Parasitologia

A supplemental description of Lamproglena barbicola Fryer, 1961 is provided based on specimens collected from the gills of Labeobarbus altianalis (Boulenger, 1900) from the Nyando River, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, using an integrated approach of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and molecular analysis (18S, 28S rDNA, and cox1 gene regions). Morphologically, the specimens conform to L. barbicola and closely resemble Lamproglena hoi Dippenaar, Luus-Powell & Roux, 2001; however, SEM revealed a previously undescribed feature on the uniramous antennule in L. barbicola, namely indistinctly three-segmented, tapering from a broad base to the apex, basal segment much longer than distal, comprising 14 setae of varying sizes, ventral laterally, absence of distinctive anterior fringe of setae on the antennule, as well as several characters that differentiate L. barbicola from L. hoi, including 5 setae at the basal endopod of leg one, five cuticular protuberances in the oral region, 19 setae on the basal antennular segment, and 10 setae on the distal segment, with 1 seta on each ramus. The phylogenetic analysis confirms L. barbicola as a sister taxon of L. hoi, supporting their close relationship. The genetic divergence presented as the uncorrected genetic p-distances between L. barbicola and L. hoi are 23.1% and 0.45% for cox1 and 28S rDNA regions, respectively, with observed nucleotide differences of 145 and 3 bp between the sequences, respectively. There was no interspecific variability detected in the 18S rDNA sequences. This study provides novel molecular sequences and the first high-resolution SEM images, which reveal additional taxonomic features for L. barbicola, establishing a robust reference for future identification. Full article

Soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) represent the most prevalent helminth infections worldwide and are closely associated with inadequate sanitation and poverty. During 2020 and 2021, a significant information gap emerged as a consequence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Therefore, the objective of this study was to provide an updated post-pandemic overview by estimating the prevalence of STH, identifying the etiological agents involved, and analyzing the risk factors associated with these infections. The study was conducted in Ilaló, Pichincha, Ecuador, where a total of 320 individuals were examined using three diagnostic methods: Kato-Katz, McMaster, and Mini-FLOTAC. Of these, 73 participants tested positive (22.81%, 95% CI: 22.3–23.4). The most frequently identified parasite was Ascaris lumbricoides (74.73%, 95% CI: 73.7–75.8). The main risk factors identified were pig farming (OR: 4.16; 95% CI: 2.34–7.42) and vegetable and fruit cultivation (OR: 11.66; 95% CI: 4.32–41.08). These findings provide relevant epidemiological data on STH in the region, demonstrating a reduction in infection prevalence likely associated with improved prevention and control measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

Clonorchis sinensis and Metagonimus spp. are prevalent parasites in Korea, and accurate diagnosis is essential because treatment dosages differ between infections. However, their eggs are morphologically similar under light microscopy, making differentiation difficult and dependent on examiner expertise. To address this limitation, we evaluated an artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated microscope solution for the simultaneous detection and discrimination of both parasites. Microscopic images from 170 stool samples were analyzed using an AI system based on You Only Look Once version 5. The annotated dataset comprised 9455 egg images (6494 C. sinensis and 2961 Metagonimus spp.), randomly divided at the slide/patient level into training (6862), validation (1301), and test (1292) sets. Diagnostic performance was evaluated using mean average precision, confusion matrix analysis, and correlation with conventional microscopy. The model achieved a classification accuracy of up to 97.8%. C. sinensis showed higher recall and F1 scores, whereas Metagonimus spp. showed higher precision and specificity. Species identification showed complete concordance with conventional microscopy, and egg quantification was strongly correlated. These results indicate that the proposed AI system may serve as a supportive diagnostic tool comparable to conventional microscopy. Full article

Tick-borne diseases are rising across Europe, yet human-biting tick data from the central Balkans remain limited. We analysed ticks removed from patients seeking care after tick bites at centers in Skopje (North Macedonia) and Novi Sad (Serbia) between January 2022 and December 2024, recording species, developmental stage, month of removal, and anatomical attachment site. A total of 1641 ticks were collected (North Macedonia, n = 157; Serbia, n = 1484) and identified morphologically. Six tick species were detected in North Macedonia and eight in Serbia. Ixodes ricinus was dominant in both countries, comprising ~69% of ticks in North Macedonia and >90% in Serbia, while Hyalomma marginatum was found in North Macedonia. Adult females predominated among ticks in North Macedonia (75.8%), whereas nymphs were most frequent among ticks in Serbia (55.6%); between-center comparisons of developmental stage should be interpreted cautiously given the marked sampling imbalance. In both settings, collections peaked in May–June (~64% of annual ticks), indicating highest bite pressure in late spring/early summer. Attachment sites were most commonly the torso and lower extremities, with significant between-country differences and species-/stage-specific patterns most evident in Serbia. These data refine the epidemiology of human tick exposure in two Balkan countries and support targeted seasonal prevention messaging and strengthened regional surveillance. Full article

Horse flies (Tabanidae) negatively affect livestock by reducing productivity, compromising animal welfare, and serving as mechanical vectors of pathogens. However, the spatial processes shaping their community organization in southern Brazil’s Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul (CPRS) remain poorly understood. To address this, we conducted standardized Malaise-trap surveys and combined them with historical–contemporary comparisons to examine distance–decay patterns in community composition. We evaluated both abundance-based (Bray–Curtis) and presence–absence (Jaccard) dissimilarities using candidate models. Across sites, Tabanus triangulum emerged as the dominant species. Dissimilarity in community structure increased monotonically with geographic distance, with no evidence of abrupt thresholds. The square-root model provided the best fit for abundance-based data, whereas a linear model best described presence–absence patterns, reflecting dispersal limitation and environmental filtering across a heterogeneous coastal landscape. Sites within riparian forests and conservation units displayed higher diversity, emphasizing the ecological role of protected habitats and the importance of maintaining connected corridors. Collectively, these findings establish a process-based framework for surveillance and landscape management strategies to mitigate vector, host contact. Future directions include integrating remote sensing and host distribution, applying predictive validation across temporal scales. Full article

Entomopathogenic fungi are promising alternatives to synthetic insecticides for the control of vector species, notably the arbovirus vector, Aedes aegypti. The influence of intrinsic mosquito midgut microbiota on host susceptibility to fungal infection and subsequent physiological processes remains poorly understood. Here we treated female Ae. aegypti with the broad-spectrum antibiotic carbenicillin to reduce gut bacterial populations, then exposed them to Metarhizium anisopliae conidia. Female Ae. aegypti offered carbenicillin and then sprayed with fungi had significantly lower survival rates (38.9% ± 1.15) compared to non-antibiotic-treated mosquitoes sprayed with fungus (68.9% ± 0.58). To monitor the kinetics of microbial community recovery, mosquitoes were challenged with conidia at 0, 3, 6, and 9 days following antibiotic removal from the diet. Reduced survival persisted through the 6-day period (survival rates 37.8% to 45.6%), with a significant increase in survival observed 9 days post-antibiotic removal (58.9% vs. control 63.3%), which coincided with recovery of gut bacterial populations. Additionally, antibiotic and fungal treatments reduced egg production, larval eclosion, and pupal formation. These results demonstrate that gut bacteria contribute to mosquito defense against fungal pathogens and support normal reproductive and developmental functions. Understanding the interplay between gut microbiota and entomopathogenic fungi may enhance biological control approaches. Full article

Helminth infections caused by soil-transmitted species, like Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworms, affect over one billion people worldwide, yet accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to low sensitivity of microscopy in detecting eggs in stool samples, especially in low-intensity infections. Molecular diagnostics, particularly PCR-based detection of helminth DNA in stool samples, have emerged as more sensitive and specific alternatives. Here we review advances in DNA extraction methods that overcome inhibitors in stool, multiplex PCR assays, and next-generation sequencing technologies enabling species differentiation and detection of drug resistance markers. These molecular tools enhance epidemiological surveillance and inform control strategies. Despite challenges such as sample complexity and cost, ongoing improvements in molecular diagnostics hold promise for more effective helminth detection and management in clinical and field settings. Full article

Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a significant threat to livestock productivity and rural livelihoods in South Africa, particularly among resource-poor communal farmers. This narrative review synthesises findings from case studies on communal farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward TBDs and their control. The analysis reveals that while many farmers can identify TBDs and their symptoms, significant gaps exist in understanding acaricide resistance and effective tick management. Socioeconomic factors, including age, gender, education, and access to veterinary services, strongly influence knowledge and practices. Indigenous ethnoveterinary practices are commonly used alongside conventional methods, although their efficacy remains understudied. The review emphasises the importance of integrated pest management, participatory approaches, and targeted awareness campaigns. A One Health framework is recommended to enhance surveillance, collaboration, and sustainable TBD control. Empowering farmers through training and inclusive communication strategies is crucial for mitigating the impacts of TBDs on communal farming systems. Full article

Paragonimus westermani is a food-borne zoonotic trematode transmitted to humans through the consumption of undercooked crustaceans. Freshwater crabs act as the second intermediate host for the encysted metacercariae stage. However, accurate identification of intermediate hosts remains a challenge. Here, we aimed to detect and identify P. westermani in randomly collected freshwater crabs and determine the species of infected crabs in Davao Oriental through molecular methods. Specifically, Sanger and next-generation sequencing were conducted for species identification through BLASTn, followed by phylogenetic analyses to understand geographic and taxonomic relationships. Results showed P. westermani DNA was detected in five out of eleven crab samples and these sequences were closely grouped to the Philippine reference sequence. Through a similar approach, the infected crabs showed high sequence similarity and formed tight clustering to Isolapotamon sp. Overall, the results provided evidence that P. westermani DNA was detected in Isolapotamon sp., a genus endemic to Mindanao, and can be a potential intermediate host. This expands our current understanding of transmission ecology beyond the only known intermediate host in the Philippines, Sundathelphusa philippina. Full article

In continuation of our recent report on the antileishmanial activity of an ethanolic extract from leaves of Ptilostemon chamaepeuce subsp. cyprius (Pcc, Asteraceae), we have now isolated the main sesquiterpene lactone, deacylcynaropicrin, along with a minor derivative, 13-hydroxy-11β,13-dihydro-deacylcynaropicrin. The main constituent was tested for antileishmanial activity against promastigotes and amastigotes of Leishmania infantum (Lin), the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis. Both STLs were tested against additional protozoan pathogens, including L. donovani, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense (Tbr), and Plasmodium falciparum. The STL cynaropicrin from Artichoke (Cynara cardunculus), a congener of deacylcynaropicrin with a hydroxymethacrylate ester group, previously known to possess antiprotozoal activity, was retested against Lin for direct comparison. Cynaropicrin was found to be much more potent than either its deacyl congener or the hydroxylated derivative from Pcc against all tested parasites and also against an isolated parasite enzyme, Tbr pteridine reductase (TbPTR1). The ester moiety of cynaropicrin significantly enhances the antiprotozoal activity of this STL. Since cynaropicrin also displayed significant cytotoxicity against mammalian cells (L6 and J774A.1 cell lines), its utility as candidate for further development appears limited. However, this study provides valuable new insight into the structure–activity relationships of these compounds. Full article

The pacarana (Dinomys branickii) is a typical rodent of the Amazonian biome crepuscular habits, feeding on fruits, leaves, and roots. However, studies on these animals, inhabiting behaviors, and their parasites are limited. This study aimed to report the parasites found in fecal samples and a dead specimen of D. branickii in the Brazilian Cerrado. In 2023, fecal samples from five animals were collected and examined using flotation and simple sedimentation techniques for the identification of parasitic eggs. In 2025, a necropsy was performed on a decreased animal. Fecal samples of all animals were positive for eggs of Strongyloides spp., with two cases of co-infection with Oxyuroidea eggs and one with Trichuris sp. eggs. The Wellcomia branickii found during necropsy is a specific helminth of the pacaranas gastrointestinal tract. The natural geographical range of D. branickii is in the Western Amazon. Its introduction in the Cerrado, although for conservation purposes, reinforces the potential for this translocated species to disseminate non-native parasites outside its natural range. Full article

Haemaphysalis longicornis (Asian longhorned tick) is an invasive species recently established in the United States and a potential vector for pathogens. This study included 620 H. longicornis collected in southern Pennsylvania from 2022 to 2023 with the aim of investigating the microbial community and host preferences of these ticks along with any association with newly emerging pathogens. To assess specific emerging pathogen carriage, all collected ticks were screened for Theileria orientalis and Anaplasma marginale by targeted PCR. To evaluate host use and broader pathogen diversity, a subset of 56 partially engorged ticks was analyzed by cytochrome b PCR and tested with a multiplex Luminex xMAP^® panel for 16 tick-borne pathogens. A subset of these partially engorged (44) H. longicornis were further examined by Oxford Nanopore metatranscriptomic sequencing. Sequencing identified a bacterial community dominated by Coxiella-like endosymbionts, with additional genera including Acinetobacter, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Klebsiella, and Wolinella. Neither targeted screening nor sequencing detected recognized human or veterinary pathogens. Blood meal analysis of partially engorged ticks indicated deer (Odocoileus spp.) as primary hosts. The feeding behavior of H. longicornis and its known role as an established vector for pathogens highlight the need for continued surveillance. Full article

Leishmaniasis is a tropical and subtropical disease caused by protozoans of the genus Leishmania, primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of sandflies. This neglected disease poses a serious global health challenge due to its spectrum of clinical manifestations, which can lead to potentially fatal outcomes. In Honduras, four clinical forms of leishmaniasis are present: ulcerative cutaneous leishmaniasis (UCL), mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), non-ulcerated cutaneous leishmaniasis (NUCL), and visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This study aims to identify spatial patterns of these four clinical forms of the disease in Honduras, utilizing epidemiological data from 2009 to 2016. Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis was employed for spatial assessment. Moran’s I was used to evaluate the data and reveal patterns, while Hot Spot Analysis identified statistically significant spatial clusters of high and low values. For UCL and NUCL, all Global Moran’s I p-values were below 0.001 throughout the study period. For VL, p-values were under 0.001 in 2010, 2013, and 2016. For ML, p-values were below 0.05 in 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2015. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate geographical segregation among the different clinical forms of leishmaniasis. Full article

Anaplasma phagocytophilum causes tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants and is considered the most widespread tick-borne pathogen in sheep in Europe. This study aimed to determine the contribution of TBF to lamb mortality in Ireland and to identify factors associated with the risk of co-infection with A. phagocytophilum. Samples from dead lambs submitted to 3 Irish Regional Veterinary Laboratories (RVLs) in 2021 and 2022 were screened for the presence of A. phagocytophilum using real-time PCR. In total, 864 animals were sampled, of which 57 (6.6%) tested positive. The majority of the positive results originated in the northwest of the country; a region generally associated with high rainfall and a high prevalence of ticks and tick-borne infections in sheep. The most common causes of death reported in all lambs (including both TBF-positive and TBF-negative animals) were pneumonia, clostridial infection, and bacteraemia. Pneumonia accounted for 14.5% of deaths including 22.8 and 13.0% of TBF-positive and TBF-negative lambs, respectively. Bacteria from the family Pasteurellaceae were identified in 33.3 and 17.7% of TBF-positive and TBF-negative lambs, respectively. It was concluded that A. phagocytophilum is a possible concomitant infection and contributor to other infectious diseases in sheep, particularly those caused by bacteria in the Pasteurellaceae family. Understanding the prevalence and co-morbid associations of TBF is essential for improving disease surveillance and control strategies in endemic regions. Full article

The species composition and host–parasite associations of Gyrodactylus parasitising freshwater fishes in Bulgaria were re-examined based on the revision of museum specimens. Revised data are provided for 28 species. There are 22 species confirmed as occurring in Bulgaria based on morphological examination (G. aphyae, G. cyprini, G. fossilis, G. gobii, G. gracilihamatus, G. katharineri, G. laevis, G. latus, G. leucisci, G. luciopercae, G. macrocornis, G. macronychus, G. malmbergi, G. markakulensis, G. medius, G. prostae, G. rhodei, G. shulmani, G. sprostonae, G. stankovici, G. truttae and G. vimbi). New records for the country are reported for G. cobitis, G. dykovae, G. gobiensis and G. papernai. The data about the occurrence of nine species could not be verified. The most species-rich region is the Danube Drainage (21 species), followed by the East-Aegean Sea Drainage (12 species). The smaller drainages (Black Sea Drainage—nine species; West-Aegean Sea Drainage—four species) are less studied. G. prostae (four host species from eight localities) and G. sprostonae (four host species, four localities) are revealed as the most frequent species; these euryxenous parasites infect a broad range of host species, often fishes of economic importance. Fish species of less commercial value are less studied. Full article

The tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most prevalent ectoparasite in dogs, causing discomfort to the animals and acting as a vector for several pathogens, including the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and the protozoa Babesia canis, Babesia gibsoni, and Hepatozoon canis. Control of this parasite is traditionally carried out with synthetic chemical acaricides. However, due to the increasing number of cases of resistance, phytotherapy has been increasingly investigated as a promising alternative. In this study, the larvicidal activity of the crude ethanolic extract and essential oil obtained from the inflorescences of Achyrocline satureioides was evaluated, whose constituents were identified through phytochemical analyses and gas chromatography. The analyses revealed that the extract is rich in flavonoids, tannins, and saponins, while the essential oil is composed mainly of terpenes. In contact tests with impregnated paper, the extract at 100 mg/mL showed a mortality rate of 32.2% in R. sanguineus larvae with LC₅₀ calculated at 249.62 mg/mL, while the essential oil, at the same concentration, resulted in 56.55% mortality, and the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ were 119.73 mg/mL and 185.53 mg/mL, respectively. These results indicate that the essential oil of A. satureioides has significant larvicidal activity and has potential for use as an alternative, alone or in combination with other extracts or synthetic acaricides. Full article

Our study reports the first molecular detection of the protozoan pathogen Histomonas meleagridis, the causative agent of histomonosis, in the poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. Mite samples were collected from a commercial poultry farm and a backyard flock in Hungary and analyzed using PCR assays that targeted the COX1 gene in mites and 18S rRNA gene in H. meleagridis. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identity of D. gallinae and revealed distinct genetic lineages between farm and backyard isolates. H. meleagridis DNA was detected in 10 of 17 mite samples, representing multiple variants within Genotype 1. No histomonosis was detected in the examined poultry, although one hen harbored Simplicimonas sp. The findings suggest that D. gallinae could serve as a carrier for H. meleagridis, potentially facilitating the persistence and transmission of the pathogen. This novel host–pathogen association highlights the need for further research into the epidemiological role of poultry ectoparasites in the spread of histomonosis. Full article

Helminth parasites infect mammalian hosts through complex life cycles, mostly triggering T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses characterized by interleukin-4 (IL4), interleukin-5 (IL5), and interleukin-13 (IL13) production. Environmental chemical exposures may modulate these immune pathways, potentially affecting infection outcomes. Using The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), we analyzed chemical–gene interactions affecting IL4, IL5, and IL13 genes to identify chemicals capable of modulating Th2 immunity and their associated expression profiles. Accordingly, a total of 818 chemicals can interact with IL4, IL5 and/or IL13, with 145 chemicals showing the potential of affecting all three genes. These 145 chemicals include air pollutants (8.3%), allergens (2.7%), bioactive molecules (8.3%), industry-related chemicals (14.5%), medicinal drugs (21.4%), metal and metal-containing chemicals (8.3%), pesticides (3.4%), plant compounds (12.4%), and others (20.7%). We observed a greater number of chemicals associated with increased (n = 95) gene expression compared to decreased (n = 14) gene expression, suggesting a Th2 pathway hyperactivation caused by chemicals capable of affecting IL4, IL5 and IL13. Eight classes of parasitic diseases were observed among chemical-associated conditions. Environmental chemicals extensively modulate Th2 immune responses through diverse molecular mechanisms. The trend concerning upregulation of Th2 pathways may enhance antiparasitic protection but, on the other hand, could predispose individuals to allergic diseases, among other Th2-related conditions. These exploratory findings suggest that chemical pollution may influence the susceptibility and pathogenesis of helminth infections and highlight the need for the incorporation of exposome-based approaches in parasitology research. Full article