Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite that can infect humans and animals, through various transmission routes, causing toxoplasmosis. The infection can pose severe complications in immunocompromised individuals and pregnant women, as well as may lead to ocular and neurological disorders in some cases. The global prevalence of T. gondii infection varies depending on geographical, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. In Armenia, our understanding of T. gondii infection epidemiology remains limited, with scarce data on the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in both human and animal populations. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the available literature on T. gondii infection/toxoplasmosis research in Armenia identifying the knowledge gaps and outlining research priorities for future studies. We conducted a comprehensive search in different international databases and local libraries for articles published up to the end of 2023 using relevant keywords and inclusion criteria. We extracted the data on the serological methods, sample size and type, demographic and clinical characteristics, and main findings of each study. By synthesizing current research findings and identifying areas requiring further investigation, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of our understanding and management of T. gondii infection/toxoplasmosis in Armenia.
Background:Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs) pose a serious threat to livestock productivity in Ethiopia, which leads to considerable economic losses. Smallholder farmer's knowledge, attitudes, and practices play a major role for effective management. Objectives:This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of farmers regarding ticks and TBDs in the West Gojam zone, Amhara Region, and identify factors determining disease and vector management. Methods:A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted involving 384 farmers using a multi-stage sampling technique and a structured questionnaire. KAP levels were assessed using a standardized scoring system and classified into binary outcomes. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26; Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to figure out socio-demographic determinants of KAP at a 95% confidence level. Results:While 59.4% of respondent's demonstrated adequate knowledge and 89.8% maintained a favourable attitude towards tick and TBD control, regarding implementation, 49.22% of participants exhibited good management practices. Logistic regression revealed that awareness levels and specific animal husbandry practices were statistically significant associations with knowledge and attitude (p < 0.05). Crucially, while knowledge scores were positively correlated with acaricide usage, higher knowledge did not consistently correspond to effective application. Conclusion:Farmers in the study area demonstrated moderate knowledge and highly favourable attitudes towards tick control, alongside weaker and more inconsistent reported management practices. Intervention strategies should focus on bridging these practical gaps through targeted veterinary extension services.
Co-infections with Schistosoma mansoni and Helicobacter pylori are frequently reported in low-resource endemic settings; however, their combined systemic and hematological effects in true co-endemic populations remain incompletely characterized. While S. mansoni transmission is primarily driven by exposure to agricultural water, H. pylori reflects persistent household and sanitation-related transmission, highlighting distinct yet overlapping epidemiological pathways. This study aimed to assess the association between occupational freshwater exposure and S. mansoni infection and to evaluate the clinical, hematological, and biochemical profiles associated with S. mansoni and H. pylori mono- and co-infections in a rural Egyptian population. A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural agricultural village in Egypt. Participants were stratified into four groups: S. mansoni mono-infection (Gp1), S. mansoni-H. pylori co-infection (Gp2), H. pylori mono-infection (Gp3), and uninfected controls (Gp4). Clinical assessment, stool microscopy using the Kato-Katz thick smear technique, H. pylori coproantigen ELISA, complete blood counts, and serum biochemical analyses were performed. Comparative statistical analyses were used to evaluate group differences and associated risk factors. Occupational exposure (farm work) was strongly associated with S. mansoni infection (P < 0.001), reinforcing its role as a key transmission driver in rural endemic settings. Gastrointestinal symptoms were largely non-specific, although hematochezia occurred exclusively among individuals infected with S. mansoni. Co-infection did not significantly influence H. pylori antigen levels (P = 0.190), indicating limited biological interaction between the pathogens. Systemic alterations were predominantly driven by S. mansoni, including thrombocytopenia and marked eosinophilia (P < 0.001), alongside elevated serum globulin levels (P = 0.037), suggesting sustained immune activation. Other biochemical parameters showed no significant differences. In endemic rural settings, co-infection with S. mansoni and H. pylori does not demonstrate synergistic systemic effects but rather reflects overlapping transmission pathways with distinct epidemiological determinants. These findings suggest that integrated screening strategies may offer limited additional clinical benefit beyond pathogen-specific management, while still supporting coordinated control efforts targeting shared risk environments.
Background:Onchocerciasis remains a public health problem in Angola. Despite the implementation of onchocerciasis control programs based on mass treatment with ivermectin, current entomological data remain limited, making it difficult to accurately assess the potential risk of transmission. Our objectives were to analyze the spatial and seasonal dynamics of Simulium damnosum s.l. and the main entomological indicators of onchocerciasis in the provinces of Huambo and Cuanza Sul, Angola, to assess the potential entomological risk of transmission. Methods:We captured black flies using the human bait capture method for 48 days between July and October 2025. Analyses of entomological indicators included abundance, monthly bite rate (MBR), parity, seasonality, daily activity, and monthly transmission potential (MTP). Morphological identification of specimens was performed according to standard taxonomic keys. Results:A total of 6.038 black flies were captured during the study period, including 3.615 in Huambo and 2.423 in Cuanza Sul. All black flies belonged to species of the savanna group. The average BMR was high (1.890 bites/person/month), with significant seasonal variations. The overall parity rate reached 59%, significantly higher in Cuanza Sul. No black flies infected with Onchocerca volvulus were found, resulting in a zero PMT at all study sites. Conclusion:Despite high vector density and relatively old black fly populations, the absence of transmission suggests a reduction in onchocerciasis transmission in the studied regions. These results demonstrate the importance of maintaining regular entomological surveillance to prevent potential transmission in an ecological context favorable to the vector.
Background The German cockroach is a major urban pest and a persistent public health threat, largely due to its ability to rapidly develop resistance to commonly used insecticides. Fipronil, a phenylpyrazole insecticide widely incorporated into bait formulations, is increasingly compromised by resistance in field populations. This study evaluated the susceptibility of four urban B. germanica populations from Iran to fipronil and investigated the presence of Rdl gene mutations associated with phenylpyrazole resistance. Results Topical bioassays revealed substantial variation in susceptibility, with resistance ratios ranging from 1.77 to 13.35 across populations, indicating heterogeneous exposure histories and potential genetic differentiation. Sequencing of a 245-bp fragment of the Rdl gene revealed no occurrences of the well-known A302S mutation; however, the A299S and A301S mutations, previously linked to fipronil resistance, was detected in two populations exhibiting the highest levels of resistance. Haplotype reconstruction of 21 individuals identified 17 haplotypes, suggesting considerable genetic diversity that may reflect multiple evolutionary origins of Rdl variants and ongoing selective pressure. However, larger sample sizes would be required to confirm this pattern. Conclusion Field populations of Blattella germanica exhibited variable susceptibility to fipronil, ranging from susceptible to moderately resistant. Molecular analysis did not detect any established target-site resistance mutations in A302S, although A299S and A310S substitution were identified in two populations and require further investigation. These findings suggest that fipronil remains an effective control agent in many urban environments; however, reduced susceptibility in some populations underscores the importance of ongoing resistance monitoring and integrated pest management strategies to mitigate future resistance development.
Bartonella bovis is an intracellular bacterium infecting cattle, with competent vectors yet to be determined. We compared B. bovis prevalence between pasture-raised and indoor-housed cattle to assess potential vector candidates. A total of 548 blood samples from Czech cattle and 48 samples from cattle from southeastern Romania were analyzed using qPCR (ssrA gene) and nested PCR (gltA gene). In pasture herds, 18.39% (64/348) of samples were positive, all but one representing a single B. bovis genotype identical to isolates from Brazil, Guatemala, and France. In Romanian herds, also reared outdoors, prevalence was 12.5% (6/48) mostly matching Czech genotypes. These results indicate low genetic diversity of B. bovis compared to other Bartonella species (e.g., B. schoenbuchensis in red deer), supporting a clonal population structure. In contrast, indoor cattle were completely negative (0/200). The exclusive occurrence of B. bovis in pasture-raised cattle and their exposure to blood-feeding arthropods suggests transmission by exophagic vectors, possibly horn flies (Haematobia irritans) or horseflies (Tabanidae). Overall, our findings, while not demonstrating the competence of a specific vector, provide epidemiological indications that outdoor exposure supports vector-borne transmission and narrows the range of plausible candidate vectors in Europe.
Background:Theileria, an obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan transmitted primarily by ixodid ticks, poses a significant threat to animal health and livestock productivity. This study conducted a comprehensive investigation into the prevalence and genetic diversity of Theileria species in ixodid ticks in central and southern Shanxi Province, China. Methods:First, a certain number of tick samples were collected, including 102 sheep-infesting ticks from Baitupo Village and Wangjiazhuang Village in Yangquan City, Shanxi Province, China, and a total of 60 cattle-infesting ticks from Daxigou Village in Yuncheng City and Matian Town in Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Then, genomic DNA was extracted from tick samples, followed by conventional PCR targeting a fragment of the 18S rRNA gene for the detection of Theileria. All positive amplicons were subsequently sent for Sanger sequencing. The obtained nucleotide sequences were subjected to phylogenetic analysis along with reference sequences retrieved from NCBI GenBank using MEGA-X software. DnaSP, Arlequin and PopART software were employed to conduct haplotype-based geographical evolution analysis for the same species of Theileria. Results:Molecular screening revealed an overall average Theileria infection prevalence of 67.28% (109/162) across the surveyed samples. The positive rates varied markedly by sampling site: 77.42% (48/62) in Baitupo Village, 47.50% (19/40) in Wangjiazhuang Village, 61.90% (13/21) in Daxigou Village, and 74.36% (29/39) in Matian Town. The infection rates of Theileria showed statistically significant differences among different regions (χ 2 = 9.497, P = 0.023). Among these, forty sequences from positive sheep-infesting ticks for Theileria infection were identified as Theileria luwenshuni. The 11 sequences from positive cattle-infesting ticks were classified as Theileria orientalis. Phylogenetic analysis displayed that sequences of T. luwenshuni had the closest genetic relationship with strains previously identified in Changzhi, Shanxi, China (GenBank: OR999605). Meanwhile, T. orientalis sequences clustered together with the Chinese T. orientalis reference strain (GenBank: OQ507242.1). The phylogeographic analysis revealed that all T. luwenshuni isolates examined in this study belonged to a single conserved haplotype, while six divergent haplotypes were identified among T. orientalis sequences. Conclusions:Our study revealed a high prevalence of Theileria infection among ixodid ticks in central and southern Shanxi, China, underscoring an urgent demand for targeted intervention strategies to limit the transmission of theileriosis and alleviate its rising risks to veterinary and public health.
Toxoplasma gondii is a significant foodborne protozoon responsible for human toxoplasmosis, typically transmitted via undercooked meat, contaminated water, or contact with oocysts in cat feces. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and genetic diversity of T. gondii in retail meats within Songkhla province to assess public health risks. A total of 304 meat samples-comprising chicken (N = 108), pork (N = 107), and beef (N = 89)-were collected from 30 fresh markets across seven regions of Songkhla. DNA was extracted from 100 μl of meat juice and analyzed using GRA7 nested-PCR assays. Positive samples underwent sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic lineage. The overall prevalence of T. gondii was 4.93% (15/304, 95% CI, 2.79-8.01%). Contamination was most frequent in poultry (10.19%), followed by pork (3.74%), while all beef samples tested negative. Geographically, the Singhanakorn-Sathing Phra (SH-ST) area exhibited the highest prevalence. Molecular analysis showed a 99.46% identity with reference GRA7 sequences (e.g., KU599267.1, KU599318.1). Notably, phylogenetic analysis revealed significant genetic heterogeneity, with some isolates (HB2, KS4) matching reference strains while others (SS1, SS4) indicated divergent lineages. These findings confirm the presence of genetically diverse T. gondii in the local meat supply, particularly in poultry. There is an urgent need for enhanced food safety programs, including the implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on farms and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in slaughterhouses, alongside public education regarding meat consumption habits.
Taenia solium Taeniasis is a zoonotic intestinal infection that poses a significant threat to public health and imposes a substantial economic burden on developing regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study formulates and rigorously analyses a deterministic mathematical model, comprised of a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations, to investigate the transmission dynamics of the parasite under the influence of public health education campaigns. Using the next-generation matrix method, we derive the effective reproduction number, Red, as the fundamental threshold for disease persistence. Stability analysis demonstrates that the disease-free equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable when Red<1, ensuring disease eradication, whereas the infection persists and reaches a stable endemic equilibrium when Red>1. Numerical simulations are provided to validate the analytical findings and to explore the parameter space associated with behavioural modification. The results indicate that public health education is a highly effective control measure, capable of significantly reducing prevalence and potentially eliminating T. solium Taeniasis in endemic settings.
Background/objective Given the importance of zoonotic diseases among wildlife, domestic animals, and humans, and the role of wild animals as natural reservoirs of many pathogens, this study was designed to investigate the epidemiology and identify risk factors associated with internal parasitic infections in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Mazandaran province. Methods From January 2021 to December 2023, 15 wild boars, including 6 males and 9 females, that died in Mazandaran Province, northern Iran, were collected, those that were killed in car accidents or illnesses, and transferred to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory of Semnan University, Semnan, Iran, for parasite examination. The contents of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract were sieved, and the mucosa was examined for parasites. For the liver, the bile duct was examined, and for the lungs, the bronchi of both lobes were cut off, and all the parasites in this area were found, sieved, and washed, so that all the remaining worms were collected in the sieve. For muscle examination, several methods were used, including the squash prep test, tissue digestion, pathological assay, and Dab smear. Results All of the boars had at least one parasite, and 13 species of helminths and protozoa were identified. Eight species of nematodes were identified, including Ascarops strongylina (33.3%), Globocephalus urosubulatus (26.6%), Gongylonema pulchrum (6.6%), Metastrongylus apri (53.3%), Metastrongylus pudendotectus (46.6%), Oesophagostomum dentatum (20%), Physocephalus sexalatus (33.3%), and Trichuris suis (6.6%). Moreover, two species of trematodes (Dicricoelium dendriticum (13.3%) and Fasciola hepatica (6.6%)), one species of Acanthocephala (Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (86.6%)), and one protozoan (Sarcocyst spp. (26.6%)) were identified. In addition, larvae of Taenia hydatigena were observed. Conclusion Wild boar populations in Mazandaran province exhibit a high prevalence of internal parasitic infections, indicating the active presence of parasitic cycles in the region's natural habitats.
Schistosomiasis remains a global public health concern, and although transmission of Schistosoma japonicum was eliminated in Japan in 1977, patients continue to be encountered as chronic sequelae of past infections and as imported infections acquired overseas. However, nationwide data on hospitalized patients are limited. We conducted a nationwide retrospective study using the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient database to clarify the contemporary epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with schistosomiasis between fiscal years 2014 and 2020. A total of 111 unique hospitalized patients were identified, of whom 103 (93%) had S. japonicum infection and 8 (7%) had non-japonicum schistosomiasis. Patients with S. japonicum infection were older than those with non-japonicum infection (mean age 77.4 vs. 43.8 years), and the age distribution showed a predominant peak in elderly individuals, with a smaller relative increase among middle-aged adults. Coexisting hepatobiliary conditions among S. japonicum cases, including liver cirrhosis (25%) and hepatocellular carcinoma (14%), and colorectal cancer was identified in 4% of patients. Geographic clustering was evident in historically endemic regions, particularly Yamanashi and Fukuoka Prefectures. In contrast, non-japonicum cases were sporadic and more frequently observed in younger individuals. Praziquantel was administered to 4 patients (4%), consistent with the predominance of chronic sequelae rather than active infection. In conclusion, the current inpatient burden of schistosomiasis in Japan predominantly reflects the long-term clinical legacy of past S. japonicum transmission, underscoring the importance of continued clinical awareness and surveillance despite the elimination of domestic transmission.
Background:Malaria is a significant public health problem in Cameroon where spatial and temporal heterogeneities in transmission make early-warning and control complicated. The traditional forecasting methods have the limitation that they are not always able to model both the spatial dependency and the uncertainty; therefore, restricting their functionality. Methods:We used a spatio-temporal bayesian model that incorporates a Stochastic Partial Differential Equation (SPDE) that models the spatial correlations and an autoregressive time prior AR(1), solved by Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation (INLA). The analysis of severe malaria cases in 2015-2024 was done separately for children <5 years, adults and pregnant women, and rainfall as a climatic covariate and population adjusted offsets for at-risk individuals. Exceedance probabilities were calculated considering historical risk to identify hotspots. Model performance was evaluated through DIC, WAIC and calibration diagnostics. Results:Severe malaria risk was positively related to rainfall and this relationship was observed for all demographic groups. The Far North had long-term high risk foci; secondary risks were noted in the North, Centre and Littoral. The most intense hotspots were observed in pregnant women and children. Conclusions:The SPDE-AR(1) model offers a strong and uncertainty-based early warning system for severe malaria in Cameroon, which allows interventions to be targeted in areas and populations at high risk.
Mosquitoes are major vectors of infectious diseases, including malaria and lymphatic filariasis. This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of combined garlic and ginger against mosquito species. Larvae were collected from breeding sites and identified using standard morphological keys. Equal quantities of both plant materials (20 g total) were extracted using aqueous, ethanol, and methanol solvents. Phytochemical screening of the crude extracts was conducted using standard qualitative methods. Larvicidal activity was assessed by exposing ten larvae to extract concentrations of 250, 500, and 750 ppm. Mortality data were analyzed using probit analysis to determine LC₅₀ values, while Pearson's chi-square goodness-of-fit statistics were used to evaluate the adequacy of the fitted probit models using R software. Qualitative phytochemical screening detected the same classes of secondary metabolites across all solvent extracts. Larvicidal activity showed a clear concentration-dependent increase, with methanol extract demonstrating the highest efficacy (up to 96.7 ± 3.3% mortality at 750 ppm), followed by ethanol and aqueous extracts. Probit analysis yielded lower estimated LC₅₀ values for methanol extracts than for ethanol and aqueous extracts in An. gambiae s.l. (180 ppm; 95% CI: 140-230 ppm) and Cx. quinquefasciatus (300 ppm; 95% CI: 240-380 ppm). The model showed good fit across treatments, with non-significant chi-square values (χ2 = 1.87-3.20, p > 0.05), indicating that the fitted probit models adequately described the observed dose-response data. The positive control (malathion) resulted in 100% larval mortality, whereas the negative control (distilled water) showed 0% mortality. Overall, the findings demonstrate that combined garlic and ginger extracts possess promising larvicidal activity under laboratory conditions. However, further studies incorporating additional concentrations, quantitative phytochemical analyses, isolation of active compounds, and field evaluations are required before practical applications.
Taeniasis, a foodborne parasitic disease, is characterized by infection via Cysticercus bovis in raw or undercooked beef and is traditionally prevalent in regions and populations with dietary habits favoring raw or undercooked beef consumption. Here, we reported four cases of Taenia saginata infection identified in Hunan Province, a non-endemic region for T. saginata in 2023 and 2025. Morphological analysis of gravid proglottids was performed using an improved potassium permanganate staining protocol, and species identity was confirmed by PCR and sequencing. All patients had consumed raw or undercooked beef in mid-to-high-end restaurants, including healthcare workers. Notably, household clustering was observed. This report highlights the necessity of enhancing dietary safety education, reinforcing parasitic inspection of meat, and warning the public about the health risks of consuming raw or undercooked beef.
Background:The socioeconomic consequences of schistosomiasis have forced the integration of control strategies. Currently, all control efforts have tended to involve the control of snail intermediate hosts. However, the integration of snail control into the general schistosomiasis control strategy has not yet been effective in Burkina Faso. While snail occurrence data have been collected intermittently since the last systematic assessment in 1980, there has been no recent synthesis of the distribution of intermediate host snails in Burkina Faso. The aim of this study was to integrate historical and recent datasets to assess temporal shifts in species distribution, identify key climatic drivers, and produce spatially explicit risk maps to support targeted control strategies in Burkina Faso. Methods:Snail occurrence data were compiled for three time periods: 1980, 2018, and 2021. Data from 1980 and 2018 were obtained through a comprehensive literature review, while field sampling was conducted in 2021 in two basins: the Mouhoun basin and the Nakanbé basin. The Maximum Entropy (Maxent) modeling approach was used to predict changes in species distributions over time by integrating occurrence records from each period with relevant environmental variables. Model performance was evaluated using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and the Boyce index. The contribution of each environmental variable was assessed using a jackknife test. Results:Five schistosomiasis intermediate hosts were collected: Bulinus truncatus, Bulinus forskalii, Bulinus senegalensis, Bulinus globosus, and Biomphalaria pfeifferi. The number of snail intermediate host species for schistosomes did not significantly change between 1980 and 2021. Except for B. umbilicatus, the results show that the two basins host almost the same species of snail intermediate host of schistosomes. The rivers, reservoirs, and irrigated plains provide favorable conditions for the occurrence of all species of snail intermediate hosts. The area under the curve (AUC) of the selected variables ranged from 0.877 to 0.985. Except for B. globosus, the Boyce index ranged from 0.6 to 0.924. Spatial distribution modeling indicated that the western part of the Volta Basin is more suitable for the occurrence of schistosome intermediate host snails. Conclusions:Schistosomiasis intermediate host snails are common in the Nakanbé and Mouhoun basins, where suitable habitats are widespread. The Maxent model successfully identified areas with high environmental suitability for these intermediate host snails. This study integrated historical and recent occurrence data to assess temporal changes in intermediate host snail distribution, identify key climatic drivers of distribution shifts over the past 40 years, and highlight priority areas for targeted snail control in Burkina Faso.
Background Dengue fever is an emerging mosquito-borne viral disease with increasing reports from several regions in Ethiopia. However, national-level pooled evidence on its prevalence and determinants remains limited on dengue fever. Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of dengue fever and identify determinants among patients in Ethiopia. Methods This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and registered the protocol in PROSPERO (CRD420251180312). Electronic databases and university repositories were searched. A random-effect model was used to estimate pooled prevalence and pooled odds ratios (ORs). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistic and Cochran's Q test. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study design and diagnostic methods. Results Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria in this meta-analysis. Eight cross-sectional studies were included in the pooled prevalence analysis. The systematic review and meta-analysis found that the dengue fever pooled prevalence in Ethiopia was 25% (95% CI: 23–27), with no significant heterogeneity across the studies (I2 = 0.00%), while the pooled estimate of the prevalence was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The subgroup analysis showed a higher prevalence of dengue cases before the year 2020 (35%) compared to after 2020 (16%). Determinant analyses showed that not wearing long-sleeved clothes, not using a mosquito net, the presence of open water containers, and not spraying insecticides in the last six months were significant factors associated with dengue infection, with heterogeneity being high (I2 > 75% of studies, p < 0.001). Conclusion Dengue fever is an important public health concern in Ethiopia, particularly in outbreak-prone and urban neighborhoods. However, pooled estimates should be interpreted cautiously due to methodological heterogeneity. The current study identified that behavioral and environmental factors significantly influence the risk of dengue fever infection. These findings demonstrate the importance of targeted public health interventions (community education on preventive practices and enhanced mosquito control strategies).
This study evaluated the larvicidal activity of hexanic, acetonic, and methanolic extracts obtained from the fruits-seeds and stems of Hippocratea excelsa against larvae of Aedes aegypti, Culex quinquefasciatus, and Anopheles albimanus. Acute toxicity bioassays were conducted under in vitro conditions using a completely randomized design. Major chemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that the hexanic extracts from the stem and fruit-seed at concentrations of 20-200 ppm caused 100% larval mortality in all three mosquito species after 12 h of exposure. The hexanic stem extract showed LC₅₀ values of 4, 4, and 3 ppm at 12 h for Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and An. albimanus, respectively. Similarly, the hexanic fruit-seed extract showed LC₅₀ values of 3.7, 3.7, and 3.4 ppm at 12 h for the same species. GC-MS analysis of the hexane stem extract identified hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester (1), 5-cyclohexyl-1-pentene (2), 2-methyloctacosane (3), eicosane (4), squalene (5), β-amyrone (6), and friedelan-3-one (7). These findings suggest that hexanic extracts from the stem and fruit-seeds of H. excelsa possess larvicidal potential for the control of Ae. aegypti, Cx. quinquefasciatus, and An. albimanus larvae.
Pediculosis capitis is a common parasitic infestation in school settings and can disrupt wellbeing and school attendance. Despite its public-health relevance, epidemiological data describing Pediculosis capitis prevalence and associated factors in Mexico remain limited at the city level. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Pediculosis capitis and identify associated factors among schoolchildren from Monterrey and Mérida, Mexico. Aggregated data from a school-based cross-sectional survey were analyzed. Infestation status was determined through standardized individual scalp inspection performed by the research team. Prevalence and unadjusted odds ratio were calculated for sociodemographic, household, and hygiene-related variables. A total of 6372 schoolchildren were examined (3743 in Monterrey; 2629 in Mérida) with 590 positive cases overall. Prevalence was 16.40% in Monterrey and 6.57% in Mérida, with marked variation among schools. The strongest and most consistent associations were observed for sex and hair length, with higher infestation rates among girls and children with long hair. Associations with household and hygiene factors such as sharing of personal items, bathing frequency, room density, parental education, and employment were heterogeneous across cities and did not follow a uniform pattern. These findings highlight the need for school-home collaboration and continuous surveillance, promoting early detection, hygiene education, and preventive practices adapted to local school environments.
Background:Filarial infections continue to represent a considerable public health challenge in resource-limited communities in sub-Saharan Africa. In Gabon, the implementation of effective control strategies, such as mass drug administration (MDA), is hindered by a lack of contemporary data on the local distribution, molecular diversity, and associated risk factors of these infections, particularly in rural areas where Loa loa co-endemicity poses a risk of severe adverse events. This study aimed to molecularly characterize filarial species and determine the prevalence, associated risk factors, and community knowledge of filarial infections in the rural village of Dienga, southeastern Gabon. Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2021 among 90 volunteers from Dienga, southeastern Gabon. Blood samples were analyzed by microscopy and quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the 28S rRNA gene and sequencing. Sociodemographic, clinical, and knowledge data were collected via standardized questionnaires. Statistical analyses employed chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results:The overall filarial qPCR (23.33%) prevalence was 1.75-fold higher than microscopy (13.33%), confirming the superior sensitivity of qPCR for detecting sub-microscopic infections. Loa loa was the predominant species compared to Mansonella pestans (1.11%). Infection rates were significantlyInfection rates were significantly higher in men (40.5%) than women (11.32%, p = 0.002) and peaked in individuals over 61 years (38.8%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the circulation of L. loa and M. perstans and identity and explore genetic diversity. The concurrent presence of pruritus, Calabar swelling, and eyeworm was a strong predictor of microfilaremia (p = 0.0007). Knowledge assessment revealed critical gaps showing that only 10% of participants knew the disease vector, and among infected individuals, only 16.66% were aware of the transmission. Conclusion:This study provides the first molecular evidence of a high prevalence of Loa loa in southeastern Gabon, revealing a substantial hidden burden of infection. The findings emphasize the pressing necessity for integrated, evidence-based control strategies that encompass sensitive molecular diagnostics, risk-stratified MDA, and robust community health education within a One Health framework.
A small-scale field trial was conducted to understand the efficacy of the ovillanta ovitrap against Aedes vector population in a dengue endemic area of Kerala state. A total of 40 ovillantas were installed in experimental area, and the immature density of Aedes vectors were monitored over 14 months. Pre- and post- intervention entomological evaluations were conducted in both the experimental and control areas to assess the density of Aedes spp. An increasing trend in the weekly average immature density was observed, indicating the efficacy of the trap to lure gravid vectors to oviposit, which reached a peak at 39th week. Forty ovillantas enabled to destroy more than 100,000 immatures, during the 53-week study period, thus preventing the emergence of second generation of vectors. There was a significant reduction in the adult and immature indices of the experimental area, compared to the control area. The results of the study suggest that the ovillanta is a simple and portable tool that may be suitable for community use in Aedes vector control.
