Echinococcus multilocularis and Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato are the causative agents of two major zoonotic diseases, alveolar echinococcosis and cystic echinococcosis, respectively, and are ranked among the four most important foodborne parasites worldwide. Although interest in food contamination by taeniid eggs is increasing, the estimation of the number of eggs present in food items is still lacking. Using E. multilocularis eggs isolated from fecal samples of experimentally infected red foxes, an average of 5261 (±1253) mitochondrial DNA copies per egg was estimated by digital PCR (dPCR). Based on this estimation, 47 taeniid DNA samples previously obtained from different food items and identified as positive for E. multilocularis, E. granulosus sensu stricto or Taenia species, were submitted to dPCR to estimate the number of eggs present. In 95.7% of the samples, the contamination was estimated to be caused by one to five eggs, with only one egg in 83.0% of the samples. As detection of such low-level contamination requires sensitive detection methods, a performance comparison between microscopy and molecular methods was conducted using 15 pellets obtained from lettuce wash residues spiked with 0 to 63 E. multilocularis eggs. Two operators performed blinded microscopy, followed by DNA extraction from the examined pellets for real-time PCR detection and then an estimation of the number of eggs by dPCR. A higher sensitivity was obtained with real-time PCR (88.5%) compared to microscopy (40%) in samples containing one to five eggs. The correlation between the number of eggs spiked into the samples and the estimated egg number was strong using dPCR (r = 0.99, p < 0.01), while only moderate with microscopy (r = 0.67, p < 0.05). Estimation of the number of taeniid eggs in food samples by dPCR provides the first quantitative basis for exposure assessment and is important for evaluating the risk of human foodborne infections, with future work needed to address egg viability.
Private consumption of wild boar meat is increasingly widespread across Europe. Notably, only a small proportion of hunted game is processed through approved establishments, while the majority is intended for private consumption. Testing wild boar meat for Trichinella spp. is mandatory when the meat is placed on the market. However, for private consumption this testing may not be carried out, raising public health concerns due to the risk of Trichinella spp. infection. To assess this risk, a survey was conducted in 26 European countries to collect data on the number of hunted wild boars (Sus scrofa) intended for private consumption and the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in wild boars, and to compare legislation and operational practices related to testing requirements, sample handling, diagnostic methods, training requirements, reporting procedures, mandatory measures for positive samples, penalties for non-compliance, and awareness-raising activities. Findings revealed significant heterogeneity in testing obligations, sample handling procedures, laboratory requirements, and enforcement mechanisms. While some countries mandate systematic testing and subsidize costs, others rely on voluntary testing or impose no requirements, leaving consumers at higher risk. Reported prevalence of Trichinella spp. in wild boar varied widely, ranging from 0% to over 6% across countries and years, though data availability was often inconsistent. Awareness campaigns and hunter training remain limited in many regions, contributing to underreporting, low compliance, and insufficient risk perception. Key challenges include lack of hunter engagement, insufficient testing facilities, and variable penalties for non-compliance. To mitigate risks, we recommend harmonizing surveillance strategies, expanding education and communication initiatives, ensuring accessible and affordable testing, and strengthening collaboration between veterinary authorities and hunting communities. Such measures are essential to reduce the zoonotic risk of trichinellosis linked to privately consumed wild boar meat in Europe.
Neutrophils exert diverse functions in parasitic infections, including pathogen clearance and regulation of inflammation. However, their specific roles in the early stage of infection with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis), a significant foodborne parasite that dwells in the bile ducts, remain largely unknown. In this study, FVB mice were orally infected with 50C. sinensis metacercariae, and neutrophils were depleted using an anti-Ly6G antibody whereas IgG isotype served as the control. Mice were sacrificed 14 days post-infection, and serum and liver tissue were collected to assess hepatobiliary injury. Hepatic leukocyte changes were analyzed by flow cytometry, and associated cytokine/chemokine expression was detected by qPCR. Results showed that neutrophil-depleted mice exhibited significantly aggravated hepatobiliary injury, as evidenced by elevated serum ALT/AST, epithelial hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and ductal dilatation. Neutrophil depletion also exacerbated infection-induced hepatic fibrosis, indicated by increased collagen fiber deposition and increased mRNA levels of Acta2, Col3a1 and Tgfb1. Flow cytometry revealed reduced absolute T cell counts but increased CD45+CD11bloF4/80hi Kupffer cells and CD45+CD11b+Ly6G-Ly6Clo monocytes in neutrophil-depleted infected mice. Additionally, neutrophil depletion increased mRNA levels of Axl, Mertk, Nr4a1, Cx3cr1, Cx3cl1, Tnfα, Il1b, Il10 and Ccl2, while down-regulating Cxcl1 in infected mice. Collectively, these findings indicate a protective role of neutrophils in the early C. sinensis infection in this murine model. Neutrophil depletion induces compensatory expansion of Kupffer cells and Ly6Clo monocytes, forming a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic microenvironment that accelerates liver damage. The results highlight neutrophils as important modulators of hepatic immune responses during clonorchiasis and point to the need for further investigation into neutrophils-mediated regulation of helminth-associated liver pathology.
In fillets of cultured common carp intended for human consumption, large cysts containing larvae (metacercariae) of trematodes (Digenea) were found. These larvae belong to the family Diplostomidae, whose adults most often mature in birds and mammals. Although humans may acquire diplostomid infection only incidentally and the number of reported human cases of diplostomosis is not very high, except for alariosis, the presence of metacercariae in carp fillets is an epidemiological and economic concern due to the popularity of carp as a food source in Central and Eastern Europe. Morphological and molecular data (sequencing of three genetic markers) did not allow the assignment of the larvae to any known diplostomid genus.
Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a microsporidian fungus, and Blastocystis, a protist, are zoonotic enteric microbes causing gastrointestinal disorders in humans and various animals, including cats and dogs. This study aimed to determine the molecular prevalence, associated risk factors, genetic diversity, and zoonotic potential of these pathogens in feline and canine populations in Dhaka and Gazipur metropolitan areas. Fecal samples were collected from 197 cats and 120 dogs and analyzed using nested PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene for E. bieneusi and a conventional PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal (SSU) rRNA gene for Blastocystis. The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi was 9.1% in cats and 11.7% in dogs. Blastocystis was detected in 3.6% of cats and 10.0% of dogs, with feline infection occurring exclusively in kittens (<1 year). Multivariable analysis identified female sex and young age as the sole significant risk factors for E. bieneusi in dogs and for Blastocystis in cats, respectively. Molecular characterization identified four E. bieneusi genotypes (D, Henan V, BANEB17, and BANEB4) in cats and seven genotypes (PtEb IX, D, EbpC, Type IV, BANEB14, BANEB15, and BANEB16) in dogs. Phylogenetic grouping and sequence comparison confirmed genetic identity between several isolates and genotypes circulating in Bangladeshi children. Among these, four genotypes (BANEB14, BANEB15, BANEB16, and BANEB17) were novel, and the majority exhibited zoonotic potential. Similarly, six Blastocystis subtypes (ST1, ST3, ST4, ST6, ST23, and ST44) were identified in both cats and dogs, with ST1, ST3, and ST4 recognized for their zoonotic potential. These findings suggest a potential role for companion animals in zoonotic transmission, necessitating integrated One Health surveillance strategies.
Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) are natural definitive hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis. The aim of this study was to compare E. multilocularis findings from the necropsy analysis of hunted animals with those from environmental fecal samples. Between November 2023 and March 2025, 84 carcasses (58 foxes, 26 raccoon dogs) were provided by volunteer hunters located in the area of two municipalities of the island Rügen in North-Eastern Germany. Analysis using the sedimentation counting technique and real-time PCR resulted in a combined positive detection of E. multilocularis in 37.9% (95% Confidence interval [CI] 25.5-51.6%) of foxes and in 15.4% (95% CI 4.4-34.9%) of raccoon dogs. Between February and April 2025, during 13 excursions in the same two municipalities, two-person teams collected 365 environmental fecal samples, which were targeted to be from foxes and raccoon dogs. Species identification through species-specific real-time PCR revealed that the fecal samples were from foxes (56.2%), raccoon dogs (2.7%), domestic dogs or wolves (9.0%), domestic cats or wildcats (0.6%), raccoons (0.3%), and unknown species (26.0%). E. multilocularis DNA was detected by real-time PCR in 18.1% (95% CI 13.1-24.1%) of fox and in 10.0% (95% CI, 0.3-44.5%) of raccoon dog feces. The examination of environmental fecal samples for E. multilocularis appeared to be less sensitive compared to the analysis of necropsy samples from hunted foxes and raccoon dogs. The lower proportion of E. multilocularis DNA in environmental fecal samples may be due to adverse environmental factors, such as degradation by UV light or leaching from precipitation. Nevertheless, environmental fecal sample collection was less labor-intensive and time-consuming and was able to confirm the presence of E. multilocularis in both municipalities. Restricting the analysis to environmental fecal samples containing a minimal quantity of host DNA yielded a prevalence estimate closer to that obtained from necropsy.
Reliable prioritization of foodborne parasitic diseases is challenging in settings where routine surveillance and attribution data are limited. For example, In Armenia, the relative importance of different foodborne parasitoses has not previously been assessed. This study applied expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) to identify and rank foodborne parasitic diseases of public health relevance and to support national prioritization efforts. A structured questionnaire was administered to experts from human health, veterinary medicine, food safety, and biological sciences. Participants evaluated selected parasitic diseases according to predefined criteria including prevalence, geographic distribution, morbidity, mortality, diagnostic complexity, and environmental detectability. Responses were analysed using rank-based non-parametric methods, and regional patterns were visualized using geographic information systems. Ascariasis and echinococcosis were consistently ranked as the highest-priority foodborne parasitic diseases, clearly separated from all others. Giardiasis ranked third, while fascioliasis, toxoplasmosis, and trichinellosis formed a moderate-priority group. Cryptosporidiosis, taeniasis, and anisakiasis were assigned low priority. Professional background and geographic region had only minor influence on ranking outcomes, indicating strong national consensus. The results demonstrate a distinct hierarchy of the opinions of experts regarding foodborne parasitic risks in Armenia, driven by disease burden, environmental exposure, and diagnostic visibility. This study illustrates the value of EKE for evidence-based prioritization in data-limited settings and provides a foundation for targeted surveillance, control strategies, and One Health-oriented food safety policies. It would nevertheless be of value to investigate whether this prioritization is supported by medical records and reports from analysis of food matrices, soil samples, and water bodies for elucidating transmission routes.
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are environmentally resistant protozoan parasites transmitted via the faecal-oral route, often through contaminated water or food. Although companion animals may contribute to environmental dissemination of infective stages, their role in zoonotic transmission remains debated. In this study, 75 Giardia-positive (65 dogs, 10 cats) and 20 Cryptosporidium-positive (11 dogs, 9 cats) faecal samples from central Spain were molecularly characterized at the gdh and bg loci for G. duodenalis and at the ssu rRNA and gp60 loci for Cryptosporidium spp. Host-adapted Giardia assemblages predominated, with assemblages C (33.9%) and D (47.7%) in dogs and assemblage F (50.0%) in cats, while zoonotic assemblages A and B occurred at moderate frequencies (10.8%-40.0%). Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium felis were the predominant species in dogs and cats, respectively, whereas C. parvum and C. hominis were sporadically detected. These findings expand molecular data on enteric protozoa in companion animals in Spain and highlight their potential relevance within a One Health context.
Balantioides coli is a significant zoonotic parasitic protozoan, with pigs serving as its reservoir host. The limited molecular typing tools for B. coli have hindered understanding of its transmission and genetic variability in intensive pig farming. In this study, 1251 pig fecal samples were collected in two batches from three intensive farms. A dual-locus molecular typing method based on the β-tubulin and ITS genes was developed and applied to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and genetic variability of B. coli. The results revealed an overall infection rate of 87.7% (1097/1251), with an age-dependent pattern where lower rates were observed in 1-2-month-old piglets, followed by a rapid increase at 3-4 months, and near 100% prevalence by 5-6 months. Phylogenetic analysis based on the β-tubulin gene delineated three haplotypes (I, II, and III), confirming the previously identified ITS sequence variants A and B, and further resolving the novel sequence variant C. The expression of haplotypes and sequence variants showed a marked geographical distribution pattern, with haplotype I and variant A predominantly concentrated in the Zhejiang region, while haplotype III and variant C were detected in pigs and exclusively found in this area. These findings indicate that B. coli transmission is highly prevalent under intensive, high-density rearing conditions, and that the distribution of certain sequence variants shows geographical clustering, which may reflect local ecological or husbandry factors. This study provides important dual-locus genotyping insights for elucidating the transmission mechanisms of B. coli within intensive farming systems.
Cryptosporidium spp. is a parasite that causes gastroenteritis in humans and is associated with waterborne and foodborne outbreaks. The international nomenclature for discrimination of Cryptosporidium isolates is based on sequence polymorphisms in the highly variable gp60 gene. In 2025, the number of human cases of cryptosporidiosis caused by infection with Cryptosporidium parvum gp60 genotype IIdA24G1 in France increased significantly and prompted public health authorities to investigate. During January through September 2025, 166 cases of infections with C. parvum genotype IIdA24G1 were identified, compared to less than 20 annual cases for previous years. To add further discrimination to gp60 sequencing, multi-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) was performed by the National Reference Center and revealed two large distinct profiles. The national public health agency interviewed patients associated with each MLVA profile about water exposure and food consumption to identify sources of contamination. Food safety authorities obtained store loyalty card purchase information, performed food product traceback, and communicated with producers. Epidemiological investigations revealed high consumption of goat milk cheese for the first profile (17 of 23 cases interviewed) and pre-packaged lamb's lettuce for the second profile (19 of 21 cases interviewed). Product traceback identified food product origins, producers were notified and preventive measures were recommended. MLVA typing provided further granularity within a C. parvum IIdA24G1 genotype, which facilitated outbreak investigation and source identification. Cryptosporidium-specific monitoring and preventive hygienic measures should be considered for unpasteurized milk products and fresh produce.
Intestinal parasitic infections remain a major public health concern, particularly among school-aged children in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of intestinal parasitism among schoolchildren in the municipality of Banfora, Burkina Faso. A cross-sectional study was conducted in November 2024 among 298 schoolchildren aged 5-14 years. Sociodemographic, environmental, and behavioral data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were examined by direct wet mount, formol-ether concentration, and Kato-Katz techniques. Factors associated with intestinal parasitism were identified using multivariable logistic regression. The median age of the participants was 9 years (range: 5-13). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism was 81.9% (244/298; 95% CI: 77.3-86.2). Protozoa predominated (238/298, 79.9%), mainly Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (55.7%). Helminths accounted for 8.4% (25/298) of infections, with Schistosoma mansoni being the most frequent (5.7%). Low personal hygiene (adjusted OR = 2.2; 95% CI: 1.1-4.2) and household ownership of domestic animals (adjusted OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-4.1) were identified as the main risk factors for orally transmitted intestinal parasitism. In contrast, having a non-educated household head (adjusted OR = 3.7; 95% CI: 1.1-12.8) was the primary risk factor for skin-transmitted pathogenic intestinal parasitic infections. Intestinal parasitism is highly endemic among schoolchildren in Banfora. Strengthening integrated control strategies combining hygiene promotion, sanitation improvement, health education, and deworming is essential to sustainably reduce the burden of intestinal parasitism.
Anisakid nematodes are common foodborne parasitic nematodes with an important implication for seafood safety and public health. On top of usual symptoms resulting from infestation with live larvae, these nematodes have allergenic proteins that may cause allergic reactions even in the absence of live larvae. Current methods of detection in industrial settings are mainly limited to gross visual detection and candling, as required by EU legislation. These have a limited sensitivity and do not detect macroscopically invisible allergens that persist after larval removal. In scientific settings, highly sensitive methods such as UV-press and artificial digestion are commonly used, but also don't detect allergens. Alternative detection methods may be useful in seafood processing industry, as well as in scientific settings. A systematic review of detection methods for trace anisakid material has been performed. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used as databases. Only English papers with a focus on anisakid detection in food matrices were included, while methods based on visual detection were excluded. A total of 25 articles were identified, and methods were categorized by detection principle. Out of the detection methods, 10 were DNA-based, 14 immunochemistry-based, and 5 mass spectrometry-based (MS-based) methods. There was a lack of standardized reporting of the detection performance parameters which hinders thorough cross comparison. We recommend a chemiluminescent sandwich ELISA method for routine analysis of allergens in food. For larval DNA detection, a LAMP method seems the most promising for fast routine DNA detection. When trace detection of anisakid material is needed, MS-based methods could be most effective.
This study evaluated the experimental infectivity and pathological response of Skrjabinisakis physeteris (s.l.) larvae in Wistar rats following exposure to culinary spices commonly used in Peruvian ceviche (Citrus limon, Capsicum pubescens, Allium sativum, and Piper nigrum). Between November 2018 and April 2019, 787 specimens of Pacific bonito (Sarda chiliensis) were examined, revealing a 49.4% prevalence of anisakid larvae. Morphological analysis showed that 85.6% of recovered larvae corresponded to Anisakis Type II, which were selected for experimental infection prior to molecular confirmation. Larvae were exposed to spice treatments for 1 and 3 h to simulate traditional marination practices, and histopathological assessment was performed 48 h post-inoculation. Of the 489 larvae administered, 102 (20.9%) were associated with lesions in gastrointestinal and extraintestinal tissues. Compared with the saline control group, spice-treated larvae showed reduced recovery and pathogenicity, particularly after 3 h of exposure. Molecular characterization of a representative subset of Type II larvae based on mitochondrial cox2 sequences grouped them with reference sequences of S. physeteris available in GenBank. The observed sequence divergence was consistent with intraspecific variation within S. physeteris (s.l.). These findings indicate that the infective and pathological responses of S. physeteris (s.l.) vary following exposure to culinary spice treatments, while confirming its capacity to induce acute inflammatory and necrotic lesions in a mammalian host. This study provides molecular confirmation of S. physeteris (s.l.) in S. chiliensis from the central coast of Peru and underscores its potential zoonotic relevance in the context of raw fish consumption. These results contribute to improved risk assessment and seafood safety surveillance in the Southeast Pacific.
Zoonotic food- and waterborne protozoan parasites (FWPPs) pose a significant global public health risk, causing substantial morbidity via contaminated fresh produce, water, and meat. Despite their notable impact, surveillance and detection technologies remain inadequate for high-priority protozoans such as Cryptosporidium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, as current World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) guidelines primarily focus on bacterial pathogens. This review evaluates the global burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and T. gondii, and highlights the limitations of conventional detection methods, justifying the forward-looking perspective on biosensors' applications in detecting protozoan parasites (PPs), and future strategies in this regard. The complex nature and varied transmission routes of these parasites, along with challenges such as culturing, sample preparation, and morphological similarities, complicate their detection by conventional methods like microscopy, serology, and molecular assays. Additionally, these limitations include time-intensive protocols, infrastructure requirements, cost, and lack of portability, which restrict their suitability for rapid, on-site detection. Recent advances in biosensor technology may offer rapid, sensitive, and accurate on-site detection of FWPPs, driving a paradigm shift toward a smart food safety system. This review highlights the potential of emerging biosensor technologies, especially electrochemical, optical, and piezoelectric (gravimetric) biosensors, for the detection of Cryptosporidium spp. and T. gondii in food and water. Integrating biosensors with nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, point-of-care systems and microfluidics to create portable, cost-effective biosensors may revolutionize food safety surveillance, mitigating the impact of FWPPs, and aligning with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) priorities to safeguard public health.
Many surveillance studies worldwide have reported the presence of Cyclospora cayetanensis oocysts, or DNA, on a variety of fruits and vegetables using either microscopy or PCR-based methods respectively. However, the true prevalence of C. cayetanensis on foods is still largely unknown due to a lack of efficient, accessible, and standardized detection methods. The present study describes, for the first time, a LAMP assay for the detection of C. cayetanensis DNA, which was found to be rapid, sensitive and specific. Using DNA extracted from a C. cayetanensis-positive stool specimen, LAMP products stained with SYBR Green I fluoresced down to at least a 1:107 dilution. Colorimetric, pH-based visualization of the LAMP reaction with phenol red was found to be considerably less sensitive than with SYBR Green I. While further work is required, the LAMP assay described here may be useful in surveillance studies and outbreak investigations involving food and environmental samples, as well as in screening clinical specimens.
Fish-borne trematodes are prevalent parasites affecting about 80 million people globally. This study aims to identify the common trematode metacercariae species in freshwater fish from Hunan Province, China. We collected 521 fish representing 23 species from seven cities, spanning the major water systems: the Xiangjiang River, Dongting Lake, and the Liuyang River. Metacercariae were detected using compression and artificial digestion methods. Common metacercarial forms were identified using morphological and molecular tools. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region was amplified by PCR, and the resulting sequences were used to assess the phylogenetic relationships. Predominant metacercariae were identified as Cyathocotylidae sp. and Heterophyidae sp. based on morphological features, homology analysis, and maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) phylogenetic analyses. Nineteen (82.6%) of the 23 examined fish species were infected. Overall metacercarial prevalence was 24.38% using the compression method and 42.15% using the artificial digestion method. Prevalence significantly differed across cities, water sources, and fish species. Cities with the highest prevalence were Xiangtan (41.18-70.59%) and Yueyang (43.28-59.62%). Rivers and lakes represented the high-prevalence water sources, whereas reservoirs showed extremely low prevalence (0% using the compression method and 0-2.7% using the digestion method). Crucian carp (Carassius carassius), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were highly susceptible species. These findings support the diagnosis and control of fish-borne trematodes and stress the need for targeted surveillance.
Toxoplasma gondii is a globally important zoonotic parasite, with domestic cats serving as the definitive host by shedding oocysts into the environment, where they undergo sporulation, a process that increases the resistance of the oocyst wall and facilitates long-term environmental persistence. In densely populated urban environments, free-roaming cat populations may contribute to environmental contamination and pose a potential public health risk. Here, we assessed the presence of T. gondii DNA in fecal samples from stray cats residing in temple communities across Bangkok, Thailand, using molecular detection.Fecal samples collected from stray cats across multiple districts of Bangkok were screened by PCR. T. gondii DNA was detected at low prevalence but across a broad geographic range, suggesting widespread environmental exposure. No clear associations were observed between PCR detection of T. gondii DNA and assessed animal-related or management-related factors.These findings provide molecular evidence of the presence of T. gondii in Bangkok temple environments. Although PCR-based detection does not confirm active oocyst shedding, the widespread distribution of positive samples underscores the need for continued environmental surveillance and integrated One Health approaches to mitigate human and animal exposure to toxoplasmosis in urban settings.
The 14th European Multicolloquium of Parasitology (EMOP), held in Wrocław, Poland in August 2024, marked a significant moment for the European Federation of Parasitologists (EFP), with Food and Waterborne Parasitology (FAWPAR) becoming its official journal earlier that year. Dedicated FAWPAR sessions showcased cutting-edge research on transmission, diagnostics, epidemiology, and applied case studies, reflecting the multidisciplinary theme of EMOP 2024. This Special Issue, comprising 15 papers drawn from both the FAWPAR sessions and other EMOP contributions within the journal's scope, highlights methodological innovations, surveillance studies, approaches to addressing applied food-safety challenges, and critical reviews. Together, these contributions underscore the vitality of research in food and waterborne parasitology and reaffirm the importance of international collaboration in addressing global food and health challenges.
Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium species are important intestinal protozoa. Zoonotic species and assemblages of both have been reported in Greece, although recent demographic and environmental changes may influence their epidemiology. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the potential health risks associated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections among newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers residing in Reception and Identification Centres (RICs) in Greece. Over a two-year period, 178 faecal samples were collected from individuals at more than 20 RICs across Greece. Samples were examined molecularly for detection and genetic characterization of G. duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., targeting the βeta-giardin and 18S ribosomal DNA genes, respectively. Of the samples analyzed, 39 (21.9%) tested positive for G. duodenalis and one for Cryptosporidium. Giardia positive isolates belonged to assemblages A (AI and AII) and B, both predominantly human-related lineages. Genotyping of the single Cryptosporidium positive sample was unsuccessful. These findings highlight a high prevalence of G. duodenalis among newly arrived migrants and asylum seekers in Greece and indicate the need for ongoing surveillance. Implementing targeted health education, routine screening, and enhanced sanitation in RICs is crucial to limit transmission among vulnerable populations.
Anisakid nematodes are widespread marine parasites with zoonotic potential and possible impact on fish nutritional quality. In this study, we investigated the lipid composition of L3 Anisakis larvae, the host fish tissue adjacent to the presence of parasites (belly flaps) and the tail (used as a control due to the absence of Anisakis larvae) of parasitized European hake (Merluccius merluccius), combining fatty acid profiling and advanced lipidomics. Fatty acid analysis revealed distinct profiles between the Anisakis spp. parasites and hake tissues, with Anisakis larvae showing higher levels of stearic acid (18:0), vaccenic acid (18:1n-7), and linoleic acid (18:2n-6), while hake tissues, namely the tail, contained more palmitic acid (16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7), docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3), and omega-3-rich polyunsaturated fatty acids in general. Principal component analysis positioned the parasitized tissue of the hake belly flaps as an intermediate group, suggesting possible local metabolic interference. Lipidomics identified a total of 477 different lipid species and highlighted the existence of the following differences: saturated triacylglycerols and ether-linked phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, and sphingomyelins species were more prevalent in Anisakis larvae, while some highly unsaturated phosphatidylcholines and monounsaturated triglycerydes were more abundant in hake tissues; specific sphingomyelins and ether lipids were exclusive of the fish tissue adjacent to the parasites (belly flaps) and may represent potential biomarkers of Anisakis spp. infection. Together, these results suggest that Anisakis larvae may influence/modulate local lipid metabolism, with parasite influence being more pronounced in fish tissue closer to the infection site with regard to distant unparatized tissue. Ultimately, this work supports the use of lipid profiling for better understanding host-parasite interactions in marine fish and unveils applications for parasite infection detection.
