Introduction:Intestinal parasitic infection poses a significant health problem among prisoners. This burden arises from inadequate facilities and limited access to health education, malnourishment, limited access to drinkable water, overcrowding, and poor cleanliness. Methods:PRISMA guidelines were followed in this systematic review and meta-analysis. To find relevant data, we looked through gray literature sources and published studies through online databases like ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Semantic Scholar. The Condition, Context, and Population (COCOPO) principle was used to develop search terms. The papers' quality was evaluated using the critical assessment checklist for prevalence studies developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). To arrange, assess, and cite relevant studies, EndNote (Version X9) was utilized. Data analysis was performed using Stata software, Version 17. Result:This study, included a total of eight studies, involving 2412 prisoners. According to a random-effects model, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection among prisoners in Ethiopia was 45% (95% CI: 39%-51%), with a significant degree of heterogeneity (I 2 = 87.79%, p < 0.01). In this study, the most common monoinfection was E. histolytica/dispar (16%, 95% CI: 12%-23%), whereas the most common multiple infection was E. histolytica/dispar + G. lamblia (3%, 95% CI: 2%-5%) and E. histolytica/dispar + A. lumbricoides (3%, 95% CI: 1%-6%). In this review, intestinal parasitic infection was associated with handwashing after toilet (OR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.11-5.45), handwashing before a meal (OR = 3.85, 95% CI: 1.71-8.68), the status of hand hygiene (OR = 2.99, 95% CI: 2-4.48), and untrimmed hand fingernails (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.51-2.96). Conclusion:In Ethiopia, intestinal parasitic infections are prevalent among prisoners. The common parasitic infections were E. histolytica/dispar and E. histolytica/dispar + H. worms. Among prisoners, intestinal parasitic infection is associated with handwashing before a meal, handwashing after toilet, the status of hand hygiene, and untrimmed fingernails.
Malaria remains a major public health problem in Ethiopia, with heterogeneous transmission across ecological and demographic settings. This study assessed variation and demographic determinants of malaria infection in selected villages of Bibugn woreda, Amhara, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from October to December 2016 and March to April 2017 in Ameba Amarsa, Debersina, and Moseba Shemiabo villages, which were purposively selected from the woreda. A total of 422 residents were randomly selected from the purposively selected villages. Thick and thin blood smears were examined microscopically to detect Plasmodium species. Data were entered and analyzed by using SPSS software. Associations between malaria infection and predictor variables were analyzed using chi-square tests at a 95% confidence level. Overall, 46 participants were positive, yielding a malaria prevalence of 10.9% (95% CI: 8.0%-14.3%). Infection was higher among males (67.39%) than females (32.61%), but not statistically significant (χ 2 = 1.753, df = 1, p = 0.185). The occurrence of Plasmodium species was not significant in residence (χ 2 = 3.609, df = 1, p = 0.058), but there is significant variation in age (χ 2 = 9.909, df = 2, p = 0.007). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species, accounting for 60.87% (28/46) of infections, whereas P. falciparum comprised 39.13% (18/46). Debersina village exhibited the highest proportion of infections (69.56%), followed by Moseba Shemiabo (17.39%) and Ameba Amarsa (13.04%). Malaria transmission persists at a moderate level in Bibugn Woreda, with P. vivax emerging as the dominant parasite contrasting the national pattern of P. falciparum predominance. Strengthening surveillance, improving vector control coverage, and incorporating P. vivax specific strategies are critical for accelerating malaria elimination efforts in the district.
Varroa destructor (V. destructor) threatens honeybee colonies and negatively affects drone weight and survival. Therefore, this mite species poses a risk to the reproductive potential of drones, and subsequently colony health and performance. However, studies on the impact of V. destructor infestation on sperm characteristics are limited, and results appear to be inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the effect of V. destructor infestation on multiple sperm quality characteristics that are regarded as important for successful fertilization. In this cross-sectional study, conducted in the Western Cape, South Africa, during the summer of 2021, 53 sexually mature Apis mellifera capensis (A.m. capensis) were harvested. Analysis of semen included functional (total motility, progressive motility and swimming speeds; kinematic parameters) and structural sperm parameters (sperm head, tail, total length) using a computer-aided sperm analysis system. Drone weight and demographic information of colonies were also assessed. Three infestation groups were compared, i.e., < 1% (n = 4 colonies) (median: 0.33%; range: 0.00-0.40%), 1%-2% (n = 2 colonies) (median: 1.07%; range: 1.00%-1.45%) and 10% (n = 2 colonies) (10.0% ± 0.00%). In this study, V. destructor infestation had minor, non-significant effects on drone weight (11% lower in highly infested drones; p = 0.123) and sperm concentration (p = 0.064). Sperm motility was, however, significantly affected by infestation levels, with the least infected drones producing sperm with significantly higher total motility (99.1% vs. 83.9% and 68.2%; p = 0.002), progressiveness, swimming speed and kinematics (VCL, VSL, VAP; p < 0.001). Sperm vitality was not affected by V. destructor infestation (p = 0.559). Infestation altered sperm structure with drones from highly infected colonies producing significantly longer sperm (tail: 227 ± 1.22 μm vs. 224 ± 2.31 μm; total length: 236 ± 1.23 μm vs. 233 ± 2.16 μm; p < 0.001). Furthermore, significant relationships were observed between V. destructor infestation and sperm functionality as well as sperm structure. Colony demographics was not negatively affected by V. destructor infestation level, but in contrast, significant relationships were found between colony demographics and sperm motility and kinematic parameters as well as sperm structure. Findings of this study suggest that V. destructor infestation may hinder drone reproductive potential through subtle alterations in sperm quality, particularly sperm motility and kinematics. This study further highlights the importance of sperm quality parameters as markers of the impact of V. destructor infestation on honeybee drone and colony reproduction and survival.
Background:Giardiasis continues to be a significant intestinal parasitic infection, with instances of treatment failure and recurrence underscoring the necessity for supplementary therapeutic approaches. Astragaloside (AGS), a bioactive compound known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, may serve as a promising adjunctive treatment; however, its efficacy against Giardia infection has not been thoroughly examined. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the antigiardial efficacy of AGS both as a monotherapy and in combination with metronidazole (METR), focusing specifically on parameters such as parasite cyst burden and viability, intestinal mucosal immune responses, inflammatory markers, and hepatic safety associated with treatment. Methods:The MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate the in vitro antigiardial effects of AGS against Giardia trophozoites. Mice infected with Giardia were treated with AGS (10 and 15 mg/kg/day) and METR (7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day), both individually and in combination, over a 7-day period. Subsequently, stool samples were collected and analyzed to assess the presence and viability of Giardia cysts. The levels of secretory IgA (sIgA) in intestinal tissue, as well as the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), were quantified using commercial ELISA kits and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), respectively. Results:AGS exhibited a clear concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on the viability of Giardia trophozoites, with a calculated half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 30.24 ± 2.43 μg/mL. The administration of either METR or AGS (10 and 15 mg/kg) individually resulted in a partial reduction in both cyst quantity and viability. Notably, combined treatment with AGS and METR resulted in no detectable cysts in fecal samples collected 24 h after the final treatment dose, within the detection limits of microscopy-based analysis (p < 0.001). Secretory IgA concentrations showed modest improvement following monotherapy but increased substantially after combination therapy (4.36 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Correspondingly, elevated levels of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β observed in untreated mice (5.3-, 4.29-, and 5.16-fold, respectively) were nearly restored to baseline values by the co-administration regimen of AGS 15 mg/kg + METR 7.5 mg/kg (1.11-, 0.86-, and 0.91-fold change, p < 0.001). These findings indicate that AGS not only lacks hepatotoxicity but may also exert protective effects against infection-associated hepatic dysfunction. Conclusion:AGS administration was associated with a reduced Giardia cyst burden at the prespecified 24-h post-treatment endpoint, restoration of mucosal immune responses, attenuation of inflammatory signaling, and improved biochemical profiles in experimentally infected mice. These findings suggest that AGS may function as an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory adjunct, potentially contributing to host-mediated parasite load reduction and improved treatment outcomes when combined with METR. However, additional antiparasitic mechanisms and formal pharmacodynamic synergistic interactions were not demonstrated in this study and require further investigation through dedicated in vitro and mechanistic analyses.
Fresh vegetables are important components of a healthy diet but may serve as vehicles for transmission of intestinal parasites when contaminated during production, harvesting, transport, and marketing. This study assessed the prevalence and distribution of parasitic contamination in fresh vegetables cultivated on small-scale farms and marketed through wholesale and retail outlets in Hosanna town and surrounding areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025 on 492 vegetable samples, including Ethiopian kale, Swiss chard, carrot, tomato, cabbage, and beetroot, collected from small-scale farms (n=96), wholesale markets (n=216), and retail markets (n=180). Samples were washed with physiological saline and microscopically inspected for intestinal parasite infectious stages. The study revealed that parasitic contamination increased significantly along the farm (preharvest)-to-market (postharvest) chain (p<0.05), with 35.42% of preharvest farm samples, 46.30% of wholesale, and 72.78% of retail market (postharvest) samples testing positive. Among farm (preharvest) samples, Ethiopian kale (54.16%) and beetroot (41.66%) had the highest contamination rates, predominantly with Strongyloides stercoralis (33.33%) and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (16.67%). In wholesale markets (postharvest), carrot showed the highest contamination (69.44%), whereas E. histolytica/dispar was the most frequently detected parasite (30.56%). Retail markets (postharvest) exhibited the greatest contamination burden, particularly tomatoes and cabbages from Arada and Gofer Meda markets, where E. histolytica/dispar reached 50.00%. Leafy and root vegetables, especially Ethiopian kale and carrots, were the most contaminated with parasites. Fresh vegetables grown and sold in the study area were commonly contaminated with intestinal parasites, with retail vegetables showing the highest contamination rates. Enhanced hygiene practices during production, handling, and marketing, alongside targeted public health interventions, are crucial to reducing foodborne parasitic infections in the community.
The Asian longhorned tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, is a well-known vector of several zoonoses including SFTS and Japanese spotted fever. This species consists of two different reproductive forms, bisexual and parthenogenetic, which are suggested to have differential roles in disease transmission. In Japan, the distributions of these forms have been suspected from sex bias in each population. Meanwhile, recent insights about the origin of the parthenogenetic form suggest the possibility of individual-level diagnosis using mitochondrial phylogeny. To reassess the current distribution of those reproductive forms and potential changes over time in Japan, 1750 H. longicornis collected across 23 prefectures of Japan were investigated. The COI barcoding region was used to distinguish the mitochondrial haplogroup of each individual. Additionally, we developed real-time PCR probes to distinguish the two mitochondrial haplogroups representing each reproductive form. As previous studies have suggested, the parthenogenetic mitochondrial haplogroup was present throughout the country, while the bisexual mitochondrial haplogroup was found only in central and western Japan. Interestingly, populations consisting of either one or both haplogroups were found in neighboring areas, highlighting the need for more detailed and fine-scaled investigations in order to fully reveal the distribution of the reproductive groups. The newly developed real-time PCR method successfully differentiated all tested haplotypes. Furthermore, alignment of 173 COI haplotypes revealed that the diagnostic nucleotide selected for the method was consistent across all haplotypes, including those outside of Japan. This suggests that this method can accurately distinguish between the two haplogroups of H. longicornis in both Japan and other countries. This one-step method will serve as a rapid tool to distinguish bisexual and parthenogenetic H. longicornis, making further investigations, particularly into their role in disease transmission and shifts in distributions, possible.
Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income regions, including the humid and lagoon areas in Côte d'Ivoire, where sanitation facilities are limited at the community level. Few studies have investigated the relationship between environmental (soil and water) contamination by STH eggs and their infection prevalence in humans and animals in endemic areas. We assume that assessing soil contamination with STH eggs could provide a rapid and cost-effective indicator for identifying high-risk communities. A cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2024 in three villages (Attehou, Bekpou and Tiagba) selected based on previous epidemiological data. A total of 215 and 58 stool samples, respectively, from school-aged children and animals (pigs, goats and sheep), in addition to 86 soil samples and 41 stagnant water samples, were collected. Human stool samples were examined using the Kato-Katz method, and animal stool samples using the McMaster flotation technique. Soil samples were analysed using an optimised flotation method with different solutions, and water samples using a sedimentation-concentration technique. Proportions were compared using Fisher's exact test. STH eggs were detected in all matrices investigated, with an overall prevalence of 44.6%, 24.1%, 25.5% and 2.43%, respectively, in children, animals, soil and water. Only Ascaris, Trichuris and hookworm eggs were identified. The highest prevalence was observed in Tiagba among children (83.67%) and soil samples (33.33%). NaCl solution provided better egg recovery from soil samples (> 50%, p = 0.02). Higher soil egg counts were observed in the same villages where higher egg counts were found in children, particularly in Attehou and Tiagba. The abundance of STH eggs in the environment was associated with that observed in school-aged children. Our findings suggest that egg density in contaminated soil could serve as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to human stool examination for identifying high-risk communities, particularly in resource-limited settings. Furthermore, assessing soil contamination could help guide integrated control strategies and epidemiological surveillance approaches aiming to reach eliminating STH infections.
African trypanosomiasis (AT) is a vector-borne disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Trypanosoma, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected tsetse flies in the genus Glossina. The disease is a major constraint to livestock production, causing reduced productivity, anemia, and mortality in affected animals. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December 2024 to assess the spatial prevalence of AAT in cattle as well as tsetse fly abundance in Busia County, Kenya. A total of 762 cattle randomly selected from seven villages in Busia County were screened for AAT using the quantitative buffy coat technique. Packed cell volume (PCV) values were also determined. A tsetse survey was done by deploying 60 tsetse odor-baited biconical traps in thickets and along streams in Funyula, Butula, and Teso North subcounties to estimate tsetse flies' distribution and density. Overall reported prevalence of AAT was 6.82% (95% CI: 5.2-8.80). Trypanosoma vivax reported the highest prevalence amongst the reported species at 4.72%, which was significant (p = 0.006). Age, grazing system and breed significantly (p < 0.05) increased odds for trypanosome infection in cattle. Overall mean PCV for the study population was 24.82%. AAT-positive cattle registered significantly lower PCV (22.7 ± 3.38%) compared with 26.94 ± 1.71.0% in the trypanosome-negative cattle (p = 0.027). Two tsetse fly species were captured, with an apparent density ranging from 0.00 to 0.35 across the study sites. Species-wise, tsetse catches were not statistically different in fly trap densities (FTD) between Glossina pallidipes (Gpd) and Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (p = 0.429), despite Gpd exhibiting a higher mean FTD (0.117, SD = 0.175). The study confirmed that AAT is still endemic in Busia County, with evidence that transmission is localized rather than widespread.
Ectoparasites threaten poultry health and productivity by decreasing egg production, lowering meat yields, and transmitting diseases. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and identifying the main species of ectoparasites, as well as assessing the current control practices in poultry production systems in Dire Dawa. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. Data collection involved visual observation of the entire bodies of chickens and interviewing the producers. Out of 768 chickens examined, 577 were infested with one or more ectoparasite species, with an overall prevalence of 75.1% (95% CI: 71.9-78.2). The most prevalent ectoparasites at the individual chicken level were fleas (35.0%), followed by lice (33.5%), mites (25.5%), and ticks (10.9%). According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, age and management systems were the identified risk factors. Chickens raised under semi-intensive systems were 2.3 times (OR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.7, p < 0.001), and under extensive systems were 3.5 times (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 2.3-5.3, p < 0.001) more likely to be infested by ectoparasites than those raised under intensive production systems. Adult chickens were twice as likely to be infested as young chickens (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4-2.8, p < 0.001). In this study, 83.9% of respondents were aware of ectoparasite infestations, and 47.1% and 30.9% of them relied on natural remedies and acaricides, respectively, to control and prevent them. Lack of knowledge and the high cost of treatments were the challenges in ectoparasite control and prevention. Therefore, ectoparasites in chickens were highly prevalent, suggesting a need for targeted educational campaigns and improved access to affordable treatments, though findings from this cross-sectional study warrant validation through longitudinal research.
Background:Researches are being frequently conducted on the utility aspects of helminth parasites worldwide. The evolution is driven by the need for survival against the toxicity of biometals that emerged in zoonotic roundworms of Anisakidae. Aims:This study is aimed at investigating whether the sequestration of biometals from the environment into the body tissues of parasites serves a dual purpose: firstly, the removal of toxic metals and other biotoxins from the immediate environment of worms and, secondly, the utilization of extra available biometals, like sulfur and cysteine, in the surrounding environment to strengthen the cuticularization for the body's defense. Additionally, it examines whether the toxins absorbed by the tissues of worms thus protect tissues of the fish host from damage caused by toxicity; the potential "environmental sink" thus came into operation. Methods:These worms exploited the alterations in chemical composition to adapt and evolve in the newer environment. An assessment of biotoxic influence generated through heavy metal toxicity was conducted during this investigation. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray micrographic analysis were the techniques employed. The studies were conducted in anisakid nematodes parasitizing reef-associated fishes at Ilha "Grande" Island, 19 km from Panaji, Goa, in India. Results:The first record of Anisakis typica third-stage larvae has recently appeared in Indian fish. The survival of worms of Anisakidae under the influence of a hostile environment comprising toxic biometals, like Hg, Pb, and Cd, was analyzed. The hypothesis of the metal filter being functional at the worm-iron influx interface was propounded. The typical anisakids of the family Anisakidae trigger a zoonotic mechanism that involves damage to human health. Conclusions:The superfluous iron influx within the intestinal environment apparently brought about physiological changes in the host's body tissues as well. The excessive iron content from the tissues of nematodes first crossed the worm's membrane barrier. Next, the iron content was stored in different body organs of roundworms to avoid the influence of toxicity on the fish host's body. Apparently, the parasitic tissues of the nematode functionally operated as an environmental sink which could relieve body tissues of the host fish due to unwarranted duress under biometallic stress.
Background:Currently, benzimidazoles are the main drugs used for the treatment of hydatidosis. However, the available medications do not demonstrate the expected therapeutic efficacy. As a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib may interfere with parasite signaling pathways and exert antiparasitic effects. The present study is among the first to evaluate imatinib in Echinococcus granulosus, especially on microcysts and in combination with albendazole. The aim of this study was to investigate the in vitro antiparasitic effects of imatinib and its combination with albendazole on the protoscoleces and microcysts of E. granulosus. Materials and Methods:The effects of imatinib alone and in combination with albendazole were assessed on protoscoleces and microcysts over 33 and 15 days, respectively, and compared with albendazole monotherapy. The viability percentage of protoscoleces was determined using the eosin exclusion assay. Ultrastructural and morphological changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and inverted microscopy. Results:Maximum protoscolicidal activity was observed at a concentration of 40 μg/mL imatinib and the combination of 20 μg/mL albendazole + 20 μg/mL imatinib, both of which resulted in complete mortality of protoscoleces within 6 days. In contrast, 6 days after exposure to 10 μg/mL albendazole, 84.33% ± 4.5% of protoscoleces remained viable. Exposure of microcysts to 15 μg/mL imatinib and the combination of 10 μg/mL albendazole + 1 μg/mL imatinib led to their complete destruction by Day 6. Conclusion:The findings of this study demonstrated that imatinib has a significant effect on the protoscoleces and larval cyst forms of E. granulosus, showing higher protoscolicidal activity compared with albendazole. Moreover, the combination of imatinib and albendazole exhibited stronger and faster effects than monotherapy. These effects may be related to inhibition of tyrosine kinase-dependent pathways. Further in vivo studies are required to confirm these results and evaluate their potential clinical implications.
Intestinal helminth infections remain a major public health problem in low- and middle-income countries, particularly among school-aged children, where they contribute to malnutrition and diarrheal diseases. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections and their association with nutritional status and diarrheal diseases among school-aged children in the North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to December 2025 among 374 children selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and hemoglobin assessment, and stool examination was performed using direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration techniques. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with helminth infection and health outcomes, and statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05. The prevalence of intestinal helminth infection was 14.97% (n = 56). Helminth infection was associated with higher odds of stunting (AOR = 1.82; 95% CI: 1.05-3.12), anemia (AOR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-3.82), and diarrhea (AOR = 2.76; 95% CI: 1.52-5.01). Furthermore, poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, inadequate hygiene practices, and low dietary diversity were significant predictors of helminth infection and were also associated with increased risk of stunting, anemia, and diarrheal disease. Overall, intestinal helminth infections and modifiable environmental and nutritional factors were independently associated with adverse child health outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of integrated interventions combining deworming programs with improvements in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), along with nutrition-sensitive strategies, to improve child health in the study area.
Diseases caused by parasites are a global public health problem. Due to their heterogeneity and diversity, they can affect various hosts, and some diseases are considered zoonotic. Therapeutic control in parasitic diseases has lost its effectiveness over the last decades. The factors associated with therapeutic failure include drug resistance, nonadherence to treatment due to the presence of adverse effects, and reinfections due to inadequate sanitary conditions. Therefore, a strategy to search for new treatment alternatives is the use of natural compounds. The pomegranate is a plant that has multiple biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It is highlighted that the use of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of pomegranate, mainly from the peel, has greater activity against clinically relevant pathogenic parasites. The use of Punica granatum as a preventive, monotherapy, or adjuvant agent demonstrates its protective and restorative capacity in the damage produced by various parasitoses. These effects are mainly attributable to phenolic compounds, principally ellagitannins and ellagic acids. Among these molecules, punicalagin, punicalin, luteolin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, and quercetin stand out. The identification and study of these candidates is a promising alternative to complement the arsenal of available antiparasitic drugs. In this research, the antiparasitic activity of pomegranate is summarized.
The expansion of human populations and their associated land use practices are contributing to the fragmentation of forest ecosystems, thereby impacting the habitats of wildlife, including nonhuman primates (NHPs). This increased proximity between humans and NHP, which share an ecosystem, creates opportunities for the transmission of gastrointestinal parasites. This research analyzed the presence and diversity of intestinal parasites in two rural communities, Magallanes and Mirador Pilapa, Veracruz, Mexico, which share territory with Alouatta palliata and Ateles geoffroyi , as well as a source of water. Fecal samples from humans and NHP, as well as water samples from local springs, were analyzed. The analysis revealed a significant presence of protozoa, particularly from the genera Entamoeba and Balantidium , in the samples from humans, NHP, and the spring water, and the presence of Ascaris and Strongyloides eggs in humans and NHP. On the other hand, NHP exhibited the greatest parasite species richness (nine taxa), followed by humans (seven taxa) and water sources (five taxa). The identified intestinal parasites are transmitted through the consumption of food or water contaminated with fecal matter, a condition prevalent in the study area. Addressing gastrointestinal parasite burdens in these rural communities requires a comprehensive One Health strategy, encompassing investigations into parasite transmission dynamics across human, animal, and environmental compartments, coupled with the implementation of integrated public health interventions, to reduce the transmission of parasitic diseases by promoting biosecurity in these communities, as well as protecting the conservation of these endangered primates.
Anthelmintic resistance (AR) is a well concern in livestock production. Hence, the study was designed to assess the status of AR in sheep and goat farms at Mymensingh sadar using fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and egg hatch assay (EHA). To do this, 10 farms were selected. For FECRT, 40 animals of each farm having more than 200 EPG of feces were selected randomly by employing the McMaster technique and treated with albendazole (ABZ), levamisole (LEV), and ivermectin (IVM). Fecal samples from animals of each treated and control group were collected directly from the rectum on Day 0 (pretreatment) and Day 14th posttreatment (p.t.), pooled, and considered for coproculture to detect resistant parasites. For EHA, pooled fecal samples were collected from each farm and isolated eggs by combining flotation and sedimentation techniques. The isolated eggs were treated with different concentrations of ABZ solution, such as 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.5 μg/mL, by maintaining a control group with no ABZ solution. The result revealed that in FECRT, ABZ resistance against gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes was detected in nine farms and suspected resistance in one farm. LEV resistance was detected in six farms and suspected resistance in four farms. Interestingly, IVM resistance was developed in one farm, suspected resistance in five farms, and susceptible against GI nematodes in four farms. Also, Haemonchus and Oesophagostomum were recognized as resistant parasites using coproculture. In EHA, ABZ resistance was also detected in all farms. The EC50 value of ABZ ranged from 0.1290 to 0.2393 μg ABZ/mL (> 0.1 μg/mL) with the coefficient of correlation R2>0.98. The present study suggests that AR is increasing and creates an upsetting situation in controlling GI nematodes in Bangladesh. Therefore, the use of alternative control methods such as ethnomedicine, bioactive forages, and selective treatment procedure should be practiced.
ObjectivesCystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the Echinococcus granulosus larval stage, poses health problems in the world, including Iran. This study is aimed at investigating the epidemiological and molecular characterization of E. granulosus collected from CE samples in Urmia, the northwest of Iran.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, the demographic information of 295 hydatid cyst patients who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2021 was recorded and analyzed statistically. Due to time and financial constraints, a total of 74 samples were evaluated. DNA of FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) hydatid cyst samples was extracted, and PCR was performed using mitochondrial genes cox1 and nad1. PCR products were electrophoresed and sequenced, and sequence analysis was performed using BioEdit and BLAST software.ResultsAmong 295 cases studied, 173 (58.64%) were female and 122 (41.36%) male, respectively, and the CE frequency was significantly higher in patients aged 20-30 (n = 24/295; 8.1%), villagers (n = 70/295; 23.7%), and low educated cases (n = 82/295; 27.8%). The most group affected by CE was the housewives (n = 33/295; 11.2%), followed by the illiterate people (n = 82/295; 27.8%) and the farmers (n = 17/295; 5.8%). The liver (n = 52/295; 17.6%) and the lung (n = 40/295; 13.6%) were the most common sites for cyst formation, followed by the abdomen (n = 9/295; 3.1%), kidney (n = 4/295; 1.4%), thorax (n = 2/295; 0.7%), spleen (n = 2/295; 0.7%), and the pancreas (n = 3/295; 1.0%). DNAs from all 74 paraffinized hydatid cyst samples were extracted successfully. Of the whole FFPE samples amplified by PCR assay using nad1 and cox1 genes, only 27 and 25 FFPE samples were sequenced, respectively. The 9.1% (n = 27) for cox1 and the 8.4% (n = 25) for nad1 were sequenced. All samples ' analyses resulted G1. In addition, analysis of cox1 and nad1 genes did not identify any haplotypic variation. DNAs from all 74 paraffinized hydatid cyst samples were extracted successfully. Of the whole FFPE samples amplified by PCR assay using nad1 and cox1 genes, only 27 and 25 FFPE samples were sequenced, respectively. The 9.1% (n = 27) for cox1 and the 8.4% (n = 25) for nad1 were sequenced. All samples analyzed resulted G1. In addition, analysis of cox1 and nad1 genes did not identify any haplotypic variation.ConclusionsMolecular findings identified the G1 genotype as the predominant genotype involved in E. granulosus transmission in the northwest region of Iran.
Background:Although both preventable and treatable, malaria remains a significant burden on health and economic stability, particularly in regions of high transmission such as Africa and parts of Asia. The parasite's genetic diversity enhances its ability to evade the host immune system and adapt, posing challenges to effective treatment strategies. Objective:The primary objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum by analyzing polymorphisms in the merozoite surface protein genes among clinical isolates collected from public health facilities in Arba Minch town and Mirab Abaya, Southern Ethiopia. Methods:A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of P. falciparum. Capillary blood samples were collected from 200 participants using both microscope slides (for phenotypic analysis) and Whatman 903 filter paper (for molecular investigation using polymerase chain reaction). Parasite genomic DNA was extracted using the G-spin Total DNA Extraction Mini Kit. Nested PCR was performed to confirm the presence of P. falciparum by targeting 18S rRNA and to genotype the msp1 and msp2 gene allelic families. Results:Of the 200 samples initially confirmed for P. falciparum infection, 138 (69%) were mono-infections. Males accounted for 55.1% of the confirmed cases, whereas 44.9% were females. More than half of the participants (58%) had parasite density of ≥ 10,000 parasites/μL. The mean hemoglobin level recorded was 13.4 g/dL (95% CI, 13.06-13.7). Genotyping revealed 131 msp1 and 164 for msp2 alleles, with MAD20 (58.8%) and FC27 (52.4%) frequently detected allelic types, respectively. msp2 infections were nearly evenly split between monoclonal (53.2%) and polyclonal. A significantly higher multiplicity of infection (MOI) was observed in Arba Minch town for msp2 (MOI = 2.19) p < 0.001. Conclusion and Recommendation:This study revealed substantial genetic diversity in P. falciparum alleles, with variations linked to geographic location, age group, and residential setting. These findings underscore the complex epidemiology of malaria in Arba Minch and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the need for geographically and demographically targeted control strategies based on local transmission patterns to guide elimination efforts. Enhancing community awareness about risk factors and vulnerable populations is critical for the success of malaria prevention programs.
Canine dirofilariasis is caused by Dirofilaria, a type of filarial parasite that can also infect humans and is becoming a growing concern in Sri Lanka. Previous studies have noted that Sri Lanka has some of the highest numbers of dirofilariasis cases in Asia. This study was aimed at detecting Wolbachia bacteria—which are found inside Dirofilaria parasites—using molecular methods and also at identifying which Dirofilaria species are present in dogs in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. Blood was collected from 368 dogs of various breeds between May and December 2025. Of these, only 35 samples (9.51%) tested positive for microfilaria using a microscope. These samples were then analyzed using DNA extraction and PCR with both general Dirofilaria and species-specific primers. At the same time, samples were also screened for Wolbachia, a bacterium that is important for Dirofilaria survival and reproduction, using Wolbachia-specific primers (wsp). Of the 35 microfilaria-positive samples, 18 (51.43%) were positive for Dirofilaria, and of those 18, only three (16.67%) were positive for Wolbachia. Among the Dirofilaria-positive samples, one (5.56%) was identified as Dirofilaria immitis, 11 (61.11%) as Dirofilaria repens, and three (16.67%) as Dirofilaria asiatica; a few samples did not match any of the species-specific primers. The PCR products for both Dirofilaria and Wolbachia were verified by gel electrophoresis and sequencing. The sequence results showed the presence of D. repens and D. asiatica in dogs. Importantly, this is the first molecular evidence of D. immitis in Sri Lanka and the first molecular identification of Wolbachia in Dirofilaria species in the country. The study also found that both D. repens and D. immitis can infect the same dog. These findings provide new information about canine dirofilariasis in Sri Lanka and highlight the need for Wolbachia-targeted parasite control and accurate molecular diagnosis to guide treatment and control efforts.
Gastrointestinal nematode infections pose a significant challenge to the productivity and reproductive performance of small ruminants in Ethiopia. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in small ruminants in one of the pastoral areas of Ethiopia, identifying the main gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites, and assessing potential risk factors linked to their occurrence. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to November 2025 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats in Nyangatom District, Southern Ethiopia, using both qualitative and quantitative coprological examinations. A total of 384 small ruminants, 176 sheep and 208 goats, were systematically selected from the study population and examined for GIT nematode infection. Of these, 253 (65.89%) tested positive for one or more GIT nematodes. The prevalence was 71.59% in sheep and 61.06% in goats. Among the samples, 198 (51.56%) were positive for strongyle eggs, 15 (3.91%) for Strongyloides eggs, 9 (2.34%) for Trichuris spp. eggs, and 31 (8.07%) for mixed infections. Three risk factors, namely study kebeles, species, and body condition score (BCS), were statistically linked to GIT nematode prevalence. These results highlight the significant impact of gastrointestinal nematode infections on small ruminant health and productivity in the study area. The high prevalence rates call for urgent implementation of effective control measures. Strategic deworming programs should be adopted to reduce infection burdens, and animal health extension workers need to actively educate local communities about parasite control. Overall, this study emphasizes the necessity of integrated parasite management strategies to reduce the negative effects of gastrointestinal nematodes.
Schistosomiasis remains a significant public health burden in many developing countries. Plant-based molluscicides have gained considerable attention as alternatives for snail control, owing to their relatively lower toxicity and favorable environmental profile. However, prior to large-scale application, plant-based molluscicides require rigorous small-scale field trials and comprehensive toxicity assessments under natural conditions to confirm their efficacy and evaluate their potential impact on nontarget organisms, particularly fish. This study evaluated the molluscicidal activity of 70% ethanol and chloroform fractions of Hagenia abyssinica flowers against Biomphalaria species and assessed the acute toxicity of the 70% ethanol extract on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through a small-scale trial. Female flowers of H. abyssinica were collected in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Adult Biomphalaria species were exposed to 70% ethanol and chloroform fractions of H. abyssinica for 24, 48, and 72 h. Fish toxicity was assessed following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guidelines at the National Fish and Other Aquatic Lives Research Center in Sebeta. Lethal concentration values (LC50 and LC90) were calculated from mortality data using probit regression analysis in IBM SPSS software. In fish toxicity assessments, the LC50 and LC90 for the 70% ethanol extract were 38.71 and 57.14 mg/L, respectively. Fish fingerlings showed no significant difference in survival at concentrations up to 16 mg/L, establishing this level as the no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC). The study found that both the 70% ethanol extract and chloroform fraction of H. abyssinica flowers displayed significant molluscicidal activity against Biomphalaria species, with LC50 values of 78.77 and 36.49 mg/L, respectively, after 24 h. The LC50 of the 70% ethanol extract for molluscicidal activity was about twice that needed for fish, showing that fish were more sensitive than Biomphalaria snails. This differential toxicity raises important ecological concerns.
