MedWorm: Parasitology

High Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis Among School Children in Rural Côte d'Ivoire.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

High Prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis Among School Children in Rural Côte d'Ivoire. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 16;:1 Authors: Glinz D, N'guessan NA, Utzinger J, N'goran EK Two cross-sectional surveys were carried out in rural Côte d'Ivoire, the first in 5 primary schools in the Lake Taabo area, and the second one in the primary school of Azaguié-IRFA. Overall, 251 school children were screened for Strongyloides stercoralis using either the Baermann method, or the Koga agar plate method, or both techniques. The prevalence of S. stercoralis at the unit of the school ranged between 4.0% and 48%. Because S. stercoralis is a neglected nematode, yet an important parasite from a public health perspective, surveys should consider the use of appropriate diagnostic metho...

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Identification and phylogenetic analysis of dirofilaria ursi (nematoda: filarioidea) from wisconsin black bears (ursus americanus) and its wolbachia endosymbiont.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

IDENTIFICATION AND PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF DIROFILARIA URSI (NEMATODA: FILARIOIDEA) FROM WISCONSIN BLACK BEARS (URSUS AMERICANUS) AND ITS WOLBACHIA ENDOSYMBIONT. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 16;:1 Authors: Michalski S, Bain O, Fischer K, Fischer P, Kumar S, Foster J Dirofilaria ursi is a filarial nematode of American black bears (Ursus americanus Pallas, 1780) that is vectored by black flies (Simuliidae) in many parts of the United States. In northwestern Wisconsin, the prevalence of microfilaremic bears during the fall hunting season was 21% (n=47). Unsheathed blood microfilariae from Wisconsin bears possess characters consistent with the original description of D. ursi, as do adult worms observed histologically and grossly. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify the Wolbachia en...

Geographic genetic differentiation of a malaria parasite, plasmodium mexicanum, and its lizard host, sceloporus occidentalis.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined genetic differentiation of the malaria parasite P. mexicanum, and its lizard host, Sceloporus occidentalis, at 8 sites in northern California using variable microsatellite markers for both species. These lizards are small, and highly territorial, so we expected local genetic differentiation of both parasite and lizard. Populations of P. mexicanum were found to be differentiated by analysis of 5 markers (Fst values > 0.05 - 0.10) over distances as short as 230 - 400 m, and greatly differentiated (Fst values > 0.25) for sites separated by ~10 km. In contrast, the lizard host had no, or very low, levels of differentiation for 3 markers, even for sites > 40 km distant. Thus, gene flow for the lizard was great, but despite the mobility of the vertebrate host, the parasite w...

A real-time PCR diagnostic method for detection of Naegleria fowleri.

Experimental Parasitology — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lucia M, Katarína T, Soňa F, Cyril K, Margita O Naegleria fowleri is a free living amoeba that can cause primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). While, traditional methods for diagnosing PAM still rely on culture, more current laboratory diagnoses exist based on conventional PCR methods; however, only a few real-time PCR processes have been described as yet. Here, we describe a real-time PCR-based diagnostic method using hybridization fluorescent labelled probes, with a LightCycler instrument and accompanying software (Roche), targeting the Naegleria fowleriMp2Cl5 gene sequence. Using this method, no cross reactivity with other tested epidemiologically relevant prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms was found. The reaction detection limit was 1 copy of the Mp2Cl5 D...

A comparative proteomic study of the undeveloped and developed Schistosoma mansoni egg and its contents: The miracidium, hatch fluid and secretions.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mathieson W, Wilson RA The schistosome egg is the key agent responsible both for transmission of the parasite from human to molluscan host, and as the primary cause of pathogenesis in schistosomiasis. Characterisation of its proteome is a crucial step in understanding the egg's interactions with the mammalian host. We devised a scheme to isolate undeveloped eggs from mature schistosome eggs by Percoll gradient and then fractionate the mature egg into miracidial, hatch fluid and secreted protein preparations. The soluble proteins contained within the five preparations were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis and their spot patterns compared by image analysis. Large numbers of representative spots were then excised and subjected to tandem mass spectrometry to obtain ide...

Heroes or villains? T regulatory cells in malaria infection.

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Scholzen A, Minigo G, Plebanski M Infection with Plasmodium parasites can cause severe disease due to a lack of protective immune responses to clear parasitemia, or to the host's inability to control excessive inflammation resulting in immunopathology. T regulatory cells (Tregs), key mediators of immune homeostasis, are increased in number and modulate disease in human and murine malaria. Several recent studies provide new insights into the mechanisms and functional consequences of Treg induction by P. falciparum. This review integrates and discusses the findings published on Tregs in human and murine malaria to date, with emphasis on Treg induction (host components, kinetics and parasite-dependence) and their diverse roles (protective or pathological) during infection. PM...

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Fascioliasis: can Cuba conquer this emerging parasitosis?

Trends in Parasitology — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rojas L, Vazquez A, Domenech I, Robertson LJ Fascioliasis, an emerging parasitic infection, impacts significantly on both veterinary and human health worldwide. Endemic foci are not limited only to areas of extensive livestock farming, but owing to the parasite's abilities to colonise new intermediate hosts and adapt to new environments, also occur in other places, including Cuba. In Cuba, despite a high prevalence of fascioliasis in livestock, and the widespread occurrence of two potential intermediate hosts, human infection has decreased steadily over the past 10 years. In other parts of the world, human fascioliasis is apparently becoming more frequent. Problems in counteracting the spread of fascioliasis, and approaches used in Cuba to limit zoonotic transmission are discu...

Activation of several key components of the epidermal differentiation pathway in cattle following infestation with the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.

International Journal for Parasitology — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kongsuwan K, Josh P, Colgrave ML, Bagnall NH, Gough J, Burns B, Pearson R The cattle tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and the diseases it transmits pose a persistent threat to tropical beef production. Genetic selection of host resistance has become the method of choice for non-chemical control of cattle tick. Previous studies have suggested that larval stages are most susceptible to host resistance mechanisms. To gain insights into the molecular basis of host resistance that occurs during R. microplus attachment, we assessed the abundance of proteins (by isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) and Western blot analyses) and mRNAs (by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR)) in skin adjacent to tick bite sites from high tick-resistant (HR...

RNA interference in a cestode reveals specific silencing of selected highly expressed gene transcripts.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pierson L, Mousley A, Devine L, Marks NJ, Day TA, Maule AG Evolving RNA interference (RNAi) platforms are providing opportunities to probe gene function in parasitic helminths using reverse genetics. Although relatively robust methods for the application of RNAi in parasitic flatworms have been established, reports of successful RNAi are confined to three genera and there are no known reports of the application of RNAi to the class Cestoda. Here we report the successful application of RNAi to a cestode. Our target species was the common ruminant tapeworm, Moniezia expansa which can significantly impact the health/productivity of cattle, sheep and goats. Initial efforts aimed to silence the neuronally expressed neuropeptide F gene (Me-npf-1), which encodes one of the most abund...

Identification of Theileria uilenbergi immunodominant protein for development of an indirect ELISA for diagnosis of ovine theileriosis.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Liu Z, Wang Z, Yin H, Luo J, Zhang B, Kullmann B, Abdo J, Hassan D, Ahmed J, Seitzer U Theileriosis of small ruminants in the northwest of China is a protozoan disease that restricts the development of the livestock industry. The disease is caused by infection with Theileria uilenbergi and Theilerialuwenshuni, both of which are transmitted by ixodid Heamaphysalis ticks. The development of serological tools as a means of integrated control of the disease is an urgent and important requirement. Here we describe the identification and partial recombinant expression of a T.uilenbergi immunodominant protein (TuIP), which was identified by immunoscreening of a merozoite cDNA library. Using the recombinant TuIP (rTuIP), a novel indirect ELISA was established using 329 negative serum ...

Seroprevalence of neospora caninum infection in dairy cattle in northeastern china.

The Journal of Parasitology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

SEROPREVALENCE OF NEOSPORA CANINUM INFECTION IN DAIRY CATTLE IN NORTHEASTERN CHINA. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 6;:1 Authors: Wang C, Wang Y, Zou X, Zhai Y, Gao J, Hou M, Zhu XQ The seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province was surveyed between 2007-2008. A total of 540 serum samples of dairy cattle from 9 counties were examined for antibodies to N. caninum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence of N. caninum in dairy cattle was 13.3% (72/540). The seroprevalence of N. caninum in aborting cows (14.9%) was higher than that in non-aborting cows (10.3%). Dairy cattle with 5 pregnancies had the highest seroprevalence (22.7%). However, there was no apparent association between N. caninum seropositivity and ...

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Experimental transmission of Hepatozoon clamatae (Apicomplexa: Adeleida) to the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, and to the mosquito, Culex pipiens.

The Journal of Parasitology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, we show that the wood frog, Rana sylvatica, supports merogonic development, but not gamogonic development, of this protozoan parasite, and that the mosquito Culex pipiens serves as an experimental definitive host for sporogonic development. Two wood frogs were each force-fed C. territans, containing oocysts of H. clamatae in their Malpighian tubules, which had fed on blood of infected green frogs 30 days previously. Free merozoites were observed in 1 wood frog 35 days after inoculation, but intraerythrocytic gamonts were not observed. Fifteen C. pipiens were fed on a mixture of infected frog blood and physiological saline. Thirty days after blood feeding, 2 mosquitoes were infected with oocysts of H. clamatae, whereas the other 13 either were negative for infection or were d...

Synlophe structure in pseudomarshallagia elongata (nematoda: trichostrongyloidea), abomasal parasites among ethiopian ungulates, with consideration of other morphological attributes and differentiation within the ostertagiinae.

The Journal of Parasitology — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

SYNLOPHE STRUCTURE IN PSEUDOMARSHALLAGIA ELONGATA (NEMATODA: TRICHOSTRONGYLOIDEA), ABOMASAL PARASITES AMONG ETHIOPIAN UNGULATES, WITH CONSIDERATION OF OTHER MORPHOLOGICAL ATTRIBUTES AND DIFFERENTIATION WITHIN THE OSTERTAGIINAE. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 6;:1 Authors: Hoberg EP, Kumsa B, Pilitt PA, Abrams A The independence of the genus Pseudomarshallagia and its placement among the medium stomach worms of ungulates, Ostertagiinae, is confirmed based on comparative morphological studies of the synlophe and genital attributes among male and female specimens. An emended description of P. elongata is presented based on a series of specimens in sheep from northern Ethiopia. Pseudomarshallagia elongata is retained among the 15 genera of the Ostertagiinae based on presence of a prominent ...

Taenia crassiceps cysticerci - Characterization of the 14-kDa Glycoprotein with homologies to antigens from Taenia solium cysticerci.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Peralta RH, Espíndola NM, Pardini AX, Iha AH, Moura H, Barr JR, Vaz AJ, Peralta JM Glycoproteins from the total vesicular fluid of Taenia crassiceps (VF-Tc) were prepared using three different purification methods, consisting of ConA-lectin affinity chromatography (ConA-Tc), preparative electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) (14gp-Tc), and monoclonal antibody immunoaffinity chromatography (18/14-Tc). The complex composition represented by the VF-Tc and ConA-Tc antigens revealed peptides ranging from 101- to 14-kDa and from 92- to 12-kDa, respectively. Immunoblotting using lectins confirmed glucose/mannose (glc/man) residues in the 18- and 14-kDa peptides, which are considered specific and immunodominant for the diagnosis of cysticercosis, and indicated that these fractions are glycop...

Balamuthia and Acanthamoeba-binding antibodies in West African human sera.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kiderlen AF, Radam E, Schuster FL, Adjogoua EV, Akoua-Koffi C, Leendertz FH Little is known about the prevalence of Balamuthia mandrillaris amoebae and Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis in Africa. As an approach, relative concentrations of amoebae-binding serum antibodies (Ab) were assessed by flow cytometry using formaldehyde-fixed B. mandrillaris, Acanthamoeba lenticulata 72-2, and A. castellanii 1BU amoebae for specific Ab capture (B.m.-Ab, A.l.-Ab, A.c.-Ab). 192 sera from West African (Côte d'Ivoire) donors aged 11-95 years (mean 38 a; 51% males), and living in villages surrounded by rainforest near the Liberian border, were tested and related to reference sera from Berlin. While B.m.-Ab tended to increase with donor age, A.l.-Ab and A.c.-Ab did not. Accordingly, B.m.-A...

Inactivation of giardia lamblia cysts by cobalt-60 irradiation.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

INACTIVATION OF GIARDIA LAMBLIA CYSTS BY COBALT-60 IRRADIATION. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 5;:1 Authors: Sundermann CA, Estridge BH Cysts of Giardia lamblia can be a contaminant of water and food that can infect humans and cause the zoonotic disease, giardiasis. Irradiation by a cobalt-60 source was investigated for ability to inactivate cysts such that they would not be infective to gerbils. Cysts that received doses of radiation ranging from 0.25 to 2.0 kGy, with a recovery period of 6 hr or less, did not infect gerbils. Cysts that were irradiated at 0.25 kGy and allowed to recover at room temperature for 24 hr or longer were infective. Temperature had an effect on the ability of cysts to regain infectivity in that cysts which were allowed to recover at 4 C after irradiation were ...

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Food webs for parasitologists. a review.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

FOOD WEBS FOR PARASITOLOGISTS. A REVIEW. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 5;:1 Authors: Sukhdeo MV This review examines the historical origins of food web theory, and explores the reasons why parasites have traditionally been left out of food web studies. Current paradigms may still be an impediment because despite several attempts, it remains virtually impossible to retrofit parasites into food web theory in any satisfactory manner. It seems clear that parasitologists must return to first principles to solve how best to incorporate parasites into ecological food webs, and a first step in changing the paradigms will be to include parasites in the classic ecological patterns that inform food web theory. The limitations of current food web models are discussed with respect to their logistic...

Identity of diphyllobothrium spp. (cestoda: diphyllobothriidae) from sea lions and people along the pacific coast of south america.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This report mainly concerns 2 species, D. pacificum and D. arctocephalinum, for which sea lions (Otariidae) are final hosts. The taxonomic status of those cestodes has not been clearly discernible, due to misinterpretation of relationships; complex synonymies have resulted from misidentification(s). Stiles and Hassall in 1899 obtained but did not describe cestodes from the northern fur seal (Otariidae) (Pribilof Islands). That taxon was studied by several investigators, with diverse conclusions. The valid designation is D. pacificum (Nybelin, 1931). In 1937, Johnston and Drummond described separately 2 conspecific cestodes from sea lions near Australia, designated D. arctocephalinum and D. arctocephali, respectively. Both names have been listed incorrectly as synonyms of D. pacificum. The ...

An Improved Glycerin Jelly Mounting Procedure for Permanent Preparations of Helminth Eggs.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kumagai M, Inaba T, Makioka A, Ishiwata K, Onishi K, Watanabe N Many attempts have been undertaken to make permanent preparations of helminth eggs. However, none was both durable itself and free from deforming of thin-shell eggs, such as hookworm eggs. To overcome these drawbacks, we have modified the glycerin jelly mounting procedure in 2 aspects. First, we gradually changed the media in which the helminth eggs soaked, from 10% formalin via water to the 70% ethanol and 5% glycerin solution. It took 10 days, which should be much longer than the processes previously reported. Second, we used a hole slide glass instead of a slide glass. The eggs of 11 species of helminths prepared by this procedure have kept their morphology without apparent change for more than 4 yr. PMID: ...

Epizootiology of myxobolus cerebralis, the causative agent of salmonid whirling disease in the rock creek drainage of west-central montana: 2004-2008.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

EPIZOOTIOLOGY OF MYXOBOLUS CEREBRALIS, THE CAUSATIVE AGENT OF SALMONID WHIRLING DISEASE IN THE ROCK CREEK DRAINAGE OF WEST-CENTRAL MONTANA: 2004-2008. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 5;:1 Authors: Granath WO, Vincent R Whirling disease, caused by the myxozoan parasite Myxobolus cerebralis, remains a serious health threat to salmonid fish in the western U.S. A previously published study on the epizootiology of whirling disease in the Rock Creek watershed of west-central Montana, conducted from 1998 to 2003, showed that the intensity of M. cerebralis infections in sentinel trout increased significantly throughout the drainage and that the range of M. cerebralis had expanded considerably. In addition, the parasite had apparently caused a dramatic decline in rainbow trout densities but the b...

Observations on the uganda i strain of plasmodium malariae and plasmodium brasilianum in aotus and saimiri monkeys and anopheles mosquitoes.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

OBSERVATIONS ON THE UGANDA I STRAIN OF PLASMODIUM MALARIAE AND PLASMODIUM BRASILIANUM IN AOTUS AND SAIMIRI MONKEYS AND ANOPHELES MOSQUITOES. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 5;:1 Authors: Collins WE, Sullivan JS, Nace D, Williams T, Williams A, Barnwell JW Splenectomized Aotus lemurinus griseimembra, A. azarae boliviensis, A. nancymaae, A. vociferans and Saimiri boliviensis monkeys were infected with the Uganda I/CDC strain of Plasmodium malariae. The maximum parasite counts were lower if the animals had been previously infected with P. vivax. Mosquito infection was concentrated in the 12 days following the rise in count above 1,000/microL. Mosquito infection and parasite counts were highest with A. l. griseimembra. Anopheles freeborni was more readily infected than An. gambiae, which was...

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The first report of Hepatozoon species infection in leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Korea.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kubo M, Jeong A, Kim SI, Kim YJ, Lee H, Kimura J, Agatsuma T, Sakai H, Yanai T Hepatozoon species infections were detected in 4 of 5 heart samples from leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis) in Korea examined by light microscopy and PCR. Microscopically, the schizonts of the Hepatozoon species were observed within the parasitophorous vacuoles of unidentified host cells which were located between myocytes. The schizonts were approximately 31 +/- 4 x 19 +/- 3 microm in size and the 3 mature schizonts contained approximately 24, 25 and 35 merozoites, respectively. In analyses of the partial 18S rRNA gene sequence, the Hepatozoon species infecting the Korean leopard cats was closely related to Brazilian and Spanish isolates of Hepatozoon felis. PMID: 19891517 [PubMed - as sup...

A new species of cardicola short, 1953 (digenea: aporocotylidae) from the heart and branchial vessels of two surfperches (perciformes: embiotocidae) in the eastern pacific ocean off california.

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

A NEW SPECIES OF CARDICOLA SHORT, 1953 (DIGENEA: APOROCOTYLIDAE) FROM THE HEART AND BRANCHIAL VESSELS OF TWO SURFPERCHES (PERCIFORMES: EMBIOTOCIDAE) IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC OCEAN OFF CALIFORNIA. J Parasitol. 2009 Nov 4;:1 Authors: Bullard S Cardicola nonamo n. sp. (Digenea: Aporocotylidae) infects the heart of white seaperch, Phanerodon furcatus Girard, 1854 (Perciformes: Embiotocidae) (type host) in Monterey Bay, California, USA, and the branchial vessels of rubberlip seaperch, Rhacochilus toxotes Agassiz, 1854 (Embiotocidae) from Naples Reef, Santa Barbara Channel, off Santa Barbara, California. It is most easily distinguished from other species of Cardicola Short, 1953 by the combination of having i) rows of minute tegumental spines distributing along the entire ventrolateral...

Hymenolepis diminuta: Effect of infection on ion transport in colon and blood picture of rats.

Experimental Parasitology — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kosik-Bogacka DI, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Salamatin R The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an infection with Hymenolepis diminuta on ion transport in an isolated colon and blood picture of rats. Fifty rats were orally infected with 5 cysticercoids of H. diminuta. The experimental groups of rats were assigned to four groups: group I - 8 days post-infection (dpi), group II - 16 dpi, group III - 40 dpi and group IV- 60 dpi. The control group comprised non-infected rats. The experiments consisted of measuring the transepithelial electrical potential difference (PD) and the transepithelial electrical resistance (R) of the rat colon under controlled conditions as well as during mechanical stimulation (MS) using a modified Ussing chamber. Ion transport was modified using...

Disparate infection patterns of Ceratomyxa shasta (Myxozoa) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) correlate with internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence variation in the parasite.

International Journal for Parasitology — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

We examined 46 C. shasta isolates from water samples and two fish hosts, from June 2007 field exposures at upper and lower Klamath River sites with similarly high parasite densities. We found 100% of non-native rainbow trout became infected and died at both locations. In contrast, mortality in native Chinook salmon was < 10% in the upper basin, compared with up to 40% in the lower basin. Parasite ssrRNA sequences were identical from all fish. However ITS-1 sequences contained multiple polymorphic loci and a trinucleotide repeat (ATC)(0-3) from which we defined four genotypes: 0, I, II and III. Non-native rainbow trout at both sites were infected with genotype II and with a low level of genotype III. Chinook salmon in the upper basin had genotypes II and III, whereas in the lower basin g...

Molecular characterisation of MEK1/2- and MKK3/6-like mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKK) from the fox tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.

International Journal for Parasitology — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Gelmedin V, Spiliotis M, Brehm K Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases (MAPKKs) are essential components of evolutionary conserved signalling modules that regulate a variety of fundamental cellular processes in response to environmental stimuli. To date, no MAPKK ortholog has been characterized in free-living or parasitic flatworm species. Here, we report the identification and molecular characterisation of two such molecules in the human parasitic cestode Echinococcus multilocularis, the causative agent of alveolar echinococcosis. Using degenerative PCR approaches as well as 3'- and 5'-rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE), the cDNAs encoding two different E. multilocularis MAPKKs, EmMKK1 and EmMKK2, have been identified and fully cloned. Structurally, EmMKK1 and EmMKK2 ...

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Collagen processing and cuticle formation is catalysed by the astacin metalloprotease DPY-31 in free-living and parasitic nematodes.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, orthologues of this essential gene have been identified in the phylogenetically diverse parasitic nematodes Haemonchus contortus and Brugia malayi. The DPY-31 protein is expressed in the gut and secretory system of C. elegans, a location also confirmed when a B. malayi transcriptional dpy-31 promoter reporter gene fusion was expressed in C. elegans. Functional conservation between the nematode enzymes was supported by the fact that heterologous expression of the H. contortusdpy-31 orthologue in a C. elegansdpy-31 mutant resulted in the full rescue of the mutant body form. This interspecies conservation was further established when the recombinant nematode enzymes were found to have a similar range of inhibitable protease activities. In addition, the recombinant DPY-31 enzyme...

Localization of three host-protective oncospheral antigens of Taenia ovis.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Jabbar A, Kyngdon CT, Gauci CG, Walduck AK, McCowan C, Jones MK, Beveridge I, Lightowlers MW Immunohistochemistry, confocal immunofluorescence and immunogold labelling were used to determine the localization of the host-protective antigens To16, To18 and To45W in Taenia ovis oncospheres. During maturation of the adult tapeworm the antigens were initially seen as diffuse staining in the developing oncospheres but in mature oncospheres four distinct cells stained positively for the antigens. Confocal fluorescence microscopy using different fluorophores revealed that each of the antigens co-localizes within the same cells in the oncosphere. No surface localization was seen in non-activated or recently activated parasites. Immunogold labelling of non-activated oncosphere sections ...

The paraflagellar rod of kinetoplastid parasites: From structure to components and function.

International Journal for Parasitology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Portman N, Gull K The role of the eukaryotic flagellum in cell motility is well established but its importance in many other aspects of cell biology, from cell signaling to developmental regulation, is becoming increasingly apparent. In addition to this diversity of function the core structure of the flagellum, which has been inherited from the earliest ancestor of all eukaryotes, is embellished with a range of extra-axonemal structures in many organisms. One of the best studied of these structures is the paraflagellar rod of kinetoplastid protozoa in which the morphological characteristics have been well defined and some of the major protein constituents have been identified. Here we discuss recent advances in the identification of further molecular components of the paraflag...

Africanastrongylus giganticus n. sp. (nematoda: trichostrongyloidea), in african bufflo (syncerus caffer) (artiodactyla: bovinae) from uganda.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

AFRICANASTRONGYLUS GIGANTICUS N. SP. (NEMATODA: TRICHOSTRONGYLOIDEA), IN AFRICAN BUFFLO (SYNCERUS CAFFER) (ARTIODACTYLA: BOVINAE) FROM UGANDA. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 29;:1 Authors: Hoberg EP, Abrams A, Pilitt PA Africanastrongylus giganticus n. sp. is described based on large ostertagiine nematodes occurring in the abomasum of African buffalo, Syncerus caffer, from Uganda; this represents the second species recognized in the genus. Specimens of A. giganticus are characterized by large size (15-19 mm in total length), a strongly tapering synlophe in the cervical region, and a great number of ridges at all levels of the body (maximum 72 attained in the third quarter); numbers of ridges exceed that reported among any known genera and species of the Ostertagiinae. We refer A. gigant...

Helminth Parasites of Amphibians and Reptiles From the Ucayali Region, Peru.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: McAllister CT, Bursey CR, Freed P Twenty individual amphibians representing 9 species within 6 families and 44 individual reptiles representing 15 species within 8 families from the Ucayali Region, Peru, were examined for helminths. Seven (35%) of the amphibians and 15 (34%) of the reptiles were found to harbor at least 1 species of helminth; 5 (25%) of the amphibians and 4 (9%) of the reptiles harbored multiple infections. A cyclophyllidean cestode and 14 taxa of nematodes within 7 families were found in the herpetofauna surveyed. Thirteen new host and 6 new geographic distribution records are documented. PMID: 19874072 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

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An Outbreak of Angiostrongyliasis cantonensis in Beijing.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang J, Qi YH, Diao LZ, Zheng XY, Li XL, Ma SX, Ji AP, Yin HC An outbreak of 81 cases of angiostrongyliasis cantonensis occurred in Beijing during June-September 2006. Epidemiological characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory tests, imaging, and treatment data from the 81 AC patients were collected and analyzed. All cases had a history of eating raw, freshwater snails, and acquired Angiostrongylus cantonensis as a result. The incubation period ranged from 1 to 36 days. The main symptoms were fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and skin paresthesia. A significant increase in eosinophilia occurred in the peripheral blood of 62 cases and in cerebrospinal fluid of 64 cases; 36 patients presented a linearly enhanced abnormal signal of the leptomeninges site durin...

Protein export in malaria parasites: do multiple export motifs add up to multiple export pathways?

Trends in Parasitology — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Spielmann T, Gilberger TW Intracellular malaria parasites export numerous proteins into their host cell, a process essential for parasite survival and virulence. Many of these proteins are defined by a short amino acid sequence motif termed PEXEL or VTS that mediates their export, suggesting a collective trafficking route. The existence of several PEXEL-negative exported proteins (PNEPs) indicates that alternative export pathways might also exist. We review recent data on the sequences mediating export of PNEPs and compare this process to PEXEL export taking into account novel findings on the function of this motif. Based on this we propose that, despite the lack of a PEXEL in PNEPs, both groups of proteins might converge in a single export pathway on their way into the host c...

Erythropoietin for treating post-ivermectin Loa-related serious adverse events?

Trends in Parasitology — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Boussinesq M, Kamgno J, Pion SD, Mackenzie CD PMID: 19879192 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology)

Population dynamics of Crataerina pallida (Diptera: Hippoboscidae); a nest ectoparasite of the Common Swift, Apus apus (Aves: Apodidae).

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Walker MD, Rotherham ID An essential pre-requisite to understanding host-parasite relationships is a good knowledge of parasite ecology and life-history. Despite removing a significant amount of blood from their Common Swift (Apus apus) hosts no detrimental effect of parasitism by the Louse Fly (Crataerina pallida) has been found. This may be because little is known of the population dynamics of this parasite. We studied characteristics of Louse Fly populations that may influence its pathogenicity. Louse Fly populations were found to exhibit extremely high levels of prevalence and to be aggregated between nests. Nest populations were much higher than those seen in other studies. Louse Fly numbers declined throughout the swift breeding season. Populations were heavily female bi...

Renal infection by a new coccidian genus in big brown bats (eptesicus fuscus).

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

RENAL INFECTION BY A NEW COCCIDIAN GENUS IN BIG BROWN BATS (EPTESICUS FUSCUS). J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 28;:1 Authors: Wuenschmann A, Wellehan J, Armien AG, Bemrick W, Barnes D, Averbeck G, Roback R, Schwabenlander M, D'Almeida E, Joki R, Childress A, Cortinas R, Gardiner C, Greiner EC A novel coccidian parasite from the kidney of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) is described. This coccidian was associated with a generally mild, focal, or multifocal, well demarcated cortical renal lesion, less than 1 mm in diameter. The lesion represented cystic, dilated tubules with hypertrophied tubular epithelial cells and was present in the kidneys of 29 of 590 bats. Numerous coccidian parasites in various stages of development were present within the tubular epithelial cells and within the c...

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Spatial variation of haemosporidian parasite infection in African rainforest bird species.

The Journal of Parasitology — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Loiseau C, Iezhova TA, Valkiūnas G, Chasar A, Hutchinson A, Buermann W, Smith TB, Sehgal RN Spatial heterogeneity influences the distribution, prevalence and diversity of haemosporidian parasites. Previous studies have found complex patterns of prevalence with respect to habitat characteristics and parasite genotype, and their interactions, but there is little information regarding how parasitemia intensity and the prevalence of co-infections may vary in space. Here, using both molecular methods and microscopy, we report an analysis of the variation of parasitemia intensity and co-infections of avian haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species) in 2 common African birds species, the yellow-whiskered greenbul (Andropadus latirostris) and the olive sunbir...

Toxoplasma gondii: recombinant GRA5 antigen for detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Experimental Parasitology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In this study, for the first time, the evaluation of Toxoplasma gondii full length recombinant GRA5 antigen for the serodiagnosis of human toxoplasmosis is shown. The recombinant GRA5 antigen as a fusion protein containing his-tag at both terminals was obtained using an Escherichia coli expression system. The usefulness of rGRA5 for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis in an ELISA was tested on a total of 189 sera from patients with different stages of the infection and 31 sera from seronegative individuals, obtained during routine diagnostic tests. Anti-GRA5 IgG antibodies were detected in 70.9% of all seropositive serum samples. This result was comparable to ELISA using a Toxoplasma lysate antigen (TLA) and six combinations of recombinant antigens. The sensitivity of IgG ELISA calculated from ...

Inactivation of the complement anaphylatoxin C5a by secreted products of parasitic nematodes.

International Journal for Parasitology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rees-Roberts D, Mullen L, Gounaris K, Selkirk ME Given the importance of the complement anaphylatoxins in cellular recruitment during infection, the ability of secreted products from larval stages of Brugia malayi and Trichinella spiralis to influence C5a-mediated chemotaxis of human peripheral blood granulocytes in vitro was examined. Secreted products from B. malayi microfilariae almost completely abolished chemotaxis. This inhibition was blocked by phenylmethylsulphonyl fluoride, indicating the presence of a serine protease, which was subsequently shown to cleave C5a. In contrast, secreted products from T. spiralis infective larvae showed modest inhibition of C5a-mediated granulocyte chemotaxis, and this was blocked by potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor, an inhibitor of seve...

The dynamics of mutations associated with anti-malarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum.

Trends in Parasitology — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Escalante AA, Smith DL, Kim Y The evolution of resistance in Plasmodium falciparum against safe and affordable drugs such as chloroquine (CQ) and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) is a major global health threat. Investigating the dynamics of resistance against these antimalarial drugs will lead to approaches for addressing the problem of resistance in malarial parasites that are solidly based in evolutionary genetics and population biology. In this article, we discuss current developments in population biology modeling and evolutionary genetics. Despite great advancements achieved in the past decade, understanding the complex dynamics of mutations conferring drug resistance in P. falciparum requires approaches that consider the parasite population structure among other demograph...

[The Investigation of Toxoplasma gondii Seropositivity in Women in the Kayseri Province.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Incı M, Yağmur G, Aksebzecı T, Kaya E, Yazar S Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoon, Toxoplasma gondii. Its prevalence varies according to geographical status, age, eating habits and life style. The aim of this study was to determine seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in women who presented at the Kayseri Obstetric and Children Hospital. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were investigated with the microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) method in sera of 2235 women from August 2005 to December 2008. It was found that Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.42% and that increases in the seropositivity rate is statistically significant in regard to the increase in age (p < 0.05). PMID: 19851961 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (So...

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[Comparison of Commercial IFA, IHA and In-House IFA Tests in the Diagnosis of Cystic Echinococosis.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In conclusion, in-house IFA test is a useful and cost effective but difficult test to prepare for the routine laboratory. PMID: 19851962 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

The Detection of Echinococcus granulosus Strains Using Larval Rostellar Hook Morphometry.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Yildiz K, Gurcan IS The purpose of this study was to determine the morphometrical characteristics of the larval hooks of Echinococcus granulosus in Turkey. The number of rostellar hooks (NH) and the total length of long blades, length of the blade of the long hooks, the total length of small blades and the length of the blade of the small hooks were measured in sheep and cattle isolates. The principal component and discriminant function analyses were used to analyze the data. Rostellar structure of protoscoleces was very similar in the sheep and cattle samples. According to the correlation matrix, the hook number and the hook length was negatively correlated. However, the correlation between the hook lengths was positive. It was found that the morphometric characteristics of t...

[Should cystic echinococcosis be investigated in patients having high eosinophil counts?]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In conclusion, eosinophilia is not a sufficient indicator for CE alone and this parasite should be sought in patients with clinical and radiological signs. PMID: 19851964 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

Serum Leptin Concentrations in Patients with Intestinal Parasites.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Karul A, Ertabaklar H, Karataş E, Ertuğ S Leptin is a protein hormone controlling food intake and energy expenditure. In all infections icluding parasitic infections there is loss of appetite and anorexia. The aim of the present study was to clarify the relationship between intestinal parasites and serum leptin concentrations in children and adults. Forty patients with intestinal parasites and 34 healthy subjects took part in this study. Body weight, height and body mass index (BMI) were measured for all patients and controls. Patients were grouped according to age and parasitic infections (Giardia intestinalis, Blastocystis hominis, Enterobius vermicularis, Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar, Entamoeba coli). Serum leptin concentrations were detected by immuno...

[The First Report of Mulcticola hypoleucus (Denny, 1842) (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera) from Nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus L.) in Turkey.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In this study, two nightjars (Caprimulgus europaeus L.) were examined for ectoparasites. They were investigated macroscopically for lice. Then, they were placed into a plastic box and propoxur applied to their whole bodies. The ectoparasites which fell to the bottom of the box were collected and preserved in a vial with 70% of alcohol. No ectoparasite was observed on one nightjar while eleven lice specimens were collected from the other. The lice specimens were cleared in 10 % of KOH until they were transparent. The lice were mounted on slides using by Canada balsam and dried in an incubater. They were examined under the light microscope and identified as Mulcticola hypoleucus (Denny, 1842). This is the first time the genus Mulcticola and the species M. hypoleucus has been reported from th...

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[Investigation of thePrevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Aviary Birds in Homes in the Van Province.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in aviary birds in the Van province. For this purpose, fecal samples were collected from aviary birds (6 parrots, 5 nightingales, 24 canaries and 35 lovebirds) in Van. In the parasitology laboratory, seventy fecal samples were examined using the native and sedimentation technique for helminth eggs, Eimeria sp. oocysts and Giardia sp. cysts. The same samples were examined by modified-acid-fast staining for Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts. Prevalence of gastrointestial parasites was found to be 8.57% (6/70) in Van. Eimeria sp. oocysts were detected in lovebird (8.57%) and canaries (8.33%). Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts were detected only in parrots (16.67%). Helminth eggs and Giardia sp. cysts were not found in av...

Investigation of Intestinal Parasites in Pig Feces That Are also Human Pathogens.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Uysal HK, Boral O, Metıner K, Ilgaz A A total of 238 pig fecal specimens were collected from pig farms in Corlu (Tekirdağ), Ayazma, and Arnavutköy (Istanbul) during the summer. Out of the 238 pig specimens, 105 were from pigs younger than 6 months and 133 from pigs older than 6 months. These were investigated for intestine parasites in particular the ones that are human pathogens. Cryptosporidium spp. was detected In 21 fecal specimens (8.8%), Giardia spp. in 9 (3.7%), Balantidium coli cysts in 4 (1.6%) and Ascaris suum eggs in 9 (4.1%). Giardia lamblia were found in 8 (7.6%) of 105 pigs younger than 6 months, Cryptosporidium spp. in 12 (11.4%), Balantidium coli cysts in 2 (1.5%). In the pigs older than 6 months Giardia lamblia were found in 1 (0.7%), Cryptosp...

[Sheep Trichostrongylidosis in Van Province.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

This study was performed in the Van Municipality Slaughterhouse from January to December 2001. Abomasums and small intestines from a total of 104 sheep were transported to the parasitology laboratory of the Veterinary Faculty of Yüzüncü Yil University for parasitological examination. The abomasums and small intestines of the animals were opened with appropriate technique in the laboratory, and male nematodes were collected from the contents of the abomasums and small intestines using a sampling method, and then these parasites were identified. Gastrointestinal nematodes were encountered in 87.5% out of 104 sheep. Marshallagia marshalli (85%), Teladorsagia circumcincta (75%), Nematodirus oiratianus (75%), N. spathiger (65%), Haemonchus contortus (40%), Tel. occidentalis (36%)...

[Hybrid designs in studies.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Mandiracioğlu A The traditional cohort and case-control designs offer a number of advantages but they have several important limitations. There are some alternative study designs for coping with limitations of conventional study designs. These studies are hybrid designs that are economical and efficient in studying risk factors for rare diseases or drug adverse reactions. Hybrid designs are increasingly commonly used in studies. In this paper, hybrid designs including nested case- control, case - cohort, case crossover and case-time control designs were presented. PMID: 19851970 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

[Evaluation of Cystic Echinococcosis Cases Given a Histopathologic Diagnosis from 2002 to 2007 in Diyarbakir.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Ozekıncı S, Bakir S, Mizrak B Echinococcosis is a common parasitic disease manifesting as cyst formation in humans and animals, caused by the platyhelminth, Echinococcosis and it is an important health problem in our country. The aim of this study was to acquire knowlodge about the topographic features, the prevalence of cystic echinococcosis and to predict its frequency in the Diyarbakir region. From 2005 to 2007, 234 patients who had been given a histopathological diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis were analysed retrospectively. Based on the pathological records age, sex and location of the parasite were evaluated, and if a patient had the parasite in more than one location, it was counted as one. Female patients constituted 60.25% of the cases, and males, 39.74%...

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[Case report: primary renal hydatic cyst.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In this study, an primary right renal hydatic cyst which was found in a young female has been presented. The multilocular cyst was completely removed by total nefrectomia surgery. A late diagnosis due to unclear clinic manifestations was considered to be the main reason for the loss of the organ. It will be beneficial to consider a renal hydatic cyst when the patients with blurred flank pain are encountered. PMID: 19851972 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

[Case Report: Löffler's Syndrome Due to Ascaris lumbricoides Mimicking Acute Bacterial Community - Acquired Pneumonia.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In conclusion, we suggest that Loeffler's syndrome must be considered early in the differential diagnosis for CAP when peripheric eosinophilia is seen in patients if they live in an endemic area for parasitic disease. PMID: 19851973 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

Case Report: Dermanyssus gallinae in a Patient with Pruritus and Skin Lesions.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Akdemır C, Gülcan E, Tanritanir P A 40-year old woman patient who presented at the Dumlupinar University Faculty of Medicine Hospital reported intensified itching on her body during evening hours. During her physical examination, puritic dermatitis lesions were found on the patient's shoulders, neck and arms in particular, and systemic examination and labaratory tests were found to be normal. The patient's story showed that similar signs had been seen in other members of the household. They reside on the top floor of a building and pigeons are occasionally seen in the ventilation shaft. Examination of the house was made. The walls of the house, door architraves and finally beds, sheets and blankets and the windows opening to the outside were examined. During the exa...

First report of Eimeria lancasterensis in a Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.) in Turkey.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Ozmen O, Yukari BA, Haligür M A case of coccidiosis in a young, red male squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris L.) has been described in this report. The squirrel was found dead and presented to the department of pathology for necropsy. A traumatic lesion was observed on the face that could have caused death. At necropsy the large and small intestines were swollen due to fluid and gas. During the examination of gut content numerous coccidia oocysts were observed. After sporulation, the oocysts were identified as those of Eimeria lancasterensis. In the histopathological examination numerous coccidia developmental stages were observed in the epithelium of small intestine. This is the first report of Eimeria lancasterensis identification in squirrels in Turkey. PMID: 19851975 [PubM...

[A Study on the Helminth Fauna Linked to Seasonal Changes and Size of the Fish Host, Leuciscus cephalus L., from Lake Dam Orenler, Afyonkarahisar.]

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

In this study, the presence of helminths on 103 Leuciscus cephalus from the Orenler Dam Lake, Turkey was investigated from July 2007 to May 2008. Five parasite species were found in the host fish: Of these species Dactylogyrus vistuale was found in the gills (42.7%, 10.6+/-14.8 parasite/fish), Diplostomum sp. in the lens of eyes (12.6%, 4.1+/-4.0), Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in the intestine (23.3%, 4.8+/-10.4), Ligula intestinalis in the body cavity (12.6%, 2.1+/-1.2), and Pomphorhynchus laevis in the intestine (32.4%,.4.6+/-5.5). Infection data for parasite species were determined using seasonal data and size distribution of the host fish. PMID: 19851976 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Turkish Society for Parasitology)

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Observation on Monocystis constricta n. sp. (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Monocystidae) from an Indian Earthworm, Eutyphoeus quaripapillatus Michelsen, 1907.

Turkish Society for Parasitology — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 12:28:08 +0100

Authors: Bandyopadhyay PK, Mitra AK, Göçmen B A biodiversity survey of aseptate gregarines in earthworm hosts in the Calcutta district of West Bengal State revealed the existence of a new species of aseptate gregarine under the genus Monocystis Stein, 1848. The monocystid gregarines obtained from the earthworm host, Eutyphoeus quaripapillatus Michelsen, 1907 have been identified as a new species. The mucron was indistinct. The gamonts are elongated, ovoid, have a hood like structure at the anterior end and measure 150.1-212.4 (188.1+/- 2.1) mum x 66.1-112.1 (72.3 +/- 1.1) mum. The gametocysts are ellipsoid and measure 92.3- 136.3mum (111.2 +/- 2.1) x 78.3-114.4 mum (82.6 +/- 3.6) mum. Prominent syzygy was apparent. Oocysts are navicular, measuring 14.1-22.3 (18.1 +/- 3.2) mum...

Confocal microscopic findings of cysteine protease calpain in Plasmodium falciparum.

Experimental Parasitology — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Choi YY, Jung SY, Soh BY, Zheng B, Kim S, Park KI, Park H Pf-calpain, a cysteine protease of Plasmodium falciparum, is believed to be one of the central mediators for essential parasitic activity. However, the roles of calpain on parasitic activity have not been determined in P. falciparum. In the present study, the localization of Pf-calpain was investigated using polyclonal antibodies (anti-Pf-calpain antibody A and B) against peptides that distinguished it from human calpain-7 and rat calpain-10 protein. Recombinant Pf-calpain (rPf-calpain) was identified as a 46 kDa protein using an anti-Pf-calpain antibody A, which can recognize the Pf-calpain binding site. Confocal microscopy revealed calpain within cytoplasmic localized parasites in the erythocytic cycle. The findings s...

Fasciolagigantica: Parasitological and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study of the in vitro Effects of Ivermectin and/or Artemether.

Experimental Parasitology — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Artemether alone or combined with ivermectin in half doses had potent fasciocidal activities. Besides, half doses of combined drug regimens had higher ovicidal effects than each drug alone. In vivo studies are recommended to explore the efficacy of combined regimens against Fasciola infection. PMID: 19861124 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Experimental Parasitology)

Multiscale determinants of parasite abundance: A quantitative hierarchical approach for coral reef fishes.

International Journal for Parasitology — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study aims to both introduce and illustrate the use of multivariate regression trees in order to investigate the determinants of parasite abundance in a multi-scale quantitative context. To do this, we used new field epidemiological data from 1,489 coral reef fishes collected around two islands in French Polynesia. We evaluated the relative effect and interactions of several host traits and environmental factors on the abundance of metazoan parasite assemblage at several scales and assessed the impact of major factors on each parasite taxon. Our results suggest that the islands sampled, the host species and host size are equal predictors of parasite abundance at a global scale, whereas other factors proved to be significant predictors of a local pattern, depending on host family. We a...

Balamuthia mandrillaris: The multiple nuclei of Balamuthia amebas; their location, activity, and site of development.

Experimental Parasitology — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Dunnebacke TH Multiple nuclei were first noted in the pseudopodia of Balamuthia mandrillaris amebas feeding on mammalian cells. Phase microscope observations of live amebas in vitro reveal that while many amebas have a single nucleus, others have multiple nuclear-like structures, now confirmed as nuclei with haematoxylin and Feulgen stains. In the live cultures, two nuclei located near the tip of an extended pseudopodium were seen to fuse resulting in one larger morphologic unit. Such merging of nuclei has not been previously reported. Other nuclei were located at positions that subsequently became the site for the outgrowth of an additional pseudopod branch. A newly discovered large structure, a polyploid nucleus, was located in the mid-part of the ameba. Nucleoli of uniform ...

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Acanthamoeba spp.: in vitro effects of clinical isolates on murine macrophages, osteosarcoma and HeLa cells.

Experimental Parasitology — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

This study demonstrates the ability of these amoebae to degrade any of the tested cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the in vitro effects of acanthamoebae on osteosarcoma cells. PMID: 19857490 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Experimental Parasitology)

First report of a mixed infection due to Acanthamoeba genotype T3 and Vahlkampfia in a cosmetic soft contact lens wearer in Iran.

Experimental Parasitology — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Niyyati M, Lorenzo-Morales J, Rezaie S, Rahimi F, Martín-Navarro CM, Mohebali M, Maghsood AH, Farnia S, Valladares B, Rezaeian M Acanthamoeba keratitis cases have emerged in the recent years in Iran. In this case, an amoebic keratitis due to a mixed infection with Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia species is reported. Corneal scrapes, contact lenses and contact lense cases obtained from the patient were analysed and were positive for cysts of Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia genera. Genus-specific PCR was carried out for both genera, confirming the microscopic observations. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a possible mixed amoebic infection due to Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfia and raises awareness within contact lens wearers in Iran. PMID: 19857491 [PubMed -...

Sarcoptes scabiei: specific immune response to sarcoptic mange in the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica depends on previous exposure and sex.

Experimental Parasitology — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sarasa M, Rambozzi L, Rossi L, Meneguz PG, Serrano E, Granados JE, González FJ, Fandos P, Soriguer RC, Gonzalez G, Joachim J, Pérez JM Host acquired immunity is a critical factor that conditions the survival of parasites. Nevertheless, there is a shortage of data concerning inter-individual immunological inequalities in wild mammals. Sarcoptic mange is a widespread parasitosis that severely affects mammals such as the Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica). Despite some work on the subject, the immune response to sarcoptic mange infestation is still a complex and poorly understood phenomenon. To improve knowledge of the host-Sarcoptes immunological interaction, 18 Iberian ibexes were experimentally infested. IgG levels were assessed using ELISA to test for potential factors ...

The global cysteine peptidase landscape in parasites.

Trends in Parasitology — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Atkinson HJ, Babbitt PC, Sajid M The accumulation of sequenced genomes has expanded the already sizeable population of cysteine peptidases from parasites. Characterization of a few of these enzymes has ascribed key roles to peptidases in parasite life cycles and has also shed light on mechanisms of pathogenesis. Here we discuss recent observations on the physiological activities of cysteine peptidases of parasitic organisms, paired with a global view of all cysteine peptidases from the MEROPS database grouped by similarity. This snapshot of the landscape of parasite cysteine peptidases is complex and highly populated, suggesting that expansion of research beyond the few 'model' parasite peptidases is now timely. PMID: 19854678 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: T...

Detection, identification and molecular typing of Leishmania major in Phlebotomus papatasi from a focus of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in central of Iran.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Parvizi P, Baghban N, Novin EA, Absavaran A Leishmania major is the causative agent and Phlebotomus papatasi is the main vector of rural zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) in Iran and elsewhere. Nested PCR protocols were used to amplify a region of the ribosomal RNA amplicon of Leishmania (ITS1-5.8S rRNA gene) in female P. papatasi. In the current investigation, L. major was found in Natanz, Isfahan province in centre of Iran, in a focus of rural ZCL. Ten (1.8%) out of 549 female P. papatasi was found to be infected with L. major based on the PCR detection and sequencing of parasite ITSrDNA. Nine (1.8%) out of 498 female P. papatasi infected with L. major came from animal shelters, inside houses and yards. And one (1.9%) out of 51 female P. papatasi infected with L. major ...

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Toxoplasma gondii: Simple Duplex RT-PCR Assay for Detecting SAG1 and BAG1 Genes during Stage Conversion in Immunosuppressed Mice.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mahittikorn A, Wickert H, Sukthana Y Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is caused by reactivation of dormant bradyzoites into rapidly dividing tachyzoites of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii in immune-compromised hosts. Diagnosis of this life-threatening disease is complicated, since it is difficult to distinguish between these two stages. It is, therefore, mainly based on a test positive for T. gondii antibodies, and specific clinical symptoms. We developed a duplex RT-PCR to detect the expression of bradyzoite (BAG1) and tachyzoite (SAG1) specific genes simultaneously during tachyzoite/bradyzoite stage conversion. The conversion reaction was observed in many organs of experimental mice, indicated by tachyzoites in the cerebrum, cerebellum, heart and lung, beginning in ...

Changes in macrophage membrane properties during early Leishmania amazonensis infection differ from those observed during established infection and are partially explained by phagocytosis.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Quintana E, Torres Y, Alvarez C, Rojas A, Forero ME, Camacho M Understanding the impact of intracellular pathogens on the behavior of their host cells is key to designing new interventions. We are interested in how Leishmania alters the electrical function of the plasma membrane of the macrophage it infects. The specific question addressed here is the impact of Leishmania infection on macrophage membrane properties during the first 12 hours post-infection. A decrease of 29% in macrophage membrane capacitance at 3 hours post-infection indicates that the phagolysosome membrane is donated on entry by the macrophage plasma membrane. Macrophage membrane potential depolarized during the first 12 hours post-infection, which associated with a decreased inward potassium current density...

Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum/chagasi: histopathological aspects of the skin in naturally infected dogs in two endemic areas.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Calabrese KS, Cortada VM, Dorval ME, Lima MA, Oshiro ET, Souza CS, Silva-Almeida M, Carvalho LO, da Costa SC, Abreu-Silva AL In the New World, visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which is a progressive disease and frequently fatal, is caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum/chagasi. It is endemic in many regions of Brazil and occasionally occurs in non-endemic regions when dogs from an endemic area are introduced. The aim of the present study is to compare different skin infection patterns of dogs from two leishmaniasis endemic areas. A histological analysis of dogs from Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul state, a region where epidemic episodes are currently taking place, showed dermic inflammatory infiltrates, composed of numerous vacuolated parasitized macrophages, few lymphocytes...

Phylogenetic relationships of haemosporidian parasites in New World Columbiformes, with emphasis on the endemic Galapagos dove.

International Journal for Parasitology — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Santiago-Alarcon D, Outlaw DC, Ricklefs RE, Parker PG DNA sequence analyses of avian haemosporidan parasites, primarily of passerine birds, have described the phylogenetic relationships of major groups of these parasites, which are in general agreement with morphological taxonomy. However, less attention has been paid to haemosporidian parasites of non-passerine birds despite morphological and DNA-sequence evidence for unique clades of parasites in these birds. Detection of haemosporidian parasites in the Galapagos archipelago has raised conservation concerns and prompted us to characterize the origins and diversity of these parasites in the Galapagos dove (Zenaida galapagoensis). We used partial mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) and apicoplast caseinolytic protease C (ClpC) ...

Exposed proteins of the Schistosoma japonicum tegument.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mulvenna J, Moertel L, Jones MK, Nawaratna S, Lovas EM, Gobert GN, Colgrave M, Jones A, Loukas A, McManus DP The ability of the mammalian blood fluke Schistosoma japonicum to survive in the inhospitable environment of the mammalian bloodstream can be attributed, at least in part, to its host-exposed outer surface, called the tegument. The tegument is a dynamic organ and is involved in nutrition, immune evasion and modulation, excretion, osmoregulation and signal transduction. Given its importance for parasite survival, proteins exposed to the host at the surface of the tegument are ideal targets for the development of vaccines and drugs. By biotinylating live adult worms and using a combination of OFFGEL electrophoresis and tandem mass spectroscopy 54 proteins were identified ...

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Phylogenetic analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA reveals a complex of cryptic species in Crassicutis cichlasomae (Digenea: Apocreadiidae), a parasite of Middle-American cichlids.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Razo-Mendivil U, Vázquez-Domínguez E, Rosas-Valdez R, León GP, Nadler SA We obtained nuclear ITS-1 and mitochondrial cox1 sequences from 225 Crassicutis cichlasomae adults collected in 12 species of cichlids from 32 localities to prospect for the presence of cryptic species. This trematode is commonly found in species of cichlids over a wide geographic range in Middle-America. Population-level phylogenetic analyses of ITS-1 and cox1, assessments of genetic and haplotype diversity, and morphological observations revealed that C. cichlasomae represents a complex of seven cryptic species for which no morphological diagnostic characters have been discovered thus far. Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood analyses of concatenated datasets (906 bp) recovered eight lineages ...

Developmental inflexibility of larval tapeworms in response to resource variation.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Benesh DP The timing of habitat switching in organisms with complex life cycles is an important life history characteristic that is often influenced by the larval growth environment. Under starvation, longer developmental times are frequently observed, probably as a consequence of developmental thresholds, but prolonged ontogeny sometimes also occurs under good conditions, as organisms may take advantage of the large potential gains in body size. I investigated whether variation in growth conditions affects the larval development time of a complex life cycle tapeworm (Schistocephalus solidus) in its copepod first host. Moreover, I reviewed patterns of developmental plasticity in larval tapeworms to assess the generality of my findings. Copepod starvation weakly retarded parasi...

Focusing on complement in the antiparasitic defense of mosquitoes.

Trends in Parasitology — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Volohonsky G, Steinert S, Levashina EA Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium and transmitted to humans by the Anopheles mosquitoes. The mosquito immune system predominantly targets Plasmodium at the ookinete stage, and efficiently eliminates the majority of invading parasites. Identification of the components of the mosquito complement system now provides new focus for studies on the activation and control of this pathway, whose manipulation is expected to block malaria transmission at the vector level. PMID: 19853513 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology)

Teladorsagia circumcincta: survival of adults in vitro is enhanced by the presence of a mammalian cell line.

Experimental Parasitology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Luque A, Walker LR, Pedley JC, Pedley KC, Hillrichs K, Simpson HV, Simcock DC Adult Teladorsagia circumcincta survival and motility in vitro was examined in a range of different cell culture media, supplements and gas mixes. Under optimum conditions, worms survived for 14 days, exhibiting high motility for 9 days and egg production for 72 hours. Optimum conditions involved co-culture of worms with a HeLa cell line in a supplemented cell medium (CEM) and an atmosphere containing 10% CO(2), 5% O(2) 85% N(2), 65% humidity at 37 degrees C. The incubation medium consisted of Minimum Essential Medium with 10% fetal calf serum, 1% non-essential amino acids, 1% glutamax and 1% penicillin-neomycin-streptomycin cocktail mix. Compared with optimum conditions, incubation in CEM alone, cel...

Tick-susceptible Bos taurus cattle display an increased cellular response at the site of larval Rhipicephalus (Boophilus)microplus attachment, compared with tick-resistant Bos indicus cattle.

International Journal for Parasitology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Piper EK, Jackson LA, Bielefeldt-Ohmann H, Gondro C, Lew-Tabor AE, Jonsson NN Cattle demonstrate divergent and heritable phenotypes of resistance and susceptibility to infestation with the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Bos indicus cattle are generally more resistant to tick infestation than Bos taurus breeds although large variations in resistance can occur within subspecies and within breed. Increased tick resistance has been previously associated with an intense hypersensitivity response in B. taurus breeds; however, the mechanism by which highly resistant B. indicus cattle acquire and sustain high levels of tick resistance remains to be elucidated. Using the commercially available Affymetrix microarray gene expression platform, together with histological ...

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An update on P-glycoprotein and drug resistance in Schistosoma mansoni.

Trends in Parasitology — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: James CE, Hudson AL, Davey MW PMID: 19850522 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology)

The interaction of light and gravity on the transmission of echinostoma caproni (digenea: echinostomatidae) cercariae to the second intermediate host, biomphalaria glabrata(gastropoda: pulmonata).

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

THE INTERACTION OF LIGHT AND GRAVITY ON THE TRANSMISSION OF ECHINOSTOMA CAPRONI (DIGENEA: ECHINOSTOMATIDAE) CERCARIAE TO THE SECOND INTERMEDIATE HOST, BIOMPHALARIA GLABRATA(GASTROPODA: PULMONATA). J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 20;:1 Authors: Platt T, Greenlee H, Zelmer D, Platt T The current experiments were designed to assess the interaction of light and gravity on the transmission of Echinostoma caproni cercariae to the 2nd intermediate host, Biomphalaria glabrata. Transmission chambers were constructed of clear PVC pipe covered with a black sleeve to exclude light. Snails were constrained within the chamber to prevent movement, while permitting the cercariae to swim freely. A trial consisted of 2 infected B. glabrata shedding E. caproni cercariae placed at the center of the chamber ...

Parabrachiella jarai sp. nov. (Crustacea: Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida) parasitic on Sillago sihama (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Sillaginidae).

Experimental Parasitology — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Authors: Piasecki W, Młynarczyk M, Hayward CJ The presently reported study provides a detailed morphological description of the female and the male of a new species of the genus Parabrachiella-Parabrachiella jarai sp. nov. The parasites were sampled from marine fishe, silver sillago, Sillago sihama (Perciformes: Sillaginidae), captured in Malaysia in 1994 and Hong Kong in 1995. The new species bears some resemblance to P. lata (Song et Chen, 1976) but differs from it in details of second antenna, mandible, and maxilliped. The genus Parabrachiella currently includes 67 species including those recently transferred from Neobrachiella Kabata, 1979. An amended generic diagnosis is proposed for Parabrachiella and Thysanote. Some members of Parabrachiella are herewith transferred to Thy...

Malaria vaccines - how and when to proceed?

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Craig AG, Holder AA, Leroy OY, Ventura RA In the field of malaria vaccines, there are many barriers to moving lead candidates from the bench into developmental programmes before clinical testing. Many of the same challenges are to be found in the field of vaccines for other infectious diseases. Here, we briefly outline the process of pre-clinical development to help identify ways to support the translation of laboratory-based information into viable vaccine candidates. PMID: 19837633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trends in Parasitology)

Reduced hamster usage and stress in propagating Leishmania chagasi promastigotes using cryopreservation and saphenous vein inoculation.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lei SM, Ramer-Tait AE, Dahlin-Laborde RR, Mullin K, Beetham JK Leishmania chagasi, a causal agent of visceral leishmaniasis, requires passage through lab animals such as hamsters to maintain its virulence. Hamster infection is typically accomplished via cardiac puncture or intraperitoneal injection, procedures accompanied by risks of increased animal stress and death. The use of the hamster model also necessitates a regular supply of infected animals, since L. chagasi parasites newly isolated from an infected hamster can be grown in culture for only several weeks before loss of function/phenotype occurs. Towards decreasing animal usage and animal stress, experiments were performed to assess a more gentle inoculation procedure (saphenous vein inoculation) and the use of cryopre...

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Meiotic chromosome pairing and bouquet formation during Eimeria tenella sporulation.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This study tracks the general behaviour of telomeres, attachment plaques and synaptonemal complexes in the nucleus of the meiotic oocyst of E. tenella. Fluorescence microscopy methods, in combination with immunoelectron microscopy techniques, were applied to obtain a series of time-lapse images during oocyst sporulation. Antibodies to Structural Maintenance of Chromosome proteins SMC1 and SMC3, and lamin were labelled with either fluorescence or colloidal gold to visualize the telomeres, central elements of the synaptonemal complex (SC) and nuclear periphery, respectively, at both the structural and ultrastructural levels. Using oocyst spreads and ultrathin sections of fixed oocysts it was possible to study telomere dynamics at stages during meiosis. The stages of the meiotic prophase I ar...

Introduction of kevin d. lafferty as the henry baldwin ward medalist for 2009.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

INTRODUCTION OF KEVIN D. LAFFERTY AS THE HENRY BALDWIN WARD MEDALIST FOR 2009. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 12;:1 Authors: Kuris A PMID: 19821633 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Molecular characterization and histopathology of myxobolus koi infecting the gills of a koi cyprinus carpio, with an amended morphologic description of the agent.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION AND HISTOPATHOLOGY OF MYXOBOLUS KOI INFECTING THE GILLS OF A KOI CYPRINUS CARPIO, WITH AN AMENDED MORPHOLOGIC DESCRIPTION OF THE AGENT. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 12;:1 Authors: Camus AC, Griffin MJ A Myxobolus sp., morphologically resembling M. toyamai, M. longisporus, and M. koi, was isolated from the gills of a koi Cyprinus carpio that died in an ornamental pond. Large plasmodia were localized within lamellae causing severe disruption of the normal branchial architecture, sufficient to compromise respiration. Although the case isolate shared several features with the aforementioned species, several key characteristics were most compatible with M. koi. In valvular view, spores were elongate and pyriform with a rounded posterior, 15.4 (14.5 - 16.5) microm...

Expression of genes in gastrointestinal and lymphatic tissues during parasite infection in sheep genetically resistant or susceptible to Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus.

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Andronicos N, Hunt P, Windon R Resistance to an acute gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection is dependent on the ability of the host to recognize the parasite and mount a protective Th2 response. It is hypothesized that lambs which are genetically susceptible to GIN will differentially up-regulate Th1-type genes and therefore remain susceptible to chronic parasitism compared with genetically resistant lambs which will differentially up-regulate Th2-type genes and clear the parasite infection. Two selection flocks, in which lines of Merino sheep produced lambs genetically resistant or susceptible to GIN, were acutely challenged once or thrice with either Haemonchus contortus or Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Faecal-egg counts (FECs), and plasma and tissue anti-parasite (H. ...

ABC - antibiotics-based combinations for the treatment of severe malaria?

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Noedl H Almost one million people die of severe malaria every year. In recent years, artemisinin-based combination therapies have become the backbone of the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria and have helped to reduce the burden of malaria in large parts of the malaria-endemic world. However, the treatment of severe malaria, the clinical syndrome responsible for most malaria-associated deaths, remains largely unaffected by this development. Invasive bacterial infections and misdiagnosis of bacterial infections as severe malaria are well recognized phenomena, but recent data indicate that their prevalence and clinical importance might be far greater than previously anticipated. Therefore, there could be good reasons to routinely combine antimalarials, such as artemis...

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Redefining the role of de novo fatty acid synthesis in Plasmodium parasites.

Trends in Parasitology — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tarun AS, Vaughan AM, Kappe SH Fatty acids are essential components of membranes, and are also involved in cell signalling. Plasmodium, the parasite that causes malaria, scavenges fatty acids from its hosts. However, Plasmodium also possesses enzymes for a prokaryotic-like de novo fatty acid synthesis pathway, which resides in the apicoplast. Recent research has demonstrated that Plasmodium parasites depend on de novo fatty acid synthesis only for liver-stage development. This finding demonstrates that basic anabolic functions of Plasmodium parasites are not necessary for the growth and replication of every life cycle stage. We discuss the role of fatty acid metabolism in Plasmodium and why we believe that de novo fatty acid synthesis is only required for parasite late liver-s...

Seasonality of Parasitic Gut Infections in Humans in the Rocky Mountain Region, USA.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Church C, Neill A, Schotthoefer A To evaluate the seasonal prevalence of human intestinal parasites in the western states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Montana, fecal samples were examined as part of routine diagnostic testing from patients experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort in August (summer) 2006, and January (winter) and April (spring) 2007. Parasite identification in positive samples was confirmed under light microscopy using wet mount and trichrome staining techniques. Seventy-eight of the 1083 patients surveyed (7.2%) in August tested positive for at least one species of intestinal parasite. Forty-eight of 726 (6.6%) patients and 51 of 795 (6.4%) tested positive for at least one species in January and April, respectively. Blastocystis hominis was the most preva...

Acanthamoeba polyphaga is a possible host for Vibriocholerae in aquatic environments.

Experimental Parasitology — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Sandström G, Saeed A, Abd H Acanthamoeba is a genus of free-living amoebae found to be able to host many bacterial species living in the environment. Acanthamoebae and Vibrio cholerae are found in the aquatic environments of cholera endemic areas. Previously it has been shown that V. cholerae O1 and O139 can survive and grow in Acanthamoeba castellanii. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of Acanthamoeba polyphaga to host V. cholerae O1 and O139.The interaction between A. polyphaga and V. cholerae strains was studied by means of viable amoeba cell counts and viable count of the bacteria in the absence and presence of amoebae. The viable count of intracellularly growing bacteria was estimated by utilizing gentamicin assay. Electron microscopy was used to deter...

Surveillance for antibodies to leishmania spp. in dogs from sri lanka.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

SURVEILLANCE FOR ANTIBODIES TO LEISHMANIA SPP. IN DOGS FROM SRI LANKA. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 5;:1 Authors: Rosypal AC, Tripp S, Kinlaw C, Hailemariam S, Tidwell RR, Lindsay DS, Rajapakse RP, Sreekumar C, Dubey JP The global distribution of leishmaniasis is rapidly expanding into new geographic regions. Dogs are the primary reservoir hosts for human visceral leishmaniasis caused by infection with Leishmania infantum. Natural infections with other Leishmania species can occur in dogs, but their role as reservoir hosts for other species of Leishmania is uncertain. Leishmania donovani is traditionally considered a visceralizing anthroponotic species, however, cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. donovani has been reported in Sri Lanka. In the present study, serum from 114 dogs in S...

The Association of Adult Onchocerca volvulus with Lymphatic Vessels.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Mackenzie CD, Huntington MK, Wanji SJ, Lovato RV, Eversole RR, Geary TG Immunocytochemical examination of onchocercal nodule tissues containing adult Onchocerca volvulus using immuno-markers for blood and lymphatic vessels (Factor VIII, D2-40, podoplanin, Prox-1 and Lyve1) shows a distinct pattern of distribution of these vessels within nodules. Blood vessels were commonly seen associated with organized lymphoid cellular aggregates in the both the outer and inner areas of the nodules. In contrast, the majority of the lymphatic vessel components were present in the central zones in close apposition to the adult parasites, or associated with microfilariae in the outer areas of the nodule. These findings suggest an intimate relationship between adult O.volvulus and lymphatic vess...

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Parasite inventories and DNA-based taxonomy: Lessons from helminths of freshwater fishes in a megadiverse country.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Pérez-Ponce de León G, Choudhury A Freshwater fish helminth parasites are undoubtedly the most well-known group among vertebrate parasites in Mexico, composed of 37 adult and 43 larval (metacercariae) trematodes; 62 monogeneans; 15 adult and 18 larval (metacestode) cestodes; 6 adult and 4 larval (cystacanth) acanthocephalans, and 54 adult and 15 larval nematodes (L3). Here, we evaluate the extent of the inventory of freshwater fish helminths of Mexico using species accumulation curves and discuss the implications of DNA-based taxonomic methods in our understanding of the helminth biodiversity in freshwater fishes. Future directions for the study of the helminth parasites of freshwater fishes are proposed, particularly the role of DNA based species delimitation criter...

Prerequisites for Parasitism in Rhabditid Nematodes.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Warburton EM, Zelmer DA To evaluate their potential for survival in a vertebrate host, dauer larvae from 7 species of rhabditid nematodes were subjected to in vitro conditions designed to emulate those of a vertebrate digestive tract. Dauer larvae from 3 of the 7 species, selected for their ability to survive elevated temperatures and low pH, and representing differing types of phoretic associations with invertebrate hosts, were fed to frogs to examine their ability to survive passage through a vertebrate digestive system. The degree of invasiveness of the phoretic association that dauer larvae had with their invertebrate hosts did not correspond to patterns of in vitro survivorship for any of the experimental conditions. When consumed with a prey item, dauer larvae from all 3...

Coccidian merozoite transcriptome analysis from Eimeria maxima in comparison to Eimeria tenella and Eimeria acervulina.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Schwarz RS, Fetterer RH, Rosenberg GH, Miska KB Using the Eimeria spp. population that infect chickens as a model for coccidian biology, we aimed to survey the transcriptome of E. maxima and contrast it to the 2 other Eimeria spp. for which transcriptome data are available, E. tenella and E. acervulina. Examining specifically the asexual intracellular development stage, the merozoite, we used expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis to provide experimental evidence of transcription and a framework for understanding the merozoite stage of E. maxima. Of 2,680 individual ESTs obtained, 48.2% shared most significant (E<10-5) homology to sequences from other apicomplexan species, primarily other Eimeria spp. and Toxoplasma gondii, while 47.5% were unique. Annotation of these ESTs e...

Risk factors associated with Neospora caninum seropositivity in sheep from the State of Alagoas, in the Northeast Region of Brazil.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Faria E, Cavalcanti E, Madeiros E, Pinheiro-Júnior J, Azevedo S, Athayde A, Mota R The aim of this study was to identify risk factors associated with Neospora caninum seropositivity in sheep from the State of Alagoas, in the Northeast region of Brazil. Twenty-six herds were selected and blood samples were collected from 343 animals > 6 months old. The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was used for serological diagnosis of N. caninum infection. Epidemiological questionnaires were applied for each herd in order to identify the risk factors associated with infection. Thirty-three (9.6%) animals tested positive for anti-N. caninum IgG antibodies, with titers ranging from 1:50 to 1:1,600. Fourteen herds (53.8%) presented at least one seropositive animal. Risk factor...

A zoonotic genotype of enterocytozoon bieneusi in horses.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

A ZOONOTIC GENOTYPE OF ENTEROCYTOZOON BIENEUSI IN HORSES. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 4;:1 Authors: Santin-Duran M, Fayer R, Cortes Vecino JA This is the first report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in an equid species. Feces from 195 horses from 4 locations in Colombia were examined for E. bieneusi by PCR. Of these, 21 horses (10.8%) were found positive for E. bieneusi. The prevalence of E. bieneusi in horses <1 yr of age was significantly higher (23.7%) than in horses > 1 yr of age (2.5%). No significant differences in prevalence were observed between male (13.7%) and female horses (9%). Sequencing of the ITS region of the SSUrRNA locus identified three genotypes. Two genotypes appear to be unique to horses and were named Horse 1 and Horse 2. A third genotype, identified as genoty...

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Research Note.... Prevalence of Troglodytella abrassarti Brumpt and Joyeux, 1912 in wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

We examined stool samples from a habituated group of chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Mahale Mountains National Park in western Tanzania for trophozoites of the entodiniomorphid ciliate, Troglodytella abrassarti Brumpt and Joyeux, 1912. In our study, fresh fecal samples from identified individuals were collected immediately after defecation and fixed in 10% formalin solution. A total of 52 samples from 38 chimpanzees (61% of 62 chimpanzees in the group) were examined using a direct smear method. A stool sample from an individual collection date from an individual chimpanzee was examined up to 3 separate times before it was called negative. Fourty-eight (92%) of the 52 samples were positive and stools from 37 (97%) of the 38 chimpanzees were positive for trophozoites of T. ar...

Plasmodium vivax DBP binding to Aotus nancymaae erythrocytes is Duffy antigen dependent.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: McHenry AM, Barnwell JW, Adams JH Plasmodium vivax is the second leading cause of malaria worldwide. Invasion of human erythrocytes by P. vivax merozoites is dependent upon the interaction between the parasite Duffy binding protein (PvDBP) and the erythrocyte Duffy antigen receptor. Therefore, disruption of this vital interaction is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Although Aotus nancymaae is a commonly used primate model for human P. vivax infections, it has not been confirmed that the interaction between Ao. nancymaae erythrocytes and P. vivax is Duffy antigen dependent. Our results indicate that normal Ao. nancymaae erythrocytes readily bind to PvDBPII and that this binding is completely abolished with chymotrypsin treatment of the erythrocytes. Furthermor...

Neolebouria blatta n. sp. (Digenea: Opecoelidae) from Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus (Valenciennes) and Etelis carbunculus Cuvier (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) off New Caledonia.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:20 +0100

Authors: Bray RA, Justine JL Neolebouria blatta n. sp. is described from Pristipomoides argyrogrammicus (Valenciennes) and Etelis carbunculus Cuvier in waters off New Caledonia. It differs from all other species of Neolebouria Gibson, 1976 but one, N. georgenascimentoi Bray, 2002, in the extension of the cirrus-sac to the ovary or nearly so. It differs from N. georgenascimentoi in its continuous, rather than interrupted, vitelline distribution. N. blatta belongs to a small group of similar Neolebouria species reported in deep-water lutjanids, which includes N. longisacculus (Yamaguti, 1970) n. comb., N. rooseveltiae (Yamaguti, 1970) n. comb. and N. ulaula (Yamaguti, 1970). PMID: 19789997 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Systematic Parasitology)

Re-evaluation of the species composition of Bashkirovitrema Skrjabin, 1944 (Digenea: Echinostomatidae), with the description of two new species of this genus and the proposal of Kostadinovatrema novaeguiniense n. g., n. sp.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:17 +0100

Authors: Dronen NO A comparison of specimens previously identified as Bashkirovitrema incrassatum (Diesing, 1850) from the African or cape clawless otter Aonyx capensis, and the speckle-throated or spotted-throated otter Hydrictis maculicollis from the Old World with specimens and descriptions of B. incrassatum from the New World showed that those from Africa (Bashkirovitrema africanum n. sp.) had a more extensive distribution of the vitelline fields than either B. canadense n. sp. from the northern river otter Lontra canadensis and the American mink Neovison vison (North America) and B. incrassatum from the Neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis (South America). B. africanum n. sp. further differs from B. canadense n. sp. by having a smaller body, shorter forebody, smaller oral su...

New records of rare derogenids (Digenea: Hemiuroidea) from Mediterranean sparids, including the description of a new species of Magnibursatus Naidenova, 1969 and redescription of Derogenes adriaticus Nikolaeva, 1966.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:14 +0100

Authors: Kostadinova A, Gibson DI Records of derogenid digeneans in the Mediterranean and Black Sea region are scarce and tend to be restricted to a small number of host-groups, but especially to sparid fishes. This work reports on the presence of derogenine and halipegine derogenids from two sparids, Diplodus annularis (L.) and D. sargus (L.), from off the Mediterranean coast of Spain. Five derogenid forms were recovered. Derogenes adriaticus Nikolaeva, 1966 is redescribed from Diplodus annularis, and Derogenes sp. is described from the same host but differentiated from the former species. Magnibursatus barretti n. sp. is described from Diplodus sargus and distinguished from other species of the genus especially by its smaller body size and smaller eggs. M. bartolii Kostadinova, Power...

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Anisakis nascettii n. sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from beaked whales of the southern hemisphere: morphological description, genetic relationships between congeners and ecological data.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:11 +0100

Authors: Mattiucci S, Paoletti M, Webb SC A new anisakid nematode, Anisakis nascettii n. sp., is described from beaked whales Mesoplodon spp. off the coast of New Zealand and South Africa. Morphological and molecular (allozymes and mtDNA cox2 sequence) data were used for diagnostic and identification purposes. Among the 19 allozymes studied, 10 were found to be unique and characteristic for A. nascettii n. sp. Analysis of allozymes demonstrated reproductive isolation from A. ziphidarum Paggi, Nascetti, Webb, Mattiucci, Cianchi & Bullini, 1998 and mtDNA cox2 sequences depict this Anisakis species as a distinct and unique entity. Key morphological diagnostic traits for A. nascettii with respect to the genetically closely related species A. ziphidarum include: spicule length, the spic...

A new species of Isospora Schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Ruppell's agama Agama rueppelli (Vaillant) (Sauria: Agamidae) from East Africa, with a review of this genus in agamid lizards.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:08 +0100

Authors: Mihalca AD, Jirků M, Malonza PK, Modrý D Coprological examinations of eight Ruppell's agamas Agama rueppelli (Vaillant) revealed the presence of a coccidium of the genus Isospora Schneider, 1881 that represents a previously undescribed species. Oöcysts of Isospora farahi n. sp. are spherical or subspherical, 29.1 (26-31) x 28.8 (26-31) microm, with a shape-index of 1.01 (1-1.07). An oöcyst residuum, polar granules and micropyle are absent. The oöcyst wall is bilayered, brownish and smooth, c. 1.5-2 microm thick. The sporocysts are oval, 16.6 (15-18) x 11.4 (11-12) microm, with a shape-index of 1.46 (1.25-1.64) and both Stieda and substieda bodies. A sporocyst residuum is present as medium-sized granules scattered irregularly among the sporozoites. The...

Three new species of Hatschekia Poche, 1902 (Copepoda: Siphonostomatoida: Hatschekiidae) parasitic on Abalistes filamentosus (Pisces: Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from off Okinawa, Japan.

Systematic Parasitology — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 04:18:05 +0100

Authors: Uyeno D, Nagasawa K Three new species of the copepod genus Hatschekia Poche, 1902, H. lima n. sp., H. cylindrus n. sp. and H. sunaoi n. sp., are described from the gill filaments of a triggerfish, Abalistes filamentosus Matsuura & Yoshino, caught off the Ryukyu Islands, Okinawa, Japan. These new species share an unusual morphological character, i.e. four stout posterior spines on the intercoxal sclerites of legs 1 and 2. H. lima n. sp. differs from its congeners in having a robust inner lobe on the maxillule and leg 3 with a swollen basal lobe. H. cylindrus n. sp. is distinguishable from its congeners by having a cephalothorax fused to the trunk and a double-semicircular chitinous frame. H. sunaoi n. sp. is characterised by leg 3 with a swollen basal lobe and an oval cepha...

Stomach nematodes (mastophorus muris) in rats (rattus rattus) are associated with coconut (cocos nucifera) habitat at palmyra atoll.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 23:00:00 +0100

STOMACH NEMATODES (MASTOPHORUS MURIS) IN RATS (RATTUS RATTUS) ARE ASSOCIATED WITH COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA) HABITAT AT PALMYRA ATOLL. J Parasitol. 2009 Oct 2;:1 Authors: Lafferty KD, Hathaway SA, Wegmann AS, Shipley FS, Backlin AR, Helm J, Fisher RN Black rats (Rattus rattus) and their stomach nematodes (Mastophorus muris) were historically introduced to islets at Palmyra Atoll in the central Pacific Line Islands. To investigate patterns of parasitism, we trapped rats and quantified nematodes at 13 islets of various size and habitat type. Most rats were parasitized (59%) with an average of twelve worms per parasitized rat. Islet size did not greatly influence parasitism. Nematodes did not appear to affect rat condition (weight to skull length). The only strong and consistent fac...

Genetic polymorphisms of Echinococcus tapeworms in China as determined by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences.

International Journal for Parasitology — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Nakao M, Li T, Han X, Ma X, Xiao N, Qiu J, Wang H, Yanagida T, Mamuti W, Wen H, Moro PL, Giraudoux P, Craig PS, Ito A The genetic polymorphisms of Echinococcus spp. in the eastern Tibetan Plateau and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region were evaluated by DNA sequencing analyses of genes for mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and nuclear elongation factor-1 alpha (ef1a). We collected 68 isolates of Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto (s.s.) from Xinjiang and 113 isolates of E. granulosus s. s., 49 isolates of Echinococcus multilocularis and 34 isolates of Echinococcus shiquicus from the Tibetan Plateau. The results of molecular identification by mitochondrial and nuclear markers were identical, suggesting the infrequency of introgressive hybridization. A con...

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Parasitic castration: the evolution and ecology of body snatchers.

Trends in Parasitology — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Lafferty KD, Kuris AM Castration is a response to the tradeoff between consumption and longevity faced by parasites. Common parasitic castrators include larval trematodes in snails, and isopod and barnacle parasites of crustaceans. The infected host (with its many unique properties) is the extended phenotype of the parasitic castrator. Because an individual parasitic castrator can usurp all the reproductive energy from a host, and that energy is limited, intra- and interspecific competition among castrators is generally intense. These parasites can be abundant and can substantially depress host density. Host populations subject to high rates of parasitic castration appear to respond by maturing more rapidly. PMID: 19800291 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Trend...

Introduction of miodrag (mike) belosevic, recipient of 2009 clark p. read mentor award.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

INTRODUCTION OF MIODRAG (MIKE) BELOSEVIC, RECIPIENT OF 2009 CLARK P. READ MENTOR AWARD. J Parasitol. 2009 Sep 29;:1 Authors: Hanington P There is no abstract for this submission. PMID: 19788337 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Minutes of the Eighty-Fourth Annual ASP Business Meeting.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Janovy Jr J Minutes of the 2009 Annual ASP Business Meeting held at the Crowne Plaza in Knoxville, Tennessee. PMID: 19788338 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Minutes of the Ninety-ninth Annual ASP Council Meeting.

The Journal of Parasitology — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Janovy Jr J Minutes of the 2009 ASP Council Meeting held at the Crowne Plaza in Knoxville, Tennessee. PMID: 19788339 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Structural and functional characterization of the fork head transcription factor-encoding gene, Hc-daf-16, from the parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus (Strongylida).

International Journal for Parasitology — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hu M, Lok JB, Ranjit N, Massey HC, Sternberg PW, Gasser RB Despite their phylogenetic diversity, parasitic nematodes share attributes of longevity and developmental arrest (= hypobiosis) with free-living nematodes at key points in their life cycles, particularly in larval stages responsible for establishing infection in the host. Insulin-like signalling plays crucial roles in the regulation of life span and arrest (= dauer formation) in the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans. Insulin-like signalling in C. elegans negatively regulates the fork head box (FoxO) transcription factor encoded by daf-16, which is linked to initiating a dauer-specific pattern of gene expression. Orthologues of daf-16 have been identified in several species of parasitic nematode. Although fun...

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Parasites and Symbionts from Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamark, 1819) (Bivalves: Mytilidae) of the Aveiro Estuary Portugal.

The Journal of Parasitology — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Francisco CJ, Hermida MA, Santos MJ The primary aim of the present study was to conduct a 1 yr parasitological survey of a Mytilus galloprovincialis mussel population from the Aveiro Estuary, Portugal. In addition, we attempted to assess the host response to parasites by examining host histopathology, including an evaluation of hemocyte infiltration and parasite encapsulation. The parasites present (prevalence) included: 1 protozoan, Nematopsis sp. (70%); 1 turbellarian, Urastoma cyprinae, (39%); 2 trematodes, Diphtherostomum sp. (58%) and Prosorhynchus crucibulum (0.3%); 3 crustaceans, Bathylaophonte azorica (0.3%) and with 2 species of Mytilicola spp. (3.5%), i.e., M. intestinalis and M. orientalis. Highest prevalences for the most abundant species occurred in summer and aut...

Preface.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Prévost G PMID: 19773064 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Advances in Parasitology)

Chapter 1: Ecology and life history evolution of frugivorous Drosophila parasitoids.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Fleury F, Gibert P, Ris N, Allemand R Parasitoids and their hosts are linked by intimate and harmful interactions that make them well suited to analyze fundamental ecological and evolutionary processes with regard to life histories evolution of parasitic association. Drosophila aspects of what parasitoid Hymenoptera have become model organisms to study aspects that cannot be investigated with other associations. These include the genetic bases of fitness traits variations, physiology and genetics of resistance/virulence, and coevolutionary dynamics leading to local adaptation. Recent research on evolutionary ecology of Drosophila parasitoids were performed mainly on species that thrive in fermenting fruits (genera Leptopilina and Asobara). Here, we review information and add o...

Chapter 2: Decision-making dynamics in parasitoids of Drosophila.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Thiel A, Hoffmeister TS Drosophilids and their associated parasitoids live in environments that vary in resource availability and quality within and between generations. The use of information to adapt behavior to the current environment is a key feature under such circumstances and Drosophila parasitic wasps are excellent model systems to study learning and information use. They are among the few parasitoid model species that have been tested in a wide array of situations. Moreover, several related species have been tested under similar conditions, allowing the analysis of within and between species variability, the effect of natural selection in a typical environment, the current physiological status, and previous experience of the individual. This holds for host habitat and...

Chapter 3: Dynamic use of fruit odours to locate host larvae individual learning, physiological state and genetic variability as adaptive mechanisms.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Kaiser L, Couty A, Perez-Maluf R This chapter presents a series of behavioral studies designed to document how Leptopilina spp. learn fruit odours in order to find and explore host-infested fruits. Experimental analyses of conditioned responses explored individual learning, physiological changes and genetic variability as adaptive mechanisms of the host searching behavior. Both oriented walking and substrate probing can be easily observed and quantified in laboratory devices. We studied walking in a four-arm olfactometer and probing in an agar substrate in response to olfactory stimulation by fruit odours. We analyzed the odour learning process and the dynamics of the memory. We next investigated how odour memory is influenced by motivation factors such as mating or egg-load, ...

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Chapter 4: The role of melanization and cytotoxic by-products in the cellular immune responses of Drosophila against parasitic wasps.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Nappi A, Poirié M, Carton Y The cellular innate immune response of several species of Drosophila terminates with the encasement of large foreign objects within melanotic capsules comprised of several layers of adhering blood cells or hemocytes. This reaction is manifested by various Drosophila hosts in response to infection by endoparasitic wasps (i.e., parasitoids). Creditable assessments of the factor(s) causing, or contributing to, parasite mortality have long been considered as cytotoxic elements certain molecules associated with enzyme-mediated melanogenesis. However, observations that warrant additional or alternative considerations are those documenting parasitoid survival despite melanotic encapsulation, and those where parasitoids are destroyed with no evidence o...

Chapter 5: Virulence factors and strategies of Leptopilina spp.: selective responses in Drosophila hosts.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Lee MJ, Kalamarz ME, Paddibhatla I, Small C, Rajwani R, Govind S To ensure survival, parasitic wasps of Drosophila have evolved strategies to optimize host development to their advantage. They also produce virulence factors that allow them to overcome or evade host defense. Wasp infection provokes cellular and humoral defense reactions, resulting in alteration in gene expression of the host. The activation of these reactions is controlled by conserved mechanisms shared by other invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Application of genomics and bioinformatics approaches is beginning to reveal comparative host gene expression changes after infection by different parasitic wasps. We analyze this comparison in the context of host physiology and immune cells, as well as the biology o...

Chapter 6: Variation of Leptopilina boulardi success in Drosophila hosts: what is inside the black box?

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Dubuffet A, Colinet D, Anselme C, Dupas S, Carton Y, Poirié M Interactions between Drosophila hosts and parasitoid wasps are among the few examples in which occurrence of intraspecific variation of parasite success has been studied in natural populations. Such variations can originate from three categories of factors: environmental, host and parasitoid factors. Under controlled laboratory conditions, it is possible to focus on the two last categories, and, using specific reference lines, to analyze their respective importance. Parasitoid and host contributions to variations in parasite success have largely been studied in terms of evolutionary and mechanistic aspects in two Drosophila parasitoids, Asobara tabida and, in more details, in Leptopilina boulardi. This chapter ...

Chapter 7: Immune resistance of Drosophila hosts against Asobara parasitoids: cellular aspects.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Eslin P, Prévost G, Havard S, Doury G The immunity of Drosophila relies on a variety of defenses cooperating to fight parasites and pathogens. The encapsulation reaction is the main hemocytic response neutralizing large parasites like endophagous parasitoids. The diversity of the mechanisms of immunoevasion evolved by Asobara parasitoids, together with the wide spectrum of Drosophila host species they can parasitize, make them ideal models to study and unravel the physiological and cellular aspects of host immunity. This chapter summarizes what could be learnt on the cellular features of the encapsulation process in various Drosophila spp., and also on the major role played by Drosophila hosts hemocytes subpopulations, both in a quantitative and qualitative manner, regard...

Chapter 8: Components of Asobara venoms and their effects on hosts.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Moreau SJ, Vinchon S, Cherqui A, Prévost G Hymenoptera of the Asobara genus are endophagous parasitoids of Drosophila larvae. In these apocrita insects whose venom gland is associated with the female reproductive tract, the wasp venom is injected into the host along with the parasitoid egg during oviposition. We conducted a comparative study of the venom apparatuses from three Asobara spp.: the European Asobara tabida, the Asiatic A. japonica and the African A. citri. Light and electron microscopy of venom glands, together with the biochemical analysis of their contents, revealed important differences between Asobara spp. In addition, the physiological effects of female wasp's venom injected into Drosophila larvae differed greatly between the tested Asobara spp. PMID:...

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Chapter 9: Strategies of avoidance of host immune defenses in Asobara species.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Prévost G, Doury G, Mabiala-Moundoungou AD, Cherqui A, Eslin P Eggs and larvae of endophagous parasitoids face the host's immunity reaction once they penetrate the insect host's hemocele. In order to overcome the host's immune barrier, endoparasitoids have developed various strategies. Conformer parasitoids hide and/or get protected from the attack by the host's immunity cells without interfering with the host's immune system. Differently, regulator parasitoids directly attack the host's hemocytes, therefore totally inhibiting the immunity reaction of encapsulation in the parasitized host. Female wasps may also discriminate immunoreactive hosts from nonreactive, permissive ones before laying an egg. These different strategies coexist within the same genus of the braconids...

Chapter 10: Evolution of host resistance and parasitoid counter-resistance.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Kraaijeveld AR, Godfray HC By their nature, parasitoids will exert a selection pressure on their hosts to evolve a mechanism through which to resist parasitoid attack. In turn, such a resistance mechanism will lead to parasitoids evolving counter-resistance. In this chapter, we present an overview of the research on the (co)evolutionary interaction between Drosophila and their parasitoids, with the main focus on the cellular immune response of D. melanogaster, and the counter-resistance mechanism of one of its main parasitoids, Asobara tabida. A key aspect of this interaction is the existence of genetic variation: in the field, host resistance and parasitoid counter-resistance vary, both between and within populations. Host resistance and parasitoid counter-resistance are cost...

Chapter 11: Local, geographic and phylogenetic scales of coevolution in Drosophila-parasitoid interactions.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Dupas S, Dubuffet A, Carton Y, Poirié M In this chapter, we describe the geographically widespread genetic fixation of traits involved in Drosophila-parasitoid immune interactions and the situations where such fixation is not observed. We then discuss how the three classes of coevolutionary dynamics that can occur at the local scale (coevolutionary escalation, coevolutionary alternation and coevolutionary polymorphism), the geographic mosaic of selection, and the phylogenetic constraints may explain such evolutionary patterns and drive diversification in the interactions. Most Drosophila parasitoid traits involved in virulence are host-species specific. Directional selection (coevolutionary escalation) on such traits can lead to their fixation or on the contrary maintain ...

Chapter 12: Drosophila-parasitoid communities as model systems for host-Wolbachia interactions.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Vavre F, Mouton L, Pannebakker BA Wolbachia bacteria are cytoplasmic endosymbionts that infect a wide range of arthropod and nematode hosts. They are transmitted from mother to offspring via the eggs (vertical transmission) and enhance their transmission to the next generation by manipulating the reproductive system of their hosts. These manipulations occur in many forms, such as the induction of cytoplasmic incompatibility, feminization, male killing and parthenogenesis induction. Wolbachia is estimated to occur in up to 66% of all insect species, but the greatest diversity of reproductive manipulations is found in the order of the Hymenoptera. Studies of Wolbachia in Drosophila-parasitoid communities have allowed for important insights into different aspects of Wolbachia bio...

Chapter 13: A virus-shaping reproductive strategy in a Drosophila parasitoid.

Advances in Parasitology — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:46:03 +0100

Authors: Varaldi J, Patot S, Nardin M, Gandon S Insect parasitoids are often infected with heritable viruses. Some of them, such as polydnaviruses, have evolved toward an obligatory relationship with the parasitoid because they are necessary to protect the parasitoid egg from the host immune reaction. However, recent and past discoveries have revealed the presence of facultative inherited viruses in parasitoids for which no clear phenotypic effect was observed. In this chapter, we present how such an inherited virus was recently discovered in the Drosophila parasitoid, Leptopilina boulardi. We show that this virus is responsible for an increase in the superparasitism tendency of the infected females. This alteration is beneficial for the virus, since superparasitism conditions permit t...

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The monophyletic origin of a remarkable sexual system in akentrogonid rhizocephalan parasites: a molecular and larval structural study.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Glenner H, Høeg JT, Stenderup J, Rybakov AV We use sequences from the nuclear ribosomal genes, 18S and 28S to analyze the phylogeny of the Rhizocephala Akentrogonida including two species, Clistosaccus paguri and Chthamalophilus delagei, that are critical for understanding rhizocephalan evolution but have not previously been part of a molecularly based study. In addition we use light and scanning electron microscopy to compare the cypris larvae of Clistosaccus paguri, Sylon hippolytes and two species of the family Thompsoniidae, since this larval stage offers a suite of characters for analyzing the evolution of these otherwise highly reduced parasites. The Rhizocephala Akentrogonida form a monophyletic group nested within a paraphyletic "Kentrogonida". Clistosaccus paguri...

Cryptosporidium Surveillance and Risk Factors in the United States.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Yoder JS, Beach MJ Surveillance for Cryptosporidium in the United States indicates that the reported incidence of infection has increased dramatically since 2004. The reasons for this increase are unclear but might be caused by an actual increase in incidence, improved surveillance, improved awareness about cryptosporidiosis, and/or increases in testing practices resulting from the licensing of the first-ever treatment for cryptosporidiosis. While regional differences remain, the incidence of cryptosporidiosis appears to be increasing across the United States. Onset of illness is most common during the summer, particularly among younger children. Cryptosporidiosis case reporting also influences outbreak detection and reporting; the recent rise in cases coincides with an increa...

Trypanosoma cruzi: Do different sylvatic strains trigger distinct immune responses?

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Caetano LC, do Prado Jr JC, Toldo MP, Abrahão AA Strains of T. cruzi are multiclonal populations that can be classified in groups or genotypes, differing in pathogenicity, virulence, and histotropism. In this experiment the distinct behavior of two strains of T. cruzi, MORC-1 and MORC-2, was documented. Blood parasitemia, spleen proliferation, nitric oxide, hystopathology of the spleen and heart were used as tools to evaluate parasite persistence. Groups of male mice were separated and divided in two groups: Control (M-1) and (M-2), Infected (IM-1) and (IM-2). The peak of parasitemia occurred on 10 days post infection for both strains. LPS stimulated animals, infected MORC-2 group displayed significant higher concentrations of NO when compared to infected MORC-1 group (P&...

Presidential address: parasites on a shrinking planet.

The Journal of Parasitology — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: PARASITES ON A SHRINKING PLANET. J Parasitol. 2009 Sep 25;:1 Authors: Conn DB * Presidential address: American Society of Parasitologists, 16 August 2009, Knoxville, Tennessee. PMID: 19780628 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

The role of basophils in helminth infection.

Trends in Parasitology — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Voehringer D Protective immunity against gastrointestinal and tissue dwelling helminths is coordinated by interaction of different effector cells of the innate and adaptive immune system. Helminths induce a strong type 2 immune response which is characterized by high levels of IgE and increased numbers of Th2 cells, eosinophils, mast cells and basophils. Basophils are rapidly mobilized after helminth infection and can be efficiently recruited into lymphoid and peripheral tissues where they execute their effector functions. Recent work demonstrated that basophils contribute to initiation and execution of type 2 immunity. This review discusses the potential role of basophils for protective immunity against helminths. PMID: 19782643 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source...

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Acceptance of the Clark P. Read Mentor Award: Mentor and Mentee - A Lasting Relationship.

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Belosevic MM PMID: 19778155 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Introduction to President D. Bruce Conn.

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Graczyk T none. PMID: 19778156 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

The accidental parasitologist: acceptance of the 2009 henry baldwin ward medal.

The Journal of Parasitology — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

THE ACCIDENTAL PARASITOLOGIST: ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2009 HENRY BALDWIN WARD MEDAL. J Parasitol. 2009 Sep 24;:1 Authors: Lafferty KD No Abstract. PMID: 19778157 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Journal of Parasitology)

Estimating the sensitivity and specificity of Kato-Katz stool examination technique for detection of hookworms, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura infections in humans in the absence of a 'gold standard'

International Journal for Parasitology — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Tarafder MR, Carabin H, Joseph L, Balolong Jr E, Olveda R, McGarvey ST The accuracy of the Kato-Katz technique in identifying individuals with soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections is limited by day-to-day variation in helminth egg excretion, confusion with other parasites and the laboratory technicians' experience. We aimed to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the Kato-Katz technique to detect infection with Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and Trichuris trichiura using a Bayesian approach in the absence of a 'gold standard'. Data were obtained from a longitudinal study conducted between January 2004 and December 2005 in Samar Province, the Philippines. Each participant provided between one and three stool samples over consecutive days. Stool samples were examine...

Echinococcus multilocularis: Two-Dimensional Western Blotting Method for the Identification and Expression Analysis of Immunogenic Proteins in Infected Dogs.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kouguchi H, Matsumoto J, Katoh Y, Suzuki T, Oku Y, Yagi K Domesticated dogs are an important potential source of Echinococcus multilocularis infection in humans; therefore, new molecular approaches for the prevention of the parasite infection in dogs need to be developed. Here, we identified and characterized an immunogenic protein of the parasite by using a proteome-based approach. The total protein extracted from protoscoleces was subjected to two-dimensional western blotting with sera from dogs experimentally infected with E. multilocularis. Two protein spots showed major reactivity to the sera from infected dogs. The N-terminal amino acid sequences of these spots were identical to the deduced amino acid sequence of the product of the putative hsp20 gene. RT-PCR and western...

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Identification and Differentiation of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica using a Simple PCR-Restriction Enzyme Method.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Rokni MB, Mirhendi H, Mizani A, Mohebali M, Sharbatkhori M, Kia EB, Abdoli H, Izadi S Accurate morphological differentiation between the liver fluke species Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is difficult. We evaluated PCR-restriction enzyme profiles of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) that could aid in their identification. Fifty F. hepatica and 30 F. gigantica specimens were collected from different hosts in three provinces of Iran. For DNA extraction, we crushed fragments of the worms between two glass slides as a new method to break down the cells. DNA from the crushed materials was then extracted with a conventional phenol-chloroform method and with the newly developed technique, commercial FTA cards. A primer pair was selected to amplify a 463-bp region of the ...

Leishmania major lipophosphoglycan: Discrepancy in toll-like receptor signaling.

Experimental Parasitology — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Kavoosi G, Ardestani SK, Kariminia A, Alimohammadian MH Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is structurally characterized by a series of phosphoglycan repeat units. Cellular LPG, isolated from promastigotes, has a very similar structure to culture supernatant LPG, but differs in the average number of phosphorylated oligosaccharide repeat units and in glycan composition. Comparison of these LPGs with capillary electrophoresis and immunoblotting indicate that these molecules are highly conserved structurally and composed of galactosylated Gal-Man repeats but their size and molecular weight are very different which is due to glycan portion. There are 30 and 20 repeat units in sLPG and mLPG respectively. Both LPGs induced nitric oxide in macrophages cell line while sLPG had the higher stimula...

Axenization and optimization of in vitro growth of clonal cultures of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and Trichomonas gallinae.

Experimental Parasitology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Amin A, Neubauer C, Liebhart D, Grabensteiner E, Hess M A rapid and simple procedure was established to obtain clonal axenic cultures of Tetratrichomonas gallinarum and Trichomonas gallinae and to optimize their invitro growth conditions. Medium 199 was used for axenization of two genetically different clones of T. gallinarum and T. gallinae. Six different media were used to optimize the growth behaviour of axenically grown parasites: Medium 199, TYM, TYI-S-33, Hollander fluid (HF), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and modified TV media. The highest cell yields for both axenic clones of T. gallinarum were obtained in modified TV medium without antibiotics. The maximum numbers of trophozoites of T. gallinae were obtained in an optimized HF medium. The present study demonstrated that ...

Balamuthia mandrillaris: Role of galactose in encystment and identification of potential inhibitory targets.

Experimental Parasitology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the effects of exogenous sugars on B. mandrillaris encystment. The findings revealed that free exogenous galactose, but not other sugars, enhanced parasite differentiation into cysts, and apparently a galactose-binding protein is involved in B. mandrillaris encystment. Cytoskeletal re-arrangements and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-mediated pathways are involved in B. mandrillaris encystment based on inhibitor studies. Dual functionality of galactose-binding protein in B. mandrillaris pathogenesis and encystment is discussed further. PMID: 19766634 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Experimental Parasitology)

Whole cell imaging reveals novel modular features of the exomembrane system of the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Hanssen E, Carlton P, Deed S, Klonis N, Sedat J, Derisi J, Tilley L During its intra-erythrocytic development Plasmodium falciparum establishes a membrane network beyond its own limiting membrane in the cytoplasm of its host. These membrane structures play an important role in the trafficking of virulence proteins to the erythrocyte surface, however their ultrastructure is only partly defined and there is on-going debate regarding their origin, organization and connectivity. We have used two whole cell imaging modalities to explore the topography of parasitized erythrocytes. Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy provides resolution beyond the optical diffraction limit and permits analysis of fluorescently labeled whole cells. Immunoelectron tomography offers the...

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Phylogeographical, ecological and biological patterns shown by nuclear (ssrRNA and gGAPDH) and mitochondrial (Cyt b) genes of trypanosomes of the subgenus Schizotrypanum parasitic in Brazilian bats.

International Journal for Parasitology — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Cavazzana M, Marcili A, Lima L, da Silva FM, Junqueira AC, Veludo HH, Viola LB, Campaner M, Nunes VL, Paiva F, Coura JR, Camargo EP, Teixeira MM The genetic diversity and phylogeographical patterns of Trypanosoma species that infect Brazilian bats were evaluated by examining 1,043 bats from 63 species of seven families captured in Amazonia, the Pantanal, Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest biomes of Brazil. The prevalence of trypanosome-infected bats, as estimated by haemoculture, was 12.9%, resulting in 77 cultures of isolates, most morphologically identified as Trypanosoma cf. cruzi, classified by barcoding using partial sequences from ssrRNA gene into the subgenus Schizotrypanum and identified as T. cruzi (15), T. cruzi marinkellei (37) or T. cf. dionisii (25). Phylogenetic ana...

A new species and record of branchial parasitic isopods (Crustacea: Isopoda: Bopyridae: Pseudioninae) of porcellanid crabs from the Philippines.

Experimental Parasitology — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Williams JD, Madad AZ Branchial bopyrids infesting porcellanid crabs from the Philippines were investigated based on intertidal collections made in 1999-2000. Crabs of the genus Petrolisthes collected from sites in the northern Philippines were examined and two parasite species were found. One new pseudionine species found infesting Petrolisthes sp. [cf. Petrolisthes asiaticus (Leach)] is described as Aporobopyrusgalleonus (prevalence 6.1%); this species is distinguished from other members of the genus by a setose palp on the maxilliped of the females, barbula morphology, and male characters including the possession of pleopods. This represents the second described species of Aporobopyrus from the Philippines, and the first from porcellanid crabs. In addition, Pleurocrypta mac...

Castration of Female Ninespine Stickleback by the Pseudophyllidean Cestode Schistocephalus pungitii: Evolutionary Significance and Underlying Mechanism.

The Journal of Parasitology — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Heins DC, Baker JA Parasitic castration may result from manipulation of host energy allocation away from reproduction, which should result in castration of lightly infected hosts as well as heavily infected ones. Castration also may result from nutrient theft alone, which incidentally influences host energy allocation to reproduction and should cause reproduction to end in heavily infected hosts. Although the pseudophyllidean cestode Schistocephalus pungitii is a castrator of ninespine stickleback fish (Pungitius pungitius), the cause and significance of castration remain unknown. We used predictions about reproductive capacity in lightly and heavily infected hosts and host size (age) at which castration occurs to address these questions. In Airolo Lake, Alaska, we found that ...

In vivo study of human Plasmodium knowlesi in Macaca fascicularis.

Experimental Parasitology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

In this study Macaca fascicularis was used as a model to understand the host response to P. knowlesi using parasitological and haematological parameters. Three M. fascicularis of either sex were experimentally infected with P. knowlesi erythrocytic parasites from humans. The prepatent period for P. knowlesi infection in M. fascicularis ranged from seven to 14 days. The parasitemia observed was 13,686 to 24,202 parasites per mul of blood for asexual stage and 88 to 264 parasites per mul of blood for sexual stage. Periodicity analysis adopted from microfilaria periodicity technique of asexual stage showed that the parasitemia peak at 17:39 hour while the sexual stage peaked at 02:36 hour. Mathematical analysis of the data indicates that P. knowlesi gametocytes tend to display periodicity wit...

Hyperparasitism has wide-ranging implications for studies on the invertebrate phase of myxosporean (Myxozoa) life cycles.

International Journal for Parasitology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Morris DJ, Freeman MA All of the actinospore releasing oligochaetes collected in an environmental sample were found to be infected with the microsporidian Neoflabelliforma aurantiae n. gen., n. sp. Ultrastructural and phylogenetic studies on this microsporidian indicated similarities with Flabelliforma magnivora but not with the type species Flabelliforma montana, necessitating the formation of a new genus Neoflabelliforma and reassignment of F. magnivora as Neoflabelliforma magnivora n. comb. The development of N. aurantiae is described both parasitising the oligochaete worm and hyperparasitising the concurrent myxosporean infection. The effect of N. aurantiae on the myxosporeans was deleterious and progressive, eventually stopping all actinospore formation. Its discovery has...

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Potential epigenetic regulatory proteins localise to distinct nuclear sub-compartments in Plasmodium falciparum.

International Journal for Parasitology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Volz J, Carvalho TG, Ralph SA, Gilson P, Thompson J, Tonkin CJ, Langer C, Crabb BS, Cowman AF The life cycle of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum involves dramatic morphological and molecular changes required for infection of insect and mammalian hosts. Stage-specific gene expression is crucial, yet few nuclear factors, including potential epigenetic regulators, have been identified. Epigenetic mechanisms play an important role in the switched expression of members of species-specific gene families, which encode proteins exported into the cytoplasm and onto the surface of infected erythrocytes. This includes the large virulence-associated var gene family, in which monoallelic transcription of a single member and switching to other var genes leads to a display of diffe...

Are neutrophils important host cells for Leishmania parasites?

Trends in Parasitology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Ritter U, Frischknecht F, van Zandbergen G Neutrophils are the most crucial cells for early defence against infections. When appropriately activated, they can kill obligate intracellular pathogens such as Leishmania. However, once the phagocytotic killing has been evaded, neutrophils can serve as host cells for Leishmania. Parasitized neutrophils were suggested to function as a 'Trojan horse', to transfer Leishmania silently to macrophages. In vivo imaging has contributed a second evasion mechanism. We termed it the 'Trojan rabbit' strategy, whereby parasites escape dying neutrophils to infect macrophages. Here, we discuss the different experimental models used to study neutrophil function in leishmaniasis. We suggest that the capacity of neutrophils to function as an immune e...

Oestrid flies: eradication and extinction versus biodiversity.

Trends in Parasitology — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

This article focuses on two potential drivers that could be forcing these flies into extinction: (i) the highly effective and widespread use of anti-parasitic drugs for domestic livestock; and (ii) the co-extinction of oestrids associated with non-domestic hosts that are endangered. Other oestrid species could be the victims of benign neglect in that they are so poorly studied that their disappearance might go unnoticed. In addition, we explore current knowledge in each of these categories of vulnerability for oestrids, and address the potential impacts of their disappearance. Finally, we examine the potential consequences of eradicating a group of livestock parasites, and ask what possibilities for improvement of the health of humans and animals might also be lost. PMID: 19762281 [Pub...

Evolution of the trypanorhynch tapeworms: parasite phylogeny supports independent lineages of sharks and rays.

International Journal for Parasitology — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 23:00:00 +0100

Authors: Olson PD, Caira JN, Jensen K, Overstreet RM, Palm HW, Beveridge I Trypanorhynch tapeworms (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) are among the most diverse and abundant groups of metazoan parasites of elasmobranches and are a ubiquitous part of the marine food webs that include these apex predators. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of their phylogeny, character evolution and host associations based on 10 years of sampling effort, including representatives of 12 of 15 and 44 of 66 currently recognized trypanorhynch families and genera, respectively. Using a combination of ssrDNA and lsrDNA (Domains 1-3) for 79 and 80 taxa, respectively, we maintain one-to-one correspondence between molecules and morphology by scoring 45 characters from the same specimens used for sequencing, and pr...