Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109071
Yiming Wu , Jing Huang , Chenzhou Xu
Objective
Early diagnosis of liver cancer following schistosomiasis cirrhosis remains challenging. This study aims to develop a predictive model for identifying precancerous liver lesions and early-stage liver cancer in patients with schistosomiasis cirrhosis.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis cirrhosis over the past 14 years and managed by the Jiaxing Schistosomiasis Management Office were included in the study. Univariate regression analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between various indices and liver cancer. The predictive diagnostic efficiency was evaluated using the AUROC's cross-sectional area, with the optimal cutoff point identified through the Youden index.
Results
Univariate regression revealed significant associations with RBC count, ALT level, and other factors (P<0.1). Multivariate regression analysis identified AST, GGT, and additional factors as significant predictors (P<0.05). From these findings, two predictive models were developed: one for early-stage liver cancer (ESLC model) and another for precancerous lesions (PL model). The AUROC confirmed the superior diagnostic performance of both models compared to AFP, particularly in predicting precancerous lesions, thus addressing some of AFP's limitations.
Conclusion
The proposed predictive model serves as a valuable tool for early detection of precancerous liver lesions. It outperforms AFP in this regard, with AST, GGT, TB, BA, PT, PCIII, and AFP identified as independent predictors of liver cancer.
{"title":"A predictive model for predicting the occurrence of liver cancer in patients with schistosomiasis cirrhosis","authors":"Yiming Wu , Jing Huang , Chenzhou Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Early diagnosis of liver cancer following schistosomiasis cirrhosis remains challenging. This study aims to develop a predictive model for identifying precancerous liver lesions and early-stage liver cancer in patients with schistosomiasis cirrhosis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients diagnosed with schistosomiasis cirrhosis over the past 14 years and managed by the Jiaxing Schistosomiasis Management Office were included in the study. Univariate regression analysis was conducted to assess the correlation between various indices and liver cancer. The predictive diagnostic efficiency was evaluated using the AUROC's cross-sectional area, with the optimal cutoff point identified through the Youden index.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Univariate regression revealed significant associations with RBC count, ALT level, and other factors (<em>P</em><0.1). Multivariate regression analysis identified AST, GGT, and additional factors as significant predictors (<em>P</em><0.05). From these findings, two predictive models were developed: one for early-stage liver cancer (ESLC model) and another for precancerous lesions (PL model). The AUROC confirmed the superior diagnostic performance of both models compared to AFP, particularly in predicting precancerous lesions, thus addressing some of AFP's limitations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The proposed predictive model serves as a valuable tool for early detection of precancerous liver lesions. It outperforms AFP in this regard, with AST, GGT, TB, BA, PT, PCIII, and AFP identified as independent predictors of liver cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 109071"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-27DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109072
Fabrício Marcus Silva Oliveira , Sávio Henrique de Cicco Sandes , Mario Abatemarco Junior , Elisabeth Neumann , Álvaro Cantini Nunes , Maria Aparecida Gomes , Marcelo Vidigal Caliari
Entamoeba histolytica is an anaerobic eukaryotic protozoan capable of infecting humans and causing amoebiasis, a disease responsible for approximately 50 million cases and an estimated 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. The virulence of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites and their ability to cause amoebic colitis and hepatic abscesses in the host involve various molecules, such as a specific lectin that recognizes galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine residues, cysteine proteinases, and amoebapores. To determine whether axenization of the Entamoeba histolytica strain affects its ability to interact with and respond to the presence of other microorganisms, we cultured trophozoites of an Entamoeba histolytica EGG strain in both xenic and axenic media. We then associated them with Salmonella typhimurium and evaluated the expression of virulence factors by real-time PCR. Subsequently, we infected rats to assess whether the Enatmoeba histolytica EGG strain cultured under xenic and axenic conditions exhibited differences in pathogenicity. This study showed that the absence of bacterial microbiota in axenic culture led to a reduced capacity to produce virulence factors in vitro, even when stimulated with Salmonella typhimurium. Furthermore, in vivo analysis revealed that axenic culture altered the parasite's behavior by reducing its ability to produce intestinal lesions, even in a co-infection setting. We suggest that the expression profiles of virulence genes are influenced by continuous environmental stress and that the presence of microbiota in xenic cultures of Enatmoeba histolytica contributes to such stress and supports the maintenance of virulence gene expression.
{"title":"Axenic culture of Entamoeba histolytica alters its ability to interact with pathogenic bacteria and leads to loss of virulence and pathogenicity","authors":"Fabrício Marcus Silva Oliveira , Sávio Henrique de Cicco Sandes , Mario Abatemarco Junior , Elisabeth Neumann , Álvaro Cantini Nunes , Maria Aparecida Gomes , Marcelo Vidigal Caliari","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> is an anaerobic eukaryotic protozoan capable of infecting humans and causing amoebiasis, a disease responsible for approximately 50 million cases and an estimated 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. The virulence of <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> trophozoites and their ability to cause amoebic colitis and hepatic abscesses in the host involve various molecules, such as a specific lectin that recognizes galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine residues, cysteine proteinases, and amoebapores. To determine whether axenization of the <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> strain affects its ability to interact with and respond to the presence of other microorganisms, we cultured trophozoites of an <em>Entamoeba histolytica</em> EGG strain in both xenic and axenic media. We then associated them with <em>Salmonella typhimurium</em> and evaluated the expression of virulence factors by real-time PCR. Subsequently, we infected rats to assess whether the <em>Enatmoeba histolytica</em> EGG strain cultured under xenic and axenic conditions exhibited differences in pathogenicity. This study showed that the absence of bacterial microbiota in axenic culture led to a reduced capacity to produce virulence factors <em>in vitro</em>, even when stimulated with <em>Salmonella typhimurium</em>. Furthermore, <em>in vivo</em> analysis revealed that axenic culture altered the parasite's behavior by reducing its ability to produce intestinal lesions, even in a co-infection setting. We suggest that the expression profiles of virulence genes are influenced by continuous environmental stress and that the presence of microbiota in xenic cultures of <em>Enatmoeba histolytica</em> contributes to such stress and supports the maintenance of virulence gene expression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 109072"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145621249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-19DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109068
Weiwei Sun, An Yan, Lifang Wang, Bohan Wang, Baoliang Pan
Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects nucleated cells in all warm-blooded animals, and affects about one-third of the world's population. The treatment for T. gondii relies on drugs, but there is no specific cure. The discovery, identification and understanding of key protein families of T. gondii are of great significance for candidate antigen screening, vaccine development, and novel prevention and control program. The Bin, amphiphysin and Rvs (BAR) superfamily is a category of proteins with the BAR domain, which plays an important role in membrane tubulation and constriction during vesicle formation in mammalian cells, and is essential for material transport. However, the information of BAR proteins in T. gondii is not comprehensive. In present study, we screened and identified four BAR domain-containing proteins (Bcps), including TGGT1_259720, TGGT1_320760, TGGT1_232180 and TGGT1_224070 in the T. gondii genome using HMM search and local blast. All above-mentioned Bcps contained the BAR domain, and the 3D structures present the typical crescent shaped helical dimer of BAR. The classification of BAR domains was analyzed by evolutionary tree clustering, and it was found that TGGT1_259720 belonged to F-BAR and the other three belonged to N-BAR. The phylogenetic analysis of four protozoa showed that the Bcps of T. gondii were the closest relative to those of N. caninum, which was consistent with the result of collinearity analysis among species. Moreover, conserved motif and gene composition analysis further confirmed that these closely related proteins are more similar in these structures. The prediction of interacting proteins also showed that Bcps had strong interaction with the key proteins of vesicle transport. The quantification of BAR genes by qPCR showed that these BAR genes were expressed during the growth and proliferation of T. gondii, and the expression patterns were different under different nutritional conditions with the increase of FBS concentration gradient, indicating that these genes played different roles.
刚地弓形虫是一种重要的人畜共患病原体，感染所有温血动物的有核细胞，影响世界上约三分之一的人口。弓形虫的治疗依赖于药物，但没有特效药。弓形虫关键蛋白家族的发现、鉴定和认识，对候选抗原筛选、疫苗研制和新型防控规划具有重要意义。Bin, amphiphysin and Rvs （BAR）超家族是一类具有BAR结构域的蛋白质，在哺乳动物细胞囊泡形成过程中，在膜管和收缩中起重要作用，对物质运输至关重要。然而，关于弓形虫中BAR蛋白的信息并不全面。本研究利用隐马尔可夫搜索和局部blast技术，从弓形虫基因组中筛选出4个BAR结构域蛋白（bps），分别为TGGT1_259720、TGGT1_320760、TGGT1_232180和TGGT1_224070。上述Bcps均含有BAR结构域，三维结构呈现典型的BAR新月形螺旋二聚体。采用进化树聚类方法对BAR结构域进行分类，发现TGGT1_259720属于F-BAR，其余3个属于N-BAR。4种原生动物的系统发育分析表明，弓形虫的Bcps与犬奈虫的Bcps最接近，这与种间共线性分析结果一致。此外，保守基序和基因组成分析进一步证实了这些密切相关的蛋白在这些结构上更加相似。相互作用蛋白的预测也表明，Bcps与囊泡运输的关键蛋白具有较强的相互作用。通过qPCR对BAR基因的定量分析发现，这些BAR基因在弓形虫生长和增殖过程中均有表达，且随着FBS浓度梯度的增加，不同营养条件下BAR基因的表达模式不同，说明这些基因发挥了不同的作用。
{"title":"Genome-wide screening, identification and analysis of BAR domain-containing proteins in Toxoplasma gondii","authors":"Weiwei Sun, An Yan, Lifang Wang, Bohan Wang, Baoliang Pan","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109068","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109068","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> is an important zoonotic pathogen that infects nucleated cells in all warm-blooded animals, and affects about one-third of the world's population. The treatment for <em>T</em>. <em>gondii</em> relies on drugs, but there is no specific cure. The discovery, identification and understanding of key protein families of <em>T</em>. <em>gondii</em> are of great significance for candidate antigen screening, vaccine development, and novel prevention and control program. The Bin, amphiphysin and Rvs (BAR) superfamily is a category of proteins with the BAR domain, which plays an important role in membrane tubulation and constriction during vesicle formation in mammalian cells, and is essential for material transport. However, the information of BAR proteins in <em>T</em>. <em>gondii</em> is not comprehensive. In present study, we screened and identified four BAR domain-containing proteins (Bcps), including TGGT1_259720, TGGT1_320760, TGGT1_232180 and TGGT1_224070 in the <em>T. gondii</em> genome using HMM search and local blast. All above-mentioned Bcps contained the BAR domain, and the 3D structures present the typical crescent shaped helical dimer of BAR. The classification of BAR domains was analyzed by evolutionary tree clustering, and it was found that TGGT1_259720 belonged to F-BAR and the other three belonged to N-BAR. The phylogenetic analysis of four protozoa showed that the Bcps of <em>T. gondii</em> were the closest relative to those of <em>N. caninum</em>, which was consistent with the result of collinearity analysis among species. Moreover, conserved motif and gene composition analysis further confirmed that these closely related proteins are more similar in these structures. The prediction of interacting proteins also showed that Bcps had strong interaction with the key proteins of vesicle transport. The quantification of BAR genes by qPCR showed that these BAR genes were expressed during the growth and proliferation of <em>T</em>. <em>gondii</em>, and the expression patterns were different under different nutritional conditions with the increase of FBS concentration gradient, indicating that these genes played different roles.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 109068"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145573372","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109062
Tooran Nayeri , Mosayeb Rostamian , Mahmood Moosazadeh , Fatemeh Ghaffarifar , Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl
Chronic toxoplasmosis has been associated with behavioral alterations in both humans and animal models. Given that substance addiction involves behavioral and neurochemical changes, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) infection and substance use disorders by synthesizing available evidence through a meta-analysis. A systematic search of five databases was conducted using relevant keywords to identify English-language articles published up to January 19, 2025. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding p-value. A total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, encompassing 2499 participants (1018 individuals with substance use disorders and 1481 controls). The random-effects model estimated an OR of 1.86 (95 % CI: 1.25–2.76) for anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies among individuals with substance use disorders compared with controls. Egger's test indicated no publication bias. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness and stability of the observed association between anti-T. gondii IgG seropositivity and addiction. These findings demonstrate a statistically significant association between T. gondii infection and substance use disorders. However, the limited number of available studies highlights the need for further epidemiological investigations, particularly longitudinal studies, to clarify the nature and direction of this relationship.
{"title":"Relationship between toxoplasmosis and addiction: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Tooran Nayeri , Mosayeb Rostamian , Mahmood Moosazadeh , Fatemeh Ghaffarifar , Abdolhossein Dalimi Asl","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109062","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109062","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic toxoplasmosis has been associated with behavioral alterations in both humans and animal models. Given that substance addiction involves behavioral and neurochemical changes, this study aimed to investigate the potential association between <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) infection and substance use disorders by synthesizing available evidence through a meta-analysis. A systematic search of five databases was conducted using relevant keywords to identify English-language articles published up to January 19, 2025. Studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled odds ratio (OR) and corresponding p-value. A total of 18 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 9 met the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, encompassing 2499 participants (1018 individuals with substance use disorders and 1481 controls). The random-effects model estimated an OR of 1.86 (95 % CI: 1.25–2.76) for anti-<em>T. gondii</em> IgG antibodies among individuals with substance use disorders compared with controls. Egger's test indicated no publication bias. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness and stability of the observed association between anti-<em>T. gondii</em> IgG seropositivity and addiction. These findings demonstrate a statistically significant association between <em>T. gondii</em> infection and substance use disorders. However, the limited number of available studies highlights the need for further epidemiological investigations, particularly longitudinal studies, to clarify the nature and direction of this relationship.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"279 ","pages":"Article 109062"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145502975","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-10DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109061
Antara Banerjee
This article has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier policy on article withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal). This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher. The publisher regrets that an error occurred which led to the publication of this paper. This error bears no reflection on the article or its authors. The publisher apologizes to the authors and the readers for this unfortunate error.
{"title":"WITHDRAWN: Advances in Drug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Leishmaniases: A review.","authors":"Antara Banerjee","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109061","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109061","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier policy on article withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/article-withdrawal). This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher. The publisher regrets that an error occurred which led to the publication of this paper. This error bears no reflection on the article or its authors. The publisher apologizes to the authors and the readers for this unfortunate error.</p>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":" ","pages":"109061"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145502960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-03DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109033
Ayesha Malik , Kiran Afshan , Min-Kuang Lee , Abdul Razzaq , Munib Hussain , Sabika Firasat , Muhammad Morshed
Background
Theileria spp. are economically important tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites that threaten livestock health and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we developed and validated a qPCR-based diagnostic panel for the sensitive and specific detection of Theileria infections in ruminants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The panel included a broad-range Pan-Theileria assay as well as four species-specific assays for Theileria annulata, T. parva, T. lestoquardi, and T. ovis, the main species infecting domestic ruminants in the region.
Methods
A total of 1026 tick-infested animals were examined, including sheep (n = 514), goats (n = 462), and cattle (n = 50). Blood was collected from symptomatic animals, and 51 microscopically confirmed Theileria-positive samples were selected for further analysis. DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method for clinical validation. Primers and hydrolysis probes were designed to target the hypervariable V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene, allowing high-resolution species identification.
Results
Analytical validation using synthetic gBlock™ gene fragments showed strong assay performance, with excellent linearity (R2 = 0.982–0.9965), high PCR efficiency (86.2 %–105.2 %), and detection limits of 10–100 copies per reaction. Reproducibility was confirmed with coefficients of variation ≤5 %. The Pan-Theileria assay detected 47 positives. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene confirmed these results and additionally identified three cases of T. orientalis, two of which were also detected by qPCR. One sample tested positive for T. ovis. Overall, the assay achieved 100 % clinical sensitivity and specificity within this validation set, though larger multi-site field evaluations are needed to confirm these findings.
Conclusion
This is the first comprehensive qPCR-based diagnostic platform for simultaneous detection and speciation of Theileria spp. in Pakistan. The tool provides a powerful approach for large-scale surveillance, timely diagnosis, and improved control of tropical theileriosis in endemic areas.
{"title":"Molecular diagnosis of tropical theileriosis: Development and validation of species-specific qPCR assays in Pakistan","authors":"Ayesha Malik , Kiran Afshan , Min-Kuang Lee , Abdul Razzaq , Munib Hussain , Sabika Firasat , Muhammad Morshed","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109033","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109033","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Theileria</em> spp. are economically important tick-borne hemoprotozoan parasites that threaten livestock health and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. In this study, we developed and validated a qPCR-based diagnostic panel for the sensitive and specific detection of <em>Theileria</em> infections in ruminants from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. The panel included a broad-range Pan-<em>Theileria</em> assay as well as four species-specific assays for <em>Theileria annulata</em>, <em>T. parva</em>, <em>T. lestoquardi</em>, and <em>T. ovis</em>, the main species infecting domestic ruminants in the region.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 1026 tick-infested animals were examined, including sheep (n = 514), goats (n = 462), and cattle (n = 50). Blood was collected from symptomatic animals, and 51 microscopically confirmed <em>Theileria</em>-positive samples were selected for further analysis. DNA was extracted using the phenol-chloroform method for clinical validation. Primers and hydrolysis probes were designed to target the hypervariable V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene, allowing high-resolution species identification.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Analytical validation using synthetic gBlock™ gene fragments showed strong assay performance, with excellent linearity (R<sup>2</sup> = 0.982–0.9965), high PCR efficiency (86.2 %–105.2 %), and detection limits of 10–100 copies per reaction. Reproducibility was confirmed with coefficients of variation ≤5 %. The Pan-<em>Theileria</em> assay detected 47 positives. Sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene confirmed these results and additionally identified three cases of <em>T. orientalis</em>, two of which were also detected by qPCR. One sample tested positive for <em>T. ovis.</em> Overall, the assay achieved 100 % clinical sensitivity and specificity within this validation set, though larger multi-site field evaluations are needed to confirm these findings.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This is the first comprehensive qPCR-based diagnostic platform for simultaneous detection and speciation of <em>Theileria</em> spp. in Pakistan. The tool provides a powerful approach for large-scale surveillance, timely diagnosis, and improved control of tropical theileriosis in endemic areas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 109033"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145229824","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109046
Perumal Vivekanandhan
In this study, essential oils extracted from Cymbopogon citratus leaves were, tested for toxicity against Aedes albopictus, and their chemical components were identified using GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking techniques were employed to verify the interactions between key compounds and their target proteins. The results showed that C. citratus essential oils caused mortality rate of 100%, 85 %, and 65.33% in larvae, pupae, and adults of A. albopictus, respectively, at 48 h post-treatment. The essential oils exhibited lower LC50 and LC90 values in larvae (5.865 and 47.553 ppm) pupae (13.071 and 253.897 ppm), and adults (45.804 and 938.143 ppm) at 48 h post treatment. The study also identified significant variations in the levels of detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, as well as insect-specific enzymes. Specifically, catalase enzyme activity decreased, while glutathione S-transferase levels increased compared to the control group. The impact of essential oils from C. citratus leaves on Artemia nauplii showed 40 % mortality at 24 h and 54.66 % at 48 h post-treatment. GC-MS analysis of the essential oils identified six primary chemical constituents: limonene (1.95 %), propyl amyl ketone (2.10 %), isogeranial (1.65 %), citral b (40.10 %), citral a (49.15 %), and caryophyllene oxide (1.35 %). Among these, citral a major chemical element demonstrating strong potential for mosquitocidal activity. Docking analysis revealed pocket C1 as the most promising binding site, with the lowest vina score (−7.1 kcal/mol) and the largest volume (3603 Å3), compared to the smaller and weaker pockets C2–C5. This study clearly demonstrates that essential oils from C. citratus leaves are a promising candidate for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.
{"title":"Mosquitocidal, immunostimulatory, and molecular effects of Cymbopogon citratus (D.C.) essential oil on Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894)","authors":"Perumal Vivekanandhan","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109046","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109046","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this study, essential oils extracted from <em>Cymbopogon citratus</em> leaves were, tested for toxicity against <em>Aedes albopictus</em>, and their chemical components were identified using GC-MS analysis. Furthermore, molecular docking techniques were employed to verify the interactions between key compounds and their target proteins. The results showed that <em>C. citratus</em> essential oils caused mortality rate of 100%, 85 %, and 65.33% in larvae, pupae, and adults of <em>A. albopictus</em>, respectively, at 48 h post-treatment. The essential oils exhibited lower LC<sub>50</sub> and LC<sub>90</sub> values in larvae (5.865 and 47.553 ppm) pupae (13.071 and 253.897 ppm), and adults (45.804 and 938.143 ppm) at 48 h post treatment. The study also identified significant variations in the levels of detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, as well as insect-specific enzymes. Specifically, catalase enzyme activity decreased, while glutathione S-transferase levels increased compared to the control group. The impact of essential oils from <em>C. citratus</em> leaves on <em>Artemia nauplii</em> showed 40 % mortality at 24 h and 54.66 % at 48 h post-treatment. GC-MS analysis of the essential oils identified six primary chemical constituents: limonene (1.95 %), propyl amyl ketone (2.10 %), isogeranial (1.65 %), citral b (40.10 %), citral a (49.15 %), and caryophyllene oxide (1.35 %). Among these, citral a major chemical element demonstrating strong potential for mosquitocidal activity. Docking analysis revealed pocket C1 as the most promising binding site, with the lowest vina score (−7.1 kcal/mol) and the largest volume (3603 Å<sup>3</sup>), compared to the smaller and weaker pockets C2–C5. This study clearly demonstrates that essential oils from <em>C. citratus</em> leaves are a promising candidate for controlling mosquito-borne diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 109046"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145420819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-24DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109044
Alex Yagoo , M.C. John Milton , Jelin Vilvest , Mariya Vaishnika A
Background
Mosquito-borne diseases transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus pose major public health challenges worldwide. The emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides, along with concerns about their ecological and health impacts, highlights the urgent need for novel, eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the larvicidal and growth-disrupting effects of β-isocostic acid, a sesquiterpene isolated from Sphaeranthus indicus, while considering its relevance for non-target safety and integrated vector control.
Methods
Larvae of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus were exposed to β-isocostic acid at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L. Developmental parameters—including larval, pupal, and adult durations were monitored. Growth index was calculated to assess developmental progression. Histopathological analysis of third-instar larvae was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining to examine midgut alterations. Emergence quality and behavioural abnormalities in adults were also recorded.
Results
β-Isocostic acid significantly delayed larval and pupal development in both mosquito species. At 0.5 mg/L, Ae. aegypti larvae developed in 8.4 ± 1.0 days versus 6.0 ± 0.0 days in controls, while Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae required 7.5 ± 1.0 days compared to 6.2 ± 0.2 days. Growth index values confirmed reduced developmental rates. Histopathological changes included epithelial vacuolization, disruption of microvilli, and peritrophic membrane rupture. Deformities such as crumpled wings and sluggish behaviour were observed in emerging adults, indicating compromised viability.
Conclusion
β-Isocostic acid exerts potent, multi-stage developmental disruption in mosquito vectors through growth retardation and midgut damage. These findings support its potential as a botanical larvicide; however, further studies are warranted to evaluate non-target toxicity and feasibility for use in sustainable mosquito control strategies.
{"title":"Developmental disruption and midgut histopathology induced by β-isocostic acid in Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Alex Yagoo , M.C. John Milton , Jelin Vilvest , Mariya Vaishnika A","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109044","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109044","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Mosquito-borne diseases transmitted by <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> pose major public health challenges worldwide. The emergence of resistance to synthetic insecticides, along with concerns about their ecological and health impacts, highlights the urgent need for novel, eco-friendly alternatives. This study investigates the larvicidal and growth-disrupting effects of β-isocostic acid, a sesquiterpene isolated from <em>Sphaeranthus indicus</em>, while considering its relevance for non-target safety and integrated vector control.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Larvae of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> were exposed to β-isocostic acid at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg/L. Developmental parameters—including larval, pupal, and adult durations were monitored. Growth index was calculated to assess developmental progression. Histopathological analysis of third-instar larvae was performed using hematoxylin-eosin staining to examine midgut alterations. Emergence quality and behavioural abnormalities in adults were also recorded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>β-Isocostic acid significantly delayed larval and pupal development in both mosquito species. At 0.5 mg/L, <em>Ae. aegypti</em> larvae developed in 8.4 ± 1.0 days versus 6.0 ± 0.0 days in controls, while <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> larvae required 7.5 ± 1.0 days compared to 6.2 ± 0.2 days. Growth index values confirmed reduced developmental rates. Histopathological changes included epithelial vacuolization, disruption of microvilli, and peritrophic membrane rupture. Deformities such as crumpled wings and sluggish behaviour were observed in emerging adults, indicating compromised viability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>β-Isocostic acid exerts potent, multi-stage developmental disruption in mosquito vectors through growth retardation and midgut damage. These findings support its potential as a botanical larvicide; however, further studies are warranted to evaluate non-target toxicity and feasibility for use in sustainable mosquito control strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 109044"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145359794","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oocysts of the coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii withstand a wide range of chemical and physical factors, contributing to their food- and water-borne transmission to humans worldwide. Assessing the efficacy of processes to remove or inactivate oocysts at a pilot or industrial scale encounters major ethical, economic, and methodological constraints. The coccidian parasite Eimeria acervulina has been proposed as a non-human pathogenic alternative of T. gondii to assess food decontamination, however it is not known whether the two parasites exposed to chemical and thermal treatments parallel in terms of oocyst structure and infectivity. Using bioassays and lectin-based assays combined with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analyses, this study shows that E. acervulina and T. gondii oocysts display similar response to heating and/or freezing and bleach or NaOH treatments, as in maintaining infectivity, with E. acervulina oocysts retaining their size and structure better than T. gondii. Collectively, our results suggest that E. acervulina is a reliable model for studying the response of T. gondii oocysts to certain chemical and physical agents. It could therefore serve as an affordable, non-pathogenic substitute for T. gondii when evaluating food decontamination processes, particularly in industrial settings.
{"title":"Eimeria acervulina is a promising surrogate for Toxoplasma gondii oocysts exposed to chemical and physical treatments","authors":"Laure Augendre , Sandie Escotte-Binet , Dominique Aubert , Isabelle Villena , Jean-Michel Répérant , Stéphanie La Carbona , Aurélien Dumètre","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109049","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109049","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Oocysts of the coccidian parasite <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> withstand a wide range of chemical and physical factors, contributing to their food- and water-borne transmission to humans worldwide. Assessing the efficacy of processes to remove or inactivate oocysts at a pilot or industrial scale encounters major ethical, economic, and methodological constraints. The coccidian parasite <em>Eimeria acervulina</em> has been proposed as a non-human pathogenic alternative of <em>T. gondii</em> to assess food decontamination, however it is not known whether the two parasites exposed to chemical and thermal treatments parallel in terms of oocyst structure and infectivity. Using bioassays and lectin-based assays combined with flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy analyses, this study shows that <em>E. acervulina</em> and <em>T. gondii</em> oocysts display similar response to heating and/or freezing and bleach or NaOH treatments, as in maintaining infectivity, with <em>E. acervulina</em> oocysts retaining their size and structure better than <em>T. gondii</em>. Collectively, our results suggest that <em>E. acervulina</em> is a reliable model for studying the response of <em>T. gondii</em> oocysts to certain chemical and physical agents. It could therefore serve as an affordable, non-pathogenic substitute for <em>T. gondii</em> when evaluating food decontamination processes, particularly in industrial settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 109049"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145451413","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-01Epub Date: 2025-10-30DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109045
Victor da Silva Siqueira , Thais Santos Anjo Reis , Stéfanne Rodrigues Rezende Ferreira , Sarah Gomes Rodrigues , Benílton Alves Rodrigues Júnior , Amanda Cristina Corrêa Fleury , Claudinei Alves da Silva , Liliane Nebo , Hellen Bertoletti Barbieri , Júlio César Jeronimo Barbosa , Ludimila Paula Vaz Cardoso , Carla Silva Siqueira , Hanstter Hallison Alves Rezende
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, typically manifests asymptomatically in immunocompetent individuals, leading to persistent chronic infection. However, immunosuppressed patients, such as transplant recipients, often develop neurotoxoplasmosis. The most commonly used therapy for neurotoxoplasmosis involves a combination of sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid, but this treatment is associated with numerous side effects, leading to high rates of discontinuation. Ethanolic extract (EE) and α-bisabolol derived from the Siparuna guianensis plant have demonstrated favorable potential as a therapeutic alternative to parasitic diseases. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the antitoxoplasmic potential of the ethanolic extract and the isolated α-bisabolol from S. guianensis in the treatment of in vivo neurotoxoplasmosis in Swiss mice. After 14 days of treatment, the mice were euthanized and their blood, brain, liver and kidney were collected for analysis. Histopathological analysis of the brain revealed that treatment with EE at a concentration of 200 mg/kg/day resulted in a lower parasite burden. Biochemical and histopathological analysis of the livers and kidneys indicated low liver and kidney toxicity of EE. Based on these results, it is concluded that EE at a concentration of 200 mg/kg/day was more effective in controlling T. gondii, being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as being less toxic to the host, showing an action similar to conventional treatment.
{"title":"Evaluation of ethanolic extract and isolated α-bisabolol from Siparuna guianensis in the treatment of experimental neurotoxoplasmosis","authors":"Victor da Silva Siqueira , Thais Santos Anjo Reis , Stéfanne Rodrigues Rezende Ferreira , Sarah Gomes Rodrigues , Benílton Alves Rodrigues Júnior , Amanda Cristina Corrêa Fleury , Claudinei Alves da Silva , Liliane Nebo , Hellen Bertoletti Barbieri , Júlio César Jeronimo Barbosa , Ludimila Paula Vaz Cardoso , Carla Silva Siqueira , Hanstter Hallison Alves Rezende","doi":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109045","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.exppara.2025.109045","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em>, typically manifests asymptomatically in immunocompetent individuals, leading to persistent chronic infection. However, immunosuppressed patients, such as transplant recipients, often develop neurotoxoplasmosis. The most commonly used therapy for neurotoxoplasmosis involves a combination of sulfadiazine, pyrimethamine, and folinic acid, but this treatment is associated with numerous side effects, leading to high rates of discontinuation. Ethanolic extract (EE) and α-bisabolol derived from the <em>Siparuna guianensis</em> plant have demonstrated favorable potential as a therapeutic alternative to parasitic diseases. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the antitoxoplasmic potential of the ethanolic extract and the isolated α-bisabolol from <em>S. guianensis</em> in the treatment of <em>in vivo</em> neurotoxoplasmosis in Swiss mice. After 14 days of treatment, the mice were euthanized and their blood, brain, liver and kidney were collected for analysis. Histopathological analysis of the brain revealed that treatment with EE at a concentration of 200 mg/kg/day resulted in a lower parasite burden. Biochemical and histopathological analysis of the livers and kidneys indicated low liver and kidney toxicity of EE. Based on these results, it is concluded that EE at a concentration of 200 mg/kg/day was more effective in controlling <em>T. gondii,</em> being able to cross the blood-brain barrier, as well as being less toxic to the host, showing an action similar to conventional treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":12117,"journal":{"name":"Experimental parasitology","volume":"278 ","pages":"Article 109045"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145426718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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