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Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny" are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Closely related animal species living in similar conditions can enter into competitive relationships. The study of parasitic worms of animal hosts living in the same habitats is of great interest. We conducted a comparative analysis of the parasitic worms of cohabiting mice Apodemus flavicollis and Apodemus uralensis in the Mordovia Nature Reserve and the National Park "Smolny" (European Russia) in 2018-2022. A total of 1457 individuals of the two mouse species were examined by the complete helminthological necropsy: 635 A. flavicollis and 822 A. uralensis. In total 17 species of parasitic worms were recorded, including five cestodes, four trematodes, and eight nematodes. We found that the species diversity of helminths is higher in A. uralensis. All 17 species of parasites were identified in this rodent. The helminth fauna of A. flavicollis is less diverse and represented by 10 parasite species, also characteristic of A. uralensis, including three tapeworms, two flukes, and five nematodes. Apodemus flavicollis and A. uralensis inhabit similar forest habitats and are characterized by an average degree of similarity in helminth composition. The identified differences in the helminth fauna may be associated with the food preferences of these mouse species and the features of their microhabitats. Infection of the two mice with shared helminth species varied among the protected areas studied. At some sampling sites, the infection of A. flavicollis turned out to be higher, at others - of A. uralensis, which is due to changes in the moisture content of the forest floor and a different number of food items (invertebrates) that are intermediate hosts of helminths. The data obtained confirm the partial overlap of ecological niches of sympatric forest rodents, mainly in the spatial and trophic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of original studies on the helminth fauna of the black-legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla L.) (ten ad. and ten juv.) in the northern part of the Kara Sea (Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago and Wiese Island) carried out in the years 2019–2020 are presented. Eight species of helminths (one trematode, four cestodes, and three nematodes) have been registered. For the first time in seabirds in the high latitudes of the Arctic, the trematode Diplostomum sp. and the nematode Paracuaria adunca have been recorded. Adult birds have been established to be infected mainly with cestodes of the family Dilepididae while nestlings mainly have cestodes of the family Tetrabothriidae. The presence of five common species in the helminth fauna of kittiwakes in the northern part of the Kara Sea and in the northern part of Novaya Zemlya (Severnyi Island) has been noted due to the similarity of the feeding range of the birds in these areas. Possible causes for the features revealed in the infection of kittiwakes (food preferences, distribution of the foci of invasion, and the influence of abiotic factors) are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we summarized our own and literature data on the helminth fauna in amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals inhabiting the Mordovia Nature Reserve (European Russia). The history of research on parasitic worms in vertebrates has more than 70 years here. Nowadays, 242 species of helminths have been identified in vertebrates in this protected area: 54 cestodes, 87 trematodes, 98 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Of these, 169 helminth species have an indirect life cycle, while 73 develop directly. 217 revealed parasite species use vertebrates as definitive hosts and 21 as intermediate and/or parathenic hosts. Three species of trematodes, Gorgoderina vitelliloba, Haplometra cylindracea, and Opisthioglyphe ranae combine the larval and mature lifestyle stages in amphibians. The most diverse helminth fauna is in rodents (41 species), birds (38), artiodactyls (37), and insectivores (35). Less rich in amphibians (32), bats (32), reptiles (26), and carnivores (19). Only six parasite species are found in hares. Most of the helminth species recorded in the vertebrates of the Mordovia Nature Reserve belong to the Palearctic faunistic complex – 107 species. Fifty-eight species are cosmopolitan. The range of 39 species covers the Holarctic. The distribution of 37 species of helminths is limited to Europe. Seventy-three of 242 species found in the nature reserve’s vertebrates have medical and veterinary importance as potential pathogens of dangerous zoonoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park “Smolny” are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla.

The existing treatment strategy for Schistosomiasis centers on praziquantel, a single drug, but its effectiveness is limited due to resistance and lack of preventive benefits. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel antischistosomal agents. Schistosoma glutathione S-transferase (GST) is an essential parasite enzyme, with a high potential for targeted drug discovery. In this study, we conducted a screening of compounds possessing antihelminth properties, focusing on their interaction with the Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase (SmGST) protein. We demonstrated the unique nature of SmGST in comparison to human GST. Evolutionary analysis indicated its close relationship with other parasitic worms, setting it apart from free-living worms such as C. elegans. Through an assessment of binding pockets and subsequent protein–ligand docking, we identified Scutiaquinone A and Scutiaquinone B, both naturally derived Perylenequinones, as robust binders to SmGST. These compounds have exhibited effectiveness against similar parasites and offer promising potential as antischistosomal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the anti-inflammatory potential of secretory-excretory products (SEP) of gull-tapeworm Dibothriocephalus dendriticus and Ligula Ligula interrupta plerocercoids was studied for the first time in an in vitro model of LPS-induced activation of macrophages. A monocyte cell line derived from a patient with acute monocytic leukemia, THP-1, was used as a macrophage model. The anti-inflammatory properties of SEP were determined by the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-6 cytokines in the incubation medium using commercial kits for enzyme immunoassay. The results of our study indicated that SEP from L. interrupta plerocercoids have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, while SEP from D. dendriticus plerocercoids did not have such an effect. The authors next investigated the anti-inflammatory properties of L. interrupta SEP in a carrageenan-induced air-sac inflammation model in mice. A significant decrease in the volume of inflammatory exudate under the influence of L. interrupta SEP was found as well as an increase in the level of the interleukin-6 cytokine. At the same time, SEP of L. interrupta had no effect on the number of cells per 1 mL of exudate or the level of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF. The low molecular weight fraction of L. interrupta SEP also increased the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10, which indicates a more pronounced anti-inflammatory effect compared to the high molecular weight fraction. The results obtained, in general, indicate the anti-inflammatory properties of the SEP of L. interrupta plerocercoids. However, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action has not been elucidated and requires further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ecological analysis of the helminth fauna of the dice snake Natrix tessellata from different habitats of Astrakhan oblast was carried out in 2004, 2005, and 2008. The helminth community of the reptile included 21 species of parasitic worms: 11 trematodes, 1 cestode, 8 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan. Of these, 11 species were found in all the studied localities and form the bulk of N. tessellata helminth fauna. Dominant and subdominant helminth species were found in snakes in all habitats as a result of the implementation of its main trophic relationships. A comparison of the helminth composition from different study sites showed a relatively high degree of similarity. Differences in the helminth fauna of the dice snake from different habitats were insignificant and related to rare and accidental parasite species. Significant differences in the infection level of snakes with certain species of helminths were revealed. Most of the helminth species that parasitise the dice snake have a complex life cycle. The helminth infection of reptiles was determined to a large extent by biotic factors: fauna and the number of invertebrates (intermediate hosts of helminths) and vertebrates (paratenic and final hosts) in the biocenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To date, 53 helminth species have been discovered in the gastrointestinal tracts and other internal organs of Barents Sea birds. These parasites circulate in pelagic and coastal biocenoses. This paper analyzes their spatial distribution and host preferences in other geographical regions based on data collected by the author in the course of long-term studies and literature data. It is established that the only Barents Sea endemic is the cestode Tetrabothrius morschtini. Fifty-two species were recorded in the North Atlantic, 48 species in the North Pacific, six species in the South Atlantic, six in the Australia–New Zealand region, five in the Antarctic, four in the South Pacific, and three in the Indian Ocean basin. Analysis showed that these parasites feature two main distribution types. The amphiboreal distribution typical for the majority of species is determined by the existence of a single transarctic range of many intermediate and definitive helminth hosts in the Pliocene and the dispersion of their eggs by birds during interglacial periods of the Pleistocene. The bipolar distribution typical for 12 species is likely determined by the transfer of parasites from the Holarctic realm by their definitive hosts in the course of species divergence or during seasonal migrations. It cannot be ruled out that some helminth species have migrated from the Antarctic region to the Holarctic realm with their definitive hosts. The roles of key evolutionary–environmental factors (e.g., mobility of definitive hosts, presence of intermediate hosts, and life spans of sexually mature helminth stages) determining the biogeographical patterns of various host–parasite complexes were examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing treatment strategy for Schistosomiasis centers on praziquantel, a single drug, but its effectiveness is limited due to resistance and lack of preventive benefits. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel antischistosomal agents. Schistosoma glutathione S-transferase (GST) is an essential parasite enzyme, with a high potential for targeted drug discovery. In this study, we conducted a screening of compounds possessing antihelminth properties, focusing on their interaction with the Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase (SmGST) protein. We demonstrated the unique nature of SmGST in comparison to human GST. Evolutionary analysis indicated its close relationship with other parasitic worms, setting it apart from free-living worms such as C. elegans. Through an assessment of binding pockets and subsequent protein–ligand docking, we identified Scutiaquinone A and Scutiaquinone B, both naturally derived Perylenequinones, as robust binders to SmGST. These compounds have exhibited effectiveness against similar parasites and offer promising potential as antischistosomal agents.

Articles devoted to the relationships between parasites inhabiting vertebrate intestines and the host microbiota, as well as the influence of these members of the intestinal ecosystem on the host, are analyzed in this review. The effect of helminths on the composition of the microbiota and immunity of the host, some autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory bowel diseases are considered, and the antimicrobial activity of helminths is noted. Understanding the complex three-way interactions between the host, its microbiota, and parasites is a fundamental parasitological problem underlying the search for new approaches to the improvement of animal and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This report describes a rare autochthonous case of human D. repens infection in Austria. Dirofilariosis is a mosquito-borne parasitic infection that predominantly affects dogs. Human D. repens infections have primarily been reported in Mediterranean countries, but are emerging throughout Central and Northern Europe. Methods: The worm was removed surgically and identified using PCR and DNA sequencing. The consensus sequences were compared against reference sequences of Dirofilaria repens from GenBank. Results: The 56-year-old woman acquired the infection, which presented as a subcutaneous nodule, in Vienna, Austria. This is the second autochthonous case of human D. repens infection in Austria. Conclusion: The reasons for the emergence of D. repens and other parasitic infections in Central and Northern Europe are manifold, including climate change and globalization. This case demonstrates that with the growing number of D. repens infections, health care professionals must place further emphasis on emerging infectious diseases to ensure appropriate diagnostics and treatment in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

More than a billion people are infected with parasitic worms, including nematodes, such as hookworms, and flatworms, such as blood flukes. Few drugs are available to treat worm infections, but high-throughput screening approaches hold promise to identify novel drug candidates. One problem for researchers who find an interesting ‘hit’ from a high-throughput screen is to identify whether that compound, or a similar compound has previously been published as having anthelmintic or anti-parasitic activity. Here, we present (i) data sets of 2,828 anthelmintic compounds, and 1,269 specific anti-schistosomal compounds, manually curated from scientific papers and books, and (ii) a data set of 24,335 potential anthelmintic and anti-parasitic compounds identified by text-mining PubMed abstracts. We provide their structures in simplified molecular-input line-entry system (SMILES) format so that researchers can easily compare ‘hits’ from their screens to these anthelmintic compounds and anti-parasitic compounds and find previous literature on them to support/halt their progression in drug discovery pipelines.

The helminth fauna of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus was studied in the Republic of Mordovia (Russia) for the first time. In total, 9 species of helminths were found in 23 studied hedgehogs: Trematoda—Isthmiophora melis, Strigea strigis (metacercaria); Cestoda—Hymenolepis erinacei; Nematoda—Aonchotheca erinacei, Physaloptera clausa, Crenosoma striatum, Physocephalus sexalatus (juvenile), Agamospirura minuta (juvenile); and Acanthocephala—Nephridiorhynchus major. Four parasite species (the trematode I. melis, nematodes P. sexalatus, A. minuta, and the acanthocephalan N. major) were found in hedgehogs for the first time in Russia. An overview of the helminth fauna of four species of Erinaceus hedgehogs inhabiting the Palearctic region is given. A total of 54 parasite species were recorded across Erinaceus europaeus, E. roumanicus, E. concolor and E. amurensis: 14 trematodes, 6 cestodes, 27 nematodes, and 7 acanthocephalans. Among all the studied species of hedgehogs, E. europaeus (35 species) and E. roumanicus (36) have the richest helminth faunas. The diversity of the parasite communities of Erinaceus spp. is due to the wide distribution and varied diet of these mammals. Most of the helminths found in hedgehogs are transmitted along trophic chains. Hedgehogs are the final hosts for 39 species of parasites. For 15 helminth species, Erinaceus spp. are paratenic hosts. The majority of the hedgehog's helminth fauna is formed by host-specific parasites, of which there are 13 species. Most of the hedgehog's parasites in the Palaearctic are facultative (non-specific) species that parasitize in various vertebrate species. The helminth fauna of Erinaceus hedgehogs is most studied in Russia and Belarus, where 17 species of parasites are found in each country. The comparative analysis of the helminth faunas of Erinaceus spp. from various regions showed, on the one hand, the originality of the helminth fauna of each hedgehog species and, on the other, the similarity of the helminth fauna of these insectivores from various countries of the Palaearctic. These features are caused by similar lifestyles and diet peculiarities of every hedgehog species in various regions of the Palaearctic. A total of 12 of the 54 helminth species found in hedgehogs have medical and veterinary significance as causative agents of dangerous helminthiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere are a growing number of publications that report an absence of inflammatory based disease among populations that are endemic to parasitic worms (helminths) demonstrating the ability of these parasites to potentially regulate human immune responses. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the impact of helminth infection on metabolic outcomes in human populations.MethodsUsing PRISMA guidelines, six databases were searched for studies published up to August 2020. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals using the Review Manager Software version 5.4.1.ResultsFourteen studies were included in the review. Fasting blood glucose was significantly lower in persons with infection (MD -0.22, 95% CI -0.40- -0.04, P=0.02), HbA1c levels were lower, although not significantly, and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (P=0.001) and type 2 diabetes was lower (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34-3.09, P

Background: There are a growing number of publications that report an absence of inflammatory based disease among populations that are endemic to parasitic worms (helminths) demonstrating the ability of these parasites to potentially regulate human immune responses. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the impact of helminth infection on metabolic outcomes in human populations. Methods: Using PRISMA guidelines, six databases were searched for studies published up to August 2020. Random effects meta-analysis was performed to estimate pooled proportions with 95% confidence intervals using the Review Manager Software version 5.4.1. Results: Fourteen studies were included in the review. Fasting blood glucose was significantly lower in persons with infection (MD -0.22, 95% CI -0.40- -0.04, P=0.02), HbA1c levels were lower, although not significantly, and prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (P=0.001) and type 2 diabetes was lower (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.34-3.09, P<0.0001). Infection was negatively associated with type 2 diabetes when comparing person with diabetes to the group without diabetes (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.29-0.67, P=0.0001). Conclusions: While infection with helminths was generally associated with improved metabolic function, there were notable differences in efficacy between parasite species. Based on the data assessed, live infection with S. mansoni resulted in the most significant positive changes to metabolic outcomes. Systematic Review Registration: Website: PROSPERO Identified: CRD42021227619. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helminth fauna of the Northern white-breasted hedgehog Erinaceus roumanicus was studied in the Republic of Mordovia (Russia) for the first time. In total, 9 species of helminths were found in 23 studied hedgehogs: Trematoda—Isthmiophora melis, Strigea strigis (metacercaria); Cestoda—Hymenolepis erinacei; Nematoda—Aonchotheca erinacei, Physaloptera clausa, Crenosoma striatum, Physocephalus sexalatus (juvenile), Agamospirura minuta (juvenile); and Acanthocephala—Nephridiorhynchus major. Four parasite species (the trematode I. melis, nematodes P. sexalatus, A. minuta, and the acanthocephalan N. major) were found in hedgehogs for the first time in Russia. An overview of the helminth fauna of four species of Erinaceus hedgehogs inhabiting the Palearctic region is given. A total of 54 parasite species were recorded across Erinaceus europaeus, E. roumanicus, E. concolor and E. amurensis: 14 trematodes, 6 cestodes, 27 nematodes, and 7 acanthocephalans. Among all the studied species of hedgehogs, E. europaeus (35 species) and E. roumanicus (36) have the richest helminth faunas. The diversity of the parasite communities of Erinaceus spp. is due to the wide distribution and varied diet of these mammals. Most of the helminths found in hedgehogs are transmitted along trophic chains. Hedgehogs are the final hosts for 39 species of parasites. For 15 helminth species, Erinaceus spp. are paratenic hosts. The majority of the hedgehog’s helminth fauna is formed by host-specific parasites, of which there are 13 species. Most of the hedgehog’s parasites in the Palaearctic are facultative (non-specific) species that parasitize in various vertebrate species. The helminth fauna of Erinaceus hedgehogs is most studied in Russia and Belarus, where 17 species of parasites are found in each country. The comparative analysis of the helminth faunas of Erinaceus spp. from various regions showed, on the one hand, the originality of the helminth fauna of each hedgehog species and, on the other, the similarity of the helminth fauna of these insectivores from various countries of the Palaearctic. These features are caused by similar lifestyles and diet peculiarities of every hedgehog species in various regions of the Palaearctic. A total of 12 of the 54 helminth species found in hedgehogs have medical and veterinary significance as causative agents of dangerous helminthiasis.

Introdution: Chemical drugs against parasites are beneficial, but this method has some problems such as drug resistance, residue and unwanted side effects associated. Therefore, study on alternative therapies especially herbal compounds are research priorities. According to antimicrobial and anti-parasitic effects of Artemisia spp. extracts, this work aimed to study the effect of Artemisia specigera (AS) ethanol extract on digestive system parasitic worms in mice and immunosuppressive effect on infection. Methods: The study was performed on 30 NMRI female mice were divided into five groups. Two control groups and three treatment groups that received Artemisia specigera ethanol extract with 0/2mg/ml, 2mg/ml and 20mg/ml concentrations. Administration of herbal extract has been performed at the first day and was continued every 12h for the next 6 days. The fecal pellets from each group were collected every day and EPG was counted by Lynn Clayton egg counting technique. Results: Our results indicated that Artemisia specigera ethanol extract had protective effects against parasitic worms in mice with 2 and 20 mg/ml concentration. So that, in the third treatment group the mean of egg counts that included eggs of Hymenolepis nana, Aspicularis tetrapetra and Syphacia obvelata was severely reduced at the last day of treatment. . In addition, the results showed that immunosuppression was effective on infection increase. Conclusion: The effect of AS extract on parasitic worms’ infection was related to dose and period of use.

Ozoroa insignis Del. is an ethnobotanical plant widely used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including schistosomiasis, tapeworm, and hookworm infections. From the so far not investigated fruits of Ozoroa insignis, the anthelmintic principles could be isolated through bioassay-guided isolation using Caenorhabditis elegans and identified by NMR spectroscopic analysis and mass spectrometric studies. Isolated 6-[8(Z)-pentadecenyl] anacardic (1), 6-[10(Z)-heptadecenyl] anacardic acid (2), and 3-[7(Z)-pentadecenyl] phenol (3) were evaluated against the 5 parasitic organisms Schistosoma mansoni (adult and newly transformed schistosomula), Strongyloides ratti, Heligmosomoides polygyrus, Necator americanus, and Ancylostoma ceylanicum, which mainly infect humans and other mammals. Compounds 1–3 showed good activity against Schistosoma mansoni, with compound 1 showing the best activity against newly transformed schistosomula with 50% activity at 1µM. The isolated compounds were also evaluated for their cytotoxic properties against PC-3 (human prostate adenocarcinoma) and HT-29 (human colorectal adenocarcinoma) cell lines, whereby compounds 2 and 3 showed antiproliferative activity in both cancer cell lines, while compound 1 exhibited antiproliferative activity only on PC-3 cells. With an IC50 value of 43.2 µM, compound 3 was found to be the most active of the 3 investigated compounds.

The helminth communities of L. guttatus from Mazatlan Bay (MB) and Banderas Bay (BB), on the Pacific coast of Mexico, were studied during two consecutive years. A total of 536 fish were collected and 19 parasite taxa registered (six digeneans, two cestodes, nine nematodes, and two monogeneans). Infection levels of common helminth species (Helicometrina nimia, Siphodera vinaledwardsii, Tetraphyllidea gen. sp., Pseudoterranova sp., Ancyrocephalidae gen. sp. and Microcotyloides incisa) as well as the infracommunity indices varied significantly between MB and BB, and among dry and rainy seasons; however, no clear seasonal patterns were observed. Pseudoterranova larvae appeared frequently in MB, possibly because of the presence of the California sea lion in this locality. Similarity analysis did not show a clear separation of parasite species composition between both localities, which suggest that fish samples came from a single population of L. guttatus.

Parasitic worms of the genus Trichinella (phylum Nematoda; class Enoplea) represent a complex of at least twelve taxa that infect a range of different host animals, including humans, around the world. They are foodborne, intracellular nematodes, and their life cycles differ substantially from those of other nematodes. The recent characterization of the genomes and transcriptomes of all twelve recognized taxa of Trichinella now allows, for the first time, detailed studies of their molecular biology. In the present study, we defined, curated, and compared the protein kinase complements (kinomes) of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis using an integrated bioinformatic workflow employing transcriptomic and genomic data sets. We examined how variation in the kinome might link to unique aspects of Trichinella morphology, biology, and evolution. Furthermore, we utilized in silico structural modeling to discover and characterize a novel, MOS-like kinase with an unusual, previously undescribed N-terminal domain. Taken together, the present findings provide a basis for comparative investigations of nematode kinomes, and might facilitate the identification of Enoplea-specific intervention and diagnostic targets. Importantly, the in silico modeling approach assessed here provides an exciting prospect of being able to identify and classify currently unknown (orphan) kinases, as a foundation for their subsequent structural and functional investigation.

The first reports of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in flatworms could usher in a new era of research on these dangerous human parasites.

Background: Only a few comprehensive studies have been carried out on parasites in amphibians and reptiles in Ukraine. This has resulted in identifying over 100 helminth species across these vertebrate groups. However, most of the studies were performed in the 20 th century and the taxonomy of many parasites and their hosts has changed ever since, in addition to the discovery of new species and registrations of species that had not been previously known for Ukraine. In recent decades, there have been very few publications on helminths from amphibian or reptile hosts in this region. Notably, just one of these recent studies is a faunistic study, providing a list of helminths found in two species of green frogs - Pelophylaxridibundus (Pallas, 1771) and Pelophylaxesculentus (Linnaeus, 1758). Therefore, it is clear that publishing datasets of modern records of helminths in these vertebrate groups, based on modern taxonomy, is an essential step in further studies of their parasitic diversity. Additionally, such study is important in terms of global climate change, the growing number of possibilities of invasion of alien species (both hosts and parasites) that might potentially become a threat to native biota and growing anthropogenic pressure on local populations of hosts that affect the parasites as well. In future, this study is planned to be used for the creation of a checklist of helminths of the herpetofauna of Ukraine. The present dataset is an inventory of various species of helminths parasitising common species of the herpetofauna in central, northern, western and southern Ukraine recorded during field studies in the 2021-2023 period., New Information: The dataset is the first one to represent the up-to-date and unified data on helminths of reptiles and amphibians of Ukraine. Previously, records of this group of organisms with reference to their hosts were presented as several separate records within the country. Currently, this is the largest dataset presenting geocoded records of non-human-related helminths in the fauna of Ukraine. It reports helminth species from 15 hosts (205 individuals), including eight amphibians and seven reptilian species found in various Ukrainian regions. A total of 47 helminth species have been documented in the research and during 2021-2023 period on the territory of northern (Kyiv and Zhytomyr), western (Lviv, Zakarpattia Ivano-Frankivsk), central (Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Cherkasy, Zaporizhzhia and Poltava) and southern (Odesa) regions of Ukraine. The identified helminth species belong to the following phyla: Acanthocephala (Centrorhynchidae (2), Echinorhynchidae (2)); Nematoda (Acuariidae, Anisakidae, Cosmocercidae (3), Dioctophymatidae, Gnathostomatidae (1), Kathlanidae (1), Molineidae (7), Onchocercidae (1), Pharyngodonidae (1), Rhabdiasidae (6), Strongyloididae); Platyhelminthes (Diplodiscidae (1), Diplostomidae (2), Encyclometridae (1), Haematoloechidae (1), Leptophallidae (2), Macroderidae (1), Mesocestoididae, Opisthorchiidae (2), Plagiorchiidae (3), Pleurogenidae (2), Polystomatidae (3), Proteocephalidae (1), Strigeidae (1) and Telorchiidae (3)). Only some helminths in the dataset were not identified to species level. Material is stored in the collection of the department of Parasitology of the I. I. Schmalhausen Institute of Zoology NAS of Ukraine., (Oleksii Marushchak, Yaroslav Syrota, Ivanna Dmytrieva, Yuri Kuzmin, Andrii Nechai, Olga Lisitsyna, Roman Svitin.)

Recently, research into the development of new antimicrobial agents has been driven by the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates as alternatives to current antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections. AMPs are produced by all known living species, displaying direct antimicrobial killing activity and playing an important role in innate immunity. To date, more than 2000 AMPs have been discovered and many of these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic activity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by a variety of pathogens and are particularly wide-spread in low-income and developing regions of the world. Alternative, cost effective treatments are desperately needed to effectively battle these medically diverse diseases. AMPs have been shown to be effective against a variety of NTDs, including African trypanosomes, leishmaniosis and Chagas disease, trachoma and leprosy. In this review, the potential of selected AMPs to successfully treat a variety of NTD infections will be critically evaluated.

Protein kinases are enzymes that play essential roles in the regulation of many cellular processes. Despite expansions in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics and bioinformatics, there is limited information on the kinase complements (kinomes) of most eukaryotic organisms, including parasitic worms that cause serious diseases of humans and animals. The biological uniqueness of these worms and the draft status of their genomes pose challenges for the identification and classification of protein kinases using established tools. In this article, we provide an account of kinase biology, the roles of kinases in diseases and their importance as drug targets, and drug discovery efforts in key socioeconomically important parasitic worms. In this context, we summarise methods and resources commonly used for the curation, identification, classification and functional annotation of protein kinase sequences from draft genomes; review recent advances made in the characterisation of the worm kinomes; and discuss the implications of these advances for investigating kinase signalling and developing small-molecule inhibitors as new anti-parasitic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporal variation of the helminth infracommunity structure in the Gafftopsail pompano Trachinotus rhodopus was studied during bi-monthly revisions of samples collected offshore from Puerto Ángel, Oaxaca (Mexican Pacific) in 2018. In total, 110 specimens of T. rhodopus were subjected to a parasitic review. Helminths found were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level (six species and three genera) by means of morphological and molecular data. Attributes of the helminth infracommunities are described through statistical analyses, showing stability in terms of their richness throughout the year. However, variations were found in helminth abundance related to the seasonality of samplings, which may be associated with the life cycles of the parasites, the host species' gregarious behavior, the availability of intermediate hosts, and/or the diet of T. rhodopus. [Display omitted] • Trachinothutus rhodopus helminth infracommunities are characterized as being depauperated • The taxonomic composition of the infracommunities throughout the year is stable. • The number of helminth individuals fluctuated over time along the samplings. • The ingestion of preys is the main way of structuring the helminth infracommunities of the fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intracellular bacteria now known as Wolbachia were first described in filarial worms in the 1970s, but the idea of Wolbachia being used as a macrofilaricidal target did not gain wide attention until the early 2000s, with research in filariae suggesting the requirement of worms for the endosymbiont. This new-found interest prompted the eventual organization of the Anti-Wolbachia Consortium (A-WOL) at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, who, among others have been active in the field of antiwolbachial drug discovery to treat filarial infections. Clinical proof of concept studies using doxycycline demonstrated the utility of the antiwolbachial therapy, but efficacious treatments were of long duration and not safe for all infected. With the advance of robotics, automation, and high-speed computing, the search for superior antiwolbachials shifted away from smaller studies with a select number of antibiotics to high-throughput screening approaches, centered largely around cell-based phenotypic screens due to the rather limited knowledge about, and tools available to manipulate, this bacterium. A concomitant effort was put towards developing validation approaches and in vivo models supporting drug discovery efforts. In this review, we summarize the strategies behind and outcomes of recent large phenotypic screens published within the last 5 years, hit compound validation approaches and promising candidates with profiles superior to doxycycline, including ones positioned to advance into clinical trials for treatment of filarial worm infections.

Objectives We investigated the relationship between early childhood malnutrition-related measures and subsequent enamel defects in the permanent dentition. Materials and Methods This cohort study included 349 Amerindian adolescents (10-17 years, 52% male) from the Bolivian Amazon. Exposures included: stunted growth (height-for-age z-scores), underweight (weight-for-age z-scores), anemia (hemoglobin), acute inflammation (C-reactive protein) and parasitic infection (hookworm). We measured the occurrence (no/yes) and extent (<1/3, 1/3-2/3, >2/3) of enamel defects. We estimated associations between childhood exposures and enamel defect measures using log-binomial and multinomial logistic regression. Results The prevalence of an enamel defect characterized by an orange peel texture on a large central depression on the labial surface of the central maxillary incisors was 92.3%. During childhood (1-4 years), participants had a high prevalence of stunted growth (75.2%), anemia (56.9%), acute inflammation (39.1%), and hookworm infection (49.6%). We observed associations between childhood height-for-age (OR = 0.65; P = 0.028 for >2/3 extent vs. no EH) and gastrointestinal hookworm infection (OR = 3.43; P = 0.035 for >2/3 extent vs. no defects or <1/3 extent) with enamel defects. Discussion The study describes a possibly novel form of enamel hypoplasia and provides evidence for associations of malnutrition-related measures in early childhood, including stunted growth and parasitic helminth infection, with the observed enamel defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of a major ecological study of Hanna Wetland, Semirum Region, Isfahan Province, parasitic infestation of 3 native and one introduced fish species were investigated. A total of 120 fish specimens were collected by both cast net and a series of gillnets between fall and winter 2007, and spring and summer 2008. Some of the observed parasites are reported for the first time as new host records of: Trichodina perforata on gill and skin of Carassius auratus auratus and three species of leeches namely: Glossiphonia heteroclite, Thromyzon tessulatum and Hemiclepsis marginata on the skin and fin bases of Capoeta damascina. Moreover, 14 internal and external parasites including: one protozoan Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and two myxosporeans Myxobolus varicorhini, Myxobolus sp., three monogeneans Dactylogyrus lenkoran, Dactylogyrus intermedius and Gyrodactylus sp., two immature digeneans Diplostomum spathaceum, Tylodephys sp., two mature digeneans Allocreadium isoporum and A. layman, one unknown cyst, one Acanthocephalan Acanthocephalorhynchoides sp., one cestoda Khawia armeniaca. The highest prevalence of Diplostomum spathaceum (100%) was observed in Aphanius isfahanensis and Alburnus sp. However, the lowest prevalence was related to A. layman in Capoeta damascina in winter (0%), and autumn and spring (11%). Leeches infection were only observed in Capoeta damascina and Alburnus sp. in winter and summer, respectively. The maximum average (±SD) infection intensity belonged to K. armeniaca in intestine of C. damascina in spring (12.50±3.40, range: 8-16). Among the parasites identified in the region, D. spathaceum showed the highest mean (±SD) abundance (41.67±11.79) in C. auratus auratus in spring. In general, a relatively high diversity of fish parasitic fauna exists in this water body which could jeopardize fish populations and the whole ecosystem if the ecological status of the Hanna Wetland is neglected.

Background: Documents from advocacy and fund-raising organizations for child mass deworming programmes in low- and middle-income countries cite unpublished economic studies claiming long-term effects on health, schooling and economic development.Methods: To summarize and appraise these studies, we searched for and included all long-term follow-up studies based on cluster-randomized trials included in a 2015 Cochrane review on deworming. We used Cochrane methods to assess risk of bias, and appraised the credibility of the main findings. Where necessary we contacted study authors for clarifications.Results: We identified three studies (Baird 2016, Ozier 2016 and Croke 2014) evaluating effects more than 9 years after cluster-randomized trials in Kenya and Uganda. Baird and Croke evaluate short additional exposures to deworming programmes in settings where all children were dewormed multiple times. Ozier evaluates potential spin-off effects to infants living in areas with school-based deworming. None of the studies used pre-planned protocols nor blinded the analysis to treatment allocation.Conclusions: In the context of reliable epidemiological methods, all three studies are at risk of substantial methodological bias. They therefore help in generating hypotheses, but should not be considered to provide reliable evidence of effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Billions of people and animals are infected with parasitic worms (helminths). Many of these worms cause diseases that have a major socioeconomic impact worldwide, and are challenging to control because existing treatment methods are often inadequate. There is, therefore, a need to work toward developing new intervention methods, built on a sound understanding of parasitic worms at molecular level, the relationships that they have with their animal hosts and/or the diseases that they cause. Decoding the genomes and transcriptomes of these parasites brings us a step closer to this goal. The key focus of this article is to critically review and discuss bioinformatic tools used for the assembly and annotation of these genomes and transcriptomes, as well as various post-genomic analyses of transcription profiles, biological pathways, synteny, phylogeny, biogeography and the prediction and prioritisation of drug target candidates. Bioinformatic pipelines implemented and established recently provide practical and efficient tools for the assembly and annotation of genomes of parasitic worms, and will be applicable to a wide range of other parasites and eukaryotic organisms. Future research will need to assess the utility of long-read sequence data sets for enhanced genomic assemblies, and develop improved algorithms for gene prediction and post-genomic analyses, to enable comprehensive systems biology explorations of parasitic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic worms of the genus Trichinella (phylum Nematoda; class Enoplea) represent a complex of at least twelve taxa that infect a range of different host animals, including humans, around the world. They are foodborne, intracellular nematodes, and their life cycles differ substantially from those of other nematodes. The recent characterization of the genomes and transcriptomes of all twelve recognized taxa of Trichinella now allows, for the first time, detailed studies of their molecular biology. In the present study, we defined, curated, and compared the protein kinase complements (kinomes) of Trichinella spiralis and T. pseudospiralis using an integrated bioinformatic workflow employing transcriptomic and genomic data sets. We examined how variation in the kinome might link to unique aspects of Trichinella morphology, biology, and evolution. Furthermore, we utilized in silico structural modeling to discover and characterize a novel, MOS-like kinase with an unusual, previously undescribed N-terminal domain. Taken together, the present findings provide a basis for comparative investigations of nematode kinomes, and might facilitate the identification of Enoplea-specific intervention and diagnostic targets. Importantly, the in silico modeling approach assessed here provides an exciting prospect of being able to identify and classify currently unknown (orphan) kinases, as a foundation for their subsequent structural and functional investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The helminth communities of nine species of herons from southern Italy were studied and compared. Of 24 taxa found including seven digeneans, seven nematodes, six cestodes and four acanthocephalans, only five taxa were found in more than one heron species, and five of the 21 taxa that could be identified to species level were classified as ‘heron specialists’. The total number of helminth species per heron species ranged from 1 in Botaurus stellaris to 9 in Ixobrychus minutus with infection levels generally low. A statistical comparison was carried out for herons with a sample size > 5. At the infracommunity level, only I. minutus clearly differed from other heron species. Diversity parameters of heminth infracommunities did not significantly differ among heron species. Species richness ranged from just 0.3 to 2.3 helminth taxa per individual host, and the Brillouin index, from 0 to 0.3. Total helminth abundance did not exceed 40 worms per host except in a single case of Ardeola ralloides . Infracommunities clearly were dominated by single helminth species. The present study confirms a depauperate helminth community in herons from southern Italy. Comparison with data from Spain and the Czech Republic showed strong quantitative similarities with values obtained in the present study. Results also suggest that the composition of local helminth communities are strongly variable depending on geographical location as is demonstrated by comparison with data from other European areas. However, whether herons in Europe naturally host depauperate helminth communities or these communities are depauperate because of other factors is unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitic roundworms and flatworms, defined broadly as helminths, are estimated to infect over 1 billion people worldwide, and are particularly prevalent in developing, resource-strained communities. The consequences of these infections are immense and wide reaching, resulting in massive reductions in local and global economic productivity and contributing to millions of deaths per year. Helminth diseases can also reduce vaccine efficacy and heighten morbidity rates of other serious illnesses, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Here, we argue that South Africa, which has one the highest rates of both HIV/AIDS and helminth infections on earth, needs to allocate more energy and resources into studying soil-transmitted helminths. Using PubMed and GenBank statistics, we show that the current South African research output on soil-transmitted helminths pales in comparison to that on HIV and tuberculosis. Basic research on helminth biology as well as on the social and environmental effects associated with infections could greatly reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other major illnesses in South Africa and beyond. The onus is on scientists, funding agencies, and governing bodies to channel efforts into studies on soil-transmitted helminths.

Parasitic roundworms and flatworms, defined broadly as helminths, are estimated to infect over 1 billion people worldwide, and are particularly prevalent in developing, resource-strained communities. The consequences of these infections are immense and wide reaching, resulting in massive reductions in local and global economic productivity and contributing to millions of deaths per year. Helminth diseases can also reduce vaccine efficacy and heighten morbidity rates of other serious illnesses, including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS. Here, we argue that South Africa, which has one the highest rates of both HIV/AIDS and helminth infections on earth, needs to allocate more energy and resources into studying soil-transmitted helminths. Using PubMed and GenBank statistics, we show that the current South African research output on soil-transmitted helminths pales in comparison to that on HIV and tuberculosis. Basic research on helminth biology as well as on the social and environmental effects associated with infections could greatly reduce the burden of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other major illnesses in South Africa and beyond. The onus is on scientists, funding agencies, and governing bodies to channel efforts into studies on soil-transmitted helminths.

Structure and pattern of helminth component communities parasitizing grebes and loons are poorly understood. Here we analyze the prevalence, intensity and diversity of helminths in 505 Czech grebes ( Podiceps cristatus , Podiceps nigricollis , Tachybaptus ruficollis ) and loons ( Gavia arctica , Gavia stellata ) collected between 1962 and 2014. The species richness of helminth component communities ranged from 31 ± 8 ( P. cristatus ) to 50 ± 4 ( G. stellata ) species, with helminth load similar in all five host species, but with strong differences in prevalence and intensity of infection at a helminth species-specific level. The dominance was low, ranging from 0.11 ( P. cristatus and G. stellata ) to 0.21 ( P. nigricollis ). Dominant species (> 25% prevalence) in P. cristatus were Confluaria sp., Tylodelphys clavata , Echinochasmus coaxatus , Petasiger neocomense and Ligula colymbi ; in P. nigricollis and T. ruficollis : Confluaria sp. and Tatria sp.; in G. arctica and G. stellata : Tetrabothrius microcephalus , Stephanoprora denticulata , Cryptocotyle concava , Diplostomum gavium and Ichthyocotylurus erraticus ; in G. stellata only: Echinochasmus ( Monilifer ) spinulosus . Four (12%) of the grebe digenean species were not locally acquired (with non-sympatric intermediate hosts) despite the fact that they represented 25% of digenean individuals found. In loons, five (28%) of digenean species and striking 38% of individuals found used the non-sympatric intermediate host species. Component communities of grebes were similar to each other (Sørensen similarity index 0.47–0.65) but differed strongly from those hosted by loons (0.00–0.20). We present the first systematically collected evidence of intra-annual changes of helminth component communities in grebes, and provide 20 new host records. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, research into the development of new antimicrobial agents has been driven by the increase in resistance to traditional antibiotics and Emerging Infectious Diseases. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising candidates as alternatives to current antibiotics in the treatment and prevention of microbial infections. AMPs are produced by all known living species, displaying direct antimicrobial killing activity and playing an important role in innate immunity. To date, more than 2000 AMPs have been discovered and many of these exhibit broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and anti-parasitic activity. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are caused by a variety of pathogens and are particularly wide-spread in low-income and developing regions of the world. Alternative, cost effective treatments are desperately needed to effectively battle these medically diverse diseases. AMPs have been shown to be effective against a variety of NTDs, including African trypanosomes, leishmaniosis and Chagas disease, trachoma and leprosy. In this review, the potential of selected AMPs to successfully treat a variety of NTD infections will be critically evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The composition, structure and pattern of helminth assemblages associated with the storks (Ciconiidae), ibises and spoonbills (Threskiornithidae) are poorly understood. Here we analyze the prevalence, intensity and diversity of the helminth component communities associated with the white stork Ciconia ciconia and black stork Ciconia nigra , and notice the findings of helminths on Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia and glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus obtained in the Czech Republic in years 1962–2013. Comparison with datasets from multiple European countries supports the existence of well-defined local helminth component communities, which are subject to strong geographic variation. The estimated diversity of the helminth component communities reached 11.0 ± 1.6 ( C. ciconia ) and 12.5 ± 5.4 ( C. nigra ) species, with the Berger–Parker dominance index reaching only 0.24 and 0.21, respectively. Typically, the dominant species ( Chaunocephalus ferox , Tylodelphys excavata and Dictymetra discoidea in C. ciconia , and Cathaemasia hians and Dicheilonema ciconiae in C. nigra ) were considered as local, with intermediate host species available onsite. Altogether 10 of the 11 species with known life cycle were capable to complete their life cycle locally, which is in strong contrast with the situation in Czech egrets and herons. In C. ciconia and C. nigra , the highest helminth load was in juveniles, whereas Echinostoma sudanense , absent in the juveniles, was associated with intermediate hosts absent in the study area. Relative prevalence and frequency of helminths associated with male and female C. ciconia was similar to each other. The first systematically collected evidence of the intra-annual changes of the helminth assemblages in storks is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a clear need to develop new and inexpensive drugs to alleviate diseases caused by parasitic worms in animals and humans worldwide. In this article we discuss the roles and advantages of working in public–private partnerships (PPPs) – among academia, industry, and philanthropy – to enable anthelmintic drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Worm infections can cause severe harm and death to both humans and numerous domestic and wild animals. Despite the fact that there are many beneficial worm species, veterinarians, physicians and parasitologists have multiple reasons to combat parasitic worms. The pros and cons of various approaches for the discovery of new control methods are discussed, including novel anthelmintics, vaccines and genetic approaches to identify novel drug and vaccine targets. Currently, the mainstay of worm control remains chemotherapy and prophylaxis. The importance of knowledgeable and wise use of the available anthelmintics is highlighted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Infectious diseases of the luminal gastro-intestinal (GI) tract are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Most are not biopsied, and when they are, do not produce specific microscopic appearances. This review focuses on infectious agents of the luminal GI tract which are likely to find their way to the desk of the UK histopathologist, and present diagnostic difficulties. For that reason, relatively common infections, such as candidal and herpes viral oesophagitis, giardiasis and cytomegalovirus infection are omitted. This review instead concentrates on the less well recognized protozoal and helminthic infections and their differential diagnoses. Also discussed is an area of rising importance in the UK, sexually transmitted infections of the distal GI tract; as the histological appearances may be non-specific, a high index of suspicion is required, and the histopathologist may have the opportunity to be the first to suggest the diagnosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]