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Agricultural expansion and intensification are having a huge impact on plant and arthropod diversity and abundance, affecting food availability for farmland birds. Difficult food access, in turn, can lead to immunosuppression and a higher incidence of parasites. In the studies designed to examine changes in the diet of birds and their parasites, metabarcoding is proving particularly useful. This technique requires mini‐barcodes capable of amplifying the DNA of target organisms from fecal environmental DNA. To help to understand the impact of agricultural expansion on biodiversity, this study sought to design and identify mini‐barcodes that might simultaneously assess diet and intestinal parasites from the feces of farmland birds. The capacity to identify diet and parasites of 2 existing and 3 newly developed mini‐barcodes was tested "in silico" in relation to the behavior of a reference eukaryotic barcode. Among the newly designed mini‐barcodes, MiniB18S_81 showed the higher taxonomic coverage of eukaryotic taxa and a greater amplification and identification capacity for diet and parasite taxa. Moreover, when it was tested on fecal samples from 5 different steppe bird species, MiniB18S_81 showed high taxonomic resolution of the most relevant diet and parasite phyla, Arthropoda, Nematoda, Platyhelminthes, and Apicomplexa at the order level. Thus, the mini‐barcode developed emerges as an excellent tool to simultaneously provide detailed information regarding the diet and parasites of birds, essential for conservation and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past decade, experts have conducted parasitological research on archaeological specimens in Korea to collect historical parasite infection data. In these studies, parasitologists successfully described the infection pattern of each parasite species in history. However, in the first half of the 20th century, archaeoparasitological reports have been scant. In 2021, we conducted a parasitological examination of a toilet-like structure that emerged in the early 20th century. This structure was built by stacking 2 wooden barrels; and in the study samples, we found ancient Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides (unfertilized), and Taenia spp. eggs and therefore proposed a higher possibility that the barrels could have been used as a toilet at the time. To understand how the antihelminthic campaign since the 1960s helped reduce parasite infection rates in Korea, more research should focus on early-20th-century toilet ruins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread diffusion of the wild boar on the Italian territory and its consistent use for hunting have created the possibility to conduct multiple studies on the pathologies afflicting this ungulate. Nevertheless, in the last two decades, only some pathologies such as classical and African Swine Fever, Tuberculosis, Brucellosis from Brucella suis have benefited from substantial public funding and the consequent great interest from the scientific world, while less attention was addressed to parasitic diseases including sarcoptic mange. Therefore, to fill this gap, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the knowledge of sarcoptic mange in the wild boar population in Aosta Valley in the Northwest of Italy, including sympatric species as foxes. Due to past field surveys, it has been possible to find a possible role of snow metrics in the spread of this pathogen. Even if there are only empirical evidence and the mechanism remain unknown remote sensing analysis considering snow metrics were performed to provide to veterinarians, foresters, biologists, and ecologists new tools to better understand wield board dynamics and join to ordinary tool an instrument to enhance management and planning strategies. The snow metrics (SM) were derived from USGS NASA Landsat 8 L2A retrieved from Theia CNES platform and processed in Orfeo Toolbox LIS extension package. The relationship between SM and the disease spread was tested per each Aosta Valley municipality obtaining LISA maps for each hunting season. The results have showed that this parasite is present in an endemic form even if with rather low prevalence values, equal to 1.2% in the season hunting season 2013/2014, and equal to 7.5% in the hunting season 2014/2015. Moreover, within simultaneous given values of SM, sarcoptic mange seem to find good conditions for spreading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treatments of ecto- and endoparasitic infestations of cats adopt drugs based on imidacloprid and moxidectin. Therefore, the objective of our study was comparing spot-on applied complex drugs, which have different action mechanisms of their active agents, during ecto- and endoparasitic infestations of cats. We provide the data on effectiveness of the complex antiparasitic drug Megastop Ultra for Cats, in comparison to the Advocate for Cats drug, used for treatment and prophylaxis of ecto- and endoparasitic infestations of cats of different breeds, ages, sexes and body weights. Entomological examination of cats of the experimental and control groups revealed fleas such as Ctenocephalides felis and Pulex irritans, with the infestation intensity of 50 to 90 specimens per individual, the average infestation intensity measuring 65.3 ± 3.37 ectoparasitic insects per animal. Clinically, it manifests in unrest of animals and itching. The efficacy of the tested drug Megastop Ultra for Cats against siphonapterosis of cats was 95.4% on the 8th h after application, whereas such of the comparison drug Advocate for Cats was 97.9%. Starting from the first and third days of usage of the drugs, no fleas were found on the cats. According to the results of acarological examination, cats of the experimental and control groups suffered from Otodectes cynotismites, the infestation intensity equaling 4 to 10 specimens per animal, the average infestation intensity being 7.4 ± 0.5 mites per animal. Otoacariasis was accompanied by itching, reddening of the auricle, and sites of Otodectesinfestation as moderately thick scabs and crusts. On the 7th day after treating otoacariasis of cats, Megastop Ultra for Cats produced 82.6% efficacy and Advocate for Cats produced 84.5% efficacy. Starting from the 14th day after the treatment, we found no specimens of O. cynotis on the internal surface of the auricle and the external acoustic meatus. According to the results of conducted parasitological examinations of animals of the experimental and control groups, we diagnozed spontaneous infestations with endoparasites, nematode pathogens of the digestive tract – Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme. The intensity (ІІ) of T. catiinvasion accounted for 60 to 120 eggs in one gram of feces (ЕGF), the average invasion intensity being 90.4 ± 4.2 ЕGF, while such of A. tubaeformewere 20 to 56 and 39.1 ± 2.3ЕGF, respectively. Clinically, nematodoses of the cats’ digestive tract manifested in loss of appetite, frustration, paleness of the mucous membranes, and some animals vomittd and had mild diarrhea. After worm removal, we carried out coprological examinations for helminths so as to identify indexes of parasitic infestation and efficiacy of the drugs. We determined that the efficacy of the tested drug Megastop Ultra for Cats againstspontaneous toxocariasis of cats on the 7th day after worm removal was 95.1%, and such of Advocate for Cats was 98.0%. On the 14th day after worm removal, the efficacy of the both drugs was 100%. The helminthological examinations revealed that on days 7 and 14 after treating spontaneous ancylostomiasis of cats, both the tested drugs, utilized in the doses recommended by the manufacturers, exerted 100% effectiveness. Moreover, the field trials revealed that single spot-on applications of Megastop Ultra for Cats and Advocate for Cats in the doses recommended by the manufacturers had good response among the animals and had no negative impact on them, regardless of breed, age, sex and body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that causes economic losses to beef production chains due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. Despite the characterization of Bovine fasciolosis in several areas of Brazil, an update on its prevalence in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo is lacking. Thus, fasciolosis prevalence from 2018 to 2021 is presented here according to cattle origin (municipalities of both states). In addition, the associated economic impact on an abbatoir was analyzed through liver condemnation of bovines from both states. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the state of Espírito Santo (10.4%) was significantly higher than Rio de Janeiro (3.6%) (P < 0.01), and resulted in an economic loss of US$12,678.60 for the abattoir. The following municipalities located in the state of Espírito Santo presented prevalences above the mean (10.3%) established in the study: Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá and Ibitirama. Thus, majority of these municipalities are considered high-risk areas. Although, there is an aparrent reduction of fasciolosis prevalence, it continues to be a cause of economic losses in abattoirs especially in the state of Espírito Santo. Accordingly, prophylactic measures must still be adopted in cattle farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last four decades, Barred Owls (Strix varia) have expanded their range to include much of western North America, including California. This expansion is suspected to have contributed to declining populations of a closely related species, the federally threatened Northern Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis caurina). As a result, understanding potential health threats to Barred Owls has implications for Spotted Owl health and recovery. From 2016 to 2020, 69 Barred Owls were collected to determine the apparent prevalence of periorbital nematode infection, to identify the parasite species present, and to investigate the potential pathologic effects on their hosts. The nematodes were morphologically identified as Oxyspirura and Aprocta spp. On the basis of phylogenetic analyses, they were clearly divergent from published sequences of other species within these genera. Overall, 34 (49%) Barred Owls were infected with periorbital nematodes, with Oxyspirura sp. infections being much more common (94%) than Aprocta sp. (18%). Histopathology revealed varying severity of conjunctivitis in infected owls. Despite the frequency of infection and subsequent inflammation, parasite burden was not associated with reduced body weight in these owls. As a result, the potential health effect of these nematodes is unclear. Further taxonomic characterization is needed to determine potential novelty of these nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Summa, Animali da Compagnia is the property of Point Veterinaire Italie s.r.l. 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.)

Epizootiological monitoring studies on parasitoses of domestic ruminants indicate that one of the most common causes of nematodes of the digestive tract in large and small cattle are helminths of the genus Trichuris. Those helminths develop directly – without intermediate hosts, and their embryonic stages became invasive in the environment under favorable conditions. The eggs of those parasites are incredibly resistant and can be infective for a long time contaminating environmental objects. So, to improve the parasitological situation in livestock farms, we have to look for the most effective methods of disinfestation of environmental objects. This study aimed to establish the ovicidal effect of the modern disinfectant “Arquadez-plus” on eggs of nematodes Trichuris skrjabini parasitizing sheep. This product's high level of ovicidal efficiency was seen in experimental cultures of nematodes' eggs at 1.5 % concentration and 60 min exposure (94.2 %) and 2.0 % concentration and 10–60 min exposure (98.3–100.0 %). The ovicidal effect of “Arquadez-plus” on eggs of T. skrjabini was seen as a cessation of development; shrinking embryo plugs destruction, the release of underdeveloped larvae from eggs, and their death. During the use of this disinfectant, the changes in morphometric data of Trichuris eggs in test cultures were noticeable. At the most effective disinfectant concentrations and exposures, the dimensions of eggs were changed significantly: length smaller by 3.8–3.9 % (71.9–72.0 μm) and width more significant by 5.0–5.2 % (34.9–35.0 μm) as compared to those parameters in control (74.8 and 33.2 μm). This is evidence of the violations in nematodes' egg development. The data obtained allow us to recommend the disinfectant of domestic production, “Arquadez-plus”, for effectively controlling and preventing trichurosis in sheep on livestock farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Scientiarum Polonorum seria Zootechnica is the property of West Pomeranian University of Technology 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.)

Schistosomiasis is among the most common parasitic diseases in the world, with over 142 million people infected in low- and middle-income countries. Measuring population-level transmission is centrally important in guiding schistosomiasis control programs. Traditionally, human Schistosoma mansoni infections have been detected using stool microscopy, which is logistically difficult at program scale and has low sensitivity when people have low infection burdens. We compared serological measures of transmission based on antibody response to S. mansoni soluble egg antigen (SEA) with stool-based measures of infection among 3,663 preschool-age children in an area endemic for S. mansoni in western Kenya. We estimated force of infection among children using the seroconversion rate and examined how it varied geographically and by age. At the community level, serological measures of transmission aligned with stool-based measures of infection (ρ = 0.94), and serological measures provided more resolution for between-community differences at lower levels of infection. Force of infection showed a clear gradient of transmission with distance from Lake Victoria, with 94% of infections and 93% of seropositive children in communities

To complete its infectious cycle, the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei must navigate through diverse tissue environments in both its tsetse fly and mammalian hosts. This is hypothesized to be driven by yet unidentified chemotactic cues. Prior work has shown that parasites engaging in social motility in vitro alter their trajectory to avoid other groups of parasites, an example of negative chemotaxis. However, movement of T. brucei toward a stimulus, positive chemotaxis, has so far not been reported. Here, we show that upon encountering Escherichia coli, socially behaving T. brucei parasites exhibit positive chemotaxis, redirecting group movement toward the neighboring bacterial colony. This response occurs at a distance from the bacteria and involves active changes in parasite motility. By developing a quantitative chemotaxis assay, we show that the attractant is a soluble, diffusible signal dependent on actively growing E. coli Time-lapse and live video microscopy revealed that T. brucei chemotaxis involves changes in both group and single cell motility. Groups of parasites change direction of group movement and accelerate as they approach the source of attractant, and this correlates with increasingly constrained movement of individual cells within the group. Identification of positive chemotaxis in T. brucei opens new opportunities to study mechanisms of chemotaxis in these medically and economically important pathogens. This will lead to deeper insights into how these parasites interact with and navigate through their host environments.IMPORTANCE Almost all living things need to be able to move, whether it is toward desirable environments or away from danger. For vector-borne parasites, successful transmission and infection require that these organisms be able to sense where they are and use signals from their environment to direct where they go next, a process known as chemotaxis. Here, we show that Trypanosoma brucei, the deadly protozoan parasite that causes African sleeping sickness, can sense and move toward an attractive cue. To our knowledge, this is the first report of positive chemotaxis in these organisms. In addition to describing a new behavior in T. brucei, our findings enable future studies of how chemotaxis works in these pathogens, which will lead to deeper understanding of how they move through their hosts and may lead to new therapeutic or transmission-blocking strategies.

Lambliosis is a widespread parasite of mammalian species, including humans. Lambliosis caused by the intestinal pritozoan parasite Lamblia intestinalis. Today eight major genetic groups have been identified, two of which are found in both human and animals. Lambliosis is zoonotic infection. The dogs, cats and beavers are take part in transmission of lambliosis. A participation of some hoofed animals in transmission infection are discussed. The factors of transmission are water, foods, especially milks products and everydays contacts. The sexually transmission infection is disсussed. Lambliosis coursed as asymptomatic, subclinical and with clinical symptomatics. The main clinical syndroms are painful, dyspeptic, asteno-neurotic and allergodermatological. The some atipic for lambliosis symptomes (ophthalmologic changes, growth retardation in children, a cause of hypokalemic myopathy in congenital immunodeficiency with lambliosis, severe systemic symptoms and marked hypereosinophilia, eosinophilic ascites and enterocolitis and others nospecifi c symptoms) are obsered. The metod of diagnosis, treatment and profi lactic is discussed.

Background: We investigated the relationship between inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and arginase pathways, cytokines, macrophages, oxidative damage and lung granulomatous inflammation in S. mansoni-infected and doxycycline-treated mice. Methods: Swiss mice were randomized in four groups: (i) uninfected, (ii) infected with S. mansoni, (iii) infected + 200 mg/kg praziquantel (Pzt), (iv) and (v) infected + 5 and 50 mg/kg doxycycline. Pzt (reference drug) was administered in a single dose and doxycycline for 60 days. Results: S. mansoni-infection determined extensive lung inflammation, marked recruitment of M2 macrophages, cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IFN-γ, TNF-α) upregulation, intense eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) levels, arginase expression and activity, reduced iNOS expression and nitric oxide (NO) production. The higher dose of doxycycline aggravated lung granulomatous inflammation, downregulating IL-4 levels and M2 macrophages recruitment, and upregulating iNOS expression, EPO, NO, IFN-γ, TNF-α, M1 macrophages, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde tissue levels. The number and size of granulomas in doxycycline-treated animals was higher than untreated and Pzt-treated mice. Exudative/productive granulomas were predominant in untreated and doxycycline-treated animals, while fibrotic/involutive granulomas were more frequent in Pzt-treated mice. The reference treatment with Pzt attenuated all these parameters. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that doxycycline aggravated lung granulomatous inflammation in a dose-dependent way. Although Th1 effectors are protective against several intracellular pathogens, effective schistosomicidal responses are dependent of the Th2 phenotype. Thus, doxycycline contributes to the worsening of lung granulomatous inflammation by potentiating eosinophils influx and downregulating Th2 effectors, reinforcing lipid and protein oxidative damage in chronic S. mansoni infection.

Introduction: The production of large amounts of reactive oxygen species in severe malarial infection is due to parasite invasion to erythrocytes. Malaria resistance to medication has left malaria-endemic countries with no alternate source of medications but traditional medicine. One of such plants utilized by traditional healers is Phyllanthus amarus. Therefore, this study aims at ascertaining the antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities of P. amarus and its specific actions on retaining erythrocyte viability and antioxidant activity. Methods: Antiplasmodial and erythrocyte viability activities were determined in vitro via parasite suppression and tetrazolium-based colorimetric assays, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was determined by measuring extract’s ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation, scavenge 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and superoxide ions, reduce iron(III) ions, and chelate iron in vitro using documented methods. Results: Alkaloid extracts of P. amarus showed great antiplasmodial activity (IC50=0.52μg/mL) and low cytotoxic activity (CC50=54.95 μg/mL). Erythrocyte viability assay showed the minimal impact of the extract on the uninfected erythrocytes but improved viability of the infected RBC in a dose dependent manner, and antioxidant activity manifested mainly in its iron chelating activity (EC50=0.34 μg/mL). Conclusion: This study suggests that the alkaloid extract of P. amarus has significant antiplasmodial and antioxidant activities. These activities promoted the repair of parasite-induced free radical damage to the erythrocyte membrane but distorted the parasites redox balance and defense mechanism, and hence survival rate as indicated by the parasite suppression associated with alkaloid extract treatment of malarial infection.

Objetivo: los parásitos son organismos que viven en el interior o sobre otra especie para su propio beneficio. Logran afectar plantas, animales y humanos. Los niños son más vulnerables a infectarse, pero la incidencia ha disminuido en Costa Rica gracias a la mejora en salubridad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el conocimiento general que tiene la población costarricense con respecto a las parasitosis infantiles. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de tipo transversal, a una muestra de 196 sujetos. Se presentó encuesta a costarricenses mayores de 18 años que tuvieran un dispositivo con acceso a internet. Se consultó sobre el conocimiento del cuadro clínico de las parasitosis infantiles en Costa Rica. Resultados: la mayoría de los participantes eran universitarios (68.3%). El 89.9% cree que los parásitos de las mascotas pueden infectar a los humanos. Los parásitos más conocidos fueron los piojos 173 (88.3%). La parte del cuerpo que se considera más afectada por los parásitos es el estómago (75.5%). La principal medida preventiva contra las parasitosis más conocidas es lavarse las manos (67.9%). Conclusión: muchos participantes creen que los humanos se pueden infectar por los mismos parásitos de los animales. Los piojos fueron los parásitos más conocidos y las garrapatas las menos conocidas. La mayoría considera el vómito o la diarrea como los síntomas principales de las parasitosis y creen que el estómago es el más afectado en una infección. Además, señalan que la principal medida preventiva para evitar el contagio es el lavado de manos.

N-terminal acetylation is a common eukaryotic protein modification that involves the addition of an acetyl group to the N-terminus of a polypeptide. This modification is largely performed by cytosolic N-terminal acetyltransferases (NATs). Most associate with the ribosome, acetylating nascent polypeptides co-translationally. In the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, exported effectors are thought to be translated into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), processed by the aspartic protease plasmepsin V and then N-acetylated, despite having no clear access to cytosolic NATs. Here, we used inducible gene deletion and post-transcriptional knockdown to investigate the primary ER-resident NAT candidate, Pf3D7_1437000. We found that it localizes to the ER and is required for parasite growth. However, depletion of Pf3D7_1437000 had no effect on protein export or acetylation of the exported proteins HRP2 and HRP3. Despite this, Pf3D7_1437000 depletion impedes parasite development within the host red blood cell and prevents parasites from completing genome replication. Thus, this work provides further proof of N-terminal acetylation of secretory system proteins, a process unique to apicomplexan parasites, but strongly discounts a promising candidate for this post-translational modification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Senna occidentalis (L.) Link has been used worldwide in traditional treatment of many diseases and conditions including snakebite. In Kenya, a decoction from the plant roots taken orally, is used as a cure for malaria. Several studies have demonstrated that extracts from the plant possess antiplasmodial activity, in vitro. However, the safety and curative potency of the plant root against established malaria infection is yet to be scientifically validated, in vivo. On the other hand, there are reports on variation in bioactivity of extracts obtained from this plant species, depending on the plant part used and place of origin among other factors. In this study, we demonstrated the antiplasmodial activity of Senna occidentalis roots extract in vitro, and in mice. Methods: Methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane and water extracts of S. occidentalis root were tested for in vitro antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum, strain 3D7. Cytotoxicity of the most active solvent extracts was determined using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and the curative potency in Plasmodium berghei infected mice evaluated by Rane's test. Results: All of the solvent extracts tested in this study inhibited the propagation of P. falciparum, strain 3D7, in vitro, with polar extracts being more active than non-polar ones. Methanolic extracts had the highest activity (IC50 = 1.76) while hexane extract displayed the lowest activity (IC50 = 18.47). At the tested concentrations, methanolic and aqueous extracts exhibited high selectivity index against P. falciparum strain 3D7 (SI > 10) in the cytotoxicity assay. Further, the extracts significantly suppressed the propagation of P. berghei parasites (P < 0.05) in vivo and increased the survival time of the infected mice (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Senna occidentalis (L.) Link root extract inhibits the propagation of malaria parasites in vitro and in BALB/c mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Despite higher density in the urban population, woodpigeon individuals were characterised by lower chewing louse abundance. • Birds with lower weights showed higher parasitic loads, which became more noticeable in urban woodpigeons. • Different from rural woodpigeons, parasites typical of feral pigeons were found on urban individuals. • Most of the species found were chewing lice, with Columbicola claviformis and Campanulotes bidentatus being dominant. The type of habitat occupied by avian populations has a marked effect on the parasitises they host. The growth of cities and urban areas in recent decades has favoured some species of birds adapted to these types of habitats – urban exploiters – although the effects of urbanisation on the parasitism of wildlife are not always well known. This study compares the ectoparasites characteristic of two differentiated populations of woodpigeons, one located in a predominantly urban environment and the other in a rural one. Most of the species found were chewing lice, with Columbicola claviformis and Campanulotes bidentatus being dominant. Despite the higher density of the urban population, woodpigeon individuals were characterised by a lower abundance of chewing lice, as well as the presence of ectoparasites typical of feral pigeons such as Hohorstiella lata and the hippoboscids fly , Pseudolynchia canariensis. Similarly, birds with lower weights showed a higher parasitic load, which became more noticeable in urban woodpigeons. The lower ectoparasite load of urban hosts represents a health advantage compared with rural populations, which could be one of the causes of greater growth and reproductive success in urban populations of woodpigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implementation of immunohistochemistry and computer vision can improve the specificity/sensitivity of microscopy-based diagnostics for parasitic infections and decrease their labor intensity. For accurate diagnosis of parasitic infections, the right body sites need to be assessed. Non-invasive radiological imaging techniques provide a means to assess body sites that are not (easily) accessible for specimen collection. Because of the relatively high prevalence of parasitic infections in low-resource settings, innovation of diagnostics includes reducing the costs of the hardware needed. Quantitative imaging of parasite behavior provides a functional readout of antiparasitic strategies and has enhanced the throughput of drug screens. Real-time tracking of parasites in the host can provide fundamental insights needed for the rational design of antiparasitic strategies. Imaging of parasites is central to diagnosis of many parasitic diseases and has thus far played an important role in the development of antiparasitic strategies. The development of novel imaging technologies has revolutionized medicine in fields other than parasitology and has also opened up new avenues for the visualization of parasites. Here we review the role imaging technology has played so far in parasitology and how it may spur further advancement. We point out possibilities to improve current microscopy-based diagnostic methods and how to extend them with radiological imaging modalities. We also highlight in vivo tracking of parasites as a readout for efficacy of new antiparasitic strategies and as a source of fundamental insights for rational design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Leafy vegetables could be contaminated with parasitic infective stages, making them possible sources of human parasitic infections. This study aimed to assess parasites contamination level among five different leafy vegetables collected from open marketplaces in Giza, Egypt. Methods: Hundred vegetable samples were collected from dill, parsley, coriander, rocca, and mint (20 of each). Samples were processed using sedimentation and concentration methods and the sediments were examined as wet smears either unstained or stained with Lugol's iodine. Also, modified trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen stains were used to detect Microsporidia spores and coccidian oocysts. Statistical software SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: A total of 86% of the examined samples were found contaminated with parasite's eggs, cysts, oocysts, and larvae. Coriander was the most contaminated vegetable with contamination rate of 95% while dill was the least contaminated (80%). Also, protozoan parasites contamination rate (77.1%) was higher than helminths parasites contamination rate (22.9%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar was the most prevalent parasite (40.6%) followed by Blastocystis hominis (39.5%), Ascaris lumbricoides (18.6%), Cyclospora spp. (15.11%), Giardia lamblia (11.6%), E. coli (9.3%); while Cryptosporidium spp., Iodamoeba bütschlii, Trichuris trichiura, Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola, and hookworms' eggs were the least prevalent parasites (1.1%). Conclusion: Leafy vegetables in Giza, Egypt had an extremely high parasite contamination rate. So, consuming such vegetables without proper washing facilitates transmission of parasitic infections which could pose a major health risk to Egyptians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The parasitofauna of amphibians from the province of San Juan has been studied very little. In particular, only one helminthological study has been reported on Odontophrynus occidentalis (Berg, 1896). The aim of the present study was to describe the endoparasites of O. occidentalis, including protozoa and nematodes. Twenty-one adults (13 males and 8 females) of O. occidentalis were analysed for parasites. Collected parasites were examined using standard parasitological techniques. Parasitological descriptors such as prevalence and mean intensity were calculated. Specimens belonging to the phyla Ciliophora and Nematoda were found in the intestinal tract. Protozoa of the genus Nyctotheroides and two nematode species, Aplectana hylambatis and Falcaustra sanjuanensis, were identified. This study provides new information on the new parasitic infection of amphibians for the province of San Juan. We emphasize the need to increase the knowledge of the amphibian parasitofauna, mainly related to protozoa in these vertebrates, since the literature presents few reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender inequity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (STEM) fields, including parasitology, continues to limit the participation of women in scientific leadership and development. Here we highlight the aims and activities of Her minthology, an initiative promoting the work of women in parasitology, alongside the current status quo of men and women scientists in the discipline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasites have affected and coevolved with humans and animals throughout history. Evidence of ancient parasitic infections, particularly, reside in archeological remains originating from different sources dating to various periods of times. The study of ancient parasites preserved in archaeological remains is known as paleoparasitology, and it initially intended to interpret migration, evolution, and dispersion patterns of ancient parasites, along with their hosts. Recently, paleoparasitology has been used to better understand dietary habits and lifestyles of ancient human societies. Paleoparasitology is increasingly being recognized as an interdisciplinary field within paleopathology that integrates areas such as palynology, archaeobotany, and zooarchaeology. Paleoparasitology also incorporates techniques such as microscopy, immunoassays, PCR, targeted sequencing, and more recently, high-throughput sequencing or shotgun metagenomics to understand ancient parasitic infections and thus interpret migration and evolution patterns, as well as dietary habits and lifestyles. The present review covers the original theories developed in the field of paleoparasitology, as well as the biology of some parasites identified in pre-Columbian cultures. Conclusions, as well as assumptions made during the discovery of the parasites in ancient samples, and how their identification may aid in better understanding part of human history, ancient diet, and lifestyles are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fish parasitological research associated with fisheries and aquaculture has expanded remarkably over the past century. The application of parasites as biological tags has been one of the fields in which fish parasitology has generated new insight into fish migration and stock assessments worldwide. It is a well-established discipline whose methodological issues are regularly reviewed and updated. Therefore, no concepts or case-studies will be repeated here; instead, we summarize some of the main recent findings and achievements of this methodology. These include the extension of its use in hosts other than bony fishes; the improvements in the selection of parasite tags; the recognition of the host traits affecting the use of parasite tags; and the increasingly recognized need for integrative, multidisciplinary studies combining parasites with classical methods and modern techniques, such as otolith microchemistry and genetics. Archaeological evidence points to the existence of parasitic problems associated with aquaculture activities more than a thousand years ago. However, the main surge of research within aquaculture parasitology occurred with the impressive development of aquaculture over the past century. Protozoan and metazoan parasites, causing disease in domesticated fish in confined environments, have attracted the interest of parasitologists and, due to their economic importance, funding was made available for basic and applied research. This has resulted in a profusion of basic knowledge about parasite biology, physiology, parasite–host interactions, life cycles and biochemistry. Due to the need for effective control methods, various solutions targeting host–parasite interactions (immune responses and host finding), genetics and pharmacological aspects have been in focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strongyloidiasis is one of the neglected parasitosis. Strongyloidiasis has a high morbidity and mortality among people treated with corticosteroids or with reduced immunity for other reasons. In Bolivia, the studies have shown its transmission and high prevalence in various tropical regions and the inter-Andean valleys. Although the disease is not transmitted in cold climates, people living in all regions of Bolivia can be affected due to internal migration. Infection can occur during travel to endemic areas decades before the onset of symptoms, because if left untreated, the strongyloidiasis can persist for life. This disease is one of the most neglected mainly due to the low sensitivity of the coproparasitological tests routinely used in clinical laboratories. There are more efficient diagnostic methods, such as the modified Baermann technique. which can be applied in Bolivia at low cost. Ivermectin is the treatment of choice, effective, well tolerated in adequate dosis, cheap and available in Bolivia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies suggest that there is a complex interaction between parasitic infections, human microbiota, and host immunity. Reports have shown that there is the prevalence of viral diseases have inverse correlations with their severities (as is the case for Covid-19), their resulting mortalities, and helminth infections in endemic areas. This review study was conducted to discover the possible association between parasitic infections and Covid-19 epidemics from immunological, pathological, and therapeutic aspects. Our studies were conducted by reviewing texts, reports, and articles on reputable websites such as PubMed, Science Direct, medRxvi, Google Scholar, and bioRxiv published by 2022 07 April for keywords such as a parasite, helminth, radioactive, COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2. In particular, reports of co-infection with helminths with complications and severity of Covid-19 in endemic areas were considered. The findings indicate that parasitic helminths can regulate host immune responses associated with a viral infection. For example, intestinal parasitic infections may be effective in reducing the symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 and the complications of Covid-19. Infected hosts can induce an innate and Th2-compatible immune response to CD4+ T cells, eosinophils, and interleukins (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10). Chronic helminth infections prevent strong immune responses by altering the host response to T helper 2 (Th2). Interestingly, some antimalarial drugs, such as Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), may inhibit SARS-CoV-2-induced severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Parasitic infections may alter the host's immune response to SARS-CoV-2 with potentially beneficial or detrimental effects. However, more large-scale epidemiological studies are needed to uncover the links between parasitic infections and COVID-19 and to clarify existing ambiguities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current study considers a new direction of surgical treatment of liver echinococcosis - the use of minimally invasive treatment methods of parasitic cysts. Methods: After clinical and morphological substantiation of the very possibility of carrying out such procedures, 9 microwave ablations (MWA) and 3 radiofrequency ablations (RFA) of cysts were performed in patients with liver echinococcosis from 2017 to 2021 in the surgical clinic of Botkin Hospital, Moscow, Russia. A comparative analysis of treatment results of patients with echinococcal liver cysts (12 patients who underwent "percutaneous puncture, aspiration, injection and reaspiration" (PAIR) procedure and 12 patients - MWA and RFA) was carried out. Results: The number of complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification was as follows: 8 after PAIR procedure, 3 after RFA and 3 after MWA. The median hospital length of stay (LOS) after PAIR procedure was 6.46 days versus 4.7 and 4 in the groups of patients who underwent RF and MW ablation, respectively. The frequency of relapses within the first year after PAIR procedure was 25%. The patients who underwent ablation procedures had no relapses of liver echinococcosis during observation. Conclusion: The presented clinical and morphological substantiation and the experience of using various types of ablation techniques on echinococcal cysts, as well as a comparative analysis with a commonly used PAIR treatment method, demonstrated the safety of RFA and MWA for the patient and efficacy in relation to the hydatid process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess 6 generative artificial intelligences (AIs)' performance on the learning objectives of medical arthropodology in parasitology class in Korea. We examined AIs' performance by querying in Korean and English to determine their information amount, accuracy, and relevance in both language prompts. Methods: From December 15 to 17, 2023, 6 generative AIs, including Bard, Bing, Claude, Clova X, GPT-4, and Wrtn, were tested on 7 medical arthropodology learning objectives in English and Korean. Clova X and Wrtn are platforms from Korean companies. Responses were evaluated for the criteria in English and Korean queries. Results: Bard had abundant information but was fourth in accuracy and relevance. GPT-4, with high information content, ranked first in accuracy and relevance. Clova X was 4th in amount but 2nd in accuracy and relevance. Bing provided lower pieces of information with moderate accuracy and relevance. Wrtn's answer was short of data, with average accuracy and relevance. Claude AI had reasonable information but lower accuracy and relevance. Responses in English were superior in all aspects. Clova X was notably optimized for Korean, leading in relevance. Conclusion: In a study of 6 generative AIs applied to medical arthropodology, GPT-4 excelled overall, while Clova X, a Korea-based AI, achieved 100% relevance in Korean queries, the highest among its peers. Utilizing these AIs in classrooms enhanced the author's self-efficacy and interest in the subject, offering a positive experience of interacting with generative AIs to question and receive information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the knowledge and interpretation ability of ChatGPT, a language model of artificial general intelligence, with those of medical students in Korea by administering a parasitology examination to both ChatGPT and medical students. The examination consisted of 79 items and was administered to ChatGPT on January 1, 2023. The examination results were analyzed in terms of ChatGPT's overall performance score, its correct answer rate by the items' knowledge level, and the acceptability of its explanations of the items. ChatGPT's performance was lower than that of the medical students, and ChatGPT's correct answer rate was not related to the items' knowledge level. However, there was a relationship between acceptable explanations and correct answers. In conclusion, ChatGPT's knowledge and interpretation ability for this parasitology examination were not yet comparable to those of medical students in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rabbit breeding is a very productive branch of animal husbandry that produces meat, hides, and down. Rabbit meat is a very valuable dietary product that is quickly absorbed by the human body and contains iron, many B vitamins, magnesium salts, phosphorus and other minerals, and is also rich in essential amino acids. One of the factors that leads to a decrease in the profitability of the rabbit breeding industry is parasitic diseases. Economic losses from infestations consist of loss of live weight and reduced fatness of rabbit carcasses, as well as deterioration of skin quality. The aim of the work was to investigate the distribution of associative infestations in rabbits in the Poltava region. The conducted research revealed the simplest organisms (Eimeria spp.), cestodes (Cysticercus pisiformis), nematodes (Passalurus ambiguus, Trichostrongylus sp.) and acariformes (Psoroptes cuniculi). The indicators of the extensivity of invasions in rabbits were for eimeriosis – 40.0 %, passalurosis – 29.64 %, cysticercosis pisiformis – 16.43 %, psoroptosis – 13.93 % and trichostrongylosis – 2.86 %. Parasitoses in rabbits was more often in the form of mixinvasions, where the rate of infestation reached 41.07 %. A total of 7 types of mixinvasions were registered, of which 5 are two-component associations of parasites, and 3 are three-component associations of parasites. Two-component mixinvasions were represented by the association of eimeries and passalurises (extensivity of invasion – 17.14 %), eimeries and cysticerces (7.86 %), eimeries and psoropteses (3.57 %), passalurises and cysticerces (6.07 %), passalurises and psoropteses (2.86 %). Three-component mixinvasions were characterized by the associative course of eimeries, passalurises and cysticerces (2.50 %) and eimeries, passalurises and psoropteses (1.07 %). The results of research on the associative course of parasitosis in rabbits indicate the need to use a complex of treatment and prevention measures in rabbit farms, taking into account the composition of parasites and their biological features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep breeding is one of the most promising branches of agriculture and the most important branch of animal husbandry worldwide. For the successful development of the industry mentioned above, it is necessary to increase the number of sheep and the production of livestock products. One of the aspects of this task is the effective implementation of measures to control parasitic diseases in sheep, particularly those localized in the gastrointestinal tract. The work aimed to investigate the spread of gastrointestinal parasitoses among sheep of single-person peasant farms in the Poltava region. The studies established that the average infestation of sheep by causative agents of gastrointestinal parasitoses is 39.74 %. In the studied sheep, strongylidoses of the digestive organs (extensiveness of invasion – 20.19 %), trichuriasis (18.59 %), eimeriosis (18.27 %), monieziosis (6.73 %), strongyloidosis (6.73 %) and dicrocoeliosis (1.92 %). In 32.26 % of the studied animals, the invasions occurred in monoinvasions, and in 67.74 % – in the form of mixinvasions. Among the monoinvasions, dicrocoeliosic (10 % of monoinvasions), monieziosic (22.5 %), strongyloidosic (40 %), and eimeriosic (27.5 %) were recorded. A total of 10 types of mixinvasions were detected in sheep, where two-component associations of gastrointestinal parasites were most often registered (78.57 % of mixinvasions), and three-component associations of parasites were less frequently diagnosed (21.43 %). Among the two-component mixinvasions, strongyloidosic- eimeriosic and trichuriasic- strongyloidosic were most often diagnosed, where the indicators of the extensiveness of invasions were 5.77 and 5.13 %, respectively. Three-component mixinvasions were represented by an association of trichurises, strongylides of digestive organs and eimeries (3.21 %), trichurises, strongyloideses and eimeries (1.60 %) and moniezies, trichurises, and strongylides of digestive organs (0.96 %). The research results on the spread of gastrointestinal parasitoses in sheep will allow for taking into account the peculiarities of the course of mixinvasions and the composition of their co-members when carrying out treatment and preventive measures in single-person peasant farms of the studied region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most types of helminths are widespread in many countries and severely threaten human health. One of the most dangerous zooanthropohelminthiases is toxocarosis. The causative agent of toxocarosis – the nematode Toxocara canis in the imaginal stage parasitizes in the small intestine of carnivores and the larval stage (Visceralis larva migrans) – in various organs and tissues of animals and humans. Toxocarosis has both veterinary and social significance. Toxocara canis larvae can migrate in the human body and cause various pathologies: hepatitis, encephalitis, chorioretinitis. The purpose of the research was to analyze data from the reporting documentation of the Poltava Veterinary Center regarding the prevalence of toxocarosis among the domestic dog population. According to the results of the analysis of the statistical data of the reporting documentation of the veterinary center of the Shevchenkivskyi district of the city of Poltava for 2019–2022, it was established that the average infestation of dogs by the causative agent of toxocarosis in the territory of the city of Poltava is 22.89 %, with a range from 17.51 to 28.02 %. The share of toxocarosis in the total parasitic pathology diagnosed in dogs was 27 %. The mestizos were the most affected by the causative agent of toxocarosis, where the extent of invasion was 29.26 %. A lower rate of toxocares was found in dogs of decorative (24.05 %), service (21.24 %), and hunting (18.56 %) breeds. In particular, the highest values of the extent of infestation were found in Yorkshire terriers (39.71 %). Less often, toxocarosis was diagnosed in toy terriers (extent of infestation – 19.12 %), English cocker spaniels (19.83 %), dachshunds (18.03 %), pugs (16.37 %), Jack Russell terriers (15.82 %) and pickiness (12.6 %). Seasonal dynamics of toxocarosis in dogs are characterized by the peak of invasion in the spring and autumn periods, where the infection rates of animals were at 35.0 and 30.0 %, respectively. The extent of toxocarosis infestation declined in winter – by 12.0 %. The obtained data indicate the relevance of the problem of toxocarosis as a zooanthroponous invasion in connection with the significant damage to domestic dogs by toxocares in the city of Poltava. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the conditions for successfully managing rabbit breeding is ensuring the epizootological well-being of farms concerning invasive animal diseases. Helminthiases, protozooses, and acaroses cause significant economic damage to the industry due to a decrease in the biological value of rabbit meat and skins, a delay in growth, development, and a decrease in the growth of young animals, as well as their death. Carrying out epizootic monitoring and assessment of the epizootic situation in different regions of Ukraine is one of the main preventive measures, which, based on the results of the study of the epizootic state, analysis of veterinary reports, and the results of laboratory tests, will allow effective treatment and prevention of invasive diseases in rabbit farms. The purpose of the work was to conduct monitoring studies of the epizootic situation regarding rabbit parasitoses in the territory of some areas of Ukraine. It was established that the total incidence of domestic rabbits by parasitoses was 36.27 %. The weight of infestations caused by the simplest organisms was the highest, reaching 81.96 %. The specific weight of infestations caused by acariform mites, nematodes, and cestodes was insignificant and amounted to 9.88 %, 7.3 %, and 0.86 %, respectively. Among the protozooses – eimeriosis, nematodoses – pasalurosis, cestodoses – cysticercosis, acaroses –psoroptosis were found in rabbits. High indicators of the extensiveness of animal invasion were established for eimeriosis (50.23 %). Smaller values of infestation of rabbits were found for psoroptosis (18.0 %) and pasalurosis (16.87 %). For pysiform cysticercosis, the extent of invasion was insignificant – 5.97 %. Indicators of the extensiveness of invasions in different regions of Ukraine ranged from 15.28 to 100.0 % for eimeriosis, from 4.35 to 100.0 % for pasalurosis, from 50.0 to 100.0 % for cysticercosis, and from psoroptosis 11.54 to 100.0 %. The obtained results of monitoring studies on the epizootic status of invasive rabbit diseases on the territory of Ukraine indicate the relevance and perspective of further studying the distribution of parasite fauna in the population of domestic rabbits, taking into account the climatic conditions of different regions, the way rabbits are kept, their age and season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasis is a protozoal and vector-borne disease. World health organization has considered the disease as a neglected tropical disease. Phlebotomus and Lutzumyia species (order: Diptera, family: Psychodidae) are human leishmaniasis vectors in new and old worlds. Sergentomyia spp. (Diptera, Psychodidae) are proven vectors of lizard leishmaniasis. Although some studies have identified human Leishmania parasites in Sergentomyia, their role in parasite circulation is unknown yet. Hence, the parasitological and molecular methods were used to study the possible Leishmania infection of Sergentomyia spp., in the human and canine visceral leishmaniasis endemic area in North West of Iran. Even though Sergentomyia specimens were caught in a dominant number compared to Phlebotomus spp., no Leishmania promastigote or DNA was detected in live-caught or sticky trap-caught specimens, respectively. Sergentomyia spp. are proven vectors of sauroleishmaniasis, and despite several global reports of Leishmania infection in Sergentomyia spp., such findings should be carefully interpreted to avoid false vector incriminations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista de Ciencias Médicas de Pinar del Río is the property of Editorial Ciencias Medicas 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.)

Oral myiasis is a rare parasitic disease that requires immediate treatment once diagnosed. However, no standard treatment protocol can be found in the literature. Through a clinicalsurgical report, we present the case of an 82-year-old man with lesions extending through the vestibule and alveolar ridge of the maxilla on both sides, in addition to occupying a large part of the palate, with a considerable number of larvae. The patient was initially treated with a single dose of systemic ivermectin (6 mg orally) and topical application of a tampon soaked in ether. The larvae were then surgically removed and debridement of the wound was performed. A crushed tablet of ivermectin 6 mg was applied topically for 2 days, the remaining larvae were again mechanically removed, and the patient received intravenous antimicrobial therapy. Treatment with systemic and topical ivermectin combined with antibiotic therapy and debridement proved to be effective in treating oral myiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In Mexico, intensive production of bullfrogs is one of the most important aquaculture activities, due to growing demand for their meat. Frogs can be hosts for several parasites that negatively affect their development and health. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of intestinal parasites in bullfrogs in aquaculture production units. Eighteen bullfrogs aquaculture production units were selected, and 20 animals (n=360) from each farm. Fecal samples were obtained by mucosal scraping and processed using the concentration method. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 70.5%, and all farms had frogs infected by some species of parasite. Two species of parasites were identified: Eimeria sp. and Strongyloides sp. Significant differences were found regarding parasite prevalence between males and females (73.8% vs 58.8%) and regarding tibia length (5.5 vs 6.1 cm) and weight (168 vs 187 g) between parasitized and non-parasitized frogs. In conclusion, the present study showed a high prevalence of intestinal parasites, and morphometric alterations (weight, snout-cloaca length, radio-ulna length, tibia length and distance between parotid glands) were identified in the parasitized animals. These results provided useful information that will enable establishment of adequate control measures to help minimize the adverse effects of these parasites.