Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: This study demonstrates that efficient energy production through mitochondria is critical for the trypanosome's swimming ability and migration within the tsetse fly. Surprisingly, trypanosomes with impaired mitochondrial energy production are only mildly compromised in their ability to colonize the tsetse fly midgut. This study provides new insights into the complex mechanisms of trypanosome infection in tsetse flies.
Article
Microbiology
Caroline E. Dewar, Aitor Casas-Sanchez, Constentin Dieme, Aline Crouzols, Lee R. Haines, Alvaro Acosta-Serrano, Brice Rotureau, Achim Schnaufer
Summary: The single-celled parasite Trypanosoma brucei is transmitted by tsetse flies and its development in the fly's gut depends on efficient energy production by mitochondria.
Article
Immunology
Nestor L. Uzcategui, Sena Gucer, Cris Richter, Annika Speidel, Elizabeta Zirdum, Michael Duszenko, Olga Garaschuk, Katherine Figarella
Summary: Our study revealed the early involvement of microglia in Trypanosoma brucei infection before invasion of the CNS. We found that microglia have an exceptional capability to inhibit parasite proliferation inside the brain in areas of initial homeostatic disruption near brain barriers. Additionally, early signs of inflammation in the meninges synchronized with the microglial response, along with a massive infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the parenchyma during the final disease stage.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fatihu Ahmad Rufa'i, Daniel Baecker, Muhammad Dauda Mukhtar
Summary: Trypanosomiasis is a serious disease that affects humans and animals, causing social and economic losses. Researchers investigated the phytochemical screening of a methanolic extract of Garcinia kola nuts and evaluated its biological activity on rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The extract showed evident efficacy based on physiological changes and survival rates.
Article
Parasitology
Limo William Kipkorir, Thuita Kibuthu John, Orindi Benedict Owino, Oidho John, Shivairo Robert, Masiga Daniel, Adung'a Vincent Owino
Summary: The study identified Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense strains that cause acute and chronic infections in mice, highlighting the predominant role of strain-dependent factors in determining infection outcomes. Additionally, the strain KETRI 3928 had better establishment in tsetse flies compared to KETRI 3801, suggesting potential differences in transmission of strains causing chronic infections.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Francois Sougal Ngambia Freitas, Flobert Njiokou, Jean Marc Tsagmo Ngoune, Guilhem Sempere, David Berthier, Anne Geiger
Summary: This study investigated the association between diversity and abundance of bacterial genera within tsetse flies' guts and their trypanosome infection status. Results showed that the abundance of different bacterial genera was related to the flies' infection status and sampling sites, suggesting a potential role of bacteria in tsetse flies' refractoriness and vector competence.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miebaka Jamabo, Maduma Mahlalela, Adrienne L. L. Edkins, Aileen Boshoff
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma brucei, is a neglected tropical disease targeted for eradication by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted control programs, extending the time frame. Vaccine development has been challenging due to antigenic variation and B cell depletion. Control relies on screening and drugs, with fexinidazole being a recent major breakthrough. Diagnosis, compliance, and resistance pose challenges, while ongoing drug discovery and addressing eradication challenges are discussed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Arunima Goswami, Tirthankar Koley, Madhan Vishal Rajan, Pathak Madhuri, Neelam Upadhyay, Uddipan Das, Manoj Kumar, Abdul Samath Ethayathulla, Gururao Hariprasad
Summary: This study found that Leishmania donovani, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei, which are protozoan parasites, cause leishmaniasis, Chagas disease, and sleeping sickness, respectively. It was found that PAF-AH is an inflammatory protein involved in the pathogenesis of these three infections, making it an attractive drug target.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Raquel Inocencio da Luz, Sara Tablado Alonso, Philippe Buescher, Paul Verle, Anja De Weggheleire, Dieudonne Mumba Ngoyi, Pati Patient Pyana, Epco Hasker
Summary: The incidence of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) has reached an all-time low, and new diagnostic tools and treatments offer the opportunity to interrupt transmission by 2030. However, further research is needed to adapt these advances to new control strategies.
Article
Parasitology
Mahamat Hissene Mahamat, Adeline Segard, Jean-Baptiste Rayaisse, Rafael Argiles-Herrero, Andrew Gordon Parker, Philippe Solano, Adly Mohamed Mohamed Abd-Alla, Jeremy Bouyer, Sophie Ravel
Summary: Based on experimental data, the research found that sterile male tsetse flies cannot transmit Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The reliable evidence indicates that the release of large numbers of sterile male flies does not increase the potential risk of tsetse flies transmitting the parasite.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
William J. Robinson, Annie E. Taylor, Solange Lauga-Cami, George W. Weaver, Randolph Rj Arroo, Marcel Kaiser, Sheraz Gul, Maria Kuzikov, Bernhard Ellinger, Kuldip Singh, Tanja Schirmeister, Adolfo Botana, Chatchakorn Eurtivong, Avninder S. Bhambra
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, with current therapy limitations and the need for further investigation. Novel anti-trypanosomal compounds show promising potential, providing scaffolds for future drug development targeting the disease.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Kennedy W. Mwangi, Rosaline W. Macharia, Joel L. Bargul
Summary: The study constructed a gene co-expression network of insect-stage trypanosomes using RNA-Seq data and identified enriched modules for genes that play key roles in the parasite's development in the tsetse fly. Additionally, potential 3' UTR regulatory elements for genes in the same module were predicted using the FIRE tool. This network provides a valuable resource for identifying candidate genes for functional studies and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying important biological processes during the parasite's development in the tsetse fly, which could lead to the identification of potential molecular targets for disease control.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Camino Gutierrez-Corbo, Barbara Dominguez-Asenjo, Yolanda Perez-Pertejo, Carlos Garcia-Estrada, Felio J. Bello, Rafael Balana-Fouce, Rosa M. Reguera
Summary: Diseases caused by trypanosomatids are a serious public health concern in low-income endemic countries. Leishmaniasis, caused by different species of Leishmania, can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected sandflies. Sexual reproduction has been confirmed in these parasites, and the formation of hybrids can contribute to their virulence, drug resistance, and adaptation to the host immune system. This study investigates the capability of intraclonal and interspecies genetic exchange in Leishmania parasites and demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining hybrids between different tropisms. Ploidy analysis, kDNA content, growth rate, and infection capacity provide important insights into sexual reproduction in these parasites.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Jessica Hidalgo, Juan Fernando Ortiz, Stephanie P. Fabara, Ahmed Eissa-Garces, Dinesh Reddy, Kristina D. Collins, Raghavendra Tirupathi
Summary: Human African trypanosomiasis, or sleeping sickness, is mainly caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and transmitted by tsetse flies. Treatment for the second stage has shifted to nifurtimox-eflornithine combination therapy (NECT) and fexinidazole, which have shown to be more effective and safe. Despite gastrointestinal complaints with NECT, it has been found to be non-inferior to eflornithine, while fexinidazole is preferred for its convenience and safety.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kruti J. Yagnik, Alonso Pezo-Salazar, David Rosenbaum, Jesse Manuel Jaso, Dominick Cavuoti, Benjamin Nelson, Rebecca J. Chancey, Megan L. McKenna, Laila M. Castellino
Summary: Despite declining incidence of human African trypanosomiasis, diagnosis remains challenging, especially in nonendemic areas. A patient presented with fever, lethargy, and weight loss, was eventually diagnosed with Trypanosoma brucei through bone marrow aspiration, and achieved full recovery after treatment with nifurtimox and eflornithine.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Maud C. Quinzin, Jonathan Sandoval-Castillo, Joshua M. Miller, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Michael A. Russello, Elizabeth A. Hunter, James P. Gibbs, Washington Tapia, Freddy Villalva, Adalgisa Caccone
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Elizabeth A. Hunter, James P. Gibbs, Linda J. Cayot, Washington Tapia, Maud C. Quinzin, Joshua M. Miller, Adalgisa Caccone, Kevin T. Shoemaker
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Verena Pichler, Panayiota Kotsakiozi, Beniamino Caputo, Paola Serini, Adalgisa Caccone, Alessandra della Torre
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2019)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Kerry Reid, John Carlos Garza, Steven R. Gephard, Adalgisa Caccone, David M. Post, Eric P. Palkovacs
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Etienne K. Angora, Jean-Francois Allienne, Olivier Rey, Herve Menan, Andre O. Toure, Jean T. Coulibaly, Giovanna Raso, William Yavo, Eliezer K. N'Goran, Jurg Utzinger, Oliver Balmer, Jerome Boissier
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rosemary Bateta, Norah P. Saarman, Winnie A. Okeyo, Kirstin Dion, Thomas Johnson, Paul O. Mireji, Sylvance Okoth, Imna Malele, Grace Murilla, Serap Aksoy, Adalgisa Caccone
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Remo S. Schmidt, Sylwia D. Boltryk, Till S. Voss, Annour A. Batil, Bongo N. Ngandolo, Helena Greter, Jurg Utzinger, Jakob Zinsstag, Oliver Balmer
JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Jules N. Kouadio, Louise Achi, Oliver Balmer, Jan Hattendorf, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jakob Zinsstag, Eliezer K. N'Goran, Juerg Utzinger
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Luciano Veiga Cosme, Andrea Gloria-Soria, Adalgisa Caccone, Jeffrey Robert Powell, Ademir Jesus Martins
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Nikos Poulakakis, Joshua M. Miller, Evelyn L. Jensen, Luciano B. Beheregaray, Michael A. Russello, Scott Glaberman, Jeffrey Boore, Adalgisa Caccone
JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL SYSTEMATICS AND EVOLUTIONARY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Nathan P. Havill, Brian P. Griffin, Jeremy C. Andersen, Robert G. Foottit, Mathias J. Justesen, Adalgisa Caccone, Vincent D'Amico, Joseph S. Elkinton
Summary: The Adelges (Dreyfusia) piceae species complex was found to be taxonomically unstable, with a total of six species. Through genetic analysis and morphology comparison, researchers have successfully identified two stable species: Ad. nordmannianae and Ad. piceae, while suggesting that other species are hybrids between the two and therefore invalid. This study highlights the importance of accurate species delimitation and the ongoing transition between sexual and asexual reproduction within the Adelgidae family.
SYSTEMATIC ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jules N. Kouadio, Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Louise Y. Achi, Dominik Fritsche, Mamadou Ouattara, Kigbafori D. Silue, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jan Hattendorf, Jurg Utzinger, Jakob Zinsstag, Oliver Balmer, Eliezer K. N'Goran
BMC VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Jules N. Kouadio, Jennifer Giovanoli Evack, Louise Y. Achi, Oliver Balmer, Jurg Utzinger, Eliezer K. N'Goran, Bassirou Bonfoh, Jan Hattendorf, Jakob Zinsstag
Summary: This study investigated the efficacy of triclabendazole and albendazole against Fasciola spp. infection in naturally infected cattle in Co circumflex accent te d'Ivoire, with triclabendazole showing higher efficacy in terms of proportion of non-egg shedding cattle and egg reduction rate compared to albendazole.
Article
Parasitology
Etienne K. Angora, Alexane Vangraefschepe, Jean-Francois Allienne, Herve Menan, Jean T. Coulibaly, Aboulaye Meite, Giovanna Raso, Mirko S. Winkler, William Yavo, Andre O. Toure, Eliezer K. N'Goran, Jakob Zinsstag, Jurg Utzinger, Oliver Balmer, Jerome Boissier
Summary: This study investigated the population genetics and genetic structure of Schistosoma haematobium in different parts of Cote d'Ivoire, as well as the frequency of S. haematobium x S. bovis hybrids in school-aged children. The results showed significant differences in genetic diversity between different sites and clustering of parasite genotypes within individual children.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Umberto Palatini, Reem A. Masri, Luciano Cosme, Sergey Koren, Francoise Thibaud-Nissen, James K. Biedler, Flavia Krsticevic, J. Spencer Johnston, Rebecca Halbach, Jacob E. Crawford, Igor Antoshechkin, Anna-Bella Failloux, Elisa Pischedda, Michele Marconcini, Jay Ghurye, Arang Rhie, Atashi Sharma, Dmitry A. Karagodin, Jeremy Jenrette, Stephanie Gamez, Pascal Miesen, Patrick Masterson, Adalgisa Caccone, Maria Sharakhova, Zhijian Tu, Philippos A. Papathanos, Ronald P. Van Rij, Omar S. Akbari, Jeffrey Powell, Adam M. Phillippy, Mariangela Bonizzoni
Article
Parasitology
Gabriela Martinez Moura Tavares, Hannar Angelica de Melo Alverga, Estela Moraes Felix, Giovana de Oliveira Dichman, Gabriel Monteiro Pinheiro, Yara Juliano, Priscila Paruci, Dennis Minoru Fujita, Lucas Melo Neves, Marina Tiemi Shio, Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali
Summary: This study investigated the frequency of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in a poor area of São Paulo and found that most of the strains detected showed resistance to one or more antimicrobials.
Article
Parasitology
Qian Yao, Ying-Ying Fan, Shuang Huang, Gui-Rong Hu, Jun-Ke Song, Xin Yang, Guang-Hui Zhao
Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-4521 was upregulated during C. parvum infection, and this upregulation was related to the TLR/NF-kappa B signal pathway. Additionally, miR-4521 promoted the propagation of C. parvum in HCT-8 cells by regulating BCL2-mediated cell apoptosis through targeting foxm1.
Article
Parasitology
Cho Naing, Maxine A. Whittaker, Wong Siew Tung, Htar Aung, Joon Wah Mak
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic brugian filariasis in animals and compare it with the prevalence in humans in the same area. The findings suggest that cats, dogs, and leaf-eating monkeys may serve as potential reservoirs for human brugian filariasis.
Review
Parasitology
Raissa Nogueira de Brito, Susan Tanner, Julie Velasquez Runk, Juliana Hoyos
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to identify major research themes and knowledge gaps in the social science literature on leishmaniases or Chagas disease. The findings showed that research in this field mainly focuses on the sociocultural, economic, historical, and political dimensions of the diseases. Future research should pay more attention to how social institutions and economic factors shape disease education, control measures, healthcare access, and quality of life of affected individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Minghao Zheng, Mengyao Zhang, Hao Li, Shipo Wu, Yuee Zhao, Jinlong Zhang, Yunyue Zhou, Mohamed Boie Jalloh, Kun Zhang, Lina Chen, Zhiqiang Mi, Yong Cui, Lihua Hou
Summary: Rapid and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite in Africa, is crucial for malaria eradication efforts in medical resource-limited settings. A CRISPR-based diagnostic method that can detect P. falciparum without nucleic acid extraction was developed and showed high sensitivity and consistency with qPCR test. It can also detect artemisinin-resistant strains and other laboratory-cultured strains. This method has great potential for clinical testing and large-scale community screening in Africa and other regions.
Article
Parasitology
Fabian Correa-Morales, Cassandra Gonzalez-Acosta, David Ibarra-Ojeda, Miguel Moreno-Garcia
Summary: Since 2002, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been reported in 18 states in Mexico. This paper discusses the proposed hypotheses for the absence of WNV outbreaks in Latin America and provides a context-specific explanation for Mexico.
Article
Parasitology
Umberto Molini, Lauren M. Coetzee, Vernon Christians, Maria Y. Hemberger, Bernard Chiwome, Maria Amukwaya, Siegfried Khaiseb, Giovanni Cattoli, William G. Dundon, Giovanni Franzo
Summary: Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) has been reported globally since its first identification in 2015. Limited data on PCV-3 in Africa led to a study in Namibia, which found a high prevalence of PCV-3 in backyard piggeries, but not in commercial farms with higher biosecurity measures. The source of viral introduction and factors such as semen importation, feeding backyard pigs with human food waste, pig exchanges, and wildlife movements may be involved in the dispersal of PCV-3 within Namibia. Further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology and impact of PCV-3 on pig productivity and wildlife health.
Article
Parasitology
Chutchai Piewbang, Panida Poonsin, Pattiya Lohavicharn, Panitnan Punyathi, Sawang Kesdangsakonwut, Tanit Kasantikul, Somporn Techangamsuwan
Summary: This study provides insights into the pathology of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, revealing severe damage to the lungs and involvement of multiple organs. The findings suggest the potential utility of dogs as a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Article
Parasitology
Julian Avila-Jimenez, Juan David Gutierrez, Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by sandfly vectors and vertebrate hosts. This study used ecological niche modeling to investigate the potential distribution of host and vector species associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission, revealing different distribution patterns under varying climatic conditions.
Article
Parasitology
Luis A. Gomez-Puerta, Juan Olazabal, Santiago Paredes, Juan Lopez, Miguel Anampa, Angelica Mondragon, Ana Vargas-Calla, Hugo Castillo
Summary: This study reports the first detection of Candidatus M. haemolamae infection in vicunas from the Pampa Galeras National Reserve in Peru, using molecular diagnosis. Tick-infested vicunas had a higher likelihood of being infected with Candidatus M. haemolamae compared to tick-free vicunas. Gender and age were not associated with infection.
Article
Parasitology
Berlin Londono-Renteria, Zakaria Seidu, Helena Lamptey, Michael F. Ofori, Lars Hviid, Mary Lopez-Perez
Summary: Heterozygous carriers of HbAS and HbAC have a reduced risk of severe malaria, but not immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection. Antibody levels against gSG6-P1 peptide in Anopheles mosquito saliva can serve as a serological biomarker for exposure to Plasmodium infection. This study highlights the importance of studying the role of hemoglobinopathies in malaria transmission for improving control interventions.
Article
Parasitology
Imane Belbacha, Meryem El Azzouzi, Rajae Bensghir, Kamal Filali Marhoum, Khadija Hajjout, El Mir Elharti, Khalid Sadki, Hicham Oumzil
Summary: This study investigates the association of three SNPs in the APOBEC3G gene with disease outcomes in Moroccan HIV-1 infected patients. The rs2294367 CG genotype is strongly associated with protection against HIV-1 infection, particularly in older individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Tan Luong, Do Kien Tran, Anh Hung Pham, Thi Thu-Ha Hoang, Van Khang Pham, Quang Thai Pham, Thi Mai Hung Tran, Minh Hoa Luong, Thanh Long Pham, Jason K. Blackburn
Summary: This study examined the epidemiology of anthrax in Lai Chau province, Vietnam, using historical data. Spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax were identified, and the characteristics of the disease were described. The study found that there were distinct differences between the high-risk areas for human and livestock anthrax, and most human cases occurred during specific seasons. Additionally, the decrease in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage was associated with an increase in disease incidence.
Article
Parasitology
Jin-tao Chen, Jian-bo Zhan, Ming-chao Zhu, Kai-ji Li, Man-qing Liu, Bin Hu, Kun Cai, Hai-rong Xiong, Shu-liang Chen, Wei-long Tan, Liang-jun Chen, Wei Hou
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and variation of orthohantavirus in rodents and humans in Hubei province, China. It identified the diversity of orthohantaviruses circulating in the region, with the HV004-like subtype being the main genotype in rodents and patients. This highlights the importance of continued attention and research on orthohantaviruses, especially newly identified strains.