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Cutis Apr 2024There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic... (Review)
Review
There is a large burden of treatable dermatologic conditions in refugee populations. Parasitic infestations are particularly common when there are barriers to basic hygiene, crowded living or travel conditions, and lack of access to health care. Body lice are associated with anemia and can transmit a variety of diseases; chronic impetigo secondary to scabies is a leading cause of chronic kidney disease globally. Dermatologists have unique skills to identify skin infections, inflammatory diseases, and infestations. Appropriate dermatologic care has the potential to improve overall outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Scabies; Lice Infestations; Refugees; Health Services Accessibility; Animals
PubMed: 38820111
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0999 -
Journal of Medical Primatology Jun 2024This study reports for the first time the infestation of Cebidicola armatus in Brachyteles hypoxanthus. In total, 14 lice were recovered of an individual in Minas...
This study reports for the first time the infestation of Cebidicola armatus in Brachyteles hypoxanthus. In total, 14 lice were recovered of an individual in Minas Gerais, Brazil. These were subjected to a microscopic analysis and the identification of C. armatus was carried out through its very characteristic morphology.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Lice Infestations; Male; Female; Monkey Diseases; Atelinae; Phthiraptera
PubMed: 38816898
DOI: 10.1111/jmp.12715 -
Vaccines Apr 2024Proteins present in blood samples from Atlantic salmon () infected with salmon lice () were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry....
Proteins present in blood samples from Atlantic salmon () infected with salmon lice () were analyzed using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. Bioinformatic analyses revealed 1820 proteins, of which 58 were assigned to lice. Among these, peroxiredoxin-2, an antioxidant protein, was found relevant with respect to blood feeding of the parasite. The three-dimensional structure analysis of the protein revealed a surface amino acid sequence of interest. A 13-amino-acid peptide was selected as a potential antigen due to its predicted solubility, antigenicity, probable non-allergenic, and non-toxic nature. This peroxiredoxin-2-derived peptide was synthesized, combined with a commercially available adjuvant, and used for vaccination. The test vaccine demonstrated a 60-70% protection rate against early-stage infection in a challenge trial in Norway. Additionally, the vaccine was tested against salmon lice () in Chile, where a remarkable 92% reduction in the number of adult lice was observed. Thus, in combination with the selected adjuvant, the peptide showed antigenic potential, making it a suitable candidate for future vaccine development. The approach described holds promise for the development of peptide vaccines against various ectoparasites feeding on blood or skin secretions of their hosts.
PubMed: 38793707
DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050456 -
Parasitology Research May 2024Ivermectin mass drug administration has been used for decades to target human and veterinary ectoparasites, and is currently being considered for use against malaria... (Review)
Review
Ivermectin mass drug administration has been used for decades to target human and veterinary ectoparasites, and is currently being considered for use against malaria vectors. Although there have been few reports of resistance to date in human ectoparasites, we must anticipate the development of resistance in mosquitoes in the future. Hence, through this review, we mapped the existing evidence on ivermectin resistance mechanisms in human ectoparasites. A search was conducted on the 8th November 2023 through databases, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using terms related to ivermectin, human and veterinary ectoparasites, and resistance. Abstracts (5893) were screened by JFA and CK. Data on the study organism, the type of resistance, the analysis methods, and, where applicable, the gene loci of interest were extracted from the studies. Details of the methodology and results of each study were summarised narratively and in a table. Eighteen studies were identified describing ivermectin resistance in ectoparasites. Two studies described target site resistance; and 16 studies reported metabolic resistance and/or changes in efflux pump expression. The studies investigated genetic mutations in resistant organisms, detoxification, and efflux pump expression in resistant versus susceptible organisms, and the effect of synergists on mortality or detoxification enzyme/efflux pump transcription. To date, very few studies have been conducted examining the mechanisms of ivermectin resistance in ectoparasites, with only two on Anopheles spp. Of the existing studies, most examined detoxification and efflux pump gene expression, and only two studies in lice investigated target-site resistance. Further research in this field should be encouraged, to allow for close monitoring in ivermectin MDA programmes, and the development of resistance mitigation strategies.
Topics: Ivermectin; Animals; Humans; Drug Resistance; Insecticides; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Insecticide Resistance
PubMed: 38787430
DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08223-z -
Veterinary Parasitology, Regional... Jun 2024Koi carp are globally known for their colors and cultural significance. The introduction of these fish to new environments poses a threat to local biodiversity, in...
Koi carp are globally known for their colors and cultural significance. The introduction of these fish to new environments poses a threat to local biodiversity, in addition to releasing parasites, such as argulid ectoparasites. This study presents a record of Argulus japonicus infecting carp in an artificial lake in Southern Brazil using morphological and molecular methods, with a 100% prevalence (n = 3) and a mean intensity of 21.6 parasites per host, distributed over the body surface. The invasion history of hosts in the study locality indicates that the introduction of A. japonicus occurred decades before its first formal record in Brazil.
Topics: Animals; Carps; Fish Diseases; Brazil; Arguloida; Prevalence; Lakes; Ectoparasitic Infestations; Lice Infestations
PubMed: 38772644
DOI: 10.1016/j.vprsr.2024.101034 -
International Journal of Pharmaceutical... 2024From ancient times to the present, parasites and the diseases they transmit have jeopardized the health and wellbeing of working and companion canines worldwide. Many... (Review)
Review
From ancient times to the present, parasites and the diseases they transmit have jeopardized the health and wellbeing of working and companion canines worldwide. Many common pests that afflict dogs can be classified as ectoparasites (e.g., fleas, ticks, lice), which serve as vectors of pathogens transmitted as the organism feeds or defecates; or endoparasites (e. g, helminths, protozoa), which can cause slowly progressive subclinical canine diseases as well as acute illnesses associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Safe, effective antiparasitic prophylaxis in dogs remains a topic of major interest to both veterinarians and their clients, especially with respect to the prevention of canine heartworm infection and flea or tick infestation. Many compounders, especially those whose pharmacy includes a retail component, counsel veterinarians and pet owners about preparations and commercially available medications that prevent or treat parasitic infestations and provide assistance in obtaining those therapies. To support such efforts, this article provides information about single agents and combination-drug products prophylactic against common canine parasites, emerging resistance to those medications, and the toxic effects that such treatments can engender in some canine breeds.
Topics: Animals; Dogs; Dog Diseases; Tick Infestations; Dirofilariasis; Flea Infestations; Drug Combinations; Antiparasitic Agents
PubMed: 38768502
DOI: No ID Found -
Parasites & Vectors May 2024The chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in...
BACKGROUND
The chicken body louse is an obligate ectoparasite of domestic chickens. Chicken body lice feed on feathers, and infestation with this louse is linked to decreases in egg production, hen weight, and feed conversion efficiency. However, it is unknown how chicken body lice impact egg-laying chickens in cage-free environments. Welfare and behavior metrics were collected from flocks of egg-laying chickens either infested with chicken body lice or left uninfested.
METHODS
In two trials, two flocks of cage-free commercial egg-laying chickens were infested with chicken body lice or maintained as uninfested controls. At three timepoints, behavior and welfare of all chickens was measured. On-animal sensors were used to quantify pecking, preening, and dustbathing behavior. Other animal-based welfare metrics included recording comb wounds and skin lesions.
RESULTS
Birds infested with chicken body lice exhibited significantly more preening behaviors than uninfested birds, even at low louse levels. Moderate or severe skin lesions were detected on birds that were moderately infested with chicken body lice while skin lesions were never detected on uninfested birds.
CONCLUSIONS
The welfare of chickens was impacted by the chicken body louse, a chewing louse that primarily feather feeds. Evidence of skin lesions on infested birds suggests that lice may cause more damage to birds than previously thought, and further evaluation of louse economic damage is necessary.
Topics: Animals; Chickens; Poultry Diseases; Animal Welfare; Housing, Animal; Female; Behavior, Animal; Amblycera; Feathers; Lice Infestations
PubMed: 38745229
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06313-6 -
BMJ Case Reports May 2024Pthiriasis palpebrarum, a rare condition caused by , can mimic blepharitis and manifest as intense itching, inflammation and eyelid redness. We describe a case of...
Pthiriasis palpebrarum, a rare condition caused by , can mimic blepharitis and manifest as intense itching, inflammation and eyelid redness. We describe a case of Pthiriasis palpebrarum in a young girl with right upper eyelid discomfort. A slit lamp examination revealed eggs on her eyelashes and adult lice on the eyelids' surface. Dermatology consultation confirmed the diagnosis and successful treatment followed. Family evaluation uncovered genital Phthiriasis pubis in her parents, who received appropriate treatment. This report emphasises the importance of accurate diagnosis and management of this masquerading condition by careful slit lamp and microscopic evaluation. It also highlights the significance of comprehensive family history and examination.
Topics: Humans; Blepharitis; Female; Phthirus; Lice Infestations; Diagnosis, Differential; Animals; Eyelashes; Child
PubMed: 38719257
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258620 -
Frontiers in Genetics 2024Sea louse () infestation of Atlantic salmon () is a significant challenge in aquaculture. Over the years, this parasite has developed immunity to medicinal control...
Sea louse () infestation of Atlantic salmon () is a significant challenge in aquaculture. Over the years, this parasite has developed immunity to medicinal control compounds, and non-medicinal control methods have been proven to be stressful, hence the need to study the genomic architecture of salmon resistance to sea lice. Thus, this research used whole-genome sequence (WGS) data to study the genetic basis of the trait since most research using fewer SNPs did not identify significant quantitative trait loci. Mowi Genetics AS provided the genotype (50 k SNPs) and phenotype data for this research after conducting a sea lice challenge test on 3,185 salmon smolts belonging to 191 full-sib families. The 50 k SNP genotype was imputed to WGS using the information from 197 closely related individuals with sequence data. The WGS and 50 k SNPs of the challenged population were then used to estimate genetic parameters, perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS), predict genomic breeding values, and estimate its accuracy for host resistance to sea lice. The heritability of host resistance to sea lice was estimated to be 0.21 and 0.22, while the accuracy of genomic prediction was estimated to be 0.65 and 0.64 for array and WGS data, respectively. In addition, the association test using both array and WGS data did not identify any marker associated with sea lice resistance at the genome-wide level. We conclude that sea lice resistance is a polygenic trait that is moderately heritable. The genomic predictions using medium-density SNP genotyping array were equally good or better than those based on WGS data.
PubMed: 38706794
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1381333 -
Fish & Shellfish Immunology Jun 2024Moritella viscosa (M. viscosa) and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are severe pathogens that primarily infect the skin of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), which cause... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A comparative analysis of alternative splicing patterns in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in response to Moritella viscosa and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) infection.
Moritella viscosa (M. viscosa) and sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) are severe pathogens that primarily infect the skin of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), which cause significant economic losses in the farming industry. However, the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms underlying the host's immune defence at the post-transcriptional level remain unclear. Alternative splicing (AS) is an evolutionarily conserved post-transcriptional mechanism that can greatly increase the richness of the transcriptome and proteome. In this study, transcriptomic data derived from skin tissues of Atlantic salmon after M. viscosa and sea lice infections were used to examine the AS profiles and their differential expression patterns. In total, we identified 33,044 AS events (involving 13,718 genes) in the control (CON) group, 35,147 AS events (involving 14,340 genes) in the M. viscosa infection (MV) group, and 30,364 AS events (involving 13,142 genes) in the sea lice infection (LC) group, respectively. Among the five types of AS identified in our study (i.e., SE, A5SS, A3SS, MXE, and RI), SE was the most prevalent type in all three groups (i.e., CON, MV, and LC groups). Decreased percent-spliced-in (PSI) levels were observed in SE events under both MV- and LC-infected conditions, suggesting that MV or LC infection elevated exon-skipping isoforms and promoted the selection of shorter transcripts in numerous DAS genes. In addition, most of the differential AS genes were found to be associated with pathways related to mRNA regulation, epithelial or muscle development, and immune response. These findings provide novel insights into the role of AS in host-pathogen interactions and represent the first comparative analysis of AS in response to bacterial and parasitic infections in fish.
Topics: Animals; Salmo salar; Copepoda; Fish Diseases; Alternative Splicing; Moritella; Transcriptome; Ectoparasitic Infestations
PubMed: 38705547
DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109606