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Parasit Vectors 2019 Jan 30;12(1):66. Epub 2019 Jan 30.

Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.

Background: Like many trematodes of human health significance, the carcinogenic liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini, is spread via fecal contamination of snail habitat. Methods for assessing snail exposure to fecal waste can improve our ability to identify snail infection hotspots and potential sources of snail infections. We evaluated the feasibility of culturing fecal indicator bacteria from Bithynia snail intestinal tubes as a method for assessing snail exposure to fecal waste. Read More

J Parasitol Res 2018 26;2018:3048795. Epub 2018 Dec 26.

Department of Biological Science, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL 33431, USA.

populations are diminishing throughout their range due to urbanization, fragmentation, and poor habitat management. Increased population densities, poor habitat quality, and lack of fire may influence disease transmission. Parasite roles within wild tortoise populations are largely unknown; despite evidence these pathogens may pose significant health risks. Read More

Zootaxa 2018 Dec 6;4527(3):347-356. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, BR 465, Km 7, CEP 23890-000, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Laboratorio de Parasitología General y Especializada, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemática, Universidad Nacional Federico Villarreal (UNFV), Código postal 15007, El Agustino, Lima, Perú..

Peruanocotyle n. gen. is proposed to accommodate Peruanocotyle chisholmae n. Read More

Parasitol Res 2019 Jan 14. Epub 2019 Jan 14.

School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.

Gymnurahemecus bulbosus gen. et sp. nov. Read More

Emerg Infect Dis 2019 Mar 17;25(3):613-615. Epub 2019 Mar 17.

Two surveys conducted in 2017 and 2018 demonstrated Biomphalaria pfeifferi snails in Lake Malawi in Africa. Epidemiologic examination of 175 local children at 3 primary schools confirmed emergence of intestinal schistosomiasis. These findings highlight autochthonous transmission of Schistosoma mansoni flukes in Lake Malawi and the need to revise international travel advice. Read More

Acta Vet Hung 2018 Dec;66(4):587-606

Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine , István u. 2, H-1078 Budapest , Hungary.

Additional geographical distribution of the Central European populations of Schistosoma turkestanicum and the detectability of their eggs in droppings were investigated in red deer samples, because this rare species had previously been shown only in a single Hungarian habitat. Samples from visceral organs, intestinal contents, and droppings on the ground from 11 hunting areas of Hungary were investigated to find a new presence of this fluke. Close to the first site of detection in the Gemenc forest another habitat along the southern border of the country was found where the parasite lives in red deer. Read More

Int J Vet Sci Med 2018 Dec 5;6(2):165-171. Epub 2018 Sep 5.

Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka.

is a digenean that requires three host species to complete its life cycle. This study was conducted to observe the damage caused by two life stages of the on its host species. The snail was induced to shed cercariae by exposing to sunlight and specimens of koi carps were experimentally infected with cercariae. Read More

J Parasit Dis 2018 Dec 13;42(4):646-650. Epub 2018 Oct 13.

1Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511 Egypt.

Scarce literature studying parasites, particularly helminths, of gallbladder of cats in Egypt are available. Stray cats () are widespread in Beni-Suef, Egypt. Therefore, a total of 62 stray cats were necropsied and parasitologically examined. Read More

BMC Infect Dis 2018 Nov 19;18(1):586. Epub 2018 Nov 19.

Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Background: Schistosoma mansoni infection has been associated with increased risk of HIV transmission in African women. This association might be causal or mediated through shared socio-behavioural factors and associated co-infections. We tested the latter hypothesis in a cross-sectional pilot study in a cohort of women from a S. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2018 Nov 6;7(1):105. Epub 2018 Nov 6.

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, PO Box, 4002, 4051, Basel, Switzerland.

Background: As a result of epidemiological transition, the health systems of low- and middle-income countries are increasingly faced with a dual disease burden of infectious diseases and emerging non-communicable diseases. Little is known about the mutual influence of these two disease groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the co-occurrence of helminth infections and diabetes mellitus in adults in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). Read More

Vet Parasitol 2018 Oct 27;262:51-55. Epub 2018 Sep 27.

Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Mannuthy, Thrissur Kerala-680651, India.

Intestinal schistosmosis caused by Schistosoma spindale and S. indicum is an important snail borne trematode infection that adversely affects the production and productivity of bovines in India. The present communication reports the high seroprevalence of infection among dairy cattle and buffaloes, under field conditions, utilizing a sensitive and specific excretory-secretory antigen based ELISA. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Dec 23;117(12):3927-3934. Epub 2018 Oct 23.

Laboratório de Biologia de Trematoda, Departament of Parasitology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 486, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, 30123-970, Brazil.

Postharmostomum commutatum (Dietz, 1858), a parasite of the caeca of poultry, has been reported from many different parts of the world. Despite its importance, there are no molecular sequences available and its phylogenetic position is unknown in relation to other members of Brachylaimoidea, a group in which taxonomic confusion reigns. Here, morphological and molecular techniques were used to study digeneans from the caeca of free-range chickens found naturally infected in the municipality of Viçosa, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, between August 2017 and May 2018. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Oct 9;19(10). Epub 2018 Oct 9.

Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane QLD4006, Queensland, Australia.

There is a pressing need to develop vaccines for schistosomiasis given the current heavy dependency on praziquantel as the only available drug for treatment. We previously showed the ligand domain of the insulin receptor 1 and 2 (rSjLD1 and 2) fusion proteins conferred solid protection in mice against challenge infection with . To improve vaccine efficacy, we compared the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of rSjLD1 on its own and in combination with triose-phosphate isomerase (SjTPI), formulated with either of two adjuvants (QuilA and montanide ISA 720VG) in murine vaccine trials against challenge. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Dec 25;117(12):3799-3807. Epub 2018 Sep 25.

Department of Invertebrate Zoology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab. 7/9, 199034, St. Petersburg, Russia.

Digenea usually use ventral sucker for sustainable attachment within intestine of their definitive vertebrate host. However, if the ventral sucker is absent or poorly developed, the means of attachment are unclear. We investigated attachment and locomotion in such digeneans: three species of the family Microphallidae (Microphallus piriformes, M. Read More

Acta Trop 2019 Jan 22;189:10-14. Epub 2018 Sep 22.

Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectores (CEPAVE), FCNyM, UNLP, CONICET, Boulevard 120 s/n e/61 y 62, 1900 La Plata, Argentina.

Birds are hosts of a wide diversity of trematodes. Between them, the Microphallidae is a common family with a cosmopolitan distribution. Nevertheless, only 10 Maritrema species have been recorded previously in South America. Read More

Korean J Parasitol 2018 Aug 31;56(4):335-339. Epub 2018 Aug 31.

Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon 22212, Korea.

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among students from Goseonggun, Gangwon-do and Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do as typical low and high endemic counties. From May to July 2017, a total of 2,033 fecal samples were collected at 27 elementary, 10 junior high, and 8 high schools from 2 counties and examined by the Kato-Katz technique for egg-positive surveys (Collection rate: 37.02% [2,033/5,492]). Read More

BMC Complement Altern Med 2018 Sep 6;18(1):247. Epub 2018 Sep 6.

Laboratory of Animal Physiology, Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Background: The macerate of Sida pilosa aerial parts is used empirically for the treatment of intestinal helminthiasis. Previous studies have shown that Sida pilosa aqueous extract (SpAE) has schistosomicidal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic activities in Schistosoma mansoni infection. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of SpAE on the granulomatous inflammation induced by S. Read More

Dis Aquat Organ 2018 08;130(1):37-43

Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Campus de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Departamento de Biología Marina, Km. 15.5 Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil, Apdo. Postal 4-116, Itzimná Mérida, Yucatán, México.

The red octopus Octopus maya Voss et Solís-Ramírez, 1966 is an endemic species found exclusively off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico; its fishery is one of the most important along the Atlantic coast of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. To date, the parasite fauna of Octopus spp. in southern Mexico remains unknown. Read More

Exp Parasitol 2018 Oct 25;193:45-50. Epub 2018 Aug 25.

Department of Environmental Medical Biology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Bank, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, South Korea. Electronic address:

Helminth infection can alleviate immune-mediated disorders such as allergies and autoimmune diseases, by altering the gut microbiome. However, changes in gut microbiome due to intestinal trematodes remain unelucidated. Here, we evaluated the changes in the gut microbiome of ICR mice infected with Metagonimus yokogawai, a hypo-virulent intestinal trematode. Read More

Int J Nanomedicine 2018 6;13:4493-4505. Epub 2018 Aug 6.

Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt,

Purpose: Lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) have shown potential to increase the bioavailability and efficacy of orally administered drugs. However, their intestinal translocation to distal target sites and their implication in pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) relationships are yet to be elucidated. In this study, the effect of LNCs on the PD activity and pharmacokinetics of praziquantel (PZQ), the mainstay of schistosomiasis chemotherapy, was investigated. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2018 Aug 16;19(8). Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia.

To further investigate the importance of acetylcholinesterase (SjAChE) in cholinergic signaling for parasite growth and development, we used RNA interference (RNAi) to knock-down its expression in adults and eggs in vitro. This resulted in its reduced transcription but also expression of other important genes involved both in cholinergic signaling and glucose uptake were impacted substantially. Significant decreases in AChE protein expression, AChE enzymatic activity, and glucose uptake were observed in the -knockdown parasites compared with luciferase controls. Read More

Nat Rev Dis Primers 2018 Aug 9;4(1):13. Epub 2018 Aug 9.

National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Schistosomiasis (bilharzia) is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms (blood flukes) of the genus Schistosoma, with considerable morbidity in parts of the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia and, particularly, in sub-Saharan Africa. Infective larvae grow in an intermediate host (fresh-water snails) before penetrating the skin of the definitive human host. Mature adult worms reside in the mesenteric (Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma japonicum) or pelvic (Schistosoma haematobium) veins, where female worms lay eggs, which are secreted in stool or urine. Read More

PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018 08 8;12(8):e0006710. Epub 2018 Aug 8.

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium.

Background: Among the different faces of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) developing in HIV-patients, no clinical definition has been reported for Schistosomiasis-IRIS (Schisto-IRIS). Although Schisto-IRIS remains largely uninvestigated, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) have previously been associated with S. mansoni infection and tuberculosis-IRIS. Read More

Parasitol Int 2018 Dec 25;67(6):751-758. Epub 2018 Jul 25.

Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China; Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Preventive Medicine, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China. Electronic address:

Intestinal schistosomiasis caused by S. japonicum has long been a threat to the health of residents within endemic areas, especially along the mid-tier of the Yangtze River basin as well as the Dongting and Poyang lakes. Therefore, we collected monitoring data from 2005 to 2014 in Lushan City, Jiujiang City, Jiangxi Province, which is located downstream of Poyang Lake. Read More

Parasit Vectors 2018 Jul 24;11(1):431. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

The Carter Center, 453 Freedom Parkway, Atlanta, GA, 30307, USA.

Background: From 2011 to 2015, seven trachoma impact surveys in 150 districts across Amhara, Ethiopia, included in their design a nested study to estimate the zonal prevalence of intestinal parasite infections including soil-transmitted helminths (STH) and Schistosoma mansoni.

Methods: A multi-stage cluster random sampling approach was used to achieve a population-based sample of children between the ages of 6 and 15 years. Stool samples of approximately 1 g were collected from assenting children, preserved in 10 ml of a sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin solution, and transported to the Amhara Public Health Research Institute for processing with the ether concentration method and microscopic identification of parasites. Read More

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd 2018 May 3;162. Epub 2018 May 3.

Rijnstate, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Arnhem.

Background: Neuroschistosomiasis is a severe complication of an infection with Schistosoma; this infection can lead to myelitis transversa. Acute myelitis transversa is a rare disorder of the spinal cord, which can present with muscular weakness, sensory disturbance and intestinal or bladder dysfunction.

Case Description: A 17-year-old refugee from Eritrea, who had been in the Netherlands for 3 weeks, suffered from back pain and progressive weakness of both legs for one week. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Oct 17;117(10):3309-3314. Epub 2018 Jul 17.

Korea Association of Health Promotion, Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Seoul, 07649, South Korea.

Gymnophalloides seoi worms were rapidly expelled from C57BL/6 mice within days 3-6 post-infection probably due to operation of mucosal innate immunity. To understand better the mucosal immunity related to worm expulsion from the host, we isolated exosomes of G. seoi metacercariae and investigated their role in induction of mRNA and protein expression of several Toll-like receptors and mucin-related factors in vitro. Read More

Trop Doct 2018 Oct 12;48(4):270-272. Epub 2018 Jul 12.

5 Lecturer of Pharmacology, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia.

The resistance of anthelminthic drugs makes helminth control difficult. The aim of our study was to assess the efficacy of single dose albendazole and praziquantel drugs among helminth-infected children. A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June, 2017. Read More

Korean J Parasitol 2018 Jun 30;56(3):259-265. Epub 2018 Jun 30.

Infection Disease Intelligence Division, Gangwon Institute of Health and Environment, Chuncheon 24203, Korea.

To investigate the infection status of zoonotic trematode metacercariae in yellowfin goby, Acanthogobius flavimanus, from coastal areas of the Republic of Korea (Korea), we examined total 344 gobies from 21 localities with an artificial digestion method from 2013 to 2017. The metacercariae of Stictodora lari were most frequently detected in 45.3% goby from 7 localities, i. Read More

Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2018 Apr 31;7(1):68-74. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Natural History Museum of Geneva, PO Box 6434, CH-1211 Geneva 6, Switzerland.

The eye represents an immune privileged organ where parasites can escape host reactions. This study provides the first systematic evidence of the pathology associated with sp. infection in the eye retina of fish (i. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2018 Jul 5;7(1):73. Epub 2018 Jul 5.

School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.

Background: Schistosomiasis is a serious public health burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Praziquantel is the only drug recommended by the World Health Organization to treat both urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis. The reliance on a single drug to treat a disease with such a huge burden has raised concerns of possible drug resistance mainly in endemic areas. Read More

Acta Parasitol 2018 Sep;63(3):586-594

Department of Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari-396 450, Gujarat, India.

Morphological and molecular identification can pave the way to design the most effective control measures against the Paramphistomum epiclitum in small ruminants. Morphology of the flukes had described the features of Paramphistomum genus. Body was conical with concave ventral and convex dorsal surface, tegumental spines all around the body in the immature stage, terminal funnel shape oral sucker, sub-terminal acetabulum, blind caeca with a serpentine course touching the anterior level of the acetabulum. Read More

Acta Parasitol 2018 Sep;63(3):435-443

Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valencia, Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés s/n, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain.

The diagnosis of a 22 year-old male patient from Kerabari, Morang District, Nepal led to the review of human fascioliasis cases and analysis of the epidemiological situation in that country not included in the WHO fascioliasis map. Symptom onset one month before egg detection and normal levels of ALT and AST did not agree with the 3-4-month migratory period of fascioliasis. A shorter acute phase may happen when the main biliary duct is reached by the migratory juveniles directly from the intestinal lumen. Read More

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2018 28;60:e26. Epub 2018 Jun 28.

Laboratório de Epidemiologia, Escola de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Intestinal parasitic infections are a common health problem among Amerindian populations and schistosomiasis represents one of the most prevalent diseases in Maxakali people. The Kato-Katz is the diagnostic method recommended by WHO for epidemiological studies; however, one of the technique's limitations is the failure to detect parasites in individuals with low parasite load. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence of Schistosoma mansoni in indigenous Maxakali villages, evaluating the TF-Test® performance for diagnosis compared to the Kato-Katz technique. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2018 Jul 4;7(1):66. Epub 2018 Jul 4.

Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Imperial College, London, UK.

Background: Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) are endemic diseases in Burundi. STH control is integrated into health facilities (HF) across the country, but schistosomiasis control is not. The present study aimed to assess the capacity of HF for integrating intestinal schistosomiasis case management into their routine activities. Read More

Syst Parasitol 2018 09 2;95(7):645-654. Epub 2018 Jul 2.

School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia.

Two new species of Bacciger Nicoll, 1914 (Faustulidae) are described infecting clupeids collected from the waters off Queensland, Australia; Bacciger minor n. sp. is described from Herklotsichthys castelnaui (Ogilby) in Moreton Bay, southern Queensland and Bacciger major n. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Sep 26;117(9):2847-2854. Epub 2018 Jun 26.

Laboratório de Ictioparasitologia, Pré-reitoria de pesquisa e pós-graduação, Universidade do Sagrado Coração (USC), Bauru, São Paulo, 17011-160, Brazil.

Wallinia brasiliensis n. sp. is described from the intestine of two species of tetras-Astyanax fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) and Astyanax lacustris Lucena and Soares, 2016-collected from the Batalha River in São Paulo State, Brazil. Read More

Acta Trop 2018 Sep 20;185:412-418. Epub 2018 Jun 20.

Uganda Institute of Allied Health & Management Science (UIAHMS), School of Medical Entomology and Parasitology, P.O. Box 1661, Kampala, Uganda; Schistosomiasis Control Initiative, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK.

Introduction: Lango region is the only known endemic region for urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis in Uganda. Although there has been no significant improvement in sanitation and safe water supply in the region over years, the endemicity and prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium, in particular, have declined, perhaps due to yearly mass treatment campaigns implemented since 2003.

Methods: We report the epidemiology of Urinary and Intestinal schistosomiasis in Lango since 1951-2011 determined through Microscopic examinations for S. Read More

Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2018 09 19;18(9):464-468. Epub 2018 Jun 19.

4 Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University , Zagazig, Egypt .

Schistosomiasis is one of the major communicable diseases of public health and socioeconomic importance in the developing world. It is a waterborne disease in which Biomphalaria alexandrina snails are known to be the intermediate molluscan host for Schistosoma mansoni: the causative agent of human intestinal schistosomiasis. Therefore, snail control is one of the cornerstones of schistosomiasis control programs. Read More

Infect Dis Poverty 2018 Jun 16;7(1):55. Epub 2018 Jun 16.

Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Sempreboni 5, 37024, Negrar, Italy.

Background: Schistosomiasis is one of the most important neglected tropical diseases. If unrecognised and untreated, the chronic infection can lead to irreversible complications.

Methods: Retrospective observational study aimed at describing clinical history, laboratory findings and imaging presentation of imported schistosomiasis diagnosed at the Centre for Tropical Diseases, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital of Negrar, Verona, Italy from 2010 to 2014. Read More

Wiad Lek 2018;71(3 pt 2):674-677

Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine, Lviv Municipal Centre For Family Planning And Human Reproduction, Lviv, Ukraine.

Objective: The aim: The purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency and structure of parasitic lesion in women with reproductive health disorders.

Patients And Methods: Materials and methods: The immune-enzyme method tested immunoglobulins IgG to ascaris, lamblia, toxocara. Determination of the presence of pinworm eggs (sticky tape and perianal scrape method) and ascarid (methods of K. Read More

Infect Genet Evol 2018 Sep 18;63:95-103. Epub 2018 May 18.

Departament of Parasitology, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address:

Species of the genus Posthodiplostomum are intestinal parasites of piscivorous birds with worldwide distribution. Recent molecular surveys have focused on developmental stages from vertebrate hosts, with few sequences from larvae found in molluscs. Moreover, most published molecular data are from collections in North America, Europe and Asia, and there are no data for South American species. Read More

Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018 07 18;501(4):920-926. Epub 2018 May 18.

State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology of the Chinese Ministry of Health, WHO Collaborating Center for Malaria, Schistosomiasis and Filariasis, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 200025, China. Electronic address:

Schistosomiasis represents one of the most prevalent parasitic infections affecting over 249 million people worldwide. The pathological damage is mainly caused by the eggs laid by female schistosomes. Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) usually play critical roles in many biological functions. Read More

Pathology 2018 Jun 5;50(4):442-449. Epub 2018 May 5.

Center for Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine, Lubbock, TX, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA. Electronic address:

Schistosomiasis remains a serious chronic debilitating hepato-intestinal disease. Current control measures based on mass drug administration are inadequate due to sustained re-infection rates, low treatment coverage and emergence of drug resistance. Hence, there is an urgent need for a schistosomiasis vaccine for disease control. Read More

Parasitol Int 2018 Apr 27;67(5):565-574. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Mie University Graduate School, Faculty of Bioresources, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.

In the 1970's and 1980's, an unknown species of the genus Brachylaima (Trematoda: Brachylaimidae) had been recorded from the intestines of Rattus norvegicus and Apodemus speciosus in Hokkaido, Japan. The rodent fluke was characteristic in extending a bilateral vitellarium till the level of posterior margin of anterior testis and in keeping almost the same-sized spherical ovary and testes. In this study, the rodent fluke was rediscovered from A. Read More

Trop Anim Health Prod 2018 Oct 27;50(7):1599-1604. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Department of Biology, Gulu University, P.O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections and associated risk factors was studied in traditionally reared East African short-horned zebu cattle in Lira District, Uganda. Fecal samples were collected from 205 cattle and coprologically examined for the presence of helminth parasites using the simple salt flotation method complemented with the sedimentation method. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GITPs) in cattle in Adekokwok, Lira District, was 32. Read More

BMC Complement Altern Med 2018 Apr 27;18(1):135. Epub 2018 Apr 27.

Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Background: Schistosomiasis is an acute and chronic zoonotic parasitic disease caused by trematode worms. The host inflammatory response to schistosome eggs leads to perioval granulomata formation, mainly in the liver and intestine. This study investigated the potential antischistosomal and anti-inflammatory activity of both garlic extract and allicin on liver fibrotic markers in BALB/c mice with schistosomiasis (S. Read More

Parasitol Res 2018 Jun 25;117(6):1877-1890. Epub 2018 Apr 25.

Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center, Forbes Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 20003 CR 1770E, Havana, IL, 62644, USA.

Thousands of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) die during spring and fall migrations through the upper Midwest, USA, from infections with Cyathocotyle bushiensis and Sphaeridiotrema spp. (Class: Trematoda) after ingesting infected intermediate hosts, such as non-native faucet snails (Bithynia tentaculata). The lesser scaup is a species of conservation concern and is highly susceptible to these infections. Read More

Int Immunopharmacol 2018 Jun 19;59:347-353. Epub 2018 Apr 19.

Department of Parasitology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Education Ministry Key Laboratory for Tropical Disease Control Research, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. Electronic address:

Cyclophilin A (CyPA), ubiquitously existing in cytoplasm of all eukaryotes, can be secreted in response to inflammatory stimuli. Extracellular CyPA plays a prominent role in the pathological processes of inflammatory diseases, acting as a proinflammatory mediator, exerting chemotactic effects, promoting apoptosis of endothelial cells and amplifying ROS generation, thus being considered as a potential treatment target of sepsis, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Our previous study found that antibodies against cyclophilin A of Clonorchis sinensis (CsCyPA) could neutralize mouse cyclophilin A (MuCyPA). Read More

Exp Parasitol 2018 Jun 18;189:61-65. Epub 2018 Apr 18.

National Research Center for Protozoan Diseases, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan. Electronic address:

Schistosoma japonicum, causing zoonotic intestinal schistosomiasis, is found in China, the Philippines and parts of Indonesia. Severe disease manifestations are basically due to the deposition of eggs in some vital organs such as the liver, spleen and brain. Traditionally, histopathological microscopic examination of the egg burden was used to evaluate the intensity of infection in the affected organs. Read More