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Simple Summary: Heartworm disease is a severe and neglected cardiovascular condition in domestic ferrets. Isolated cases of natural infection have been previously reported. However, knowledge of the disease is still considered poor. An unsterilized 2-year-old domestic male ferret was diagnosed using a heartworm antigen test. The animal was asymptomatic and had a good physical appearance. A surgical transvenous extraction was performed, and two worms (one female and one male) were removed. The patient evolved favorably, and repeated diagnostic tests 35 days after surgery showed improvement in the parameters previously evaluated. This clinical case was the first in which it was possible to extract all the parasites from a ferret by endovascular therapy and improves the knowledge of the management of heartworm disease in ferrets. Heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis is a serious and underdiagnosed cardiovascular condition in domestic ferrets. Hemodynamic changes caused by parasitization in ferrets cause a potentially fatal syndrome, but its clinical findings and treatment have not yet been standardized. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical case of a successful surgical extraction in a ferret infected by D. immitis. The patient was a 2-year-old, 1.5 kg asymptomatic male domestic ferret. The infection was diagnosed using a commercial test for the detection of D. immitis antigens. Subsequently, their clinical status was evaluated using serological and imaging diagnostic tests, and it was finally decided to perform surgical extraction of the adult worms. The ferret was anesthetized and placed in the left lateral decubitus position to perform a venotomy in the right jugular vein. Endoscopic extraction basket-shaped devices were used in the right atrial cavity under fluoroscopic guidance following the Seldinger endovascular surgery technique. With careful handling, two adult parasites were manually removed. A transthoracic echocardiogram performed after the procedure confirmed the absence of heartworms. The ferret recovered without complications and was discharged within 24 h. In the clinical review, 30 days after surgery, no notable alterations or symptoms were observed. This case report describes the first complete surgical removal of adult D. immitis parasites in a naturally infected ferret. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabarcoding‐based methods for identification of host‐associated eukaryotes have the potential to revolutionize parasitology and microbial ecology, yet significant technical challenges remain. In particular, highly abundant host reads can mask the presence of less‐abundant target organisms, especially for sample types rich in host DNA (e.g., blood and tissues). Here, we present a new CRISPR‐Cas9‐mediated approach designed to reduce host signal by selective amplicon digestion, thus enriching clinical samples for eukaryotic endosymbiont sequences during metabarcoding. Our method achieves a nearly 76% increased efficiency in host signal reduction compared with no treatment and a nearly 60% increased efficiency in host signal reduction compared with the most commonly used published method. Furthermore, the application of our method to clinical samples allows for the detection of parasite infections that would otherwise have been missed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clonorchis sinensis is a significant zoonotic food-borne parasite that causes a range of hepatobiliary diseases, which in severe cases can even lead to cholangiocarcinoma. To explore new diagnostic and treatment strategies, the dynamic RNA regulatory processes across different developmental stages of C. sinensis were analyzed by using whole-transcriptome sequencing. The chromosomal-level genome of C. sinensis was used for sequence alignment and annotation. In this study, we identified a total of 59,103 RNAs in the whole genome, including 2,384 miRNAs, 25,459 mRNAs, 27,564 lncRNAs and 3,696 circRNAs. Differential expression analysis identified 6,556 differentially expressed mRNAs, 2,231 lncRNAs, 877 miRNAs and 20 circRNAs at different developmental stages. Functional enrichment analysis highlighted the critical role of microtubule-related biological processes in the growth and development of C. sinensis. And coexpression analysis revealed 97 lncRNAs and 85 circRNAs that were coexpressed with 42 differentially expressed mRNAs that associated with microtubules at different developmental stages of C. sinensis. The expression of the microtubule-related genes dynein light chain 2 (DLC2) and dynein light chain 4 (DLC4) increased with C. sinensis development, and DLC2/4 could be inhibited by albendazole. Finally, by constructing competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks, the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory relationships were constructed, and the ceRNA networks of MSTRG.14258.5-novel_miR_2287-newGene_28215 and MSTRG.14258.5-novel_miR_2216-CSKR_109340 were verified. This study suggests, through whole transcriptome sequencing, that the context of microtubule regulation may play an essential role in the development and growth of C. sinensis. Author summary: This study is the first to comprehensively elucidate the entire transcriptome of Clonorchis sinensis by exploring the expression and regulatory dynamics of noncoding RNAs and mRNAs at different developmental stages in its life cycle. By using next-generation sequencing technology, this research demonstrated new mRNAs, miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs, and established valuable resources for future parasitic research. Compared with mRNAs, lncRNAs have shorter gene lengths, lower expression levels, fewer exons and fewer isoforms. Differential expression analysis demonstrated stage-specific patterns of noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in C. sinensis during its life cycle, thus providing crucial insights into the role of noncoding RNAs in parasite growth and development. Furthermore, the construction of ceRNA regulatory networks revealed that microtubule-related lncRNAs and circRNAs in C. sinensis may play an important role in its growth and development. This study advances our understanding of the entire transcriptome of C. sinensis and introduces novel perspectives for future parasitic infection treatment strategies. In summary, this study establishes a foundation for in-depth investigations into the interplay between noncoding RNAs and parasites, as well as the associated biological processes, thus demonstrating broad research and therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My path to becoming a scientist has taken many twists and turns. This is perhaps not unusual to hear. Indeed, in discussions with my colleagues it seems that for many of us the path was never a straight one. Certainly, for me there have been moments when my whole world was encompassed by science and at other times, I have felt strongly that my time in science was up. I like to think that as scientists we ask a lot of questions and, for many of us, those questions extend to our very purpose as a scientist. My intention with this article is not to document my career path in detail or to provide very specific advice. Rather, I hope to describe how questions have defined my journey and to inspire others to occasionally pause and ask themselves what a career in science means to them. Today, I am an Assistant Professor at a major Canadian university, and here are the questions I asked along the way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Rare coexistence of disease or pathology Background: Leishmaniasis is a zoonosis with worldwide prevalence that causes dermal lesions and can be serious in humans. This report presents a case of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) that was apparently associated with a zoonotic transmission in a peri-urban area of the city of Portoviejo, Ecuador, close to mountainous and forested sites. Case Report: For 37 years, we have studied transmission of leishmaniasis in Ecuador, and have seen a wide variety of clinical presentations of the disease caused by different strains of the parasite Leishmania in patients, including pregnant women, without marked difference among them. CL without complications causes painless lesions of different clinical aspect. The present study reports a case of a 25-year-old woman presenting with severely inflamed, disseminated, and painful lesions of CL. The patient was not given antimonial treatment; however, local cryotherapy was given, together with topical anti-inflammatory and antibiotic ointment. All the lesions were observed to heal, and no amastigotes were found in smear stains after clinical healing. Since there was no reactivation after 1.5 years of follow-up, conventional antileishmanial treatment with meglumine antimoniate was not given to the patient. Conclusions: This report shows the importance of a properly done epidemiological and clinical presumtive diagnosis, followed by parasitological confirmation, and the benefit of using an alternative treatment for vulnerable patients, such as this pregnant woman, for whom the therapy with pentavalent antimonials is not indicated. All observed lesions healed and no amastigotes were found in the smears after clinical healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Careful observation of parasites, masters of camouflage, reveals an ingenious and fascinating world. However, students often perceive parasitology as impenetrable. What if a flamboyant flea circus director passionately introduced the multidimensional contexts of this discipline? Will role-play capture the imagination of students and guide them in their future learning? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery poultry houses are subject to infestations by pests, such as the ectoparasitic mites Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) and Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) which are hematophagous and can cause skin lesions, stress, and even death of hens, leading to significant economic losses. Recent European studies have shown that these mites can also work as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, due to the absence of records on the association between D. gallinae and O. bursa and pathogenic microorganisms in Brazil, the present study aimed to identify pathogenic bacteria through a metagenomics analysis associated with mites collected from a poultry house located in a rural area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and direct from a skin' person that lives in a farm in the interior of the state of São Paulo (Brazil). For the material collected in Rio Grande do Sul, a higher predominance of endosymbiotic bacteria, and different species of the pathogenic bacteria species Bartonella was observed. On the other hand, some enterobacteria were identified from O. bursa samples, but the amount was not high enough to identify the species. Additionally, the endosymbiotic Wolbachia spp. was identified in both O. bursa samples (pooled and individuals). Besides the detection of Wolbachia, in the individual O. bursa microbiome, we detected Spiroplasma spp. and 'Candidatus Cardinium'. This is the first time that a microbiome study has been made for the species D. gallinae and O. bursa in Brazil, as well as the first time that Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and 'Candidatus Cardinium' was detected in O. bursa samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a major public health and economic problem worldwide. Due to the lack of a successful vaccine and emerging resistance to the drug triclabendazole, alternative phytotherapeutic approaches are being investigated. This study investigated the in vitro anthelmintic activity of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) essential oils (EOs) against F. hepatica. The in vitro study was based on an egg hatch assay (EHA), adult motility inhibition assays, DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level along with several oxidative stress biomarkers including glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). To this end, different concentrations of L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs (1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 mg/mL) were used to assess anthelmintic effects on different life stages including egg, and adults of F. hepatica for 24 hrs. The results indicated that these EOs play a significant role as anthelminthics, and the effect was dependent on time and concentration. The in vitro treatment of F. hepatica worms with both L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs increased DNA damage, ROS production and induction of oxidative stress (decreased SOD, GST and GSH, and increased MDA), significantly compared to control. Therefore, it can be concluded that L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs have the potential to be used as novel agents for the control and treatment of F. hepatica infections. Further studies are required to investigate their pharmacological potential and effectiveness in vivo for the treatment of parasitic infections. Author summary: Fasciolosis is a disease caused by a leaf-shaped trematode called Fasciola hepatica. This disease is becoming increasingly common in humans and has been reported on five continents. F. hepatica primarily infects the bile ducts of cattle, sheep and goats, causing significant economic losses to the global livestock industry. Unfortunately, this disease has been neglected and there is currently no commercially viable vaccine to prevent it. The main treatment for this disease is chemotherapy, with triclabendazole (TCBZ) being the drug of choice for controlling these parasites. However, there is growing concern about the increase in reports of drug resistance to TCBZ in parasites. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative treatment methods. Natural herbal products give great hope as they contain a large reservoir of medicinal ingredients that are effectively used against various parasitic diseases. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the in vitro effect of essential oils of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) on F. hepatica. According to the findings of this study, L. angustifolia and C. siliqua essential oils (EOs) have significant effects as anthelmintics. The use of L. angustifolia and C. siliqua EOs in vitro significantly increased DNA damage, ROS production, and oxidative stress in F. hepatica worms. Therefore, it can be concluded that these EOs have the potential to be used as novel agents for the control and treatment of F. hepatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Host contact zone dynamics can be influenced by parasites. • Luscinia nightingales have significantly different haemosporidian prevalence. • Differential prevalence did not change in sympatry versus allopatry. • Community structure was significantly different between hosts, even in sympatry. • Parasites are unlikely to drive contact zone dynamics in nightingales. Parasites are a key driving force behind many ecological and evolutionary processes. Prevalence and diversity of parasites, as well as their effects on hosts, are not uniform across host species. As such, the potential parasite spillover between species can significantly influence outcomes of interspecific interactions. We screened two species of Luscinia nightingales for haemosporidian blood parasites (Plasmodium, Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus) along an approximately 3000 km transect in Europe, incorporating areas of host distant allopatry, close allopatry and sympatry. We found significant differences in infection rates between the two host species, with common nightingales having much lower parasite prevalence than thrush nightingales (36.7% versus 83.8%). This disparity was mostly driven by Haemoproteus prevalence, which was significantly higher in thrush nightingales while common nightingales had a small, but significantly higher, Plasmodium prevalence. Furthermore, we found no effect of proximity to the contact zone on infection rate in either host species. Despite having lower infection prevalence, common nightingales were infected with a significantly higher diversity of parasite lineages than thrush nightingales, and lineage assemblages differed considerably between the two species, even in sympatry. This pattern was mostly driven by the large diversity of comparatively rare lineages, while the most abundant lineages were shared between the two host species. This suggests that, despite the close evolutionary relationships between the two nightingales, there are significant differences in parasite prevalence and diversity, regardless of the distance from the contact zone. This suggests that spillover of haemosporidian blood parasites is unlikely to contribute towards interspecific interactions in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This case report offers a comprehensive analysis of the clinical symptoms, radiological findings, and postmortem examinations of three green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) investigated for spirorchiidiasis. These findings highlight the complexity and severity of the disease, emphasizing the presence of systemic, granulomatous inflammation, and its impact on the overall health of sea turtles. This study advocates for continuous research and conservation efforts to mitigate the impact of spirorchiidiasis on marine turtles. Despite the precarious state of marine turtles as a highly endangered species, our understanding of their diseases remains limited. This case report presents a detailed pathological investigation of spirorchiidiasis, a blood fluke infection that poses a substantial threat to marine turtles. This retrospective study examined three cases of spirorchiid-infected sea turtles, specifically, green sea turtles stranded on Jeju Island, South Korea. Premortem examination of the three spirorchiid-infected green sea turtles demonstrated nonspecific clinical symptoms; blood analysis revealed dehydration, malnutrition, and anemia. Computed tomography scans provided insights into severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary manifestations, including the mass present in the joint region. Post-mortem examinations consistently indicated severe lung lesions and systemic manifestations, with histopathological examination confirming the presence of spirorchiid ova across various organs. Despite the global prevalence of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles, disease severity varies regionally. This report provides a detailed demonstration of the pathology of spirorchiidiasis in sea turtles from Northeast Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To better construct teaching resources, enhance real-time interaction and feedback between teachers and students in and out of class, and improve the teaching quality of parasitology, our team set up a WeChat public account I love Parasitology. METHODS: The data sources were mainly from original pictures and multimedia materials of different parasites collected and produced by our team, as well as related materials collected from traditional publications and digital media. With the instant interactive platform, course schedules and corresponding teaching contents were sent by push notifications, case-based learning was carried out, and 2-way communication between students and teachers was achieved. Teaching effectiveness was assessed using a self-evaluation questionnaire. RESULTS: A WeChat public account suitable for our daily teaching of parasitology was established. The second recursion and implementation of the learning resources allowed students to conduct in-depth reading and get unrestricted access to high-quality resources through the public account. In addition, all contents were in digital forms and made the original resources reborn, which would make up for our current and future shortage of physical teaching specimens. Moreover, the results from the questionnaire indicated that all these actions encouraged students to master theoretical knowledge, improved their abilities of case analysis and communication, and increased their knowledge of academic progress. CONCLUSION: Our WeChat public account can provide excellent learning materials for students and is a good supplement to the routine education of human parasitology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmania, the dixenous trypanosomatid parasites, are the causative agents of leishmaniasis currently divided into four subgenera: Leishmania, Viannia, Sauroleishmania, and the recently described Mundinia, consisting of six species distributed sporadically all over the world infecting humans and/or animals. These parasites infect various mammalian species and also cause serious human diseases, but their reservoirs are unknown. Thus, adequate laboratory models are needed to enable proper research of Mundinia parasites. In this complex study, we compared experimental infections of five Mundinia species (L. enriettii, L. macropodum, L. chancei, L. orientalis, and four strains of L. martiniquensis) in three rodent species: BALB/c mouse, Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus). Culture-derived parasites were inoculated intradermally into the ear pinnae and progress of infection was monitored for 20 weeks, when the tissues and organs of animals were screened for the presence and quantity of Leishmania. Xenodiagnoses with Phlebotomus duboscqi were performed at weeks 5, 10, 15 and 20 post-infection to test the infectiousness of the animals throughout the experiment. BALB/c mice showed no signs of infection and were not infectious to sand flies, while Chinese hamsters and steppe lemmings proved susceptible to all five species of Mundinia tested, showing a wide spectrum of disease signs ranging from asymptomatic to visceral. Mundinia induced significantly higher infection rates in steppe lemmings compared to Chinese hamsters, and consequently steppe lemmings were more infectious to sand flies: In all groups tested, they were infectious from the 5th to the 20th week post infection. In conclusion, we identified two rodent species, Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) and steppe lemming (Lagurus lagurus), as candidates for laboratory models for Mundinia allowing detailed studies of these enigmatic parasites. Furthermore, the long-term survival of all Mundinia species in steppe lemmings and their infectiousness to vectors support the hypothesis that some rodents have the potential to serve as reservoir hosts for Mundinia. Author summary: Leishmania parasites of the subgenus Mundinia are an emerging health and veterinary problem that should not be ignored. Being the most recent of all Leishmania described, many aspects of Mundinia biology are enigmatic. We have very scarce data on their life cycles and biology, thus proper laboratory research must be done to enable their better understanding. One of the most crucial parts of the life cycle of Leishmania is the development in the mammalian host. In the past, we worked on establishment of other laboratory models for the subgenus, but neither Arvicanthis, Mastomys, nor guinea pigs proved to be a good choice. Other authors performed experiments with BALB/c mice using various inoculation techniques, but they also failed. Here we describe the establishment of two new potential laboratory model species, Chinese hamsters and steppe lemmings, which proved to be susceptible to Mundinia and such findings will enable other scientists to continue in research of these parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitic nematodes, significant pathogens for humans, animals, and plants, depend on diverse organ systems for intra-host survival. Understanding the cellular diversity and molecular variations underlying these functions holds promise for developing novel therapeutics, with specific emphasis on the neuromuscular system's functional diversity. The nematode intestine, crucial for anthelmintic therapies, exhibits diverse cellular phenotypes, and unraveling this diversity at the single-cell level is essential for advancing knowledge in anthelmintic research across various organ systems. Results: Here, using novel single-cell transcriptomics datasets, we delineate cellular diversity within the intestine of adult female Ascaris suum, a parasitic nematode species that infects animals and people. Gene transcripts expressed in individual nuclei of untreated intestinal cells resolved three phenotypic clusters, while lower stringency resolved additional subclusters and more potential diversity. Clusters 1 and 3 phenotypes displayed variable congruence with scRNA phenotypes of C. elegans intestinal cells, whereas the A. suum cluster 2 phenotype was markedly unique. Distinct functional pathway enrichment characterized each A. suum intestinal cell cluster. Cluster 2 was distinctly enriched for Clade III-associated genes, suggesting it evolved within clade III nematodes. Clusters also demonstrated differential transcriptional responsiveness to nematode intestinal toxic treatments, with Cluster 2 displaying the least responses to short-term intra-pseudocoelomic nematode intestinal toxin treatments. Conclusions: This investigation presents advances in knowledge related to biological differences among major cell populations of adult A. suum intestinal cells. For the first time, diverse nematode intestinal cell populations were characterized, and associated biological markers of these cells were identified to support tracking of constituent cells under experimental conditions. These advances will promote better understanding of this and other parasitic nematodes of global importance, and will help to guide future anthelmintic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With growing use of parasitological tests to detect malaria and decreasing incidence of the disease in Africa; it becomes necessary to increase the understanding of causes of non-malaria acute febrile illness (NMAFI) towards providing appropriate case management. This research investigates causes of NMAFI in pediatric out-patients in rural Guinea-Bissau. Methods: Children 0-5 years presenting acute fever (≥38°) or history of fever, negative malaria rapid diagnostic test (mRDT) and no signs of specific disease were recruited at the out-patient clinic of 3 health facilities in Bafatá province during 54 consecutive weeks (dry and rainy season). Medical history was recorded and blood, nasopharyngeal, stool and urine samples were collected and tested for the presence of 38 different potential aetiological causes of fever. Results: Samples from 741 children were analysed, the protocol was successful in determining a probable aetiological cause of acute fever in 544 (73.61%) cases. Respiratory viruses were the most frequently identified pathogens, present in the nasopharynx samples of 435 (58.86%) cases, followed by bacteria detected in 167 (22.60%) samples. Despite presenting negative mRDTs, P. falciparum was identified in samples of 24 (3.25%) patients. Conclusions: This research provides a description of the aetiological causes of NMAFI in West African context. Evidence of viral infections were more commonly found than bacteria or parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decreasing antiparasitic efficacy of triclabendazole for controlling Fasciola hepatica in dairy cows in the Cajamarca Valley (Peru) has been reported. Objective: To determine the efficacy of four anthelmintic agents across a broader area of Cajamarca province. Methods: Four livestock farms were selected from three provinces in the Cajamarca region. Within each farm, 60 female cattle naturally infected with F. hepatica were chosen. Each farm was divided into four homogeneous groups based on individual animals and parasite burden. The groups were: triclabendazole (12 mg/kg of BW, VO), clorsulon/ivermectin (2 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg of BW, SC, respectively), closantel (10 mg/kg of BW, VO), and nitroxynil (10 mg/kg of BW, SC). Efficacy was determined following WAAVP guidelines by measuring the reduction in trematode egg shedding on day 30 post-dosing. Results: Triclabendazole demonstrated insufficient activity through FERCT and CPCR assessments across all four farms. The clorsulon/ivermectin and closantel groups exhibited high efficacy in all farms, while nitroxynil showed varying efficacy results in both types of analysis. Conclusions: Triclabendazole exhibited insufficient activity against F. hepatica. Clorsulon/ivermectin, closantel, and nitroxynil are viable alternatives with promising outcomes for controlling this trematode in the evaluated provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Straelensia cynotis is a trombidioid mite that causes painful, usually nonpruritic nodular dermatitis mainly in the dorsal region of dogs. This case report describes the first observation of feline straelensiosis in Europe with clinicopathological findings. Molecular characterisation of the parasite was performed and compared with mites collected from dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild terrestrial carnivores play a crucial role as reservoir, maintenance, and spillover hosts for a wide parasite variety. They may harbor, shed, and transmit zoonotic parasites and parasites of veterinary importance for domestic hosts. Although wild carnivores are globally distributed and comprise many different species, some living in close proximity to human settlements, only a few studies have investigated parasites of wild terrestrial carnivores using non-specific techniques. Access to samples of wild carnivores may be challenging as some species are protected, and others are secretive, possibly explaining the data paucity. Considering the importance of wild carnivores' health and ecological role, combined with the lack of specific diagnostic methodologies, this review aims to offer an overview of the diagnostic methods for parasite investigation in wild terrestrial carnivores, providing the precise techniques for collection and analysis of fecal, blood, and tissue samples, the environmental impact on said samples, and the limitations researchers currently face in analyzing samples of wild terrestrial carnivores. In addition, this paper offers some crucial information on how different environmental factors affect parasite detection postmortem and how insects can be used to estimate the time of death with a specific highlight on insect larvae. The paper contains a literature review of available procedures and emphasizes the need for diagnostic method standardization in wild terrestrial carnivores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pathogen genomic epidemiology has the potential to provide a deep understanding of population dynamics, facilitating strategic planning of interventions, monitoring their impact, and enabling timely responses, and thereby supporting control and elimination efforts of parasitic tropical diseases. Plasmodium vivax, responsible for most malaria cases outside Africa, shows high genetic diversity at the population level, driven by factors like sub‐patent infections, a hidden reservoir of hypnozoites, and early transmission to mosquitoes. While Latin America has made significant progress in controlling Plasmodium falciparum, it faces challenges with residual P. vivax. To characterize genetic diversity and population structure and dynamics, we have analyzed the largest collection of P. vivax genomes to date, including 1474 high‐quality genomes from 31 countries across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and America. While P. vivax shows high genetic diversity globally, Latin American isolates form a distinctive population, which is further divided into sub‐populations and occasional clonal pockets. Genetic diversity within the continent was associated with the intensity of transmission. Population differentiation exists between Central America and the North Coast of South America, vs. the Amazon Basin, with significant gene flow within the Amazon Basin, but limited connectivity between the Northwest Coast and the Amazon Basin. Shared genomic regions in these parasite populations indicate adaptive evolution, particularly in genes related to DNA replication, RNA processing, invasion, and motility – crucial for the parasite's survival in diverse environments. Understanding these population‐level adaptations is crucial for effective control efforts, offering insights into potential mechanisms behind drug resistance, immune evasion, and transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) have received increased attention in the sciences, with increasing expectation that students will receive formal training in this area. However, compared with other biosciences, little guidance has been produced for parasitology educators. Therefore, this article presents the contents and evaluation of pilot training designed for postgraduates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Erinaceus is commonly found in rescue centres across the European continent despite the reported decline in some countries. Parasite infections are frequently detected in rescued hedgehogs, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and consequently conditioning their recovery. Some of the most frequent parasites include respiratory nematodes, such as Crenosoma striatum and Capillaria spp., which may lead to important pneumonia. Moreover, some of these agents have zoonotic potential, such as Cryptosporidium spp., Sarcoptes spp., and several species of ticks and fleas, which may transmit different vector-borne pathogens. This review provides a brief guide on hedgehogs' internal and external parasitology, as well as some suggestions for diagnosis and treatment that are relevant for wildlife veterinarians, biologists and other researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ParSCo (Parasitology Summer Course) is an intense, 1-week-long summer course organized by the Parasitology Unit of the Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy, with the support of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology (WAAVP), the European Veterinary Parasitology College (EVPC) and Parasites and Vectors. The course, which is conducted in southern Italy, is planned for parasitologists and post-graduate students working in the field of parasitology. The course consists of theoretical and practical lessons, which include the collection, identification and diagnosis of parasites of pets, livestock and wildlife. The participants in ParSCo are afforded the opportunity to be involved in clinical examination and sample collection for the diagnosis of parasitic diseases (e.g. leishmaniosis, thelaziosis and many tick-borne diseases) present in the Mediterranean Basin. The course is conducted at Casa di Caccia, a hunting lodge situated in the Gallipoli Cognato Forest near the Basento River in the Basilicata region in southern Italy. In addition to the training purpose, ParSCo is a great opportunity for sharing knowledge and expertise while becoming part of the parasitology community in a pleasant environment. In this editorial, we share some information and celebrate 10 years of ParSCo, looking forward to forthcoming sessions of this unique parasitology summer course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chagas disease, affecting approximately eight million individuals in tropical regions, is primarily transmitted by vectors. Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine vector, commonly inhabits in ecotopes with diverse palm tree species, creating optimal conditions for vector proliferation. This study aims to explore the transmission ecology of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative parasite of Chagas disease, by investigating the feeding patterns and natural infection rates of R. prolixus specimens collected from various wild palm species in the Colombian Orinoco region. Materials and methods: To achieve this objective, we sampled 35 individuals from three palm species (Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata, and Mauritia flexuosa) in a riparian forest in the Casanare department of eastern Colombia, totaling 105 sampled palm trees. DNA was extracted and analyzed from 115 R. prolixus specimens at different developmental stages using quantitative PCR (qPCR) for T. cruzi detection and identification of discrete typing units. Feeding preferences were determined by sequencing the 12S rRNA gene amplicon through next-generation sequencing. Results: A total of 676 R. prolixus specimens were collected from the sampled palms. The study revealed variation in population densities and developmental stages of R. prolixus among palm tree species, with higher densities observed in A. butyracea and lower densities in M. flexuosa. TcI was the exclusive T. cruzi discrete typing unit (DTU) found, with infection frequency positively correlated with R. prolixus abundance. Insects captured in A. butyracea exhibited higher abundance and infection rates than those from other palm species. The feeding sources comprised 13 mammal species, showing no significant differences between palm species in terms of blood sources. However, Didelphis marsupialis and Homo sapiens were present in all examined R. prolixus, and Dasypus novemcinctus was found in 89.47% of the insects. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of wild palms, particularly A. butyracea, as a substantial risk factor for T. cruzi transmission to humans in these environments. High population densities and infection rates of R. prolixus were observed in each examined palm tree species. Author summary: Previous studies on Chagas disease in the Orinoco region primarily focused on domestic and peri-domestic areas of rural residences. However, to fully grasp the dynamics of T. cruzi transmission from natural, preserved areas to humans, it is crucial to comprehend the habitats and food resources that kissing bugs encounter in their natural distribution zones. In this study, we delved into both the habitat conditions and the food sources available on wild palms in the eastern plains region of Colombia, with the aim of understanding the establishment of the Chagas disease vector. Notably, our findings revealed that the studied kissing bugs fed on both wild and domestic animals, as well as humans, across all stages of their development. Furthermore, this research identified differences in the structural physiognomy of wild palms directly linked to the establishment of bug colonies. This knowledge enhances our understanding of the role of wild habitats in the dynamics of T. cruzi transmission in endemic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lophomonas are flagellated protozoa that have been increasingly associated with upper and lower airway infection in humans. The prevalence and characterization of this disease in the critically ill remains poorly understood. We present a series of eleven ICU patients with confirmed Lophomonas spp. identification in respiratory samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Malaria is still a significant public health concern, and its prevention and control measures have different impacts in different areas. This study assesses the prevalence of malaria and the effectiveness of routine malaria control programmes such as indoor residual spray (IRS) in two Ethiopian villages. Methods: The Kebeles (villages) were purposefully selected based on theirmalaria prevalence rates. A parasitology survey was conducted in Fango-Gelchecha preand post-IRS implementation, whereas in Shochora-Abela it was only conducted post-IRS implementation. The IRS was implemented as part of the routine malaria control programme in August 2017. Every fourth house from the village registration list was systematically selected, resulting in a sample of 300 households per village. A total of 3,075 individuals were enrolled for malaria testing using microscopy. Results: After three to four months of application of IRS in August 2017, 59 malaria cases were confirmed, resulting in an overall prevalence of 1.9% (95% CI: 1.5-2.5). Of the positive cases, 18 cases (0.59%: 95% CI: 1.3-1.8) were from Shochora-Abela village, and 41 cases (1.33%: 95% CI: 1.1-1.3) were from Fango-Gelchecha. About age categories, the prevalence of malaria was 10.1% (95% CI: 5.9-15.9) among children under five, 4.7% (95% CI: 3.3-6.4) in children aged 5-14, and only 0.32% (95% CI: 0.13-0.67) in the age group 15 and above. Overall, P. falciparum was the dominant malaria parasite, accounting for 69.5% (95% CI: 56.1-80.8), while P. vivax malaria accounted for 30.5% (95% CI: 19.2-43.8). The malaria prevalence in Fango-Gelchecha village was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.3-4.0) before IRS and 2.6% (95% CI: 1.8-3.5) after IRS application. In the village of Shochora-Abela, the prevalence of malaria post-IRSwas 1.2% (95%CI: 0.7-1.9), but theprevalenceprior to IRSwas not evaluated. Conclusions: Plasmodium falciparum is the predominant parasite in the villages, mainly affecting children under five. Therefore, protecting young children should be the top priority for reducing infection burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The teaching of human parasitology is essential for students of health sciences, especially medicine, because it is a major global public health problem-occurring with high frequency in low-income countries-and because of its presence in countries considered developed. In this sense, it is estimated that worldwide there are 2,800 million individuals infected with soil-transmitted helminths, 20 to 30% people infected with Toxoplasma gondii, 300 to 500 million new cases of malaria per year, and nearly 15 million Latin Americans with Chagas disease, an infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. This narrative review article analyzes information available in digital repositories on aspects of the traditional educational program of human or medical parasitology using descriptors or keywords closely related to the topic. The reviewed articles were mainly those published in peer-reviewed, indexed and prestigious scientific journals. Moreover, the traditional program of parasitology and the prevailing pedagogy are described with the purpose of encouraging discussion on the methods that lead to its learning. Also, given the dynamic nature of this process and the constant challenges that must be faced in this field, said information can help to explore new ways of teaching parasitology in answer to the demands of the context. In conclusion, parasitic diseases have affected humankind throughout history, causing illness, disability and death in millions of people. Therefore, among the measures to fight such a terrible scourge, the training of more and better professionals in the area is promoted due to their leading role in the design and execution of control programs. As a result, the need to describe in detail the characteristics of the traditional teaching of this branch of knowledge arises-as shown in this paper-in view of the new human teaching methods: participatory learning, problem-based learning and Internetassisted learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction : Specialized training is the most crucial turning point of education in obtaining the professions related to medical sciences. Peer learning has advantages, including saving time and eliminating the limitations of traditional education. The purpose of current educational program during the COVID19 pandemic was to reduce students’ stress and more accepted in the parasitology PhD exam. Method : Faculty members and MsC Students in the Department of Medical Parasitology, Yazd medical university, performed the present developmental study based on the reference books and curriculum. First, a training virtual platform was designe using a topic, picture, video of a parasite or parasitic diseases between the learners under the supervision of all the scientific members. Learners designed questions and their answers for each title in the virtual platform. In the end, to help the students to participate in the PhD exam, two virtual pre -exams were also designed. Finally, the satisfaction level of faculty members and students, as wll as their stress level's was evaluate using Excel software. Results : Of 25 student participants, six succeeded in the first stage and finally, three of them were accepted in the second stage of the parasitology Ph.D. exam in the 2021 -2022 academic years. Implementation of this peer learning method was also effective in reducing the stress level of students in the Ph.D. exam. Conclusion: Considering the success of the peer learning program using virtual learning in current study and more passing in the Ph.D. exam, it suggests that this plan will be implemented in other educational groups with postgraduate education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecto- and endoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats are treated using drugs based on fipronil, ivermectin, and pyriproxyfen. That is why our objective was performing a field study to measure the efficacy of a complex drug with different mechanisms of the actions of its active agents against ecto- and endoparastitic invasions of dogs and cats using the spot-on application method. The paper presents data of the efficiency of the complex drug PerFect TRIO, antiparasitic drops for spot-on use against ecto- and endoparasitic invasions of dogs and cats of different breeds, ages, sexes, and body mass. Parasitological study of dogs found parasitism by the fleas Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans with the invasion intensity ranging 108 to 132 ectoparasite insects per animal, the average invasion intensity being 121.1 ± 3.17 ectoparasite insects per animal; Trichodectidae species such as Trichodectes canis, with the invasion intensity ranging 25 to 32 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm2 of the body surface, averaging 28.6 ± 1.00 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the body surface; and Trombidiformes such as Сheyletiella yasguri, the intensity being 24 to 41 ectoparasite mites per animal, the average intensity being 33.9 ± 2.52 mites per animal. According to the results of parasitological studies of cats, their bodies were parasitized by the fleas Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans, with the invasion intensity ranging 58 to 80 ectoparasite insects per animal, with the average intensity of 67.7 ± 2.84 ectoparasite insects per animal, Trichodectidae species such as Felicola subrostratus with the invasion intensity of 17 to 26 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the animal’s body surface, averaging 21.3 ± 1.38 ectoparasite insects per 100 cm² of the body surface; the ear mite Otodectes cynotis with the intensity ranging 4 to 9 mites per animal, the average intensity being 6.1 ± 0.7 mites per animal; and the endoparasite – the digestive-tract nematode Uncinaria stenocephala, with the invasion intensity (ІІ) of 28 to 41 eggs in one gram of feces (ЕGF), averaging 34.3 ± 2.06 ЕGF. In our study, local spot-on application of the tested drug PerFect TRIO, antiparasitic drops for dogs and cats, produced notable effects on wingless ectoparasite insects and acarians of the dogs. Therefore, the efficiency of the drug against Siphonaptera infestation of the dogs equaled 92.9% on the 8th h and 100% on the 24th and 72nd h; against Trichodectidae infestation, it was 91.5% effective on the first day and 100% on the second and seventh; against cheyletiellosis, it was 81.9% effective on the seventh day and 100% on days 14 and 21. As with the cats, parasitological studies found that the efficacy of the recommended doses of the tested drug against spontaneous Siphonaptera infestation was 92.0% on the 8th h and 100% on the 24th and 72nd h; against Felicola infestation, it was 90.6% effective on the first day and 100% on the second and seventh day; against otodectosis, the drug produced 81.4% efficacy on the 7th day and 100% on the 14th and 21st days; and against hookworm disease, the efficacy was 100% on days 7 and 14. Our field trials demonstrated that the tested anti-parasitic drops for cats and dogs are easy-to-use, were well received by the animals regardless of breed, age, sex, body mass, and had no toxic impact on them, providing a broad range of treatment against ecto- and endoparasites of cats and dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To determine the prevalence of helminth infection in Trichomycterus nigromaculatus captured in environments defined from the physicochemistry of the Gaira River, in Minca, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Material and Methods. We collected 476 specimens of T. nigromaculatus covering both climatic periods of the area, which were dissected to analyze the visceral cavity. Isolated parasites were fixed in 10% formalin for subsequent clarification. The specimens were identified by observation of adult stages under a stereoscopic microscope after clarification. Results. Specimens were found exclusively from the genus Spirocamallanus (Nematoda), the species Spirocamallanus sp. parasitic prevalence ranged from 0% in August to 28.57% in April with an abundance of 1.09 worms/host. Environmental parameters such as dissolved oxygen (Mean:5.65 mg. L-1, Max:7.5 mg. L-1, Min:4.41 mg. L-1); pH (Mean:7.2, Max: 9.3, Min: 5.7) and conductivity (Mean:72.82 µs.cm-1, Max: 123.7 µs.cm-1, Min: 40 µs.cm-1) presented statistically significant differences, the environment is eutrophicated. Conclusions. Spirocamallanus sp. were described in the areas of presence of the parasitic association in T. nigromaculatus, which constitutes a new record for the Colombian Caribbean and an extension of the geographic distribution and host range of the nematode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Australia has a highly endemic freshwater fish fauna, but basic biological knowledge for most is lacking. This includes an understanding, and description, of their parasite fauna. Additionally, the impacts of introduced fish species, and their parasites which have transferred across to native species, are also mostly unknown. This review provides the current level of knowledge of parasitic infection of the freshwater fish in Australia, both introduced and native. Only about a third of the native freshwater fish, but almost two‐thirds of introduced fish, have been reported as a host for a parasite. The majority of records occur along the eastern coastline of Australia and throughout the Murray Darling Basin; two drainage regions were yet to record any parasite infections. Of the 124 fish species, across 43 families, found as hosts in Australia, only 11 species had more than 10 reports of infection, with 31% of fish species only having single reports. A total of 13 different types of parasites were reported, with digeneans, protozoans, nematodes and monogeneans the most commonly reported. Significant gaps in the knowledge of parasites, and their potential impacts, of Australian freshwater fish still exist, and the need for fish biologists and fish parasitologists to work together is highlighted to ensure that as much information about each group can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the trematode Fasciola hepatica, and it causes great losses in bovine production. The anthelmintic resistance is a major problem in the control of fasciolosis. In this study, the F. hepatica egg development and hatching test (EDHT) was used for the evaluation of the ovicidal activity of commercial drugs, commonly used for treating infected cattle, which reflects F. hepatica anthelminthic resistance in infected bovines, according to recent literature. Bile samples from F. hepatica naturally parasitized cattle were obtained from slaughterhouses in the cities of Lages and Otacílio Costa, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The bile was washed, the eggs were recovered, quantified, and distributed in universal collectors, with a minimum of 1,000 eggs per vial. Four commercial drugs were used in this study, containing albendazole sulfoxide (ABDZ), closantel (CSTL), nitroxynil (NTXL), and triclabendazole with fenbendazole (TBZF). The drugs were diluted according to the manufacturer instructions. All drugs, and the respective control, were tested in triplicates, with the quantity of recovered eggs determining the number of drugs to be tested. The vials were incubated for 28 days at 27 °C, and the eggs were classified according to their degree of development under a stereomicroscope. In total, 121 egg samples were analyzed. Two samples were identified as resistant to TBZF. Undetermined resistance/susceptibility has been found in two isolates treated with ABDZ, one treated with NTXL and six treated with TBZF. CSTL did not present ovicidal activity and cannot be used in EDHT. This is the first time that commercial drugs were used in F. hepatica EDHT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spirocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi that affects several canids around the world. In Costa Rica, few spirocercosis cases have been reported; however, it is suspected that the infection is currently underdiagnosed. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has sped up the spread of scientific knowledge, raising practioner’s awareness of the epidemiology and signs and manifestations of infections. The aim of this work was to use social media as a tool for increasing awareness of spirocercosis among veterinarians and investigate the frequency of cases occurring in Costa Rica. Infographic material about the infection was disseminated by Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram from January 2021 to July 2022 using a public account of the Laboratory of Helminthology of the University of Costa Rica. In addition, Google Forms questionnaires were completed by veterinarians to report the number of spirocercosis cases in their clinics, associated manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Remarkably, since 2020, a six-fold increase in the number of cases per year was noted. Clinical manifestations matched those reported elsewhere, and one of every three dogs infected with S. lupi died spontaneously or required euthanasia because of the infection. This work suggests that S. lupi infection in Costa Rica may have been underdiagnosed in the last decade, and the knowledge and awareness of clinical personnel play a major role in the detection of this and other infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Echinococcal disease (hydatid disease (HD) is an endemic parasitosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus in the larval stage, and it is typically due to the production of unilocular cystic lesions, usually involving the liver for the majority of patients and the lungs in 25%, but also any other organs can be potentially involved in developing echinococcal disease. We report a case of extrahepatic, retroperitoneal echinococcal disease, caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The patient underwent a surgical removal of the abdominal mass, revealed by abdominal ultrasound and computerized tomography scanning, and in the founded clinical and radiological suspicion of echinococcal disease, multiple bioptical samples were sent for microbiological analysis and albendazole therapy was started; Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices were found on the bioptical sample, and the diagnosis was successfully confirmed. According to the current parasitology literature on echinococcal disease, extrahepatic localization, although rare, can be found, and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an abdominal mass when epidemiological risk factors and anamnestic data are present, regardless of the usual site of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small mammals, including those inhabiting human-modified habitats, transmit zoonotic diseases such as cysticercosis. This disease is caused by Cysticercus fasciolaris, the larval form of species within the Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.l. group. While the life cycle of these flatworms is well understood, certain aspects of their phylogeny remain unknown. Studies in Europe, Asia, and Africa suggest that the species Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.s. exclusively infects small mammals of the family Muridae. However, no studies have been conducted in the Americas until now. In this study, small mammals were captured on 18 pig farms in the province of Buenos Aires throughout a year. Necropsies of captured individuals were performed, and the presence of cysts was recorded. The prevalence of cysticercosis was analyzed for the entire assemblage, with species as the explanatory variables. Species-specific prevalence was also modeled, considering season and type of farm as the explanatory variables. Cysts were collected from Akodon azarae, Oligoryzomys flavescens, Rattus novergicus, and Rattus rattus identified through molecular techniques, comparing their DNA sequences with those stored in GenBank for phylogenetic hypothesis. A total of 460 small mammals were analyzed, including the introduced species R. novergicus, R. rattus, and M. musculus and the native species A. azarae, O. flavescens, Oxymycterus rufus, Didelphis albiventris, and Lutreolina crassicaudata. The prevalence of cysticercosis was similar between species, and it showed a seasonal association in R. norvegicus and A. azarae. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of Hydatigera taeniaeformis s.s. in cricetids, suggesting a recent spillover event associated with European colonization in the Americas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) is a neotropical marsupial that inhabits various ecoregions and highly modified environments. However, there is limited research on host-parasite interactions and the structure of helminth communities in D. albiventris. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the intestinal helminths of D. albiventris inhabiting a rural area in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and assess the relationship between host age and sex and helminth community structure. Opposums were captured in 2004 and intestines were examined to detect helminths. By analyzing 22 intestines, we identified a total of 8 978 helminths, including Cruzia tentaculata, Turgida turgida, Rhopalias coronatus, Brachylaima sp., individuals of the family Diplostomidae, and a single specimen of a cestode. Among these, C. tentaculata and R. coronatus were the most prevalent species, with C. tentaculata exhibiting the highest levels of abundance, mean intensity, and aggregation index. To assess the influence of host sex and age on parasite abundance and probability of occurrence, we conducted Generalized Linear Models. The results revealed that host juveniles had lower helminth prevalence and abundance compared to other age categories. Host sex was only significant in interaction with host age for parasite abundance in C. tentaculata and R. coronatus. Most captured juveniles relied on maternal feeding, potentially reducing exposure to consuming infected intermediate hosts with indirect life cycles. Understanding the parasite ecology of this opossum species in modified environments provides valuable information about their role at the wildlife-human interface in anthropogenic areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under perturbing conditions such as infection with Leishmania, a protozoan parasite living within the phagosomes in mammalian macrophages, cellular and organellar structures, and metabolism are dynamically regulated for neutralizing the pressure of parasitism. However, how modulations of the host cell metabolic pathways support Leishmania infection remains unknown. Herein, we report that lipid accumulation heightens the susceptibility of mice to L. donovani infection and promotes resistance to first‐line anti‐leishmanial drugs. Despite being pro‐inflammatory, the in vitro generated uninfected lipid‐laden macrophages (LLMs) or adipose‐tissue macrophages (ATMs) display lower levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Upon infection, LLMs secrete higher IL‐10 and lower IL‐12p70 cytokines, inhibiting CD4+ T cell activation and Th1 response suggesting a key modulatory role for intramacrophage lipid accumulation in anti‐leishmanial host defence. We, therefore, examined this causal relationship between lipids and immunomodulation using an in vivo high‐fat diet (HFD) mouse model. HFD increased the susceptibility to L. donovani infection accompanied by a defective CD4+ Th1 and CD8+ T cell response. The white adipose tissue of HFD mice displays increased susceptibility to L. donovani infection with the preferential infection of F4/80+CD11b+CD11c+ macrophages with higher levels of neutral lipids reserve. The HFD increased resistance to a first‐line anti‐leishmanial drug associated with a defective adaptive immune response. These data demonstrate that the accumulation of neutral lipids contributes to susceptibility to visceral leishmaniasis hindering host‐protective immune response and reducing the efficacy of antiparasitic drug therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dinobdella ferox is the most frequently reported leech species parasitizing the mammalian nasal cavity. However, the molecular mechanism of this special parasitic behavior has remained largely unknown. Methods: PacBio long-read sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and Hi-C sequencing were employed in this study to generate a novel genome of D. ferox, which was annotated with strong certainty using bioinformatics methods. The phylogenetic and genomic alterations of D. ferox were then studied extensively alongside the genomes of other closely related species. The obligatory parasitism mechanism of D. ferox was investigated using RNA-seq and proteomics data. Results: PacBio long-read sequencing and NGS yielded an assembly of 228 Mb and contig N50 of 2.16 Mb. Along Hi-C sequencing, 96% of the sequences were anchored to nine linkage groups and a high-quality chromosome-level genome was generated. The completed genome included 19,242 protein-coding genes. For elucidating the molecular mechanism of nasal parasitism, transcriptome data were acquired from the digestive tract and front/rear ends of D. ferox. Examining secretory proteins in D. ferox saliva helped to identify intimate connections between these proteins and membrane proteins in nasal epithelial cells. These interacting proteins played important roles in extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction, tight junction, focal adhesion, and adherens junction. The interaction between D. ferox and mammalian nasal epithelial cells included three major steps of pattern recognition, mucin connection and breakdown, and repair of ECM. The remodeling of ECM between epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa and epithelial cells of D. ferox may produce a stable adhesion environment for parasitism. Conclusions: Our study represents the first-ever attempt to propose a molecular model for specific parasitism. This molecular model may serve as a practical reference for parasitism models of other species and a theoretical foundation for a molecular process of parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Mansonellosis is an undermapped insect-transmitted disease caused by filarial nematodes that are estimated to infect hundreds of millions of people. Despite their prevalence, there are many outstanding questions regarding the general biology and health impacts of the responsible parasites. Historical reports suggest that the Colombian Amazon is endemic for mansonellosis and may serve as an ideal location to pursue these questions. Methods We deployed molecular and classical approaches to survey Mansonella prevalence among adults belonging to indigenous communities along the Amazon River and its tributaries near Leticia, Colombia. Results Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays on whole-blood samples detected a much higher prevalence of Mansonella ozzardi infection (approximately 40%) compared to blood smear microscopy or LAMP performed using plasma, likely reflecting greater sensitivity and the ability to detect low microfilaremias and occult infections. Mansonella infection rates increased with age and were higher among men. Genomic analysis confirmed the presence of M. ozzardi that clusters closely with strains sequenced in neighboring countries. We successfully cryopreserved M. ozzardi microfilariae, advancing the prospects of rearing infective larvae in controlled settings. Conclusion These data suggest an underestimation of true mansonellosis prevalence, and we expect that these methods will help facilitate the study of mansonellosis in endemic and laboratory settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six 100‐day‐old mixed‐breed lambs were examined in a farm with a semi‐intensive system due to neurologic signs. Cachexia, bilateral blindness, stupor, severe drowsiness and lethargy with left and right movements of the head and neck were recorded after awakening and stimulation. Lambs died 10 days after the onset of the clinical signs. The lambs were necropsied, and after routine parasitology, bacteriology and histopathology, the occurrence of acute coenurosis was confirmed due to finding multiple cystic structures in the brain tissue. All lambs of the herd were treated with albendazole (orally, 25 mg/kg, two doses with an interval of 14 days). All shepherd dogs were treated with popantel (orally, one tablet/10 kg, two doses with an interval of 14 days). The affected lambs died despite this treatment. No new case of the disease was observed after the initiation of control measures. The present study shows the importance of preventive measure against coenurosis in a semi‐intensive sheep farming system that includes implementing consistent parasite control programme in dogs being in contact with sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatozoon spp. are apicomplexan parasites known to cause musculoskeletal disease in a variety of animals. Two species are known to infect wild and domestic canids in the US: Hepatozoon canis and H. americanum. Methods: In this study, blood, heart, and/or spleen samples were collected from 278 wild canids (180 coyotes, 93 red foxes, and 5 gray foxes) in the eastern US and tested via PCR for Hepatozoon. Histology slides of heart and skeletal muscle were assessed for Hepatozoon cysts and associated inflammation when fresh tissue was available (n = 96). Results: Hepatozoon spp. were found in 24.2% (59/278) of individuals, with Hepatozoon canis in 14.0% (34/278) and H. americanum in 10.7% (26/278). One coyote was positive for both H. canis and H. americanum. Foxes were more likely to be positive for H. canis than coyotes (23% and 7% respectively, P = 0.0008), while only coyotes were positive for H. americanum. Of the eight sampled states, H. canis was present in six (Louisiana, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia) while H. americanum was found in two southern states (South Carolina and Louisiana). Infection status was positively correlated with myositis and myocarditis, and heart or muscle cysts were found in 83% (5/6) of H. americanum-positive coyotes. Conclusion: This survey showed a moderate prevalence of H. canis and H. americanum in states where the parasite was previously unrecorded including South Carolina and Pennsylvania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic infections can have profound implications on host fitness, yet there is minimal information on parasites of the American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus), a species that has experienced recent population declines. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the prevalence, intensity, and gill surface area coverage of the ectoparasite Bdelloura candida in adult (n = 58), sub-adult (n = 7) and juvenile (n = 32) horseshoe crabs (HSCs) collected from coastal waters of Long Island, NY in 2019 and 2022. Sub samples of horseshoe crab gill tissue (10%) were collected from live specimens and B. candida cocoon intensities from individual lamellae were enumerated microscopically. B. candida was present in all adult and sub-adult crabs (100%), whereas juveniles exhibited 6.2% prevalence. 4.0–94.0% of gill lamellae harbored cocoons, with intensities ranging from 0 to 805 cocoons per sub sample. Cocoon covered between 0.06%–14.51% of the gill sub sample surface area, with higher cocoon intensities observed in the ventral-most gill quartiles relative to the dorsal-most regions. Sex was strongly supported as a primary driver behind B. candida infection intensities with adult females harboring higher intensities. These results provide novel insight into B. candida infection dynamics across HSC demographics, but further research is necessary to quantify the physiological impacts of the infection on L. polyphemus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dinobdella ferox is the most frequently reported leech species parasitizing the mammalian nasal cavity. However, the molecular mechanism of this special parasitic behavior has remained largely unknown. Methods: PacBio long-read sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and Hi-C sequencing were employed in this study to generate a novel genome of D. ferox, which was annotated with strong certainty using bioinformatics methods. The phylogenetic and genomic alterations of D. ferox were then studied extensively alongside the genomes of other closely related species. The obligatory parasitism mechanism of D. ferox was investigated using RNA-seq and proteomics data. Results: PacBio long-read sequencing and NGS yielded an assembly of 228 Mb and contig N50 of 2.16 Mb. Along Hi-C sequencing, 96% of the sequences were anchored to nine linkage groups and a high-quality chromosome-level genome was generated. The completed genome included 19,242 protein-coding genes. For elucidating the molecular mechanism of nasal parasitism, transcriptome data were acquired from the digestive tract and front/rear ends of D. ferox. Examining secretory proteins in D. ferox saliva helped to identify intimate connections between these proteins and membrane proteins in nasal epithelial cells. These interacting proteins played important roles in extracellular matrix (ECM)–receptor interaction, tight junction, focal adhesion, and adherens junction. The interaction between D. ferox and mammalian nasal epithelial cells included three major steps of pattern recognition, mucin connection and breakdown, and repair of ECM. The remodeling of ECM between epithelial cells of the nasal mucosa and epithelial cells of D. ferox may produce a stable adhesion environment for parasitism. Conclusions: Our study represents the first-ever attempt to propose a molecular model for specific parasitism. This molecular model may serve as a practical reference for parasitism models of other species and a theoretical foundation for a molecular process of parasitism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological interactions between parasites and their hosts play a fundamental role in evolutionary processes. Selection pressures are exerted on parasites and their hosts, usually resulting in high levels of specificity. Such is the case of ectoparasitic bat‐flies, but how large‐scale spatial gradients affect the dynamics of their interactions with their bat hosts is still unknown. In the present study, we investigated interaction patterns between bats and their ectoparasitic flies (Streblidae and Nycteribiidae), both presenting their peak of diversity in the Neotropical region, along a latitudinal gradient. Using network analyses and parasitic indices, grounded on the latitudinal diversity gradient pattern, we evaluated how spatial gradients affect species interactions and parasitic indices at the biogeopraphic scale, with increasing species richness in interaction networks closer to the tropics, leading to increases in network modularity, size, and specialization, and to a decrease in nesting and connectivity. We conducted a literature review, focusing on studies done in the Neotropical region, and own data. We obtained a bat richness of 97 species parasitized by 128 species of ectoparasitic flies, distributed into 57 interaction networks between latitudes 29° S and 19° N in the Neotropic. Network metrics and parasitic indices varied along the latitudinal gradient, with changes in the richness of bats and their ectoparasitic flies and in the structure of their interactions; network specialization, modularity, and connectance increase with latitude, while network size decreases with latitude. Regions closer to the equator had higher parasite loads. Our results show that interaction network metrics present a latitudinal gradient and that such interactions, when observed at a local scale, hide variations that only become perceptible at larger scales. In this way, ectoparasites such as bat flies are not only influenced by the ecology and biology of their hosts, but also by other environmental factors acting directly on their distribution and survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manipulative neuroparasites are a fascinating group of organisms that possess the ability to hijack the nervous systems of their hosts, manipulating their behavior in order to enhance their own survival and reproductive success. This review provides an overview of the different strategies employed by manipulative neuroparasites, ranging from viruses to parasitic worms and fungi. By examining specific examples, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Leucochloridium paradoxum, and Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, we highlight the complex mechanisms employed by these parasites to manipulate their hosts' behavior. We explore the mechanisms through which these parasites alter the neural processes and behavior of their hosts, including the modulation of neurotransmitters, hormonal pathways, and neural circuits. This review focuses less on the diseases that neuroparasites induce and more on the process of their neurological manipulation. We also investigate the fundamental mechanisms of host manipulation in the developing field of neuroparasitology, which blends neuroscience and parasitology. Finally, understanding the complex interaction between manipulative neuroparasites and their hosts may help us to better understand the fundamentals of behavior, neurology, and host–parasite relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) caused by Sarcocystis neurona remains an antemortem diagnostic challenge in some horses. Recent work suggested the use of real‐time PCR (rtPCR) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as a promising diagnostic tool. Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of S. neurona rtPCR on CSF for EPM diagnosis using horses with EPM and S. neurona‐seropositive horses with other neurologic conditions. Animals: Ninety‐nine horses with neurologic disease that underwent complete neurologic examination, CSF collection, and, if euthanized, necropsy including the central nervous system (CNS). Methods: Retrospective case‐control study using banked CSF samples. Samples from horses with neurologic abnormalities and necropsy‐confirmed EPM diagnosis, presumptive EPM diagnosis using strict criteria (SnSAG2/4/3 ELISA serum:CSF titer ratios <50) and horses diagnosed with other neurologic diseases were used. Results: Fifty‐two horses had EPM; 23 were confirmed on necropsy, and 29 were presumptive clinical diagnoses. The other 47 horses all had necropsy‐confirmed diagnoses. Four of the 47 horses had normal neurologic findings on necropsy and the remaining 43 horses had neurologic diseases including equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy (EDM), cervical vertebral stenotic myelopathy, trauma, and other miscellaneous conditions. One CSF sample was weakly positive for S. neurona by rtPCR, this sample was obtained from a horse with confirmed EDM. Samples from the other 98 horses were negative for S. neurona by rtPCR. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Our study contradicts previous conclusions that S. neurona rtPCR is potentially useful for EPM diagnosis, because our results indicate that the assay has a low sensitivity (0%) for EPM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]