Search

Sensory functions of organs of the head and neck allow humans to interact with the environment and establish social bonds. With aging, smell, taste, vision, and hearing decline. Evidence suggests that accelerated impairment in sensory abilities can reflect a shift from healthy to pathological aging, including the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurological disorders. While the drivers of early sensory alteration in AD are not elucidated, insults such as trauma and infections can affect sensory function. Herein, we review the involvement of the major head and neck sensory systems in AD, with emphasis on microbes exploiting sensory pathways to enter the brain (the "gateway" hypothesis) and the potential feedback loop by which sensory function may be impacted by central nervous system infection. We emphasize detection of sensory changes as first-line surveillance in senior adults to identify and remove potential insults, like microbial infections, that could precipitate brain pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently a number of broad-range stool parasite PCR assays have been developed. However, there is ongoing disagreement regarding their diagnostic performance, as various studies have produced contradictory results. In this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of the Seegene Allplex GI-Parasite and Allplex GI-Helminth assays (SA) with the conventional methods used at the travel clinic of the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) including microscopy, antigen testing, and molecular detection in order to provide insights into the strengths and limitations of this diagnostic tool which may be crucial to select the most appropriate diagnostic tools for the suspected pathogen. A total of 97 native stool samples from 95 patients with suspected gastrointestinal illness were analyzed, including 26 from a frozen collection and 71 prospectively collected samples. The diagnostic performance of SA was notably superior to the conventional workflow in detecting Dientamoeba fragilis (sensitivity 100% vs. 47.4%) and Blastocystis hominis (sensitivity 95% vs. 77.5%). SA had a comparable performance with the conventional workflow in detecting pathogenic protozoa (sensitivity 90% vs. 95%). In contrast, SA had a much lower diagnostic performance in detecting helminths (59.1%) compared to the conventional workflow (100%). We conclude that the Seegene Allplex GI-Parasite assay may be useful for protozoa screening in low-endemic industrialized countries. However, the Allplex GI-Helminth assay is not recommended due to its suboptimal performance compared to microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biodiversity of macrofungi in remaining lowland dipterocarp forest in highly urbanization pressures is infrequently studied, even though their significant impact on the ecosystem of forested and non-forested habitats. Therefore, this research endeavours to unravel the diversity of macrofungi from different substrates in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve located in Selangor, Malaysia. Through a combination of field surveys, the study seeks to contribute valuable insights into the complex relationships between macrofungi and the surrounding habitats where macrofungal community structure was mainly influenced by substrate richness and microclimates. Sporocarps of macrofungi were collected from selected sites using opportunistic sampling methods. A total of 333 sporocarps were obtained and identified based on morphological and molecular analysis. Basidiomycota prevailed in the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve where 27 species belonging to 14 families were successfully identified. Saprophytic fungi (22 species, 81.5%) dominated the areas, and a small number of mycorrhizal (1 species, 3.7%) and parasitic (4 species, 14.8%) fungi were found. Based on species diversity, order Polyporales is the highest occurrence species in the sampling areas with a Shannon-Weiner Index value of 2.103 and Simpson Index value of 0.954, Evenness Index value of 0.601, making it the most abundant order containing Microporus species, The findings are expected to enhance our knowledge of the biodiversity of macrofungi from different substrates in Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, which can lead to conservation efforts and promote the ecological significance of macrofungi in tropical forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Protozoan and helminth parasitic infections pose significant public health challenges, especially in developing countries with rural populations marked by suboptimal hygiene practices and socio‐economic constraints. The parasites are the etiological agents of these infections and have a notably elevated global prevalence. Therefore, this study focuses on estimating the frequency and transmission dynamics of several parasitic species, including Blastocystis, Giardia, Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Taenia spp. and hookworms, within a rural community in southwest Colombia with a particular emphasis on the One Health framework, considering environmental and zoonotic transmission potentials. Methods and Results: This study involved the analysis of 125 samples, encompassing human participants (n = 99), their domestic pets (dogs) (n = 24) and water sources (n = 2). Parasite detection was carried out utilizing a combination of microscopy and molecular techniques. Furthermore, the characterization of Blastocystis subtypes (STs) was achieved through Oxford Nanopore sequencing of the rRNA‐18S gene. The investigation also entailed the examination of potential associations between intestinal parasitism and various sociodemographic factors. Results revealed a high frequency of parasitic infections when employing molecular methods, with Blastocystis (n = 109/87%), Giardia (n = 20/16%), Ancylostoma duodenale (n = 28/22%), Ancylostoma ceylanicum (n = 7/5.6%), E. histolytica (n = 6/4.8%), Cryptosporidium spp. (n = 12/9.6%) and even Taenia (n = 1/0.8%) detected. Cryptosporidium spp. was also identified in water samples. Coinfections were prevalent, with 57% (n = 70) of samples exhibiting single‐parasite infections and 43% (n = 53) showing various degrees of polyparasitism, emphasizing the complexity of transmission dynamics. Blastocystis subtyping, conducted via Oxford Nanopore sequencing, revealed a diversity of subtypes and coexistence patterns, with ST2 being the most prevalent. Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of using molecular techniques for frequency estimation, particularly emphasizing the relevance of zoonotic transmission in parasitic infections. It highlights the significance of the One Health approach in comprehending the circulation of parasites among animals, humans and environmental sources, thereby directly impacting public health and epidemiological surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antarctic krill Euphausia superba plays a key role in the Antarctic food web. The trophic linkage between krill and other macro-organisms has been studied in the past decades, but the variability of parasites in krill is less studied and remains poorly understood. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that influence abundance and infection of parasites in krill. Moreover, the relationship between the infection intensity of parasite and krill diet needs to be clarified, which is helpful for understanding the role of parasite in the food web. We investigated the abundance of the highly prevalent gregarine parasites in the digestive tract of krill and the factors influencing the gregarine infection to krill in the East Antarctic. The infection rate of Cephaloidophora pacifica Avdeev, 1985 to krill (n=50 individuals) was 94%. The results of generalized linear model show the infection intensity of C. pacifica to the host was related significantly to the station, krill size, and maturity stage, but not the food species and abundance in the stomach of krill. Abundance of C. pacifica in krill differed among stations, and the lowest abundance occurred in the station nearest to the coast. Gregarines abundance varied among sexual maturity stages of krill and increased with krill size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garden plants, trees and bushes suffer damages caused by lots of pests by 30-50 % every year, and sometimes by 80-90 % during the period when they grow massively. For this purpose, scientific bases for the use of perspective entomophages in the biological fight against harsh pests by studying the species composition, bioecological features of 6 species of insects, which damage garden and forest plants, and entomophages (parasites and predators), which regulate their number, have been developed in Azerbaijan. The research paper established that the oriental fruit moth infests fruit crops by 50-60 %. It was found that 22 types of parasites play a role in the regulation of abundance. Among them, macrocentrus infests oriental fruit moth larva up to 80 %, scambus up to 60 %, apanteles up to 40-50 %. The scoliidae parasite is of economic importance and can be used for biological control against the oriental fruit moth. Considering the prospects of some parasites, the bioecological features on the Absheron Peninsula have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The productivity of livestock production has been greatly impacted by parasitic diseases. The infection prevalence of parasites in native and imported slaughtered animals has not received much attention, despite the fact that Saudi Arabia has data on animal parasites. This study aimed to determine the infection prevalence of parasites in slaughtered animals in relation to host origin and host age. Methods: This investigation was conducted at Al Makhwah area in southwestern Saudi Arabia for six months from September 2021 to February 2022. The examined animals were 1208 in total, including goats (504), sheep (440) and cattle (264). All the animals examined were slaughtered at official abattoirs. The collected parasites were preserved, processed and identified. Result: Out of 1208 examined, 72 were infected (5.96%). The parasite community consisted of six species, Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Fasciola hepatica, F. giagantica, Monezia expansa, Echinococcus granulosus (Hydatiid cyst) and Haemonchus contortus. Hydatidosis was a more prevalent parasitic disease. The infection prevalence of hydatidosis in the examined animals was high in cattle (4.85%) while were 3.76 and 4.77% in goats and sheep respectively. Significant differences in prevalence per host age in goats, sheep and cattle were found. The prevalence of parasites in imported animals was higher (16.67, 17.5 and 11.36% in cattle, sheep and goats respectively) as compared to that in native ones (5.42, 6.5 and 3.69% in cattle, sheep and goats respectively). Based on our findings, Hydatidosis was identified as the most prevalent parasitic disease. Imported animals had a higher parasitic infection compared to local animals. It is essential to take necessary measures to prevent the transmission of Hydatidosis and improper organ condemnation from abattoirs. We recommend conducting further research to identify the reasons why imported animals are more likely to become infected than local animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminths have developed intricate mechanisms to survive and evade the host's immune responses. Hence, understanding the excretory-secretory products (ESPs) by helminths is crucial for developing control tools, including drug targets, vaccines, and potential therapies for inflammatory and metabolic disorders caused by them. Proteomics, the large-scale analysis of proteins, offers a powerful approach to unravel the complex proteomes of helminths and gain insights into their biology. Proteomics, as a science that delves into the functions of proteins, has the potential to revolutionize clinical therapies against parasitic infections that have developed anthelminthic resistance. Proteomic technologies lay a framework for accompanying genomic, reverse genetics, and pharmacokinetic approaches to provide more profound or broader coverage of the cellular mechanisms that underlie the response to anthelmintics. With the development of vaccines against helminth infections, proteomics has brought a major change to parasitology. The proteome of helminths can be analyzed comprehensively, revealing the complex network of proteins that enable parasite survival and pathogenicity. Furthermore, it reveals how parasites interact with hosts' immune systems. The current article reviews the latest advancements in helminth proteomics and highlights their valuable contributions to the search for anthelminthic vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mites from the Demodecidae and Psorergatidae can optimally use mammalian hosts by inhabiting a number of different microhabitats in their skin. Hence, in individual hosts, several species of parasites from these groups have been described in different microhabitats. There are few data on their co-occurrence either at the host species level or at the host individual level. Most research has addressed the co-occurrence of Demodecidae in carnivorans, ungulates, soricomorphs, and rodents, while the co-occurrence of both families was found in bats. The present study examines the possibility of their co-occurrence in a Eurasian rodent—Apodemus flavicollis. It is a suitable model for such analyses, because representatives of both families have been demonstrated here so far, and our findings extend the list of specific Demodecidae in A. flavicollis with two new species: Demodex tenuis sp. nov. from the lip region and D. mediocris sp. nov. from the chin region. The study also includes the first record of Psorergates muricola in this host, which occurred in the genital–anal region. Therefore, the findings confirm the possibility that different Demodecidae and Psorergatidae species can co-occur in the same host in different body regions. This paper also includes a checklist of Demodecidae and Psorergatidae in rodents around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benzoxaboroles are a new drug cohort. Significant promise has been found for these compounds against many distinct pathologies. Infectious diseases are a significant target of benzoxaboroles. A small number of molecular targets appear to underpin mode of action. CPSF3 and LeuRS are the major targets. The development of new drug modalities has been facilitated recently by the introduction of boron as a component of organic compounds, and specifically within a benzoxaborale scaffold. This has enabled exploration of new chemical space and the development of effective compounds targeting a broad range of morbidities, including infections by protozoa, fungi, worms, and bacteria. Most notable is the recent demonstration of a single oral dose cure using acoziborole against African trypanosomiasis. Common and species-/structure-specific interactions between benzoxaboroles and parasite species have emerged and provide vital insights into the mechanisms of cidality, as well as potential challenges in terms of resistance and/or side effects. Here, we discuss the literature specific to benzoxaborole studies in parasitic protists and consider unanswered questions concerning this important new drug class. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Naegleria is a taxonomic subfamily consisting of 47 free-living amoebae. The genus can be found in warm aqueous or soil habitats worldwide. The species Naegleria fowleri is probably the best-known species of this genus. As a facultative parasite, the protist is not dependent on hosts to complete its life cycle. However, it can infect humans by entering the nose during water contact, such as swimming, and travel along the olfactory nerve to the brain. There it causes a purulent meningitis (primary amoebic meningoencephalitis or PAME). Symptoms are severe and death usually occurs within the first week. PAME is a frightening infectious disease for which there is neither a proven cure nor a vaccine. In order to contain the disease and give patients any chance to survival, action must be taken quickly. A rapid diagnosis is therefore crucial. PAME is diagnosed by the detection of amoebae in the liquor and later in the cerebrospinal fluid. For this purpose, CSF samples are cultured and stained and finally examined microscopically. Molecular techniques such as PCR or ELISA support the microscopic analysis and secure the diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study investigates the complex interactions between quill mites of the family Syringophilidae and starlings. We identified five species of quill mites infesting 24 species of starlings, uncovering intricate host–parasite dynamics across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Oceanian zoogeographical regions. A detailed statistical analysis of the Picobiinae–Sturnidae network revealed low connectivity but high modularity, indicating specific relationships between the mites and their starling hosts. The network structure demonstrated four distinct modules, highlighting the specialised and compartmentalised characteristics of these associations. Furthermore, the distribution of Picobia mites was found to align with the phylogeny of their starling hosts, with particular mites targeting specific starling clades. The social and breeding behaviours of starlings were observed to contribute to the high prevalence of these mites. This comprehensive network analysis provides new insights into the ecological dynamics of host–parasite interactions. The subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Syringophilidae) comprises obligate and permanent parasites of birds found exclusively in the quills of contour feathers. We studied associations of picobiine mites with birds of the family Sturnidae (Aves: Passeriformes) across the Palaearctic, Afrotropical, Oriental, and Oceanian zoogeographical regions. Among the 414 examined bird individuals belonging to 44 species (35.2% of all sturnids), 103 individuals from 24 species (54.5% of examined species) were parasitised by quill mites. The diversity of mites was represented by five species, including one newly described, Picobia malayi Patan and Skoracki sp. n. Statistical analysis of the Picobiinae–Sturnidae bipartite network demonstrated a low connectance value (Con = 0.20) and high modularity, with significant differences in the H2′ specialisation index compared to null model values. The network structure, characterised by four distinct modules, highlighted the specificity and limited host range of the Picobiinae–Sturnidae associations. The distribution of Picobia species among starlings was congruent with the phylogeny of their hosts, with different mites parasitising specific clades of starlings. Additionally, the findings suggest that the social and breeding behaviours of starlings influence quite a high prevalence. Finally, our studies support the validity of museum collections to study these parasitic interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is a top avian predator, an Arctic specialist, and among the bird species most vulnerable to climate change. This vulnerability is driven by their narrow ecological niche, limited or lack of southward migration, and circumpolar distribution where the most rapid climatic changes are occurring. Climatic and habitat changes may alter Gyrfalcon disease ecology due to changes in vector distributions, host ranges, and pathogen life cycles. Warmer Arctic temperatures and accompanying landscape changes may also alter the Gyrfalcon's prey base, and dietary habits can influence transmission of pathogens. To better understand disease ecology in Gyrfalcons, we compared pathogen prevalence across varying time periods at three study sites in Alaska—the Seward Peninsula (2014–2022), the Alaska Peninsula (2021–2022), and the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta (2008–2013). We collected Gyrfalcon whole blood, thin blood films, cloacal swabs, and fecal samples for serology, haemoparasite assays, microbiological cultures, and fecal tests for parasites. An aliquot of whole blood preserved on filter paper or in Longmire solution was kept for molecular diagnosis of haemoparasites. Serology revealed high exposure to Salmonella (77%), low seroprevalence of avian influenza antibodies (1.5%), exposure to falcon adenovirus type 1 in hatch-year Gyrfalcons (1.3%), and the first report of a Leucocytozoon spp. blood parasite in a Gyrfalcon. We found no antibodies indicative of prior exposure to avian paramyxovirus, West Nile virus, or Chlamydia. One nestling and one hatch-year bird sampled (2 of 12) on the Seward Peninsula exhibited oral plaques from capillarids (Eucoelus spp.) in contrast to those trapped in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge on the Alaska Peninsula (0 of 6). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitism is increasingly seen as an ecological factor contributing to behavioural variation among individuals. Yet, the causal direction of the relationship between animal personality and parasites remains unclear. We measured behavioural traits (i.e. exploration, activity, boldness) in pumpkinseed sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus , before and after an experimental infection using cages in a lake where sunfish were naturally exposed to trematode and cestode infection for 1 month. Despite our initial assumptions (i.e. that all individuals would have the same risk of infection within a cage), we found that initial behavioural traits strongly influenced infection susceptibility: initially bolder and less active fish acquired a higher density of trematode and cestode parasites during the infection period. Following infection, fish body condition decreased with increasing cestode density, suggesting that infection is costly to hosts. Body condition was positively correlated with distance moved, a measure of activity, regardless of individual infection status. The repeatability of exploration and activity behaviour and the strength of the activity–exploration correlation (i.e. behavioural syndrome) were reduced following parasite exposure. Distance moved and trematode density were negatively correlated, suggesting that this infection decreases host activity levels. Since trematodes have a complex life cycle with piscivorous birds as a final host, a decrease in activity following infection may make infected fish more susceptible to bird predation, benefiting the parasite. Our results highlight the close links between behaviour and parasitism. We propose that two mechanisms may simultaneously operate: initial host behaviour influences their risk of infection, and infection introduces variation in the behavioural traits of infected hosts. • We infected pumpkinseed sunfish using cages in a lake with high parasite prevalence. • We measured exploration, activity and boldness before and after parasite exposure. • Less active and bolder fish were more susceptible to infection within cages. • Fish body condition decreased with high density of a parasite causing liver damage. • Fish activity was reduced with trematode infection causing black spot disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mason bees (Osmia. spp) can provide an alternative for crop pollination management in addition to the Western honeybees (Apis mellifera). Targeted evidence‐based guidelines can improve cost‐effective management of mason bees. Here, I test the effect of an attractant spray developed in the United States for improving the nesting preference for artificial trap nests of mason bees in Belgium. More specifically, this study investigates the effect of the attractant spray on the nesting preference and nesting performance of the European orchard bee (Osmia cornuta), as well as its effect on the infestation of nest‐associated macroparasites. The number of sealed nesting cavities was twice as high in the trap nests that were treated with the attractant spray. Nesting performance expressed as number of brood cells per cavity, successful cocoon formation, adult emergence, proportion of female bees in the offspring and the number of dead larvae was not different between the treated and the untreated nests. Overall infestation of macroparasites, and infestation of drosophilid flies in particular, were both twice as high in untreated nests. This study provides evidence that the attractant spray improves nesting preference and reduces macroparasite infestation in O. cornuta. The use of this attractant can provide growers and stakeholders with an effective management strategy to prevent infestation by macroparasites and promote efficient bee breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nematode, cestode, protozoan, microsporidian, and pentastomid parasites affect domesticated and wild rabbits, hares, and jackrabbits of the genera Brachylagus, Lepus, Oryctolagus, Pentalagus, and Sylvilagus. Some endoparasite infections are of limited or no significance, whereas others have potentially profound consequences. Accurate identification of endoparasites of rabbits, hares, and jackrabbits is an important facet of the work of veterinary pathologists engaged in lagomorph pathology. Here I review endoparasites from the pathologist's perspective, focusing on pathogenesis, lesions, and implications of infection. Stomach nematodes Graphidium strigosum and Obeliscoides cuniculi are infrequently pathogenic but may cause gastritis and gastric mucosal thickening. Nematodes Passalurus ambiguus, Protostrongylus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., and Trichuris spp. are rarely associated with disease. Adult Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) nematodes and non-embryonated eggs cause granulomatous hepatitis in wild Oryctolagus cuniculus and Lepus europaeus, resulting in multifocal, off-white, hepatic lesions, which may be misdiagnosed as hepatic eimeriosis. When the rabbit is an intermediate host for carnivore cestodes, the space-occupying effects of Cysticercus pisiformis and Coenurus serialis may have pathologic consequences. Eimeria stiedai is a major cause of white-spotted liver in O. cuniculus, particularly in juveniles. Enteric coccidiosis is a noteworthy cause of unthriftiness in young animals, and frequently manifests as diarrhea with grossly appreciable multifocal off-white intestinal lesions. O. cuniculus is the natural host for the zoonotic microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi. Infection may be acute and focused mainly on the kidneys, or it may follow a chronic disease course, frequently with neurologic lesions. A latent carrier status may also develop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite recent advances in the management and therapeutic of cancer, the treatment of the disease is limited by its high cost and severe side effects. In this scenario, there is an unmet need to identify novel treatment alternatives for this dreaded disease. Recently there is growing evidence that parasites may cause anticancer effects because of a negative correlation between parasitic infections and tumour growth despite some parasites that are known to exhibit pro-carcinogenic effects. It has been observed that parasites exert an anticancer effect either by activating the host's immune response or by secreting certain molecules that exhibit anticancer potential. The activation of the immune response by these parasitic organisms results in the inhibition of some of the hallmarks of cancer such as tumour proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review summarizes the current advances as well as the mechanisms underlying the possible implications of this diverse group of organisms as anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decapod crustaceans and their associated fisheries are an important resource globally, and demand for seafood continues to grow alongside a growing human population. With a combined 2023 value of €36 million in Ireland, three species of brachyuran crabs, the velvet crab (Necora puber Linnaeus, 1767), edible crab (Cancer pagurus Linnaeus, 1758), spider crab (Maja squinado Herbst, 1788)), and the European lobster (Homarus gammarus Linnaeus, 1758) are decapods of commercial importance. These species are also important components of their respective ecosystems. Parasite infection can affect the health of crustaceans and may affect population productivity. Microparasites, including paramyxids (Hematodinium spp.) and microsporidians can infect decapod crustaceans and have a range of effects on their hosts. We assessed three microparasites in four crustacean species. Paramarteilia canceri was found in all three crab species, and we provide the first genetic confirmation in spider crabs. A microsporidian associated with cotton crab disease, Ameson sp. was identified in N. puber , along with a second species of microsporidian which will require further classification. None of the three parasite groups were identified in Homarus gammarus. Species of Hematodinium were not identified in any of the species studies. Our work highlights the need for parasite surveys to uncover parasite diversity and prevalence in crustaceans to help elucidate host-parasite interactions, and the potential impacts of parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8‐year‐old neutered male Maltese dog presented with a month‐long history of progressive nonambulatory tetraparesis. MRI revealed a well‐defined, centrally nonenhanced, T1‐weighted hypointense, extradural structure located in the vertebral canal at the level of the C5 vertebral body. CT demonstrated a hypoattenuating, space‐occupying structure in the same area. Surgery revealed a long, narrow parasite in the epidural space. An adult Dirofilaria immitis was confirmed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. This is a novel report describing the MRI and CT features of cervical epidural dirofilariasis in a dog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidiosis is a neglected tropical zoonotic disease, commonly associated with a diarrhoea, caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus Cryptosporidium. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in faeces, milk, and water sources, and its associated risk factors in sedentary Fulani herds. Seven hundred and fifty faecal samples (240, 180, 240 and 90 from cattle, sheep, goats and dogs, respectively), and 120 samples each, of milk and water were collected for this study. Faecal samples were concentrated by formol ether concentration technique, then stained using Modified Ziehl Neelsen staining method, to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts. Cryptosporidium oocysts in milk and water samples were also concentrated and stained with same stain. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in (cattle, dog, sheep and goat faeces were 18.3 %, 15.6 %, 13.9 % and 4.2 %, respectively.), Significantly higher prevalence was observed in calves ≤ 1 year (P = 0.002), female cattle (P = 0.007) and animals with poor body condition (P < 0.001) than in the other groups. Goats with poor body condition scores had significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.008) than other groups while dogs ≤ 6 months of age also had significantly higher prevalence (P = 0.03) than older dogs. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in bulk cow milk was 11.7 % while a prevalence of 13.3 % was observed in the water bodies sampled. Hence the findings of this study are of great public health significance, therefore, inhabitants of these LGAs should be informed and educated on the need for improvement of sanitary measures during the course of milking these animals, and the need for adequate pasteurization, of milk before consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bream, Abramis brama (Linnaeus, 1758) is an economically important species of cyprinid fish of the Palearctic. Primarily absent in Siberia (Asian Russia) this species is introduced into these regions and now is quite common in Western and Eastern Siberia. The available literature data on bream parasites of the great Siberian rivers, Ob, Yenisei and Lena are summarized and compared with the results of own researches. A total of 48, 31 and 15 parasite species have been recorded for the bream in these three river basins, respectively. Common species for all three basins are Myxidium rhodei, Dactylogyrus crucifer, Tylodelphys clavata, Diplostomum spp., Rhipidocotyle campanula and Phyllodistomum elongatum. The difference in the number of parasite species found is largely due to the poorly studied parasite fauna of the bream in the basins of the Yenisei and Lena. In the basins of the Ob and Yenisei, the host-specific monogeneans and myxozoan, Dactylogyrus zandti, Gyrodactylus elegans, Diplozoon paradoxum and Myxobolus rotundus (in both basins), Dactylogyrus falcatus, Dactylogyrus wunderi (the Ob River basin) and Dactylogyrus auriculatus (the Yenisei River basin) were found in this fish species. The registration of these parasites in the Yenisei River basin does not agree with the prevailing opinion about Lake Ubinskoye (Western Siberia) as the only donor reservoir for the introduction of bream to Eastern Siberia. Introduced bream in Siberian reservoirs is infected with opisthorchiid digeneans, which are dangerous for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than a billion people worldwide eat fish as their primary source of high-quality protein. Fish parasites have a direct impact on fish productivity, and a secondary impact on human health. This study was carried out to assess the occurrence of endoparasites in Tilapia zillii (Gervais, 1848) from Tono reservoir, Navrongo, Ghana. A total of 120 fish samples were collected from the up-stream, mid-stream and downstream regions of the reservoir using cast nets. All the collected fish samples were transported to the research laboratory in the University for Development Studies and examined for ectoparasites during January 2022 to August 2022. Five ectoparasites namely Trichodina sp. of Protozoans ciliates, Dactyolgyrus sp. of Monogenean, Argulus sp. and Lernaea sp. of Crustaceans and the Diplostomum sp were identified. Overall prevalence of the fish parasites was 52.32 %. The intensity of the parasites observed ranged between 1.58% and 3.52%. Highest prevalence (70%) was reported in the dry season, while the lowest (31.67%) was reported in the rainy season. Female fish samples had a higher prevalence (64.47%) than males (27.27%). Fish of the down-stream had the highest prevalence (92.5%) than the up-stream (17.5%). Fish samples with maximum length and weight were highly (65.15%) infected than small-sized fish with low body length and weight (33.33%). This study shows that the dry season (January, February, March, and April) affects the fish business and results in poor quality fish meat with risk of disease infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rapid, accurate, and efficient detection methods for protozoan parasites can substantially control the outbreak of protozoan parasites infection, which poses a threat to global public health. Idealistically, electrochemical biosensors would be able to overcome the limitations of current detection methods due to their simplified detection procedure, on-site quantitative analysis, rapid detection time, high sensitivity, and portability. The objective of this scoping review is to evaluate the current state of electrochemical biosensors for detecting protozoan parasites. This review followed the most recent Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) recommendations. Using electrochemical biosensor and protozoan parasite keywords, a literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect on journals published between January 2014 and January 2022. Of the 52 studies, 19 were evaluated for eligibility, and 11 met the review's inclusion criteria to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of the developed electrochemical biosensor platforms for detecting protozoan parasite including information about the samples, biomarkers, bioreceptors, detection system platform, nanomaterials used in fabrication, and limit of detection (LoD). Most electrochemical biosensors were fabricated using conventional electrodes rather than screen-printed electrodes (SPE). The range of the linear calibration curves for the developed electrochemical biosensors was between 200 ng/ml and 0.77 pM. The encouraging detection performance of the electrochemical biosensors demonstrate their potential as a superior alternative to existing detection techniques. On the other hand, more study is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the electrochemical sensing platform for protozoan parasite detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, 143 lutjanid fishes representing four different species from the Northeast coast off Brazil were analyzed for parasites. The aim of the present study is to provide a detailed redescription of R. (I.) vicentei, collected from lutjanid fishes in Brazil, including the first observation of the species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Methods: Nematodes found clarified in a crescent glycerin series, were photographed and measured (in mm), and some specimens destined for SEM. The Illustrations were made using an optical microscope with a drawing tube. Results: Nematodes found were identified as Raphidascaris (Ichthyascaris) vicentei, infecting 6.29% of the examined fish. Detailed morphological analysis revealed the following characteristics observed for the first time in this species: labial papillae, narrow lateral alae and the detailed structure of male spicules. These contributions help filling the gaps in the literature and expand the knowledge of this parasite morphology. Conclusions: The presence of R. (I.) vicentei in four lutjanid species may indicates low host specificity, highlighting its adaptability to different hosts. Furthermore, new host records are given. This research provides the most comprehensive morphological description of R. (I.) vicentei to date, generating crucial insights for a better understanding of the parasitic biodiversity off the Brazilian Northeastern coast of Brazil, as well as establishing foundation for future investigations on the ecology and impacts of these parasites in fish populations from this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies on monogeneans parasitizing representatives of Siluriformes in Africa remain scarce and fragmentary. In order to contribute to fill this gap, we screened Heterobranchus longifilis from the Lindi River in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods: Heterobranchus longifilis was purchased from fishermen in DR Congo, province of Tshopo, in Kisangani town, the Lindi River. The monogeneans were individually isolated from the gill and transferred directly onto a slide in a drop of Hoyer's medium. Results: Quadriacanthus lindiensis n. sp. is morphologically similar to Quadriacanthus longifilisi. However, it is distinguished from the latter by its non-sclerotized vagina, its dorsal cunei shape and the size of its bars. Conclusion: Only Q. lindiensis n. sp. was found on the gills of the single individual of H. longifilis screened. In the future, a representative sampling should enable us to verify if Q. lindiensis n. sp. co-occurs with other species known to parasitize H. longifilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The present study describes three new dactylogyrid species infecting the gill filaments of cichlid fishes (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from the Amazon basin, Peru: Sciadicleithrum amazoniensis n. sp. on Biotodoma cupido (Heckel, 1840), and Sciadicleithrum feliciajaramae n. sp. and Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. on Bujurquina peregrinabunda Kullander, 1986. Materials and methods: Some monogeneans were stained with Gomori's trichrome and mounted in Canada Balsam to determine internal soft structures. Others were cleared in Hoyer's medium for the study of sclerotized structures. Drawings were made using a drawing tube and a microprojector. Results: Sciadicleithrum amazoniensis n. sp. is characterized by the presence of a male copulatory organ (MCO) with a coil of approximately 2 counterclockwise rings, an accessory piece articulated to base of the MCO with an expanded proximal end and a bifurcated distal end, and a sinistral vaginal aperture. Sciadicleithrum feliciajaramae n. sp. can be differentiated from all its congeners by its J-shaped MCO with about half a counterclockwise loop and a rod-shaped accessory piece articulated to the base of the MCO, with the distal end bent. Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. differs from all other members of Sciadicleithrum by having an elongated MCO with about a clockwise loop and a funnel-shaped base. Additionally, Sciadicleithrum souzatecci n. sp. is characterized by its weakly sclerotized, C-shaped accessory piece with a robust middle process. Conclusions: Present findings are added to the other 26 species previously known in Sciadicleithrum.This is the first data on the parasites of B. peregrinabunda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study describes the composition and infection patterns of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard Phyllopezus periosus. Methods: We collected 115 P. periosus over 12 expeditions on the rocky cliffs of the Missão Velha waterfall canyon in northeastern Brazil. Specimens were collected by hand, during active searches conducted between 18:00 h and 23:30 h. The infection patterns were estimated using prevalence, total abundance, and mean intensity of infection for all parasites found. Results: A total of 4256 parasites were collected from 104 hosts, resulting in an exceptionally high overall prevalence of 90.4%. No significant ontogenetic difference in the prevalence of infection was detected. Although juveniles exhibited a high parasite prevalence their parasite loads were significantly lower compared to adults. Six species of endoparasites were found; among these, the nematode Spauligodon oxkutzcabiensis was the most common endoparasite in the digestive tract, while the pentastomid Raillietiella mottae was the only species found in the respiratory tract. Conclusions: Infection rates in Gekkota species appear to correlate with body size, with larger individuals generally exhibiting a higher prevalence. This pattern was also observed across separate populations of P. periosus and other geckos from distinct ecological domains. The dominance of the monoxenous S. oxkutzcabiensis highlights potential transmission mechanisms, suggesting that behaviors such as limb licking after feeding may contribute to its prevalence. The occurrence of Physalopteroides venancioi, Oswaldocruzia sp., Parapharyngodon sp., Physaloptera sp., infecting P. periosus are new records for this host. These findings significantly contribute to the knowledge of host-parasite dynamics in geckos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To report a rare non-endemic case of Leishmania aethiopica in Washington DC. Case report: A 68-year-old female presented for a routine examination with a complaint of right upper eyelid lesions for the past 5 months. On examination, a cluster of elevated and erythematous lesions extending from the medial canthus to the brow area of the right eye were seen. Initial treatment with Valtrex based on a suspected viral etiology failed. Although a biopsy was recommended at this time, the patient declined, and subsequent workup included nasolacrimal duct irrigation, blood work to rule out autoimmune etiology, a course of doxycycline, and an MRI, which yielded no improvement. Upon progression of the lesions into persistent plaques on the eyelids, a punch biopsy was performed, confirming leishmaniasis. The patient was then started on a 28-day course of oral miltefosine which led to complete resolution of her symptoms. Conclusion: This case underlines the importance of a broad differential including non-endemic diseases, particularly in urban areas with frequent patient travel. Furthermore, the delayed punch biopsy in this case highlights the importance of patient counseling to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitic zoonoses are infections transmitted between vertebrate animals and humans, posing serious public health risks and significant economic consequences. The study aimed at assessing government workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding zoonotic parasites of pet animals in Ethiopia's central Gondar zone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected towns of Central Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia from January 2022 to August 2022. Four hundred randomly selected government employees participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire administered by face-to-face interview. The chi-squared (χ2) was calculated for association and p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: A 57.25% of respondents were males and 42.75% were females. Most of the respondents, 67.5%, had completed college/university education. About 60% of the respondents had 'high knowledge', 57.25% had 'positive attitude', and 73% had 'good practice' regarding pet animals as a source of zoonotic parasites. The chi-square analysis revealed a significant discrepancy (p < 0.05) between knowledge with sex, educational level, and position in the house. The attitude level was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with educational level, religious view, and service year. Significant association was also observed (p < 0.05) between practice level of the respondents and educational level and marital status. The study also showed a significant association between knowledge and attitude (χ2 = 40.4, p ≤ 0.001), knowledge and practice (χ2 = 34.9, p ≤ 0.001), and attitude and practice (χ2 = 12.76, p = 0.013) of the respondents. Conclusion: Although our results revealed that more than half of the participants had good knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding zoonotic parasites of pet animals, enhanced routine hygienic practices and regular awareness creation programs are recommended to bridge existing gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Leucocytozoon is an intracellular blood parasite that affects various bird species globally and is transmitted by blackfly vectors. This parasite is responsible for leucocytozoonosis, a disease that results in significant economic losses due to reduced meat and egg production. There is limited knowledge about the epidemiological pattern of leucocytozoonosis and its causative species in Egypt, particularly in pigeons. Methods: The current study involved the collection of 203 blood samples from domestic pigeons from various household breeders and local markets across Qena Province, Upper Egypt. Samples were initially examined for potential Leucocytozoon infection using blood smears, followed by an evaluation of associated risk factors. Molecular identification of the parasite in selected samples (n = 11), which had initially tested positive via blood smears, was further refined through nested PCR and sequence analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene to ascertain the Leucocytozoon species present. Additionally, histopathological examination of the liver, spleen, and pancreas was conducted on animals that tested positive by blood smears. Results: Interestingly, 26 out of 203 samples (12.08%) had confirmed Leucocytozoon infections based on microscopic analysis. Additionally, all 11 samples that initially tested positive via blood smears were confirmed positive through nested PCR analysis, and their sequencing revealed the presence of Leucocytozoon sabrazesi, marking the first report of this parasite in Egypt. The study into potential risk factors unveiled the prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. seems host gender-dependent, with males exhibiting a significantly higher infection rate (33.33%). Additionally, adult birds demonstrated a significantly higher infection prevalence than squabs, suggesting an age-dependent trend in prevalence. Seasonality played a significant role, with the highest occurrence observed during summer (37.25%). Histopathological examination revealed the presence of numerous megaloschizonts accompanied by lymphocytic infiltration and multiple focal areas of ischemic necrosis. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study to shed light on the epidemiological characteristics and molecular characterization of leucocytozoonosis in pigeons in Egypt. Further research endeavors are warranted to curb the resurgence of Leucocytozoon parasites in other avian species across Egypt, thereby refining the epidemiological understanding of the disease for more effective control and prevention measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Males and females often differ in ecology, behaviour and lifestyle, and these differences are expected to lead to sex differences in parasite susceptibility. However, neither the sex differences in parasite prevalence, nor their ecological and evolutionary drivers have been investigated across a broad range of taxa using phylogenetically corrected analyses. Using the most extensive dataset yet that includes 755 prevalence estimates from 151 wild bird species in a meta-analytic framework, here we compare sex differences in blood and gastrointestinal parasites. We show that despite sex differences in parasite infection being frequently reported in the literature, only Haemoproteus infections were more prevalent in females than in males. Notably, only seasonality was strongly associated with the sex-specific parasite prevalence of both Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus, where birds showed greater female bias in prevalence during breeding periods compared to the non-breeding period. No other ecological or sexual selection variables were associated with sex-specific prevalence of parasite prevalence. We suggest that much of the variation in sex-biased prevalence could be idiosyncratic, and driven by local ecology and behavioural differences of the parasite and the host. Therefore, breeding ecology and sexual selection may only have a modest influence on sex-different parasite prevalence across wild birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of parasites and the emergence of disease are currently threatening global biodiversity and human welfare. To address this threat, we need to better understand those factors that determine parasite persistence and prevalence. It is known that dispersal is central to the spatial dynamics of host–parasite systems. Yet past studies have typically assumed that dispersal is a species-level constant, despite a growing body of empirical evidence that dispersal varies with ecological context, including the risk of infection and aspects of host state such as infection status (parasite-dependent dispersal; PDD). Here, we develop a metapopulation model to understand how different forms of PDD shape the prevalence of a directly transmitted parasite. We show that increasing host dispersal rate can increase, decrease or cause a non-monotonic change in regional parasite prevalence, depending on the type of PDD and characteristics of the host–parasite system (transmission rate, virulence, and dispersal mortality). This result contrasts with previous studies with parasite-independent dispersal which concluded that prevalence increases with host dispersal rate. We argue that accounting for host dispersal responses to parasites is necessary for a complete understanding of host–parasite dynamics and for predicting how parasite prevalence will respond to changes such as human alteration of landscape connectivity. This article is part of the theme issue 'Diversity-dependence of dispersal: interspecific interactions determine spatial dynamics'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhoptries are specialized secretory organelles conserved across the Apicomplexa phylum, essential for host cell invasion and critical for subverting of host cellular and immune functions. They contain proteins and membranous materials injected directly into the host cells, participating in parasitophorous vacuole formation. Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites harbor 8 to 12 rhoptries, 2 of which are docked to an apical vesicle (AV), a central element associated with a rhoptry secretory apparatus prior to injection into the host cell. This parasite is also equipped with 5 to 6 microtubule-associated vesicles, presumably serving as AV replenishment for iterative rhoptry discharge. Here, we characterized a rhoptry protein, rhoptry discharge factor 3 (RDF3), crucial for rhoptry discharge and invasion. RDF3 enters the secretory pathway, localizing near the AV and associated with the rhoptry bulb. Upon invasion, RDF3 dynamically delocalizes, suggesting a critical role at the time of rhoptry discharge. Cryo-electron tomography analysis of RDF3-depleted parasites reveals irregularity in microtubule-associated vesicles morphology, presumably impacting on their preparedness to function as an AV. Our findings suggest that RDF3 is priming the microtubule-associated vesicles for rhoptry discharge by a mechanism distinct from the rhoptry secretory apparatus contribution. Regulated secretion of rhoptry factors is essential for host cell invasion by Apicomplexan parasites. This study identifies the protein rhoptry discharge factor 3 (RDF3) of Toxoplasma gondii as crucial for invasion, by priming microtubule-associated vesicles for rhoptry discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phoxinus minnows are small freshwater fish found throughout Eurasia. The taxonomy of this genus is still under investigation, and new species are regularly described. They are frequently introduced outside their native range due to their use as live bait for angling, and such fish introductions can have diverse impacts on the recipient areas. Before the rise in interest regarding the diversity of this genus in the past 15 years, studies carried out on their biology and ecology reported their findings for the Eurasian minnow Phoxinus phoxinus Linnaeus, 1758, which was then considered ubiquitous. A parasites checklist for Phoxinus minnows has yet to be published, and the recent progress on the taxonomy of this genus has enabled us to propose a reassignment of parasite records to their proper host. The most thoroughly studied potential species were the North European species Phoxinus sp. 7 sensu Palandačić et al. 2017, Phoxinus isetensis, and P. phoxinus. We were able to highlight a gap in knowledge for numerous species that have received little‐to‐no attention in terms of parasitology. Systematic molecular identification of Phoxinus minnows should be conducted when studying their parasites, as a reliable identification of the host is vital in parasitology research. Future research will certainly reveal a species‐specific composition of the parasitofauna occurring in Phoxinus, especially among widespread parasites such as Gyrodactylus and Diplostomum. Such specificities could even become tools for assessing the introduction routes of Phoxinus species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Refugees to the United States frequently have parasitic infections. If untreated, parasites can cause severe complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, management, and outcomes of eosinophilia as a biomarker for parasites. Methods We conducted a retrospective longitudinal chart review of consecutive refugees attending 3 refugee clinics in Rhode Island that manage the health care of all pediatric and adult refugees. Results Among 812 refugees who met inclusion criteria, 147 (18.1%) had eosinophilia upon arrival and almost half had ≥1 symptom. The rates and severity of eosinophilia in those with predeparture presumptive treatment records who did (112/115, 97.4%) or did not (488/498, 98.0%) receive predeparture antiparasitic treatment were similar. All refugees with eosinophilia had ≥1 parasitic test in the United States. The most common attributable parasites were Schistosoma and Strongyloides stercoralis. Overall, parasites were detected in 63 (42.9%) of 147 refugees with eosinophilia by either stool testing, serology, or blood smear, but testing was inconsistent and likely underestimated true incidence. Only some of the identified parasites typically cause eosinophilia. Forty-five (30.6%) refugees with eosinophilia received antiparasitics in the United States. Of 81 (55.1%) individuals who had repeat blood tests, eosinophilia had resolved in 52 (64.2%). Five individuals (3.4%) had alternative diagnoses, including eczema, myelofibrosis, and drug allergy. Conclusions Our findings support Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to screen for eosinophilia in newly arrived refugees. Follow-up after 3–6 months is critical to confirm resolution of residual eosinophilia, which frequently occurs after effective predeparture treatment or if eosinophilia persists, to diagnose active parasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators negatively affect prey outside of direct attack, and these nonconsumptive effects (NCEs) may cause over half the impacts of predators on prey populations. This "ecology of fear" framework has been extended to host–parasite interactions. The NCEs of parasites are thought to be small relative to those of predators. However, recent research shows ectoparasites exert NCEs on multiple life stages of Drosophila. In this study, we apply recent data to a matrix‐based model of fly populations experiencing infection/consumption and NCEs from an ectoparasitic mite. We found the NCEs of parasites on larvae, which are not actively parasitized, decreased the size of simulated host populations. By contrast, the NCEs on adult flies increased population size through compensatory egg production. The negative NCEs on larvae outweighed the positive effects on adults to reduce population size. This study suggests that parasitic NCEs can suppress host populations independent of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change will alter interactions between parasites and their hosts. Warming may affect patterns of local adaptation, shifting the environment to favor the parasite or host and thus changing the prevalence of disease. We assessed local adaptation to hosts and temperature in the facultative ciliate parasite Lambornella clarki , which infects the western tree hole mosquito Aedes sierrensis. We conducted laboratory infection experiments with mosquito larvae and parasites collected from across a climate gradient, pairing sympatric or allopatric populations across three temperatures that were either matched or mismatched to the source environment. Lambornella clarki parasites were locally adapted to their hosts, with 2.6 times higher infection rates on sympatric populations compared with allopatric populations, but they were not locally adapted to temperature. Infection peaked at the intermediate temperature of 12.5°C, notably lower than the optimum temperature for free-living L. clarki growth, suggesting that the host's immune response can play a significant role in mediating the outcome of infection. Our results highlight the importance of host selective pressure on parasites, despite the impact of temperature on infection success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serres thought that humans had become the world's parasites and that we must seek a more reciprocal partnership with our host. He put forward a legal justification for writing a new social contract that encompassed the more-than-human. Serres associated the foundation of the "natural contract" with the story of evolution, the biological relation between symbiosis and the parasite. Closely aligned to his proposal, Serres also envisioned the gathering together of a universal history revealed by the knowledge of the diverse sciences of matter and life and stories from the humanities and religion. He thought the "Grand Narrative" would bring people to an intimate understanding of our relation to the living world and the need for a contract of symbiosis. Serres referred to Molière's Tartuffe, the fables of La Fontaine, the adventures of Tintin and Livy's history of Rome to describe an underlying parasitical logic. Crossing social, medical, communicative and historical practices, the parasite is portrayed by Serres as an acquisitive guest, a contagious microbe, a confusing noise and part of ritualistic feasts. Crossing these specific examples, Serres depicts how the general operation of the parasite works in close partnership with the symbiotic. For instance, germs can both invade the body and strengthen immunity. As evolutionary biologists recognise, there is no simple division between parasitic and symbiotic processes. In this paper, I explore the biological–parasitic–symbiotic framework that Serres applies in the context of the ecological crisis and his proposal for a contract of symbiosis. I focus on pioneering research into the history of bacteria carried out by microbiologist Lynn Margulis and associated studies on the evolution of fungi and moss. I describe how this research contributes to Serres's formulation of a universal story and at the same time helps both to supplement and critically engage with Serres's thought on the natural contract. Specifically, I describe how Margulis's contentions about the abilities of micro-organisms differ from Serres's conception of the technology of "nature." I also examine how his notion of the "Biosum," a body that integrates all the perceptions and senses of the living world, informs his understanding of the divergent evolution of humankind. I conclude that Serres's natural contract seeks to reinvent rather than imitate the rest of nature and briefly consider how his vision of inclusive global stories offers a glimpse of a new politics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Natural Contract (1990) marks the emergence of the environmental question in Serres's work that became central in his later publications. Over the twenty years when the Anthropocene emerged as a distinct narrative entangling geological time with the history of human technology, Serres developed a rather similar "Grand Récit" embracing deep geological time, biological evolution, the process of hominization, and the future of humankind, although he did not enter into conversation with the leading figures of the interdisciplinary field of Anthropocene studies. This paper seeks to characterize Serres's position in the field of environmental philosophy as it has been reconfigured by the introduction of the concept of the Anthropocene. It first briefly surveys the personal pathway that led Serres to his diagnosis of a global climate crisis. It then compares the concepts that guided his analysis with the concepts debated in Anthropocene studies. Finally, I will suggest that the ethical measures proposed by Serres to face the crisis did not help to bring him into dialogue with the Anthropocene scholars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first records in the literature compiled on the parasitic fauna of amphibians in Northeastern Brazil date back to the 1990s. Since then, several new studies have been published on parasite-host relationships, parasite communities, and descriptions of new taxa. However, only in the last decade has there been a significant increase in these studies. Given this growth, we aim to provide a complete and updated compilation of helminth records associated with amphibians from the Brazilian Northeastern region and to analyse the dynamics and network structure formed between parasites and their hosts. Therefore, 33 studies were found in the specialized literature that addressed data from eight families, 15 genera, and 34 species of anuran amphibians, distributed mainly in areas of the morphoclimatic domain of the Caatinga and Atlantic Forest remnants in the Brazilian Northeast. These data correspond to 35% of the total known species of the Caatinga, with Leptodactylidae being the most representative taxon. Regarding helminths, 51 species were recorded, belonging to 20 families and 32 genera. To evaluate the structure of the network, we used measures of connectivity, nestedness, modularity, and centrality, that were considered to identify key species. The web presented 247 interactions with a highly connected structure formed by two parasite generalist species, non-nested and non-modular. We concluded that anuran amphibians from the Brazilian Northeast possess a high parasitic diversity, being Bufonidae and Leptodactylidade taxa considered fundamental for the network structure. Herein, we provided the first analysis of the global framework of parasite communities in amphibians from Brazilian Northeast, by using antagonistic network interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of zoonotic diseases in developing countries is significantly underestimated, influenced by various factors such as misdiagnosis, underreporting, natural disasters, climate change, resource limitations, rapid unplanned urbanization, poverty, animal migration, travel, ecotourism, and the tropical environmental conditions prevalent in the region. Despite Sri Lanka's provision of a publicly funded free health care system, zoonoses still contribute significantly to the burden of communicable diseases in the country. This study serves as a timely and exhaustive systematic review of zoonoses reported over the past 22 years in Sri Lanka. Materials and Methods: This systematic review adhered to the guidelines provided by the "Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses" (PRISMA) statement. A systematic literature search was conducted between July and September 2022, utilizing the following databases and sources: Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Weekly Epidemiological Reports, and Rabies Statistical Bulletins published by the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. Results: From the initial database search, 1,710 articles were identified. After excluding nonzoonotic diseases, duplicated reports, inaccessible articles, and those not meeting the inclusion criteria, 570 reports were evaluated for eligibility. Of these, 91 reports were selected for data extraction, comprising 58 original research articles, 10 case reports, 16 weekly epidemiological reports, and 7 rabies statistical bulletins. Over the study period (2000–2022), 14 parasitic, 7 bacterial, and 7 viral zoonoses have been reported in Sri Lanka. Notably, leptospirosis emerged as the most reported zoonotic disease in the country. Conclusions: In response to these findings, we strongly recommend the implementation of a tailored, country-specific prevention and control program. To achieve this goal effectively, we emphasize the importance of adopting a country-specific "One Health" approach as a comprehensive framework for managing and controlling zoonotic diseases in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although helminth parasites have different life cycles, their hosts share similar immune responses involving Th2 cell-type. Here, we extracted proteins from the larvae of Anisakis simplex complex and Trichinella spiralis to identify common and specific antigens (or allergens) associated with the Th2 immune response. We performed two-dimensional electrophoresis analysis and Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight/time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) experiments. We found 13 potentially immunogenic proteins, which included 5 spots specific to T. spiralis and 8 common to T. spiralis and A. simplex, by tandem mass spectrometry. These molecules were identified structurally as actin, tropomyosin, col cuticle N domain-containing protein, and heat shock proteins. We also identified molecules related to parasite-host immune modulation and interactions. Our results may contribute to reveal potential roles of immunological proteins in parasite-derived immune modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ladybirds (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are a significant predator group that plays a role in agricultural contexts. They serve as important biocontrol agents against several agricultural pests. However, there is limited information available about how ladybirds' populations are regulated by their natural enemies and habitat perturbation. In this study, we evaluated ladybird communities associated with natural and managed areas during the agricultural cycle of 2018 (June–September). We identified seven ladybird species; the most abundant species were Hippodamia convergens (70% individuals) and Cycloneda sanguinea (20% individuals), followed by the exotic species Harmonia axyridis (3.33% individuals), while Paranaemia vittigera, Coleomegilla maculata, Brachiacantha sp., and Olla v-nigrum represented less than 3% each. Ladybirds were more abundant in agricultural fields than in natural habitats. We identified several natural enemies associated with the collected ladybirds, including parasitoids (Dinocampus coccinellae, Hymenoptera: Braconidae), ectoparasitic Acari (Coccipolipus sp., Podapolipidae), and nematodes (Mermithidae). However, none of the natural enemies affected more than 10% of the ladybirds, so natural enemies do not appear to be exerting substantial control over their populations. Our results corroborated that ladybirds can efficiently thrive in anthropogenic habitats in Mexico and therefore may represent good biocontrol agents for agriculture. It is important to consider the ecology of agriculturally important ladybirds in programs for integrated pest management. This includes factors contributing to the mortality of ladybirds, including their natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the marine environment, fish parasites are present in most seafood species. The most common are nematodes of the genus Anisakis, which can parasitize human tissues, causing anisakiasis and allergies—in some cases with a strong reaction, such as anaphylactic shock. This happens when people ingest live or dead larvae present in the muscles or viscera of a wide range of fish and cephalopods. Consumer education has been positioned as one of the most effective alternatives for its prevention. This study, carried out in Asturias (northwest Spain), sought to identify the seafood products that present the greatest risk of anisakiasis for consumers, taking into account their consumption, the prevalence of Anisakis, and consumer knowledge about this parasitosis. In the results, hake (Merluccius merluccius) and cod (Gadus morhua), frequently consumed in the region and with high parasite prevalence, do not pose a great risk because they are consumed when well cooked. Instead, sardine (Sardina pilchardus), highly consumed and less parasitized, and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus), highly parasitized and less consumed, would exhibit a medium risk. Young participants know more about the risks of anisakiasis from raw seafood. The gaps detected in the knowledge about the ability of temperature treatments to eliminate parasites, especially in allergic people, must be addressed for better prevention. We suggest campaigns adapted to the population sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Aphanomyces astaci has been identified as the reason behind the crayfish plague, responsible for a high mortality rate not only to various crayfish species in Europe but also in several parts of South East Asia, including Malaysia. Thus, understanding the biological threats that could undermine the industry, such as the oomycete A. astaci and other infections are critical. This study was aimed to evaluate the expression of immune genes laminin and ferritin which plays significant roles in the immune system of the redclaw crayfish. Methodology and results: The expression levels of laminin and ferritin genes were determined by RT-qPCR on RNA extracted from three healthy and three infected redclaw crayfish. The levels of expression for each gene were quantified using the comparative method. Data output is expressed as expression level fold-change or fold-difference compared to an internal standard. Both laminin and ferritin genes were highly expressed in infected redclaw crayfish compared to the healthy. This suggested that laminin and ferritin play significant roles in the immune system of the redclaw crayfish. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: Fungi like A. astaci that cause plagues have negligible symptoms that are simple to overlook, and the first sign of the infection may be death. The high expressions of laminin and ferritin throughout infection phases are indicative of crucial host defense mechanisms that prevent parasite development and safeguard immune cell function. These immunogenes additionally provide protection by reducing the generation of free radicals and mediating immunomodulation. A therapeutic intervention aiming at reducing inflammation in specimens may be recommended if their roles are thoroughly understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The role of species interactions in setting species range limits is rarely empirically explored. Here, we quantify host and parasite densities in subtropical eastern Australia (26.65°–30.20°S) to examine whether parasitism might contribute to range limitation of Acropora corals at their cold-range boundary. 79% of Acropora corals had endolithic barnacles (family Pyrgomatidae), with higher parasite load in larger corals and up to 141 barnacles per coral. Parasite load increased poleward and closer to the mainland and was greater in cooler and high nutrient environments. Parasite burden was higher at sites with fewer Acropora corals, broadly consistent with the hypothesis that parasites can fragment host populations where host densities are low, and the parasite is a better disperser than the host. Whilst the mechanism is unclear, our findings suggest that at the high densities recorded here, coral-barnacles could influence range dynamics of Acropora corals at their poleward range limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic diseases can affect animal health and welfare, and they may also constitute a danger to public health, particularly in island ecosystems. Fecal samples were collected from 205 dogs and 115 cats on the islands of São Miguel and Terceira, Azores archipelago (Portugal), using the Willis flotation technique and modified Baermann method, for further analysis. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in dogs was 53%, with the following results: Ancylostomatidae (hookworms) (42.44%), Trichuris vulpis (17.56%), Toxocara canis (12.68%) and Cystoisospora spp. (4.39%). In cats, the overall prevalence was also 53%, with the following results: Toxocara cati (31.3%), Ancylostomatidae (30.43%), Cystoisospora spp. (14.78%) and Trichuris sp. (0.87%). The prevalence of lungworms was 0.49% in canines and 20.87% in felines, with Angiostrongylus vasorum and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus species being detected in dogs and cats, respectively. The present survey detected a high prevalence of gastrointestinal infection, in both dogs and cats, probably because the samples came mainly from kennels and catteries and due to the peculiar climatic conditions in this insular territory, with mild temperature and high relative humidity. A considerable prevalence of aelurostrongylosis was also detected (20.87%), so it should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of diseases concerning the respiratory tract in cats of the archipelago. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exosomes are membrane-bound structures released by cells into the external environment that carry a significant amount of important cargo, such as proteins, DNA, RNA, and lipids. They play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Parasites have complex life cycles and can release exosomes at different stages. Exosomes released by parasitic pathogens or infected cells contain parasitic nucleic acids, antigenic molecules, virulence factors, drug-resistant proteins, proteases, lipids, etc. These components can regulate host gene expression across species or modulate signaling pathways, thereby dampening or activating host immune responses, causing pathological damage, and participating in disease progression. This review focuses on the means by which parasitic exosomes modulate host immune responses, elaborates on the pathogenic mechanisms of parasites, clarifies the interactions between parasites and hosts, and provides a theoretical basis and research directions for the prevention and treatment of parasitic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Free-ranging wild boars are considered exotic animals and cause various ecological, economic and health-related damages in Brazil. With the increasing trend of outdoor pig farming, the chances of domestic animals coming into contact with wildlife have risen, leading to a greater risk of disease transmission. Studies on gastrointestinal parasites in wild boars in Brazil are scarce, so we investigated the occurrence of parasitic helminths in these animals. In our study, a total of 10 animals—5 males and 5 females of different ages—were examined. After these animals were culled by control and hunting teams, their digestive systems were collected and examined. A total of 2750 helminths were collected from the small intestine of all animals, and after evaluating their morphologies, we identified them as Globocephalus urosubulatus. The morphological characteristics observed in the nematodes correspond to those previously described; however, we found that the copulatory bursa was asymmetrical, a characteristic that has not yet been recorded in the literature. Although previous studies have characterized the helminth fauna of wild boars kept in captivity in Brazil, records on these helminths in free-ranging animals are still scarce. In view of this, we aimed in our work to investigate the occurrence and morphological and morphometric characteristics of gastrointestinal helminths in wild Sus scrofa from the northwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The digestive systems of 10 animals (5 males and 5 females of different ages) were used in this study. Each anatomical segment was washed and sieved under running water, and the helminths were separated and identified using light and scanning electron microscopy, according to their morphological characteristics. A total of 2750 (1152 males and 1598 females) nematode specimens were collected from the small intestine of these wild boars, and all of them presented the morphological characteristics of Globocephalus urosubulatus. However, one characteristic is of particular interest because it has not yet been reported in the literature: a marked asymmetry between the lobes and their respective rays of the copulatory bursa, with the left one being larger than the right one. In this research, we identified the presence of G. urosubulatus in all the examined free-ranging wild boars and reported for the first time in the literature the asymmetry in the copulatory bursa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]