The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The complexity of animal parasites presents a significant challenge across various ecosystems regarding the health, productivity, and biodiversity of wildlife, livestock, and companion animals. This Topic seeks to explore the multifaceted impact of parasites on the exploration of innovative approaches to monitoring, intervention, and control. Other important topics include emerging new parasites, environmental issues related to climatic change, changes in the dynamics of the relationship between parasites and their host, and genomics developments that further enhance our understanding of parasitic organisms. It will also consider the impact of domestic and agricultural practices on parasites, trends in resistance to antimicrobial treatment, and the development of novel therapeutics and vaccines. Furthermore, the emphasis will be on a One Health perspective in which human, animal, and environmental health issues are considered to be interdependent in order to meet these global challenges. Specifically, this Topic intends to include original research and reviews that provide an overview of the field and management/strategies for the control of animal parasites.

Dr. Kun Li
Prof. Dr. Rongjun Wang
Dr. Ningbo Xia
Dr. Md. F. Kulyar
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Animals animals	2.7	5.2	2011	17.7 Days	CHF 2400	Submit
Dairy dairy	3.1	4.9	2020	23.4 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Microorganisms microorganisms	4.2	7.7	2013	15.2 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Veterinary Sciences vetsci	2.3	3.5	2014	21.1 Days	CHF 2100	Submit
Metabolites metabolites	3.7	6.9	2011	14.4 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Life life	3.4	6.0	2011	19.3 Days	CHF 2600	Submit
Parasitologia parasitologia	1.5	2.4	2021	18.5 Days	CHF 1200	Submit

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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All Animals Dairy Microorganisms Veterinary Sciences Metabolites Life Parasitologia

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Open AccessArticle

Molecular Epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Guizhou Angus Calves: Dominance of Angus Cattle-Adapted Genotypes and Zoonotic Potential of E. bieneusi

by Peixi Qin, Zhuolin Tao, Kaizhi Shi, Jiaxian Zhao, Bingyan Huang, Hui Liu, Chunqun Wang, Jigang Yin, Guan Zhu, Simone M. Cacciò and Min Hu

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1735; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081735 - 25 Jul 2025

Viewed by 654

Abstract

Limited molecular data exist on zoonotic parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Angus calves from Guizhou, China. This study constitutes the first molecular epidemiological survey of these pathogens in this region. 817 fecal samples from Angus calves across 7 [...] Read more.

Limited molecular data exist on zoonotic parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Angus calves from Guizhou, China. This study constitutes the first molecular epidemiological survey of these pathogens in this region. 817 fecal samples from Angus calves across 7 intensive beef farms (Bijie City). Nested PCR methods targeting SSU rRNA (Cryptosporidium spp.), gp60 (Cryptosporidium bovis subtyping), bg/gdh/tpi (G. duodenalis), and ITS (E. bieneusi) coupled with DNA sequencing were employed. DNA sequences were analyzed against the NCBI. database. Statistical differences were assessed via a generalized linear mixed-effects model. Cryptosporidium spp. prevalence 23.5% (192/817; 95% CI 28.1–34.6%), with C. bovis predominating 89.6% (172/192; 95% CI 84.4–93.5%) and six subtypes (XXVIa-XXVIf). Highest infection in 4–8-week-olds 29.9% (143/479; 95% CI 25.8–34.1%) (p < 0.01). G. duodenalis: 31.3% (256/817; 95% CI 28.1–34.6%) positive, overwhelmingly assemblage E 97.6% (6/256; 95% CI 0.9–5.0%), zoonotic assemblage A was marginal 0.7% (6/817; 95% CI 0.3–1.6%). Farm-level variation exceeded 10-fold (e.g., Gantang: 55.0% (55/100; 95% CI 44.7–65.0%) vs. Tieshi: 4.9% (5/102; 95% CI 1.6–11.1%). E. bieneusi: prevalence 19.7% (161/817; 95% CI 17.0–22.6%), exclusively zoonotic genotypes BEB4: 49.7% (80/161; 95% CI 41.7–57.7%); I: 40.4% (65/161; 95% CI 32.7–48.4%). Strong diarrhea association (p < 0.01) and site-specific patterns (e.g., Guanyindong: 39.2%). While Giardia exhibited the highest prevalence (31.3%) with minimal zoonotic risk, Enterocytozoon—despite lower prevalence (19.7%)—posed the greatest public health threat due to exclusive circulation of human-pathogenic genotypes (BEB4/I) and significant diarrhea association, highlighting divergent control priorities for these enteric parasites in Guizhou calves. Management/Public health impact: Dominant zoonotic E. bieneusi genotypes (BEB4/I) necessitate: 1. Targeted treatment of 4–8-week-old Angus calves. 2. Manure biofermentation (≥55 °C, 3 days), and 3. UV-disinfection (≥1 mJ/cm²) for karst water to disrupt transmission in this high-humidity region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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14 pages, 1187 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Emergence of Cryptosporidium parvum IIc Subtype and Giardia duodenalis Assemblage E in AIDS Patients in Central China: Evidence for Neglected Transmission Dynamics

by Zhuolin Tao, Ke Hong, Peixi Qin, Hui Liu, Chunqun Wang, Jigang Yin, Xin Li, Guan Zhu and Min Hu

Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1731; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081731 - 24 Jul 2025

Viewed by 554

Abstract

Zoonotic opportunistic enteric protozoa represent a significant global health threat to immunocompromised populations, especially individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite China’s severe HIV burden, molecular epidemiological data on enteric protozoa remain limited in this population. In this study, we investigated the occurrence [...] Read more.

Zoonotic opportunistic enteric protozoa represent a significant global health threat to immunocompromised populations, especially individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite China’s severe HIV burden, molecular epidemiological data on enteric protozoa remain limited in this population. In this study, we investigated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of Cryptosporidium species, Giardia duodenalis, and Enterocytozoon bieneusi among 150 AIDS patients with severe immunodeficiency in Wuhan city, Hubei Province, China. The overall test-positive rate was 5.33% (8/150), comprising Cryptosporidium species (including C. hominis, C. parvum, and C. meleagridis) in 2.00% (3/150) and G. duodenalis (including assemblage A, B, and E) in 3.33% (5/150); E. bieneusi was not detected. Notably, this study reports the first identification of the C. parvum subtype IIcA5G3 in humans in China, certainly indicating possible cross-border transmission. Furthermore, the detection of C. meleagridis IIIbA22G1R1c provided additional molecular evidence for chicken-to-human transmission. The finding of G. duodenalis assemblage E highlights the underrecognized zoonotic spillover risks to immunocompromised populations. These findings emphasize the diversity of infectious reservoirs, and the need for enhanced national molecular surveillance of these neglected zoonotic enteric protozoa, alongside targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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14 pages, 1548 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Distribution of Microsporidia MB Along Clinal Gradient and the Impact of Its Infection on Pyrethroid Resistance in Anopheles gambiae s.l. Mosquitoes from Nigeria and Niger Republic

by Lamine M. Moustapha, Muhammad M. Mukhtar, Abdoul-Nasser H. Sanda, Shuaibu Adamu, Yusuf Y. Aliyu, Hadizat K. Einoi, Maryam U. Maigari, Peter C. Okeke, David E. Nwele, Abiodun Obembe, Udoka C. Nwangwu, Jeremy K. Herren and Sulaiman S. Ibrahim

Parasitologia 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5030031 - 28 Jun 2025

Viewed by 1020

Abstract

Microsporidia MB (MB), a promising biological control agent, suppresses Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes. This study examined the spatial distribution of MB infection in natural populations of An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes collected in Nigeria and Niger Republic, and its association [...] Read more.

Microsporidia MB (MB), a promising biological control agent, suppresses Plasmodium falciparum transmission in Anopheles mosquitoes. This study examined the spatial distribution of MB infection in natural populations of An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes collected in Nigeria and Niger Republic, and its association with insecticide susceptibility in the mosquitoes. Microsporidia MB has wide geographic distribution across Nigeria and Niger Republic. The overall prevalence of MB in F₀ mosquitoes was 12.25% (95% CI: 7.76–16.75%); 25 mosquitoes out of 204 were positive. Geographic variation was observed, with a higher prevalence (5/15 mosquitoes) in Ebonyi State (33.33%, CI: 9.48–57.19%, Fisher’s exact test, p = 0.008). Infection rates were higher in An. coluzzii mosquitoes (21/133 mosquitoes), estimated at 15.79% (CI: 9.59–21.99%) compared to An. gambiae s.s. mosquitoes (4/71), with approximately 5.63% (CI: 0.27–11.00%, χ² = 4.44; df = 1, p = 0.035). Resistant mosquitoes had a significantly higher prevalence of MB infection than susceptible mosquitos at 28.57% (CI: 16.74–40.40%) with an odds ratio of 3.33 (CI: 1.23–9.03, p = 0.017). These findings suggests that MB can be exploited as an alternative for vector control in Nigeria and Niger, but its possible association with pyrethroid resistance suggests that it should be taken into account as a potential confounder when designing insecticide resistance management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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42 pages, 2526 KB  

Open AccessReview

Arthropod-Borne Zoonotic Parasitic Diseases in Africa: Existing Burden, Diversity, and the Risk of Re-Emergence

by Ayman Ahmed, Emmanuel Edwar Siddig and Nouh Saad Mohamed

Parasitologia 2025, 5(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5030029 - 20 Jun 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2684

Abstract

Vector-borne parasitic diseases represent a critical public health challenge in Africa, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and linking human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health framework. In this review, we explore the existing burden of these diseases, particularly those that are underreported. [...] Read more.

Vector-borne parasitic diseases represent a critical public health challenge in Africa, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and linking human, animal, and environmental health through the One Health framework. In this review, we explore the existing burden of these diseases, particularly those that are underreported. Climate change, urbanization, the introduction of alien species, and deforestation exacerbate the emergence and reemergence of arthropod-borne zoonotic parasitic diseases like malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, complicating control and disease elimination efforts. Despite progress in managing certain diseases, gaps in surveillance and funding hinder effective responses, allowing many arthropod zoonotic parasitic infections to persist unnoticed. The increased interactions between humans and wildlife, driven by environmental changes, heighten the risk of spillover events. Leveraging comprehensive data on disease existence and distribution coupled with a One Health approach is essential for developing adaptive surveillance systems and sustainable control strategies. This review emphasizes the urgent need for interdisciplinary collaboration among medical professionals, veterinarians, ecologists, and policymakers to effectively address the challenges posed by vector-borne zoonotic parasitic diseases in Africa, ensuring improved health outcomes for both humans and animals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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15 pages, 8206 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Preliminary Proteomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Potential Serum Biomarkers for Identifying Alveolar Echinococcosis in Mice

by Qing Zhang, Xiongying Zhang, Na Liu, Jia Liu, Wei Wang, Yongshun Wang, Wen Lei, Cunzhe Zhao, Wanli Ma, Shuai Guo, Huixia Cai, Jingxiao Zhang, Yufang Liu, Kemei Shi, Wen Zhang and Xiao Ma

Vet. Sci. 2025, 12(6), 565; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci12060565 - 9 Jun 2025

Viewed by 820

Abstract

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic and potentially fatal zoonotic parasitic disease that seriously affects the host’s health. It is caused by the proliferation of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae within the liver. Due to its long incubation period following host infection, early diagnosis of [...] Read more.

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a chronic and potentially fatal zoonotic parasitic disease that seriously affects the host’s health. It is caused by the proliferation of Echinococcus multilocularis larvae within the liver. Due to its long incubation period following host infection, early diagnosis of the disease is currently not feasible. Treatment options are extremely limited, with the only choice being curative surgical resection combined with benzimidazole medication. Thus, the development of early, rapid, and minimally invasive diagnostic methods is crucial for enhancing patient prognosis. This study conducted proteomic and metabolomic analyses of protein and metabolite changes in the serum of a treatment group and control group, aiming to compare the differences between them. Overall, 22 proteins showed significant differences between the treatment and control groups, primarily involved in carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and amino acid metabolism. The upregulation of genes related to immune response and enhanced glycolysis were observed, possibly associated with the reproduction of E. multilocularis in the liver. A total of 182 metabolites were screened to distinguish between the treatment group and control group. A significant increase in the cytochrome P450 (cP450) metabolite of arachidonic acid indicated signs of renal and splenic involvement in the treatment group. Furthermore, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis highlighted a strong association between amino acid metabolism and the development of AE. The observed changes in amino acid levels may provide nutrients that facilitate E. multilocularis colonization and contribute to the pathogenesis of AE. In summary, by investigating the different characteristics of the AE and control group through proteomic (n = 4/group/time point) and metabolomic (n = 8/group/time point) analyses, potential serum biomarkers for diagnosing mice with AE were identified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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8 pages, 168 KB  

Open AccessBrief Report

Evaluating the Educational Impact of Video Tutorials on Coproparasitological Diagnostic Techniques in Veterinary Parasitology: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Yazmin Alcala-Canto and Juan Antonio Figueroa-Castillo

Parasitologia 2025, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/parasitologia5020022 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 666

Abstract

(1) Background: Coproparasitological techniques are fundamental in veterinary medicine for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infections and form a core part of clinical training. Due to their procedural nature, teaching these techniques can benefit from scalable, visual tools that support skill acquisition and self-directed learning. [...] Read more.

(1) Background: Coproparasitological techniques are fundamental in veterinary medicine for diagnosing intestinal parasitic infections and form a core part of clinical training. Due to their procedural nature, teaching these techniques can benefit from scalable, visual tools that support skill acquisition and self-directed learning. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of instructional videos on students’ understanding and perceptions of coproparasitological methods. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 110 veterinary students who viewed instructional videos covering 11 coproparasitological techniques. Their knowledge was assessed using a 17-item multiple-choice exam. Additionally, a structured opinion questionnaire was used to gather student feedback on the clarity and usefulness of the videos. (3) Results: Fourteen of the seventeen exam items were answered correctly by more than 80% of participants, with one item reaching 96.4% accuracy. Regarding perceptions, 94% of students rated the videos as “very clear”, and 94% as “very useful”, highlighting strong acceptance and satisfaction. (4) Conclusions: Instructional videos significantly supported students’ comprehension and were perceived as effective learning tools. Their integration into veterinary parasitology curricula is recommended to reinforce technical training, improve learning outcomes, and address limitations in access to hands-on instruction, especially in resource-constrained educational settings. Overall, instructional videos represent a valuable strategy to strengthen practical competencies in veterinary parasitology education. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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12 pages, 8383 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Parasitic Lice in Tibetan Yaks, Pigs and Sheep

by Wanmei Luo, Xialing Zhao, Dengyun Wang, Bin Shi, Shah Nawaz, Qingxia Wu and Wenqiang Tang

Life 2025, 15(3), 444; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030444 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 1053

Abstract

The infestation of ectoparasites poses a severe problem in animal breeding, severely affecting animal health and causing substantial economic losses. However, limited information is available regarding lice infestations in plateau livestock. To address this, we collected and examined lice samples from Tibetan yaks, [...] Read more.

The infestation of ectoparasites poses a severe problem in animal breeding, severely affecting animal health and causing substantial economic losses. However, limited information is available regarding lice infestations in plateau livestock. To address this, we collected and examined lice samples from Tibetan yaks, pigs and sheep, amplifying the rrnS and cox1 genes for evolutionary analysis. The results revealed that the prevalence of lice was 51.3% (95% CI: 44.0–58.6%) in yaks, Tibetan sheep and Tibetan pigs, with regional prevalence ranging from 7.7% to 67.5%. Morphometric analysis showed that female lice were bigger than male lice. In Tibetan pigs, females exhibited a prominent longer body length (p < 0.05), belly length (p < 0.01) and body length to body width ratio (p < 0.05). In yaks, females had longer body length (p < 0.01) and body width (p < 0.05). For Tibetan sheep, female lice had larger body length (p < 0.001), body width (p < 0.001), head length (p < 0.05) and belly length (p < 0.05). Additionally, molecular identification revealed that lice infesting wild and domestic yaks were Linognathus vituli with 96.59–98.78% (wild yaks) and 96.33–98.71% (yaks) similarity to the OL677823.1 isolate. Lice infesting Tibetan sheep were identified as Linognathus africanus, showing 99.02–99.76% similarity to the OP948898.1 isolate. Lice from Tibetan pigs were identified as Haematopinus apri, with 96.38–98.31% similarity to the ON000922.1 isolate. Moreover, cox1 gene analysis of lice from Tibetan pigs showed 96.97–97.72% similarity to the KC814616.1 isolate. It is concluded that these findings could provide valuable insights into the prevention and control of lice-related diseases in plateau animals, enhancing animal health and mitigating economic losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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20 pages, 6032 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Developmental Proteomics Reveals the Dynamic Expression Profile of Global Proteins of Haemaphysalis longicornis (Parthenogenesis)

by Min-Xuan Liu, Xiao-Pei Xu, Fan-Ming Meng, Bing Zhang, Wei-Gang Li, Yuan-Yuan Zhang, Qiao-Ying Zen and Wen-Ge Liu

Life 2025, 15(1), 59; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010059 - 6 Jan 2025

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Abstract

H. longicornis is used as an experimental animal model for the study of three-host ticks due to its special life cycle and easy maintenance in the laboratory and in its reproduction. The life cycle of H. longicornis goes through a tightly regulated life [...] Read more.

H. longicornis is used as an experimental animal model for the study of three-host ticks due to its special life cycle and easy maintenance in the laboratory and in its reproduction. The life cycle of H. longicornis goes through a tightly regulated life cycle to adapt to the changing host and environment, and these stages of transition are also accompanied by proteome changes in the body. Here, we used the isobaric tags for a relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique to systematically describe and analyze the dynamic expression of the protein and the molecular basis of the proteome of H. longicornis in seven differential developmental stages (eggs, unfed larvae, engorged larvae, unfed nymphs, engorged nymphs unfed adults, and engorged adults). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis of the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were used. In our study, A total of 2044 proteins were identified, and their expression profiles were classified at different developmental stages. In addition, it was found that tissue and organ development-related proteins and metabolism-related proteins were involved in different physiological processes throughout the life cycle through the GO and KEGG analysis of DEPs. More importantly, we found that the up-regulated proteins of engorged adult ticks were mainly related to yolk absorption, degradation, and ovarian development-related proteins. The abundance of the cuticle proteins in the unfed stages was significantly higher compared with those of the engorged ticks in the previous stages. We believe that our study has made a significant contribution to the research on H. longicornis, which is an important vector of SFTSV. In this study, we identified changes in the proteome throughout the H. longicornis development, and functional analysis highlighted the important roles of many key proteins in developmental events (ovarian development, the molting process, the development of midgut, the development and degeneration of salivary glands, etc.). The revelation of this data will provide a reference proteome for future research on tick functional proteins and candidate targets for elucidating H. longicornis development and developing new tick control strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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13 pages, 5793 KB  

Open AccessArticle

IL-36 Gamma: A Novel Adjuvant Cytokine Enhancing Protective Immunity Induced by DNA Immunization with TGIST and TGNSM Against Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Mice

by Ying Tan, Jingqi Mu and Jia Chen

Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2258; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112258 - 7 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

Background: Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital infections and abortions in humans. TgIST and TgNSM play critical roles in intracellular cyst formation and chronic infection. However, no studies have explored their potential to induce protective immunity against T. gondii infection. Objective: To evaluate the [...] Read more.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii can cause congenital infections and abortions in humans. TgIST and TgNSM play critical roles in intracellular cyst formation and chronic infection. However, no studies have explored their potential to induce protective immunity against T. gondii infection. Objective: To evaluate the immune efficacy of DNA vaccines encoding TgNSM and TgIST genes against T. gondii infection, using the acute and chronic ME49 strain (Type II). Methods: DNA vaccines, including eukaryotic plasmids pVAX-IST and pVAX-NSM, were constructed. A cocktail DNA vaccine combining these two genes was formulated. The expression and immunogenicity were determined using the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Mice were immunized with DNA vaccines encoding either TgIST or TgNSM, as well as with the cocktail DNA vaccine. Humoral and cellular immune responses were analyzed by detecting antibody levels, cytotoxic T cell (CTL) responses, cytokines, and lymphocyte surface markers. Mouse survival and brain cyst counts were assessed 1 to 2 months post-vaccination in experimental toxoplasmosis models. The adjuvant efficacy of plasmid pVAX-IL-36γ in enhancing DNA vaccine-induced protective immunity was also evaluated. Results: DNA immunization with pVAX-IST and pVAX-NSM elicited strong humoral and cellular immune responses, characterized by increased Toxoplasma-specific IgG2a titers, Th1 responses (including production of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12p40, and IL-12p70), and cell-mediated activity with elevated frequencies of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, and CTL responses. This provided significant protective efficacy against acute and chronic T. gondii infection. Mice immunized with the two-gene cocktail (pVAX-IST + pVAX-NSM) showed greater protection than those immunized with single-gene vaccines. Co-administration of the molecular adjuvant pVAX-IL-36γ further enhanced the protective immunity induced by the cocktail DNA vaccine. Conclusions: TgIST and TgNSM induce effective immunity against T. gondii infection, making them promising vaccine candidates against toxoplasmosis. Additionally, IL-36γ is a promising genetic adjuvant that enhances protective immunity in a vaccine setting against T. gondii, and it should be evaluated in strategies against other apicomplexan parasites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic The Complexity of Parasites in Animals: Impacts, Innovation, and Interventions)

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