Helminth Parasites Research Articles

Glycan Complexity and Heterogeneity of Glycoproteins in Somatic Extracts and Secretome of the Infective Stage of the Helminth Fasciola hepatica

Fasciola hepatica is a global helminth parasite of humans and their livestock. The invasive stage of the parasite, the newly excysted juvenile (NEJs), relies on glycosylated excreted-secreted (ES) products and surface/somatic molecules to interact with host cells and tissues and to evade the host's immune responses, such as disarming complement and shedding bound antibody. While -omics technologies have generated extensive databases of NEJs’ proteins and their expression, detailed knowledge of the glycosylation of proteins is still lacking. Here, we employed glycan, glycopeptide, and proteomic analyses to determine the glycan profile of proteins within the NEJs’ somatic (Som) and ES extracts. These analyses characterized 123 NEJ glycoproteins, 71 of which are secreted proteins, and allowed us to map 356 glycopeptides and their associated 1690 N-glycan and 37 O-glycan forms to their respective proteins. We discovered abundant micro-heterogeneity in the glycosylation of individual glycosites and between different sites of multi-glycosylated proteins. The global heterogeneity across NEJs’ glycoproteome was refined to 53 N-glycan and 16 O-glycan structures, ranging from highly truncated paucimannosidic structures to complex glycans carrying multiple phosphorylcholine (PC) residues, and included various unassigned structures due to unique linkages, particularly in pentosylated O-glycans. Such exclusive glycans decorate some well-known secreted molecules involved in host invasion, including cathepsin B and L peptidases, and a variety of membrane-bound glycoproteins, suggesting that they participate in host interactions. Our findings show that F. hepatica NEJs generate exceptional protein variability via glycosylation, suggesting that their molecular portfolio that communicates with the host is far more complex than previously anticipated by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses. This study opens many avenues to understand the glycan biology of F. hepatica throughout its life-stages, as well as other helminth parasites, and allows us to probe the glycosylation of individual NEJs proteins in the search for innovative diagnostics and vaccines against fascioliasis.

Epidemiology of intestinal helminthiasis with an emphasis on taeniasis in Chipata district of the Eastern province of Zambia.

Intestinal helminth infections are among the most common infections worldwide and have a negative impact on the health, education, nutrition and economic development of affected populations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis, including T. solium taeniasis, using a large-scale community-based study in Chiparamba area of Chipata District in the Eastern province of Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2019 and December 2022 in a rural community of 25 randomly selected villages known to be at risk for T. solium infection. Stool samples were examined for intestinal helminths using the formol-ether concentration technique and further tested for taeniasis by copro antigen-ELISA (copro Ag-ELISA). Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted, and associations between the disease prevalence of active infections and individual- and village-level variables were determined using the chi-square or Fisher's exact test. Predictors of an individual being positive for either taeniasis or other soil-transmitted helminths were determined using binary logistic regression. A total of 2762 stool samples were examined. One hundred ninety-five (7.1%) tested positive for at least one helminthic parasite on microscopy, with hookworm being the most frequent 84 (3.0%), followed by S. mansoni, 66 (2.4%). For taeniasis, 11 (0.4%) participants were positive for Taenia spp. microscopically, while 241 (8.7%) tested positive via copro Ag-ELISA. On bivariate analysis, male sex was significantly associated with the prevalence of intestinal parasites (p = 0.012) but not with that of taeniasis based on copro Ag-ELISA results. Village level differences were significant for infection with intestinal helminths as well as for taeniasis positivity on copro Ag-ELISA (p <0.001). Intestinal helminths, including T. solium taeniasis, are prevalent in Chiparamba area of Chipata district in the eastern province of Zambia, supporting the clear need for further targeted public health interventions for surveillance and control.

Helminth Parasites of the Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens (Vieillot) (Aves: Accipitridae) from Argentina, with the Description of a New Species of Parastrigea (Digenea: Strigeidae).

The goal of this work was to increase the knowledge of the parasitic helminths of the Crane hawk, Geranospiza caerulescens. Two specimens of the Crane hawk were captured in Formosa province, Argentina, their viscera were preserved in 10% formalin and examined in the laboratory. Helminthological analysis revealed the presence of six helminth taxa (one Trematoda, four Nematoda, and one Acanthocephala). The morphometric study of these helminths and its comparison with previous reports, allowed us to describe a new species of Parastrigea (Digenea: Strigeidae) and report new host-parasite associations and geographical records. Parastrigea labiata n. sp. is mainly characterized by having forebody not divided and two long trumpet-shaped projections of dorsal lip, which emerge through the opening. Five taxa, previously known, Synhimantus (Dispharynx) resticula, Synhimantus (Synhimantus) rectus, Microtetrameres sp., Porrocaecum sp. and Centrorhynchus sp. are briefly described. Previous parasitological studies on G. caerulescens were carried out on material collected between 1817 and 1955, and seven species of helminths were reported. In this study, the six taxa of helminths found constitute new host records, which shows the importance of contemporary studies about this host. All helminths found have heteroxenous life cycles and birds are infected by trophic transmission. Crane hawk's diet includes small vertebrates and to a lesser extent large arthropods. The finding of five helminth species that use invertebrates as intermediate hosts could indicate an important consumption of invertebrates. This research expands the helminthological inventory of Argentinean birds and the knowledge of the helminths of G. caerulescens.

Gastrointestinal helminths in tilapia (&lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt;) sold for human consumption in Maiduguri, Nigeria: A potential public health risk

Fish is an important and cheap protein source for human consumption in developing countries. It is the second most popular source of protein diet in both rural and urban communities in Nigeria. Fisheries resources contribute about 5.40% to the nation's gross domestic product (GDP) through income generation, employment, food security, and foreign exchange earnings. Despite the significant contributions of fisheries to the Nigerian economy, the aquatic ecosystem is prone to pollution from human activities which increases the chances of transmission of parasitic infections, which are detrimental to aquatic and human life. The present study assessed the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of tilapia fish from different market sources in the Maiduguri metropolitan council of Borno State, Northeastern Nigeria. Samples of fresh Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish (n= 125), comprising 50 juveniles and 75 adults, were screened for gastrointestinal helminths using standard parasitological methods. Twenty-nine (23.2%) harboured at least one helminth parasite. Of the 29 positive individual fish samples, 16% (n=20), 4% (n=5), 2.4% (n=3), and 0.8% (n=1) were infected by Acanthocephala, Cestode, Nematode, and Trematodes, respectively. The infection rate was higher in adults (26%) than juveniles (18%) and in females (23.5%) than males (22.8%). Fish samples from Baga markets showed higher infection rates than the other two market sources. Sex, age, and location were not significantly associated with parasite recovery rate (p&gt;0.05). The study concluded that Nile tilapia fish sold in Maiduguri metropolis were infected with different groups of helminths, underscoring public health risks to farmers, sellers, and consumers. Therefore, fish farmers should regularly consult veterinarians for advice on good fish management practices and observe proper hygienic handling of harvested fish at the farm level, during transportation to fish markets, and processing. The public should thoroughly clean and properly cook fish for human consumption.

Reply to Hamzavi et al. Comment on "Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals 2020, 10, 2342".

Rodents serve as an important reservoir or carrier of zoonotic pathogens on a global scale [...].

Ribonucleotide reductase as a therapeutic target for drug repurposing as anthelmintics

Visceral cestodiases, like echinococcoses and cysticercoses, are zoonoses of worldwide distribution and are responsible for public health problems in many countries, especially in underdeveloped regions. Current treatments have low efficiency and there are few drugs currently in use for chemotherapy, making the development of new anthelmintics an urgent matter. The nucleotide salvage pathways are the only ones available for nucleotide synthesis in cestodes and other parasitic helminths, and, here, we used in silico approaches to assess the potential of the enzymes in these pathways as targets for drug repurposing as anthelminthics. First, a genomic survey allowed to identify a repertoire of 28 enzymes of the purine and pyrimidine salvage pathways from the cestode Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto. Regarding purines, the parasite relies on salvaging free bases rather than salvaging nucleosides. Pyrimidines, on the other hand, can be salvaged from both bases and nucleosides. Druggability of the parasite enzymes was assessed, as well as the availability of commercial inhibitors for them. Druggable enzymes were then ranked according to their potential for drug repurposing and the 17 most promising enzymes were selected for evolutionary analyses. The constructed phylogenetic trees allowed to assess the degree of conservation among ortholog enzymes from parasitic helminths and their mammalian hosts. Positive selection is absent in all assessed flatworm enzymes. A potential target enzyme for drug repurposing, ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), was selected for further assessment. RNR 3D-modelling showed structural similarities between the E. granulosus and the human orthologs suggesting that inhibitors of the human RNR should be effective against the E. granulosus enzyme. In line with that, E. granulosus protoscolices treated in vitro with the inhibitor hydroxyurea had their viability and DNA synthesis reduced. These results are consistent with nucleotide synthesis inhibition and confirm the potential of a nucleotide salvage inhibitors for repurposing as an anthelmintic.

Comment on Islam et al. Helminth Parasites among Rodents in the Middle East Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Animals 2020, 10, 2342.

I read with great interest the article by Islam et al. entitled "Helminth parasites among rodents in the Middle East countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis" published in Animals in December 2020 [...].

Prevalence and Morphological Identification of Digenean Trematode Species Recovered from Infected Organs of Lizardfish (Saurida undosquamis)

Helminthic parasites of the marine fish (Saurida undosquamis) are investigated. Out of 192 specimens of the Saurida undosquamis were collected from the local market of Misurata city in Libya. The prevalence rate of Trematoda helminths in examined fish Saurida undosquamis, was high. Based on the morphological and morphometric characterization represented different species of Trematoda (Lecithochirium sp., Lecithochirium grandiporum, Aponurus laguncula, Neotorticaecum sp, Allocreadium sp, and Gonocerca sp.) was isolated of the total examined fish (185%, 96.4%) were infected with different species of Trematoda. The density of Trematoda was around 9390, and they were collected from the gills, stomach, and anterior and posterior parts of the intestine in all seasons, but Trematode infection was observed in the liver and muscles, the high-density rate in winter (4199), followed by autumn (3291), with non-significant differences between density rates in all seasons (P &gt; 0.05). This study found a high infection rate with Lecithochirium sp. in the examined Saurida undosquamis.

Eosinophil trafficking in allergen-mediated pulmonary inflammation relies on IL-13-driven CCL-11 and CCL-24 production by tissue fibroblasts and myeloid cells.

The immunologic mechanisms underlying pulmonary type 2 inflammation, including the dynamics of eosinophil recruitment to the lungs, still need to be elucidated. We sought to investigate how IL-13-producing TH2 effector cells trigger eosinophil migration in house dust mite (HDM)-driven allergic pulmonary inflammation. Multiparameter and molecular profiling of murine lungs with HDM-induced allergy was investigated in the absence of IL-13 signaling by using IL-13Rα1-deficient mice and separately through adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from IL-5-deficient mice into TCRα-/- mice before allergic inflammation. We demonstrated through single-cell techniques that HDM-driven pulmonary inflammation displays a profile characterized by TH2 effector cell-induced IL-13-dominated eosinophilic inflammation. Using HDM-sensitized IL-13Rα1-/- mice, we found a marked reduction in the influx of eosinophils into the lungs along with a significant downregulation of both CCL-11 and CCL-24. We further found that eosinophil trafficking to the lung relies on production of IL-13-driven CCL-11 and CCL-24 by fibroblasts and Ly6C+ (so-called classical) monocytes. Moreover, this IL-13-mediated eotaxin-dependent eosinophil influx to the lung tissue required IL-5-induced eosinophilia. Finally, we demonstrated that this IL-13-driven eosinophil-dominated pulmonary inflammation was critical for limiting bystander lung transiting Ascaris parasites in a model of allergy and helminth interaction. Our data suggest that IL-5-dependent allergen-specific TH2 effector cell response and subsequent signaling through the IL-13/IL-13Rα1 axis in fibroblasts and myeloid cells regulate the eotaxin-dependent recruitment of eosinophils to the lungs, with multiple downstream consequences, including bystander control of lung transiting parasitic helminths.

The Phylogenetic Characterization of Cockroaches (Insecta: Blattaria) in Türkiye and Determination of Their Vector Potential for Medically Important Parasites

This study was performed to investigate the phylogenetic characters of the cockroaches in XXX region for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mt-COI), mt-COII, and internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) gene regions, and to determine their mechanical transmission of medically important parasites. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was performed using mt-COI, mt-COII, and ITS-2 DNA gene regions to identify cockroach species (n=220) collected from different regions. Differentiation of cockroach species was based on RFLP models using two restriction enzymes: AvaI and EciI. For phylogenetic analysis, mt-COI, mt-COII, and ITS-2 DNA barcode regions were amplified with standard primers. The amplicons obtained were purified and sequenced with PCR primers. According to PCR-RFLP, cockroach species were identified as Blattella germanica (n =105), Blatta orientalis (n = 86), and Periplaneta americana (n = 29). A total of 13 haplotypes were detected and Maximum likelihood (ML) analyses revealed that the sequences of all three species for the three gene regions showed monophyletic structuring. The cockroaches were examined for the presence of parasites. It was determined that of the 58 parasitic forms identified belonged to helminth species 46 (79.3%) and protozoan species and 12 (20.7%). The results showed that B. germanica (58.6%) had the highest prevalence, followed by Bl. orientalis (32.8%) and P. americana (8.6%). The study findings not only contribute to the molecular epidemiology of cockroaches but also confirm that they play an important role as mechanical vectors of protozoan and helminth parasites.

The Use of Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes to Increase the Solubility and Pharmacokinetic Profile of Albendazole

Albendazole is the preferred deworming drug and has strong insecticidal effects on human and animal helminth parasites, showing remarkable activity against hepatocellular carcinoma and colorectal cancer cells. However, it is classified as being in class II in the Biopharmaceutics Classification System due to its poor water solubility (0.2 mg/L) and high permeability, which make the clinical application of albendazole impractical. Through complexation with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, as the best result so far, albendazole’s water solubility was increased by 150,000 times, and albendazole could be 90% released during the first 10 min. In an in vivo pharmacokinetic study, the Cmax and Tmax of the active metabolized sulfoxide were changed from 2.81 µg/mL at 3 h to 10.2 µg/mL at 6 h and the AUC0–48 was increased from 50.72 h⁎μg/mL to 119.95 h⁎μg/mL, indicating that the inclusion complex obtained can be used as a new oral therapeutic anti-anthelmintic and anti-tumor agent formulation.

Tuft cells utilize taste signaling molecules to respond to the pathobiont microbe Ruminococcus gnavus in the proximal colon

Tuft cells are a type of rare epithelial cells that have been recently found to utilize taste signal transduction pathways to detect and respond to various noxious stimuli and pathogens, including allergens, bacteria, protists and parasitic helminths. It is, however, not fully understood how many different types of pathogens they can sense or what exact molecular mechanisms they employ to initiate targeted responses. In this study, we found that an anaerobic pathobiont microbe, Ruminococcus gnavus (R. gnavus), can induce tuft cell proliferation in the proximal colon whereas the microbe’s lysate can stimulate these proximal colonic tuft cells to release interleukin-25 (IL-25). Nullification of the Gng13 and Trpm5 genes that encode the G protein subunit Gγ13 and transient receptor potential ion channel Trpm5, respectively, or application of the Tas2r inhibitor allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), G protein Gβγ subunit inhibitor Gallein or the phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) inhibitor U73122 reduces R. gnavus-elicited tuft cell proliferation or IL-25 release or both. Furthermore, Gng13 conditional knockout or Trpm5 knockout diminishes the expression of gasdermins C2, C3 and C4, and concomitantly increases the activated forms of caspases 3, 8 and 9 as well as the number of TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in the proximal colon. Together, our data suggest that taste signal transduction pathways are not only involved in the detection of R. gnavus infection, but also contribute to helping maintain gasdermin expression and prevent apoptotic cell death in the proximal colon, and these findings provide another strategy to combat R. gnavus infection and sheds light on new roles of taste signaling proteins along with gasdermins in protecting the integrity of the proximal colonic epithelium.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths species in cattle raised at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria

Helminths are worm-like parasites that live in the gut of animals or humans that feed on the host to obtain nourishment and protection, sometimes causing morbidity and mortality if not treated. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths Species in Cattle at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Faecal sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. A total of 72 (100%) fecal samples consisting of 52 (72.2%) females and 20 (27.80%) males were examined. McMaster has an overall prevalence of 40(55.5%), and 2 (2.8%) Strongyloides and Monienzia sp. while sedimentation techniques show the prevalence of 38(52.8%) and 1(1.4%) Paramphistomium sp. Trichuris and Haemonchus sp. No significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in the occurrence of parasitic helminths in the samples with respect to locations and techniques used. Fecal samples were examined among the sexes, females had 2(10.0%) and age group &gt;18 years with 2(3.2%) co-infected with helminths. Across the breed, white Fulani had 2(3.2%) mixed infections compared to other breeds. The study revealed that GIT parasitic helminths infections prevalence is common among white Fulani cattle probably due to open grazing and scavenging. There is a need to sensitize nomads on deworming to mitigate the GIT infections and improve animal health status.

HELMINTHIASIS IN DOMESTIC MALE CAT

Helminthiasis is also known as parasitic helminth infectious disease. Gastrointestinal helminth parasitic infection is a common disease diagnosed in cats. Some types are known to be zoonotic. The writing of this article aims to report cases of helminthiasis in cats based on history, clinical symptoms, physical examination, and supporting examinations. A four-year-old cat was examined at the Teaching Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Udayana University with complaints of anorexia and diarrhea like paste to yellowish liquid. In feces found the presence of two types of adult worms. Checking the status of the presens obtained Capillary Refill Time (CRT) of more than 2 seconds and an increase in breathing frequency. On physical examination, it was found that the abdomen of the case cat had a slight distention and there was residual feces attached to the anus. When the cat's abdomen is palpated, it shows signs of discomfort and sounds of borborygmus when occulted. Anemis oral mucosa, anus, and conjunctiva. The results of fecal examination with the native method found Toxocara cati worm eggs. The results of hematological examination showed that the case cat had hypochromic microcytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. Case cats were diagnosed with helminthiasis with the discovery of eggs of Toxocara cati worms, and adult worms of nematodes and cestodes in feces. The prognosis of this case is fausta. Therapy is carried out by administering anthelmintic drugs containing fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoat, and praziquantel (1 tablet / 10 kg body weight, PO) twice with a repeat interval of 14 days and vitamin B complex (1 tablet, PO) for 7 days. Treatment with Caniverm tablets gave good results characterized by significant improvement in clinical condition, fecal intensity from grade 6 to grade 5, and no worm eggs were found on native examination and adult worms on macroscopic examination of feces. Regular deworming of cats is important, and make sure the cat is free of ectoparasites which are intermediate hosts of disease agents.

Evaluation of Hydatid Cyst Antigen for Serological Diagnosis.

Hydatidosis, a chronic zoonotic disease, has a distribution worldwide and is caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus helminth. The Dot-ELISA test can diagnose hydatidosis quickly and accurately. Additionally, unlike other hydatid disease tests now used, this quick and affordable enzyme immunoassay is very serum-conservative and antigen-conservative, needing just nanogram levels of parasite antigen. In the present cross-sectional study, crude and B antigens of hydatid cyst fluid were obtained to diagnose human hydatidosis using CIEP (Counter Immunoelectrophoresis), ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immuno Sorbent assay), and Dot- ELISA (Dot Enzyme linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) methods. Infected liver with a hydatid cyst was collected from Tehran's slaughterhouses to prepare cyst fluid in different stages. After extracting and purifying the Cyst fluid, it is centrifuged at 4ºc, then prepared to concentrate. The study also included sera from hydatidosis (n=60), samples of helminth parasites (n=55), fascioliasis (n=35), toxocariasis (n=20) and negative control (n=35) were tested by CIEP (Counter Immunoelectrophoresis), ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immune Sorbent assay), and Dot- ELISA (Dot Enzyme linked Immuno Sorbent Assay) methods. All statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows release 25.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Crude antigen of hydatid cyst showed a specificity of 76.7%, a sensitivity of 93.3% using the ELISA method, and B antigen showed a specificity of 96.7% and sensitivity of 88.3% using the same method. The crude antigen of the hydatid cyst exhibited a specificity of 68.9% and a sensitivity of 86.7% using CIEP. The B antigen showed a specificity of 87.8% and sensitivity of 83.3% using the same method.The crude antigen of hydatid cyst having serum dilution at 1:800 exhibited a specificity of 83.3% and sensitivity of 100% using the Dot-ELISA method and B antigen having serum dilution at 1:800 serum showed a specificity of 100% and sensitivity of 98.3% using the same method. The results of this finding showed that B antigen has the maximum specificity to diagnose hydatid test using the Dot- ELISA method. Hydatid cysts present with varied symptomatology. History of exposure to infected animals may not be present. A high degree of clinical suspicion combined with meticulous history and clinical examination supported by laboratory investigations are required for its diagnosis. The Dot-ELISA system with native antigen B is a viable approach for the immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis that is preferred to infection.

Survey on the gastrointestinal parasites in Passeriformes and Psittaciformes with a focus on zoonotic parasites

Considering the increase in the keeping of pet birds and the importance of gastrointestinal parasitic infection, especially zoonotic parasites, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in different species of Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. In this study, one hundred and twenty fresh fecal samples were collected from different species of captive pet birds in Ahvaz from Apr 2021 to Aug 2021. The collected samples were analyzed using Clayton-Lane methods, Modified Ziehl–Neelsen, and Trichrome staining. Light microscopic morphometry was used for the identification of helminth eggs and oocysts. The results of this study showed that 37 samples (30.83%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. Among the helminthic parasites, three samples (2.5%) were infected with Hymenolepis spp.. Among protozoan parasites, 24 samples (20%) were infected with Eimeria spp., three samples (2.5%) were infected with Isospora spp., two samples (1.66%) were infected with Cryptosporidium spp., and five samples (4.16%) were infected with Giardia spp.. The results of the present study showed that the highest rate of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was in Passeriformes kept in pet shops and the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was higher in the zebra finch, common mynah, and canary compared to other pet birds. But the highest rate of zoonotic parasitic infection was in Psittaciformes. According to the results, zoonotic parasites are present in pet birds in the Ahvaz area and should be considered by the owners of these pet birds, breeders, veterinarians, and public health organizations.

Immunomodulatory proteins from hookworms reduce cardiac inflammation and modulate regulatory responses in a mouse model of chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Hookworms are parasitic helminths that secrete a variety of proteins that induce anti-inflammatory immune responses, stimulating increased CD4 + Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and IL-10 production. Hookworm-derived recombinant proteins AIP-1 and AIP-2 have been shown to reduce inflammation in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease and inflammatory airway disease by inducing CD4+Foxp3+ cells and IL-10 production. In contrast, chronic infection with the protozoal parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, leads to chronic inflammation in tissues. Persistence of the parasites in tissues drives chronic low-grade inflammation, with increased infiltration of inflammatory cells into the heart, accompanied by increased production of inflammatory cytokines. There are no current antiparasitic drugs that effectively reduce or prevent chronic myocarditis caused by the onset of Chagas disease, thus new therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, the impact of AIP-1 and AIP-2 on myocarditis was investigated in a mouse model of chronic T. cruzi infection. Female BALB/c mice infected with bioluminescent T. cruzi H1 strain trypomastigotes for 70 days were treated once daily for 7 days with 1mg/kg AIP-1 or AIP-2 protein by intraperitoneal injection. Control mice were left untreated or treated once daily for 14 days with 25mg/kg aspirin in drinking water. At 84 days of infection, splenocytes, cardiac tissue and serum were collected for evaluation. Treatment with both AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins significantly reduced cardiac cellular infiltration, and reduced cardiac levels of IFNγ, IL-6 and IL-2. AIP-2 treatment reduced cardiac expression of COX-2. Further, while incubation with AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins did not induce a significant upregulation of an immunoregulatory phenotype in dendritic cells (DC), there was a modest upregulation of CD11c +CD11b+MHCII+SIRPα+ expression, suggesting a regulatory phenotype. Ex-vivo stimulation of splenocytes from the treatment groups with AIP-1 loaded DC induced reduced levels of cytotoxic and pro-inflammatory T cells, stimulation with AIP-2 loaded DC specifically induced enhanced levels of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells among treatment groups. All in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that hookworm-derived AIP-1 and AIP-2 proteins reduce T. cruzi induced cardiac inflammation, possibly through multiple anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

A NEW SPECIES OF CHIGGER MITE AND THE RECORD OF A GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODE IN SCELOPORUS CAUTUS (SQUAMATA: PHRYNOSOMATIDAE) FROM THE CHIHUAHUAN DESERT PROVINCE IN COAHUILA, MEXICO.

The chigger species Acomatacarus coahuilensis n. sp. (Acariformes: Trombidiformes: Leeuwenhoekiidae) inhabiting the neck scales of the wary spiny lizard Sceloporus cautus Smith, 1938 (Squamata: Iguania: Phrynosomatidae), from Chihuahuan Desert Province, Coahuila, Mexico, is described herein. The new mite species is assigned to the genus AcomatacarusEwing, 1942, based on a palptarsus with 6 branched setae plus the tarsala (ω). This new species can be separated from the other species in this genus mainly based on the combination of the following characters: presence of mastisetae (MTa) on tarsus III and tibiala (φ) on tibia III, subterminala (ζ1), parasubterminala (z), and pretarsala (ζ2) on tarsus I, 2 genualae (σ1-2) on genu I, onychotriches and claw-like empodium of legs I-III, and absence of mastisetae on tibia III. In addition to the new species, the gastrointestinal nematode Skrjabinoptera phrynosoma (Ortlepp, 1922) Schulz, 1927 (Physalopteridae), was also found, which represents a new host record in the wary spiny lizard. This study reports the third species of the genus Acomatacarus recorded from Mexico and the first record of chigger mites and helminth parasites associated with Sc. cautus.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Pseudotolithus species from Lagos Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria

The gastrointestinal helminth parasitic fauna of Pseudotolithus specimens, an economically important group of fishes fromLagos Lagoon, was examined to describe the effects of gastrointestinal helminth parasites on the state of health ofPseudotolithusspecies at Lagos Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria. Fish specimens obtained from Makoko Fish Market were sacrificedfrom October 2019 to March 2020, and gastrointestinal helminth parasites were isolated. Pseudotolithus typhus (n = 76),Pseudotolithus elongatus(n = 104) and Pseudotolithus senegalensis(n = 120) were among the 300 fish specimens that wereanalysed. In total, 186 out of 300 fish specimens (62.0%) were found to have gastrointestinal helminth parasites after sixmonths of sample collection. Pseudotolithus senegalensis had the highest prevalence of infection, 76 (63.3%), followed by P.elongatus, 68 (65.4%) and P. typhus, 42 (55.3%), which had the lowest prevalence of infection. Five species of parasites,Capillaria sp., Echinocephalus sp., Orneoascaris sp., Diphyllobothrium latum, and Neochinorhyncus sp., were isolated.Neochinorhyncus and Orneoascarissp. had the highest prevalence among all Pseudotolithusspecies. The overall prevalenceof infection, 77 (41.4%), was recorded in Capillaria sp., while the least prevalence, 08 (4.3%), was from Echinocephalussp.The total prevalence for the present study is 62.0%. There was no significant difference in infection levels (P&gt;0.05) betweenthe two sexes, suggesting that neither sex was reliably affected by the parasite. Pseudotolithus species show a highprevalence of gastrointestinal helminths with a heavy parasitic burden, which may compromise the productivity,marketability, palatability, and or death of fish.

A Temporal Analysis of Parasitic Infections in Indian Mackerel, Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier, 1817) along the Western Coast of Karwar Bay, Karnataka: Employing a Monthly Assessment with histopathology

The study showed the morphological identification, prevalence, and severity of the infestation of parasites in R. kanagurta from the Karwar coast, month-wise from January to December 2022. The current study investigated and found Norileca indica and Nerocila phaiopleura Trichodina spp., and developmental stages of helminths in R. kanagurta during this period. A total of 755 fish were examined, and the monthly prevalence was estimated. Statistical analysis revealed that the P value is lesser than the significant value (P&lt;0.05, df=3), which indicates there are significant differences in PFI (% prevalence) values of each group/among the parasites (N. indica, N. phaiopleura, Helmenth, Trichodina spp.) and also there is a significant difference of prevalence in monthly (P&lt;0.05,df=11). Weather changes like temperature, salinity, flood water, pollutants, ballast water, and sudden rainfall all play a key role in the infestation of parasites in the selected fish. Availability of the host (R. kanagurta), breeding season, and ban period (west coast) were also important factors causing the parasitic infestation. In conclusion, Norileca indica and Nerocila phaiopleura, Trichodina spp., Isopods, and developmental stages of helminth parasites were causing histological alterations in the infected tissues.