Cercariae of three Paramphistomoidea species were identified in the trematode fauna parasitizing the freshwater snails Gabbia fuchsiana from Vietnam and Helicorbis sujfunensis and Gyraulus centrifugops from the southern part of the Russian Far East. To elucidate their taxonomic status, the study included a morphological description accompanied by a molecular analysis using both nuclear and mitochondrial markers. An analysis of the evidence obtained showed that taxonomic identification of paramphistomes can only be possible on the basis of both morphological and molecular data, which are not always available for most representatives of the superfamily Paramphistomoidea. Therefore, genera could be identified for only two trematode species considered in this study. The issue of incorrect taxonomic identification of some trematodes from this superfamily was also highlighted. Due to the challenges encountered in the practical application of the previously obtained sequences to the development of diagnostic PCRs, the superfamily Paramphistomoidea requires careful taxonomic revision.

Animal African trypanosomosis (AAT) continues to pose a major constraint to livestock productivity and socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its importance, data on trypanosome species as well as their prevalence in livestock in the southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia (SRVE) remains limited. This study aimed to determine the diversity and the prevalence of trypanosome species in livestock from six districts in the SRVE. Blood samples were collected from 725 animals including 548 cattle, 151 goats and 26 donkeys. Trypanosome infections were detected using the capillary tube centrifugation (CTC) technique and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on DNA extracts from buffy coat. The overall prevalence of trypanosome infections was 4.5% (95%CI: 3.26-6.32%) by CTC and 8.1% (95% CI: 6.4-10.4) by PCR. This prevalence was 9.5% (95% CI: 7.3-12.2%) in cattle, 3.3% (95%CI: 1.1-7.5%) in goats and 7.7% (95%CI: 0.0-17.9) in donkeys. Three trypanosome species including Trypanosoma congolense (T. congolense savannah), T. vivax and trypanosomes of the subgenus Trypanozoon were detected in 4.3%, 4.3% and 0.3% of animals, respectively. The highest prevalence of trypanosome infections was recorded in the Kucha alpha district (32.3%, 95%CI = 22.0-44.6). Cattle from Kucha alpha and Hobicha Abaya had 20 and 4 times higher risk of acquiring trypanosome infections, respectively compared to those from Abela Abaya district. Significant associations were recorded between trypanosome infections with anemic animals as well as district like Kucha alpha. The risk of acquiring trypanosome infections varied according to animal taxa, trypanosome species and districts. Trypanosome infections were associated with some districts and anemic status of the animals. The identification of transmission hotspots suggests focused control strategies.

In this study, by combining morphological and molecular data (18S rRNA gene), we identified four species of Hepatozoon in snakes from the Brazilian Amazonia region. We describe a new species of Hepatozoon infecting Bothrops atrox, provide the first molecular data for Hepatozoon luhei from Corallus hortulana, and record Hepatozoon cuestensis in Zonateres lanei and Hepatozoon odwyerae in Chironius carinatus. Furthermore, through a literature survey, we present an overview of studies on the genus Hepatozoon in snakes in Brazil, spanning over 120 years of research, highlighting species richness and sampling bias, particularly the knowledge gap in the northern region. Our results broaden the knowledge about the diversity, geographic distribution, and phylogenetic relationships of these hemogregarines, reinforcing the importance of integrative approaches to reveal the hidden diversity of parasites in the Amazonia.

Cryptosporidium is an intestinal protozoan causing diarrheal disease in humans and non-human animals, with severe and chronic disease primarily affecting young and immunosuppressed individuals. Among the general population, C. parvum (zoonotic) and C. hominis (anthroponotic) are the two main species involved in food- and waterborne outbreaks. In a local survey, we reported a high prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. among asymptomatic carriers and their pets (24% and 54%, respectively). To understand the transmission patterns of the infection, we molecularly characterized Cryptosporidium isolates from humans, pets, raw vegetables, and cattle in our region. Positive samples from different sources were subjected to DNA extraction. Humans and pets tested positive by PCR, while cattle and vegetables were positive by both microscopy and PCR. Cryptosporidium species identification and genotyping were performed using nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA and gp60 genes, respectively, and Sanger sequences were analyzed with Cryptogenotyper1.5. Phylogenetic trees (maximum-likelihood) and haplotype analyses were conducted. Sixty-one isolates (61/87) were identified: 60C. parvum and 1C. bovis. Nucleotide diversity varied slightly across populations (pets > humans > cattle > vegetables). Fifteen (25%) C. parvum isolates were genotyped, including 10 from calves (IIaA17G2R1), 3 from humans (2 IIaA17G2R1, 1 IIaA16G2R1), and 2 from raw vegetables (1 IIaA17G2R1, 1 IIaA12R1). The predominance of C. parvum and the detection of subtype IIaA17G2R1 across multiple hosts may be consistent with a zoonotic transmission pattern. A C. parvum IIaA12 variant was first detected, expanding the known diversity of C. parvum.

This study investigates short-term morphofunctional reactions and adaptations of the Russian strain of Coccomyxa parasitica to modifications of the F/2 medium with increased nitrogen and phosphorus content. The strain was isolated from infected tissues of the bivalve Modiolus kurilensis, which were collected in the Sea of Japan. Growth kinetics, photosynthetic efficiency, cell viability, and functional parameters were evaluated over a seven-day laboratory cultivation period. The most rapid growth occurred within the first 48 h in the 2F medium, with a 60% increase in cell density. Conversely, cultures sustained in F and F/2 media demonstrated no substantial alteration in cell count, while maintaining their capacity for division. Morphometric analysis revealed a progressive reduction in cell size, most notably in 2F medium. Despite transient membrane damage in 2F cultures, cell viability remained consistently high (>96%) across all nutrient regimes. It is important to note that elevated chlorophyll fluorescence levels were found to be associated with enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced reactive oxygen species production. These results underscore C. parasitica remarkable tolerance to nutrient fluctuations, suggesting robust mechanisms for maintaining physiological homeostasis under suboptimal conditions.

During a parasitological investigation conducted in Italy on domestic reptiles, a motile proglottid was macroscopically observed in a fecal sample from a Yucatán spiny-tailed iguana (Cachryx defensor). Subsequent analysis using the quali-quantitative flotation technique (Mini-FLOTAC®) revealed the presence of cestode eggs. DNA was extracted from the sample and amplified using conventional PCR. Sequence comparison with those available in GenBank showed the highest similarity (98%) with Oochoristica hemidactyli, supporting identification at the genus level (Oochoristica sp.). To our knowledge, this represents the first molecularly supported detection of Oochoristica sp. in a captive reptile in Italy, highlighting the importance of parasitological surveillance in domestic reptile populations and the potential role of exotic pets in the introduction and spread of parasites.

Haemosporidians are vector-borne parasites that infect vertebrates and are commonly detected in captive birds, causing infections ranging from mild to severe and may be fatal, especially those involving Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. Blood samples from 17 Anseriformes, including 15 captive Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) and two black-necked swans (Cygnus melancoryphus), were analyzed in this study. An integrative approach identified Haemoproteus infection in one female of each species, with genetic sequences showing 100% similarity to Haemoproteus macrovacuolatus, based on a 478 bp fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene. However, the morphology observed in these birds differed slightly from the parasite's original description, particularly in the absence of large vacuoles, which are considered characteristic of the species. Combined with the molecular findings, this morphological divergence supports the interpretation of the detected parasite as a H. macrovacuolatus-like lineage and underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy for accurate haemosporidian identification, especially when infections are detected in newly reported avian hosts. Traditional diagnostic and species delimitation criteria may vary due to host-related factors, physiological conditions, and host-parasite interactions, all of which may contribute to morphological variation in these parasites.

A 79-year-old woman was found to have a slowly enlarging pulmonary nodule in the right upper lobe, and partial lung resection was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Histopathological examination revealed fragments of a filarial worm within the nodule. The parasite showed features compatible with Dirofilaria immitis, including a thick multilayered cuticle, abundant somatic musculature, and prominent internal longitudinal ridges projecting into the lateral cords. However, the external cuticular surface showed localized ridge-like elevations, making distinction from Dirofilaria ursi difficult on morphology alone. A partial sequence of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was amplified from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue and analyzed phylogenetically. The sequence clustered within the D. immitis clade and was clearly separated from D. ursi and Dirofilaria repens. This case highlights a diagnostic problem in tissue-based identification of pulmonary dirofilariasis and demonstrates the value of molecular analysis when histopathological morphology is ambiguous.

Climate change is reshaping the distribution of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, the primary vectors of dengue, potentially expanding their habitats and increasing the risk of disease transmission. Given its climatic heterogeneity and dense population, China is particularly vulnerable to mosquito-borne diseases. However, comprehensive studies of the potential distribution of these species under varied environmental scenarios remain limited. To understand the distribution of suitable habitats for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in China under current and future climate scenarios, we built Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) models based on observed occurrence points of the two species. We then projected their potential distribution across mainland China for the present and the future (2041-2100) using climate data from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). The results indicated that annual mean temperature, temperature seasonality, and precipitation of the wettest quarter were the most influential climatic variables shaping the distribution of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. Under future climate scenarios, the existing suitable habitats for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus are projected to remain stable, whereas the total extent of suitable habitat is projected to increase. Aedes aegypti suitability is projected to expand in Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. Under the SSP5-8.5 (SSP585) scenario for the years 2081-2100, new suitable habitats may emerge in the southern parts of regions such as Sichuan, Guizhou, Jiangxi, and Fujian. Aedes albopictus is projected to expand its habitat, with Yunnan, Guangdong, and Guangxi gradually becoming its most suitable habitats. The northernmost extension is projected to reach small suitable areas, such as the southern part of Qiqihar and the western part of Daqing, in Heilongjiang province. However, the projected expansion is minimal along China's western and northern borders, remaining largely within the species' current range. Climate change is projected to expand the habitats of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in China, particularly southward and northward for Ae. albopictus. These findings highlight the urgent need to prioritize dengue surveillance and vector control in the projected expansion zones, particularly the southward frontiers in Guangxi, Guangdong, and Yunnan, and the northernmost foci in Heilongjiang, to mitigate future transmission risk in China.

Taenia saginata is a zoonotic cestode of public health and socioeconomic importance, causing taeniosis in human definitive hosts and cysticercosis in bovine intermediate hosts. Prevalence data are important in disease awareness and control in humans and cattle, yet this remains scarce for Zimbabwe. This study determined the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in 381 cattle slaughtered at three abattoirs in the Matabeleland Region of Zimbabwe in 2021. All slaughtered cattle were subjected to routine meat inspection. The collected cysticerci were proven using PCR-RFLP and sequencing, while serum samples were tested using the B158/B60 Ag-ELISA. The apparent prevalence by routine meat inspection was 1.8% (7/381, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.7-3.7) and a total of 37 cysticerci were recovered, of which 28 were viable. Viable cysticerci were mostly located in the masseter muscle. Molecular analyses proved the suspected lesions to be T. saginata cysticerci, with sequences showing 99.6-100% identity and phylogenetic clustering with published T. saginata isolates from China, Iran, South Africa and a sequence from a human Belgian patient. Apparent seroprevalence was 33.9% (129/381, 95% CI: 29.1-38.9) while the Bayesian-estimated true prevalence was 84.7% (95% CI: 73.2-96.2), representing an approximately 18.8-fold superiority compared to meat inspection. The present study revealed a high prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the study area, which is substantially overlooked by routine meat inspection. Integrated diagnostic strategies combining serology and enhanced meat inspection are essential. Further studies on the prevalence of human taeniosis, alongside community-based interventions addressing open defecation, sanitation, consumption of undercooked beef and cattle management practices are urgently warranted.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a severe, vision-threatening protozoan infection with a rising global incidence linked to contact lens use, necessitating robust genotyping to clarify its epidemiology and pathogenesis. This study analyzed the genotype distribution of 102 Acanthamoeba isolates collected from clinical settings in China between 1991 and 2014, comprising 100 isolates from corneal scrapings of clinically diagnosed AK patients, one from soil, and one from a patient's contact lens solution. Genetic analysis was conducted via amplification and sequencing of the 18S rRNA hypervariable DF3 region, followed by phylogenetic reconstruction and sequence identity assessment against reference clades. Twenty-eight distinct DF3 sequence types were identified, with genotype T4 demonstrating overwhelming dominance (99.0%; 101/102). Three novel T4 variants (T4/42-T4/44) were discovered, expanding the known diversity of this pathogenic lineage. Notably, T4/31 and T4/41 together accounted for 36% of clinical isolates, suggesting regionally endemic, infection-enriched variants. Only one isolate belonged to the rarely reported T11 genotype in China. Molecular source tracing confirmed two transmission chains: one linking a patient's corneal infection to their contact lens solution (both T4/6 variant), and another linking infection to periresidential soil (both T4/25 variant). These findings confirm the near-exclusive dominance of T4 among Chinese AK cases, identify prevalent local T4 variants, and demonstrate the utility of high-resolution DF3 genotyping for transmission tracing and disease control.

Sexual dimorphism is widespread among insects and is evident in the variations in external morphology and genital structures that are significant for species identification and reproductive behavior. This study provides the first detailed morphological description of the male and female genitalia of the camel nasal botfly Cephalopina titillator (Clark, 1816) (Diptera: Oestridae), together with an ecological niche modeling assessment of its potential distribution under both current and future climate scenarios. Adult specimens were reared from larvae collected from infested camel heads (Camelus dromedarius) at El-Bassatin abattoir, Egypt, between July 2023 and November 2024. Male genitalia are characterized by a helmet-shaped epandrium, Y-shaped cerci bearing marginal spines, massive surstyli, and a fan-shaped ejaculatory apodeme with paired multidentate lateral sclerotizations. Female genitalia exhibit a triangular epiproct, a rounded hypoproct, a W-shaped vaginal plate, and three distinct spermathecae of varying shapes. The present study highlighted the important role of the differences in forewing venation, scutal markings, and texture of abdominal sternites in easily and quickly distinguishing between both sexes of C. titillator. Ecological niche modeling using the MaxEnt algorithm and six uncorrelated bioclimatic variables revealed that precipitation of the wettest month (Bio13) was the strongest predictor with over 40% contribution to model performance. Strong predictive accuracy of the model was reported by AUC = 0.88; TSS = 0.7, which indicated that C. titillator is most frequently found in arid and semi-arid regions of North Africa, the Middle East, and the Horn of Africa. Future projections under the SSP5-8.5 scenario reveal that the species is going to continue and expand its range, particularly across the Sahel and East Africa, with contractions in the northern latitudes. Such outcomes are essential taxonomic characters for accurate identification and add to our understanding of the ecological and climatic determinants governing the distribution of this economically relevant parasite of camels.

Trypanosomatid parasites infect a variety of hosts including insects and vertebrates. The trypanosomatid genus Crithidia includes several species which mainly affect invertebrates such as insects. Crithidia mellificae is primarily a parasite of honey bees and has been reported to infect other flying insects, as well as wildlife mammals, bats of various species and a domestic dog in Brazil. A molecular study investigating Leishmania spp. infection that included 303 blood samples of golden jackals (Canis aureus) from Israel detected Crithidia mellificae DNA by PCR of the ITS1 locus and of the 18S rRNA gene in the blood of two (0.7%) golden jackals (Canis aureus) in northeastern Israel. Two other jackals were found infected with Leishmania infantum. DNA sequencing and a phylogenetic analysis verified the PCR results. This is the first report of C. mellificae in jackals. Other Crithidia spp. have been reported to cause disease in humans. Research and diagnostic laboratories studying leishmaniasis and trypanosomiasis should be aware that C. mellificae and other Crithidia spp. may be detected by PCR for Leishmania or Trypanosoma spp. and should be distinguished accordingly. Further research should evaluate the importance of canines and other animals in the transmission and epidemiology of Crithidia spp.