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Eosinophils play divergent roles in health and disease, contributing to both immunoregulatory and proinflammatory responses. Helminth infection is strongly associated with eosinophilia and the induction of the type 2 cytokines interleukin (IL)‐5, IL‐4 and IL‐13. This study aimed to elucidate the heterogeneity of pulmonary eosinophils in response to helminth infection and the roles of IL‐5, IL‐4 and IL‐13 in driving pulmonary eosinophil responses. Using the murine helminth model Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb), we characterize a subtype of eosinophils, defined by high expression of CD101, that is induced in the lungs of Nb‐infected mice and are phenotypically distinct from lung eosinophils that express low levels of CD101. Strikingly, we show that the two eosinophil subtypes have distinct anatomical localization within the lung: CD101low eosinophils are predominantly localized in the lung vasculature, whereas Nb‐induced CD101hi eosinophils are predominantly localized in the extravascular lung niche. We show that CD101hi eosinophils are also induced across other models of pulmonary infection and inflammation, including a nonlung‐migrating helminth infection, house dust mite–induced allergic inflammation and influenza infection. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the induction of CD101hi tissue eosinophils is independent of IL‐5 and IL‐4 signaling, but is dependent on intact IL‐13 signaling. These results suggest that IL‐13 produced during helminth infection and other disease states promotes a pulmonary tissue‐infiltrating program in eosinophils defined by high expression of CD101. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brugia malayi are thread-like parasitic worms and one of the etiological agents of Lymphatic filariasis (LF). Existing anthelmintic drugs to treat LF are effective in reducing the larval microfilaria (mf) counts in human bloodstream but are less effective on adult parasites. To test potential drug candidates, we report a multi-parameter phenotypic assay based on tracking the motility of adult B. malayi and mf in vitro. For adult B. malayi, motility is characterized by the centroid velocity, path curvature, angular velocity, eccentricity, extent, and Euler Number. These parameters are evaluated in experiments with three anthelmintic drugs. For B. malayi mf, motility is extracted from the evolving body skeleton to yield positional data and bending angles at 74 key point. We achieved high-fidelity tracking of complex worm postures (self-occlusions, omega turns, body bending, and reversals) while providing a visual representation of pose estimates and behavioral attributes in both space and time scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There are growing concerns about wildlife and livestock interactions and the impacts of those interactions on the sustainability of livestock. One of those concerns is the spillover of wildlife pathogens, including helminths, into livestock. This concern will likely become realized as the demand for free-range animal products increases. One such helminth with spillover potential is the eyeworm Oxyspirura petrowi. This eyeworm is common in many wild birds, and particularly common in Northern bobwhite quail. Related helminths are already commonly found in poultry raised in free-range conditions in developing nations. The purpose of this research was to investigate the lethality of fenbendazole, a widely available drug for treating parasites, to these eyeworms. The lethality estimates were similar to estimates of lethality to other roundworm parasites. However, studies that have investigated concentrations in host blood following administration of the drug indicate that it does not stay in the system long enough to achieve elimination of the parasite after a single dose. This indicates that in order to effectively treat eyeworm, fenbendazole must be delivered in a repeated or continuous manner. Oxyspirura petrowi is a heteroxenous nematode that infects the harderian gland and other ocular tissues in birds. High-intensity infections often cause damage to the infected tissues. Due to the nature of the infection sites, treatment of O. petrowi in these hosts can be difficult. Fenbendazole (FBZ) is a common anthelmintic used to treat birds for helminth infections; however, little information exists as to the efficacy of the drug on O. petrowi infections. The present study aims to estimate lethal concentrations of FBZ to O. petrowi. Adult O. petrowi were maintained in vitro and exposed to doses of 5, 50, 100, and 200 µM concentrations of FBZ and included both negative and vehicle controls. Exposure lasted 7.5 days and lethality was determined for each treatment. Negative and vehicle controls did not differ, and both had 75% survival at the end of the treatment period. The percentage survivorship in ascending order of concentration, corrected for the controls, was 66.67%, 44.44%, 33.33%, and 0%. LC10, LC50, and LC90 estimates were 7.5 ± 0.26, 49.1 ± 1.69, and 163.2 ± 5.63 µM, respectively. In the context of known pharmacokinetics of FBZ in birds, a single oral dose of FBZ can achieve exposure levels that are lethal to O. petrowi, but the drug does not stay in the system long enough. Thus, treatment of O. petrowi infections will require multiple oral doses over several days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Simple Summary: Wildlife in the Pantanal and Cerrado regions of Brazil face increasing threats, such as deforestation, urbanization, and road construction, which disrupt their natural habitats and increase the risk of diseases, including those that can spread to humans. The aim of this study was to characterize parasites affecting wild felids (large cats) in these areas, focusing on interactions among parasites, hosts, and the environment. The results provide a basis for the development of strategies to prevent the spread of disease and promote animal and human health. The use of advanced technology to monitor ecological changes and the importance of involving local communities in conservation efforts are emphasized. By integrating scientific research with public health measures and community engagement, this project aims to create sustainable solutions to protect biodiversity and public health. This is crucial for maintaining the ecosystem balance and ensuring the health of wildlife and nearby human populations. Environmental changes in the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado facilitate the spread of parasitic diseases in wildlife, with significant implications for public health owing to their zoonotic potential. This study aimed to examine the occurrence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in wild felids within these regions to assess their ecological and health impacts. We collected and analyzed helminth-positive samples from 27 wild felids using specific taxonomic keys. Diverse parasitic taxa were detected, including zoonotic helminths, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma pluridentatum, Toxocara cati, Toxocara canis, Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp., Echinococcus spp., and Spirometra spp. Other nematodes, such as Physaloptera praeputialis and Physaloptera anomala, were identified, along with acanthocephalans from the genus Oncicola and a trematode, Neodiplostomum spp. (potentially the first record of this parasite in wild felids in the Americas). Human encroachment into natural habitats has profound effects on wild populations, influencing parasitic infection rates and patterns. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and research on parasitic infections as a means of safeguarding both wildlife and human populations and highlights the role of wild felids as bioindicators of environmental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminth infections are unavoidable in outdoor grazing systems, but must be managed and controlled effectively as they lead to significant production losses and welfare issues. Control has typically relied on a small number of broad-spectrum anthelmintics, but resistance is now widespread and threatens the sustainability of farming. Detection of anthelmintic resistance (AR) has long relied on microscopy-based tests which lack sensitivity and do not offer species-specific information. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized our understanding of the genetic basis of AR in recent years. This has now facilitated the development of improved sequencing-based molecular diagnostics which now can offer for the first time multidrug and multispecies detection in a single assay. Helminth infections in grazing ruminants are a major issue for livestock farming globally, but are unavoidable in outdoor grazing systems and must be effectively managed to avoid deleterious effects to animal health, and productivity. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are transforming our understanding of the genetic basis of anthelmintic resistance (AR) and epidemiological studies of ruminant gastrointestinal parasites. They also have the potential to not only help develop and validate molecular diagnostic tests but to be directly used in routine diagnostics integrating species-specific identification and AR into a single test. Here, we review how these developments have opened the pathway for the development of multi-AR and multispecies identification in a single test, with widespread implications for sustainable livestock farming for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Highlight: Mistrick, J., Veitch, J. S. M., Kitchen, S. M., Clague, S., Newman, B. C., Hall, R. J., Budischak, S. A., Forbes, K. M., & Craft, M. E. (2024). Effects of food supplementation and helminth removal on space use and spatial overlap in wild rodent populations. Journal of Animal Ecology. http://doi.org/10.1111/1365‐2656.14067. The spread of pathogens has been of long‐standing interest, even before dramatic outbreaks of avian influenza and the coronavirus pandemic spiked broad public interest. However, the dynamics of pathogen spread in wild populations are complex, with multiple effects shaping where animals go (their space use), population density and, more fundamentally, the resultant patterns of contacts (direct or indirect) among individuals. Thus, experimental studies exploring the dynamics of contact under different sets of conditions are needed. In the current field study, Mistrick et al. (2024) used a multifactorial experimental design, manipulating food availability and individual pathogen infection state in wild bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). They found that while food availability, individual traits and seasonality can affect how far individual voles moved, the degree of overlap between individual voles remained largely the same despite a high variation in population density—which itself was affected by food availability. These results highlight how biotic and abiotic factors can shape patterns of space use and balance the level of spatial overlap through multiple pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal space use and spatial overlap can have important consequences for population‐level processes such as social interactions and pathogen transmission. Identifying how environmental variability and inter‐individual variation affect spatial patterns and in turn influence interactions in animal populations is a priority for the study of animal behaviour and disease ecology. Environmental food availability and macroparasite infection are common drivers of variation, but there are few experimental studies investigating how they affect spatial patterns of wildlife.Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) are a tractable study system to investigate spatial patterns of wildlife and are amenable to experimental manipulations. We conducted a replicated, factorial field experiment in which we provided supplementary food and removed helminths in vole populations in natural forest habitat and monitored vole space use and spatial overlap using capture–mark–recapture methods.Using network analysis, we quantified vole space use and spatial overlap. We compared the effects of food supplementation and helminth removal and investigated the impacts of season, sex and reproductive status on space use and spatial overlap.We found that food supplementation decreased vole space use while helminth removal increased space use. Space use also varied by sex, reproductive status and season. Spatial overlap was similar between treatments despite up to threefold differences in population size.By quantifying the spatial effects of food availability and macroparasite infection on wildlife populations, we demonstrate the potential for space use and population density to trade‐off and maintain consistent spatial overlap in wildlife populations. This has important implications for spatial processes in wildlife including pathogen transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clear variation in the pathogenicity and epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes and sensitivity to anthelminthic drugs require precise epidemiological information for such worms. Our work is the first effort to detect the abomasal nematodes (Haemonchus spp, Ostertagia ostertagi) in calves in Mosul, Iraq through amplification of rDNA ITS1 and ITS 2 regions. Four hundred and eighty (480) faecal samples were collected from 35 private calf herds between October 2021 and April 2022. Ages, origins of the herds, size of the herds, and gender were recorded. Microscopic examination and larval culture were conducted. Specified primers were used for molecular identification. The study showed a 50.6% total prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in calves. Haemonchus spp. and Ostertagia ostertagi rates were 62.13%, and 60.9%, respectively. The percentages of L3 of Haemonchus spp. and Ostertagia spp. were 32% and 14% respectively. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) showed reaction products of 321 bp, and 257 bp for studied parasites, respectively. In conclusion, classical laboratory tools may be unable to identify precisely the species and subsequently, minimise the comprehension of parasitic species that circulate in animal populations. Molecular detection is a rapid, highly sensitive, specific and cost-effective procedure that accurately identifies parasite species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study evaluated the occurrence of Schistosoma mansoni and soil‐transmitted helminths in an endemic area in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon, analysing prevalence and spatial distribution. Methods: The study was conducted in four localities of Primavera Municipality, in Pará state. Data was obtained from the Decit 40/2012 project and the participants were divided into five age range categories for evaluation: children, adolescents, young adults, adults and elderly individuals. For the diagnostic tests, Kato–Katz slides were prepared to detect S. mansoni and soil‐transmitted helminths eggs. The spatial distribution map and the Kernel Density Estimation were performed to assess the presence and location of infections. Results: Stool samples revealed the presence of hookworms, S. mansoni, Ascaris lumbricoides and Trichuris trichiura eggs. Mono‐, bi‐ and poly‐parasitic infections were observed, with a significant prevalence of hookworm monoparasitism. Conclusions: The high frequency of children infected with soil‐transmitted helminths confirms their significance as an ongoing public health problem in the poorest municipalities of Brazil. The Geographic Information System plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance and in the control of epidemics and endemic diseases, enabling accurate assessment and informed decision‐making for their control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transposable elements are DNA sequences capable of moving within genomes and significantly influence genomic evolution. The nematode Caenorhabditis inopinata exhibits a much higher transposable element copy number than its sister species, Caenorhabditis elegans. In this study, we identified a novel autonomous transposable element belonging to the hAT superfamily from a spontaneous transposable element-insertion mutant in C. inopinata and named this transposon Ci-hAT1. Further bioinformatic analyses uncovered 3 additional autonomous hAT elements—Ci-hAT2, Ci-hAT3, and Ci-hAT4—along with over 1,000 copies of 2 nonautonomous miniature inverted-repeat transposable elements, mCi-hAT1 and mCi-hAT4, likely derived from Ci-hAT1 and Ci-hAT4 through internal deletion. We tracked at least 3 sequential transpositions of Ci-hAT1 over several years. However, the transposition rates of the other 3 autonomous hAT elements were lower, suggesting varying activity levels. Notably, the distribution patterns of the 2 miniature inverted-repeat transposable element families differed significantly: mCi-hAT1 was primarily located in the chromosome arms, a pattern observed in the transposable elements of other Caenorhabditis species, whereas mCi-hAT4 was more evenly distributed across chromosomes. Additionally, interspecific transcriptome analysis indicated that C. inopinata genes with upstream or intronic these miniature inverted-repeat transposable element insertions tend to be more highly expressed than their orthologous genes in C. elegans. These findings highlight the significant role of de-silenced transposable elements in driving the evolution of genomes and transcriptomes, leading to species-specific genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detection of Schistosoma spp. DNA in gynaecological samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is considered to be the reference diagnostic test for female genital schistosomiasis (FGS). However, qPCR needs expensive laboratory procedures and highly trained technicians. Loop-mediated amplification (LAMP) is a more field-friendly isothermal procedure for the detection of parasite-specific DNA, but it still requires electrically powered equipment. Here, we validated a Schistosoma haematobium-specific Sh-LAMP procedure and tested a fully instrument-free isothermal amplification using a novel low-cost, and reusable Temperature-cup (T-cup) device. Specific primers were selected based on published assays, targeting the ribosomal intergenic spacer (IGS) region of S. haematobium. Technical validation of the IGS-Sh-LAMP was performed using 20 negative controls, including DNA extracts of soiltransmitted helminths and S. mansoni, and a 10-fold dilution series (100- 10-3) of DNA extracted from a single S. haematobium egg (n=4). For clinical validation, the IGS-Sh-LAMP was tested on 125 DNA samples extracted from vaginal swabs of a previous FGS study in Madagascar. Results were compared with the quantification cycle value (Cq) of the standard ITS-2 targeting qPCR. Single S. haematobium egg DNA up to a 10-2 dilution and an ITS-2 Cq <35 tested positive in the IGS-Sh-LAMP. The specificity was found to be excellent (100%). In the clinical samples, IGS-Sh-LAMP showed comparable results with the qPCR, with 35.2% and 33.6% positives, respectively, and a concordance of 79.2% (99/125). Of the 12 false-negatives, 5 corresponded to the 7 qPCR positive samples with very low DNA levels (Cq ≥35). On the other hand, IGS-Sh-LAMP detected 14 additional cases that were not detected by qPCR. The T-cup IGS-Sh-LAMP performance was evaluated in a representative sub-selection (n=10) of IGS-Sh-LAMP positive clinical samples. The T-cup IGS-Sh-LAMP was found to be a very user-friendly method, but in different runs, it missed 1 to 4 of the 10 IGS-Sh-LAMP positive samples, specifically those with a low DNA load. Our results show that the IGS-Sh-LAMP is a suitable alternative to the ITS-2 qPCR for the diagnosis of FGS in gynaecological samples, with high potential for the T-cup as a fully instrumentfree isothermal amplification device for point-of-care diagnosis in lowresource settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: More than 20 million people are infected with L. loa, and around 40 million live in high or intermediate-risk areas in West- and Central Africa. Although loiasis is associated with significant morbidity and excess mortality, little is known about the perception of loiasis by affected communities. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the rural population of Sindara, Gabon, a region characterized by high loiasis prevalence. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in Gabon between January and June 2022. During systematic door-to-door visits, randomly selected inhabitants were invited to participate in this questionnaire based survey. Venous blood was collected at midday from all participants for microscopic detection of filarial infection and clinical signs of loiasis were assessed. Results: A total of 150 participants were recruited, of which 66% were infected by L. loa. While almost everyone had some knowledge about L. loa, 72% of the participants understood that L. loa is a parasitic worm. The transmission of L. loa via the deer fly was known to only 21% of participants. The most frequently mentioned clinical symptoms attributed to loiasis were itching (84%), eye worm migration (59%), and conjunctivitis-like symptoms (53%). Participants who experienced migratory loiasis had better knowledge of loiasis and considered it as more serious. Traditional and herbal medicine was reported most often as an available treatment option (72%). While the formal healthcare sector was mentioned as the preferred treatment provider, 60% of the reported infections were treated by traditional medical practitioners. Conclusion: Loiasis is in general well known by this community residing in a region of high L. loa transmission. Important gaps in knowledge were discovered foremost regarding the mode of transmission. The available healthcare system does not seem to provide adequate management for loiasis. Author summary: Loiasis is a filarial disease highly prevalent in parts of Western- and Central Africa. For a long time, the disease has been considered to be a relatively benign condition, but recent studies have shown that loiasis causes significant morbidity and excess mortality. In the present study, we investigated the perception of loiasis in a highly affected community in rural Gabon to better understand the community perspective on this infectious disease. While L. loa as a disease is known to most inhabitants, the mode of transmission and prevention modalities are only poorly understood. This lack of knowledge leaves the communities with inadequate means to prevent onward transmission of this filarial disease. The contribution from media, schools and healthcare institutions in providing information about loiasis is inadequate, and the available healthcare system is insufficient to provide the necessary care for loiasis. A better understanding of loiasis by the affected communities is desirable to empower inhabitants of high-transmission regions to better protect themselves from loiasis. Improved understanding of the disease by the healthcare sector is necessary to improve the management of loiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, there are over 1 billion people infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), mostly living in marginalized settings with inadequate sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization recommends an integrated approach to STH morbidity control through improved access to sanitation and hygiene education and the delivery of preventive chemotherapy (PC) to school-age children delivered through schools. Progress of STH control programs is currently estimated using a baseline (pre-PC) school-based prevalence survey and then monitored using periodical school-based prevalence surveys, known as Impact Assessment Surveys (IAS). We investigated whether integrating geostatistical methods with a Markov model or a mechanistic transmission model for projecting prevalence forward in time from baseline can improve IAS design strategies. To do this, we applied these 2 methods to prevalence data collected in Kenya, before evaluating and comparing their performance in accurately informing optimal survey design for a range of IAS sampling designs. We found that, although both approaches performed well, the mechanistic method more accurately projected prevalence over time and provided more accurate information for guiding survey design. Both methods performed less well in areas with persistent STH hotspots where prevalence did not decrease despite multiple rounds of PC. Our findings show that these methods can be useful tools for more efficient and accurate targeting of PC. The general framework built in this paper can also be used for projecting prevalence and informing survey design for other neglected tropical diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This research conducted in Serbia aimed to identify intestinal parasites in dogs that could potentially infect humans. Total prevalence of intestinal endoparasites was 62.6%. Various endoparasites such as Cystoisospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Neospora caninum/Hammondia spp., Giardia intestinalis, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostomatidae, Trichuris vulpis, Capillaria spp., Alaria alata and Taeniidae were found. Factors like age, outdoor living, attitude and diet were linked to higher infection rates. This study emphasizes the importance of educating dog owners, conducting routine parasitological tests on their pets and regular deworming strategies. Dogs are the most popular pets worldwide. Close contact between dogs and people increases the risk of transmission of various zoonotic parasitic infections. Given the importance of veterinary medicine in preserving the One Health concept, the aim of this research was to identify intestinal parasites that may have zoonotic potential and to evaluate risk factors (individual and environmental). The research was conducted in Serbia in 2022 and 2023 on 382 owned dogs, using qualitative methods of coprological examination with a concentration on parasitic elements. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 62.6%, with the following detected: protozoa: Cystoisospora spp. (9.2%), Sarcocystis spp. (4.5%), Neospora caninum/Hammondia spp. (3.7%), Giardia intestinalis (11.8%); nematoda: Toxocara canis (11.5%), Toxascaris leonina (4.2%), family Ancylostomatidae (38.0%), Trichuris vulpis (21.5%), Capillaria spp. (10.5%); trematoda: Alaria alata (1.6%) and cestodes from the Taeniidae family (1.3%). Factors like age, size and coat length, as well as the way of living, attitude and diet were linked to a significantly higher (p < 0.05) prevalence of intestinal parasites. Based on the results of coprological diagnostics, this research indicates the importance of educating dog owners, conducting routine parasitological tests on their pets and regular deworming strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of pathogen genotype in determining disease severity and immunopathology has been studied intensively in microbial pathogens including bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses but is poorly understood in parasitic helminths. The medically important blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni is an excellent model system to study the impact of helminth genetic variation on immunopathology. Our laboratory has demonstrated that laboratory schistosome populations differ in sporocyst growth and cercarial production in the intermediate snail host and worm establishment and fecundity in the vertebrate host. Here, we (i) investigate the hypothesis that schistosome genotype plays a significant role in immunopathology and related parasite life history traits in the vertebrate mouse host and (ii) quantify the relative impact of parasite and host genetics on infection outcomes. Methods: We infected BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice with four different laboratory schistosome populations from Africa and the Americas. We quantified disease progression in the vertebrate host by measuring body weight and complete blood count (CBC) with differential over a 12-week infection period. On sacrifice, we assessed parasitological (egg and worm counts, fecundity), immunopathological (organ measurements and histopathology) and immunological (CBC with differential and cytokine profiles) characteristics to determine the impact of parasite and host genetics. Results: We found significant variation between parasite populations in worm numbers, fecundity, liver and intestine egg counts, liver and spleen weight, and fibrotic area but not in granuloma size. Variation in organ weight was explained by egg burden and intrinsic parasite factors independent of egg burden. We found significant variation between infected mouse lines in cytokine levels (IFN-γ, TNF-α), eosinophils, lymphocytes and monocyte counts. Conclusions: This study showed that both parasite and host genotype impact the outcome of infection. While host genotype explains most of the variation in immunological traits, parasite genotype explains most of the variation in parasitological traits, and both host and parasite genotypes impact immunopathology outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased permeability of the intestinal epithelial layer is linked to the pathogenesis and perpetuation of a wide range of intestinal and extra‐intestinal diseases. Infecting humans with controlled doses of helminths, such as human hookworm (termed hookworm therapy), is proposed as a treatment for many of the same diseases. Helminths induce immunoregulatory changes in their host which could decrease epithelial permeability, which is highlighted as a potential mechanism through which helminths treat disease. Despite this, the influence of a chronic helminth infection on epithelial permeability remains unclear. This study uses the chronically infecting intestinal helminth Heligmosomoides polygyrus to reveal alterations in the expression of intestinal tight junction proteins and epithelial permeability during the infection course. In the acute infection phase (1 week postinfection), an increase in intestinal epithelial permeability is observed. Consistent with this finding, jejunal claudin‐2 is upregulated and tricellulin is downregulated. By contrast, in the chronic infection phase (6 weeks postinfection), colonic claudin‐1 is upregulated and epithelial permeability decreases. Importantly, this study also investigates changes in epithelial permeability in a small human cohort experimentally challenged with the human hookworm, Necator americanus. It demonstrates a trend toward small intestinal permeability increasing in the acute infection phase (8 weeks postinfection), and colonic and whole gut permeability decreasing in the chronic infection phase (24 weeks postinfection), suggesting a conserved epithelial response between humans and mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate dynamic changes in epithelial permeability during a chronic helminth infection and provide another plausible mechanism by which chronic helminth infections could be utilized to treat disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cockroaches are resilient insects that thrive in various environments, including public markets. These creatures can act as mechanical vectors for intestinal helminths, posing a risk to human health. This study aimed to identify and measure the infestation rate of intestinal helminths in cockroaches from Bankerohan Public Market and Agdao Public Market in Davao City. Cockroaches were collected using specialized traps via the "catch-and-release" method, and the presence of intestinal parasites on their external surfaces was determined. The study found that cockroaches from both markets harbored Hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides, with Ascaris lumbricoides having the highest frequency and infestation rate among the entire population of cockroaches gathered from both markets. The infestation rate of Ascaris lumbricoides was higher in the Bankerohan public market compared to the Agdao public market; however, the findings reveal that there is no correlation between the frequency of the parasites and the public market studied, indicating that the occurrence of the parasites cannot be attributed to the location of the public markets. The study highlights the need for improved sanitation practices and awareness to control parasite transmission through cockroaches, which can serve as vectors for these pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the correlation between the presence of parasites in soil and the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5 at Purok 15 Barangay Tigatto, Buhangin, Davao City. The research design was descriptive and correlational. The researchers gathered the weight and height of children aged 3 to 5 in Purok 15 of Barangay Tigatto, Davao City. Researchers identified the collected soil samples using a systematic sampling technique. Further, the study used Cobb's method to decant and sieve for detecting parasites. The weight and height were calculated to get the BMI. The mean and standard deviation were used to evaluate the nutritional status of the children and the level of parasites. Furthermore, Pearson r was used to determine the relationship between soil-transmitted helminths and the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Results showed that out of 25 samples, 32% of soil samples got positive results with an infectious parasite (Strongyloides stercoralis), while 68% of soil samples were negative from the parasite. Participants' weight (kgs) and height (cm) are normal. In line with this, the BMI of both male and female participants is normal. Also, results showed that the level of the parasites is very low. Moreover, the relationship between the soil-transmitted helminths did not significantly influence the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. In conclusion, the soil-transmitted helminths do not affect the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Hence, other factors may influence the nutritional status of children aged 3 to 5. Moreover, since the relationship between STH and the nutritional status of children is not significant, the presence or absence of STH in the latrine area does not affect the nutritional status of children under 3 to 5 years old. Thus, immediate action toward STH elimination could prevent the production of more parasites that could lead to a parasite-free environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A high-caloric diet is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Obesity-associated adipose tissues suffer from sustained chronic low-grade inflammation mediated by proinflammatory innate and adaptive immune cells. Helminth parasites maintain an immune homeostasis by inducing anti-inflammatory type 2 and regulatory immune responses to benefit the host. Specific proteins or molecules secreted by helminths that induce a sustained immune balance in different MetS conditions should be explored as next-generation therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases. Obesity is a worldwide pandemic and major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D requires lifelong medical support to limit complications and is defined by impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance (IR), and chronic low-level systemic inflammation initiating from adipose tissue. The current preventative strategies include a healthy diet, controlled physical activity, and medication targeting hyperglycemia, with underexplored underlying inflammation. Studies suggest a protective role for helminth infection in the prevention of T2D. The mechanisms may involve induction of modified type 2 and regulatory immune responses that suppress inflammation and promote insulin sensitivity. In this review, the roles of helminths in counteracting MetS, and prospects for harnessing these protective mechanisms for the development of novel anti-diabetes drugs are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gut microbiota are closely related to the development and regulation of the host immune system by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens, which affects the host immunity. Early use of antibiotics disrupts the homeostasis of gut microbiota and increases the risk of asthma. Gut microbiota actively interact with the host immune system via the gut‐lung axis, a bidirectional communication pathway between the gut and lung. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) to combat asthma has become a hot research topic. Body: This review mainly describes the current immune pathogenesis of asthma, gut microbiota and the role of the gut‐lung axis in asthma. Moreover, the potential of manipulating the gut microbiota and its metabolites as a treatment strategy for asthma has been discussed. Conclusion: The gut‐lung axis has a bidirectional effect on asthma. Gut microecology imbalance contributes to asthma through bacterial structural components and metabolites. Asthma, in turn, can also cause intestinal damage through inflammation throughout the body. The manipulation of gut microbiota through probiotics, helminth therapy, and FMT can inform the treatment strategies for asthma by regulating the maturation of immune cells and the resistance to pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding parasite diversity in wild and captive animal populations has critical implications for both individual animal health and ecosystem dynamics in a broader sense. In mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella), the gastrointestinal helminth community is poorly understood, limiting our efforts in the conservation of this endangered bovid species. This species has only two remaining populations in the world, including the isolated northernmost population in Türkiye. Objectives: To identify and compare the diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in captive and free‐ranging populations of mountain gazelles in Hatay, Türkiye, and to assess potential zoonotic risks. Methods: In total, 105 fresh faecal samples, 45 individual samples and 60 faecal samples, representing 16 pools, from both captive and free‐ranging populations were collected and analysed using Fulleborn flotation, Benedek sedimentation and Bearman–Wetzel methods faecal flotation methods, including the McMaster technique to determine the severity of infection. Results: We detected 12 helminth taxa in our examination of faecal samples, including gastrointestinal nematodes, lungworms and trematodes. Parasites from the Trichostrongyloidea family demonstrated variable hatching stages and rates, potentially influenced by ambient conditions. We also detected one protozoan among the samples. Our results revealed a higher diversity of parasites in free‐ranging populations compared to captive ones. Conclusions: This study underscores the necessity for regular parasitological surveillance in both captive and free‐ranging wildlife populations for effective conservation management. It also contributes to the 'One Health' perspective by highlighting the potential zoonotic risks posed by parasites in wild ruminants. Our results have implications for the conservation and management of the mountain gazelle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cats in Iran are definitive hosts for several zoonotic intestinal helminths, such as Toxocara cati, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris leonina, Physaloptera praeputialis and Diplopylidium nolleri. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in free‐roaming cats in southeast Iran, a region with a high free‐roaming cat population. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2021, 153 cadavers of free‐roaming cats from Southeast Iran were necropsied for intestinal helminth infections. The carcasses were dissected, and the digestive systems were removed. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon were tightly ligated. All adult helminths were collected, preserved and identified. Results: The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was 80.39% (123/153). Of the cats from Kerman, 73% (73/100) were infected with at least one helminth, including D. caninum 70% (70/100), T. leonina 8% (8/100) and P. praeputialis 17% (17/100). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 16% (16/100) and of three species infections was found in 3% (3/100) of the cats. Of the cats from Zabol, 94.33% (50/53) were infected with at least one of the helminths, including D. caninum 69.81% (37/53), T. leonina 11.32% (6/53), P. praeputialis 37.73% (20/53) and T. cati 5.66% (3/53). Concurrent infection with two helminth species was found in 28.3% (15/53), and three species were found in 1.88% (1/53) of the cats. Helminth infections were more prevalent in older cats. There was no association between sex and infection rate. Conclusion: Based on the very high prevalence of zoonotic intestinal helminth infections in free‐roaming cats in southeast Iran, the potential public health risk emphasizes the need for intersectoral collaboration, particularly the provision of health and hygiene education to high‐risk populations, such as pre‐school and school‐age children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Here we present a case of a 4‐year‐old girl who suffered from vulvovaginitis caused by Enterobius vermicularis. All members of her family were also infected by this helminth. Treatment with mebendazole was administered to all family members and it was found that the entire family had been cured. Vulvovaginitis, an inflammation of the vulvovaginal mucous membranes, is a common reason for pediatric gynecology consultations. One of the causes of this condition is a parasitic worm known as Enterobius vermicularis (E. vermicularis). In girls, adult worms can infiltrate the vagina and release eggs, leading to the development of vulvovaginitis. Furthermore, these worms have the ability to invade the endometrial cavity too. Here we present a case of a 4‐year‐old girl who suffered from vulvovaginitis caused by E. vermicularis. All members of her family were also infected by this parasitic helminth. In the vaginal sample, apart from the eggs, the female adult worm was observed under the microscope. Treatment with mebendazole was administered to all family members, and their progress was followed for a period of 3 weeks, during which it was found that the entire family had been cured. This patient experienced significant improvement in symptoms related to severe anxiety, nervousness, vaginal inflammation, itching, and vulvovaginitis caused by E. vermicularis. To prevent infection by E. vermicularis, it is crucial to disinfect underwear and bed sheets. In kindergartens, the spread of this parasite should not be underestimated, and asymptomatic individuals who have been exposed to infected persons should receive treatment to prevent an epidemic. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene, especially after using the toilet, is of the most importance, particularly for girls who are more susceptible to E. vermicularis infection. Additionally, it is essential for all family members to be aware of the transmission routes of this parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutrient content of host resources can influence the abundance of parasites within an ecosystem, but linking specific nutrients in a host to the abundance of different parasite taxa remains a challenge. Here, we work to forge this link by quantifying the relationship between the nutrient content of specific infection sites and the abundance of multiple parasite taxa within the digestive tract of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) collected from the Mississippi River. To generate a mechanistic understanding of these relationships, we tested four basic predictions: (1) the nutrient content of different host tissues (infection sites) varies within and across hosts, (2) the nutrient content of parasite genera differs from that of their host tissue(s), (3) the nutrient content of parasite genera differ from one another and (4) the nutrient content of host tissues is related to the nutrient content and abundance of parasite genera. We found support for each of these predictions. We found stoichiometric differences between the digestive tissues we examined. We also found that across hosts, intestine and pyloric caeca C:N ratios increased and %N decreased with fish condition factor. Both of the actively feeding parasitic genera we measured had lower C:N ratios compared to both their host tissue and other encysted/non‐reproductive genera, suggesting the potential for N limitation of these parasites in the intestines or pyloric caeca of hosts. Consistent with this possibility, we found that the total number of actively feeding parasitic worms in the pyloric caeca increased with that tissue's N:P ratio (but was not related to host condition factor). Our results suggest that parasites encounter significant variation in nutrient content within and across hosts and that this variation may influence the abundance of actively feeding parasites. This work highlights the need for additional empirical comparisons of parasite stoichiometry across tissues and individual hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comparative approaches have revealed both divergent and convergent paths to achieving shared developmental outcomes. Thus, only through assembling multiple case studies can we understand biological principles. Yet, despite appreciating the conservation—or lack thereof—of developmental networks, the conservation of epigenetic mechanisms regulating these networks is poorly understood. The nematode Pristionchus pacificus has emerged as a model system of plasticity and epigenetic regulation as it exhibits a bacterivorous or omnivorous morph depending on its environment. Here, we determined the "epigenetic toolkit" available to P. pacificus as a resource for future functional work on plasticity, and as a comparison with Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the conservation of epigenetic mechanisms. Broadly, we observed a similar cast of genes with putative epigenetic function between C. elegans and P. pacificus. However, we also found striking differences. Most notably, the histone methyltransferase complex PRC2 appears to be missing in P. pacificus. We described the deletion/pseudogenization of the PRC2 genes mes-2 and mes-6 and concluded that both were lost in the last common ancestor of P. pacificus and a related species P. arcanus. Interestingly, we observed the enzymatic product of PRC2 (H3K27me3) by mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence, suggesting that a currently unknown methyltransferase has been co-opted for heterochromatin silencing. Altogether, we have provided an inventory of epigenetic genes in P. pacificus to compare with C. elegans. This inventory will enable reverse-genetic experiments related to plasticity and has revealed the first loss of PRC2 in a multicellular organism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

RNA-binding proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2 (FBFs) are required for germline stem cell maintenance and the sperm/oocyte switch in Caenorhabditis elegans , although the mechanisms controlling FBF protein levels remain unknown. We identified an interaction between both FBFs and CSN-5), a component of the constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 (COP9) signalosome best known for its role in regulating protein degradation. Here, we find that the Mpr1/Pad1 N-terminal metalloprotease domain of CSN-5 interacts with the Pumilio and FBF RNA-binding domain of FBFs and the interaction is conserved for human homologs CSN5 and PUM1. The interaction between FBF-2 and CSN-5 can be detected in vivo by proximity ligation. csn-5 mutation results in the destabilization of FBF proteins, which may explain previously observed decrease in the numbers of germline stem and progenitor cells, and disruption of oogenesis. The loss of csn-5 does not decrease the levels of a related PUF protein PUF-3 , and csn-5 (lf) phenotype is not enhanced by fbf-1 /2 knockdown, suggesting that the effect is specific to FBFs. The effect of csn-5 on oogenesis is largely independent of the COP9 signalosome and is cell autonomous. Surprisingly, the regulation of FBF protein levels involves a combination of COP9-dependent and COP9-independent mechanisms differentially affecting FBF-1 and FBF-2. This work supports a previously unappreciated role for CSN-5 in the stabilization of germline stem cell regulatory proteins FBF-1 and FBF-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insectivores (Eulypotiphla) are a substantial component of Russian forest ecosystems. The parasites of these animals also form an important part of natural biocenoses and act as one of the factors in the formation of biodiversity. The Mordovia Nature Reserve and National Park "Smolny" are large, forested areas located in the center of European Russia. We studied the helminth fauna of insectivores in these protected areas in 2018–2022. In total, using the method of complete helminthological necropsy, we examined 478 individuals of shrews, moles, and hedgehogs and recorded 34 species of parasitic worms, i.e., 8 trematode, 7 cestode, 1 acanthocephalan, and 18 nematode species. The most diverse helminth fauna was found in Sorex araneus (22 species). The composition of helminths in S. isodon (12), Neomys fodiens (9), Sorex minutus, and Erinaceus roumanicus (8 species each) turned out to be less diverse. The lowest species diversity of helminths was observed in Neomys milleri (3) and Talpae europaea (2 species). Taking into account the newly obtained data, we conducted a review of the helminth diversity in shrews, hedgehogs, and moles in the Middle Volga region. According to our literature data, the helminth fauna of insectivores in this region consists of 52 species, including 14 cestodes, 13 trematodes, 22 nematodes, and 3 acanthocephalans. Most of them belong to the Palearctic faunal complex (36 species). The helminth fauna of insectivores in the studied protected areas was compared with the helminth fauna of micromammals in other areas of the Middle Volga region. Our comparative analysis showed a high and average degree of similarity in the helminth fauna within individual species and genera of Eulipotyphla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the role of the kynurenine (KYN) pathway in rhodoquinone (RQ) and de novo NAD+ biosynthesis and whether NAD+ rescue pathways are essential in parasitic worms (helminths). Results: We demonstrate that RQ, the key electron transporter used by helminths under hypoxia, derives from the tryptophan (Trp) catabolism even in the presence of a minimal KYN pathway. We show that of the KYN pathway genes only the kynureninase and tryptophan/indoleamine dioxygenases are essential for RQ biosynthesis. Metabolic labeling with Trp revealed that the lack of the formamidase and kynurenine monooxygenase genes did not preclude RQ biosynthesis in the flatworm Mesocestoides corti. In contrast, a minimal KYN pathway prevented de novo NAD+ biosynthesis, as revealed by metabolic labeling in M. corti, which also lacks the 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase gene. Our results indicate that most helminths depend solely on NAD+ rescue pathways, and some lineages rely exclusively on the nicotinamide salvage pathway. Importantly, the inhibition of the NAD+ recycling enzyme nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase with FK866 led cultured M. corti to death. Innovation: We use comparative genomics of more than 100 hundred helminth genomes, metabolic labeling, HPLC-mass spectrometry targeted metabolomics, and enzyme inhibitors to define pathways that lead to RQ and NAD+ biosynthesis in helminths. We identified the essential enzymes of these pathways in helminth lineages, revealing new potential pharmacological targets for helminthiasis. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that a minimal KYN pathway was evolutionary maintained for RQ and not for de novo NAD+ biosynthesis in helminths and shed light on the essentiality of NAD+ rescue pathways in helminths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Free-floating pleuston harbours large numbers of hemiuroid metacercariae. • Four of seven hemiuroid taxa sampled were molecularly identified to species. • Open ocean hemiuroid life-cycles are highly plastic with low host specificity. • We found low species richness suggesting alternative pelagic or benthic transmission pathways. • Transmission may depend on trophic interactions both at the surface and at depth. Pleustonic organisms form an important part of pelagic ecosystems by contributing to pelagic trophic chains and supporting connectivity between oceanic habitats. This study systematically analysed the trematode community harboured by pleustonic molluscs and cnidarians from offshore Queensland, Australia. Four mollusc and three cnidarian species were collected from beaches of North Stradbroke Island, Queensland. Two mollusc species and all three cnidarians harboured large numbers of hemiuroid metacercariae (Trematoda: Hemiuroidea). Eight taxa from four hemiuroid families (Accacoeliidae, Didymozoidae, Hemiuridae and Sclerodistomidae) were distinguished via molecular sequencing. Four of those taxa were identified to species. All trematode taxa except one didymozoid were shared by two or more host species; five species occurred in both gastropods and cnidarians. It is hypothesised that the life-cycles of these hemiuroids are highly plastic, involving multiple opportunistic pathways of metacercarial transmission to the definitive hosts. Transmission and the use of pleuston by hemiuroids likely varies with sea surface use and ontogenetic trophic shifts of apex predators. The small number of trematode species found in pleuston is consistent with significant ecological specificity, and the inference that other pelagic trematodes use alternative pathways of transmission that do not involve pleustonic organisms. Such pathways may involve i) pelagic hosts exclusively; ii) benthic or demersal hosts exclusively, consumed by apex predators during their dives; or iii) both benthic and pelagic hosts in transmission chains dependent on vertical migrations of prey. The influence of the connectivity of open-ocean ecosystems on parasite transmission is identified as an area in critical need of research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) refers to a set of parasitic illnesses caused by nematode worms and spread to people through faeces-contaminated soil. It is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries due to a lack of environmental sanitation and personal hygiene. Pregnant women are among the risk groups for infection by soil-transmitted helminths. Former studies of the disease burden among pregnant women in Ethiopia didn't indicate the intensity of parasitic infection. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of soil-transmitted helminths among pregnant women. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 randomly selected pregnant women. The data were collected using a structured interview-administered questionnaire and a laboratory test. The Kato-Katz technique was used to diagnose soil-transmitted helminthiasis and determine the intensity of the infection. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of soil-transmitted helminths at a p-value < 0.05. Results: The overall prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths among pregnant women was 30%. (95%, CI: 26-34%). Living in a rural area (AOR = 3.35; 95% CI = 1.83–6.13), drinking from an unprotected water source (AOR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.45–4.37), not washing one's hand after the toilet (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.55–4.88), lacking health information (AOR = 1.70; 95% CI = 1.01–2.85), working as a daily labourer (AOR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.01–8.20), and walking barefoot (AOR = 4.00; 95% CI = 2.29–7.00) were significantly associated with the presence of soil-transmitted helminths among pregnant women. Conclusion: The prevalence of STH was significantly moderate in the study area, where pregnant women were mostly affected by ascariasis and hookworms. Living in a rural area, being a daily labourer, walking barefoot, not washing hands after the toilet, drinking from an unprotected water source, and lacking health information were the determining factors. Interventions including health education, the expansion of pure drinking water sources, the promotion of personal hygiene, and the wearing of shoes are recommended to reduce the burden of soil-transmitted helminths in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mozambique has one of the highest burdens of neglected tropical diseases in Africa. Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths are being targeted for elimination as part of integrated mass drug administration campaigns. The progress made towards interruption of transmission has been affected by recent conflict in Cabo Delgado province. The aim of this paper was to determine the potential impact of this crisis on the neglected tropical diseases programme and the challenges in reaching the elimination goals of 2030. Methodology: A desk-based secondary data analysis was conducted on publicly available sources of neglected tropical diseases, conflict incidents, internally displaced persons and geographical access between 2020 and 2022. Data were summarised and mapped using GIS software. A combined risk stratified assessment at district level was developed with five classifications i) Very high-risk; ii) High-risk; iii) Medium to high-risk; iv) Medium risk; and v) Not at risk due to conflict absence but co-endemic. Results: Lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths were co-endemic in 115 out of 156 (74%) districts. Between 2020 and 2022 a total of 1,653 conflict-related incidents were reported, most of them in Cabo Delgado province (n = 1,397, 85%). A five-fold increase of internally displaced persons was recorded from April 2020 (n = 172,186) to November 2022 (n = 935,130). Geographical accessibility also deteriorated across the province with an increase from five (29%) in 2021 to seven (41%) districts in 2022 classified as hard-to-reach. The combined risk stratification identified that most districts (n = 7; 41%) in Cabo Delgado province had medium to high-risk; very high-risk (n = 5, 29%); medium risk (n = 3, 18%); high-risk (n = 2, 12%). Conclusion: Most of the districts of Cabo Delgado were considered to be at risk of not meeting the neglected tropical diseases road map 2021–2030 targets due to the humanitarian crisis ongoing. There is the need for practical strategies and funding to overcome these hostile challenges. Author summary: Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases that usually affect the most vulnerable population in tropical countries. Mozambique has been tackling lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths for two decades with the aim of eliminating them through large-scale distribution of drugs to interrupt transmission. In recent years, internal conflict has emerged and led to an escalating humanitarian crisis in the endemic province of Cabo Delgado which has hampered elimination efforts. This study aimed to shed light on the situation and to determine the potential impact on the Mozambique NTDs' programme. We used a range of open-source data on NTDs, conflict, internally displaced persons and geographical access to summarise, describe, and map the situation at the district level in the most affected province. We used this data to also examine their geographical overlap and to develop a risk assessment tool to highlight the high risk and most vulnerable areas. We found that between 2021–2022 more than 1,300 conflict incidents occurred, and almost 1 million people were displaced in Cabo Delgado province with many districts having limited geographical access which impacted the NTDs programme's ability to work. The study highlights the important challenges of conflict and displacement of vulnerable populations, and the need for support and set of guidelines for NTDs endemic programmes to use to help to overcome key barriers and meet the targets of elimination set by the World Health Organization for 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminth-derived proteins have immunomodulatory properties, influencing the host's immune response as an adaptive strategy for helminth survival. Helminth-derived proteins modulate the immune response by inducing anti-inflammatory cytokines, promoting regulatory T-cell development, and ultimately favouring a Th2-biased immune response. This systematic review focused on helminth-derived proteins and explored their impact on reducing inflammatory responses in mouse models of colitis. A systematic search across Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library identified fourteen relevant studies. These studies reported immunomodulatory changes, including increased production of anti-inflammatory cells and cytokines. In mouse models of colitis treated with on helminth-derived proteins, significant improvements in pathological parameters such as body weight, colon length, and microscopic inflammatory scores were observed compared to control groups. Moreover, helminth-derived proteins can enhance the function of Tregs and alleviate the severity of inflammatory conditions. The findings underscore the pivotal role of helminth-derived proteins in immunomodulation, specifically in the axis of cytokine secretion and immune cell polarization. The findings offer new opportunities for treating chronic inflammatory conditions such Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parasitic infestations have a substantial economic impact on pig production. This study aimed to investigate the gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in pigs and to molecularly characterise two important nematodes, Ascaris and Trichuris species. Materials and methods: A total of 500 pig faecal samples were collected from small holder backyard pig farms in five townships within Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Microscopic examination was conducted to estimate the prevalence of GI helminth infestation in the pigs. DNA extraction and PCR were performed on faecal samples that were morphologically positive for Ascaris and Trichuris eggs. Molecular analysis was then conducted to characterise A. suum and T. suis, the most common and zoonotic helminths. Results: According to microscopic examination, 69.2% (346/500) were positive for GI helminth eggs. The GI helminth species observed were A. suum, Strongyle, Strongyloides spp., T. suis, Metastrongylus spp., Hyostrongylus spp., Fasciolopsis spp., Paragonimus spp., and Schistosoma spp., with occurrences of 34.8%, 29.6%, 21.4%, 20.0%, 4.0%, 1.6%, 1.0%, 1.0%, and 0.4%, respectively. Mixed infections of GI helminths were noted in 31.0% of the samples. Overall, sampled pigs excreted mostly low levels (< 100 EPG) or moderate levels (> 100–500 EPG) of GI helminth eggs. The highest mean EPG for each parasite species was noted in A. suum. The presence of A. suum and T. suis was confirmed molecularly. The sequences of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) region of A. suum showed high similarity with previously reported sequences. Likewise, the sequences of T. suis exhibited high similarity with the sequences reported from humans and pigs. Age was noted as an associated factor (P < 0.05) for GI helminth infection status. Conclusions: In this report, A. suum and T. suis were molecularly identified for the first time in Myanmar. It is important to extend the information among the farmers to be aware of the necessity of preventing zoonotic parasites by practicing regular deworming, proper use of anthelmintics and maintaining hygienic conditions in their pig farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the species described within the Onchocercidae family, Dirofilaria immitis is regarded as the most common worldwide, causing severe and often fatal conditions in dogs, cats, and occasionally humans. Dirofilaria spp. are vectored by mosquitoes, simulids, and culicoids, with their epidemiology dependent on the geographical distribution of competent vectors. Eight species of Dirofilaria have been reported so far in Brazil, of which six parasitize non-human primates, deer, procyonids, and marsupials. Here, we investigated the occurrence of Onchocercidae in wild felids (i.e., Panthera onca, Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus guttulus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, Leopardus munoai) from different locations in Brazil. Overall, 82 samples (n = 63 blood; n = 19 tissues) were molecularly screened for cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox1) gene. Four (i.e., 4.8%) wild felid samples were positive, and at BLAST analysis, the obtained sequences showed varying percentage of nucleotide identity with the genera Brugia (i.e., 87–88%), Setaria (i.e., 89%), and D. immitis (i.e., 94.4%). Phylogenetic analyses clustered sequences obtained into three distinct clades, one with D. immitis and the remaining two with other Onchocercidae spp. Data herein obtained highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the diversity and biology of Onchocercidae in South America in order to assess the potential impact that these species may have for domestic and wild animals, as well as humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worm infections remain a significant health challenge globally, including in Indonesia, where they continue to contribute to a majority of health issues. Soil-transmitted helminths (STH), particularly intestinal nematode parasites, are predominant in causing these infections. Microscopic examination with 2% eosin staining is a conventional method for diagnosing worm infections. However, exploring alternative staining agents, such as anthocyanin-rich extracts from Hibiscus rosasinensis L. (hibiscus flower) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (roselle flower), presents a promising avenue. These plants possess anthocyanin compounds, resulting in a captivating red pigment and making them suitable for utilization as natural coloring agents. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hibiscus and roselle infusions as alternative staining reagents for examining STH egg, compared to the standard 2% eosin staining method. Adopting a true experimental design, samples of STH worm egg suspensions were subjected to different concentrations of hibiscus and roselle infusions. The results revealed varying staining outcomes with different concentrations. However, a 1: 1 concentration ratio of hibiscus and roselle infusions demonstrated effective staining against STH worm eggs. In conclusion, this research underscores the comparative effectiveness of hibiscus and roselle infusions as alternative staining reagents for STH egg examination, with 2% eosin serving as the control. These findings hold potential implications for improving diagnostic techniques in managing worm infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melatonin is a pleiotropic neurohormone found in different animal, plant, and microorganism species. It is a product resulting from tryptophan metabolism in the pineal gland and is widely known for its ability to synchronize the circadian rhythm to antitumor functions in different types of cancers. The molecular mechanisms responsible for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant and cytoprotective effects involve binding to high-affinity G protein-coupled receptors and interactions with intracellular targets that modulate signal transduction pathways. In vitro and in vivo studies have reported the therapeutic potential of melatonin in different infectious and parasitic diseases. In this review, the protective and pathophysiological roles of melatonin in fighting protozoan and helminth infections and the possible mechanisms involved against these stressors will be discussed. • Melatonin is an indole hormone with different functions, from antioxidant activity to immunomodulation. • Melatonin has activity against protozoa by acting, above all, directly and indirectly in the infectious process. • Melatonin reduces the impact of the infectious process caused by helminths, especially by inducing protection against oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminths are divided into three types: nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes). All three types occur in companion animals, although flukes are not common in cats and dogs in the UK and mainly affect ruminants. This article will focus on the morphology, life cycle and treatment of cestodes, with special attention given to Dipylidium caninum, Taenia species and Echinococcus granulosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminths are divided into three types: nematodes (roundworms), cestodes (tapeworms) and trematodes (flukes). All three types occur in companion animals, although f lukes are not common in cats and dogs in the UK and mainly affect ruminants. This article focuses on the life cycle and treatment of nematodes, with special attention given to Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • C57BL/6 Rag2/Il-2rγ-/- mice are susceptible to infections with Dirofilaria immitis. • Dirofilaria immitis worms reach the adult stage in C57BL/6 Rag2/Il-2rγ-/- mice. • Dirofilaria immitis worms migrate to the heart in C57BL/6 Rag2/Il-2rγ-/- mice. • Mice are prone to develop caval syndrome during late-stage heartworm infections. Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent for one of the major parasitic infections in dogs. It is currently not possible to reliably diagnose the infection before the development of fertile adult female worms and the presence of microfilariae which takes six to 7 months. However, at this point adult worms already reside in the pulmonary arteries and can cause significant damage. Novel in vivo models may facilitate the development of new diagnostic tools and improve treatment options for both the early and late stages of D. immitis infections. In this paper, we aimed to increase the capabilities of recently published mouse models in which severely immune-deficient mice were shown to be susceptible to D. immitis. Our data shows that D. immitis may grow into fully developed mature male and female worms in C57BL/6 Rag2/Il-2rγ-/- mice with comparable growth rates to the natural canine host. The adult worms of D. immitis were shown to migrate into body cavities as well as the heart in this model. However, the presence of adult worms inside the heart of infected mice led to the development of caval syndrome in 36% of infected mice after five to 6 months. Overall, the current study complements recently published efforts to establish a D. immitis mouse model by extending the development of D. immitis into mature adult stages and will facilitate further preclinical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Morphological and ecological attributes of parasite species did not contribute to parasite beta-diversity. • Contribution of parasite species to their beta-diversity depended on mean abundance and/or prevalence. • The effect of host sex or age on their contribution to parasite beta-diversity was detected in a few species only. We searched for common patterns in parasite ecology by investigating species and host contributions to the beta-diversity of infracommunities (=assemblages of parasites harboured by a host individual) in helminths of three species of South African ungulates and fleas of 11 species of South American rodents, assuming that a comparison of patterns in distinctly different parasites and hosts would allow us to judge the generality or, at least, commonness of these patterns. We used data on species' composition and numbers of parasites and asked whether (i) parasite species' attributes (life cycle, transmission mode, and host specificity in helminths; possession of sclerotized combs, microhabitat preference, and host specificity in fleas) or their population structure (mean abundance and/or prevalence) and (ii) host characteristics (sex and age) affect parasite and host species' contributions to parasite beta-diversity (SCBD and HCBD, respectively). We found that parasite species' morphological and ecological attributes were mostly not associated with their SCBD. In contrast, parasite SCBD, in both ungulates and rodents, significantly increased with either parasite mean abundance or prevalence or both. The effect of host characteristics on HCBD was detected in a few hosts only. In general, parasite infracommunities' beta-diversity appeared to be driven by variation in parasite species rather than the uniqueness of the assemblages harboured by individual hosts. We conclude that some ecological patterns (such as the relationships between SCBD and parasite abundance/prevalence) appear to be common and do not differ between different host-parasite associations in different geographic regions, whereas other patterns (the relationships between SCBD and parasite species' attributes) are contingent and depend on parasite and host identities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Schistosomiasis is caused by parasitic flatworms and the disease is endemic to most countries in sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. The current therapeutic agent for managing this disease solely relies on praziquantel. The continual dependence on this single available drug could lead to possible drug resistance. This study seeks to evaluate the antischistosomal activity of the following Ghanaian medicinal plants: Khaya senegalensis, Vernonia amygdalina, Clausena anisata, and Bridelia ferruginea. Methodology. Two concentrations (100 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL) of each extract were tested in a 96-well plate containing 30 newly transformed schistosomula (NTS). Moreover, six worms of both sexes of adult Schistosoma mansoni were exposed to the extracts diluted in the RPMI medium. The assay was performed in a 24-well plate. The parasitic worms were examined using an inverted optical microscope. Results. At 100 μg/mL and 50 μg/mL, all extracts performed better and showed strong activity (p < 0.001) against NTS; thus, 98.08%, 100%, 80.77%, and 100% for Clausena, Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya, respectively, when compared to praziquantel. Strong activity was recorded when the extracts underwent testing against Schistosoma mansoni adults at 100 μg/mL; 96.35%, 100%, and 94.55% for Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya, respectively, except for Clausena which exhibited weak activity, i.e., 56.02%. There was no significant difference between Vernonia, Bridelia, and Khaya when compared to praziquantel. Conclusion. At 100 μg/mL, Khaya senegalensis, Vernonia amygdalina, and Bridelia ferruginea extracts demonstrated strong activity against both schistosomula and adult Schistosoma mansoni. These data can serve as baseline information in the quest to find alternative therapeutic agents to treat schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In total, 216 wild boars (Sus scrofa), a known host of roundworm (Ascaris suum) and giant thorny-headed worm (Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus), were examined. The infection rates of the free-ranged and captive populations were compared from June 2015 to June 2023 in Hungary. Of the 173 dissected wild boars from the wild, 57 (32.9%) were infected with A. suum, while 30 (69.8%) of the 43 individuals from the captive area were infected. The prevalence of M. hirudinaceus in the wild population was 9.25% (16 wild boars), while that of the captive animals was 34.89% (15 wild boars). The prevalence of A. suum in the entire population was 40.28% (87 wild boars), while the prevalence of M. hirudinaceus was 14.35% (31 wild boars). In the case of the examined helminths, the captive herd was 36.9% more infected than the herd living in the open area. Ascaris suum and Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus cause a large loss of yield in farm animals as well as in free-living and captive wild boar herds, thereby causing economic damage. This study compared A. suum and M. hirudinaceus infections in free-ranging and captive wild boars (Sus scrofa) in Hungary. The authors measured the A. suum and M. hirudinaceus infections of a 248-hectare wild boar garden and an 11,893-hectare free-living wild boar herd in the sample area. In all cases, samples were collected from shot wild boars. In total, 216 wild boars were examined from June 2015 to June 2023 in Hungary. Of the 173 dissected wild boars from the wild, 57 (32.9%) were infected with A. suum, while 30 (69.8%) of the 43 individuals from the captive area were infected. The prevalence of M. hirudinaceus in the free-living area population was 9.25% (16 wild boars), while that of the captive population was 34.89% (15 wild boars). In the case of the examined helminths, the captive herd was 36.9% more infected than the herd living in the open area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The impact of access to improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and health education on large-scale deworming programs aimed at controlling soil-transmitted helminth (STH) and schistosome (SCH) infections has not been well studied. We assessed the additional impact of improved WASH infrastructure and health education at schools on STH and SCH infections in Ethiopia. Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design under which 30 schools were assigned to either an intervention (15 schools) or control (15 schools) arm. Both arms received a standard deworming treatment and lunch. In the intervention arm, improved WASH and health education were provided. At three consecutive time points (baseline in 2013, 2014 and 2015), the prevalence and intensity of STH and SCH infections and the nutritional status [hemoglobin concentrations and physical growth (height and weight)] were determined. To verify whether interventions were successfully implemented, the WASH status at school and the student knowledge, attitudes and practices related to WASH (WASH-KAP) were recorded. Differences in metrics between arms at baseline (2013) and follow-up (2015) were assessed both within and between the arms. Results: A significant increase in scores for both the school WASH and student KAP was found in the intervention arm, indicating successful implementation of the intervention. The prevalence of any STH infection was significantly reduced in the intervention arm but not in the control arm (F = 4.486, p = 0.034). There was a significantly greater reduction in the intensity of infection of hookworm and Ascaris lumbricoides compared to baseline in both arms. The intervention did not affect school children's height-for-age z-score (intervention arm * time coef = 0.12, p = 0.400) and body mass index-for-age z-scores (intervention * time coef = − 0.06, p = 0.526). Hemoglobin concentrations increased significantly more in the control than the intervention arm (coef = − 0.16, p = 0.006). Conclusions: Although the intervention did increase school WASH and student WASH-KAP, our study found poor evidence of the additional benefit of improved WASH and health education to deworming and school food programs on parasite re-infection and the health outcomes of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil-transmitted-helminth (STH) infections continue to be a persistent global public health problem. Control strategies for STH have been based on the use of mass drug administration (MDA). Coverage and compliance assessment is critical to understanding the true effectiveness of albendazole (ABZ) in those MDA programs. The aims of this work were to characterize the pattern of albendazole and metabolites excretion in human saliva, and to develop a saliva-based biomarker (HPLC drug/metabolite detection) useful to accurately estimate the coverage/compliance in MDA campaigns. The study subjects were 12 healthy volunteers treated with a single oral dose of ABZ (400 mg). Saliva and blood (dried blood spot, DBS) samples were taken previously and between 2 and 72 h post-treatment. The samples were analyzed by HPLC with UV detection, C18 reversed-phase column. ABZ sulphoxide was the main analyte recovered up to 72 h p.t. in blood and saliva. The concentration profiles measured in the blood (DBS samples) were higher (P < 0.05) than those in saliva, however, this ABZ-metabolite was recovered longer in saliva. The in vivo measurement of drugs/metabolites in saliva samples from ABZ-treated volunteers offers strong scientific evidence to support the use of saliva as a valid biological sample for assessing compliance in MDA programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products (NPs) have played a vital role in human survival for millennia, particularly for their medicinal properties. Many traditional medicine practices continue to utilise crude plants and animal products for treating various diseases, including inflammation. In contrast, contemporary medicine focuses more on isolating drug-lead compounds from NPs to develop new and better treatment drugs for treating inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel diseases. There is an ongoing search for new drug leads as there is still no cure for many inflammatory conditions. Various approaches and technologies are used in drug discoveries from NPs. This review comprehensively focuses on anti-inflammatory small molecules and describes the key strategies in identifying, extracting, fractionating and isolating small-molecule drug leads. This review also discusses the (i) most used approaches and recently available techniques, including artificial intelligence (AI), (ii) machine learning, and computational approaches in drug discovery; (iii) provides various animal models and cell lines used in in-vitro and in-vivo assessment of the anti-inflammatory potential of NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helminths disease is one of the infectious diseases caused by the entry of parasites in the form of worm eggs into the human body through the human digestive tract due to pollution through the soil-transmitted helminth (STH). This study measured the in vitro effect of Areca catechu ethanol extract partitioning as anthelmintic against Ascaris lumbricoides worms using a 125 mg pyrantel pamoate control. The test animals used were living and mobile worms of A. lumbricoides, which were taken from the small intestines of pigs. The study group was divided into 5 groups, namely positive control (pyrantel pamoate) 125 mg), negative control (0.9% NaCl solution) and ethanol extract group A. catechu 10%, 20%, 30%. The results confirmed that the ethanol extract partition of A. catechu at exposure to a concentration of 30% showed a high level of efficacy in killing worms with an average time of death of A. lumbricoides worms at 6 to 12 hours compared to pyrantel pamoat solution. However, at exposure to concentration, 10% and 20% obtained a slightly longer average mortality time of 8 to 24 hours, respectively. Partitioning of A. catechu ethanol extract at a concentration of 30% showed the highest level of efficacy in killing A. lumbricoides worms based on average faster mortality time than the concentrations of 10% and 20% collected. Ethanol extract A. catechu has pharmacological therapeutic effects have various properties, including can be used for the treatment of diseases caused by parasites and also several other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We have conducted a 10-year coprological study of animals housed in two zoological institutions with different housing conditions to assess parasite biodiversity and prevalence, their relationship with host class (mammal/bird), diet (carnivorous/omnivorous/herbivorous), and enclosure characteristics (soil type, isolation from wild fauna), and evaluated the risk of transmission to humans. A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined, with 62.1% of mammal species and 12.8% of avian species testing positive. Statistically significant differences were found based on diet type; few carnivorous species were detected infected, primarily by nematodes, while many herbivorous and omnivorous species were primarily infected by protists. No statistically significant differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible). Several parasite species found in the study (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantioides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. Regular analyses of the animals and implementation and follow-up of health programs would minimise transmission risks between housed animals, wild fauna, and humans. We have conducted a 10-year-long coprological study of the animals housed in two zoological institutions (ZooAquarium and Faunia, Madrid, Spain) to assess the parasite biodiversity, prevalence, and their relation with host class, diet, and enclosure type (soil type and level of isolation from wild fauna). A total of 4476 faecal samples from 132 mammal species and 951 samples from 86 avian species were examined. The results indicated that only 12.8% of avian species had parasites at least once during the study period, whereas 62.1% of mammal species tested positive. Predominantly, protists (Entamoeba, flagellates, and ciliates) and nematodes (mainly Trichuris) were identified in the findings. Carnivorous species were primarily infected by nematodes, while herbivorous and omnivorous species were mainly infected by protists. The number of infected herbivorous and omnivorous species was significantly greater than carnivorous species. Differences were observed based on soil type (artificial, natural, mixed) and isolation level (isolated/accessible), but these differences were not statistically significant. Several parasites (Entamoeba spp., Giardia spp., Balantidoides coli, Trichuris spp.) could potentially be transmitted between humans and some mammals and birds. Regular animal analyses and a personnel health program in the institutions would minimise transmission risks between zoo animals, wildlife, and humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soil-transmitted helminths (STH) infect more than a quarter of the world's human population. In the absence of vaccines for most animal and human gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), treatment of infections primarily relies on anthelmintic drugs, while resistance is a growing threat. Therefore, there is a need to find alternatives to current anthelmintic drugs, especially those with novel modes of action. The present work aimed to study the composition and anthelmintic activity of Combretum mucronatum leaf extract (CMLE) by phytochemical analysis and larval migration inhibition assays, respectively. Methods: Combretum mucronatum leaves were defatted with petroleum ether and the residue was extracted by ethanol/water (1/1) followed by freeze-drying. The proanthocyanidins and flavonoids were characterized by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). To evaluate the inhibitory activity of this extract, larval migration assays with STH and GIN were performed. For this purpose, infective larvae of the helminths were, if necessary, exsheathed (Ancylostoma caninum, GIN) and incubated with different concentrations of CMLE. Results: CMLE was found to be rich in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins; catechin and epicatechin were therefore quantified for standardization of the extract. Data indicate that CMLE had a significant effect on larval migration. The effect was dose-dependent and higher concentrations (1000 µg/mL) exerted significantly higher larvicidal effect (P < 0.001) compared with the negative control (1% dimethyl sulfoxide, DMSO) and lower concentrations (≤ 100 µg/ml). Infective larvae of Ascaris suum [half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) = 5.5 µg/mL], Trichuris suis (IC50 = 7.4 µg/mL), and A. caninum (IC50 = 18.9 µg/mL) were more sensitive to CMLE than that of Toxocara canis (IC50 = 310.0 µg/mL), while infective larvae of Toxocara cati were largely unaffected (IC50 > 1000 µg/mL). Likewise, CMLE was active against most infective larvae of soil-transmitted ruminant GIN, except for Cooperia punctata. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was most sensitive to CMLE (IC50 = 2.1 µg/mL) followed by Cooperia oncophora (IC50 = 27.6 µg/mL), Ostertagia ostertagi (IC50 = 48.5 µg/mL), Trichostrongylus axei (IC50 = 54.7 µg/mL), Haemonchus contortus (IC50 = 145.6 µg/mL), and Cooperia curticei (IC50 = 156.6 µg/mL). Conclusions: These results indicate that CMLE exhibits promising anthelmintic properties against infective larvae of a large variety of soil-transmitted nematodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Definition: In recent decades, important modifications have been introduced in zoos in order to guarantee the welfare of captive wild animals. Thus, many of these species are housed in enclosures with access to vegetation, where they can enjoy habitats close to those in their natural surroundings, interact with the environment, etc. These habitats present beneficial conditions for some species of parasites to survive and spread. This is a very similar problem to that affecting livestock, and the same solution, based on deworming, is currently being applied. However, the free-living stages of certain parasites that develop in the soil are responsible for high rates of ground contamination throughout the year, so that animals become infected soon after successful deworming, resulting in chemical parasiticides being frequently administered. Preventive measures are seldom considered, which worsens the situation. This entry summarizes the usefulness of the dissemination of certain saprophytic filamentous fungi with proven antagonism against some of the parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]