Schistosomiasis remains difficult to control due to persistent transmission via freshwater snails and reliance on praziquantel (PZQ) as the primary treatment. Novel adjunctive strategies targeting multiple stages of the parasite life cycle are needed. This study investigated the surfactant protein D (SP-D) mimetic CGSPS18 as a potential complementary agent against Schistosoma mansoni. The efficacy of CGSPS18 was evaluated using complementary murine, snail, and in vitro models. In mice, therapeutic PZQ monotherapy was compared with prophylactic and therapeutic combination regimens of CGSPS18 and PZQ, assessing worm burden, oogram patterns, and tissue egg counts. In vitro assays tested the larvicidal activity of CGSPS18 against miracidia and cercariae. In Biomphalaria alexandrina, prophylactic and therapeutic exposure to a sublethal concentration of CGSPS18 was evaluated by survival rate, infection rate, hemocyte parameters, phagocytic activity, and histopathological changes. CGSPS18 demonstrated rapid, concentration-dependent larvicidal activity, achieving 100% mortality of miracidia and cercariae at 50-100 ppm within 10 minutes. In snails, post-infection treatment improved 8-week survival (40.0% vs. 30.0% in infected controls) and significantly reduced infection rates (60.0% vs. 89.67%), alongside alterations in hemocyte profiles, enhanced phagocytic activity, and sporocyst morphological changes. In mice, both therapeutic PZQ monotherapy and therapeutic CGSPS18 + PZQ achieved complete adult worm clearance, with no significant difference between groups. The prophylactic regimen showed only partial efficacy. CGSPS18 exhibits promising laboratory larvicidal activity and beneficial effects in the snail host model. However, in the murine model, co-administration with PZQ did not enhance therapeutic outcomes compared to PZQ alone, although it did not compromise its efficacy. These findings support further mechanistic, safety, and dose-optimization studies rather than definitive claims of synergy or immediate field applicability.Schistosomiasis remains difficult to control because transmission through freshwater snails sustains reinfection, while treatment still relies heavily on praziquantel (PZQ). This study evaluated the surfactant protein D (SP-D) mimetic CGSPS18 in complementary murine, snail, and in vitro models of Schistosoma mansoni. In mice, therapeutic PZQ monotherapy was compared with prophylactic and therapeutic combination regimens containing CGSPS18 by assessing worm burden, oogram patterns, and tissue egg counts. In vitro, CGSPS18 was tested against miracidia and cercariae. In Biomphalaria alexandrina, prophylactic and therapeutic exposure to a sublethal concentration of CGSPS18 was evaluated by survival, infection rate, hemocyte parameters, phagocytic activity, and histopathology. CGSPS18 showed rapid concentration-dependent larvicidal activity, producing 100% mortality of miracidia and cercariae at 50-100 ppm within 10 min. In snails, post-infection treatment improved 8-week survival (40.0% vs. 30.0% in infected controls) and reduced the infection rate (60.0% vs. 89.67%), with associated changes in hemocyte profiles, phagocytic activity, and sporocyst morphology. In mice, therapeutic PZQ alone and therapeutic CGSPS18 + PZQ both achieved complete adult worm clearance, with no significant difference between them, whereas the prophylactic regimen was only partially effective. Overall, CGSPS18 showed promising laboratory larvicidal activity and favorable effects in the snail model. In the murine model, co-administration with PZQ did not outperform PZQ monotherapy but also did not compromise PZQ efficacy. These findings support further mechanistic, safety, and dose-optimization studies rather than definitive claims of synergy or field applicability.
Hookworm infections continue to impose a substantial burden on human and animal health, but the early host responses that influence parasite establishment are not fully characterized. Experimental models that reproduce key features of hookworm biology and host-parasite interactions remain essential for advancing translational research. In this study, we examined hematological, biochemical, immunological, and parasitological parameters during the acute phase of experimental hookworm infection using the Ancylostoma ceylanicum-Mesocricetus auratus model, a small-animal system widely employed for mechanistic studies of hookworm infection. Animals were evaluated at 7 and 20 days post-infection. Hematological indices and serum iron concentrations did not differ between infected and control groups during the acute phase. In contrast, infected animals showed increased splenic mass at 20 days post-infection, indicating immunological activation. Hepatic hepcidin expression was markedly reduced, suggesting an early alteration in systemic iron regulation. Analysis of inflammatory mediators revealed selective modulation of cytokine expression, with reduced interleukin-6 transcript levels at 20 days post-infection, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha expression remained unchanged. Parasitological analyses demonstrated progressive parasite establishment, with fecal egg output detected from 14 days post-infection and reaching approximately 300 eggs per gram by day 18, consistent with the onset of patency. Taken together, these data indicate that acute hookworm infection induces coordinated changes in immune responses and iron metabolism before the development of overt hematological alterations.
Acanthamoebae are amphizoic protozoa that can be human pathogens, causing diseases such as granulomatous amoebic encephalitis or Acanthamoeba-keratitis; Therefore, it is critical to have a rapid and reliable diagnostic approach; Following two studies with divergent results, we have aimed to assess the development of a time-saving and cost-effective method for medical parasitological diagnostics to identify Acanthamoebae by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry based on their characteristic protein profiles. Several xenically cultured Acanthamoeba strains were applied; To eliminate the impact of proteins derived from nutrition bacteria, UVC inactivation, heat inactivation, and centrifugal membrane filtration were tested. The achieved mass spectra turned out to be not reproducible in our study; In conclusion, the establishment of a method for the characterization of Acanthamoebae by MALDI-ToF MS was not achieved, and therefore, the method represents, to date, no suitable alternative to the real-time polymerase chain reaction in medical diagnostics of Acanthamoebiasis.
BACKGROUND: The genus Choleoeimeria was established in 1989 to accommodate tetrasporocystic, dizoic coccidians characterized by ellipsoidal oocysts with a shape index exceeding 1.4 that specifically parasitize the biliary epithelium of various reptilian hosts.The current study provides the first record of Choleoeimeria sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the gall bladder and intestinal contents of Burton's carpet viper, Echis pyramidum (Reptilia: Viperidae), collected from the Bahariya Oases in the Western Desert of Egypt. METHOD: Ten specimens of the viper Echis pyramidum were collected from the Western Desert of Egypt and subjected to parasitological screening via direct microscopic examination of fecal suspensions and bile fluid to identify coccidian oocysts. Heavily infected individuals were humanely euthanized with isoflurane to facilitate morphometric analysis of the oocysts and sporocysts. Subsequently, internal organs—including the gall bladder, liver, and intestines—were fixed in Bouin’s solution and processed for histological examination using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining to characterize the endogenous developmental stages. RESULTS: Sporulated oocysts measured 35.9–42.9 × 21.3–24.0 µm (40.9 ± 2.5 × 22.7 ± 1.0 µm) with length/width ratio of 1.6–2.0 (1.8 ± 0.1). Micropyle, polar granules, and oocyst residuum were absent. Oocyst wall was smooth, bilayered,and measured 1.0–1.4 µm (1.2 ± 0.2 µm). Sporocysts were subspherical to slightly ellipsoidal with a bivalve single-layered wall, measuring 11.3–12.2 × 9.5–10.3 µm (11.8 ± 0.3 × 9.8 ± 0.3 µm). Endogenous stages were observed withinthe apical cytoplasm of epithelial cells lining the gall bladder and bile ducts.Mature meronts measured 16.8–20.8 × 15.7–18.6 µm (18.6 ± 2.0 × 17.2 ± 1.3 µm) and contained up to 16 crescent-shaped merozoites, while mature macrogamont were round, measured 22.4–24.6 × 22.0–23.9 µm (23.2 ± 1.2 × 22.9 ± 0.8 µm), and developed distinct wall-formingbodies. CONCLUSION: This study provide a new perspective for studying the pathogenic mechanisms of T. gondii, revealing that GRA72 modulThe present study documents the first record of Choleoeimeria sp. infecting Echis pyramidum in Egypt and proposes the formal description of a new species, Choleoeimeria echisi. The research provides a comprehensive morphological and morphometric characterization of both exogenous and endogenous stages localized within the gall bladder and intestinal tract. These findings contribute significantly to the taxonomic revision of the genus Choleoeimeria and establish a critical baseline for assessing the pathogenicity and ecological implications of coccidian infections in reptilian hosts. Keywords:Choleoeimeria, Viperidae, Apicomplexa, oocysts, gall bladder
This study investigated the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens in free-living opossums (Didelphis albiventris and Didelphis aurita) from São Paulo State, Brazil, with emphasis on Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., and Ehrlichia spp. Blood samples from 115 opossums (95 D. albiventris and 20 D. aurita) were analyzed using parasitological and molecular approaches. Conventional PCR assays were performed for Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp., whereas nested PCR was used for Ehrlichia spp. Positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Five samples (4.35%) from D. albiventris collected in Botucatu were positive for Babesia spp. based on the 18 S rRNA gene, and two samples (1.74%) were positive for Ehrlichia spp. based on the dsb gene. No Hepatozoon spp. DNA was detected. Sequence analysis revealed 100% identity between the Babesia amplicons and Babesia sp. (GenBank: MW290046), while one Ehrlichia sequence showed 100% identity with Ehrlichia sp. strain Natal (GenBank: KY207546; OP270482), and the second sequence showed 99.71% identity with Ehrlichia sp. (GenBank: OP270482). Phylogenetic reconstruction clustered the Babesia sequences within the South American Marsupialia Group and positioned the Ehrlichia sequences together with lineages previously reported in South American marsupials. These findings provide the first molecular detection of Babesia sp. and Ehrlichia sp. in free-living D. albiventris from Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. The results expand current knowledge on vector-borne pathogens in synanthropic marsupials and reinforce the importance of continued surveillance to improve understanding of host-pathogen interactions at urban-wildlife interfaces within a One Health perspective.
Parasitological studies in Hoplias malabaricus (Bloch), with emphasis on the identification of monopisthocotyls have reported 17 species, but only one has been documented from Peru. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to record the dactylogyrids that parasitize H. malabaricus acquired in the Peruvian Amazon. Twenty H. malabaricus were collected in Zungaro Cocha market, in Iquitos, Loreto, Peru. Parasites were removed from gills or sediment with dissection needles, and specimens were cleared in Hoyer's medium to study sclerotized structures. Two new species were registered; Urocleidoides fasacoi n. sp. that resembles U. vanini Santos-Neto & Domingues, 2023 in the morphology of the MCO, but it differs mainly by the number of rings (five and a half vs. three and a half), additionally in presence of a sclerotized vaginal sclerite and Urocleidoides chuquipiondoi n. sp. Urocleidoides chuquipiondoi n. sp. resembles U. macrosoma Santos-Neto & Domingues, 2023 in the morphology of the MCO that is a sclerotized tube with one counterclockwise ring, but it differs mainly by the absence of vaginal sclerite, additionally presents longer anchors with straight point. The discovery and description of two new species of Urocleidoides increases the number of valid species to 87, highlighting the first two species of this genus described from Peruvian Amazon.
Parasites are generally thought to regulate host population density by reducing reproductive activity and/or increasing host mortality. This study examined the infection of nematodes of the family Mermithidae, which may have lethal and castrating effects on their hosts, in a natural population of the host isopod Armadillidium vulgare in Japan. Isopods were collected almost monthly (2021-2023) using quadrat sampling (N = 3, 50 cm × 50 cm) at a station in Japan. We recorded prevalence of hosts, numbers of sampled hosts and body length frequency distributions of infected and uninfected hosts. Among 1553 hosts sampled, the overall infection prevalence was 4.2%. Particularly high values between 10% and 28% were observed from June to July, which is the period of the hosts' reproduction and subsequent natural death. While the lethal effects of infection may have a limited impact on host density, infection during the reproductive season suggests decrease in reproductive activity, potentially reducing the population size of the next host generation.
Bovine anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial disease of significant sanitary and economic importance to livestock, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions, and is associated with high morbidity and reduced productivity. However, data on its molecular prevalence in cattle from semiarid and transitional areas of the Northeast region of Brazil remain scarce. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in cattle from smallholder farms located in the Sertão and Agreste mesoregions of the states of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil. A total of 380 whole blood samples from cattle were analyzed by conventional PCR targeting the msp4 gene, following confirmation of DNA extraction by amplification of the endogenous GAPDH gene. Anaplasma spp. was detected in 92.1% of the cattle, with no significant association with sex, age group, breed, production system, or level of tick infestation. Positive cattle exhibited significantly lower hematocrit values compared to negative animals (p = 0.0087). These results represent the first report of molecular detection of Anaplasma spp. in cattle from the states of Pernambuco and Paraíba and suggest the presence of enzootic stability microregions in the Sertão and Agreste mesoregions of Northeast Brazil.
Giardiasis remains a globally prevalent neglected parasitic disease, and limitations associated with conventional therapies highlight the need for alternative and complementary strategies. In this context, microalgae biocompounds have emerged as promising sources of antiparasitic agents. This study aims to evaluate the in vitro preliminary screening activity (vital dye exclusion). Aqueous extracts of Arthrospira platensis obtained by different extraction methods, as well as the bioactivity of the product derived from in vitro digestion (PDV), aiming to assess the influence of extraction and digestive bioactivation on antiparasitic efficacy. Extracts were produced by magnetic stirring and sonication, followed by exposure of Giardia duodenalis cysts to increasing concentrations, with metronidazole used as a reference drug. The PDV was generated using a standardized simulated gastrointestinal digestion model. Sonicated extracts showed enhanced membrane damage compared to mechanically stirred extracts, consistent with improved release of intracellular bioactive compounds. The IC50 values for the sonicated, agitated, and PDV samples were, respectively: 95,4; 153.1 and 43.6 μg/mL. The PDV demonstrated activity across multiple concentrations and, under comparable conditions, outperformed metronidazole. These findings suggest that digestive processing may increase the bioaccessibility of active moieties responsible for antiparasitic effects. Overall, the results support A. platensis as a sustainable source of giardicidal biocompounds and highlight the relevance of physiologically relevant in vitro digestion models for predicting functional antiparasitic activity and guiding future translational research.
The Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) is an endangered and heavily trafficked primate. Illegal trade and repatriation of confiscated slow lorises into the wild may facilitate parasite exposure and spread. However, baseline information on its parasitic fauna remains extremely limited, particularly regarding nematode occurrence and distribution. During necropsies of two deceased individuals from northeastern Bangladesh, numerous live adult pinworms were recovered. We assessed morphological features and combined them with genetic data to identify the worms. Pinworms were identified as Lemuricola (Protenterobius) nycticebi based on morphological characteristics and mitochondrial cox1 gene sequences. Both infected hosts showed multiple gastrointestinal and peritoneal lesions together with a high-intensity helminth infection; however, a direct causal relationship between the parasites and the lesions could not be conclusively established. This finding represents the first confirmed record of L. nycticebi in the Bengal slow loris and documents its occurrence in Bangladesh, extending the parasite's known geographic range by approximately 3,400 km. Our findings reveal an overlooked parasitic threat to slow lorises and demonstrate that individuals rescued or confiscated from the illegal wildlife trade and forest-edge areas in Bangladesh may harbor high-intensity helminth infections that could pose potential health risks. These results underscore the need for systematic health assessments, including parasitic screening, prior to the release of rescued (confiscated) Bengal slow lorises into the wild.
Development of pyrethroid resistance in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) can lead to failure of ongoing vector control strategies and thereby, impede prevention of dengue transmission in urban regions of India. Therefore, its resistance status needs to be properly understood to prevent recurring dengue outbreaks in cities. The present study investigated cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP)-mediated pyrethroid resistance in this vector species from dengue endemic northern part of West Bengal, India. Larvae and pupae of wild Ae. aegypti populations were collected from urban regions of two districts (Siliguri town from Darjeeling and Raiganj from Uttar Dinajpur). Larval and adult bioassays were performed for two synthetic pyrethroids viz. deltamethrin and bifenthrin. Synergist assay with Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO), a CYP blocker, was conducted to understand the involvement of CYPs. Relative expression of four CYP9 family genes: CYP9J24, CYP9J26, CYP9J28 and CYP9J32 was also studied through Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) in larvae and adults. Larvae and adults of wild Ae. aegypti populations were found resistant for both pyrethroids. Pre-exposure to PBO restored susceptibility in both larvae and adults, indicates the involvement of CYPs in the observed resistance. Differential over-expression of the CYP9 family genes in larvae and adults strengthened association of CYPs with pyrethroid resistance of studied populations. A control strategy targeting CYPs can be effective in management of Ae. aegypti in this region. Moreover, use of synergists like CYP blockers can help in restoration of susceptibility to pyrethroids in wild Ae. aegypti populations of northern part of West Bengal.
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PURPOSE: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonotic disease caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.). Istanbul’s large stray dog population represents a significant risk for human CE transmission. However, prevalence and genotype studies about E. granulosus s.l. in dogs remain limited. This study aimed to determine the presence and genotypes of E. granulosus s.l. in stray dogs on the Anatolian side of Istanbul using microscopy, Copro-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Copro-ELISA), and molecular diagnostic methods. METHODS: Fecal samples (n = 110) were collected from stray dogs in seven districts. Samples were examined using modified formalin–ethyl acetate sedimentation (mFEAS). Coproantigens were detected using a commercial ELISA kit. Genomic DNA was extracted for PCR targeting the mitochondrial CO1 gene, and positive amplicons were sequenced and evaluated phylogenetically. RESULTS: Microscopy revealed Taeniid-type eggs in 2 samples (1.8%) and these were confirmed molecularly. Copro-ELISA detected 7 positive samples (6.4%); however, none of these were confirmed by molecular and microscopy. Sequencing analysis revealed E. granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) (G1 genotype) in 2 dogs from Sultanbeyli and Beykoz. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated both isolates clustered within the E. granulosus s.s. (G1–G3) clade. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first molecular confirmation of E. granulosus s.s. in stray dogs on Istanbul’s Anatolian side, showing active zoonotic transmission potential in this highly populated region. The discrepancy between Copro-ELISA and molecular/microscopic findings highlights the requirement for multi-methodological approach. Continuing prevalence studies and molecular surveillance within a One Health framework are essential to reduce the public health threat posed by CE.
The fish fauna of the basin of the Amazon River is one of most diverse of any region on Earth and hosts a parasite fauna that is poorly studied. One group of fish parasites is the Myxosporea, a class of the phylum Cnidaria, which are obligate endoparasites. The present study investigated myxozoans found in specimens of the Neotropical catfish Ageneiosus inermis collected in Marajó Bay, off Humaitá Beach. A total of 25 A. inermis specimens were captured and anaesthetised for necropsy, including the gallbladder, liver and muscle tissue, which were prepared for light microscopy, molecular biology and histology. Plasmodia and spores with morphology typical of the genus Ellipsomyxa were observed in the gallbladders of 14 of the individuals. The disporic plasmodia contain two mature spores measuring 6.6 μm × 4.0 μm, on average, with subterminal polar capsules. The analysis of a partial sequence of the 18 S rDNA gene, together with the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the specimens, supported conclusively the description of a new species of the genus Ellipsomyxa. This is the first record of a species of this genus parasitising A. inermis. This represents the first record of a species of this genus parasitizing A. inermis and describes a new taxon.
Microplastics (MPs) serve as carriers of toxic compounds, which affects the resistance and susceptibility of fish to acquiring high parasitic infections and diseases. Moreover, the additive effect of MPs and parasites may cause a greater impact on host immunity and health. Despite the importance of the interaction between MPs and parasitic infections in aquatic organisms, these studies are scarce. We collected a total of 69 L. laevigatus and 21 S. spengleri from Seybaplaya, Campeche, México, and 20 µl of blood was obtained from each fish for their blood differential. The parasites recovered from each fish were fixed and identified, and the infection parameters were calculated. MPs were identified and classified, then were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and OMNIC software. The data set was analyzed by generalized additive models of location, scale, and shape (GAMLSS). Through generalized additive model analysis, we observed a quantitative effect on parasite infection in wild puffer fish associated with MPs, with alteration in the different hematological line cells (ED 78%, p < 0.05). We observed significant interaction among the infection levels, the differential blood cells, and MPs. That had a scalar impact of different magnitudes on both fish and human health. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of MPs on parasitic infections of species considered an economically important resource, such as L. laevigatus and S. spengleri of the Campeche Coast and the Gulf of Mexico.
Dermoergasilus planilizai sp. nov. is described from the gills of the abu mullet Planiliza abu (Heckel), the only freshwater member of the Mugilidae occurring in the Mesopotamian region. Specimens were collected from the Al-Gharraf River, southern Iraq. The new species is distinguished from its closest congener, Dermoergasilus varicoleus [13]; by the following combination of characters: (i) setae on caudal rami distinctly longer than the digitiform process (vs. shorter); (ii) terminal spines on endopod of leg 1 strongly curved (vs. straight); and (iii) free segment of leg 5 approximately three times longer than the basal segment (vs. twice as long). (iv) Further separation is supported by antennal proportions; the second and third endopodal segments together of the antenna equal to 41.6% in D. planilizai sp. nov. (vs. 60% in D. varicoleus).
The aim of this study was to describe the occurrence and phylogenetic diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in small mammals from the Emilia-Romagna region, northern Italy, and to assess their genetic relationships with previously described lineages. Tissue samples (spleen and ear) from wild animals belonging to eight small mammal species were examined. Molecular screening was performed using PCR targeting the 18 S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. Positive amplicons were sequenced and analyzed using phylogenetic methods to determine their taxonomic placement, and one positive fresh sample was additionally subjected to histopathological characterization. Hepatozoon DNA was detected in two rodent species, the brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the European edible dormouse (Glis glis). Sequences showed high identity (98.9-100%) with Hepatozoon sp. previously reported in rodents from Spain and Tanzania, and 98.32-98.9% identity with Hepatozoon ophisauri. Phylogenetic analysis placed the sequences from R. norvegicus within a rodent-associated clade, whereas those from G. glis formed a distinct lineage related to Hepatozoon detected in a great gerbil. Histopathological analysis in a European edible dormouse revealed multifocal pulmonary granulomatous inflammatory lesions associated with intracytoplasmic parasitic zoites and developmental stages consistent with type I and type II meronts. This study provides molecular evidence of distinct Hepatozoon lineages in European rodents, potentially representing undescribed taxa, and highlights the need for integrative studies combining molecular, morphological, and ecological data.
Examine validity of records of Astiotrema impletum (Looss, 1899) Looss, 1900 which exhibit a taxonomically confused status due to their wide distribution across two continents (Africa and Asia) of ecologically non-connected and differing ecosystems possessing a diverse group of non-taxonomically/ecologically related hosts. For addressing such an ambiguous situation, detailed morphological re-descriptions, molecular characterization, and species delimitation analyses were conducted using comparative morphology, discriminant multivariate analyses, and host-parasite data. The combined results of hierarchical agglomerative clustering, principal component, and linear discriminant analyses demonstrated morphometrical divergence between African and Asian records, revealed as two distinct, non-overlapping clusters consistent with their geographical separation. The primary drivers of the two groups' separation revolved around morphometric features linked to oral/ventral sucker proportions and egg size. Comparative morphology characterized Asian records from African ones by the cecal ends not exceeding the mid-level of the posterior testis, smaller eggs (20-34 μm), and curvilinear triangular testes in an obliquely tandem position. Our findings restrict the concept of A. impletum to include records from the African freshwater tetraodontid fish, the globe fish, Tetraodon lineatus Linnaeus. Astiotrema varanum (Verma, 1930) Mukherjee & Ghosh, 1970 (Syns. Astiotrema matthaii Gupta, 1954 n. syn.; Astiotrema sudarshani Mukherjee & Ghosh, 1970; Astiotrema varanusi Gupta & Jahan, 1979; Tremiorchis varanum Verma, 1930) is resurrected to provisionally include Asian records. Comprehensive sequence sampling of Astiotrema spp. and related genera are needed for demonstrating accurate internal relationships within the Astiotrematinae Baer, 1924. A key to taxa of Astiotrema Looss, 1900 is amended.
Canine filariasis and babesiosis are serious vector-borne diseases, often undetected in asymptomatic dogs. This hidden prevalence complicates disease control, as subclinical carriers may continue transmission. This study determined the prevalence of asymptomatic infections and explored potential links between breed types. Blood samples were collected from dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital for illnesses, vaccination, sterilization, and regular health check-ups. Babesia and filarial worms were morphologically identified through Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and Modified Knott's Technique, respectively. Infections were confirmed using conventional PCR, targeting the 18S rRNA gene for babesiosis and the 5.8S-ITS2-28S region for filariasis, following bi-directional sequencing. The prevalence and infection intensity were compared among gender, age, and breed of dogs. Among the 160 dogs tested, 35.0% and 16.3% were positive for infections of Babesia and Dirofilaria, respectively, of which 88.0% showed no clinical signs. A higher prevalence of Babesia infection was observed in crossbred (51%) than purebred dogs (26%; Chi square test, χ2 = 10.318, p = 0.001), as well as with filaria infection (crossbred 42%; purebred 1%; χ2 = 46.866, p < 0.05). The intensity of Dirofilaria infection (2.14 ± 5.71) was higher in crossbred dogs than purebred dogs (0.03 ± 0.30; Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.001). Sequencing of the amplified products confirmed the presence of Babesia gibsoni and Dirofilaria repens. Asymptomatic cases of filariasis and babesiosis among dogs reveal a persistent clinical burden, with crossbred dogs acting as subclinical reservoirs. This silent transmission complicates early detection and facilitates continued spread within the domestic canine population. This highlights the importance of routine screening across all breeds to introduce preventive and control measures to curb disease persistence.
INTRODUCTION: To explore the distribution characteristics of sympathetic and vagal nerves in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE). By analyzing pathological specimens from patients, we focused on the differential distribution of nerves in lesions, perilesional zones, and normal liver tissues and revealed their correlation with clinical local staging, hepatic fibrosis and regenerative processes. METHODS: Pathological specimens from 74 patients diagnosed with hepatic AE were analyzed. The differential distribution of sympathetic and vagal nerves was examined in three distinct tissue regions: the central lesion, the perilesional zone, and distal normal liver tissue. The correlation between the percentage of sympathetic nerve positivity and clinical local stage, fibrosis, and cell proliferation was statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a marked hyperplasia of sympathetic nerves specifically within the lesion and the perilesional zone, whereas no significant changes were observed in the normal liver tissues. The distribution of vagal nerves showed no significant variation across all regions. The density of sympathetic nerves demonstrated a positive correlation with the clinical local staging of the disease. Histopathological examination confirmed multiple round lesions with fibrous encapsulation and prominent inflammatory cell infiltration in the perilesional zone. Furthermore, sympathetic nerve hyperplasia was significantly correlated with the degree of fibrosis in both the lesion and perilesional zone. The density of sympathetic nerves in the perilesional zone was also positively associated with local inflammatory cell proliferation. CONCLUSION: Sympathetic nerves, but not vagal nerves, exhibit significant hyperplasia within and around hepatic AE lesions. The density of these sympathetic nerves is strongly correlated with disease progression, the extent of fibrosis, and local cellular proliferation. These findings suggest that sympathetic nerves may play a key role in the pathological remodeling and progression of hepatic AE.