Now, numerous synthetic medications are available for managing giardiasis, such as metronidazole, furazolidone, and tinidazole. These pharmaceuticals are associated with various adverse effects. The present experimental investigation aims to assess the in vitro and in vivo effects of silver nanoparticles (SNP) synthesized Astragalus baba-alliar extract against Giardia lamblia. The precipitation technique was utilized for the eco-friendly synthesis of SNP by reducing silver ions. An in vitro study was conducted on G. lamblia cysts and trophozoites following exposure to varying concentrations of SNP (10-200 µg/mL) for durations ranging from 10 to 360 min. The impact of SNP on trophozoite plasma membrane integrity and its cytotoxic effects on both normal and colon cancer cells were evaluated. In the subsequent in vivo experiment, BALB/c mice infected with Giardia were administered SNP at doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg/day for a duration of one week. Stool examinations were conducted on the 8th day post-infection to assess the presence of Giardia cysts and determine the reduction rate. The study found that the size of synthesized SNP ranged from 10 to 90 nm, with the highest concentration of particles falling within the 35-45 nm range. The administration of SNP significantly elevated the mortality rate of G. lamblia cysts in a dose-dependent manner. Specifically, at concentrations of 100 and 200 μg/mL, SNP effectively eradicated G. lamblia cysts after 120 and 240 h, respectively. In an in vivo setting, the treatment of infected mice with SNP at doses of 10, 15, and 20 mg/kg likewise led to a dose-dependent reduction in the viability of G. lamblia cysts. Exposing G. lamblia trophozoites to SNP led to a dose-dependent elevation in the permeability of trophozoite plasma membranes. The 50% cytotoxic concentrations (CC50) values of SNP for colon cancer and normal cell lines were measured at 361.7 μg/mL and 769.9 μg/mL, respectively. The calculated selectivity index value, which exceeds 2 (2.13), suggests that the SNP demonstrates a higher safety profile for normal cells compared to cancer cells. The experimental investigation demonstrated that SNP produced using A. baba-alliar exhibited significant anti-Giardia activity both in laboratory settings (in vitro) and in living organisms (in vivo), suggesting its potential as a treatment for Giardia infections. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of action and thoroughly evaluate the toxicity profile of this type of SNP.
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoans of the genus Plasmodium. Malaria control efforts on a global scale are in danger due to the emergence and spread of drug-resistant malaria. Despite stakeholders' dedication to the prevention and treatment of malaria, the current state of global health does not offer an effective answer to the issue of drug resistance. Furthermore, there is an information gap about the molecular mechanisms of Plasmodium falciparum's drug resistance, which makes it difficult to develop monitoring systems. Most countries lack adequate and comprehensive information on antimalarial drug efficacy. Plasmodium falciparum has developed resistance to almost all anti-malarial drugs, which poses a significant danger to malaria control worldwide. The fundamental mechanism of artemisinin resistance is due to point mutations in the beta-propeller domain of the gene encoding Kelch protein 13. Atovaquone resistance can be caused by a variety of mutations in the cytochrome b gene, with the majority of mutations affecting the protein's ubiquinol binding site. Similarly, mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter, Plasmodium falciparum multi-drug resistance 1, and an increase in Plasmodium falciparum Plasmepsin II and III copy numbers all lead to 4-aminoquinoline drug resistance. Also, the number of amino acid substitutions in dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase is correlated with the degree of antifolate drug resistance. Moreover, amino alcohol drug resistance is caused by Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1 and Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H + exchanger 1 mutations. In general, Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine resistance transporter, Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance protein 1, Plasmodium falciparum Na+/H + exchanger 1, plasmepsin II & III, cytochrome b gene, dihydrofolate reductase, Plasmodium falciparum ATPases 6, Plasmodium falciparum Kelch protein 13, and dihydropteroate synthase were just the molecular markers of drug resistance of Plasmodium falciparum. Future research on the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in P. falciparum should focus on significant area including using transcriptomic and genomic technologies to identify genetic variations associated with resistance. Finding the protein interactions that underlie these resistance mechanisms requires proteomic research. Additionally, the possibility of resistance development may be decreased by investigating combination therapies that target several phases of the P. falciparum lifecycle. In order to successfully address drug resistance in malaria, it will be essential to strengthen worldwide monitoring systems and promote interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers and healthcare professionals. Furthermore, regular monitoring, identification, and limiting of drug-resistant P. falciparum strains through in vivo efficacy tests, in vitro tests, combination therapy, molecular techniques, and appropriate policies must continue to ensure the effectiveness of malaria treatment.
Even though the extreme cold is detrimental to the development and survival of gastrointestinal nematodes, Nematodirus is an important genus in terms of disease and production loss, as it requires a chilling temperature for its development. This is the first cross-sectional study that was carried out to investigate the larval morphology, prevalence, and intensity of infection, and the associated risk factors of Nematodirus spp. in sheep kept under the traditional husbandry system in the district Kargil, a Trans-Himalayan region of India, from March 2021 to February 2023. A total of 814 faecal samples (Year 1- 404; Year 2- 410) were examined. The morphology and micrometry study of eggs was conducted for the prevalence, while the parasite burden was determined using the modified McMaster technique. A larval morphology and micrometry study was conducted to identify species.Larval culture reports revealed that the differential larval count of Nematodirus spp. were 2.89% in year 1 and 2.6% in year 2 with a range of (0-8%) and (0-10%) respectively. The mean level of infection was recorded below 80 eggs per gram [EPG]. An overall 42.5% in year 1 and 40% in year 2 were found to be infected with Nematodirus spp. Season, sex, age, and breed were found to be relevant major risk factors that influenced the prevalence of parasites. The prevalence of Nematodirus spp. was significantly (p < 0.05) associated with seasons, age groups, and different breeds but not with gender (sex) (p > 0.05). Thus, it may be concluded that the purpose of the current study is not only to assess the widespreadness of infection but also to monitor and forecast future outbreaks of this important genus. The morphology study based on egg, larvae revealed that the Nematodirus spp. inhabited in the sheep raised in Kargil Ladakh, India. Larval culture findings revealed the two species of Nematodirus, Nematodirus spathiger and Nematodirus filicollis. Overall: Nematodirus spp. was found 42.5% in year 1 and 40% in year 2.The mean level of infection was recorded below 80 eggs per gram (EPG). Maximum incidence of infection found in spring and minimum in summer.Season, sex, age and breed are the various risk factors that influence the prevalence of Nematodirus spp. in sheep of Kargil Ladakh.
In Ethiopia, livestock are an integral part of farming systems, and importance sources of high quality protein (meat, milk and eggs) as well as they are contributing to the economic welfare of the people. Bovine trypanosomosis is a parasitic disease causing serious economic impact on livestock productivity and agricultural development. A repeated cross-sectional design was employed to estimate the seasonal prevalence of trypanosome infection and to assess Glossina spp. apparent density in Zala district, Gofa zone. A total of 560 cattle (280 in each season) were examined for trypanosome by using buffy coat technique. For the entomological survey, 80 NGU traps, odour-baited with acetone, were deployed in watering and grazing areas that is where the animals and vector are believed to have frequent contact. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in cattle was 7.0% (95% CI = 5.1-9.4). The dry and wet season trypanosome infection were 4.3% (95% CI = 2.4-7.4) and 9.6% (95% CI = 6.7-13.7), respectively. The prevalence of cattle trypanosome infection was significantly higher during wet season (OR = 2.38, p < 0.05), in black and black-spotted coat color (OR = 4.61, p < 0.05) and poor body conditioned (OR = 4.55, p < 0.05) animals. Both in dry and wet seasons two species of Trypanosoma were circulating in the area: Trypanosoma congolense (87.2%) and Trypanosoma vivax (12.8%). The mean PCV value of infected cattle (20.89 ± 4.04) was significantly lower than in non-infected animals (22.9 ± 6.32%). A total of 564 flies were caught, and 56.9% was Glossina spp. and 43.1% was other biting flies. Glossina pallidipes was the only species observed, and moreover, two other genera of biting fly (i.e. Stomoxys spp. and Tabanus spp.). The overall apparent density of Glossina pallidipes was 1.38 F/T/D, and it was 1.78 F/T/D and 0.99 F/T/D, in wet and dry season, respectively. The observed prevalence of trypanosome infection, and Glossina pallidipes apparent density could be a potential threat to animal health and productivity. So, the recorded prevalence was high, and it suggests that the need for the development of strategy for vector and the parasites control.
Under-five children and women of reproductive age in developing countries face a high risk of morbidity from intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs). Maternal IPIs may increase the risk of infection of their children. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among mothers and their under-five children at Haro Health Center, Southwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study involving under-five children and their mothers was conducted in Haro Health Center between March and June 2019. Socio-demographic data and factors associated with IPIs were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Stool samples from both the children and their mothers were examined for intestinal parasites using direct wet-mount microscopy and formol-ether concentration technique. Data were analyzed using STATA_MP version 12 (Stata Corp., TX, USA). A total of 209 mother-child pairs participated in the study. Intestinal parasitic infections were detected in 22% (46/209) of the mothers and 19.1% (40/209) of the children. Overall, Ascaris lumbricoides and Giardia lamblia were the predominant intestinal parasites recorded. Significant factors associated with maternal IPIs included source of drinking water (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.8, 95% CI 1.0-28.3), bathing in the river (AOR = 7.2, 95% CI 2.6-20.0) and having untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 28.0, 95% CI 7.5-105). Among the children, IPIs were significantly associated with having untrimmed fingernails (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI 1.0-6.5) and experiencing diarrhea in the two weeks prior to the survey (AOR = 9.4, 95% CI 2.2-40). In this study, untrimmed fingernails were a predisposing factor for IPIs in both the children and their mothers. There is a need to improve personal hygiene and enhance the quality of drinking water for the local population.
Due to the scarcity of data on the sero-positivity of anti-T. gondii & anti-N. caninum antibodies and the worldwide importance of these protozoans in the Republic of Egypt, our research aimed to discover the sero-prevalence of T. gondii & N. caninum in buffaloes & cows from some Delta of Egypt provinces. Both IgG & IgM against these protozoans were detected using specific recombinant surface Ag 2 of T. gondii (TgSAG2) & surface Ag 1 of N. caninum (NcSAG1) based ELISA. The overall sero-positivity of anti-N. caninum in cows from Gharbia, Beheira and Menoufia provinces were (22.19% for IgM) and (38.13% for IgG), respectively. While sero-positivity of anti-T. gondii in cows from the same examined provinces were (16.88% for IgM) and (31.88% for IgG), respectively. In buffaloes, the overall sero-positivity of anti- Neosporoa caninum from Gharbia, Damietta and Menoufia provinces were (6.82% for IgM) and (15.45% for IgG), respectively. While the total sero-positivity of anti-T. gondii in buffaloes from the Gharbia, Damietta and Menoufia provinces were (7.27%for IgM) and (16.82% for IgG), respectively. The rates of mixed infections were 16.56% in cattle & 9.09% in buffaloes. This study showed significant differences regarding the age; gender & season in cattle while in buffaloes significant changes were demonstrated regarding the age & season. In conclusion, toxoplasmosis and neosporosis are prevalent in cattle and buffaloes in the studied Provinces of the Delta of Egypt. In turn, these infections will represent a possible contaminated source for human infection and could affect the livestock industry development in Egypt. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01858-4.
Diarrhoeal diseases and intestinal helminth infections remain significant public health concerns, particularly in rural areas with poor hygiene conditions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between diarrhoeal diseases and intestinal parasitic infections. In November 2017, a cross-sectional parasitological survey was conducted in thirteen (13) localities within the Taabo sub-prefecture, which hosts a Health and Demographic Surveillance System. Study participants were requested to provide stool sample, which were subsequently examined macroscopically for diarrhoea and microscopically for intestinal parasitic infections. A total of 690 participants were included in this study. The prevalence of diarrhoeal disease was 15.9% (110/690). In addition, stool analysis using Kato-Katz method revealed infection prevalence of 15.5% for Ancylostoma spp., 3.2% for Trichuris trichiura and 0.1% for both Ascaris lumbricoides and Schistosoma mansoni. Among these parasite species, a statistically significant association was observed between cases of diarrhoea and T. trichiura (χ2 = 6.443; P = 0.011). The findings indicate a relatively high prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases and hookworm infestation in the Taabo sub-prefecture. However, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was notably lower than reported in previous studies. These results highlight the need for integrated intervention strategies including Mass Drug Administration (MDA), Oral Hydration Salt (ORS), Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Community Health Education (CHE) for effective and efficient control of these diseases to alleviate their burden among vulnerable groups.
In the present study 32 wild elephants across different forest ranges of the Nilgiris were screened for the presence of flukes during necropsy from December 2023 to November 2024, out of which only one elephant was found to be infected with flukes. The occurrence of Fasciola jacksoni flukes in liver and Pseudodiscus collinsi flukes in the caecum and colon of a Thirty five year old, free ranging male elephant (Elephas maximus) is reported. The infected elephant harboured a total of 22 numbers of F. jacksoni in the liver and 487 numbers of P. collinsi flukes in the caecum and colon. Morphologically F. jacksoni flukes were flat with ill-defined cephalic end armed with numerous minute dermal spines at both dorsal and ventral surfaces. Oral sucker was terminal and small whereas ventral sucker was large and well forward. Intestinal caeca were branched occupying nearly the whole extent of the body internally. Body of P. collinsi flukes were tapering anteriorly and rounded posteriorly with oral pouches and wavy intestinal caeca. The testes were deeply lobed, placed side by side and ovary was single, posterior to testes. The ventral sucker was subterminal. Liver of the elephant infected with F. jacksoni was enlarged, congested, hemorrhagic and bile tracts were filled with a dark yellowish deposition with numerous immature and mature flukes present inside the liver. Though numerous P. collinsi flukes were found in the caecum and colon, no pathological lesions were appreciable. The present observations on coinfection of Fasciola jacksoni and Pseudodiscus collinsi in a free ranging wild elephant seems to be the first report of its kind and will be important to map the status of fluke infections in wild elephants and to frame control strategies.
Malnutrition and intestinal parasitic infections are among the major public health concerns linked with increased risk of morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections in malnourished children admitted in Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital and Maternal and Child Health Hospital in the Kumasi Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a total of 150 malnourished children who were selected using the simple purposive sampling technique. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites. Stool samples were collected and examined using the formol ether sedimentation technique. A generalized linear model (GLM) was employed to assess the impact of age, sex, and various other risk factors on the likelihood of intestinal parasite infection in malnourished children. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 55.3%. The protozoan parasites identified included Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba sp. while helminths identified were Ascaris lumbricoides, Strongyloides stercoralis, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm. Strongyloides stercoralis (25.3%) was the most prevalent. The prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections was significantly related to age categories 1 to 2 years, 2 to 3 and 4 to 5 years old, rural residence, divorced marital status, and use of alcohol-based sanitizer. This study revealed that intestinal parasitic infections were prevalent among malnourished children in the study area. Soil-transmitted helminths had a higher prevalence in the children compared to protozoan infections. Marital status, residence, age and the use of hand sanitizer had a significant association with intestinal parasitic infections.
Ascariasis is a disease caused by Ascaris lumbricoides and the most common soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infection worldwide, with over 807 to 1.2 billion reported cases. Ascariasis remains prevalent in the Philippines, a tropical and developing country, and is a major problem among school children. In Luzon Island alone, the biggest island of the archipelago, cases of Ascariasis remain to be a known prevalent yet localized risk map of its distribution among marginalized provinces in the country is still neglected. Therefore, the first base map that considered the potentialities of Ascariasis distribution in Cavite province was established using ArcMap software version 10.8.2. Meanwhile, the bioclimatic, soil, and elevation variables in the modeling of the disease employ the free software package Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt); Bayesian geostatistical models predicted that the highest prevalence of Ascariasis is in Cavite. Primary data on the prevalence of Ascariasis were collected from the 22 cities and municipalities of Cavite. The results showed a relatively moderate AUC value of 0.654 which also points to the city of Bacoor in Cavite as having the greatest risk of prevalence. Predictive maps generated in this study call out public health mitigation of the STH disease.
The present paper reports fundamental aspects of host-parasite interaction between a cymothoid isopod, Norileca indica (Milne Edwards, 1840), and the fish Indian Mackerel Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1816). N. indica is recovered from the branchial cavity of the host fish R. kanagurta. The appendages like pereopods and the mouth part of N. indica exhibit morphological adaptation for the parasitic mode of life. The parasitic mode of feeding in N. indica was confirmed by amplifying DNA from its gut contents, which matched the tissue of the host fish (R. kanangurta). The effect on the host fish includes a reduction in the length and weight of the host fish. The continuous lodging of the parasite inside the gill chamber causes the degeneration of the gill filaments of the host fish. Further, the mucus protease activity was higher in infected fish when compared to uninfected fish. Overall, this paper tries to address the effect of cymothoid parasitism on marine fishes.
Ticks (Acari: Ixodoidea) are obligatory ectoparasites that pose a significant threat to livestock due to their hematophagous feeding habits and their role in the transmission of numerous diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tick infection in cattle and buffaloes in Punjab, Pakistan's Sheikhupura District and to analyze livestock farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about tick control. From April to September 2021, 534 cattle and buffaloes were analyzed in addition to conducting structured interviews with farm owners. Results of this study demonstrate that Sheikhupura has a comparatively low prevalence of tick infestation as compared to other areas of the country. There was no statistically significant difference in tick infestation between buffaloes (20.28%) and cattle (22.18%), suggesting that both species are equally susceptible. However, statistically significant differences were observed in the seasonal distribution of ticks, with a marked increase in infestation during the summer months (July-August; p < 0.05), indicating a strong influence of climatic conditions. Moreover, significant breed-specific differences were noted (p < 0.05), as hybrid buffaloes and Desi cattle exhibited higher infestation rates compared to indigenous breeds, suggesting that genetic and management factors may play a crucial role in host susceptibility. Additionally, geographically distinct variations in tick prevalence among tehsils were statistically significant (p < 0.05), underscoring the impact of localized environmental conditions on tick distribution. The widespread behavior of manually removing ticks (95.88%), which multiplies the risk of disease transmission, indicates that even though 91.02% of farmers questioned were aware of ticks, this awareness was not translated into effective control measures. There are still gaps in effective tick control, even though 58.80% of respondents claimed they used anti-tick medications. The unsafe tick removal techniques draw attention to the necessity of educational initiatives that encourage safer handling techniques. Future control initiatives in Pakistan's endemic areas might benefit from the important insights this study offers about the dynamics of tick infestations and livestock management techniques.
Previous studies revealed a systematic misunderstanding on the nomenclature of Rhadinorhynchus niloticus, where two different species shared the same scientific name: R. niloticus Meyer, 1932 and R. niloticus Mohamadain, 1989. Rhadinorhynchus sp. of the present study were collected from the intestine of Lates niloticus (Linnaeus) in Egypt, and examined using scanning electron microscopy and ITS Ribosomal RNA analysis. The results revealed specific characteristics concerning the number and arrangement of proboscis hooks, body spination in the adult and, for the first time, in the juvenile. The findings of the present parasite were compared with the previously described related species including Tenuisentis niloticus (Meyer 1932) (previously identified as R. niloticus Meyer, 1932). The presence of trunk spines, specific proboscis hooks number, double-walled proboscis receptacle, leminci shorter than receptacle, tubular cement glands and egg shape definitively exclude our specimen from being T. niloticus, as this genus has different characters. Moreover, the results obtained from the molecular analysis confirmed the genetic difference. Further studies are needed to verify if the present specimen is a new species. A single worm has been found hyperparasitized by clusters of rod-shaped bacteria attaching to the tegument; this may be considered as the first record of bacterial hyperparasitism and their associated pathology on Acanthocephala. Granulomatous lesions and some necrosis associated with tegumental disintegration have been encountered. Future collaborative research is suggested that leads to the potential use of bacteria as a means of biological control to Acanthocephalan infections.
Sheep and goats are significant livestock in Egypt economy; however, there is still a lack of published data investigating piroplasm infections, particularly in goats. Blood samples were collected from 182 apparently healthy goats from herds in Aswan (n = 100) and Assiut (n = 82) governorates in Upper Egypt. Microscopic examination of thin blood smears stained with Giemsa revealed 33 positives for piroplasm infection (18.13%). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the location, Assiut compared to Aswan governorate (P ≤ 0.001), was the significant risk factor for infection. Additionally, tick infestations were also identified as a risk factor for infection (p < 0.05) according to the multivariate logistic regression model. Twenty microscopic positive samples were shown to be positive for T. ovis using 18S rRNA-PCR assay, but none of them tested positive for B. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Nucleotide sequencing of five isolates out of the twenty confirmed T. ovis infection. Currently, there is no available information on the level of genetic diversity among T. ovis populations, and all isolates have been sequenced using the 18S rRNA gene. A total of 445 GenBank published T. ovis 18S rRNA nucleotide sequences were collected including this study isolate and subjected to various genetic analyses. The isolates were clustered into 37 haplotypes with low haplotype and nucleotide diversity, and high sequence conservation. A major haplotype was identified, and dominated across all sampled hosts and countries. Additionally, comparisons of T. ovis populations across different hosts and geographical regions showed limited genetic differentiation and strong gene flow. This data suggests that the analysed region of the 18S rRNA gene is highly conserved. Identification and sequence analysis of polymorphic markers could be useful for understanding the infection dynamics and evolutionary relationships among Theileria spp. infecting small ruminants. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01819-x.
The aim of this study was to estimate both the number and annual incidences of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in Algeria over a ten-year period (2010-2019). A retrospective study was conducted using data from all clinically officially notified cases reported between 2010 and 2019. These cases were obtained from the annual reports of the National Institute of Public Health, Algeria. The study showed that 93,838 cases of human cutaneous leishmaniasis were recorded in Algeria. M'Sila reported the highest number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases during this period (28,836), followed by Biskra (20,549). In contrast, the lowest numbers of cases were registered in Mostaganem (2). Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases were recorded in all 48 provinces of Algeria. The highest number of cutaneous leishmaniasis cases was recorded in 2010, totaling 21,052. However, the lowest number of cases was reported in 2012, with only 57 cases. The peak annual incidence rate, 59.77 per 100,000 humans was recorded in 2010. In the same year, Biskra had the highest annual incidence rate of human cutaneous leishmaniasis (817.17). Conversely, the lowest annual incidence rate was recorded in 2012, at 0.16 per 100,000 humans. In 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2014, Biskra registered the highest annual incidence rates, with 817.17, 540.99, 289.65, and 141.39 per 100,000 humans, respectively. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in many provinces of Algeria. To our knowledge, this is the first retrospective study of cutaneous leishmaniasis covering all 48 provinces of Algeria during the period 2010-2019.
Malaria is a female anopheles mosquito-borne parasitic disease caused by Plasmodium sp. The life cycle of Plasmodium begins with the entry of the sporozoites into a healthy human through the bite of an infected mosquito. These sporozoites synthesize circumsporozoite protein (CSP) which interacts with the host heparin sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) receptors of hepatocytes facilitating their entry. The sporozoites start developing very fast and release thousands of Merozoites which then attack red blood corpuscles (RBCs). The merozoites have a very characteristic fibrillar coat of merozoite surface protein (MSP) protein which interacts with the Erythrocytic surface and undergoes proteolytic cleavage during invasion. The merozoites feed Hb of RBC and release free heme which is very toxic for the parasite. So, it undergoes detoxification of heme and forms hemozoin granules. Malaria treatment nowadays is concerned with one of the CSP inhibitor vaccines marketed is RTS, S (Repeats, T-cell epitopes, and Surface antigen, referring to the components used in its development) which is produced by 'T' cell epitope recombinant of CSP. It prevents the entry of sporozoite into hepatocytes by fusing the CSP with recombinant RTS, S protein Surface other antimalarial drugs that target the Erythrocytic stage are Quinine, Chloroquine, Amodiaquine, Mefloquine, Hydroxyethylamines. These either prevent the detoxification or invasion inside RBC or kill the parasite. Several combinations antimalarial chemotheraputics like ELQ300, MMV019066 are also used for the full reduction of parasite from the body.
A 1.5-year-old female Spitz dog was presented with a sudden onset of inappetence, weakness, anemia, and hemoglobinuria persisting for two days. The dog had a prior history of tick infestation. A thorough physical examination revealed pyrexia, lymphadenopathy, pale conjunctival and gingival mucous membranes, and a normal capillary refill time. Microscopic analysis of a Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smear identified the presence of Babesia gibsoni, which was further confirmed through PCR. Hematological analysis revealed severe anemia, neutropenia, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis, and thrombocytopenia. Serum biochemistry indicated significant hypoglycemia, hypoproteinemia, and hypoalbuminemia. Serum oxidant-antioxidant parameters revealed a marked increase in the level of oxidant and a decreased level of antioxidants. Genetic characterization based on the 18S rRNA gene fragment demonstrated complete sequence identity with B. gibsoni strains from Asia, Europe, and North America. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate (PQ143276) was most closely related to B. gibsoni strains from Sri Lanka and Spain, following a distinct geographical pattern. The therapy included a combination of oral metronidazole, doxycycline, and clindamycin which resulted in a favourable response. The dog regained appetite and vigor by the 10th day post-treatment. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is one of the few documented reports from Tripura that provides a comprehensive analysis of genetic characterization, phylogenetics, hemato-biochemical findings, and serum oxidant-antioxidant status of the infection, while also contributing to the understanding of its evolutionary relationships within the Babesia genus.
Intestinal parasites are known to cause changes in blood count parameters and immunological markers among various populations. Prison inmates often have poor living conditions and limited access to healthcare, thus infections with intestinal parasites could negatively impact on their overall health and wellbeing. This study assessed the effects of intestinal parasitic infections on the haemato-immunological profile of prison inmates in Southern Ghana. A cross-sectional study using stratified sampling technique was conducted among 347 male prison inmates in three major prisons in Southern Ghana, with 44 from Ho Central prison, 257 from Nsawam Medium Security prison and 46 from Sekondi Central prison. Stool samples obtained from inmates were first concentrated using formol-ether, then stained with the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique to determine the presence of intestinal parasites. Additionally, venous blood was drawn into EDTA tubes from each participant and analysed for full blood count parameters using an automated haematology analyser, SYSMEX XN-550. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined by ELISA. The predominant intestinal parasites identified in the study were Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica which accounted for 46.6% and 18.5% of all infections identified. Compared to uninfected individuals, there was a positive relationship between intestinal parasitic infection and total white blood cell count (5.38 (3.60) vs. 4.40 (2.41) 109/L; p = 0.022), eosinophils (0.30(0.51) vs. 0.25(0.34) 109/L; p = 0.028) and basophil (0.05(0.04) vs. 0.04(0.02) 109/L; p = 0.044) respectively. In addition, IgE (p < 0.001) and IL-10 (p = 0.008) levels were significantly higher among infected inmates. After adjusting for confounders, total white blood cell count (p = 0.003) and eosinophil count (p = 0.032) were associated with intestinal parasitic infection status. Intestinal parasitic infection was associated with leukocytosis and eosinophilia as well as elevated IgE and IL-10 levels among prison inmates. Future trials should evaluate the impact of regular deworming and nutritional supplementation on haematological and immunological outcomes.
Malaria is a major public health problem, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and other developing countries, where majority of malaria cases and deaths occur. This study developed a machine learning (ML) model to accurately diagnose malaria in rural communities in Nigeria, based on patients' symptoms and other clinical information, using low-cost and readily available diagnostic tools. The model was trained on a 2020 Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys Program Geospatial Covariate datasets containing clinical information of patients in Nigeria. ML approaches were preferred over traditional statistical methods due to their ability to handle high-dimensional, non-linear relationships and interactions among a diverse set of variables. Regression based-algorithms were used to identify and predict patterns as a continuous outcome allowing finer-grained spatial and demographic insights than binary classification would predict. The models underwent rigorous validation using cross validation and holdout testing to assess generalizability and minimize overfitting. The closeness of the predicted malaria incidence scores and the experimental scores indicates the robustness of the ML model. The coefficient determination scores of random forest regressor (RFR), multiple linear regression, and ridge models were 0.9937, 0.9916, and 0.9924 respectively for the test set. This demonstrates the competence of the models' prediction abilities. The RFR model's learning curve results showed a recurring pattern. The model's performance on the test dataset consistently improved as the volume of data increased. By shifting from reactive diagnostics to proactive risk prediction, health authorities can more effectively allocate resources, improve intervention timing, and reach underserved rural communities with precision. The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-025-01880-6.
Demodex mites, particularly Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis, are common ectoparasites residing in human pilosebaceous units, often implicated in dermatological and ocular conditions such as rosacea, blepharitis, and demodicosis. Conventional treatments include topical acaricides such as ivermectin, permethrin, and metronidazole; however, these agents may be associated with limited efficacy, resistance, and adverse effects. Consequently, there has been growing scientific interest in exploring alternative therapies derived from natural sources, particularly essential oils and herbal extracts with known acaricidal, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. The goal of this review was to investigate the effects of herbal extracts and essential oils on Demodex spp. Mites in skin and hair, as well as how these parasites operate and what impact they have on people's health. Demodex parasites are small arthropods that reside on the outer surface of the skin and often have no specific clinical symptoms. The main cause of disease in humans is two types of Demodex mites, Demodex folliculorum and brevis. Currently, chemical drugs that target Demodex usually have side effects and low efficacy. However, research has shown that plant extracts and essential oils such as tea tree oil have acceptable effects on the treatment of Demodex parasites and have fewer side effects. Therefore, applying these techniques may be a more suitable choice for treating demodicosis.