Ovicidal activity of diaryl dichalcogenides and ivermectin on Fasciola hepatica: A novel candidate for a blending-based therapeutic strategy.

Fasciolosis is a food and waterborne disease caused by Fasciola spp., representing a global health burden to various hosts, including humans and other animals. This study investigates the in vitro activity of tellurium- and selenium-containing diaryl dichalcogenides: diacetal ditelluride (LQ07), diacetal diselenide (LQ62), and diacetyl diselenide (LQ68) alone and in combination with ivermectin (IVM) against eggs of Fasciola hepatica. The eggs were exposed for 12 h with each organochalcogen (OC) (0.1 - 2 mmol l-1) and IVM (0.01 - 2 mmol l-1) following an incubation of 15 days, allowing embryonation. The inhibitory concentration of 50 % (IC50) of each OC or IVM was tested with the IC10, IC30, and IC50 of IVM or each OC, respectively. LQ07, LQ62, and LQ68, as well as IVM, demonstrated a concentration-dependent ovicidal activity. The peak ovicidal activity of 99.74 % was achieved when IVM was tested at 2.0 mmol l-1. LQ62 and LQ68 demonstrated greater ovicidal activity, having an IC50 < 0.32 mmol l-1 being 6.25-fold more toxic than IVM alone. The percentage of dead eggs was significantly higher in the IVM group (early mortality), as Se-containing OCs led to the (miracidia) embryonation of the eggs with no hatching (late mortality). Blending Se-containing OCs and IVM showed an additive effect of up to 27 % against F. hepatica eggs. The present data contribute to the potential use of blending-based therapeutic strategies to combat F. hepatica infections in eradication programs worldwide. The combinations may also act against multidrug-resistant strains, reinstating drug-based parasite control.

Horismenus saturnus n. sp. (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) a New Parasitoid Wasp from Eggs of Saturniidae (Lepidoptera) from the Atlantic Forest, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

A new species of Horismenus Walker, H. saturnus Schoeninger & Hansson (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), is described from material reared from eggs of an unidentified species of Saturniidae (Lepidoptera). The new species is compared to H. cupreus (Ashmead, 1894), a species it is very similar to, and to H. ancillus (Brèthes), a species with the same type of host as H. saturnus. A total of 30 adult specimens developed from the eggs of Saturniidae. This is the second record of a Horismenus species parasitizing eggs of Saturniidae and the first record of this host from Brazil. Here, we provide a diagnosis and description of the new species including morphological and molecular characters, and multiple illustrations.

Incidental finding of cardiac hydatid cyst during autopsy.

Hydatidosis or echinococcosis is an endemic parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of eggs of echinococcal species worldwide. In India, the annual incidence varies from 1 to 200 per one 100,000 hab., with the highest prevalence reported in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. The dog is the definitive host, while humans, sheep, and cattle are intermediate hosts. The disease usually involves the liver and lungs, with the kidney and other organs rare involvement. Cardiac hydatidosis is still further rare, seen in 0.2% to 2% of the patients who remain asymptomatic until the development of its complications. Sudden deaths in cardiac echinococcosis are mostly attributed to cardiac arrhythmias, coronary artery diseases, valvular diseases, cardiomyopathies, pericarditis, and cardiac tamponade. We, herein, report a rare case of cardiac hydatid cyst incidentally found during the autopsy of a 26-year-old male who died due to electrical injuries. A single greyish-white cystic mass measuring 1.5cm X 1.2cm was detected on the left anterior ventricular wall 4 cm above the apex and was confirmed microscopically as a hydatid cyst. The cause of death was attributed to external injury.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds in Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil.

Studying parasites in captive wild birds is vital for their health, well-being, biodiversity preservation, species conservation, and safeguarding of both individual birds and ecosystems. It holds significance for public health by identifying potential zoonotic risks. We aimed to describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds from a Conservation Institute in Brazilian Cerrado biome. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 17 captive wild birds (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Ara macao, Megascops choliba, Pteroglossus castanotis, Ramphastos dicolorus, Ramphastos tucanus and Strix huhula) at a Conservation Institution in Mineiros, state of Goiás. The samples were processed for Willis' simple flotation and Hoffman's spontaneous sedimentation examinations to identify parasitic forms of gastrointestinal endoparasites. Macaw aviary birds (Ar. ararauna, Ar. chloropterus and Ar. macao) showed higher positivity, with all six fecal samples positive for helminths or protozoa. In contrast, captive toucans showed only two positive results (P. castanotis and R. dicolorus). An. hyacinthinus showed Ascarididae, Capillarinae and Trematoda eggs; whereas S. huhula had Ascarididae eggs. Regular parasitological examinations are essential for the timely detection and treatment of gastrointestinal infections in captive birds, thereby enhancing overall bird management.

A silent threat behind bars: Serosurvey and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in female inmates and correctional officers.

Strongyloidiasis has been a neglected parasitic infection caused by Strongyloides genus parasites. Despite assessment of S. stercoralis exposure in different vulnerable populations, seroprevalence in inmates worldwide remains to be fully established. Due to poor sanitation and lack of personal hygienic practices, incarcerated individuals have been considered prone to spread infectious illnesses. Accordingly, the present study has assessed exposure and associated risk factors for strongyloidiasis in women inmates and correctional officers at the Women's State Penitentiary of Parana, part of the third largest incarceration complex in Brazil at the time. Blood samplings were performed in 2020 and 2021from a total of 503 women inmates and 92 correctional officers. Participants voluntarily responded to an epidemiological questionnaire to assess associated risk factors to strongyloidiasis. Serological analysis was performed by ELISA for anti-S. stercoralis IgG detection. Statistical analysis was performed using R software, adopting a 5% level of significance. The data were submitted to univariate analysis by chi-square or Fisher´s Exact test for assessing the association among seropositivity and the variables. The variables with p-value < 0.2 in the univariate analysis were considered fit to be included in the logistic regression. In overall, 356/503 (70.8%; 95% CI: 66.7-74.6) inmates were seropositive for anti-S. stercoralis antibodies, with no statistically associated risk factor to seropositivity. A total of 57/92 (62.0%; 95% CI: 51.8-71.2) correctional officers were seropositive, and logistic regression revealed that individuals older than 50 years were more likely seropositive. In conclusion, the high endemicity observed herein has indicated a history of previous exposure to S. stercoralis and warned for a systematic strongyloidiasis screening for inmates, to prevent long term morbidity and disseminated infection during incarceration.

First record of ectoparasites (Phthiraptera and Acari) from the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) in Colombia.

Several species of ectoparasites, including chewing lice and mites are closely associated with their hosts. The Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) is globally listed as vulnerable by the IUCN and its population has been steadily declining in recent decades suggesting a potential extinction of associated entomofauna. The purpose of this study was to record the species of ectoparasites infesting three individuals of Andean condor found dead in the 'Páramo del Almorzadero' Santander Department, Northeastern Colombia. One juvenile (male) and two adults (male and female) Andean condors received for necropsy were carefully examined for ectoparasite infestation. Specimens were collected and preserved in ethanol (70%) for taxonomic studies. Morphologic identification and morphometric records were made under light microscopy. Some specimens were also prepared for scanning electron microscopy and others were subjected to DNA extraction to amplify and obtain sequences of the cytochrome-C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene for phylogenetic analyses. Lice were collected from the juvenile condor and the adult female and identified as Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) in the juvenile condor (8 females, 19 males and 8 nymphs) and the adult (1 female); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (19 females, 24 males and 1 nymph) and the adult (2 females, 2 males and 3 nymphs); and Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) in the juvenile (40 females, 43 males and 15 nymphs) and the adult (1 male and 2 nymphs). Moreover, one mite collected from the juvenile condor was identified as Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 female). Morphometric data was obtained for the adult stages of F. assesor (6 females and 13 males), C. trichosum (9 females and 9 males) and C. zonatus (10 females and 10 males). We obtained the first DNA sequences of COI for F. assessor, and C. trichosum, where phylogenetic tree analysis showed that F. assessor is more closely related to Falcolipeurus marginalis, and C. trichosum to Colpocephalum kelloggi. This represents the first record of parasites in Andean condor from Colombia and contributes to the knowledge of chewing lice and mites associated with an endemic and endangered bird species. Further studies on Andean condor ectoparasites should be focused on documenting host-parasite interactions and potential health impacts in these wild birds.

Varias especies de ectoparásitos, incluidos piojos masticadores y ácaros están estrechamente asociados a sus hospedadores. El cóndor andino (Vultur gryphus) está catalogado por la UICN como una especie vulnerable y su población ha ido disminuyendo constantemente en las últimas décadas, lo que sugiere una posible extinción de la entomofauna asociada. El propósito de este estudio fue registrar las especies de ectoparásitos infestando a tres individuos de cóndor andino encontrados muertos en el Páramo del Almorzadero, Departamento de Santander, Noreste de Colombia. Un cóndor andino juvenil (macho) y dos adultos (macho y hembra) recibidos para necropsia fueron examinados cuidadosamente para detectar infestación por ectoparásitos. Los especímenes fueron recolectados y preservados en etanol (70%) para estudios taxonómicos. La identificación morfológica y los registros morfométricos se ejecutaron bajo microscopía óptica. Algunas muestras también se prepararon para microscopía electrónica de barrido y otras se sometieron a extracción de ADN para amplificar y obtener secuencias del gen de la subunidad I (COI) del citocromo­C oxidasa para análisis filogenéticos. Los piojos recolectados del cóndor juvenil y de la hembra adulta se identificaron como Falcolipeurus assesor (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) en el cóndor juvenil (8 hembras, 19 machos y 8 ninfas) y en el adulto (1 hembra); Colpocephalum trichosum (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) en el juvenil (19 hembras, 24 machos y 1 ninfa) y en el adulto (2 hembras, 2 machos y 3 ninfas); y Cuculiphilus zonatus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) en el juvenil (40 hembras, 43 machos y 15 ninfas) y en el adulto (1 macho y 2 ninfas). Además, un ácaro recolectado del cóndor juvenil fue identificado como Ancyralges cathartinus (Acari: Astigmata) (1 hembra). Se obtuvieron datos morfométricos para los estadios adultos de F. assesor (6 hembras y 13 machos), C. trichosum (9 hembras y 9 machos) y C. zonatus (10 hembras y 10 machos). Secuencias de ADN basadas en COI para las especies F. assesor y C. trichosum son reportadas por la primera vez, donde el análisis filogenetico mostró que F. assesor está más estrechamente relacionado con Falcolipeurus marginalis y C. trichosum con Colpocephalum kelloggi. Este representa el primer registro de parásitos en cóndor andino de Colombia y contribuye al conocimiento de los piojos masticadores y ácaros asociados a una especie de ave endémica de los Andes y en peligro de extinción. Otros estudios sobre los ectoparásitos del cóndor andino deberían centrarse en documentar las interacciones hospedador­parásito y los posibles impactos en la salud de estas aves silvestres.

Bioactivity of synthetic peptides from Ecuadorian frog skin secretions against Leishmania mexicana, Plasmodium falciparum, and Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and malaria are major parasitic diseases disproportionately affecting the underprivileged population in developing nations. Finding new, alternative anti-parasitic compounds to treat these diseases is crucial because of the limited number of options currently available, the side effects they cause, the need for long treatment courses, and the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. Anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) derived from amphibian skin secretions are small bioactive molecules capable of lysing the cell membrane of pathogens while having low toxicity against human cells. Here, we report the anti-parasitic activity of five AMPs derived from skin secretions of three Ecuadorian frogs: cruzioseptin-1, cruzioseptin-4 (CZS-4), and cruzioseptin-16 from Cruziohyla calcarifer; dermaseptin-SP2 from Agalychnis spurrelli; and pictuseptin-1 from Boana picturata. These five AMPs were chemically synthesized. Initially, the hemolytic activity of CZS-4 and its minimal inhibitory concentration against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans were determined. Subsequently, the cytotoxicity of the synthetic AMPs against mammalian cells and their anti-parasitic activity against Leishmania mexicana promastigotes, erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum and mammalian stages of Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated in vitro. The five AMPs displayed activity against the pathogens studied, with different levels of cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. In silico molecular docking analysis suggests this bioactivity may occur via pore formation in the plasma membrane, resulting in microbial lysis. CZS-4 displayed anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic activities with low cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. Further studies about this promising AMP are required to gain a better understanding of its activity.IMPORTANCEChagas disease, malaria, and leishmaniasis are major tropical diseases that cause extensive morbidity and mortality, for which available treatment options are unsatisfactory because of limited efficacy and side effects. Frog skin secretions contain molecules with anti-microbial properties known as anti-microbial peptides. We synthesized five peptides derived from the skin secretions of different species of tropical frogs and tested them against cultures of the causative agents of these three diseases, parasites known as Trypanosoma cruzi, Plasmodium falciparum, and Leishmania mexicana. All the different synthetic peptides studied showed activity against one of more of the parasites. Peptide cruzioseptin-4 is of special interest since it displayed intense activity against parasites while being innocuous against cultured mammalian cells, which indicates it does not simply hold general toxic properties; rather, its activity is specific against the parasites.

Lipid Metabolism in Insect Vectors of Diseases.

According to the World Health Organization vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases, causing more than 700,000 deaths annually. Vectors are organisms that are able to transmit infectious pathogens between humans, or from animals to humans. Many of these vectors are hematophagous insects, which ingest the pathogen from an infected host during a blood meal, and later transmit it into a new host. Malaria, dengue, African trypanosomiasis, yellow fever, leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and many others are examples of diseases transmitted by insects.Both the diet and the infection with pathogens trigger changes in many metabolic pathways, including lipid metabolism, compared to other insects. Blood contains mostly proteins and is very poor in lipids and carbohydrates. Thus, hematophagous insects attempt to efficiently digest and absorb diet lipids and also rely on a large de novo lipid biosynthesis based on utilization of proteins and carbohydrates as carbon source. Blood meal triggers essential physiological processes as molting, excretion, and oogenesis; therefore, lipid metabolism and utilization of lipid storage should be finely synchronized and regulated regarding that, in order to provide the necessary energy source for these events. Also, pathogens have evolved mechanisms to hijack essential lipids from the insect host by interfering in the biosynthesis, catabolism, and transport of lipids, which pose challenges to reproduction, survival, fitness, and other insect traits.In this chapter, we have tried to collect and highlight the current knowledge and recent discoveries on the metabolism of lipids in insect vectors of diseases related to the hematophagous diet and pathogen infection.

Manejo clínico e cirúrgico da miíase em face: relato de caso / Clinical and Surgical Management of Myiasis in the Face: Case Report / Manejo Clínico Quirúrgico de Miasis en la Cara: Reporte de Caso

Objetivo: O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de miíase em face, descrevendo as suas características e tratamento. Relato de caso: Paciente do sexo masculino, leucoderma, 39 anos, em condições de rua. Ao exame físico, havia perda de substância tecidual em região labial inferior, com extensão a tecidos adjacentes periorais, lábio superior e base nasal. Notava-se presença de miíase na região. Ao exame intra-oral, observou-se região endurecida à palpação pela extensão interna total do lábio inferior. Optou-se pela remoção cirúrgica das larvas, irrigação e debridamento do tecido necrosado. A condição acomete predominantemente indivíduos com deficiência neurológica e/ou locomotora, de baixo nível socioeconômico, com higiene precária, dependentes químicos e com lesões prévias. Conclusão: Quanto ao tratamento, há diferentes formas, como remoção manual de larvas e desbridamento cirúrgico, aplicação de substâncias asfixiantes e antibioticoterapia, principalmente com uso de ivermectina. A miíase é uma doença tratável que atinge populações específicas. Devido à agressividade da lesão, a prevenção e tratamento adequado em tempo hábil são necessários. O tratamento instituído neste caso foi eficaz e restabeleceu as condições do paciente... (AU)

Objective: The present work aims to report a case of myiasis in the face, describing its characteristics and treatment. Case report: Male patient, leucoderma, 39 years old, in street conditions. On physical examination, there was loss of tissue substance in the lower labial region, extending to adjacent perioral tissues, upper lip and nasal base. The presence of myiasis was noted in the region. On intraoral examination, a hardened region was observed on palpation due to the total internal extension of the lower lip. We opted for the surgical removal of the larvae, irrigation and debridement of the necrotic tissue. The condition predominantly affects individuals with neurological and/or locomotor disabilities, of low socioeconomic status, with poor hygiene, chemical dependents and with previous injuries. Conclusion: As for the treatment, there are different ways, such as manual removal of larvae and surgical debridement, application of asphyxiating substances and antibiotic therapy, mainly with the use of ivermectin. Myiasis is a treatable disease that affects specific populations. Due to the aggressiveness of the lesion, prevention and adequate treatment in a timely manner are necessary. The treatment instituted in this case was effective and restored the patient's conditions... (AU)

Objetivo: El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo reportar un caso de miasis en la cara, describiendo sus características y tratamiento. Reporte de caso: Paciente masculino, leucoderma, 39 años, en condiciones de calle. En el examen físico, había pérdida de sustancia tisular en la región labial inferior, que se extendía a los tejidos periorales adyacentes, el labio superior y la base nasal. Se notó la presencia de miasis en la región. Al examen intraoral se observa región endurecida a la palpación por extensión interna total del labio inferior. Optamos por la extirpación quirúrgica de las larvas, irrigación y desbridamiento del tejido necrótico. La condición afecta predominantemente a personas con discapacidad neurológica y/o locomotora, de nivel socioeconómico bajo, con mala higiene, dependientes de sustancias químicas y con lesiones previas. Conclusión: En cuanto al tratamiento, existen diferentes vías, como la extracción manual de larvas y desbridamiento quirúrgico, aplicación de sustancias asfixiantes y antibioticoterapia, principalmente con el uso de ivermectina. La miasis es una enfermedad tratable que afecta a poblaciones específicas. Debido a la agresividad de la lesión, es necesaria la prevención y el tratamiento adecuado en el momento oportuno. El tratamiento instituido en este caso fue efectivo y restableció las condiciones del paciente... (AU)

IgG seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Leishmania infantum in leprosy patients: Implications for screening and management of co-infections.

Parasitic co-infections are common in developing countries and can interfere with leprosy treatment, leading to an increased risk of inflammatory leprosy reactions. This study assessed serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels against Toxoplasma gondii and Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) antigens in 270 leprosy patients from Brazilian states. Regarding the respective cut-offs, the prevalence of IgG seropositivity for T. gondii and VL were 21.05 % and 47.36 % in the leprosy-negative group, and 77.7 % and 52.6 % in the leprosy-positive group. Of the 270 leprosy patients, 158 (58.5 %) presented with inflammatory leprosy reactions. Of those, 72 (59.5 %) had neuritis, 35 (48.6 %) had reverse reactions, and 28 (38.9 %) had ENL in both Brazilian states. Leprosy patients with anti-Leishmania IgG seropositivity were 3.25 times more likely to develop neuritis (95 % C.I.: 1.187 - 9.154; p = 0.019). These findings are particularly relevant for clinical settings where both leprosy and parasitic diseases are prevalent and could provide essential guidance for detecting and addressing complications arising from parasitic co-infections in leprosy patients, thereby improving clinical management strategies.

Schistosoma mansoni infection in residents of a riverside community in Eastern Amazon.

Schistosoma mansoni worms cause a waterborne parasitic disease called schistosomiasis. It commonly affects individuals in lack of sanitation structure. In Brazil, Pará state has Belém as one of the worst sanitation-ranking places in 2023, where schistosomiasis transmission was already documented. This study reports the occurrence of schistosomiasis in residents of Ilha das Onças, an island next to Belém. Stool samples were obtained from participants over 2 years old, all residents from Furo do Rio Grande, one of the rivers on the island. The Kato-Katz technique was performed for parasite investigation in the stool samples. Each participant responded to a sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire. The residences were georeferenced for map designing. Three out of 263 participants were S. mansoni positive, all men, ages ranging from 19 to 41 years old, with low parasitic load. Malacological surveys were carried out, but no Biomphalaria snails were found. Risk factors for schistosomiasis establishment are present on the island, and the lack of sanitation makes it a potential risk area. Malacological surveys are highly encouraged as preventive measures, as well as health surveillance for riverside populations, generating data that will help health authorities in the management and planning of preventive control actions.

A systematic review on products derived from nematophagous fungi in the biological control of parasitic helminths of animals.

Nematophagous fungi have been widely evaluated in the biological control of parasitic helminths in animals, both through their direct use and the use of their derived products. Fungal bioproducts can include extracellular enzymes, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as well as secondary metabolites. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review covering the evaluation of products derived from nematophagous fungi in the biological control of parasitic helminths in animals. In total, 33 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The majority of the studies were conducted in Brazil (72.7%, 24/33), and bioproducts derived from the fungus Duddingtonia flagrans were the most commonly evaluated (36.3%, 12/33). The studies involved the production of extracellular enzymes (48.4%, 16/33), followed by crude enzymatic extract (27.2%, 9/33), secondary metabolites (15.1%, 5/33) and biosynthesis of AgNPs (9.1%, 3/33). The most researched extracellular enzymes were serine proteases (37.5%, 6/16), with efficacies ranging from 23.9 to 85%; proteases (31.2%, 5/16), with efficacies from 41.4 to 95.4%; proteases + chitinases (18.7%, 3/16), with efficacies from 20.5 to 43.4%; and chitinases (12.5%, 2/16), with efficacies ranging from 12 to 100%. In conclusion, extracellular enzymes are the most investigated derivatives of nematophagous fungi, with proteases being promising strategies in the biological control of animal helminths. Further studies under in vivo and field conditions are needed to explore the applicability of these bioproducts as tools for biological control.

Case Report: A rare instance of acute appendicitis induced by Balantidium Coli parasitic infection.

Introduction: Acute appendicitis secondary to parasitic infections is uncommon, being detected in less than 1% of cases. Balantidium coli is a parasite found in pigs and primates with zoonotic potential. To date, only three cases of acute appendicitis induced by this parasite have been documented globally. Case: A 7-year-old female patient, who consumed pork daily, presented to the emergency department with a one-day history of abdominal pain in the lower quadrants, described as colic-like, alongside abdominal distension. Initial abdominal radiography led to a diagnosis of intestinal obstruction. Conservative management without therapeutic response necessitated referral to a higher complexity center. Upon admission, an abdominal computed tomography scan diagnosed acute appendicitis and secondary ileus. During surgical intervention, an appendiceal phlegmon formed by loops of the small intestine was mechanically released, revealing a perforated appendix with extensive fecal peritoneal contamination. Pathological analysis identified an inflammatory infiltrate and the presence of Balantidium coli trophozoites. Medical treatment included Piperacillin-Tazobactam and Metronidazole. The patient was discharged after 10 days of medical treatment. Discussion: Acute appendicitis caused by Balantidium coli is a rare occurrence. It is crucial to identify parasites in pathological samples due to their impact on postoperative management. The close contact between humans and pigs, especially in developing countries, suggests that the prevalence of parasitic infection and colonization by Balantidium coli may be higher than currently recognized. Regarding the identification of this patient's specific exposure, the regular consumption of pork suggests the hypothesis that improper processing is linked to the acquisition of the parasitic infection.

Parasitic Granulomatous Dermatitis Caused by Pelodera spp. in Buffalo on Marajó Island, Pará.

This is the first report of parasitic granulomatous dermatitis caused by Pelodera spp. in a buffalo. The affected buffalo was about seven years old, was a female of the Murrah breed and belonged to a property located on Marajó Island in the State of Pará. During the clinical examination, the animal was in a standing position and presented several multifocal nodular and placoid masses throughout the body, mostly on the forelimbs, hindlimbs, abdomen, mammary glands, perineum, vulva and tail. These masses were also observed on the nasal mucosa, head, neck, back and chest. On macroscopic examination, the skin had several multifocal-to-coalescent sessile nodular and placoid lesions. Histopathology of the skin showed a marked reduction in the number of hair follicles. In the superficial dermis, there was significant multifocal-to-coalescent inflammatory infiltration, consisting of macrophages, epithelioid macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells and multinucleated giant cells. In the remaining hair follicles, there were numerous cross and longitudinal sections of small rhabditoid nematodes characterized by a thin cuticle, platymyarian musculature, an intestinal tract, a rhabditiform esophagus and lateral alae (morphologically compatible with Pelodera spp.). The diagnosis of parasitic dermatitis was confirmed by histopathological skin lesions associated with the presence of intralesional rhabditiform larvae morphologically compatible with Pelodera spp.

Evaluating anthelmintic activity through Caenorhabditis elegans egg hatching assay.

The Caenorhabditis elegans egg hatching methodology is a valuable tool for assessing the anthelmintic activity of drugs and compounds and evaluating anthelmintic drug efficacy. Isolated eggs from gravid adults are exposed to different concentrations of selected drugs and the percentage of egg hatching is determined with respect to the control condition. The assay allows the construction of concentration-response curves and determination of EC50 or EC90 values for egg hatching inhibition. Also, it allows measurements of inhibition as a function of time of exposure. This approach addresses the urgent need for new anthelmintics, as resistance to current treatments poses a significant challenge in parasitic nematode infection. This resistance not only affects humans but also animals and plants, causing significant economic losses in livestock farming and agriculture. By using the free-living nematode C. elegans as a parasitic model organism, researchers can efficiently screen for potential treatments and assess drug combinations for synergistic effects. Importantly, this assay offers a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional methods, eliminating the need for specialized infrastructure, hosts, and trained animal maintenance personnel. Additionally, the methodology closely mimics natural conditions, providing insights into egg development and potential therapeutic targets. This method allows for evaluating the direct negative impact of drugs on egg hatching, which correlates with long-term anthelmintic effects, offering advantages in preventing or reducing the transmission and spread of worm infections by eggs. Overall, this approach represents a significant advancement for anthelmintic discovery, offering both practical applications and avenues for further scientific research. •The C. elegans egg hatching assay is a robust and effective method for assessing the anthelmintic potential of various drugs and compounds, allowing the generation of concentration-response curves.•By leveraging the free-living nematode C. elegans as a parasitic model organism, this method facilitates efficient screening of potential treatments and evaluation of drug combinations.•The method addresses the urgent need for new anthelmintics, offering a cost-effective and accessible alternative to traditional approaches.

Phytoparasitic Nematodes of Musa spp. with Emphasis on Sources of Genetic Resistance: A Systematic Review.

Bananas are a staple food that considerably contributes to both food security and income generation, especially in countries of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. The banana plant (Musa spp.) is affected by various pathogens, of main concern being the plant-parasitic nematodes associated with the rhizosphere, the most important of which are Radopholus similis (burrowing nematode), Helicotylenchus sp. (spiral nematode), Pratylenchus sp. (root lesion nematode), and Meloidogyne sp. (gall nematode). Infected plants reduce their ability to absorb water and nutrients, which can lead to delayed flowering, fewer bunches, and lower fruit mass. Obtaining nematode-resistant banana cultivars through genetic improvement is an effective and sustainable option compared with chemical control with nematicides. Here, we provide the first systematic review of existing banana sources of resistance to nematodes to aid the management and control of nematodes in banana and plantain crops. Articles selected from different databases were evaluated, and searches were conducted using pre-established inclusion and exclusion criteria. We found 69 studies dealing with genetic improvement for nematode resistance in banana cultivation. Our findings revealed that sources of resistance are currently under investigation to combat the diseases caused by different nematode species in banana plants.

Contribution of microscopy to a better understanding of the anatomy of pathogenic protists.

In this Inaugural Article the author briefly revises its scientific career and how he starts to work with parasitic protozoa. Emphasis is given to his contribution to topics such as a) the structural organization of the surface of protozoa using freeze-fracture and deep-etching; b) the cytoskeleton of protozoa, especially structures such as the subpellicular microtubules of trypanosomatids, the conoid of Toxoplasma gondii, microtubules and inner membrane complex of this protozoan, and the costa of Tritrichomonas foetus; c) the flagellulm of trypanosomatids, that in addition to the axoneme contains a complex network of filaments that constitute the paraflagellar rod; d) special organelles such as the acidocalcisome, hydrogenosome, and glycosome; and e) the highly polarized endocytic pathway found in epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi.

A Dye Uptake Assay to Measure Large-Pore Channel Activity in Trypanosoma cruzi.

Large-pore channels allow the exchange of ions and molecules between the intra- and extracellular compartments. These channels are structures formed by several protein families with little or no evolutionary linkages that include connexins (Cxs), pannexins (Panxs), innexins (Inxs), CALHM1, and LRRC8 proteins. Recently, we have described the unnexins (Unxs) proteins expressed in Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) that also is like to form large-pore channels at the plasma membrane. In this chapter, we describe a dye uptake method for evaluating the unnexin-formed channel function in T. cruzi, as well as the methods for evaluating their participation in the transformation of trypomastigotes into amastigotes. These methods can facilitate understanding the role of large-pore channels in the parasite's biology.

Silent Intruder: Unusual Presentation of Neurocysticercosis in an HIV-Infected Patient from the Far Northern Brazilian Amazon.

Neurocysticercosis, a parasitic infection of the central nervous system (CNS), is a significant public health issue globally, including in Brazil. This article presents a case report of a 44-year-old male patient residing in the rural area of Roraima, the northernmost region of Brazil within the Amazon Forest. The patient, with chronic HIV infection, acquired the Taenia solium helminth, resulting in neurocysticercosis development. Remarkably, the diagnosis of neurocysticercosis was not initially apparent but emerged through meticulous analysis following a motorcycle accident. The absence of seizures, a common clinical manifestation, complicated the diagnostic process, making it an uncommon case of NCC, which may be related to co-infection. As the patient's condition progressed, multiple complications arose, requiring additional medical attention and interventions. This case underscores the immense challenges faced by healthcare teams in managing neurocysticercosis effectively. It emphasizes the critical need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to provide optimal care for such complex cases. The study's findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and implementing improved strategies for tackling neurocysticercosis, particularly in regions where it remains a prevalent concern.