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International Journal For Parasitology.... Aug 2024Feral deer are widespread throughout Australia with the capacity to impact livestock production transmission of parasites. Samples of (fallow deer), (sambar deer),...
Feral deer are widespread throughout Australia with the capacity to impact livestock production transmission of parasites. Samples of (fallow deer), (sambar deer), (red deer) and an unidentified deer were sourced from various locations in south-eastern Australia for examination for parasites. Adult nematodes were collected from the lungs of all deer species across four separate geographical locations. The nematodes were identified as species of through both morphological and molecular means. Species identification based on morphological features was difficult, with many measurements from described species overlapping. Molecular analyses targeting three markers, namely 18S rRNA, ITS2, and cox1 revealed the presence of two distinct species: and . These are the first genetically confirmed reports of species of in feral deer in Australia, and although cross-transmission of species of with livestock has not yet been reported, it cannot be completely discounted without further research.
PubMed: 38938270
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2024.100953 -
Essays in Biochemistry Jun 2024The role of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in the metabolism of various medically significant protozoan parasites is reviewed. MDH is an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase that...
The role of malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in the metabolism of various medically significant protozoan parasites is reviewed. MDH is an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase that catalyzes interconversion between oxaloacetate and malate, provides metabolic intermediates for both catabolic and anabolic pathways, and can contribute to NAD+/NADH balance in multiple cellular compartments. MDH is present in nearly all organisms; isoforms of MDH from apicomplexans (Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium spp.), trypanosomatids (Trypanosoma brucei, T. cruzi) and anaerobic protozoans (Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia duodenalis) are presented here. Many parasitic species have complex life cycles and depend on the environment of their hosts for carbon sources and other nutrients. Metabolic plasticity is crucial to parasite transition between host environments; thus, the regulation of metabolic processes is an important area to explore for therapeutic intervention. Common themes in protozoan parasite metabolism include emphasis on glycolytic catabolism, substrate-level phosphorylation, non-traditional uses of common pathways like tricarboxylic acid cycle and adapted or reduced mitochondria-like organelles. We describe the roles of MDH isoforms in these pathways, discuss unusual structural or functional features of these isoforms relevant to activity or drug targeting, and review current studies exploring the therapeutic potential of MDH and related genes. These studies show that MDH activity has important roles in many metabolic pathways, and thus in the metabolic transitions of protozoan parasites needed for success as pathogens.
PubMed: 38938216
DOI: 10.1042/EBC20230075 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Jun 2024Zinc anodes of zinc metal batteries suffer from unsatisfactory plating/striping reversibility due to interfacial parasitic reactions and poor Zn mass transfer kinetics....
Zinc anodes of zinc metal batteries suffer from unsatisfactory plating/striping reversibility due to interfacial parasitic reactions and poor Zn mass transfer kinetics. Herein, methoxy polyethylene glycol-phosphate (mPEG-P) is introduced as an electrolyte additive to achieve long anti-calendar aging and high-rate capabilities. The polyanionic of mPEG-P self-assembles via noncovalent-interactions on electrode surface to form polyether-based cation channels and in situ organic-inorganic hybrid solid electrolyte interface layer, which ensure rapid Zn mass transfer and suppresses interfacial parasitic reactions, realizing outstanding cycling/calendar aging stability. As a result, the Zn//Zn symmetric cells with mPEG-P present long lifespans over 9000 and 2500 cycles at ultrahigh current densities of 120 and 200 mA cm, respectively. Besides, the coulombic efficiency (CE) of the Zn//Cu cell with mPEG-P additive (88.21%) is much higher than that of the cell (36.4%) at the initial cycle after the 15-day calendar aging treatment, presenting excellent anti-static corrosion performance. Furthermore, after 20-day aging, the Zn//MnO cell exhibits a superior capacity retention of 89% compared with that of the cell without mPEG-P (28%) after 150 cycles. This study provides a promising avenue for boosting the development of high efficiency and durable metallic zinc based stationary energy storage system.
PubMed: 38937993
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202404513 -
Journal of Fish Biology Jun 2024Elasmobranch populations are in steep decline mainly due to overfishing bycatch, but parasites may accelerate the collapse of vulnerable and/or highly parasitized...
Elasmobranch populations are in steep decline mainly due to overfishing bycatch, but parasites may accelerate the collapse of vulnerable and/or highly parasitized species. We therefore studied metazoan parasites of Rajidae from the northeast Atlantic: vulnerable Leucoraja fullonica, near-threatened Raja brachyura, Raja clavata, Raja microocellata and Raja undulata, and least-concerned Raja montagui and Leucoraja naevus. Overall prevalence varied from 19% for R. montagui to 100% for L. fullonica. Parasite communities differed between skate species, and prevalence and abundance were higher for L. fullonica, R. microocellata, and R. undulata. We recorded 11 parasite taxa in the study: three nematodes, six cestodes, one monogenean, and one myxosporean. Whatever the skate species, the parasite component community comprised at least two nematode taxa among Phocanema spp., Proleptus sp. and Anisakis simplex. DNA-sequencing revealed that Phocanema azarasi and Phocanema krabbei both occurred in R. microocellata and R. undulata. Phocanema spp. was first recorded in L. fullonica, L. naevus, R. microocellata, R. montagui, and R. undulata, as Proleptus sp. in L. fullonica, and A. simplex in L. fullonica and R. clavata, Rockacestus sp. and Nybelinia sp. in R. undulata, and gill-myxosporeans on L. fullonica, L. naevus, R. microocellata, and R. undulata. The occurrence of 16 new host-parasite associations suggests potential environmental changes. Information provided by trophically transmitted helminths confirmed an opportunistic skate diet based on crustaceans and fish. We discuss results in terms of host fitness loss, bioindicator role of parasites, and anisakiasis risk. We recommend incorporating parasitology in research to improve elasmobranch conservation.
PubMed: 38937946
DOI: 10.1111/jfb.15845 -
Zoonoses and Public Health Jun 2024Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode found primarily not only in tropical and subtropical regions but also in...
BACKGROUND
Angiostrongylus cantonensis, commonly known as the rat lungworm, is a metastrongyloid nematode found primarily not only in tropical and subtropical regions but also in temperate areas and considered the leading cause of eosinophilic meningitis in humans. Synanthropic rodents such as Rattus norvegicus and Rattus rattus are the most frequent definitive hosts of this parasite.
METHODS AND RESULTS
The presence of this parasite was detected in the pulmonary arteries of three specimens of R. norvegicus in the city of Buenos Aires representing the species' southernmost known record in natural hosts. Species confirmation was achieved through partial sequences of 18S and COI genes. By comparing the COI gene sequences with those available in GenBank through the construction of a haplotype network, we obtained that the analysed specimen presents high similarity with those reported in Japan and Southeast Asia.
CONCLUSIONS
All infected rats were captured in an area surrounding a port with significant import and export activity, suggesting that A. cantonensis may have been introduced through commercial ships. Specifically, the parasite was detected in a neighbourhood with vulnerable socio-economic conditions and in a nature reserve, which exhibit biotic and abiotic characteristics conducive to sustaining high-density rat populations, scattered waste, areas of spontaneous vegetation, debris accumulation and flooded areas or lagoons offering suitable habitats for intermediate hosts such as snails. Thus, the close proximity of the port to these sites creates a favourable ecological context for the establishment of A. cantonensis. This study shows the need to conduct research to detect A. cantonensis in non-endemic areas but with the characteristics that promote its arrival and development of its life cycle in order to implement control measures to prevent expansion of this parasite and its transmission to humans and other animals.
PubMed: 38937928
DOI: 10.1111/zph.13163 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of...
BACKGROUND
Digital imaging combined with deep-learning-based computational image analysis is a growing area in medical diagnostics, including parasitology, where a number of automated analytical devices have been developed and are available for use in clinical practice.
METHODS
The performance of Parasight All-in-One (AIO), a second-generation device, was evaluated by comparing it to a well-accepted research method (mini-FLOTAC) and to another commercially available test (Imagyst). Fifty-nine canine and feline infected fecal specimens were quantitatively analyzed by all three methods. Since some samples were positive for more than one parasite, the dataset consisted of 48 specimens positive for Ancylostoma spp., 13 for Toxocara spp. and 23 for Trichuris spp.
RESULTS
The magnitude of Parasight AIO counts correlated well with those of mini-FLOTAC but not with those of Imagyst. Parasight AIO counted approximately 3.5-fold more ova of Ancylostoma spp. and Trichuris spp. and 4.6-fold more ova of Toxocara spp. than the mini-FLOTAC, and counted 27.9-, 17.1- and 10.2-fold more of these same ova than Imagyst, respectively. These differences translated into differences between the test sensitivities at low egg count levels (< 50 eggs/g), with Parasight AIO > mini-FLOTAC > Imagyst. At higher egg counts Parasight AIO and mini-FLOTAC performed with comparable precision (which was significantly higher that than Imagyst), whereas at lower counts (> 30 eggs/g) Parasight was more precise than both mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst, while the latter two methods did not significantly differ from each other.
CONCLUSIONS
In general, Parasight AIO analyses were both more precise and sensitive than mini-FLOTAC and Imagyst and quantitatively correlated well with mini-FLOTAC. While Parasight AIO produced lower raw counts in eggs-per-gram than mini-FLOTAC, these could be corrected using the data generated from these correlations.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Feces; Dog Diseases; Parasite Egg Count; Cat Diseases; Toxocara; Ancylostoma; Trichuris; Helminths; Helminthiasis, Animal; Ovum
PubMed: 38937854
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06351-0 -
Diversity of Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota) in Thailand: unveiling the hidden gems of the Kingdom.IMA Fungus Jun 2024Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore...
Chytrids, often overshadowed by their other fungal counterparts, take center stage as we unravel the mysteries surrounding new species within Rhizophydiales and explore their unique characteristics. In the broader spectrum of chytrids, their significance lies not only in their roles as decomposers but also as key players in nutrient cycling within aquatic ecosystems as parasites and saprobes. Baited soil and aquatic samples collected from various provinces of Thailand, yielded new species of the Rhizophydiales (Chytridiomycota), some of which expanded previously single species genera. Our investigation incorporated a combination of morphological and phylogenetic approaches, enabling us to identify these isolates as distinct taxa. The novel isolates possess distinguishing features, such as variations in size and shape of the sporangium and zoospores, that somewhat differentiate them from described taxa. To confirm the novelty of the species, we employed robust phylogenetic analyses using maximum likelihood and bayesian methods. The results provided strong support for the presence of eight distinct lineages within the Rhizophydiales, representing our newly discovered species. Furthermore, we employed Poisson Tree Processes to infer putative species boundaries and supplement evidence for the establishment of our new Rhizophydiales species. By meticulously exploring their morphological characteristics and genetic makeup, we expand the known catalogue of fungal diversity by describing Alphamyces thailandicus, Angulomyces ubonensis, Gorgonomyces aquaticus, G. chiangraiensis, G. limnicus, Pateramyces pingflumenensis, Terramyces aquatica, and T. flumenensis and also provide valuable insights into the intricacies of this order. This newfound knowledge not only enriches our understanding of Rhizophydiales but also contributes significantly to the broader field of mycology, addressing a critical gap in the documentation of fungal species. The identification and characterization of these eight novel species mark a noteworthy stride towards a more comprehensive comprehension of fungal ecosystems and their vital role.
PubMed: 38937805
DOI: 10.1186/s43008-024-00144-x -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, the incidence of schistosomiasis is increasing with snails of the genera Bulinus and Biomphalaria transmitting urogenital...
BACKGROUND
Along the southern shoreline of Lake Malawi, the incidence of schistosomiasis is increasing with snails of the genera Bulinus and Biomphalaria transmitting urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis, respectively. Since the underlying distribution of snails is partially known, often being focal, developing pragmatic spatial models that interpolate snail information across under-sampled regions is required to understand and assess current and future risk of schistosomiasis.
METHODS
A secondary geospatial analysis of recently collected malacological and environmental survey data was undertaken. Using a Bayesian Poisson latent Gaussian process model, abundance data were fitted for Bulinus and Biomphalaria. Interpolating the abundance of snails along the shoreline (given their relative distance along the shoreline) was achieved by smoothing, using extracted environmental rainfall, land surface temperature (LST), evapotranspiration, normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and soil type covariate data for all predicted locations. Our adopted model used a combination of two-dimensional (2D) and one dimensional (1D) mapping.
RESULTS
A significant association between normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) and abundance of Bulinus spp. was detected (log risk ratio - 0.83, 95% CrI - 1.57, - 0.09). A qualitatively similar association was found between NDVI and Biomphalaria sp. but was not statistically significant (log risk ratio - 1.42, 95% CrI - 3.09, 0.10). Analyses of all other environmental data were considered non-significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The spatial range in which interpolation of snail distributions is possible appears < 10km owing to fine-scale biotic and abiotic heterogeneities. The forthcoming challenge is to refine geospatial sampling frameworks with future opportunities to map schistosomiasis within actual or predicted snail distributions. In so doing, this would better reveal local environmental transmission possibilities.
Topics: Animals; Malawi; Lakes; Biomphalaria; Bulinus; Schistosomiasis; Spatial Analysis; Humans; Bayes Theorem; Snails; Disease Vectors
PubMed: 38937778
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06353-y -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024Poor birth outcomes in low- and middle income countries are associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency and chronic helminth infections. Here, we investigated whether...
Poor birth outcomes in low- and middle income countries are associated with maternal vitamin D deficiency and chronic helminth infections. Here, we investigated whether maternal Schistosoma haematobium affects maternal or cord vitamin D status as well as birth outcomes. In a prospective cross-sectional study of pregnant women conducted in Lambaréné, Gabon, we diagnosed maternal parasitic infections in blood, urine and stool. At delivery we measured vitamin D in maternal and cord blood. S. haematobium, soil-transmitted helminths, and microfilariae were found at prevalences of 30.2%, 13.0%, and 8.8%, respectively. Insufficient vitamin D and calcium levels were found in 28% and 15% of mothers, and in 11.5% and 1.5% of newborns. Mothers with adequate vitamin D had lower risk of low birthweight babies (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.52, p = 0.01), whilst offspring of primipars had low cord vitamin D levels, and low vitamin D levels increased the risk of maternal inflammation. Maternal filariasis was associated with low calcium levels, but other helminth infections affected neither vitamin D nor calcium levels in either mothers or newborns. Healthy birth outcomes require maintenance of adequate vitamin D and calcium levels. Chronic maternal helminth infections do not disrupt those levels in a semi-rural setting in sub-Saharan Africa.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Adult; Pregnancy Complications, Parasitic; Vitamin D; Helminthiasis; Vitamin D Deficiency; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pregnancy Outcome; Young Adult; Prospective Studies; Prevalence
PubMed: 38937587
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65232-9 -
Scientific Reports Jun 2024The spread of invasive species often follows a jump-dispersal pattern. While jumps are typically fostered by humans, local dispersal can occur due to the specific traits...
The spread of invasive species often follows a jump-dispersal pattern. While jumps are typically fostered by humans, local dispersal can occur due to the specific traits of a species, which are often poorly understood. This holds true for small hive beetles (Aethina tumida), which are parasites of social bee colonies native to sub-Saharan Africa. They have become a widespread invasive species. In 2017, a mark-release-recapture experiment was conducted in six replicates (A-F) using laboratory reared, dye-fed adults (N = 15,690). Honey bee colonies were used to attract flying small hive beetles at fixed spatial intervals from a central release point. Small hive beetles were recaptured (N = 770) at a maximum distance of 3.2 km after 24 h and 12 km after 1 week. Most small hive beetles were collected closest to the release point at 0 m (76%, replicate A) and 50 m (52%, replicates B to F). Temperature and wind deviation had significant effects on dispersal, with more small hive beetles being recaptured when temperatures were high (GLMM: slope = 0.99, SE = 0.17, Z = 5.72, P < 0.001) and confirming the role of wind for odour modulated dispersal of flying insects (GLMM: slope = - 0.39, SE = 0.14, Z = - 2.90, P = 0.004). Our findings show that the small hive beetles is capable of long-distance flights, and highlights the need to understand species specific traits to be considered for monitoring and mitigation efforts regarding invasive alien species.
Topics: Animals; Coleoptera; Flight, Animal; Introduced Species; Animal Distribution; Bees; Temperature; Wind
PubMed: 38937519
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65434-1