Parasitology International最新文献

{"title":"Active constituent nonacosane from Sphaeranthus indicus (Asterales: Asteraceae) leaves as a potent larvicidal agent against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae)","authors":"Alex Yagoo ,&nbsp;M.C. John Milton ,&nbsp;Jelin Vilvest ,&nbsp;Mariya Vaishnika A ,&nbsp;Kedike Balakrishna","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103171","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103171","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Mosquitoes are major carriers of diseases such as dengue, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis, as they feed on blood and act as ectoparasites. This study focuses on the effectiveness of a plant-derived insecticide, specifically the hexane extract from <em>Sphaeranthus indicus</em> leaves, against <em>Aedes aegypti</em> and <em>Culex quinquefasciatus</em> mosquitoes. By conducting phytochemical extraction, fractionation, and spectroscopic analysis, ten fractions were isolated. One of these fractions showed significant mosquito-killing activity, with nonacosane identified as the primary active component. Various bioassays, including tests for eggs, larvae, and pupae, were conducted. Nonacosane exhibited ovicidal activity, with effectiveness rates of 16.4 % and 17.8 % at 2 ppm against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, respectively. Larvicidal and pupicidal tests further confirmed its strong activity, with LC₅₀ values of 2.63 ppm and 2.47 ppm for larvae, and 2.98 ppm and 2.67 ppm for pupae of <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, respectively. The mosquitocidal effectiveness of nonacosane was comparable to that of established insecticides like azadirachtin and temephos. This research highlights the potential of plant-based compounds in developing effective and environmentally sustainable mosquito control strategies, especially in light of the increasing resistance to synthetic insecticides.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103171"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113796","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}

{"title":"Parasites in the bloodstream: Unraveling hematological chaos and clinical implications","authors":"Bing Pang ,&nbsp;Atieh Raoufi ,&nbsp;Zahra Taghinejad ,&nbsp;Milad Fakhraei ,&nbsp;Mahsa Loran Esfahani ,&nbsp;Parisa Heydari ,&nbsp;Omolbanin Sargazi Aval ,&nbsp;Hamed Soleimani Samarkhazan","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103172","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103172","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Parasitic infections pose a significant global health burden, particularly in regions with limited medical resources and poor sanitation. These infections often have detrimental effects on the human body, including disruptions to the hematopoietic system, the intricate network responsible for blood cell production. Parasites such as <em>Plasmodium</em>, <em>Schistosoma</em>, and <em>Leishmania</em> are notorious for causing blood disorders such as anemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukopenia. Understanding the intricate interactions between parasites and the hematopoietic system is crucial for developing effective diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies. This review explores the multifaceted effects of parasitic infections on hematological parameters. The mechanisms are explored by which parasites can disrupt red blood cell production, leading to various types of anemia. Additionally, we examined the effects of parasites on platelet counts and white blood cell populations, highlighting the potential for both thrombocytopenia and leukocytosis. Furthermore, the role of parasites is examined in inducing coagulation disorders and the implications for clinical management. By understanding the complex interplay between parasites and the hematopoietic system, healthcare professionals can develop more targeted and effective interventions to address the significant health challenges posed by parasitic infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103172"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145150350","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}

{"title":"An unusual presentation of cystic hydatid disease: Left temporal bone involvement with transverse sinus obliteration","authors":"Abdulkerim Gökoğlu ,&nbsp;Hüseyin Yiğit ,&nbsp;Bülent Tucer","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cystic hydatid disease (CHD), caused by Echinococcus granulosus, remains a significant global health concern. While commonly affecting the liver and lungs, rare localizations can pose diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report presents a case of CHD affecting the left temporal bone, originating from the mastoid cells, resulting in left transverse sinus obliteration and cerebellar hemisphere compression. This unusual presentation highlights the importance of considering CHD in the differential diagnosis of neurological symptoms, including vertigo, even in the absence of more typical clinical signs. We aim to raise awareness among neurosurgeons, neurologists, and otorhinolaryngologists regarding this atypical manifestation of CHD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103180"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252202","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}

{"title":"Molecular prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in water and wastewater of the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Tooran Nayeri ,&nbsp;Maryam Hataminejad ,&nbsp;Aziz Kassani ,&nbsp;Davood Anvari ,&nbsp;Nahid Maspi ,&nbsp;Abbas Moridnia","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The association between parasitic diseases and the consumption of contaminated water has been widely reported. Due to oocyst contamination, water is a medium for human and veterinary toxoplasmosis transmission. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aim to investigate the prevalence of <em>Toxoplasma gondii</em> (<em>T. gondii</em>) in water and raw and treated wastewater samples from around the world utilizing molecular methods. A comprehensive search of three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) and the internet search engine Google Scholar was conducted for studies published until September 2024. The screening process identified 51 relevant studies, from which 45 were included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of <em>T. gondii</em> in water and raw and treated wastewater samples worldwide was estimated at 11.1 % (95 % CI: 8.5 to 14.3 %) and 6.8 % (95 % CI: 3 to 14.6 %) using molecular methods. The findings underscore a significant public health concern, given the potential for waterborne transmission of toxoplasmosis. The results of this study emphasize the necessity for enhanced surveillance and monitoring of water quality, as well as the implementation of effective sanitation measures to reduce the risks associated with contaminated water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145252248","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}

{"title":"Cystodiscus nigromaculatus sp. n. (Myxozoa: Myxidiidae) infecting the gallbladder of the frog Pelophylax nigromaculatus in China","authors":"Shen Yuan ,&nbsp;Qiang Wei ,&nbsp;Yulu Liu ,&nbsp;Yuzhou Gong ,&nbsp;Deliang Li ,&nbsp;Jianguo Xiang ,&nbsp;Fengwen Pan ,&nbsp;Jianbo Yu ,&nbsp;Shisi Ren ,&nbsp;Xinhua Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103198","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103198","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Myxosporean infections in frogs have been reported in countries worldwide. This study conducted a survey of myxosporean infection in cultured frogs in China, and identified a new species of <em>Cystodiscus</em> in <em>Pelophylax nigromaculatus</em>. This new species, named <em>Cystodiscus nigromaculatus</em> sp. n., was exclusively located in the gallbladder of <em>P. nigromaculatus.</em> The observed plasmodia appeared as oval formations within the bile, reaching sizes of up to 1.2 mm in diameter. Mature myxospores ellipsoid to ovoid in shape, measuring 13.6 ± 0.4 (13.0–14.6) μm in length and 7.8 ± 0.5 (6.8–8.9) μm in width, with a slightly curved ridge along the myxospore's medial axis. The polar capsules pyriform and uniform in size, measuring 4.3 ± 0.3 (3.7–4.9) μm long and 3.5 ± 0.2 (3.0–3.9) μm wide, with polar tubules coiled into 3–5 turns. The pairwise genetic distances and varying numbers of base differences among <em>C. nigromaculatus</em> sp. n. and other <em>Cystodiscus</em> spp. with available 18S rRNA gene sequences in GenBank ranged from 0.092/75 (<em>C. axonis</em>, MZ412745) to 0.111/89 (<em>C. australis</em>, HQ822149). Phylogenetic analysis placed <em>C. nigromaculatus</em> sp. n. as an early-diverging species within the <em>Cystodiscus</em> clade, with strong support values.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103198"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145564859","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}

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of vector-borne pathogens in domestic cats (Felis catus) in Türkiye: The first report of Coxiella burnetii from cats in Türkiye","authors":"Zuhal Önder ,&nbsp;Didem Pekmezci ,&nbsp;Batuhan Aşkım Arslanhan ,&nbsp;Gökmen Zafer Pekmezci ,&nbsp;Gupse Kübra Karademir ,&nbsp;Simge Şahin ,&nbsp;Gamze Nur Konacoğlu ,&nbsp;Sümmani Çifci ,&nbsp;Zeynep Nurselin Kot","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed (i) to determine the occurrence of vector-borne pathogens (<em>Cytauxzoon felis</em>, <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., <em>Rickettsia</em> spp., and <em>Coxiella burnetii)</em> in domestic cats in Türkiye; (ii) to conduct molecular characterization of identified species; (iii) to assess the genetic diversity among identified species in cats reported worldwide. A total of 311 blood samples were collected from animals visiting Ondokuz Mayıs University Veterinary Faculty Animal Hospital for routine checkups, vaccinations, antiparasitic application, and sterilization. Blood samples were analyzed for the presence of targeted pathogens by PCR analysis. Data on domestic cats (age, sex, breed, and living conditions) were recorded, and statistical analyses were performed to identify potential risk factors for infection. Phylogenetic analyses were performed to assess relatedness among detected pathogen isolates worldwide. Out of 311 cats tested, 13.1 % (<em>n</em> = 41) were positive for at least one pathogen, and 0.9 % (<em>n</em> = 3) were found to be co-infected. PCR analyses detected 9.64 % (<em>n</em> = 30) of examined samples infected with <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp., and 3.5 % (<em>n</em> = 11) with <em>C. burnetii</em>. <em>Babesia</em> spp., <em>C. felis</em>, and <em>Rickettsia</em> spp. were not detected. There was no significant statistical difference between the prevalence of any detected pathogen and data of the cats. Sanger sequencing of the 30 positive PCR products identified <em>Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum</em> (CMhm) in 50 % (<em>n</em> = 15), <em>Mycoplasma haemofelis</em> (Mhf) in 36.6 % (<em>n</em> = 11), and <em>Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis</em> (CMt) in 13.3 % (<em>n</em> = 4). Phylogenetic analysis of the <em>Mycoplasma</em> spp. 16S rRNA gene showed two distinct groups: one belonging to the haemominutum group, clustering with CMhm isolates, and the other from the haemofelis group, clustered with Mhf and CMt isolates. <em>Coxiella burnetii</em> IS1111 gene sequences shared high identity and similarity and clustered with isolates from different countries. This is the first report of <em>C. burnetii</em> in domestic cats from Türkiye. Our data provide information on the presence, molecular epidemiology, and genetic characterization of vector-borne pathogens in domestic cat populations in Türkiye. This study highlights the importance of the epidemiology of vector-borne pathogens for effective disease management in cat populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103182"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145275500","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}

{"title":"Dual transcriptome analyses of a non-healing chronic Leishmania donovani infection in mice","authors":"Yasuyuki Goto ,&nbsp;Junya Yamagishi","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103189","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103189","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus <em>Leishmania</em> and is characterized by clinical manifestations including fever, hepatosplenomegaly, and anemia. We previously developed a non-healing chronic model of experimental VL, using BALB/c mice infected with <em>Leishmania donovani</em>, which manifest hepatosplenomegaly, leukopenia, and anemia. In mice, it is widely accepted that immune responses in the spleen and liver do not necessarily occur in parallel during experimental VL. This implies that <em>Leishmania</em> parasites may also exhibit different gene expression patterns in these distinct tissues. In this study, we performed dual transcriptome analyses of the spleen and liver from <em>L. donovani</em>-infected BALB/c mice to characterize tissue-specific responses of both the host and the parasite. Two independent transcriptome analyses with high reproducibility revealed tissue-specific expression patterns of host genes during <em>L. donovani</em> infection. For example, <em>Pdilt</em> was upregulated in the spleen but downregulated in the liver, whereas <em>Marco</em> displayed the opposite pattern. By contrast, gene expression patterns of <em>L. donovani</em> amastigotes were relatively conserved between the spleen and liver. These results suggest that tissue-specific host immune responses play a critical role in driving tissue-specific pathology, whereas they have limited influence on parasite gene expressions in this non-healing model of experimental VL.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103189"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145416506","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}

{"title":"Exploring a low-compatibility population of Biomphalaria glabrata (Mollusca: Gastropoda) as a model for studying host-parasite interactions with Schistosoma mansoni (Trematoda: Digenea)","authors":"Cristhiane Oliveira da Fonseca ,&nbsp;Marina Moraes Mourão ,&nbsp;Vitor do Espirito Santo Pimentel ,&nbsp;Andréa Teixeira-Carvalho ,&nbsp;Delza de Moura Soares Reis ,&nbsp;Kleiton Esteves Costa ,&nbsp;Dílcia Maria Repetição ,&nbsp;Ludmila Gomes Muniz Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Omar dos Santos Carvalho ,&nbsp;Lângia Colli Montresor ,&nbsp;Roberta Lima Caldeira","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most populations of <em>Biomphalaria glabrata</em> are highly compatible with <em>Schistosoma mansoni</em> strains, making it challenging to identify low-compatibility models to host-parasite interaction research. This study evaluated a <em>B. glabrata</em> population with low compatibility with the LE strain (SmLE) as a model. First, pigmented low susceptibility (LS) and albino susceptible (S) snails were paired to produce three progeny groups: Crossings (CR) between LS × S, LS (LS × LS), and S (S × S). F1 snails were individually challenged with SmLE, and compatibility and reproductive parameters were analyzed. Second, mass crossbreeding (150LS + 150S) produced F1 snails, later challenged with SmLE. Unchallenged F1 snails were then used for new mass crossbreeding, either without (CR1) or with (CR2) the introduction of LS snails (1:1 ratio). The F2 snails were challenged, and compatibility was assessed. In the pairings, the CR snails were predominantly pigmented (CRp). At 8 miracidia/snail challenge, F1 snails compatibility followed the pattern S &gt; CRp &gt; LS, consistent in both pairings and mass crossbreeding. In F2, CR1 resembled S, while CR2 showed intermediate compatibility (S=CR1 &gt; CR2 &gt; LS). Although crossings led to a reduction in the compatibility of F1 snails compared to the S group, the results suggest that resistance transfer between LS and S <em>B. glabrata</em> populations is less effective than previously demonstrated for susceptible/compatible and resistant/incompatible populations of <em>Biomphalaria tenagophila</em>. Thus, only traditional snail control measures (e.g., environmental modifications) are advisable in transmission foci maintained by <em>B. glabrata</em>. This study demonstrates that the population tested is not suitable for snail control strategies, although it may serve as a valuable experimental model for investigating host-parasite interactions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103176"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145186046","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}

{"title":"A family concept for the genus Stomachicola Yamaguti, 1934 (Digenea: Hemiuroidea) and new hemiuroid species from marine fishes of Vietnam","authors":"Yana I. Ivashko ,&nbsp;Dmitry M. Atopkin ,&nbsp;Nguyen Van Ha ,&nbsp;Hoang Van Hien ,&nbsp;Vladimir V. Besprozvannykh","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103170","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103170","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>New morphological and molecular data generated for hemiuroid trematodes from fishes of coastal waters of Cat Ba Island, Northern Vietnam. The trematode <em>Stomachicola muraenesocis</em> was detected in the intestines of eels <em>Pisodonophis boro</em>. Vietnamese specimens of <em>S. muraenesocis</em> were identical to trematodes from Iran by morphology and molecular data and have some differences with specimens from South Korea by <em>28S rRNA</em> gene sequence data. Results of p-distance estimation and phylogenetic analysis of Hemiuroidea specimens of <em>Stomachicola</em> differ from other representatives of the superfamily at the level of different families. Based on these data, a new family for <em>Stomachicola</em> was created. A new species of the genus <em>Lecithaster</em>, <em>L. pseudosayori</em> n. sp., from belonid fish species was validated. These trematodes are close to L. <em>sayori</em> and <em>L. confusus</em> by morphological and molecular data, respectively. Two specimens of <em>Lecithocladium</em> sp. detected in belonid fishes were similar to <em>L. excisum</em> by both morphological and molecular data. Phylogenetic tree topologies show agreements about Lecithasteridae species differentiation and definitive host specificity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145102822","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}

{"title":"Description of novel myxozoan and microsporidian parasites from cultured red seabream Pagrus major exhibiting mild scoliosis, with additional detection of the myxosporean in yellowback seabream Evynnis tumifrons","authors":"Karina Midori Kawano ,&nbsp;Masato Nitta ,&nbsp;Tetsuya Yanagida","doi":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103196","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.parint.2025.103196","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Red seabream <em>Pagrus major</em> (Temminck &amp; Schlegel, 1843) (Teleostei: Sparidae) farmed in Japan exhibited mild scoliosis, and myxosporean and microsporidian parasites were isolated from the brain and medulla oblongata of the diseased fish, respectively. Based on the morphological and molecular analyses, the myxosporean specimens were described as a new species, <em>Myxobolus tai</em> n. sp. (Bivalvulida: Myxobolidae). The spore is oblong to oval in valvular view, with two pyriform polar capsules of slightly unequal size. Polar capsules are asymmetrically positioned relative to the major axis of the spore. Myxospores morphologically similar to those of <em>M. tai</em> were also identified in the kidney of the yellowback seabream <em>Evynnis tumifrons</em> (Temminck &amp; Schlegel, 1843) (Sparidae) caught in North Pacific off Minami-Ise Town, Mie Prefecture, Japan. Whereas white and round plasmodia were observed in the brain of <em>P. major</em>, only free spores were confirmed in the kidney of <em>E. tumifrons</em>. Nucleotide sequences of the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA gene were identical between those myxosporeans collected from <em>P. major</em> and <em>E. tumifrons</em>, indicating they are conspecific. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed <em>M. tai</em> n. sp. is sister to <em>Myxobolus iwagiensis</em> Kawano, Sakurai, &amp; Yanagida, 2025, which was described from the nervous tissues of wild southern medaka <em>Oryzias latipes</em> (Temminck &amp; Schlegel, 1846) (Beloniformes: Adrianichthyidae) collected from brackish water in Japan. Molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed that the microsporidian in the medulla oblongata of <em>P. major</em> as an undescribed species belonging to the family Spragueidae.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":19983,"journal":{"name":"Parasitology International","volume":"111 ","pages":"Article 103196"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145557489","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}