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The Vetscan Imagyst system (Zoetis) is a novel, artificial intelligence–driven detection tool that can assist veterinarians in the identification of enteric parasites in dogs and cats. This system consists of a sample preparation device, an automated digital microscope scanner, and a deep-learning algorithm. The EasyScan One scanner (Motic) has had good diagnostic performance compared with manual examinations by experts; however, there are drawbacks when used in veterinary practices in which space for equipment is often limited. To improve the usability of this system, we evaluated an additional scanner, the Ocus 40 (Grundium). Our objectives were to 1) qualitatively evaluate the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system with the Ocus 40 scanner for identifying Ancylostoma, Toxocara, and Trichuris eggs, Cystoisospora oocysts, and Giardia cysts in canine and feline fecal samples, and 2) expand the assessment of the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system paired with either the Ocus 40 or EasyScan One scanner to include a larger dataset of 2,191 fecal samples obtained from 4 geographic regions of the United States. When tested with 852 canine and feline fecal samples collected from different geographic regions, the performance of the Vetscan Imagyst system combined with the Ocus 40 scanner was correlated closely with manual evaluations by experts. Sensitivities were 80.0‒97.0% and specificities were 93.7‒100.0% across the targeted parasites. When tested with 1,339 fecal samples, the Vetscan Imagyst system paired with the EasyScan One scanner successfully identified the targeted parasite stages; sensitivities were 73.6‒96.4% and specificities were 79.7‒100.0%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil‐transmitted nematode that is estimated to infect millions of people per year worldwide. However, cases are less commonly seen in the United States. This report highlights the importance of when to include Strongyloides stercoralis in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting eosinophilia within the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over a 6-month span, three patients under 5 years old with cutaneous leishmaniasis presented to the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Children's Health Dallas. None had traveled outside of northern Texas/southern Oklahoma; all had Leishmania mexicana infections confirmed by PCR. We provide case descriptions and images to increase the awareness of this disease among United States (US) physicians and scientists. Two patients responded to fluconazole, but the youngest required topical paromomycin. Combining these cases with guidelines and our literature review, we suggest that (i) higher doses (10-12 mg/kg/day) of fluconazole should be considered in young children to maximize likelihood and rapidity of response and (ii) patients should transition to alternate agents if they do not respond to high-dose fluconazole within 6 weeks. Furthermore, and of particular interest to the broad microbiology community, we used samples from these cases as a proof of concept to propose a mechanism to strain-type US-endemic L. mexicana . For our analysis, we sequenced three housekeeping genes and the internal transcribed sequence 2 of the ribosomal RNA gene. We identified genetic changes that not only allow us to distinguish US-based L. mexicana strains from strains found in other areas of the Americas but also establish polymorphisms that differ between US isolates. These techniques will allow documentation of genetic changes in this parasite as its range expands. Hence, our cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis provide significant evolutionary, treatment, and public health implications as climate change increases exposure to formerly tropical diseases in previously non-endemic areas., Importance: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease that typically affects tropical regions worldwide. However, the vector that carries Leishmania is spreading northward into the United States (US). Within a 6-month period, three young cutaneous leishmaniasis patients were seen at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center/Children's Health Dallas. None had traveled outside of northern Texas and southern Oklahoma. We document their presentations, treatments, and outcomes and compare their management to clinical practice guidelines for leishmaniasis. We also analyzed the sequences of three critical genes in Leishmania mexicana isolated from these patients. We found changes that not only distinguish US-based strains from strains found elsewhere but also differ between US isolates. Monitoring these sequences will allow tracking of genetic changes in parasites over time. Our findings have significant US public health implications as people are increasingly likely to be exposed to what were once tropical diseases., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

The ability to identify mixed-species infections and track the origin of Plasmodium parasites can further enhance the development of treatment and prevention recommendations as well as outbreak investigations. Here, we explore the utility of using the full Plasmodium mitochondrial genome to classify Plasmodium species, detect mixed infections, and infer the geographical origin of imported P. falciparum parasites to the United States (U.S.). Using the recently developed standardized, high-throughput Malaria Resistance Surveillance (MaRS) protocol, the full Plasmodium mitochondrial genomes of 265 malaria cases imported to the U.S. from 2014–2017 were sequenced and analyzed. P. falciparum infections were found in 94.7% (251/265) of samples. Five percent (14/265) of samples were identified as mixed- Plasmodium species or non-P. falciparum, including P. vivax, P. malariae, P. ovale curtisi, and P. ovale wallikeri. P. falciparum mitochondrial haplotypes analysis revealed greater than eighteen percent of samples to have at least two P. falciparum mitochondrial genome haplotypes, indicating either heteroplasmy or multi-clonal infections. Maximum-likelihood phylogenies of 912 P. falciparum mitochondrial genomes with known country origin were used to infer the geographical origin of thirteen samples from persons with unknown travel histories as: Africa (country unspecified) (n = 10), Ghana (n = 1), Southeast Asia (n = 1), and the Philippines (n = 1). We demonstrate the utility and current limitations of using the Plasmodium mitochondrial genome to classify samples with mixed-infections and infer the geographical origin of imported P. falciparum malaria cases to the U.S. with unknown travel history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Babesia microti is tick-borne disease that is an emerging threat to public health due to increasing prevalence and expanding geographic range. Detection and constant surveillance of babesiosis is imperative for predicting pathogen expansion. Leveraging our whole genome sequence (WGS) analyses of B. microti, we developed a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based high resolution melt (HRM) surveillance tool. We developed our HRM assay using available sequence data and identified 775 SNPs. From these candidate SNPs, we developed a 32-SNP barcode that is robust and differentiates geographically distinct populations; it contains SNPs that are putatively neutral, located in nuclear, mitochondrial, and apicoplastal regions. The assays are reproducible and robust, requiring a small quantity of DNA (limit of detection as low as 10 pg.). We analyzed the performance of our HRM assay using 26 B. microti clinical samples used in our WGS study from babesiosis endemic regions in the United States. We identified a minimal barcode consisting of 25 SNPs that differentiate geographically distinct populations across all clinical samples evaluated (average minor allele frequency > 0.22). Supporting our previous WGS findings, our 25-SNP barcode identified distinct barcode signatures that segregate B. microti into two lineages: Northeast and Midwest, with the Northeast having three subpopulations: Connecticut/Rhode Island, Nantucket, and the R1 reference group. Our 25-SNP HRM barcode provides a robust means genetic marker set that will aid in tracking the increasing incidence and expanding geographic range of B. microti infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers the authors perspective on the need for parasitologists in the American higher education. Among the topics discussed by the author are the production of transferable skills, the perceptions of the world, especially the natural world, the access to reasonably difficult problems in natural settings, and intellectual epidemiology. The author talked about his education and career.

The endoparasitic wasp Lysiphlebus testaceipes Cresson and the predator, the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergens Guérin-Méneville, are part of an aphidophagous guild responsible for suppressing greenbug, Schizaphis graminum Rondani, populations on the Southern Plains of the U.S. Lady beetles consume L. testaceipes within their aphid hosts, a competition dynamic known as intraguild predation. Our objective was to examine at what stage parasitized greenbugs are a suitable food source for convergent lady beetles. Third- and 4thinstar convergent lady beetle larvae were fed limited daily numbers of greenbugs or greenbugs in three stages of parasitism by L. testaceipes. Early stage parasitism diets had little effect on H. convergens, however, compared with a greenbug diet, late-stage parasitism diets reduced ladybeetle survival as much as 54%, delayed development as long as 2.6 days, and reduced adult weight by as much as 2.3 mg (22.5%). Consumption of parasitized aphids reduced parasitoid abundance, but competition for a limited resource (greenbugs) has the potential to significantly reduce fitness of convergent lady beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the parasite investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 1886 to 1987 at the National Agricultural Library (NAL). Eric P. Hoberg, Agricultural Research Service zoologist, reveals that the USDA records are important in illuminating the history of parasitology in North America and globally. The original line drawings that were completed by USDA scientists Willard W. Becklund and M. L. Walker are also included in the scientific papers.

Schimmel, M., Kowalewski, M. & Coffey, BP. 2011: Traces of predation/parasitism recorded in Eocene brachiopods from the Castle Hayne Limestone, North Carolina, USA. Lethaia, Vol. 45, pp. 274-289. The Castle Hayne Limestone (Middle Eocene, North Carolina), noted for its diverse macro-invertebrate fossils, was sampled to assess if Early Cenozoic brachiopods from eastern North America record any traces of biotic interactions. Systematic surveys of two North Carolina quarries yielded 494 brachiopods dominated by one species: Plicatoria wilmingtonensis (Lyell and Sowerby, 1845). Despite subtle variations in taphonomy, taxonomy and drilling patterns, the two sampled quarries are remarkably similar in terms of quantitative and qualitative palaeoecological and taphonomic patterns. In both quarries, brachiopods contain frequent drillholes (24.5% specimens drilled). The majority of drillholes were singular, perpendicular to shell surface and drilled from the outside. Ventral valves were drilled slightly more frequently than dorsal ones, but site-selectivity in drilhole location was not evident. Larger brachiopods were drilled significantly more frequently than smaller ones. However, drillhole diameter did not correlate with brachiopod size. The drillholes are interpreted as records of 'live-live' biotic interactions, representing either predatory attacks or parasitic infestations or a combination of those two types of interactions. A notable fraction of specimens bear multiple drillholes, which is consistent with either parasitic nature of interactions or frequent failed predatory events. The high drilling frequency reported here reinforces other reports (from other continents and other epochs of the Cenozoic), which suggest that brachiopods may be an important prey or host of drilling organisms in some settings. The number of case studies reporting high frequencies of drilling in brachiopods is still limited and thus insufficient to draw reliable generalizations regarding the causes and consequences of these occasionally intense ecological interactions. □ Brachiopods, drilling parasitism, drilling predation, Eocene, North Carolina, taphonomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anoplocephalid cestodes have a worldwide distribution, but relatively few species are known from South American rodents. By examining the collections of the Harold W. Manter Laboratory of Parasitology and the United States National Parasite Collection, 6 new species of Monoecocestus Beddard, 1914, are described, along with a redescription of Monoecocestus mackiewiczi Schmidt and Martin, 1978, based on the type specimens. The discussion includes commentary about uterine development, an important taxonomic character of the family, the vaginal dilation in immature segments (a character of potential taxonomic importance), and the implication of host usage to the evolutionary history and biogeography of species in this genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of tele-microbiology, an extension of telemedicine, in Combat Support Hospitals (CSH) which provide Level III health service support to U.S. and Coalition Forces engaged in the Global War on Terror. Information is provided about the 345th CSH, a Level III facility deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) in May 2008. Also noted is the importance of store-and-forward tele-microbiology applications in medical parasitology.

During an investigation of gill monogenoidean parasites from freshwater fishes in central Panama, 5 new species of Urocleidoides (sensu stricto) were found: Urocleidoides cultellus n. sp., Urocleidoides visiofortatus n. sp., and Urocleidoides advenai n. sp. from the gymnotiform Brachyhypopomus occidentalis (Hypopomidae); Urocleidoides neotropicalis n. sp. and Urocleidoides piriatiu n. sp. from the characiforms Saccodon dariensis (Parodontidae) and Ctenolucius beani (Ctenoluciidae), respectively. Our findings represent the first known species of Urocleidoides from these fishes in Central America and demonstrate that they are morphologically linked to their South American congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Host-specific parasites of humans are used to track ancient migrations. Based on archaeoparasitology, it is clear that humans entered the New World at least twice in ancient times. The archaeoparasitology of some intestinal parasites in the New World points to migration routes other than the Bering Land Bridge. Helminths have been found in mummies and coprolites in North and South America. Hookworms (Necator and Ancylostoma), whipworms (Trichuris trichiura) and other helminths require specific conditions for life-cycle completion. They could not survive in the cold climate of the northern region of the Americas. Therefore, humans would have lost some intestinal parasites while crossing Beringia. Evidence is provided here from published data of pre-Columbian sites for the peopling of the Americas through trans-oceanic or costal migrations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A number of safe, effective, and convenient heartworm preventatives are currently available for virtually all canine and feline pets. Yet, a 2001 survey of over 18,000 veterinary clinics in the United States identified more than 240,000 dogs and 3000 cats infected with Dirofilaria immitis. This high level of owner compliance failure is alarming. Prolonged administration of some of the macrocyclic lactone (ML) preventatives kills young larvae, older larvae, “immatures,” young adults, and/or old adults. Efficacy of 95% or more requires dosing for 9–30 months, with older worms being more difficult to kill. Of the various MLs, ivermectin (IVM) has the most potent safety-net and adulticidal activity, milbemycin oxime has the least, and selamectin and moxidectin injectable lie somewhere in between. The unique effects of IVM are related to the age of the heartworms at initiation of treatment. The earlier treatment is started, the more stunted and smaller the worms and the shorter their survival time. Conversely, the later treatment is started, the longer the worms live, and the more likely the dog will be antigen- and microfilariae-positive. Drug effects do not appear to be enhanced by increasing the dosage or administering at shorter intervals, and it appears that continuous monthly treatment is needed to produce the full effects of the drug. The American Heartworm Society (AHS) recognizes the safety-net (or reach-back effect) and adulticidal properties of some MLs, particularly IVM. The AHS 2003 (American Heartworm Society, 2004. 2003 Updated guidelines for the diagnosis, prevention, and management of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in dogs. In: McCall, et al., (Eds.), Proceedings of the Symposium Session on Recent Advances in Heartworm Disease, The 19th International Conference of the World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, New Orleans, LA, 10–14 August, 2003. Vet. Parasitol. 125, 105–130) canine guidelines state that it is beneficial to administer prophylactic doses of IVM before treatment with melarsomine. Results of laboratory studies suggest that less active dogs are at low risk of severe thromboembolism and death. However, heartworm-positive working dogs might be more at risk. Worsened radiographic and echocardiographic images in a client-owned dog given IVM monthly for 2 years with greatly restricted exercise suggests that such treatment of dogs with clinical, radiographic, and/or echocardiographic evidence of heartworm disease as well as for asymptomatic working dogs is contraindicated. Furthermore, until further data are available, such treatment of even the less active asymptomatic dog should be administered only with much caution and with examination by a veterinarian at least once every 4–6 months. IVM clearly provides potent “safety-net” activity against older larvae, immatures, and young adults in cases of owner compliance failure, even when the owner and veterinarian are not aware that the animal is infected, and offers much promise as a unique “soft-kill” treatment for young, and possibly older adult heartworms, with reduced risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Reports on a study on the incidence, severity, and risk factors of swimmer's itch in a lake in the U.S. Incidence of swimmer's itch per water-exposure days; Effect of age and gender on the severity of swimmer's itch; Analysis on the factors associated with the incidence of swimmer's itch.

Describes Hepatozoon sauritus parasitic in four species of snakes in Florida. Coluber constrictor; Elaphe obsolete; E. guttata; Thamnophis sirtalis; Gamonts; Sporogony; Type host; Other hosts; Type locality; Prevalence; Site of infection; Material deposited; Variations in gamont morphology among host species; Variations in sporocyst morphology among host species; Sporogonic stages.

Discusses the use of parasites and the study of parasitology as models for teaching biology in public schools in New Mexico. Reasons for studying parasites; Examples of parasites and parasitology in the curriculum; Significance of parasites and the study of parasitology for students and teachers.

Presents the acceptance speech of John Barta as the Henry Baldwin Ward Medalist for 2003, presented by the American Society of Parasitologists. Discussion on how Barta came to study apicocomplexan parasites; Doctoral studies conducted; View of parasitology as a life's passion.

Presents a speech by American Society of Parasitologists (ASP) president Sharon Patton, given before 77th Annual Meeting of the ASP, dealing with the role of the ASP in improving the understanding of parasites, parasitic diseases and parasitism. Vision for the ASP; Challenges the ASP faces in the 21st century.

Studies the patterns of host specificity among Ancyrocephalinae (Monogenoidea) on bass and sunfish species found in Nebraska. Ability of centarchid species to inhabit the same pond while supporting distinct monogenes; Identification of host relatedness as the major factor in determining whether host species shared a common parasite species; Variation in the degree of specificity shown by some parasite species according to the pond and host species mix.

The article offers information on the articles published in the journal in 1931. Articles which were published in 1931 were long and focused on parasitology, entomology and bacteriology. Despite the knowledge in diphtheria, it became a major cause of childhood death in 1930. In her research, Ida May Stevens examined whether diphtheria deaths were caused by the lack of knowledge or to the inadequate application of what was presently known. According to the article, early reports on the use of thimerosal in vaccines in the U.S. were featured in the journal during 1931.

Equine piroplasmosis (EP), caused by two parasitic organisms, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi, is a tick-borne disease of recent concern in horses in the U.S.A. Outbreaks of EP have been detected in Florida, Missouri, Kansas and Texas. In 2009, EP transmission in Texas occurred through the adults of two tick species, Amblyomma mixtum [formerly known as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787)] Koch (Ixodida: Ixodidae) and Dermacentor variabilis (Say) (Ixodida: Ixodidae), the American dog tick (ADT). In this study, we developed a continent-scale map for the distribution of the EP vector species D. variabilis, using a presence-only modelling approach to assess the habitat preferences of this tick. We used identification records from our tick geodatabase of locations in which the presence of the ADT had been noted. The potential distribution of the ADT in the U.S.A. was estimated from environmental factors using the maximum entropy approach based on localities in which there is a high probability of occurrence according to habitat suitability. Elevation and temperature were found to be biologically significant environmental variables influencing the presence of this tick species. Properly designed and constructed probability surfaces using maximum entropy offer one useful approach to the mapping of distribution ranges of tick species based on suitable habitat in the U.S.A., (Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.)

The article reports that parasitology veterinary specialty got provisional recognition by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) under the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists. D. Scott McVey, president of AVMA states that it will add strength to the college and he expects around 25 veterinarians to be initially certified as diplomates. It highlights that specialites will have to stay for atleast 4 years under the recognition after which they can ask for full recognition.

The article focuses on American Society of Parasitologists President Dennis J. Minchella. It discusses career history of Minchella, starting with his entry into the parasitological scene in 1981. Minchella's accomplishments as parasitologist are discussed. The article also highlights the goals and aspirations of Minchella as president of the society.

Presents an obituary for the American parasitologist William Trager.

Presents a speech introducing John Barta as the Henry Baldwin Ward Medalist for 2003, presented by the American Society of Parasitologists. Educational background; Contributions to the field of parasitology; Topics of doctoral studies conducted.

A total of 3,235 Dermacentor variabilis (Say) specimens were collected from birds, mammals, and by dragging vegetation, and 2,683 D. albipictus (Packard) ticks were collected from deer from 1993 to 1996. Peak seasonal occurrence of adult D. variabilis was from May through July with a precipitous decrease in August. Nymphal D. variabilis populations peaked in June. Peak activity of larvae was bimodal, with one activity peak during late summer (September) and a second peak in winter or early spring. The raccoon, Procyon lotor (L.), was the principal host of adults followed by the Virginia opossum, Didelphis virginiana Kerr. Rodents and the eastern cottontail rabbit, Sylvilagus floridanus (J. A. Allen), were the primary hosts of nymphs. The marsh ricerat, Oryzomys palustris (Harlan), was the principal host of larvae followed by the pine vole, Microtus pinetorum (Le Conte), and white-footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus (Rafinesque). All stages of D. albipictus were found only on white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus (Zimmermann). Numbers of adult and nymphal D. albipictus peaked in November, whereas larvae peaked in September. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents descriptions of known instars of three new species of Apheviderulix gen. nov., including larvae and deutonymphs of the type species Apheviderulix welwitschioides sp. nov. from Sicily, deutonymphs of A. leptomastax sp. nov. from Morocco and deutonymphs of A. santana sp. nov. from California. Apheviderulicidae fam. nov. is proposed to accommodate the new genus, and the phylogenetic affinites and classification of this highly distinctive taxon are discussed. The host associations of larval Apheviderulix with dytiscid beetles arediscussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents announcements regarding various events related to investigative dermatology. The Ninth Annual Postgraduate Course on Medical Mycology & Parasitology will take place on October 5-6, 1985 at the Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. The Third Annual Winter Colloquium on Clinical Dermatology, sponsored by the Dermatology Foundation in cooperation with the Association of Professors of Dermatology, will be held from January 26-29, 1986 at the Ritz-Canton, Laguna Niguel in Laguna Beach, California.

This article presents information about the training courses in laboratory techniques including microbiology, immunology, parasitology, toxicology and clinical chemistry, which are being offered throughout the year by the Bureau of Laboratories of the Center for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia.

30 "At four sites in eastern Ontario, the wings, ears and tragi of 33 of 366 bats harboured chiggers (larval trombiculids), Leptotrombidium myotis (Acari: Trombiculidae). These bats included 13 of 17 Big Brown Bats, Eptesicus fuscus, 6 of 9 Leib's Bats, Myotis leibii, 13 of 309 Little Brown Myotis, M. lucifugus, l.of 30 Northern Myotis, M. septentrionalis, and 0 of 1 Eastern Pipistrelle, Pipistrellus subflavus. This study documents the first record of L. myotis on M. leibii. Levels of parasitism in E. fuscus were significantly higher, and in M. lucifugus significantly lower, when compared to conspecifics capturedin Indiana (Whitaker 1973). In eastern Ontario, parasitized female E. fuscus experienced significantly higher infestation intensities than parasitized males and male M. lucifugus were parasitized significantly more often than females. Intensity of infestation may be linked to day roosts, and the presence and abundance of chiggers may be influenced by roost selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]