Unraveling molecular mechanistic disparities in pathogenic visceral Leishmania resistance between reptiles and mammals through comparative transcriptomic analyses.

Leishmaniasis is one of the most important neglected tropical parasitic diseases, manifesting various clinical forms depending on the parasite species and the genetic background of the host. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of reptilian defense against pathogenic Leishmania species and to delineate the global gene expression profile alterations during host-pathogen interaction, we established experimental animal and cell models using both heterothermic lizards (Phrynocephalus przewalskii) and homothermic mammals (BALB/c mice) infected with pathogenic Leishmania infantum (high virulence HCZ strain) and Leishmania donovani (low virulence 801 strain). Overall, the lizards didn't show any obvious clinical symptoms or immune responses in vivo. Using RNA-seq methodology, differentially expressed genes identified in the HCZ and 801-comparison groups of P. przewalskii were primarily associated with arginine biosynthesis, the MAPK signaling pathway and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In contrast, higher parasite loads, exacerbated hepatic inflammatory lesions and enhanced immune responses were observed in BALB/c mice, with DEGs predominantly associated with immunological diseases, innate and adaptive immune responses. By integrating transcriptional data from reptile and mammalian hosts, we elucidated the pivotal role of amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism in parasite control. In contrast to findings from animal experiments, Leishmania parasites effectively infected peritoneal macrophages of lizards in vitro, demonstrating a high infection rate. Furthermore, we used RT-qPCR to detect changes in cytokine expression in macrophages and found that Th1-type cytokines were significantly upregulated in lizards, facilitating the clearance of the HCZ strain 24 hours post-infection. Conversely, cytokine expression was generally suppressed in BALB/c mice, allowing immune evasion by the parasites.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Unmasking a Hidden Culprit: Neurocysticercosis, an Overlooked Cause of Acquired Epilepsy.

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is a common parasitic brain infestation caused by the ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, predominantly in developing countries. In this report, we presented the case of a 44-year-old woman who exhibited stroke symptoms and had a decade-long history of recurrent headaches and epilepsy. At presentation, a non-contrast computed tomography scan of the brain was performed and revealed hypodense oval lesions and calcified cysts in both cerebral hemispheres, strongly indicative of NCC. The patient responded positively to treatment with dexamethasone, albendazole, and carbamazepine. This case study underscores the importance of neuroimaging in investigating patients with neurological conditions like epilepsy, especially in developing countries. Early diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial in preventing and controlling NCC, reducing its impact on public health.

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.

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.

Harnessing the 12 Green Chemistry Principles for Sustainable Antiparasitic Drugs: Toward the One Health Approach.

Antiparasitic drug development stands as a critical endeavor in combating infectious diseases which, by affecting the well-being of humans, animals, and the environment, pose significant global health challenges. In a scenario where conventional pharmacological interventions have proven inadequate, the One Health approach, which emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and holistic solutions, emerges as a vital strategy. By advocating for the integration of One Health principles into the R&D pharmaceutical pipeline, this Perspective promotes green chemistry methodologies to foster the development of environmentally friendly antiparasitic drugs for both human and animal health. Moreover, it highlights the urgent need to address vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) within the context of One Health-driven sustainable development, underscoring the pivotal role of medicinal chemists in driving transformative change. Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the European Green Deal, this Perspective explores the application of the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry as a systematic framework to guide drug discovery and production efforts in the context of VBPD. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and a constant commitment to sustainability, the field can overcome the challenges posed by VBPD while promoting global and environmental responsibility. Serving as a call to action, scientists are urged to integrate One Health concepts and green chemistry principles into routine drug development practices, thereby paving the way for a more sustainable R&D pharmaceutical pipeline for antiparasitic drugs.

Analysis of enterobiasis in the Czech Republic in 2018-2022. / Analýza výskytu enterobióz v Ceské republice v letech 2018­2022.

AIM: Pinworm infection (known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) is one of the most common parasitic diseases globally and in the Czech Republic (CZ). The aim of this study is to analyse the available epidemiological data on the incidence of enterobiasis in the CZ from 2018-2022. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was done of enterobiasis (ICD-10 code B80) data reported to the electronic Infectious Disease Information System in the CZ from 2018 to 2022. Data processing and analysis were conducted using MS Excel 2016. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between the probability of hospitalization and categorical variables using STATA version 17. The ECDC Map Maker tool (EMMa) was used to create the incidence map. RESULTS: A total of 4,836 cases were reported during the study period, with an average annual incidence of 9.1 cases per 100,000 population. The highest number of cases occurred in 2019 (n = 1,174), and the lowest in 2021 (n = 780). The disease was most common in the paediatric population, with the highest average age-specific incidence rates observed in children aged 5-9 years (80.9 per 100,000 population) and 10-14 years (42.3 per 100,000 population). Of 14 administrative regions of the CZ, the Olomouc Region had the highest average annual incidence (28.7 per 100,000 population), while the Pilsen Region had the lowest (2.2 per 100,000 population). A total of 472 (9.8%) patients needed hospitalization, most of them in the categories 10-14 years (n = 200, 42.4%) and 5-9 years (n = 178, 38%). The highest hospitalization rate was found in the age group 75+ (36.4%). A significantly higher probability of hospitalization was found in the age groups 6-19 years and 65+ compared to working-age population with enterobiasis. A significantly lower probability of hospitalization was seen in 2020-2022 compared to 2019. No difference in the hospitalization rates was noted between genders. No enterobiasis-related death was reported during the study period. The disease occurs year-round. A decrease in reported cases was observed annually during the school summer holidays in July and August. Neither outbreak nor imported cases were noted. CONCLUSION: Given that enterobiasis is often asymptomatic, many cases are not captured in the surveillance system. The Czech prevalence data indicate that it mainly affects the paediatric population. Therefore, preventive measures and programs should primarily target children.

Exploring potential inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenases, and glutathione reductase from Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. based on multi-target ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and molecular docking.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Parasitic infections impose a significant burden on public health worldwide. European pharmacopoeia records and ethnopharmacological studies indicate that Hagenia abyssinica (Bruce) J.F. Gmel. has traditionally been used to treat a variety of parasitic infections, while the potential antiparasitic compounds remain ambiguous. AIM OF THE STUDY: Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), lactate dehydrogenases (LDH), and glutathione reductase (GR) are the key target enzymes in the survival of parasites. The aim of our work was to screen antiparasitic compounds targeting AChE, LDH, and GR from H. abyssinica. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrafiltration-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UF-LC-MS) combined with molecular docking was used in this study. Therein, the alamarBlue® and Ellman's methods were employed to reveal the antitrypanosomal effect and AChE inhibitory activity. Meanwhile, the UF-LC-MS was carried out to screen the potential active compounds from H. abyssinica. Subsequently, molecular docking was performed to evaluate the binding mechanisms of these active compounds with AChE, LDH, and GR. Finally, the AChE inhibitory activity of potential inhibitors was detected in vitro. RESULTS: H. abyssinica exhibited significant antitrypanosomal and AChE inhibitory activity. Corilagin, brevifolin carboxylic acid, brevifolin, quercetin, and methyl ellagic acid were recognized as potential AChE inhibitors by UF-LC-MS, while methyl brevifolin carboxylate was identified as AChE, LDH, and GR multi-target inhibitor, with binding degree ranged from 20.96% to 49.81%. Molecular docking showed that these potential inhibitors had a strong affinity with AChE, LDH, and GR, with binding energies ranging from -6.98 to -9.67 kcal/mol. These findings were further supported by the observation that corilagin, quercetin, brevifolin carboxylic acid, and methyl brevifolin carboxylate displayed significant AChE inhibitory activity compared with the positive control (gossypol, 0.42 ± 0.04 mM), with IC50 values of 0.15 ± 0.05, 0.56 ± 0.03, 0.99 ± 0.01, and 1.02 ± 0.03 mM, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the antiparasitic potential of H. abyssinica, supporting the traditional use of H. abyssinica in local ethnopharmacology to treat parasites. At the same time, corilagin, brevifolin carboxylic acid, brevifolin, quercetin, methyl ellagic acid, and methyl brevifolin carboxylate exert their anti-parasitic effects by inhibiting AChE, LDH, and GR, and they are expected to be natural lead compounds for the treatment of parasitic diseases.

Discovery of 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives as Broad-Spectrum Antiparasitic Agents.

Vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs) pose a significant threat to public health on a global scale. Collectively, Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), Leishmaniasis, and Malaria threaten millions of people, particularly in developing countries. Climate change might alter the transmission and spread of VBPDs, leading to a global burden of these diseases. Thus, novel agents are urgently needed to expand therapeutic options and limit the spread of drug-resistant parasites. Herein, we report the development of broad-spectrum antiparasitic agents by screening a known library of antileishmanial and antimalarial compounds toward Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) and identifying a 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivative (19) as anti-T. brucei hit with predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. Subsequently, extensive structure-activity-relationship studies around the lipophilic tail of 19 led to a potent antitrypanosomal and antimalarial compound (27), with moderate potency also toward Leishmania infantum (L. infantum) and Leishmania tropica. In addition, we discovered a pan-active antiparasitic molecule (24), showing low-micromolar IC50s toward T. brucei and Leishmania spp. promastigotes and amastigotes, and nanomolar IC50 against Plasmodium falciparum, together with high selectivity for the parasites over mammalian cells (THP-1). Early ADME-toxicity assays were used to assess the safety profile of the compounds. Overall, we characterized 24 and 27, bearing the 1,3,4-oxadiazole privileged scaffold, as broad-spectrum low-toxicity agents for the treatment of VBPDs. An alkyne-substituted chemical probe (30) was synthesized and will be utilized in proteomics experiments aimed at deconvoluting the mechanism of action in the T. brucei parasite.

Revisiting the antigen markers of vector-borne parasitic diseases identified by immunomics: identification and application to disease control.

INTRODUCTION: Protein microarray is a promising immunomic approach for identifying biomarkers. Based on our previous study that reviewed parasite antigens and recent parasitic omics research, this article expands to include information on vector-borne parasitic diseases (VBPDs), namely, malaria, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, babesiosis, trypanosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis. AREAS COVERED: We revisit and systematically summarize antigen markers of vector-borne parasites identified by the immunomic approach and discuss the latest advances in identifying antigens for the rational development of diagnostics and vaccines. The applications and challenges of this approach for VBPD control are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: The immunomic approach has enabled the identification and/or validation of antigen markers for vaccine development, diagnosis, disease surveillance, and treatment. However, this approach presents several challenges, including limited sample size, variability in antigen expression, false-positive results, complexity of omics data, validation and reproducibility, and heterogeneity of diseases. In addition, antigen involvement in host immune evasion and antigen sensitivity/specificity are major issues in its application. Despite these limitations, this approach remains promising for controlling VBPD. Advances in technology and data analysis methods should continue to improve candidate antigen identification, as well as the use of a multiantigen approach in diagnostic and vaccine development for VBPD control.

Primary Pulmonary Echinococcosis in the United States: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We depict a unique case of a 34-year-old woman who presents to the emergency department with complaints of dyspnea and chest pain for the past month. A chest x-ray (CXR) from an earlier urgent care visit was concerning for large fluid opacity in the left lung and follow-up imaging revealed a cystic mass suspicious of a pulmonary cystic abscess. The patient underwent complete lobectomy and resection. Post-surgical biopsy confirmed pulmonary hydatid cystic mass and signs of rupture or seeding to liver tissue. The patient was discharged with adjuvant therapy and recommended imaging follow-up for the next decade. The diagnosis, treatment, and maintenance guidelines are discussed in this report which reveals controversy between experts given the lack of complete literature regarding echinococcosis. Our purpose in putting forward this case is to present a rare diagnosis of pulmonary echinococcosis in the United States and to emphasize the importance of early imaging and diagnosis to prevent cystic rupture and secondary organ dissemination.

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.

Giant Calcified Hepatic Hydatid Cyst: A Case Report.

Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Echinococcus granulosus. It is an endemic disease in many parts of the world. Although humans are incidental hosts of the parasite, the disease sometimes results in fatal consequences. The liver and lungs are the most common sites of infection in humans. We report the case of a 45-year-old female who presented with complaints of right hypochondriac pain, fever, and cough, initially suspected as a case of liver abscess but later diagnosed as a giant calcified hydatid cyst of the liver. Imaging and immunoglobulin G for Echinococcus granulosus helped confirm our diagnosis. Based on her symptoms, the patient was treated symptomatically with analgesics, paracetamol, and an antitussive for pain, fever, and cough, respectively. In terms of definitive care, she was treated with oral albendazole and referred to her home district for necessary surgical intervention.

Toxoplasma gondii Infections and Associated Factors in Female Children and Adolescents, Germany.

In a representative sample of female children and adolescents in Germany, Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence was 6.3% (95% CI 4.7%-8.0%). With each year of life, the chance of being seropositive increased by 1.2, indicating a strong force of infection. Social status and municipality size were found to be associated with seropositivity.

Artificial intelligence in parasitic disease control: A paradigm shift in health care.

Parasitic diseases, including malaria, leishmaniasis, and trypanosomiasis, continue to plague populations worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. It has limited the use of conventional health-care delivery and disease control approaches and necessitated exploring innovative strategies. In this direction, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool with immense promise in parasitic disease control, offering the potential for enhanced diagnostics, precision drug discovery, predictive modeling, and personalized treatment. Predictive AI algorithms have assisted in understanding parasite transmission patterns and outbreaks by analyzing vast amounts of epidemiological data, environmental factors, and population demographics. This has strengthened public health interventions, resource allocation, and outbreak preparedness strategies, enabling proactive measures to mitigate disease spread. In diagnostics, AI-enabled accurate and rapid identification of parasites by analyzing microscopic images. This capability is particularly valuable in remote regions with limited access to diagnostic facilities. AI-driven computational methods have also assisted in drug discovery for parasitic diseases by identifying novel drug targets and predicting the efficacy and safety of potential drug candidates. This approach has streamlined drug development, leading to more effective and targeted therapies. This article reviews these current developments and their transformative impacts on the health-care sector. It also assessed the hurdles that require attention before these transformations can be realized in real-life scenarios.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of Giant Liver Fluke (Fascioloides magna) Infection in European Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Romania-First Report.

Fascioloidosis is a parasitic disease of primary wild and domestic ruminants, caused by giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna. The definitive host of the liver fluke in its area of origin (North America) is the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). In Europe, the red deer (Cervus elaphus) and European fallow deer (Dama dama) are definitive hosts and the most sensitive hosts to F. magna infection, on which the parasite exerts serious pathogenic effects. In this study, we analyzed fecal samples and livers of 72 D. dama from 11 hunting grounds in Arad County, Romania. Of the 72 fecal samples and livers from D. dama, trematodes of the genus Fascioloides were identified in four (5.56%). Sequencing revealed that the trematodes identified in the samples were similar to the sequence of F. magna (GenBank no. EF534992.1, DQ683545.1, KU232369.1). The sequence obtained from the molecular analysis has been deposited in GenBank® under accession number OQ689976.1. This study describes the first report of giant liver fluke (F. magna) infection in D. dama in Romania.