Article
Veterinary Sciences
Mar Siles-Lucas, David Becerro-Recio, Judit Serrat, Javier Gonzalez-Miguel
Summary: Food-borne zoonotic trematodiases, including fascioliasis and fasciolopsiasis, pose significant challenges in livestock production and human health globally. Underestimation of these diseases, lack of sensitive diagnostic tools, and the rising trend in drug resistance highlight the need for effective control strategies, including vaccines. Future research should focus on addressing these challenges with current knowledge and new technologies.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Richard Lalor, Krystyna Cwiklinski, Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani, Amber Dorey, Siobhan Hamon, Jesus Lopez Corrales, John Pius Dalton, Carolina De Marco Verissimo
Summary: Fasciolosis caused by liver flukes is an important neglected parasitic disease with high transmissibility and adaptability. The parasite's ability to survive and reproduce within their mammalian host is mainly influenced by their high frequency of non-synonymous polymorphisms in genes and excretory-secretory molecules. Through various mechanisms, liver flukes can persist for years within their host and spread rapidly.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Gemma Zerna, Terry W. Spithill, Travis Beddoe
Summary: Maintaining sustainable agricultural systems is crucial for feeding the growing population. Parasite infections impact livestock production, including goats. Current liver fluke control methods involve drug application and pasture management.
Article
Parasitology
Zhengjiao Wu, Jinhui Wang, Zhen Meng, Weikun Jin, Kangxin He, Weiyu Zhang, Wenda Di
Summary: This study conducted an in-depth investigation on Fasciola infection in buffaloes in Nanning, Guangxi, China, revealing an infection rate of 38.6% and severe liver damage. A total of 1243 Fasciola flukes were collected from the livers, showing significant morphological variations but lacking accuracy in species identification. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all flukes were Fasciola gigantica, with no presence of Fasciola hepatica or intermediate forms.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Veronica Molina-Hernandez, Maria T. Ruiz-Campillo, Francisco J. Martinez-Moreno, Leandro Buffoni, Alvaro Martinez-Moreno, Rafael Zafra, Maria J. Bautista, Alejandro Escamilla, Raul Perez-Caballero, Jose Perez
Summary: The study evaluated hepatic lesions in sheep vaccinated with a partly protective vaccine, a non-protective vaccine, and an infected control group. The partially protective vaccine group showed less severe hepatic lesions compared to the infected control group, with dead flukes surrounded by severe granulomatous inflammation observed in the protective vaccine group. This finding suggests that the host response induced by the vaccine may have contributed to the death of adult flukes.
Review
Parasitology
Nichola Eliza Davies Calvani, Jan Slapeta
Summary: Global pandemic events have brought renewed attention to viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases, but parasitic zoonoses are often overlooked. In the case of fasciolosis, a lack of appropriate detection tools has led to the expansion of parasite sympatry and increased hybridization between species. The increased demand for animal-derived protein is changing the dynamics of these zoonotic parasites.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Andrea Springer, Daniela Jordan, Alina Kirse, Bettina Schneider, Amely Campe, Gabriela Knubben-Schweizer, Kerstin E. Mueller, Martina Hoedemaker, Christina Strube
Summary: This study assessed exposure to gastrointestinal worms, liver flukes, and lungworms among dairy cattle herds in three parts of Germany. High exposure to gastrointestinal worms was found, while antibodies against liver flukes were less frequently detected. Parasite exposure was associated with access to fresh grass, hay, silage quality, and deworming frequency. Additionally, poor body condition and lower milk production were observed in parasite-exposed cows.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Naser Nazari, Mohamad Bagher Rokni, Madoka Ichikawa-Seki, Saber Raeghi, Homa Hajjaran, Shahab Falahi, Yazdan Hamzavi, Peyman Heydarian, Afshin Davari, Keyphobad Ghadiri, Arezoo Bozorgomid
Summary: The study evaluated the gene diversity of Fasciola isolates from western Iran using a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach with five housekeeping genes. Results indicated a high degree of genetic diversity among the Fasciola isolates, providing insight into the phylogenetic relationship of the parasite species.
VETERINARY MEDICINE AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Sophy Nukeri, Mokgadi Pulane Malatji, Mita Eva Sengupta, Birgitte Jyding Vennervald, Anna-Sofie Stensgaard, Mamohale Chaisi, Samson Mukaratirwa
Summary: The potential existence of Fasciola hybrids in Africa has been suggested in limited studies, with evidence of beneficial characteristics. Further research is needed to determine the presence and distribution of these hybrids and parthenogenetic species. Conducting future surveys with molecular markers is recommended to identify Fasciola spp. and their snail intermediate hosts, as well as to investigate the role of invasive snail species in the transmission of Fasciola spp. to prevent parasite spillbacks.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Krystyna Cwiklinski, Mark W. Robinson, Sheila Donnelly, John P. Dalton
Summary: The migration of immature Fasciola hepatica parasites within the liver is associated with an increase in protein production, expression of signalling pathways, and neoblast proliferation that drive their rapid growth and development. The secretion of a defined set of molecules, particularly cathepsin L peptidases, peptidase inhibitors, saponins, immune regulators, and antioxidants, allow the parasite to negotiate the liver micro-environment, immune attack, and increasing levels of oxidative stress.
Article
Parasitology
Mohammad Manjurul Hasan, Babul Chandra Roy, Hiranmoy Biswas, Moizur Rahman, Anisuzzaman Anisuzzaman, Mohammad Zahangir Alam, Md Hasanuzzaman Talukder
Summary: This study evaluated the in vitro efficacy of three flukicides against Fasciola gigantica and found that nitroxynil (NTON) was the most potent in killing the flukes. It suggests the presence of TCBZ-resistant fluke populations in Bangladesh.
Article
Microbiology
Veysel Uzun, Figen Celik, Sami Simsek, Harun Kaya Kesik, Seyma Gunyakti Kilinc, Xiaocheng Zhang, Haroon Ahmed, Jianping Cao
Summary: This study is the first to report the existence of hybrid Fasciola flukes and 83 unique haplotypes of F. hepatica in Turkey.
Article
Parasitology
Shinpei Kasahara, Yuma Ohari, Sakura Jin, Manuel Calvopina, Hidekazu Takagi, Hiromu Sugiyama, Tadashi Itagaki
Summary: The study identified 225 Fasciola flukes from domestic animals in Ecuador-South America as Fasciola hepatica through molecular and morphological analyses. The absence of Fasciola gigantica and parthenogenic forms suggests a lack of suitable intermediate host snails in the region. This indicates that the F. hepatica populations in South America, including Ecuador, were introduced through anthropogenic movement of livestock infected with the species.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Maria Dolores Bargues, Maria Adela Valero, Gabriel A. Trueba, Marco Fornasini, Angel F. Villavicencio, Rocio Guaman, Alejandra De Elias-Escribano, Ignacio Perez-Crespo, Patricio Artigas, Santiago Mas-Coma
Summary: Fasciolid flukes obtained from sheep and cattle in Ecuador displayed high genetic diversity with DNA sequences suggesting introductions from various countries. Abnormally large liver flukes were found in Ecuador, indicating possible past hybridization events. The presence of these features in Ecuadorian fasciolids may be linked to livestock import activities in the region.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zia Ur Rehman, Kirsty Martin, Osama Zahid, Qasim Ali, Imran Rashid, Mian Abdul Hafeez, Nisar Ahmad, Kamran Ashraf, Martha Betson, Neil D. Sargison, Umer Chaudhry
Summary: The study found co-infections of F. hepatica and F. gigantica in Balochistan, while single species F. gigantica infection in Punjab. Co-infections and hybrids of both Fasciola species were identified in cattle in Balochistan, with more F. hepatica detected than F. gigantica. However, F. hepatica was the only species identified in goats, and F. gigantica was the only species identified in buffalo. In Punjab, all flukes were confirmed as F. gigantica in each of the four livestock species.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Xiaolin Ma, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Yonghong Bi, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: The study found that cyanobacterial blooms in a warm-temperate ice-free lake in Eastern China had significant impacts on the genetic structure and population dynamics of Daphnia galeata, leading to high turnover rates of clones and frequent sexual reproduction. Additionally, experimental feeding of Daphnia galeata with toxic cyanobacteria resulted in reduced survivorship, consistent with field observations. Further research is needed to explore the ecological responses of zooplankton to cyanobacterial blooms.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Norman E. Davis, David Blair, Sara V. Brant
Summary: This study investigated human cercarial dermatitis (HCD) outbreaks in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand and identified four Trichobilharzia species. Cercaria longicauda was found to be the major causative agent of HCD in Lake Wanaka, while a new Trichobilharzia species and an unidentified species were also discovered.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Wenwu Yang, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: The diversity and distribution of the freshwater rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus species complex were studied across China using molecular data. The results showed that this species complex was detected in 44 out of 251 waterbodies sampled, and it was categorized into four distinct species. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences revealed seven groups within the B. calyciflorus species complex in China. The occurrence of mito-nuclear discordance indicated occasional hybridization between different species of this complex.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhixiong Deng, Wenwu Yang, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: This study investigated the diversity of the Brachionus plicatilis species complex from inland saline waters in China. The researchers used morphometric and DNA taxonomy analyses and found two distinct species lineages in China, as well as a novel mitochondrial clade that is restricted to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The study demonstrated the successful adaptation of this species complex to the harsh environment of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Pornphutthachat Sota, Sutas Suttiprapa, Sirikachorn Tangkawattana, Manop Sripa, David Blair, Banchob Sripa
Summary: In the same locality in Thailand, it was found that Opisthorchis viverrini from humans and cats formed two largely distinct populations, with potential for cross-transmission indicating that cats may still serve as reservoir hosts.
Review
Parasitology
David Blair
Summary: This article provides an overview of Paragonimus species and the disease they cause, including taxonomy, distribution, life cycle, global and regional prevalence, genomics, and possible effects of global environmental change. It discusses unresolved questions and identifies gaps in knowledge related to these topics.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bruce A. Rosa, Kurt Curtis, Petra Erdmann Gilmore, John Martin, Qiang Zhang, Robert Sprung, Gary J. Weil, R. Reid Townsend, Peter U. Fischer, Makedonka Mitreva
Summary: In this study, a direct proteomic approach was used to identify O. volvulus proteins in plasma samples, resulting in the discovery of 19 potential biomarker candidates, including a major antigen/OVOC11613. These findings will contribute to the development of diagnostic and therapeutic methods for O. volvulus infections.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lugege Wang, Zhixiong Deng, David Blair, Wei Hu, Mingbo Yin
Summary: This study investigates the lineage diversity and phylogeography of the Scapholeberis kingii species complex in Chinese freshwater ecosystems. Only one morphospecies of S. smirnovi was identified in 29 out of 491 water bodies. Geographical separation among three S. smirnovi mitochondrial lineages was observed, with Lineages A, B, and C restricted to the Eastern Plain, Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau, and Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau respectively. The deep mtDNA divergence and genetic differentiation among populations is likely due to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and associated ecological changes. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic diversity of the neustonic zooplankton species complex.
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Samuel C. Uzoechi, Bruce A. Rosa, Kumar Sachin Singh, Young-Jun Choi, Bethany K. Bracken, Paul J. Brindley, R. Reid Townsend, Robert Sprung, Bin Zhan, Maria-Elena Bottazzi, John M. Hawdon, Yide Wong, Alex Loukas, Sergej Djuranovic, Makedonka Mitreva
Summary: We used mass spectrometry to analyze and compare the excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of male and female Ancylostoma ceylanicum, a zoonotic hookworm. We identified 795 ESPs with common and sex-specific functions, providing insights into parasite-host interactions and potential targets for drug development.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lakkhana Sadaow, Rutchanee Rodpai, Penchom Janwan, Patcharaporn Boonroumkaew, Oranuch Sanpool, Tongjit Thanchomnang, Hiroshi Yamasaki, Wannaporn Ittiprasert, Victoria H. Mann, Paul J. Brindley, Wanchai Maleewong, Pewpan M. Intapan
Summary: Chronic human liver fluke infections can cause liver and biliary diseases, including the development of cholangiocarcinoma. We have developed an improved lateral flow immunochromatographic test kit that uses whole-blood samples to diagnose opisthorchiasis and clonorchiasis. The diagnostic values of the kit have been evaluated and it shows high accuracy.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Alexandra M. McGowan, Janet M. Lanyon, Nicholas Clark, David Blair, Helene Marsh, Eric Wolanski, Jennifer M. Seddon
Summary: Despite their ability to travel long distances, marine mammals often show population structuring over short geographic distances. The genetic population structure of dugongs along the eastern Queensland coast was investigated. A genetic break was identified in the Whitsunday Islands region, interrupting the overall isolation-by-distance pattern. Geographic distance was found to be more important than sea-surface temperature and seagrass distribution in explaining genetic distances. The findings suggest distinct breeding units for management plans of Queensland dugongs.
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Thanh Hoa Le, Khue Thi Nguyen, Linh Thi Khanh Pham, Huong Thi Thanh Doan, Do Thi Roan, Xuyen Thi Kim Le, Takeshi Agatsuma, David Blair
Summary: This study obtained the complete mitochondrial genome and nuclear ribosomal transcription unit coding region of Paragonimus iloktsuenensis, and found that it was nearly identical to that of Paragonimus ohirai, further supporting the synonymy of these two species.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Blair, Lester R. G. Cannon, D. Timothy J. Littlewood, Peter D. Olson, Kim B. Sewell
Summary: This article examines the systematic implications of a group of flatworms that are ectosymbiotic on freshwater crustaceans. A molecular phylogeny based on partial sequences of nuclear ribosomal RNA genes is used. The study reveals the early diverging groups within the family and proposes a new subfamily. It also highlights the underappreciated diversity of temnocephalids in Australia and Asia.
SYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Apisit Ruangsuwast, Michael J. Smout, Paul J. Brindley, Alex Loukas, Thewarach Laha, Sujittra Chaiyadet
Summary: The liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini secretes extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can promote cellular proliferation and inflammation, leading to the formation of a cancerous microenvironment. CD63 family tetraspanins of the fluke enhance innate immune responses and migration of biliary epithelial cells.
FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
O. Pitaksakulrat, P. Sithithaworn, K. Y. Kopolrat, N. Kiatsopit, W. Saijuntha, R. H. Andrews, T. N. Petney, D. Blair
Summary: Digenetic trematodes are important parasites of humans and animals, infecting a gastropod as the first intermediate host. The morphological details of cercariae provide limited identification, so molecular data was used to improve identification and investigate the diversity of trematode species infecting B. s. goniomphalos in Thailand.
JOURNAL OF HELMINTHOLOGY
(2022)