interest in the visit, safety concerns, and other causes. Analysis using the Shannon diversity index showed homogeneity of responses in Tartagal (H′ = 0.77) and greater diversity in Puerto Iguazú (H′ = 1.59). Although most respondents reported knowing what dengue is and where the vector mosquito breeds, lack of interest in identifying breeding sites predominated in Tartagal, whereas greater willingness to collaborate was observed in Puerto Iguazú. The findings suggest that risk perception, overlap of activities, institutional recognition, and safety concerns influence community participation. Understanding these factors is key to adjusting surveillance strategies and increasing the effectiveness of vector control programs. Full article

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18 pages, 630 KB

Open AccessArticle

Further Studies on the Antiparasitic Activity of Quinoxaline-1,4-di-N-Oxides Containing a Glycine Side Chain

by Manuel Lacueva-Arnedo, Teresa Espinosa-Buitrago, Lena Huck, Juan F. González, J. Carlos Menéndez, Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano and Cristina Fonseca-Berzal

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030024 - 13 May 2026

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Abstract

Chagas disease and trichomoniasis are two neglected parasitic infections (NPIs) in need for new therapies that address both the toxicity and limited bioavailability impacting on the effectiveness of benznidazole (BZ) and nifurtimox, the only drugs available for treating the infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, as well as the resistance that Trichomonas vaginalis has developed to 5-nitroimidazoles. Herein, we report the outcomes of the primary screening of a series of eighteen quinoxaline-1,4-di-N-oxides (QdNOs) carried out against both protozoan parasites. Computational approaches revealed that these derivatives have adequate oral bioavailability and do not pose toxicity risks associated with their chemical structures. Meanwhile, biological studies disclosed that compounds 4b and 4m exhibit considerable activity against T. cruzi at the highest concentration tested, showing 4m a trypanocidal profile (IC₅₀ = 23.66 µM) similar to that of BZ (IC₅₀ = 21.66 µM), and a selectivity index (SI) > 5.32. Regarding the activity on T. vaginalis, derivative 4n stands out with an IC₅₀ value of 9.85 µM, showing no cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells. However, their potency decreases when tested over resistant parasites. Alterations in either the hydrogenosomal membrane potential or the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) were also explored. The findings suggest that the trichomonacidal activity of compound 4n is not mediated by a direct disruption of hydrogenosomal bioenergetics or a pro-oxidant effect. Altogether, these preliminary results support that the QdNO scaffold could be introduced as a proper template for developing novel trypanocidal and trichomonacidal agents. Full article

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24 pages, 2002 KB

Open AccessReview

Tick Species Displacement at the Communal Interface: Drivers of Rhipicephalus microplus Expansion in Southern Africa

by Keorapetse Kgolane Moikangoe, Tsireledzo Goodwill Makwarela, Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai and Tshifhiwa Constance Nangammbi

Parasitologia 2026, 6(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia6030023 - 29 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to global cattle production, with species displacement between ticks compounding this issue. This narrative review synthesises the literature to examine the drivers behind the expansion of the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus and its displacement of the native Rhipicephalus decoloratus in Southern Africa. We analysed the biological, ecological, environmental, and anthropogenic factors by reviewing existing scientific studies and reports. Our findings indicate that R. microplus possesses a competitive advantage due to its shorter life cycle, higher reproductive output, and greater acaricide resistance. Furthermore, anthropogenic activities such as communal grazing practices, unregulated livestock movement, and land-use changes facilitate the spread of this parasite. Climate change and vegetation shifts also create more favourable habitats for this invasive species. The conclusion is that the displacement of R. decoloratus by R. microplus intensifies the burden of tick-borne diseases, leading to substantial economic losses. Effective mitigation requires an integrated tick management approach that combines chemical, biological, and ecological strategies, supported by improved surveillance and farmer education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Parasitic Diseases in Livestock: Advances in Diagnostics, Understanding and Control)

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