A Literature Review on the Role of the Invasive Aedes albopictus in the Transmission of Avian Malaria Parasites.

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is an invasive mosquito species with a global distribution. This species has populations established in most continents, being considered one of the 100 most dangerous invasive species. Invasions of mosquitoes such as Ae. albopictus could facilitate local transmission of pathogens, impacting the epidemiology of some mosquito-borne diseases. Aedes albopictus is a vector of several pathogens affecting humans, including viruses such as dengue virus, Zika virus and Chikungunya virus, as well as parasites such as Dirofilaria. However, information about its competence for the transmission of parasites affecting wildlife, such as avian malaria parasites, is limited. In this literature review, we aim to explore the current knowledge about the relationships between Ae. albopictus and avian Plasmodium to understand the role of this mosquito species in avian malaria transmission. The prevalence of avian Plasmodium in field-collected Ae. albopictus is generally low, although studies have been conducted in a small proportion of the affected countries. In addition, the competence of Ae. albopictus for the transmission of avian malaria parasites has been only proved for certain Plasmodium morphospecies under laboratory conditions. Therefore, Ae. albopictus may play a minor role in avian Plasmodium transmission in the wild, likely due to its mammal-biased blood-feeding pattern and its reduced competence for the development of different avian Plasmodium. However, further studies considering other avian Plasmodium species and lineages circulating under natural conditions should be carried out to properly assess the vectorial role of Ae. albopictus for the Plasmodium species naturally circulating in its distribution range.

Mining parasites for their potential as novel therapeutic agents against cancer.

Despite recent advances in the management and therapeutic of cancer, the treatment of the disease is limited by its high cost and severe side effects. In this scenario, there is an unmet need to identify novel treatment alternatives for this dreaded disease. Recently there is growing evidence that parasites may cause anticancer effects because of a negative correlation between parasitic infections and tumour growth despite some parasites that are known to exhibit pro-carcinogenic effects. It has been observed that parasites exert an anticancer effect either by activating the host's immune response or by secreting certain molecules that exhibit anticancer potential. The activation of the immune response by these parasitic organisms results in the inhibition of some of the hallmarks of cancer such as tumour proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This review summarizes the current advances as well as the mechanisms underlying the possible implications of this diverse group of organisms as anticancer agents.

Entamoeba histolytica: EhADH, an Alix Protein, Participates in Several Virulence Events through Its Different Domains.

Entamoeba histolytica is the protozoan causative of human amoebiasis. The EhADH adhesin (687 aa) is a protein involved in tissue invasion, phagocytosis and host-cell lysis. EhADH adheres to the prey and follows its arrival to the multivesicular bodies. It is an accessory protein of the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT) machinery. Here, to study the role of different parts of EhADH during virulence events, we produced trophozoites overexpressing the three domains of EhADH, Bro1 (1-400 aa), Linker (246-446 aa) and Adh (444-687 aa) to evaluate their role in virulence. The TrophozBro11-400 slightly increased adherence and phagocytosis, but these trophozoites showed a higher ability to destroy cell monolayers, augment the permeability of cultured epithelial cells and mouse colon, and produce more damage to hamster livers. The TrophozLinker226-446 also increased the virulence properties, but with lower effect than the TrophozBro11-400. In addition, this fragment participates in cholesterol transport and GTPase binding. Interestingly, the TrophozAdh444-687 produced the highest effect on adherence and phagocytosis, but it poorly influenced the monolayers destruction; nevertheless, they augmented the colon and liver damage. To identify the protein partners of each domain, we used recombinant peptides. Pull-down assays and mass spectrometry showed that Bro1 domain interplays with EhADH, Gal/GalNAc lectin, EhCPs, ESCRT machinery components and cytoskeleton proteins. While EhADH, ubiquitin, EhRabB, EhNPC1 and EhHSP70 were associated to the Linker domain, and EhADH, EhHSP70, EhPrx and metabolic enzymes interacted to the Adh domain. The diverse protein association confirms that EhADH is a versatile molecule with multiple functions probably given by its capacity to form distinct molecular complexes.

The Impact of HIV and Parasite Single Infection and Coinfection on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review.

HIV and parasite infections accelerate biological aging, resulting in immune senescence, apoptosis and cellular damage. Telomere length is considered to be one of the most effective biomarkers of biological aging. HIV and parasite infection have been reported to shorten telomere length in the host. This systematic review aimed to highlight work that explored the influence of HIV and parasite single infections and coinfection on telomere length. Using specific keywords related to the topic of interest, an electronic search of several online databases (Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct and PubMed) was conducted to extract eligible articles. The association between HIV infection or parasite infection and telomere length and the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length were assessed independently. The studies reported were mostly conducted in the European countries. Of the 42 eligible research articles reviewed, HIV and parasite single infections were independently associated with telomere length shortening. Some studies found no association between antiretroviral therapy (ART) and telomere length shortening, while others found an association between ART and telomere length shortening. No studies reported on the association between HIV and parasite coinfection and telomere length. HIV and parasite infections independently accelerate telomere length shortening and biological aging. It is possible that coinfection with HIV and parasites may further accelerate telomere length shortening; however, this is a neglected field of research with no reported studies to date.

Can Parasites be Useful?

Parasites are commonly associated with harm, but they also have beneficial aspects that are still being discovered. It is important to acknowledge both the harmful and beneficial aspects of parasites. They have been found to have positive effects on non-healing wounds, surgical wounds, obesity, glucose metabolism disorders, nerve repair, cancer treatments, and fertility. Research has shown that helminths, protozoa, and arthropods have the ability to correct, prevent, and cure certain disorders through the use of the parasite itself, its molecules, or even its eggs. This article includes studies on the beneficial aspects of parasites. However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms by which parasites stimulate or affect the immune system and how they can be used therapeutically.

Are Rattus rattus fleas invasive? Evaluation of flea communities in invasive and native rodents in Chile.

Co-invasion, characterized by the simultaneous introduction of hosts and parasites with the latter establishing themselves in native hosts, is a phenomenon of ecological concern. Rattus rattus, a notorious invasive species, has driven the extinction and displacement of numerous avian and mammalian species and serves as a key vector for diseases affecting both humans and wildlife. Among the parasites hosted by R. rattus are fleas, which exhibit obligate parasitic behaviour, a generalist nature and high prevalence, increasing the likelihood of flea invasion. Simultaneously, invasive species can serve as hosts for native parasites, leading to potential amplification or dilution of parasite populations in the environment. In Chile, R. rattus has been present since the 17th century because of the arrival of the Spanish colonizers through the ports and has spread throughout urban, rural and wild Chilean territories. This study aims to evaluate whether co-invasion of native fleas of invasive rats occurs on native rodents in Chile and to determine whether black rats have acquired flea native to Chile during their invasion. For this, we captured 1132 rodents from 26 localities (20° S-53° S). Rattus rattus was found coexisting with 11 native rodent species and two species of introduced rodents. Among the native rodents, Abrothrix olivacea and Oligoryzomys longicaudatus exhibited more extensive sympatry with R. rattus. We identified 14 flea species associated with R. rattus, of which only three were native to rats: Xenopsylla cheopis, Leptopsylla segnis and Nosopsyllus fasciatus. These three species presented a higher parasite load in black rats compared to native fleas. Leptopsylla segnis and N. fasciatus were also found associated with native rodent species that cohabit with R. rattus. The remaining species associated with R. rattus were fleas of native rodents, although they were less abundant compared to those associated with native rodents, except for Neotyphloceras pardinasi and Sphinctopsylla ares. Although there has been evidence of flea transmission from rats to native species, the prevalence and abundance were relatively low. Therefore, it cannot be definitively concluded that these fleas have established themselves in native rodent populations, and hence, they cannot be classified as invasive fleas. This study underscores R. rattus' adaptability to diverse environmental and geographical conditions in Chile, including its capacity to acquire fleas from native rodents. This aspect has critical implications for public health, potentially facilitating the spread of pathogens across various habitats where these rats are found.

Mass mortality event of round sardinella Sardinella aurita Valenciennes associated with Glugea Thélohan, 1891 microsporidian infection off the southern Italian coast.

Intracellular parasites of the genus Glugea Thélohan, 1891 (Microsporidia) comprise about 34 putative species capable of causing high morbidity and mortality in freshwater and marine teleost fishes. In this study, we report on the first mass mortality event associated with Glugea sp. infecting free-ranging round sardinella Sardinella aurita in the southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy). Here, we describe the ultrastructure of mature spores of this microsporidian and characterize it molecularly, as well as report its phylogenetic position. Most of the affected fish showed an irregular swelling of its abdomen. At necropsy, a variable number of xenomas, spherical to ellipsoidal in shape, were found in the peritoneal cavity strongly attached to the viscera of all fish. Histological analysis revealed varying severity of chronic inflammation along with occasional necrosis in visceral organs associated with multiple xenoma proliferation. These pathological findings were considered the main cause of this mass mortality event. Morphologically, the present material was closely related to G. sardinellesis and G. thunni. The phylogenetically closest taxa to the newly SSU rDNA sequence were G. thunni and an erroneusly identified  G. plecoglossi, which were very closely related to each other, also suggesting that all these sequences might belong to the same species.

Morphomolecular identification of heavy parasitic typhlitis in layer flocks: tissue response and cell-mediated reaction.

BACKGROUND: Heterakis gallinarum (H. gallinarum) is a common poultry parasite that can be found in the ceca of many gallinaceous bird species, causing minor pathology and reduced weight gain. Most infections go unnoticed in commercial flocks due to the dependence on fecal egg counts, which are prone to false-negative diagnoses. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on gastrointestinal nematodes that use molecular identification methods, which could be essential for rapid diagnosis and developing efficient control approaches. As a result, the study aimed to look at the cause of mortality in layer chickens induced by H. gallinarum in Egyptian poultry farms using morphological, ultrastructural, and molecular characterization. Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and cell-mediated immune responses from damaged cecal tissues were also examined. RESULTS: Seventy bird samples from ten-layer flocks of different breeds (Native, white, and brown layers) suffering from diarrhea, decreased egg output, and emaciation were collected. Cecal samples were collected from affected and non-affected birds and were examined for parasitic diseases using light and a scanning electron microscope. The mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 (COX1) gene was used to characterize H. gallinarum. Our results showed that the collected nematodal worms were identified as H. gallinarum (male and female), further confirmed by COX1 gene amplification and sequence alignment. Gene expression analysis of the inflammatory markers in infected tissues showed a significant up-regulation of IL-2, IFN-γ, TLR-4, and IL-1ß and a significant down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. The mRNA level of the apoptotic cas-3 revealed apoptotic activity among the H. gallinarum samples compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results implemented the use of molecular methods for the diagnosis of Heterakis, and this is the first report showing the tissue immune response following infection in layers: upregulation of IL-1ß, IFN-γ, Il-2, and TLR-4, while down-regulation of anti-inflammatory IL-10 in cecal tissue, Cas-3 apoptotic activity and Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)activity with immunophenotyping of T-cells in Heterakis infected tissue.

Applications of CRISPR in Parasitology.

Clustered Regions of Interspersed Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)-based techniques have been utilized in various research areas, including agriculture, biotechnology, and medicine. With the use of a short sequence guide RNA and CRISPR-associated (Cas) protein, this technique allows for robust, site-specific manipulation of the genome, aiding researchers in making important biomedical discoveries and scientific advancements. In this review, we explored the applications of CRISPR/Cas systems in the field of parasitology for the identification and validation of novel functional genes, diagnosis of parasitic infections, reduction of parasite virulence, and the disruption of disease transmission. We also discussed how CRISPR can be used for the development of therapeutics, vaccines, and drug discovery. Furthermore, the challenges and future perspectives of this technology are also highlighted.

Trematode Diplostomum pseudospathaceum inducing differential immune gene expression in sexual and gynogenetic gibel carp (Carassius gibelio): parasites facilitating the coexistence of two reproductive forms of the invasive species.

Introduction: Parasite-mediated selection is considered one of the potential mechanisms contributing to the coexistence of asexual-sexual complexes. Gibel carp (Carassius gibelio), an invasive fish species in Europe, often forms populations composed of gynogenetic and sexual specimens. Methods: The experimental infection was induced in gynogenetic and sexual gibel carp using eye-fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum (Trematoda), and the transcriptome profile of the spleen as a major immune organ in fish was analyzed to reveal the differentially expressed immunity-associated genes related to D. pseudospathaceum infection differing between gynogenetic and sexual gibel carp. Results: High parasite infection was found in gynogenetic fish when compared to genetically diverse sexuals. Although metacercariae of D. pseudospathaceum are situated in an immune-privileged organ, our results show that eye trematodes may induce a host immune response. We found differential gene expression induced by eye-fluke infection, with various impacts on gynogenetic and sexual hosts, documenting for the majority of DEGs upregulation in sexuals, and downregulation in asexuals. Differences in gene regulation between gynogenetic and sexual gibel carp were evidenced in many immunity-associated genes. GO analyses revealed the importance of genes assigned to the GO terms: immune function, the Notch signaling pathway, MAP kinase tyrosine/threonine/phosphatase activity, and chemokine receptor activity. KEGG analyses revealed the importance of the genes involved in 12 immunity-associated pathways - specifically, FoxO signaling, adipocytokine signaling, TGF-beta signaling, apoptosis, Notch signaling, C-type lectin receptor signaling, efferocytosis, intestinal immune network for IgA production, insulin signaling, virion - human immunodeficiency virus, Toll-like receptor signaling, and phosphatidylinositol signaling system. Discussion: Our study indicates the limited potential of asexual fish to cope with higher parasite infection (likely a loss of capacity to induce an effective immune response) and highlights the important role of molecular mechanisms associated with immunity for the coexistence of gynogenetic and sexual gibel carp, potentially contributing to its invasiveness.

Prevalence and Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infections at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 2019 to 2023: A Retrospective Study.

Purpose: Parasitic infections are a primary cause of illness worldwide and a public health problem. This study highlighted the prevalence of intestinal parasitic (IP) infections and their updated epidemiologic status from 2019 to 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from 2019 to 2023 at King Abdulaziz University Hospital. The laboratory results, socio-demographic information, and the year of data collection were collected from the hospital's parasitology laboratory. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Ethical approval was obtained from the National Committee of Bioethics (NCBE) - King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology, with an approval number of 258-22. Results: During the study period, 7673 stool samples were requested for intestinal parasite examination. The prevalence of IP infection from 2019 to 2023 was 212/7673, with a percentage of 2.8%. Infected patients had a mean (SD) age of 37.68 (17.27) years. Most infected patients were females (61%) and from Saudi Arabia (37.1%). Most stool samples were brown (79.1%), and about half were soft (51.7%). 2019 had the highest number of infected cases (28.3%), while the number of cases decreased in 2023 (8.8%), the lowest during five years. The most predominant parasite among study subjects was Blastocystis hominis (48.11%). Conclusion: The prevalence of IP infection is lower than in previous comparable surveys. Maintaining personal hygiene, conducting epidemiological surveillance, and enhancing environmental sanitation can prevent and control infections.

Prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites among Asian schoolchildren: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Intestinal protozoan parasites among Asian schoolchildren are a subject of concern due to their prevalence and potential health impact. Understanding and addressing this issue is crucial for public health in the region. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search for articles published up to December 2023 across four databases, including Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, and Web of Science. To estimate the combined prevalence, a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was applied, and the statistical analysis was performed using meta-analysis packages in R version (3.6.1). This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023481146). RESULTS: Among 131 eligible articles, the prevalence of intestinal protozoan parasites was 0.208 (95% CI = 0.180-0.238). Lebanon and Tajikistan had the highest country-level prevalence at 0.851 and 0.836, respectively, with Giardia duodenalis being the most prevalent species at 0.082. CONCLUSION: In summary, our study highlights the urgent public health issue of protozoan parasites among Asian schoolchildren due to poor sanitation and water quality. Immediate interventions are essential, considering climate and socioeconomic factors, to combat these infections and improve overall health.

SUPPLEMENTAL DESCRIPTION OF CABALLEROTREMA ANNULATUM (DIESING, 1850) OSTROWSKI DE NÚÑEZ AND SATTMANN, 2002 (DIGENEA: CABALLEROTREMATIDAE) FROM A NEW HOST (ELECTROPHORUS CF. VARII) AND LOCALITY (AMAZON RIVER, COLOMBIA) WITH PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS AND EMENDED GENERIC DIAGNOSIS.

Herein, we provide a supplemental description of Caballerotrema annulatum (Diesing, 1850) Ostrowski de Núñez and Sattmann, 2002 (Digenea: Caballerotrematidae Tkach, Kudlai, and Kostadinova, 2016) based on specimens collected from the intestine of an electric eel, Electrophorus cf. varii (Gymnotiformes: Gymnotidae) captured in the Amazon River (Colombia). This caballerotrematid can be differentiated from its congeners by the following combination of morphological features: body surface spines forming contiguous transverse rows, concentric (wrapping dorso-ventrally around body), distributing into posterior body half (vs. restricted to anterior body half in Caballerotrema brasiliensePrudhoe, 1960; indeterminate for Caballerotrema aruanenseThatcher, 1980 and Caballerotrema piscicola [Stunkard, 1960] Kostadinova and Gibson, 2001); head collar lacking projections (vs. having them in C. brasiliense, C. aruanense, and C. piscicola), narrow (head collar more narrow than maximum body width vs. the head collar being obviously wider than the body in C. brasiliense, C. aruanense, and C. piscicola); corner spines clustered (vs. corner spines distributing as 2 separated pairs in C. brasiliense, C. aruanense, and C. piscicola); pharynx approximately at level of the corner spines (vs. pharynx far anterior to corner spines in C. brasiliense, C. aruanense, and C. piscicola); and testes ovoid and nonoverlapping (C. aruanense; vs. sinuous and overlapping in C. brasiliense and C. piscicola). Based on our results, we revise the diagnosis of CaballerotremaPrudhoe, 1960 to include features associated with the shape and distribution of body surface spines, orientation and position of head collar spines, cirrus sac, seminal vesicle, oviduct, Laurer's canal, oötype, vitellarium, and transverse vitelline ducts. We performed Bayesian inference analyses using the partial large subunit ribosomal (28S) DNA gene. Our 28S sequence of C. annulatum was recovered sister to that of Caballerotrema sp. (which is the only other caballerotrematid sequence available in GenBank) from an arapaima, Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae) in the Peruvian Amazon. Our sequence of C. annulatum comprises the only caballerotrematid sequenced tethered to a morphological description and a voucher specimen in a lending museum. The present study is a new host record and new locality record for C. annulatum. The phylogeny comprises the most resolved and taxon-rich evolutionary hypothesis for Echinostomatoidea published to date.

Zoonotic pathogens in wild Asian primates: a systematic review highlighting research gaps.

Introduction: Ongoing global changes, including natural land conversion for agriculture and urbanization, modify the dynamics of human-primate contacts, resulting in increased zoonotic risks. Although Asia shelters high primate diversity and experiences rapid expansion of human-primate contact zones, there remains little documentation regarding zoonotic surveillance in the primates of this region. Methods: Using the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review to compile an inventory of zoonotic pathogens detected in wild Asian primates, while highlighting the coverage of primate species, countries, and pathogen groups surveyed, as well as the diagnostic methods used across the studies. Moreover, we compared the species richness of pathogens harbored by primates across diverse types of habitats classified according to their degree of anthropization (i.e., urban vs. rural vs. forest habitats). Results and discussion: Searches of Scopus, PubMed, and the Global Mammal Parasite Database yielded 152 articles on 39 primate species. We inventoried 183 pathogens, including 63 helminthic gastrointestinal parasites, two blood-borne parasites, 42 protozoa, 45 viruses, 30 bacteria, and one fungus. Considering each study as a sample, species accumulation curves revealed no significant differences in specific richness between habitat types for any of the pathogen groups analyzed. This is likely due to the insufficient sampling effort (i.e., a limited number of studies), which prevents drawing conclusive findings. This systematic review identified several publication biases, particularly the uneven representation of host species and pathogen groups studied, as well as a lack of use of generic diagnostic methods. Addressing these gaps necessitates a multidisciplinary strategy framed in a One Health approach, which may facilitate a broader inventory of pathogens and ultimately limit the risk of cross-species transmission at the human-primate interface. Strengthening the zoonotic surveillance in primates of this region could be realized notably through the application of more comprehensive diagnostic techniques such as broad-spectrum analyses without a priori selection.

Current status of intestinal parasitic infections and associated risk factors in rural population of Guilan province, northern Iran: trichostrongyliasis is the most prevalent helminthic infection.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the distribution of enteric parasitic infections and related risk factors among rural communities of Guilan province, Northern Iran, and to compare the results with the situation in the past. Background: Intestinal parasitic infections are still considered as a major public health concern, particularly in human communities with poor economy and sanitation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in rural areas of Masal and Shanderman district from February to December 2020. A total of 917 stool samples were collected and examined for presence of intestinal helminthes and protozoa using direct, formalin-ether and Kato-Katz techniques. Results: A total of 156 (17%) out of 917 examined individuals were infected with intestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of protozoa, helminths and mixed infections were 11.8% (108/917), 4.5% (41/917) and 0.8% (7/917), respectively. Blastocystis was the most prevalent intestinal protozoa (9.6%) followed by Giardia lamblia (1.9%), Endolimax nana (1.1%), E. coli (0.8%) and Entamoeba hartmani (0.1%). The highest prevalence of intestinal helminths belonged to Trichostongylus spp. (3.5%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3%). Statistical analysis showed significant association between giardiasis and sex (P<0.03). On the other hand, prevalence of enteric helminths was influenced by close contact with livestock, keeping herbivorous animals at home, job, education, and consumption of uncooked vegetables (P<0.05). Conclusion: The findings indicate a decreasing trend in the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections in Guilan province in comparison to the past few decades. Hookworm infections, which was very prevalent in the area, are now rare, while trichostrongylosis showed a high prevalence in rural residents of the study area.

PREVALENCE OF THE BOPYRID ISOPOD PROBOPYRUS PANDALICOLA IN DAGGERBLADE GRASS SHRIMP FROM SALT MARSH CREEKS AND PANNES OF CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS.

In salt marsh ecosystems, daggerblade grass shrimp, Palaemon (Palaemonetes) pugio, play a crucial role in food webs and serve as the definitive host for the bopyrid isopod Probopyrus pandalicola. These ectoparasites infest the branchial chambers of grass shrimp, which can lead to decreased energy availability and sterilization of infected hosts. Although bopyrid isopod infestation of daggerblade grass shrimp has been frequently reported in literature from coastal marshes of the southeastern United States, the prevalence of this parasite has not been recently documented in daggerblade grass shrimp from marshes of the northeastern United States. The goal of this project was to quantify the prevalence of Pr. pandalicola infestations in Pa. pugio across Cape Cod, Massachusetts. We evaluated bopyrid isopod prevalence from shrimp collected from 5 different salt marsh habitats along Cape Cod in August 2021. Bopyrid isopod infestations were found in shrimp at 4 of 5 salt marshes, with prevalence ranging from 0.04 to 14.1%. Seasonal resampling of one of the salt marshes revealed the highest average infestation prevalence in spring (<17.1%) and an isolated high of 30.3% prevalence in a single salt panne. A series of linear and multivariate models showed that panne area, shrimp abundance, and distance to shoreline were related to Pr. pandalicola shrimp infestations in salt pannes in summer. This study describes the prevalence of the bopyrid isopod infesting daggerblade grass shrimp in salt marshes in New England, with implications for how parasitized shrimp influence salt marsh food webs in which they are found.

METAZOAN PARASITE COMMUNITY OF THE YELLOW SNAPPER LUTJANUS ARGENTIVENTRIS: FACTORS THAT INFLUENCING SPECIES COMPOSITION AND RICHNESS.

A total of 366 individuals of Lutjanus argentiventris (Peters, 1869) were collected over a 5-yr period (October 2018 to June 2022) from Acapulco Bay, Mexico. Parasite communities in Lutjanus argentiventris were quantified and analyzed to determine the main factors that generate changes in species richness and/or species composition over time. The digeneans and copepods were the best-represented parasite groups. The parasite communities were characterized by a high numerical dominance of ectoparasites, mainly isopod larvae. Species richness at the component community level (9-23 species) was similar to the reported richness in other Lutjanus spp. The parasite communities of Lutjanus argentiventris exhibited high variability in species composition, suggesting that each parasite species may respond differently to environmental changes. However, the species richness and diversity were fairly stable over time; therefore, a clear pattern of interannual variation was not observed. Variations in the community structure probably were due to factors such as host traits (e.g., feeding behavior and body size), and possible interannual differences in environmental factors amplified by the occurrence of the anomalous event of La Niña.

Prevalence, socio-economic, and associated risk factors of oral cavity parasites in children with intellectual disability from Lorestan province, Iran.

Introduction: Children with intellectual disability (ID) often face challenges in maintaining proper oral hygiene due to their motor, sensory, and intellectual impairments, which can lead to compromised oral health; therefore, there is a need to enhance the oral health status of these populations and establish an effective system for administering preventive interventions. Here, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax among children with ID in Lorestan province, in Western Iran through parasitological and molecular methods. Methods: The current descriptive investigation involved 215 in children with ID and 215 healthy children (non-ID) who were referred to health facilities in Lorestan province, Iran between October 2022 and March 2024. The prevalence of protozoa in the oral cavity was found through the utilization of both microscopic analysis and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Results: The total prevalence of the E. gingivalis and T. tenax in children with ID was found to be 87 (40.5%) and 92 (42.8%) through microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among the positive samples, 57 (61.9%) and 35 (38.1%) children tested positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. In contrast, among the 215 non-ID children in the control group, 39 (18.1%) and 42 (19.5%) tested positive by microscopic and PCR methods, respectively. Among positive samples in non-ID children, 23 (54.7%) and 19 (45.3%) children were positive for E. gingivalis and T. tenax, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that residing in urban areas, parental education, monthly family income, and tooth brushing p<0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for oral cavity parasites. Conclusion: This study identified a notable prevalence of oral cavity parasites in children with ID in Lorestan province, Western Iran. It is imperative to recognize the primary risk factors associated with these parasites, particularly inadequate teeth brushing, in order to enhance public and oral health strategies for children with ID. Therefore, pediatric dental professionals should remain vigilant regarding these risk factors to effectively recognize and address oral health issues in this population, thereby mitigating the occurrence of oral diseases and infections.

Selected Wildlife Trematodes.

The trematodes are a species-rich group of parasites, with some estimates suggesting that there are more than 24,000 species. However, the complexities associated with their taxonomic status and nomenclature can hinder explorations of the biology of wildlife trematodes, including fundamental aspects such as host use, life cycle variation, pathology, and disease. In this chapter, we review work on selected trematodes of amphibians, birds, mammals, and their snail intermediate hosts, with the goal of providing a tool kit on how to study trematodes of wildlife. We provide a brief introduction to each group of wildlife trematodes, followed by some examples of the challenges each group of trematodes has relative to the goal of their identification and understanding of the biology and interactions these organisms have with their wildlife hosts.