Parasites, Hosts and Diseases

Intestinal parasitic infections among children aged 12–59 months in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda: Evariste Hakizimana, Ju Yeong Kim, Singeun Oh, Moonsoo Yoon, Tai-Soon Yong; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):304-309.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23045

Abstract
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Intestinal parasitic infections are a public health burden and a major cause of illness in developing countries. The diseases lead to various health threats, including growth retardation and mental health-related disorders, especially in children. We assessed the risk factors for intestinal parasitic infections among children aged 12–59 months residing in Nyamasheke District, Rwanda. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using secondary data from 1,048 children aged 12–59 months whose stool samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites and whose results were registered in the laboratory information system in 2020. The prevalence of intestinal parasites in children aged 12–59 months was 53.2%. The dominant parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides (13.1%), followed by Giardia lamblia (10.9%), Entamoeba histolytica (7.9%), Trichuris trichiura (6.5%), hookworms (1.7%), and Taenia species (1.4%). A significant association was observed between intestinal parasites and the literacy of mothers or children’s caregivers (odds ratio (OR)=5.09, P<0.001). Children from farming households were 2.8-fold more likely to contract intestinal parasitic infections than those from nonfarming households (OR=2.8, P<0.001). A significant association was also observed between intestinal parasites and food safety (OR=4.9, P<0.001). Intestinal parasitic infections were significantly associated with hand hygiene practices after using the toilet and washing fresh fruits before eating (P<0.001). The information gathered will help public health providers and partners develop control plans in highly endemic areas in Rwanda.

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Intestinal Parasitic Infection and Associated Risk Factors Among Pre-school Children in a Deprived Community in Amasaman, Accra-Ghana
Isaac Anim-Baidoo, Ruth Afful, Akua Forson, Enid Owusu, Michael Olu-Taiwo, Emmanuel Afutu, Eric Sampene-Donkor
International Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology.2025; 10(1): 1. CrossRef
Malaria and helminths co‐infection—Effects on anaemia, iron and folate deficiencies in paediatric population in Ghana
Opoku Bempah, Kwasi Baako Antwi, Mutala Abdul‐Hakim, Ibrahim Alhadj Moussa Mahamat, Kwadwo Boampong, John Larbi, Kingsley Badu
Tropical Medicine & International Health.2025; 30(9): 921. CrossRef
The Burden of Neglected Tropical Diseases in Rwanda: A Scoping Review
Masceline Jenipher Mutsaka‐Makuvaza, Michael Olubusayo Binuyo, Callixte Cyuzuzo, Acsa Igizeneza, Jean Paul Sinumvayo, Oluwaremilekun Grace Ajakaye, Egie Elisha Enabulele, Zororo Chinwadzimba, Ezera Agwu, Nicholas Midzi
Health Science Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasitic coinfections among patients with gastrointestinal complaints in a Rwandan Teaching Hospital
Aimable Munezero, Elissa Ntibaziyaremye, Alphonse Musingizimana, Ronald Byagatonda, Obed Tuyishime, Anathalie Umuhoza, Pascal Kayiranga, Emmanuel Nsengiyumva, Felix Ndahimana, Enatha Mukantwari, Thaddee Nshimiyimana, Augustin Nzitakera, Nadine Rujeni
BMC Infectious Diseases.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Intestinal Parasites and Hematological Parameters in Children Living in Ambatoboeny District, Madagascar
Wanesa Richert, Daria Kołodziej, Danuta Zarudzka, Daniel Kasprowicz, Dariusz Świetlik, Krzysztof Korzeniewski
Pathogens.2024; 13(11): 930. CrossRef

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Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea: Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(4):345-387.
Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23085

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Paleoparasitology is a discipline that applies existing conventional and molecular techniques to study parasites found in ancient ruins. This review focuses on the history of the discovery of parasites (mostly helminth eggs and larvae) in archaeological soil samples and mummies in Korea from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Joseon Dynasty (100 BCE-1910 CE). We also briefly review important milestones in global paleoparasitology. The helminth species reported so far in Korea included Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis (larva), Trichostrongylus sp. (larva), Paracapillaria philippinensis (syn. Capillaria philippinensis), Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola hepatica, dicrocoeliids, Paragonimus westermani, Clonorchis sinensis, Metagonimus yokogawai, Pygidiopsis summa, Gymnophalloides seoi, Isthmiophora hortensis, Dibothriocephalus nihonkaiensis (syn. Diphyllobothrium nihonkaiense), and Taenia spp. tapeworms. The findings obtained by Korean paleoparasitologists/archaeologists have brought about deep insight into the status of helminthic infections in Korea’s past populations. Continued paleoparasitological research is essential for further understanding of ancient parasites and parasitic diseases in Korea.

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Imported parasitic diseases in the Republic of Korea: status and issues
Jong-Yil Chai
Journal of the Korean Medical Association.2025; 68(1): 52. CrossRef

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Prevalence of head louse infestation among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea: nationwide observation of trends in 2011-2019: Seungwan Ryoo, Sooji Hong, Taehee Chang, Hyejoo Shin, Jae Young Park, Jeonggyu Lee, Eun-Hee Nah, Eun Hee Lee, Bong-Kwang Jung, Jong-Yil Chai; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(1):53-59.
Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22134

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Head louse infestation is a significant public health problem across the world, particularly among preschool and primary schoolchildren. This study investigated the trends of head louse infestation in the Republic of Korea over a 9-year period (2011-2019), targeting primary schoolchildren in 3 areas of Seoul, 4 other large cities, and 9 provinces. A survey was administered annually by the health staff of each regional office (n= 16) of the Korea Association of Health Promotion (KAHP). The branch offices of KAHP examined a total of 51,508 primary schoolchildren, comprising 26,532 boys and 24,976 girls. Over the 9-year survey, a total of 1,107 (2.1%) schoolchildren tested positive for adults and/or nits of Pediculus humanus capitis. The prevalence was 2.8% (133/4,727) in 2011-2012 and gradually decreased to 0.8% (49/6,461) in 2019 (P< 0.05). Head lice were found more frequently in girls (3.0%; 746/24,976) than in boys (1.4%; 361/26,532) (P< 0.05). In terms of geographic localities, the highest infestation rate, 4.7% (average prevalence over 9 years), was observed in southern Seoul (Gangnam branch of KAHP), whereas the lowest infestation rate, 0.7%, was seen in Gyeongsang (north and south provinces) and western Seoul. Although the prevalence decreased significantly during the 9-year period, head louse infestation remains a health and hygiene issue among primary schoolchildren in the Republic of Korea. Regular surveys along with health education are needed to further improve children’s hair hygiene.

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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Head Lice Among Schoolchildren in Kirkuk
Fatema W. Abdul Aziz
Academia Open.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A case of co-infection with head lice and varicella in a child: considerations for rational management
O.V. Shvaratska, V.V. Mavrutenkov, T.V. Svyatenko, O.M. Yakunina
CHILD`S HEALTH.2024; 19(1): 30. CrossRef
Prevalence and associated factors of head lice infestation among primary school children in low- and middle-income countries: systematic review and meta-analysis
Amare Mebrat Delie, Mihret Melese, Liknaw Workie Limenh, Dereje Esubalew, Nigus Kassie Worku, Eneyew Talie Fenta, Mickiale Hailu, Alemwork Abie, Molla Getie Mehari, Tenagnework Eseyneh Dagnaw
BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Epidemiology of pediculosis in the school-going children of district Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan
Saima Naz, Maria Rebecca, Ahmad Kamran Khan, Irfan Ahmed
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science.2023; 43(5): 1811. CrossRef
Head lice infestation and the role of some cognitive‐behavioral factors in its spread and prevention among adolescent girls: A cross‐sectional study in Northwest Iran
Towhid Babazadeh, Khalil Maleki Chollou, Sanaz Abedi‐Nerbin, Salar Abedi‐Nerbin, Farzaneh Shahnavaz‐Yoshanluie, Soheila Ranjbaran
Health Science Reports.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

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Emerging Plasmodium falciparum K13 gene mutation to artemisinin-based combination therapies and partner drugs among malaria-infected population in sub-Saharan Africa: Samuel Adeniyi Oyegbade, Emmanuel Ojochegbe Mameh, Daniel Oluwatobiloba Balogun, Victoria-Grace Onyekachi Aririguzoh, Paul Akinniyi Akinduti; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(2):109-122.
Published online May 26, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24053

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The continuous Plasmodium falciparum kelch13 (PfK13) genetic alterations conferring resistance to artemisinin-based combination therapies and partner drugs pose a significant threat to effective treatment and control of P. falciparum infection in developing countries. This review evaluates the emergence and epidemiology of the PfK13 mutation associated with artemisinin resistance in the sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) population. Despite empirical control and artemisinin combination therapy, the PfK13 gene mutation, previously described in Southeast Asia, has been reported in the SSA. Eight of these validated markers, including P553L, M476I, C580Y, A675V, P574L, R561H, R622I, and F446I, were reported among the SSA population. Novel and unvalidated markers, such as P615S, M472I, F434S, A578S, P570L, Y558C, K563R, A569T, I684N, M472I, and C473F spread among the population with low frequency. We provide insight into the emergence and spread of validated and unvalidated PfK13 mutations among the SSA population, which could lead to high artemisinin resistance. Investigating the verified PfK13 mutations will improve prophylactic strategies, prognostic diagnosis and guide effective population-based surveillance for effective P. falciparum malaria control in SSA.

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Emergence of chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum and rising resistance to first-line artemisinin partner drugs in Malawi
Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Johnsy Mary Louis, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Md Atique Ahmed, Feng Lu, Joon-Hee Han, Tae-Hyung Kwon, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Eun-Taek Han, Winifrida Kidima, Jin-
Emerging Microbes & Infections.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
A scoping review of antimalarial drug resistance markers in Kenya (1987–2022): toward a National Surveillance Framework and Data Repository
Kevin Wamae, John Magudha, Emmanuel Asiimwe, Kariuki Kimani, Regina Kandie, Kibor Keitany, Robert W. Snow, L. Isabella Ochola-Oyier
Malaria Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Imidazolopiperazines as next-generation antimalarial agents: a scoping review of efficacy, mechanisms of action and resistance; prospects for future development
Fatoumata Ousmane Maiga, Laurent Dembele, Mohamed Maiga, Abdoulaye A. Djimde
Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Inflammatory response to Trichomonas vaginalis in the pathogenesis of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia: Ik-Hwan Han, Jung-Hyun Kim, Jae-Sook Ryu; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(1):2-14.
Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22160

Abstract
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Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan that causes trichomoniasis, a common nonviral sexually transmitted infection. T. vaginalis infection is asymptomatic in most infected men but can lead to chronic infection. The inflammatory response to chronic T. vaginalis infection may contribute to prostatic diseases, such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH); however, studies on the relationship between T. vaginalis infection and prostate diseases are scarce. In this review, we discuss evidence from our studies on the involvement of T. vaginalis in the pathogenesis of prostate diseases, such as prostatitis and BPH. Studies of prostatitis have demonstrated that the attachment of T. vaginalis trophozoite to prostate epithelial cells (PECs) induces inflammatory cytokine production and inflammatory cell migration, leading to prostatitis. T. vaginalis also causes pathological changes, such as inflammatory cell infiltration, acinar changes, interstitial fibrosis, and mast cell infiltration, in prostate tissues of infected rats. Thus, T. vaginalis is considered an infectious agent that triggers prostatitis. Meanwhile, studies of prostatic hyperplasia revealed that mast cells activated by T. vaginalis-infected prostate cells secreted inflammatory mediators, such as β-hexosaminidase and tryptase, which promoted proliferation of prostate stromal cell (PSC). Moreover, interleukin-6 produced by proliferating PSCs induced the multiplication of BPH-1 epithelial cells as a result of stromal–epithelial interaction, suggesting that the proliferation of T. vaginalis-infected prostate cells can be induced through crosstalk with mast cells. These collective findings suggest that T. vaginalis contributes to the progression of prostatitis and prostatic hyperplasia by creating an inflammatory microenvironment involving PECs and PSCs.

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Immunomodulatory roles of autophagic flux and IFIT in human ectocervical cells upon Trichomonas vaginalis infection
Ching-Chun Liu, Lichieh Julie Chu, Yuan-Ming Yeh, Hsin-Chung Lin, Lih-Chyang Chen, Ching-Yun Huang, Shu-Fang Chiu, Fang-Wen Cheng, Wei-Ning Lin, Kuo-Yang Huang
International Immunopharmacology.2025; 155: 114643. CrossRef
Detection of trichomonads in induced sputum from asthma patients in Korea
Myung-hee Yi, Myungjun Kim, Jun Ho Choi, Yoon Hee Cho, Hyun Kyung Oh, Jung-Won Park, Ju Yeong Kim
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(3): 254. CrossRef
Interplay of obesity and parasitic infection: current evidence of immunogenesis, tumorigenesis and leptin receptor involvement
Enas El Saftawy, Mansour Alghamdi, Basma Emad Aboulhoda
Nutrition & Metabolism.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The Past, Present, and Future in the Diagnosis of a Neglected Sexually Transmitted Infection: Trichomoniasis
Alexandra Ibáñez-Escribano, Juan José Nogal-Ruiz
Pathogens.2024; 13(2): 126. CrossRef
Evaluation of the clinical application value of cytokine expression profiles in the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer
Rongfa Chen, Linna Liu, Hui Chen, Chao Xing, Tingting Zhang, Yilin Pang, Xunjun Yang
Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
CysLT receptor-mediated NOX2 activation is required for IL-8 production in HMC-1 cells induced by Trichomonas vaginalis-derived secretory products
Young Ah Lee, Myeong Heon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2024; 62(3): 270. CrossRef
Dynamin 2-mediated endocytosis of BLT1 is required for IL-8 production in HMC-1 cells induced by Trichomonas vaginalis-derived secretory products
Young Ah Lee, Myeong Heon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2024; 62(3): 281. CrossRef

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Standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris trichiura in the feces of schoolchildren in the Yangon Region, Myanmar: Morphological and molecular analyses: Seungwan Ryoo, Bong-Kwang Jung, Sooji Hong, Hyejoo Shin, Hyemi Song, Hyun-Seung Kim, Jin-Youp Ryu, Woon-Mok Sohn, Sung-Jong Hong, Thi Thi Htoon, Htay Htay Tin, Jong-Yil Chai; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):317-324.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23059

Standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris trichiura were found in the feces of schoolchildren in Yangon, Myanmar during epidemiological surveys and mass deworming with albendazole in 2017-2019. The standard-sized eggs were identified as those of T. trichiura, but it was necessary to exclude the possibility of the large-sized eggs belonging to Trichuris vulpis, a dog whipworm. We conducted morphological and molecular studies to determine the species of the 2 types of Trichuris eggs. Individual eggs of both sizes were isolated from Kato-Katz fecal smears (n=20) and mechanically destroyed using a 23G injection needle. Nuclear DNA was extracted, and the 18S rRNA region was sequenced in 15 standard-sized eggs and 15 large-sized eggs. The average size of standard-sized eggs (T. trichiura) was 55.2×26.1 μm (range: 51.7-57.6×21.3-28.0 μm; n=97), whereas the size of large-sized eggs was 69.3×32.0 μm (range: 65.1-76.4×30.1-34.5 μm; n=20), slightly smaller than the known size of T. vulpis. Regarding standard-sized eggs, the 18S rRNA nucleotide sequences exhibited 100% homology with T. trichiura deposited in GenBank and 88.6-90.5% homology with T. vulpis. Regarding large-sized eggs, the nucleotide sequences showed 99.8-100% homology with T. trichiura in GenBank and 89.6-90.7% homology with T. vulpis. Both standard- and large-sized eggs of Trichuris spp. found in Myanmar schoolchildren during 2017-2019 were morphologically and molecularly confirmed to belong to T. trichiura. The conversion of eggs from smaller to large sizes might be due to anthelmintic treatments with albendazole.

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Paleoparasitology research on ancient helminth eggs and larvae in the Republic of Korea
Jong-Yil Chai, Min Seo, Dong Hoon Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(4): 345. CrossRef

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An integrated mass drug administration against hymenolepiasis and schistosomiasis in Sudan: Yan Jin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):87-94.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24056

Hymenolepis nana, commonly known as the dwarf tapeworm, affects 50 to 75 million people worldwide. To date, no studies have explored the disease burden of H. nana infection in Sudan. This study aimed to determine the national prevalence of H. nana across 189 districts and 18 states in Sudan and the number of individuals infected with H. nana who did not receive treatment during the mass drug administration (MDA) campaign targeting schistosomiasis. In addition, the study sought to evaluate the extent of co-infection of H. nana with schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis. This involved a secondary analysis of a nationwide survey conducted in 2017 in Sudan. Binomial family generalized linear models with a logarithmic link function were used to estimate the prevalence ratio of potential risk factors, including sex and water and sanitation conditions in schools and households. For the nationwide survey, a 2-stage sampling method was used, in which 105,167 students were selected from 1,772 schools. A total of 96,679 stool samples were collected, of which 4,706 (4.9%) tested positive for H. nana. Of these, fewer than 1% were co-infected with schistosomiasis (either Schistosoma haematobium or Schistosoma mansoni), and a mere 0.1% had co-infections with soil-transmitted helminths. At an 8% threshold for village-based MDA, approximately 1.1 million infected adults are ineligible to receive praziquantel from the village-based MDA. Children residing in households with improved latrines had a lower odds of H. nana infection than those without improved latrines did (adjusted odds ratio=0.87, 95% confidence interval=0.80–0.94, p=0.001). In countries where H. nana is endemic, such as Sudan, providers making MDA decisions should consider the prevalence of either H. nana or schistosomiasis, rather than focusing solely on the latter.

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Possible association between Toxoplasma gondii infection and autism spectrum disorder: Tahereh Mikaeili Galeh, Tooran Nayeri, Samira Dodangeh, Zahra Hosseininejad, Asal Tanzif, Alireza Khalilian, Ahmad Daryani; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):201-214.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24066

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Toxoplasma gondii is a neurotropic apicomplexan protozoan estimated to affect approximately 30% of the global population. In this review, we aimed to examine scientific evidence on the potential role of T. gondii infection in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder. This review summarizes the current literature exploring the possible association between T. gondii and ASD. Findings indicate that toxoplasmosis may contribute to host alterations, including the induction of humoral and cellular immune responses, production of various cytokines, and changes in neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and glutamate), as well as the activation of enzymes such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which may influence the pathophysiology of ASD. In conclusion, this review suggests that T. gondii infection could act as a potential risk factor for ASD. However, further intensive studies are necessary to clarify the role of this parasite in the etiology and progression of ASD. This review is anticipated to stimulate further studies aimed at understanding and potentially reducing the burden of neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide.

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Clonorchis sinensis dopamine transporter (CsDAT) facilitates dopamine uptake: Wang-Jong Lee, Sung-Jun Kim, Woon Kyu Lee, Jin-Hee Han, Seok Ho Cha; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):215-227.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25040

Clonorchis sinensis is a liver fluke that causes clonorchiasis, a significant public health concern in East Asia, closely associated with hepatobiliary diseases. Dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter involved in neuromuscular signaling, and its uptake by trematodes may contribute to parasite physiology and survival. This study aimed to characterize the dopamine transporter CsDAT in C. sinensis by synthesizing cDNA from adult worms and expressing it in Xenopus laevis oocytes; subsequently, uptake assays were conducted using radiolabeled dopamine. Functional assays confirmed that CsDAT mediates dopamine uptake in a sodium-dependent manner. The uptake was saturable and exhibited Michaelis-Menten kinetics with a Michaelis constant of 454.5 nM and a maximum uptake rate of 1,422.5 fmol/oocyte/h. CsDAT efficiently transported dopamine with high affinity, indicating its physiological relevance in the parasite. A 3-dimensional model of CsDAT was constructed to examine its structural features. The predicted structure contained a conserved substrate-binding pocket similar to that of other known neurotransmitter transporters. Molecular docking simulations showed that dopamine stably fits within the binding pocket. The key amino acid residues formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with dopamine. Interestingly, dopamine and several inhibitors demonstrated higher binding affinity to CsDAT than the human dopamine transporter. This study provides the first functional and structural insights into CsDAT. The higher inhibitor-binding affinity of CsDAT compared to human dopamine transporter suggests its potential for use in therapeutic exploration. Targeting CsDAT may facilitate the development of new therapeutic agents against clonorchiasis with minimal off-target effects on the human nervous system.

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Understanding the pathogenicity of Naegleria fowleri in association with N. fowleri antigen-1 (Nfa1): Jong-Hyun Kim, Hae-Jin Sohn, Ho-Joon Shin, Stacy E. Walz, Suk-Yul Jung; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(4):385-398.
Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24025

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Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, thrives in lakes and rivers with aquatic vegetation and causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) in humans. Most recently, it has become such a serious problem that N. fowleri was detected in tap water in Houston, USA. Several pathogenic factors are considered very important to destroy target cells in the brain. In particular, the food-cup where N. fowleri antigen-1 (Nfa1) is located, is strongly expressed in pseudopodia involved in the movement of N. fowleri, and is involved in phagocytosis by attaching to target cells. In this article, we reviewed the role of the Nfa1 protein and its associated pathogenicity. The nfa1 gene was cloned by cDNA library immunoscreening using infection serum and immune serum. Nfa1 protein is mainly distributed in pseudopodia important to movement and vacuoles. Moreover, heat shock protein 70, cathepsin-like proteare and Nf-actin are also associated with pseudopodia in which Nfa1 is localized. Interestingly, the amount of the nfa1 gene changed as N. fowleri trophozoites transformed into cysts. Polyclonal antiserum against Nfa1 showed a protective effect against cytotoxicity of approximately 19.7%. Nfa1-specific IgA antibodies prevent N. fowleri trophozoites from adhering to the nasal mucosa, delaying invasion. The nfa1-vaccinated mice showed significantly higher levels of Nfa1-specific antibody. The duration of anti-Nfa1 IgG in the vaccinated mice lasted 12 weeks, strongly suggesting that nfa1 is a significant pathogenic gene and that Nfa1 is a pathogenic protein. Several factors related to pseudopodia and locomotion have been linked to Nfa1. A clearer function of N. fowleri targeting nfa1 with other genes might enable target-based inhibition of N. fowleri pathogenicity.

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Computational exploration of natural inhibitors against toxin-associated proteins in Naegleria fowleri Karachi strain
Rabia Faizan, Muhammad Naveed, Inmaculada Bellido Estevez, Nimra Hanif, Arooj Arshad, Tariq Aziz, Abdulhakeem S. Alamri, Walaa F. Alsanie, Majid Alhomrani
Pathology - Research and Practice.2025; 274: 156184. CrossRef
A review of the mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment of Naegleria fowleri infection
Ling Dai, Xin-Ru Guo, Xu-Rui Chen, Ming-Hao Ma, Zi-Han Liu, Juan Lai, Jun Lu, Ming Feng, Xi-Xia Liu, Sheng-Hui Yang
Frontiers in Microbiology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Recent progress in vaccine development targeting pre-clinical human toxoplasmosis: Ki-Back Chu, Fu-Shi Quan; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):231-239.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22097

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Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular parasitic organism affecting all warm-blooded vertebrates. Due to the unavailability of commercialized human T. gondii vaccine, many studies have been reported investigating the protective efficacy of pre-clinical T. gondii vaccines expressing diverse antigens. Careful antigen selection and implementing multifarious immunization strategies could enhance protection against toxoplasmosis in animal models. Although none of the available vaccines could remove the tissue-dwelling parasites from the host organism, findings from these pre-clinical toxoplasmosis vaccine studies highlighted their developmental potential and provided insights into rational vaccine design. We herein explored the progress of T. gondii vaccine development using DNA, protein subunit, and virus-like particle vaccine platforms. Specifically, we summarized the findings from the pre-clinical toxoplasmosis vaccine studies involving T. gondii challenge infection in mice published in the past 5 years.

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PLGA nanoparticles as an efficient carrier in Toxoplasma GAP45: a more effective vaccine against acute toxoplasmosis than traditional ones
Pan Zhou, YanLi Yu, WeiYu Qi, XiaoJuan Wang, YouLi Yu, JianDong Wang, Li Zhang, ZhengQing Yu, TingLi Liu
Frontiers in Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Influenza virus-like particles presenting Toxoplasma gondii dense granule protein 7 protect mice from lethal ME49 challenge
Jie Mao, Hae-Ji Kang, Su-In Heo, Fu-Shi Quan
Nanomedicine.2025; 20(18): 2309. CrossRef
Recombinant TgDDX3X DEAD-box protein confers partial protection in murine models of acute and chronic toxoplasmosis
Shuai Wang, Jinghui Wang, Youke Fan, Haina Zhang, Junru Wu, Tingting Ying, Hangbin Ma, Qiangqiang Wang, Longkang Wang, Yuanfeng Wang, Xiaowei Tian, Xuefang Mei, Zhenchao Zhang, Zhenke Yang
Acta Tropica.2025; 270: 107780. CrossRef
Vaccinia virus expressing MIC8 and AMA1 provides protection against Toxoplasma gondii ME49 infection
Hae-Ji Kang, Yan Jin, Zhao-Shou Yang, Md Atique Ahmed, Fu-Shi Quan
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Evaluation of protective efficacy of recombinant Toxoplasma gondii DDX39 protein vaccine against acute and chronic T. gondii infection in mice
Jinghui Wang, Yuanfeng Wang, Haina Zhang, Hangbin Ma, Qiangqiang Wang, Longkang Wang, Youke Fan, Xiaowei Tian, Xuefang Mei, Zhenchao Zhang, Shuai Wang, Zhenke Yang
Acta Tropica.2024; 260: 107442. CrossRef

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Infection status and species diversity of trematode cercariae in freshwater snails from canal networks in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region, Thailand: Phuphitchan Rachprakhon, Watchariya Purivirojkul; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(4):461-475.
Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24033

This study aimed to investigate the infection status and species diversity of trematode cercariae in freshwater snails from canal networks in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR), Thailand. The snails were collected from 35 sites during 2 cycles of the wet (July–October) and dry (November–June) seasons in 2018–2019. A total of 29,420 snails representing 24 species/subspecies were examined for cercarial infection using shedding and crushing techniques. We found that 1,275 snails from 12 species/subspecies were infected, resulting in an overall prevalence of 4.3%. Infections were significantly higher (p<0.001) during the wet season (5.9%; 970/16,473) than during the dry season (2.4%; 305/12,947). Morphological identification revealed 37 distinct types within 15 morphotypes, with the armatae morphotype showing the highest infection rate (1.8%) and the greatest cercarial diversity (8 distinct types). This study highlights the health risk posed by the Bithynia siamensis siamensis, which was the second most prevalent (8.5%) and hosted the greatest cercarial diversity (11 morphotypes, 15 distinct types). This subspecies also displayed a wide distribution range (31 localities) with a generally high occurrence frequency in the BMR. This study firstly documents a gymnophallid digenean as a freshwater digenean, presenting evidence of a dichotoma cercarial morphotype from 4 species/subspecies (Filopaludina martensi martensi, F. sumatrensis polygramma, B. siamensis siamensis, and Wattebledia siamensis) with a low infection range (0.1–0.4%). A staggering diversity of cercariae was observed in the BMR canal networks with seasonal fluctuations. The B. siamensis siamensis displayed notable epidemiological importance in the BMR flowing-water networks. This study provides quantitative and qualitative morphological descriptions and measurement guidelines for the dichotoma cercaria in Thailand.

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Diagnosing Balamuthia mandrillaris amebic meningoencephalitis in a 64-year-old woman from the Southwest of China: Suhua Yao, Xiaoting Chen, Lian Qian, Shizheng Sun, Chunjing Zhao, Zongkai Bai, Zhaofang Chen, Youcong Wu; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(2):183-193.
Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23039

Balamuthia mandrillaris amebic encephalitis (BAE) can cause a fatal condition if diagnosis is delayed or effective treatment is lacking. Patients with BAE have been previously reported in 12 provinces of China, with skin lesions being the primary symptom and encephalitis developing after several years. However, a significantly lower number of cases has been reported in Southwest China. Here we report an aggressive BAE case of a 64-year-old woman farmer with a history of skin lesions on her left hand. She was admitted to our hospital due to symptoms of dizziness, headache, cough, vomiting, and gait instability. She was initially diagnosed with syphilitic meningoencephalitis and received a variety of empirical treatment that failed to improve her symptoms. Finally, she was diagnosed with BAE combined with amebic pneumonia using next-generation sequencing (NGS), qRT-PCR, sequence analysis, and imaging studies. She died approximately 3 weeks after the onset. This case highlights that the rapid development of encephalitis can be a prominent clinical manifestation of Balamuthia mandrillaris infection.

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Sarah Y. Edminster, Ryan W. Rebbe, Christopher Khatchadourian, Kyle M. Hurth, Anna J. Mathew, Julie Huss-Bawab, Mark S. Shiroishi, Devin Clark, Andrew P. Norgan, Susan M. Butler-Wu, Annie Hiniker
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Organ-specific Toxocara canis larvae migration and host immune response in experimentally infected mice: Min Seok Kim, Yan Jin, Se Joon Woo; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(2):243-250.
Published online May 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23125

Abstract
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We investigated organ specific Toxocara canis larval migration in mice infected with T. canis larvae. We observed the worm burden and systemic immune responses. Three groups of BALB/c mice (n=5 each) were orally administered 1,000 T. canis 2nd stage larvae to induce larva migrans. Mice were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 5 weeks post-infection. Liver, lung, brain, and eye tissues were collected. Tissue from 2 mice per group was digested for larval count, while the remaining 3 mice underwent histological analysis. Blood hematology and serology were evaluated and compared to that in a control uninfected group (n=5) to assess the immune response. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were also analyzed. We found that, 1 week post-infection, the mean parasite load in the liver (72±7.1), brain (31±4.2), lungs (20±5.7), and eyes (2±0) peaked and stayed constant until the 3 weeks. By 5-week post-infection, the worm burden in the liver and lungs significantly decreased to 10±4.2 and 9±5.7, respectively, while they remained relatively stable in the brain and eyes (18±4.2 and 1±0, respectively). Interestingly, ocular larvae resided in all retinal layers, without notable inflammation in outer retina. Mice infected with T. canis exhibited elevated levels of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E. At 5 weeks post-infection, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels were elevated in BAL fluid. Whereas IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon-γ levels in BAL fluid were similar to that in controls. Our findings demonstrate that a small portion of T. canis larvae migrate to the eyes and brain within the first week of infection. Minimal tissue inflammation was observed, probably due to increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study contributes to our understanding of the histological and immunological responses to T. canis infection in mice, which may have implications to further understand human toxocariasis.

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Toxocara canis infections in mice: from subtle to severe consequences in 100 weeks
Nicol Bernardová, Jan Novák, Chia-Kwung Fan, Libuše Kolářová, Marta Chanová
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The association of seropositivity to Toxocara canis and Ascaris lumbricoides with blood group antigens
Kravchun Pavlo Grigorovich, Leontyeva Frida Solomonivna, Povelichenko Olena Dmytrivna, Kadykova Olga Igorivna, Valentyna Dielievska
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Characteristics of Toxocara canis induced lung inflammation in C57BL/6 mice
Janina Lekki-Jóźwiak, Justyna Karabowicz, Magdalena Paschall, Karolina Gregorczyk-Zboroch, Małgorzata Sobczak-Filipiak, Piotr Bąska, Irma Schabussova, Ewa Długosz
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Iman F. Abou-El-Naga, Eman Dorry Elkerdany, Rania G. Aly, Enas Mohamed Mostafa Zaytoun
Acta Tropica.2025; 272: 107913. CrossRef

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A novel kit for enrichment of fecal helminth eggs: Eunsol Lee, Seon-Ok Back, Young-Ju Lee, Jung-Won Ju, Hee-Il Lee, Myoung-Ro Lee; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(3):323-329.
Published online August 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24021

Abstract
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We developed a new concentration kit, called the ParaEgg (PE), for easy detection trematode eggs from fecal samples in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis in Korea. To create a standard of detection efficiency, 120 fecal samples were examined using the water–ether concentration method (WECM). The PE kit and Mini ParaSep (PS) kit were used to compare the detection sensitivity of 100 egg-positive and 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. Additionally, stool samples, which were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 Clonorchis sinensis eggs, were evaluated to assess the sensitivity in lowinfection cases. The PE and PS kits showed detection rates of 100% and 92%, respectively, from 100 egg-positive samples in WECM. Meanwhile, eggs were detected in 3 (PE) and 2 (PS) out of 20 egg-negative samples in WECM. The PE kit detected the highest number of eggs per gram of feces (727 on average), followed by the WECM (524) and PS kit (432). In fecal samples that were intentionally spiked with 10, 20, and 30 C. sinensis eggs, PE only detected eggs 2 out of 5 samples in 10 eggs spiked (40%), and the detection rates were 80% and 100%, respectively. The PE kit enabled a more accurate identification of trematode eggs because of the clearance of small fecal debris in the microscopic field. In conclusion, the PE kit is obviously helpful to detect and identify trematode eggs in stool examinations especially in endemic areas of clonorchiasis and metagonimiasis.

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2024년 장내기생충 유행지역 감염 조사

Public Health Weekly Report.2025; 18(19): 707. CrossRef
Diagnostic performance evaluation of ParaEgg for identifying intestinal helminthiasis: A comparative study with conventional copromicroscopy
Tilak Chandra Nath, Heeil Lee, Md. Mahamudul Hasan, Tanmoy Roy Rudro, Dipta Das, Md. Taufiqur Rahman, Nandiny Saha Roy, Pritha Parial, Proloy Chakraborty Tusher, Tarek Siddiki
Parasite Epidemiology and Control.2025; 30: e00449. CrossRef
Detection of intestinal parasites in leopard cat fecal samples using shotgun metagenomics
Jun Ho Choi, Singeun Oh, Myung-hee Yi, Dongjun Kang, Du-Yeol Choi, Xavier Chavarria, Arwa Shatta, Yoon Hee Cho, Seongjun Choe, Seung-Hun Lee, Ju Yeong Kim
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(4): 349. CrossRef

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Comparative analysis of essential oil efficacy against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis (Acari: Ixodidae): Mohammad Saiful Islam, Md. Samiul Haque, Myung-Jo You; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(2):217-225.
Published online May 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23097

Abstract
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This study evaluated the potential repellent and acaricidal effects of 4 essential oils (clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint) against the Asian longhorned tick Haemaphysalis longicornis, a vector of various tick-borne diseases in medical and veterinary contexts. Selected for their potential repellent and acaricidal properties, the 4 essential oils were tested on adult and nymph H. longicornis ticks at different concentrations. The experiment assessed mortality rates and repellency, particularly during tick attachment to host skin. There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in tick mortality and repellency scores across all groups. At a 1% concentration, adult tick mortality ranged from 36% to 86%, while nymph mortality ranged from 6% to 97%. Clove oil exhibited notable efficacy, demonstrating high mortality rates of nymphs and adults. Clove oil also displayed strong repellency properties, with a repellency index of 0.05, surpassing those of mint, eucalyptus, and lavender oils. Clove oil showed the highest effectiveness in deterring nonattached adult ticks (90%) and nymphs (95%) when applied to skin. Clove oil was the most effective against adult and nymph ticks, achieving mortality rates of 86% and 97%, respectively, and led to the highest nonattachment rates when applied to skin. In conclusion, essential oils such as clove, eucalyptus, lavender, and mint oils present promising results for tick population control.

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Comprehensive antigen identification and comparative analysis: significant approaches for controlling Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks
Md. Samiul Haque, Bumseok Kim, Myung-Jo You
Journal of Veterinary Science.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Molecular characterization of tick genera Haemaphysalis, Ixodes, and Amblyomma in Korea: Subin Lee, Badriah Alkathiri, Kyu-Sung Ahn, Jiwon Kim, So Youn Youn, Mi-Sun Yoo, Hyang-Sim Lee, Jae-Myung Kim, Dongmi Kwak, Sung Shik Shin, Seung-Hun Lee; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):272-277.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25035

Ticks are important ectoparasites that serve as key vectors of various pathogens, posing significant risks to both human and animal health. In this study, 3 genera and 5 species of ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, H. flava, H. doenitzi, Ixodes nipponensis, and Amblyomma testudinarium, were analyzed both morphologically and molecularly. Morphological identification was conducted using established taxonomic keys, followed by molecular characterization through analysis of complete cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1, 1,539 bp) and mitochondrial 16S rDNA (1,191–1,215 bp), and nuclear 18S rDNA (1,812–1,816 bp). Phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses demonstrated that all 3 genes were effective for genus identification; cox1 and mitochondrial 16S rDNA were more effective than 18S rDNA in species identification. Additionally, this study is the first to identify H. doenitzi in the Korean mainland via molecular characterization. These results may serve as reference data for the molecular identification of tick species.

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Genetic diversity and phylogeographic structure of Anopheles kochi, Anopheles maculatus, and Anopheles vagus: ITS2-based analysis of highland transboundary populations in the Menoreh Hills, Java, Indonesia: Derico Hitipeuw, Raisha Nuranindita, Martini Martini, Arif Suryo Prasetyo, Jin-Hee Han, Hojong Jun, Bo Young Jeon, Triwibowo Ambar Garjito, Rohmadi Rohmadi, Fauzi Muh; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):228-242.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25026

Abstract
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Baseline genetic characterization of malaria vector populations provides critical data for evidence-based surveillance in persistent transmission foci. This pilot study generated preliminary genetic baseline data for Anopheles populations in the Menoreh Hills border region between Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, Indonesia, addressing a key geographic gap in regional vector research. Adult female mosquitoes were collected from 3 houses with reported malaria cases in Ngadirejo Village using standardized entomological methods, including human landing, animal landing, and resting collections. Specimens were morphologically identified and molecularly characterized via ITS2 gene sequencing. Phylogenetic analyses were assessed using maximum likelihood methods, and genetic diversity indices were calculated to examine population structure. A total of 62 specimens representing 3 species were collected exclusively through animal landing collections: Anopheles vagus (48 specimens, 77.4%), Anopheles maculatus (9 specimens, 14.5%), and Anopheles kochi (5 specimens, 8.1%). An. kochi exhibited high haplotype diversity (Hd=0.709) with low nucleotide diversity (π=0.004), while An. maculatus showed lower haplotype diversity (Hd=0.480) and higher nucleotide diversity (π=0.026). Phylogenetic analysis revealed Purworejo specimens clustered with regional populations: An. kochi grouped within Clade I with Indonesian isolates; An. maculatus distributed across multiple clades; An. vagus formed a cohesive unit with other Indonesian populations. The exclusive success of animal landing collections in the Menoreh Hills highlands provides key methodological insights. This study offers essential baseline reference data, validates cost-effective genetic surveillance approaches, and supports future large-scale population connectivity studies across the Menoreh Hills malaria transmission complex.

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Dipylidiasis cases in Japan–an update by literature survey: Yukifumi Nawa, Akinori Furusawa, Mio Tanaka, Masahide Yoshikawa; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(2):163-168.
Published online May 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23118

Abstract
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Dipylidium caninum is a cosmopolitan parasite of companion animals such as dogs and cats. Accidental infection in humans occur mostly in children. Although considerable number of cases were reported from Europe and the Americas, case reports of this zoonotic disease are rather scarce from Asian countries. The aim of this study is to report the results of literature survey on dipylidiasis cases in humans in Japan. Conclusively, we have found a total of 17 cases since the first case report in from Aichi Prefecture in 1925.

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Identification and confirmation of SUMOylation-modified proteins in Giardia trophozoites: Hye Rim Yeo, Mee Young Shin, Juri Kim, Soon-Jung Park; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):264-271.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25023

Abstract
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Posttranslational modification by the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is one of the crucial cellular processes in Giardia lamblia, a protozoan pathogen. In this study, 5 candidate SUMO substrate proteins of G. lamblia trophozoites were chosen based on their enrichment through affinity chromatography using a SUMO-interaction motif: never in mitosis A-related kinase (NEK), aminoacyl-histidine dipeptidase (AHD), protein disulfide isomerase 2 (PDI2), alcohol dehydrogenase 3, and ornithine carbamoyltransferase. Transgenic Giardia trophozoites expressing 1 of the 5 candidate SUMO substrate proteins were constructed, and their expression was confirmed by western blot using hemagglutinin-tag. Arginine deiminase (ADI) protein was expressed in Giardia trophozoites as a positive control. Cell extracts were processed for affinity chromatography using SUMO-interaction motif resin. As expected, the SUMOylated form of ADI was detected in the affinity chromatography extracts of ADI-expressing cells. Among the 5 candidate proteins, SUMOylated forms of NEK, AHD, and PDI2 were identified in the affinity chromatography extracts. These results suggest that NEK, AHD, and PDI2 activity is modulated via SUMOylation in Giardia trophozoites.

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Distribution and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in raccoon dogs in Korea: Heon-Moo Park, Haeseung Lee, Su-Jin Chae, Kidong Son, Sanghyun Lee, Kaifa Nazim, Seung-Hun Lee, Yoonhoi Koo, Jinsu Kang, Min-Goo Seo, Sang Joon Park, Man Hee Rhee, Dongmi Kwak; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):258-263.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25029

Abstract
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Enterocytozoon is a genus of microsporidian parasites, with Enterocytozoon bieneusi being a well-known species. It infects various mammalian hosts, including humans, and exhibits zoonotic potential. Out of the 97 fecal and intestinal samples collected from wild raccoon dogs in Korea, 12 (12.4%) tested positive for E. bieneusi via PCR, revealing 2 genotypes: genotype D and EbpA. Both genotypes were found to belong to the zoonotic Group 1. Notably, this study is the first to report the EbpA genotype in Korea. Although studies on E. bieneusi in raccoon dogs are relatively limited, the findings suggest potential public health concerns.

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Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in pet dogs in Hunan Province, subtropical China: Xing-Xing Wen, Zhuying Liu, Ping-Yuan Xu; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):248-253.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25030

Abstract
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Toxoplasma gondii infections are ubiquitous in both animals and humans. Although seroprevalence data exist for pet dogs across multiple Chinese provinces, limited epidemiological information is available for T. gondii infection in pet dogs in subtropical China’s Hunan Province. We examined T. gondii antibodies in pet dogs from Hunan Province using the indirect hemagglutination test. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with T. gondii infection (season, sex, age, breed, and location). The overall seroprevalence was 10.8% (95% confidence interval (CI)=9.0–12.6) (118/1,092), with regional variations ranging from 8.0% (95% CI=4.2–11.8) to 21.1% (95% CI=8.1–34.0). Antibody titers followed a descending distribution: 42.3% (1:64), 30.5% (1:128), 20.3% (1:256), 5.1% (1:512), and 1.7% (1:1,024). The multivariate analysis identified the season (highest in summer: odds ratio=2.0, 95% CI=1.2–3.4) and age (>3 years: odds ratio=2.8, 95% CI=1.5–5.3) as factors independently associated with the outcome (P<0.05). These finding revealed the high seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in pet dogs in Hunan Province, subtropical China, highlighting the risk of zoonotic transmission. Therefore, effective measures should be taken to prevent and control toxoplasmosis in pet dogs in this province.

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Clinical characteristics of toxoplasmosis patients in Korea: A retrospective study using health insurance review and assessment service data and electronic medical records: Do-Won Ham, Bong-Kwang Jung, Ji-Hun Shin, Yong Joon Kim, Kyoung Yul Seo, Seung Mi Lee, Jae Hyoung Im, Jeong-Ran Kwon, Ho-Sung Lee, Kyung-Won Hwang, Eun-Hee Shin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(4):424-437.
Published online November 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24001

This study aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with toxoplasmosis in Korea. We collected and analyzed the specific research data of 5,917 patients from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment (HIRA; 2007–2020) and 533 electronic medical records (EMRs; 2003–2021) of Korean patients. The HIRA data showed that toxoplasmosis is an endemic disease that occurs constantly in Korea, with a large proportion of patients complaining of ocular symptoms. Of the 533 patients for whom EMR data were available, 54.6% were diagnosed with toxoplasmosis; ocular toxoplasmosis (35.7%), congenital toxoplasmosis (4.7%), cerebral toxoplasmosis (4.1%), pulmonary toxoplasmosis (0.4%), and toxoplasma hepatitis (0.6%), in order of frequency. In ocular cases, 54.4% of the patients had diverse ocular pathologies. Toxoplasmosis in Korea is characterized by a high frequency of ocular symptoms, most patients are adults, and 51.8% of patients with seropositivity were positive for IgG, suggesting prior infection. This study highlights that patients with ocular symptoms are included in the major diagnosis group for acquired toxoplasmosis in Korea.

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Detection of intestinal parasites in leopard cat fecal samples using shotgun metagenomics
Jun Ho Choi, Singeun Oh, Myung-hee Yi, Dongjun Kang, Du-Yeol Choi, Xavier Chavarria, Arwa Shatta, Yoon Hee Cho, Seongjun Choe, Seung-Hun Lee, Ju Yeong Kim
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(4): 349. CrossRef

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Changes in schistosomiasis prevalence after 2 years of an integrated intervention in the Itilima district of Tanzania: Humphrey Mazigo, Jungim Lee, Yoonho Cho, Seungman Cha, Yan Jin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):75-86.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24057

Schistosomiasis remains one of the most prevalent neglected tropical diseases in Tanzania. World Vision Tanzania, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Programme, implemented school- and community-based mass drug administrations, community-led total sanitation, and community voice and action from 2020 to 2022. This study assessed changes in the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the Itilima district of northwestern Tanzania following the implementation of these integrated interventions. A total of 1,405 students from 22 schools participated in the baseline survey in August to September 2020, and 1,320 in September 2022. Additionally, 368 adults from 8 villages participated in the baseline survey, and 401 in the endline survey. The prevalence difference was calculated to assess changes before and after the integrated interventions. We also investigated risk factors for Schistosoma haematobium infection using endline data. The prevalence difference between 2020 and 2022 was -20.0% (95% confidence interval (CI)=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for students and -19.6% (95% CI=-22.2%–-17.7%, p<0.001) for adults. Individuals without a latrine were more likely to have schistosomiasis (adjusted odds ratio=5.9, 95% CI=1.7–21.5, p=0.01) compared to those who had a latrine. The findings indicate substantial changes in schistosomiasis prevalence in the study area following the implementation of integrated interventions. To sustain these achievements in Itilima, a multi-sectorial approach is highly recommended to integrate additional measures for eliminating schistosomiasis as a public health problem.

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What was the main factor in successful control of ascariasis in Korea?: Seung-Yull Cho, Sung-Tae Hong; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(2):103-126.
Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22152

In the l950s, under the legacy of traditional agriculture, Ascaris lumbricoides, spread epidemically in the war-bitten society of Korea. Consensus on the parasite control was drafted in the Parasite Disease Prevention Act, which passed a parliamentary agreement in 1966, and established safe disposal of feces and mass chemotherapy as control strategies. Biannual stool examinations and treating infected schoolchildren were basic scheme of the control activity through which revenue could be secured for organized business. In the 27 years following 1969, a maximum of 16 million stool examinations had been done every year. Cellophane thick smear enabled the task. The infection declined remarkably in the 1970s when industrialization and green revolution proceeded. A population study of A. lumbricoides in the late 1970s helped us better understand its epidemiology. The data also settled down the understandable protest of teachers against the repeated stool examinations. In the 9 years following 1987, the target population was gradually reduced when the egg positive rate was below 0.1%. An article in the Korean Law, stipulating obligatory stool examinations, was made optional. Although the long-term Korean effort of Ascaris control was a success, the effect of mass chemotherapy was not as succinct in terms of lowering reinfection. In the period of control, Korean agricultural technology changed, and the economy grew and supplied sanitary facilities by which the vicious cycle was disconnected. Reduction of morbidity was a benefit of mass chemotherapy, which is the only control method feasible in economically difficult countries. The most important hurdle of parasite control in the 1960s was poverty of general population and limited financial resources in Korea but the society formed a consensus on the priority of intestinal helminthiasis control during the ordeal period. The national consensus in the 1960s was the critical milestone for Ascaris control in Korea. Under the social agreement, application of timely technical and research advancements in parasitology achieved the success of ascariasis elimination. The successful experience of ascariasis elimination in Korea can be a benchmark for countries where neglected tropical diseases are endemically recycled.

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Clonorchis sinensis and Cholangiocarcinoma
Eun-Min Kim, Sung-Tae Hong
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Fasciola hepatica infection in Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus): Na-Hyeon Kim, Min-Gyeong Seo, Bumseok Kim, Yu Jeong Jeon, In Jung Jung, Il-Hwa Hong; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):243-247.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25021

Abstract
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Fasciola hepatica is a species of zoonotic liver flukes with a broad range of definitive hosts worldwide. However, this liver fluke has not been detected in Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus). This study provides the first evidence for Korean water deer being a definitive host of F. hepatica.

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Toward resolving cryptic diversity in opisthorchiid flukes: Molecular clarification of an Opisthorchis viverrini-like parasite in Myanmar is urgently needed: Schawanya Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon, Chutharat Thanchonnang, Nathkapach Kaewpitoon Rattanapitoon; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):284-286.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25049

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Prevalence of asymptomatic malaria in high- and low-transmission areas of Tanzania: The role of asymptomatic carriers in malaria persistence and the need for targeted surveillance and control efforts: Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Johnsy Mary Louis, Fadhila Fitriana, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fauzi Muh, Feng Lu, Md Atique Ahmed, Seok Ho Cha, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Joon-Hee Han, Nyalali Kija, Smart Geodfrey, Eun-Teak Han, Jim Todd, Alphaxard Manjurano, Winifrida Kidima, Jin-Hee Han; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):57-65.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24077

As many countries implement different programs aimed at eliminating malaria, attention should be given to asymptomatic carriers that may interrupt the progress. This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in Tanzania from December 2022 to July 2023 within 4 villages from each of the 3 regions, Geita and Kigoma, which are high malaria transmission, and Arusha, which is low transmission. Malaria was diagnosed in asymptomatic individuals aged 1 year and older using the malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope. A total of 2,365 of 3,489 (67.9%) participants were enrolled from high-transmission villages. The overall prevalence was 25.5% and 15.8% by malaria rapid diagnostic test and light microscope, respectively. Using the respective tools, the prevalence was significantly higher at 35.6% (confidence interval (CI)=23.6–49.9) and 23.1% (CI=16.2–35.1) in the high-transmission regions (Geita and Kigoma) compared with 2.9% (CI=1.1–3.5) and 1.1% (CI=0.7–1.8) in the low-transmission region (Arusha). Children younger than 15 years and males accounted for the greatest proportion of infections. In the study area, the prevalence of asymptomatic cases was higher than that of reported symptomatic cases in health facilities. We hypothesize that these parasite reservoirs may contribute to the persistence of malaria in the country. Therefore, to achieve comprehensive malaria control in the country, the surveillance and screening of asymptomatic malaria cases are vital.

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Hidden reservoirs of infection: prevalence and risk factors of asymptomatic malaria in a high-endemic region of Zambia
Wisdom Silwamba, David Chisompola, John Nzobokela, Martin Chakulya, Lombe Kabwe, Kingsley Tembo
Malaria Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Emergence of chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum and rising resistance to first-line artemisinin partner drugs in Malawi
Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Johnsy Mary Louis, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Md Atique Ahmed, Feng Lu, Joon-Hee Han, Tae-Hyung Kwon, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Eun-Taek Han, Winifrida Kidima, Jin-
Emerging Microbes & Infections.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
First report of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 gene deletions compromising HRP2-based malaria rapid diagnostic tests in Malawi
Johnsy Mary Louis, Ernest Mazigo, Hojong Jun, Wang-Jong Lee, Jadidan Hada Syahada, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Se Jin Lee, Sunghun Na, Feng Lu, Eun-Teak Han, Jin-Hee Han
Infectious Diseases of Poverty.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Micro-geographic variation in antigenic diversity of PfEBA-175 region II in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections in Tanzania
Jadidan Hada Syahada, Wang-Jong Lee, Hojong Jun, Johnsy Mary Louis, Fadhila Fitriana, Fauzi Muh, Feng Lu, Md Atique Ahmed, Sunghun Na, Wanjoo Chun, Won Sun Park, Bo-Young Jeon, Eun-Teak Han, Jim Todd, Alphaxard Manjurano, Winifrida Kidima, Ernest Mazigo,
Frontiers in Immunology.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Burden and determinants of asymptomatic malaria among adults living in urban and rural areas in Gabon in 2023: a community-based cross-sectional study
Bridy Chesly Moutombi Ditombi, Noé Patrick M’Bondoukwé, Jacques Mari Ndong Ngomo, Helena Noeline Kono, Bedrich Pongui Ngondza, Meredith Ada Mengome, Luccheri Ndong Akomezoghe, Dimitri Ardin Moussavou Mabika, Coella Joyce Mihindou, Reine Moutongo, Denise P
Malaria Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Ampicillin treated German cockroach extract leads to reduced inflammation in human lung cells and a mouse model of Asthma: Seogwon Lee, Myung-Hee Yi, Yun Soo Jang, Jun Ho Choi, Myungjun Kim, Soo Lim Kim, Tai-Soon Yong, Ju Yeong Kim; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(1):60-71.
Published online February 22, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22147

Cockroaches can cause allergic sensitization in humans via contact with their feces or frass. Antibiotics can affect concentration of major allergen and total bacteria production in German cockroaches (Blattella germanica). This study examined the ability of antibiotic-treated German cockroaches to induce allergic airway inflammation and the effect of antibiotics on their lipopolysaccharide and Bla g1, 2, and 5 expression levels. Specifically, we measured the ability of German cockroach extract (with or without prior antibiotic exposure) to induce allergic inflammation in human bronchial epithelial cells and a mouse model of asthma. Bacterial 16S rRNA and lipopolysaccharide levels were lower in ampicillin-treated cockroaches than in the control group. The Bla g1, Bla g2, and Bla g5 expression in ampicillin-treated cockroaches decreased at both the protein and RNA levels. In human bronchial epithelial cell lines BEAS-2B exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract, expression levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 were lower than that in the control group. The total cell count and eosinophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was also lower in mice exposed to the ampicillin-treated extract than in those exposed to normal cockroach extract. Mouse lung histopathology showed reduced immune cell infiltration and mucus production in the ampicillin group. Our results showed that ampicillin treatment reduced the symbiont bacterial population and major allergen levels in German cockroaches, leading to reduced airway inflammation in mice. These results can facilitate the preparation of protein extracts for immunotherapy or diagnostics applications.

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Asthma research in mice: An overview of current models and their methodological variability
Yan-Jiao Chen, Cai-Tao Chen, Gabriel Shimizu Bassi, Yong-Qing Yang
International Reviews of Immunology.2025; 44(3): 127. CrossRef
Invasive indoor pests under the microbiological lens: bacterial and viral diversity from local to global scales in bed bugs and cockroaches
Jose E Pietri, Maureen Laroche
Current Opinion in Insect Science.2025; 69: 101344. CrossRef
Multi-omics of cockroaches infected with Salmonella Typhimurium identifies molecular signatures of vector colonization
Diing DM Agany, Eduardo A. Callegari, Maria D. Paez, Jose E. Pietri
BMC Genomics.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Microbiome of laboratory‐reared and environmentally collected cockroaches
Sohyeon Yun, Jun Ho Choi, Singeun Oh, Myungjun Kim, Myung‐hee Yi, Dongjun Kang, Yun Soo Jang, In‐Yong Lee, Tai‐Soon Yong, Juan Kim, Heung Chul Kim, Jae Rok Lee, Ju Yeong Kim
Entomological Research.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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Detection of trichomonads in induced sputum from asthma patients in Korea: Myung-hee Yi, Myungjun Kim, Jun Ho Choi, Yoon Hee Cho, Hyun Kyung Oh, Jung-Won Park, Ju Yeong Kim; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):254-257.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25028

Abstract
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Trichomonads are flagellated protozoa that have occasionally been detected in the human respiratory tract, although detection rates have often been underestimated. We applied a nested PCR assay targeting the 18S rRNA gene of trichomonads to induced sputum from asthma patients to determine the prevalence of Trichomonas. Induced sputum was collected from 41 adults with asthma and analyzed through nested PCR using broad-range trichomonad primers and DNA sequencing for species identification. Nested PCR detected trichomonad DNA in 10 of the 41 (24.4%) samples. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis revealed Trichomonas tenax in 8 cases and Tetratrichomonas sp. in 2 cases. These findings indicate that trichomonads can be present in the lower airways of patients with asthma, warranting further investigation into their clinical relevance.

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Anti-tumor effects of Toxoplasma gondii and antigen-pulsed dendritic cells in mice bearing breast cancer: Bong Kyun Kim, Hei Gwon Choi, Jae-Hyung Lee, In Wook Choi, Jae-Min Yuk, Guang-Ho Cha, Young-Ha Lee; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):37-49.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24082

Cancer immunotherapy is widely used to treat various cancers to augment the weakened host immune response against tumors. Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized antigen-presenting cells that play dual roles in inducing innate and adaptive immunity. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that exhibits anti-tumor activity against certain types of cancers. However, little is known about the anti-tumor effects of T. gondii or tumor/parasite antigen-pulsed DCs (DC vaccines, DCV) in breast cancer. In this study, C57BL/6 mice were administered E0771 mouse breast cancer cells (Cancer-injected) subcutaneously, T. gondii Me49 cysts orally (TG-injected), or DCs pulsed with breast cancer cell lysate antigen and T. gondii lysate antigens (DCV-injected) intraperitoneally. Tumor size and immunological characteristics were subsequently evaluated. We also evaluated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 levels in E0771 mouse breast cancer cells co-cultured with T. gondii or DCs by RT-PCR. The tumor volumes of mice injected with breast cancer cells and antigen-pulsed DCs (Cancer/DCV-injected mice) were similar to those of Cancer-injected mice; however, they were significantly reduced in T. gondii-infected tumor-bearing (TG/Cancer-injected) mice. Moreover, tumor volumes were significantly reduced by adding antigen-pulsed DCs (TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice) compared to TG/Cancer-injected mice. The levels of IFN-γ, serum IgG2a levels, and CD8⁺ T cell populations were significantly higher in DCV- and TG-injected mice than in control mice, while no significant differences between Cancer- and Cancer/DCV-injected mice were observed. The levels of IFN-γ, the IgG2a levels, and the percentage of CD8⁺ T cells were significantly increased in TG/Cancer- and TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice than in Cancer-injected mice. IFN-γ levels and serum IgG2a levels were further increased in TG/Cancer/DCV-injected mice than in TG/Cancer-injected mice. The MMP-2 and MMP-9 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased in mouse breast cancer cells co-cultured with live T. gondii, T. gondii lysate antigen, or antigen-pulsed DCs (DCV) but not in inactivated DCs. These results indicate that T. gondii induces anti-tumor effects in breast cancer-bearing mice through the induction of strong Th1 immune responses, but not in antigen-pulsed DCs alone. The addition of antigen-pulsed DCs further augments the anti-tumor effects of T. gondii.

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Detection of Toxoplasma gondii and High-Risk Human Papillomaviruses in FFPE Malignant and Benign Breast Lesions Using Real-Time PCR
Selma Usluca, Ayfer Bakir, Ata Arikok, Gizem Korkut, Gulsah Yagiz, Murat Alper
Infection and Drug Resistance.2025; Volume 18: 3149. CrossRef
Parasites’ immunomodulators: a breakthrough in immunotherapeutics displaying antineoplastic activity against human colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Nahla El Skhawy, Ahmed Shehata, Maha M. Eissa
Infectious Agents and Cancer.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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A case of disseminated strongyloidiasis diagnosed by worms in the urinary sediment: Young-Ha Lee; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(2):238-242.
Published online May 27, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23124

Abstract
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Strongyloidiasis is a chronic infection caused by the intestinal nematode parasite Strongyloides stercoralis and is characterized by a diverse spectrum of nonspecific clinical manifestations. This report describe a case of disseminated strongyloidiasis with urination difficulty, generalized weakness, and chronic alcoholism diagnosed through the presence of worms in the urinary sediment. A 53-year-old man was hospitalized for severe abdominal distension and urinary difficulties that started 7–10 days prior. The patient also presented with generalized weakness that had persisted for 3 years, passed loose stools without diarrhea, and complained of dyspnea. In the emergency room, approximately 7 L of urine was collected, in which several free-living female adult and rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis, identified through their morphological characteristics and size measurements, were detected via microscopic examination. Rhabditiform larvae of S. stercoralis were also found in the patient’s stool. During hospitalization, the patient received treatment for strongyloidiasis, chronic alcoholism, peripheral neurosis, neurogenic bladder, and megaloblastic anemia, and was subsequently discharged with improved generalized conditions. Overall, this report presents a rare case of disseminated strongyloidiasis in which worms were detected in the urinary sediment of a patient with urination difficulties and generalized weakness combined with chronic alcoholism, neurogenic bladder, and megaloblastic anemia.

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Tropical gastrointestinal infections of contemporary public health importance
Carlos Seas, Pedro Legua
Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases.2025; 38(5): 426. CrossRef

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The storage mite Tyrophagus putrescentiae induces greater lung inflammation than house dust mites in mice: Eun-Min Kim, Ju Yeong Kim, You Shine Kwak, Myung-Hee Yi, Tai-Soon Yong; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(3):365-377.
Published online August 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24032

Abstract
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Exposure to storage mite (SM) and house dust mite (HDM) allergens is a risk factor for sensitization and asthma development; however, the related immune responses and their pathology have not been fully investigated. The HDMs Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and SM Tyrophagus putrescentiae are potent allergens that induce asthma. Most SM-related studies have focused on the allergic reactions of individuals by measuring their immunoglobulin (Ig)E expression. Considering the limited research on this topic, the present study aims to investigate the differences in the immune responses induced by HDMs and SMs and histologically analyze lung tissues in a mouse asthma model to understand the differential effects of HDM and SM. The results revealed that all mite species induced airway inflammation. Mice challenged with T. putrescentiae had the highest airway resistance and total cell, eosinophil, and neutrophil counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). The SM-sensitized groups showed more severe lesions and mucus hypersecretions than the HDM-sensitized groups. Although the degree of HDM and SM exposure was the same, the damage to the respiratory lung tissue was more severe in SM-exposed mice, which resulted in excessive mucin secretion and increased fibrosis. Furthermore, these findings suggest that SM sensitization induces a more significant hypersensitivity response in mucosal immunity than HDM sensitization in asthma models.

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Anticoccidial activities of a multicomplex mineral-based diet in broilers infected with Eimeria acervulina: Binh T. Nguyen, Rochelle A. Flores, Paula Leona T. Cammayo-Fletcher, Suk Kim, Woo H. Kim, Wongi Min; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(2):135-146.
Published online May 26, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24045

Poultry coccidiosis, caused by 7 Eimeria species, has a significant economic impact on the poultry industry and is managed mainly by chemotherapeutic drugs. However, alternative control measures are needed due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. This study aimed to evaluate the anticoccidial effects of a multicomplex mineral-based diet in broilers infected with Eimeria acervulina. Broilers were fed a multicomplex mineral-based diet and infected with E. acervulina. Fecal oocyst shedding was 39.0% lower in the E. acervulina-infected broilers treated with the multicomplex mineral compared to that in untreated-infected broilers (365.7×10⁶±45.7 versus 599.8×10⁶±8.7, P<0.05). On day 6 post-infection, body weight gain was significantly higher in treated-infected chickens than untreated chickens (103.2±1.5% versus 94.1±1.7%, P<0.001). The lesion scores were similar between the 2 groups. Histopathological observations revealed that the width of the villi in the treated-infected chickens (286±9.5 μm) was significantly increased by 19.1% (240±10.8 μm, P<0.05) and 34.9% (212±7.3 μm, P<0.001) compared to those in the untreated-uninfected and untreated-infected groups, respectively. However, the villous height and crypt depth were similar between the untreated- and treated-infected groups. The positive effects of the dietary multicomplex mineral, including reduced fecal oocyst shedding, increased weight gain, and increased villi width, suggest its potential application in mitigating the adverse effects of Eimeria infection in both conventional and organic chicken industries.

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Urban environmental drivers of eukaryotic microbiota and parasite prevalence in domestic pigeon faeces: a metabarcoding-based public health risk assessment in Seoul, South Korea
Singeun Oh, Jun Ho Choi, Xavier Chavarria, Myungjun Kim, Dongjun Kang, Myung-hee Yi, Yoon Hee Cho, In-Yong Lee, Tai-Soon Yong, Seongjun Choe, Ju Yeong Kim
Journal of The Royal Society Interface.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Therapeutic potentials of Trichinella spiralis in immune disorders: From allergy to autoimmunity: Minkyoung Cho, Hak Sun Yu; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(2):123-134.
Published online May 26, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24086

Abstract
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The incidence of immune system diseases is increasing globally, particularly in developed countries. The hygiene and old friend hypotheses suggest that the decreased incidence of helminth infections in these countries may underlie the rising prevalence of autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory diseases. The preventive and therapeutic potential of Trichinella spiralis, a helminthic parasite, has been well demonstrated in animal models of immune dysregulation-mediated diseases. This review comprehensively analyze how T. spiralis modulates immune responses across a spectrum of immune dysregulation. We systematically review the key research findings on the effects of T. spiralis infection on immune-related disease. T. spiralis has shown the ability to regulate host immune responses in autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory disorders, exerting anti-inflammatory effects and restoring immune homeostasis through various immunological pathways. Given its significant immunomodulatory potential, T. spiralis represents a promising candidate for therapeutic interventions against immune-mediated diseases, warranting further molecular investigations and clinical applications.

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Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida) infections in 2 wildlife species, Prionailurus bengalensis and Nyctereutes procyonoides, in Korea: Jinho Jang, Young-Seok Park, YoungMin Yun, Keeseon S. Eom, Seongjun Choe; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(1):95-101.
Published online February 25, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24079

Abstract
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Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), a parasitic eye worm causing thelaziasis has been reported in humans and dogs in Korea. However, its occurrence in other potential reservoir hosts, including wild animals, remains unclear. In the present study, we described the 2 cases of thelaziasis from both of feral and captive wild animal in Korea. In August and November 2017, 2 cases of the parasitic infections were found in the third eyelid of rescued leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and reared raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides at the Chungnam Wild Animal Rescue Center. A total of 20 and 24 worms were detected from the left and right eyes of leopard cat, respectively. In the left eye of the raccoon dog, 5 worms were recognized. Male worms were 969–11,860 μm long (10,600 μm on average) and 300–320 μm width (315 μm on average). Female worms were 13,430–15,330 (14,480) μm long and 320–370 (344) μm wide in size. They commonly had a characteristic scalariform buccal cavity and short esophagus. The vulva openings were located at the anterior of esophago-intestinal junction in females. The thelaziasis is reported in 2 species of wildlife, P. bengalensis and N. procyonoides, for the first time in Korea.

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Detection of intestinal parasites in leopard cat fecal samples using shotgun metagenomics
Jun Ho Choi, Singeun Oh, Myung-hee Yi, Dongjun Kang, Du-Yeol Choi, Xavier Chavarria, Arwa Shatta, Yoon Hee Cho, Seongjun Choe, Seung-Hun Lee, Ju Yeong Kim
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(4): 349. CrossRef

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Trematode metacercariae and adults in cyprinoid fish from Khun Thale Swamp in Surat Thani province, Thailand: Kanda Kamchoo, Jong-Yil Chai; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(2):163-171.
Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23030

The present study aimed to determine the infection status of trematode metacercariae and adults in cyprinoid fish from the Khun Thale Swamp in Surat Thani, Southern Thailand, with epidemiologic and faunistic viewpoints. In 2020, 577 fish in 15 species were collected in the summer (February–April) and rainy (September–November) seasons. Fish were individually examined for trematode metacercariae in the whole body and adults in the gastrointestinal tract using a stereomicroscope. Three species of digenetic trematode metacercariae, i.e., Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchoides mehrai, and Centrocestus formosanus, were detected in the muscle, fin, and/or scale of fish. Two species of adult flukes, including Rohdella siamensis and Helostomatis cyprinorum, were collected in the intestines. The prevalence of overall trematode infections was 32.4% (187/577 fish), which was higher in the rainy season (41.4%; 118/285) than in the summer season (23.6%; 69/292). The metacercariae of H. taichui and H. mehrai were detected in 7 fish species each, and those of C. formosanus were found only in Rasbora toneri. The aspidogastrean trematode R. siamensis (adult) was detected in Babonymus gonionotus. A digenean species, H. cyprinorum (adult), was found in Labiobarbus siamensis and Osteochilus vittatus. The present study has first confirmed that the metacercariae of heterophyid flukes, including H. taichui, H. mehrai, and C. formosanus, and adults of R. siamensis (Aspidogastrea) and H. cyprinorum (Digenea) are infected in some species of the cyprinoid fish from the Khun Thale Swamp in Surat Thani, Thailand.

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Influences of parasitic stress on the health condition of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Biochemical and histopathological alterations
Hadeer Abd El-hak Rashed, Nahla S. El-Shenawy, Nadia A. El-Fahla
Molecular and Biochemical Parasitology.2025; 262: 111677. CrossRef

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Toxoplasma gondii IST suppresses inflammatory and apoptotic responses by inhibiting STAT1-mediated signaling in IFN-γ/TNF-α-stimulated hepatocytes: Seung-Hwan Seo, Ji-Eun Lee, Do-Won Ham, Eun-Hee Shin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(1):30-41.
Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23129

The dense granule protein of Toxoplasma gondii, inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (IST) is an inhibitor of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) transcriptional activity that binds to STAT1 and regulates the expression of inflammatory molecules in host cells. A sterile inflammatory liver injury in pathological acute liver failures occurs when excessive innate immune function, such as the massive release of IFN-γ and TNF-α, is activated without infection. In relation to inflammatory liver injury, we hypothesized that Toxoplasma gondii inhibitor of STAT1 transcription (TgIST) can inhibit the inflammatory response induced by activating the STAT1/IRF-1 mechanism in liver inflammation. This study used IFN-γ and TNF-α as inflammatory inducers at the cellular level of murine hepatocytes (Hepa-1c1c7) to determine whether TgIST inhibits the STAT1/IRF-1 axis. In stable cells transfected with TgIST, STAT1 expression decreased with a decrease in interferon regulatory factor (IRF)-1 levels. Furthermore, STAT1 inhibition of TgIST resulted in lower levels of NF-κB and COX2, as well as significantly lower levels of class II transactivator (CIITA), iNOS, and chemokines (CLXCL9/10/11). TgIST also significantly reduced the expression of hepatocyte proapoptotic markers (Caspase3/8/9, P53, and BAX), which are linked to sterile inflammatory liver injury. TgIST also reduced the expression of adhesion (ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) and infiltration markers of programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) induced by hepatocyte and tissue damage. TgIST restored the cell apoptosis induced by IFN-γ/TNF-α stimulation. These results suggest that TgIST can inhibit STAT1-mediated inflammatory and apoptotic responses in hepatocytes stimulated with proinflammatory cytokines.

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Toxoplasma GRA16 attenuates Tau hyperphosphorylation and enhances autophagy in thrombin-treated HT-22 hippocampal neuronal cells
Seung-Hwan Seo, Do-Won Ham, Ji-Eun Lee, Eun-Hee Shin
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Toxoplasma gondii GRA16 Suppresses Aerobic Glycolysis by Downregulating c-Myc and TERT Expressions in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Ji-Eun Lee, Seung-Hwan Seo, Do-Won Ham, Eun-Hee Shin
Biomolecules & Therapeutics.2025; 33(4): 621. CrossRef

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Sparganosis in the Indian Sub-continent and the Middle East: Yukifumi Nawa, Mio Tanaka, Masahide Yoshikawa; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(3):263-269.
Published online August 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23126

Abstract
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Sparganosis is one of the common zoonotic diseases caused by infection with the larval plerocercoids (spargana) of the cestode genus Spirometra. While this parasite distributes globally in canine and feline hosts, human infection is predominantly reported in East Asia, especially China, Korea, Japan, and Thailand. Maybe related to the behavior and food culture, this zoonotic disease is rather rare in South Asia to the Middle East. In these areas, sporadic case reports have been appeared mostly in the local medical journals. To draw a solid picture of sparganosis in these non-endemic areas of Asia, we made an extensive literature survey to gather sparganosis cases in the Indian subcontinent and the Middle East.

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Case report: Sparganosis in Minervarya pierrei (Dubois, 1975) (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae), a new host from India
Neelanjana Saha, Sudheer Kumar Jena, Oindrila Paul, Suman Das, Upasana Bhattacharya, Anjum N. Rizvi, Pratyush P. Mohapatra
Journal of Parasitic Diseases.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Deciphering the global genetic structure of Spirometra mansoni and S. erinaceieuropaei based on 28S ribosomal RNA: Insights into taxonomical revaluation and population dynamics
Anil Kumar Nehra, Rasmita Panda, Prem Sagar Maurya, Ansu Kumari, Aman Dev Moudgil
Parasitology Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Problems in Japanese archaeoparasitology: Analysis of paleo-parasitic eggs from Hachinohe Castle: Hisashi Fujita, Masako Funaba, Shiori O. Fujisawa; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(3):278-283.
Published online August 20, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.25031

Abstract
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During the Edo period, Hachinohe Castle served as the residence of the Nanbu clan, the lords of the Hachinohe domain, and simultaneously functioned as the local government office. Although an analytical company reported on the soil samples from toilet remains within the castle, this study conducted a new analysis. Not only were Trichuris trichiura eggs found in Layer 21, but Metagonimus yokogawai and Dibothriocephalus nihonkaienesis eggs were also present. In Layer 20, which was initially thought to be free of parasitic organisms, T. trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides, and M. yokogawai eggs were discovered. This paper discusses the differing results from previous studies, which demonstrate that the analytical methodology of Japanese archaeoparasitology is not yet well established, and suggests ways to improve it.

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Prevalence and molecular analysis of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Chin State, Myanmar: Ja Moon Aung, Zin Moon, Dorene VanBik, Sylvatrie-Danne Dinzouna-Boutamba, Sanghyun Lee, Zau Ring, Dong-Il Chung, Yeonchul Hong, Youn-Kyoung Goo; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(2):154-162.
Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23004

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is caused by X-linked recessive disorderliness. It induces severe anemia when a patient with G6PD deficiency is exposed to oxidative stress that occurs with administration of an antimalarial drug, primaquine. The distribution of G6PD deficiency remains unknown while primaquine has been used for malaria treatment in Myanmar. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of G6PD deficiency and its variants in Chin State, Myanmar. Among 322 participants, 18 (11 males and 7 females) demonstrated a G6PD deficiency. Orissa variant was dominant in the molecular analysis. This would be related to neighboring Indian and Bangladeshi population, in which Orissa variant was also reported as the main mutation type. The screening test for G6PD deficiency before primaquine treatment appears to be important in Myanmar.

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Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase variants in Kachin, Myanmar
Zin Moon, Ja Moon Aung, Dorene VanBik, Hae Soo Yun, Sanghyun Lee, Sylvatrie-Danne Dinzouna-Boutamba, Zau Ring, Yeonchul Hong, Dong-Il Chung, Youn-Kyoung Goo
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(4): 360. CrossRef
Genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 in field isolates: Correspondence
Amnuay Kleebayoon, Viroj Wiwanitkit
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2023; 61(3): 338. CrossRef

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Evaluation of the antimalarial activity of SAM13-2HCl with morpholine amide (SKM13 derivative) against antimalarial drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei infected ICR mice: Hyelee Hong, Kwonmo Moon, Thuy-Tien Thi Trinh, Tae-Hui Eom, Hyun Park, Hak Sung Kim, Seon-Ju Yeo; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(1):42-52.
Published online February 23, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23093

Antimalarial drugs are an urgently need and crucial tool in the campaign against malaria, which can threaten public health. In this study, we examined the cytotoxicity of the 9 antimalarial compounds chemically synthesized using SKM13-2HCl. Except for SKM13-2HCl, the 5 newly synthesized compounds had a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) > 100 µM, indicating that they would be less cytotoxic than SKM13-2HCl. Among the 5 compounds, only SAM13-2HCl outperformed SKM13-2HCl for antimalarial activity, showing a 3- and 1.3-fold greater selective index (SI) (CC₅₀/IC₅₀) than SKM13-2HCl in vitro against both chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine -resistant (K1) Plasmodium falciparum strains, respectively. Thus, the presence of morpholine amide may help to effectively suppress human-infectious P. falciparum parasites. However, the antimalarial activity of SAM13-2HCl was inferior to that of the SKM13-2HCl template compound in the P. berghei NK65-infected mouse model, possibly because SAM13-2HCl had a lower polarity and less efficient pharmacokinetics than SKM13-2HCl. SAM13-2HCl was more toxic in the rodent model. Consequently, SAM13-2HCl containing morpholine was selected from screening a combination of pharmacologically significant structures as being the most effective in vitro against human-infectious P. falciparum but was less efficient in vivo in a P. berghei-infected animal model when compared with SKM13-2HCl. Therefore, SAM13-2HCl containing morpholine could be considered a promising compound to treat chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum infections, although further optimization is crucial to maintain antimalarial activity while reducing toxicity in animals.

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The Importance of Murine Models in Determining In Vivo Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Efficacy in Antimalarial Drug Discovery
Glory Adebayo, Opeyemi I. Ayanda, Matthias Rottmann, Olusola S. Ajibaye, Gbolahan Oduselu, Julius Mulindwa, Olayinka O. Ajani, Oluwagbemiga Aina, Pascal Mäser, Ezekiel Adebiyi
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Structural, electrochemical and theoretical studies of some carboxamides
David Izuchukwu Ugwu, Nandisiwe GS Mateyise, Jeanet Conradie
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Eight cases of canine thelaziosis found in two localities in Korea: Seongjun Choe, Sunmin Kim, Tilak Chandra Nath, Jeong-Ho Kim; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):325-331.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23031

Abstract
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Thelazia callipaeda, a parasitic nematode that causes thelaziosis in various mammals, including humans, is known to be endemic in Korea. However, life cycle-related information on the parasite, primarily from human infection and a few dog cases, is limited. This study reports additional cases of T. callipaeda infections in dogs from both rural and urban areas in Korea, indicating the potential for transmission to humans and other animals. We collected 61 worms from 8 infected dogs from Paju and Cheongju Cities and observed their morphological characteristics under a light microscope. The findings indicate that T. callipaeda infections in animals in Korea may be underestimated and are distributed close to human environments. Our results contribute to the growing knowledge of the reservoir hosts of T. callipaeda in Korea and highlight the importance of continued surveillance and research to prevent and control this emerging zoonotic disease.

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Follicular conjunctivitis in a Border Collie dog caused by Thelazia callipaeda
Georgi Terziev, Nikola Nizamov, Zvezdelina Kirkova
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Thelazia callipaeda (Nematoda: Spirurida) infections in 2 wildlife species, Prionailurus bengalensis and Nyctereutes procyonoides, in Korea
Jinho Jang, Young-Seok Park, YoungMin Yun, Keeseon S. Eom, Seongjun Choe
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(1): 95. CrossRef
Characteristics of canine thelaziasis in the Republic of Korea: a retrospective study (2022–2024)
Eunjik Kim, Ye-In Oh, Youngwoo Park
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Thelaziasis in humans: A systematic review of reported cases
D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Jorge Luis Bonilla-Aldana, Jaime David Acosta-España, Ranjit Sah, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales
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Nematicidal Effects and Cytotoxicity of Levamisole on Thelazia callipaeda
Zhengxuan Han, Yipeng Zhong, Ni Chen, Zichen Liu, Zhankui Yuan, Yipeng Jin
Animals.2025; 15(11): 1551. CrossRef

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Prevalence of chigger mites and Orientia tsutsugamushi strains in northern regions of Gangwon-do, Korea: Soojin Kim, In Yong Lee, Sezim Monoldorova, Jiro Kim, Jang Hoon Seo, Tai-Soon Yong, Bo Young Jeon; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):263-271.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22148

The present study aimed to survey the prevalence of chigger mites and Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi) infection in the northern regions of Gangwon-do, Korea. From early February to early June 2015, a total of 17,050 chiggers were collected from striped field mice, Apodemus agrarius, in Cheorwon-gun, Hwacheon-gun, Yanggu-gun, and Goseong-gun, which are well-known endemic areas of scrub typhus in Korea. The chiggers were analyzed using molecular genomic methods, as previously described. Among the 7,964 identified chiggers, the predominant species was Leptotrombidium pallidum (76.9%), followed by L. zetum (16.4%), L. orientale (4.3%), L. palpale (0.3%), L. tectum (0.2%), and Neotrombicula tamiyai (1.8%). The chigger index (CI) was highest in Hwacheon (115.58), followed by Cheorwon (97.02), Yanggu (76.88), and Goseong (54.68). Out of the 79 O. tsutsugamushi-positive chigger pools, 67 (84.8%) were identified as the Boryong strain, 10 (12.7%) as the Youngworl strain, and only 2 were the Jecheon strain. Based on the high infestation of chiggers in striped field rodents and the high rate of O. tsutsugamushi infection in chigger mites, Hwacheon-gun and Cheorwon-gun are presumed to be high-risk areas for scrub typhus. Furthermore, L. pallidum, a major vector of scrub typhus, and the dominant O. tsutsugamushi serotype, the Boryong strain, were found in the northern regions of Gangwon-do, Korea.

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Geographic distribution of Orientia tsutsugamushi strains on chigger mites in the Republic of Korea (2021–2023)
Hyeon Seung Lee, Byung-Eon Noh, Hyunwoo Kim, Heeil Lee
Parasites & Vectors.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Surveillance of Vector‐Borne Zoonotic Diseases in South Korea: Uncovering Novel Pathogen Carriers Among Rodents and Mites Nationwide
Beoul Kim, You-Jeong Lee, Hee Il Lee, Dongmi Kwak, Min-Goo Seo, Nan-hua Chen
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
2022년 쯔쯔가무시증 매개 털진드기 감시 현황
세훈 조, 태규 김, 현우 김, 정원 주, 희일 이
Public Health Weekly Report.2023; 16(46): 1563. CrossRef

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Prevalence of parasitic infections in stray cats from Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea: Sooji Hong, Hyejoo Shin, Seungwan Ryoo, Chung-Won Lee, Jae-Young Park, Jong-Yil Chai, Bong-Kwang Jung; Parasites Hosts Dis 2025;63(2):182-187.
Published online May 26, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24061

Stray cats serve as reservoir hosts for various zoonotic parasites, posing a significant risk of transmission to humans. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of parasitic infections in stray cats from Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. A total of 101 fecal and 237 blood (serum) samples were collected from 237 stray cats captured through the trapneuter-return program in 2021. The samples were analyzed using microscopy, nested-PCR, and ELISA to detect parasitic infections. Fecal examination revealed that Toxocara cati eggs were present in 26.7% (27/101) of samples, while eggs of Spirometra sp. (2%), Clonorchis sinensis (1%), and Trichuris sp. (1%) were also detected. PCR analysis identified Toxoplasma gondii DNA in 17 (16.8%) fecal samples, while genetic markers of Cryptosporidium felis and Enterocytozoon bieneusi were each detected in 4 (4%) samples. Positive rates of IgM and IgG were 21.9% (52/237) and 21.1% (50/237) in serological tests for T. gondii-specific antibodies. This study confirms the widespread presence of zoonotic parasites in stray cats from Gimpo-si, highlighting the potential public health risks associated with these infections. Continuous surveillance and control measures are essential from a One Health perspective to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission.

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Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in wild oysters and seawater on the southeast coast of South Korea
Hyejoo Shin, Sooji Hong, Seungwan Ryoo, Jong-Yil Chai, Bong-Kwang Jung
Food Microbiology.2026; 134: 104925. CrossRef

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A parasitological study on the possible toilet ruins of the Japanese colonial period in Korea: Jieun Kim, Min Seo, Hisashi Fujita, Jong Yil Chai, Jin Woo Park, Jun Won Jang, In Soo Jang, Dong Hoon Shin; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(2):198-201.
Published online May 23, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23013

Abstract
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In the past decade, experts have conducted parasitological research on archaeological specimens in Korea to collect historical parasite infection data. In these studies, parasitologists successfully described the infection pattern of each parasite species in history. However, in the first half of the 20th century, archaeoparasitological reports have been scant. In 2021, we conducted a parasitological examination of a toilet-like structure that emerged in the early 20th century. This structure was built by stacking 2 wooden barrels; and in the study samples, we found ancient Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides (unfertilized), and Taenia spp. eggs and therefore proposed a higher possibility that the barrels could have been used as a toilet at the time. To understand how the antihelminthic campaign since the 1960s helped reduce parasite infection rates in Korea, more research should focus on early-20th-century toilet ruins.

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Problems in Japanese archaeoparasitology: Analysis of paleo-parasitic eggs from Hachinohe Castle
Hisashi Fujita, Masako Funaba, Shiori O. Fujisawa
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(3): 278. CrossRef

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156 Download
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Elevated interleukin-10 levels in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis: Gee-Hyun Kim, Jae Hyuck Kwak, Young-Hoon Park; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):310-316.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.22172

Abstract
PDF

In elderly patients, ocular toxoplasmosis is one of the most common etiologies of uveitis, which should be differentially diagnosed from ocular lymphoma, another common pathology of uveitis in older adults. The high level of interleukin (IL)-10 and an IL-10/IL-6 ratio higher than 1 (>1.0) are helpful parameters to diagnose ocular lymphoma. In this study, we used aqueous humor samples to detect 4 cases of ocular toxoplasmosis in patients with high levels of IL-10 and an IL-10/IL-6 ratio higher than 1. Our results show that ocular toxoplasmosis may be associated with increased cytokine levels in aqueous humor.

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Toxoplasma gondii IST suppresses inflammatory and apoptotic responses by inhibiting STAT1-mediated signaling in IFN-γ/TNF-α-stimulated hepatocytes
Seung-Hwan Seo, Ji-Eun Lee, Do-Won Ham, Eun-Hee Shin
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2024; 62(1): 30. CrossRef
Factors related to central nervous system involvement of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma
Joo Young Kim, Jae Jung Kim, Rae Young Kim, Mirinae Kim, Young Gun Park, Young-Hoon Park
Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology.2024; 262(8): 2421. CrossRef

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The detection of Toxoplasma gondii ME49 infections in BALB/c mice using various techniques: Hae-Ji Kang, Jie Mao, Min-Ju Kim, Keon-Woong Yoon, Gi-Deok Eom, Ki-Back Chu, Eun-Kyung Moon, Fu-Shi Quan; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(4):418-427.
Published online November 28, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23048

Abstract
PDF

Toxoplasma gondii infections are primarily diagnosed by serological assays, whereas molecular and fluorescence-based techniques are garnering attention for their high sensitivity in detecting these infections. Nevertheless, each detection method has its limitations. The toxoplasmosis detection capabilities of most of the currently available methods have not been evaluated under identical experimental conditions. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic potential of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) in BALB/c mice experimentally infected with various doses of T. gondii ME49. The detection of toxoplasmosis from sera and brain tissues was markedly enhanced in mice subjected to high infection doses (200 and 300 cysts) compared to those subjected to lower doses (10 and 50 cysts) for all the detection methods. Additionally, increased B1 gene expression levels and cyst sizes were observed in the brain tissues of the mice. Importantly, IHC, IF, and ELISA, but not RT-PCR, successfully detected T. gondii infections at the lowest infection dose (10 cysts) in the brain. These findings may prove beneficial while designing experimental methodologies for detecting T. gondii infections in mice.

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Spatiotemporal Diffusion, Colonization, and Antibody Responses in Susceptible C57BL/6J Mice Orally Infected with Toxoplasma gondii Cysts
Zhao Li, Qi-Shuai Liu, Jun-Jie Hu, Cai-Qin Deng, Tao Li, Wen-Bin Zheng, Xing-Quan Zhu, Feng-Cai Zou
Veterinary Sciences.2025; 12(3): 212. CrossRef
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Soon-Ok Lee, Hyeryon Lee, Ki Back Chu, Jianhua Li, Sung-Jong Hong, Sung Soo Kim, Joo Hwan No, Fu-Shi Quan
Antibiotics.2025; 14(8): 837. CrossRef
Recombinant vaccinia virus expressing MIC8, AMA1, or RON4 induce protection against Toxoplasma gondii ME49 strain infection
Hae-Ji Kang, Fu-Shi Quan
Acta Tropica.2025; 270: 107812. CrossRef
Protective Efficacy Induced by Virus-like Particles Expressing Dense Granule Protein 5 of Toxoplasma gondii
Su In Heo, Hae-Ji Kang, Jie Mao, Zhao-Shou Yang, Md Atique Ahmed, Fu-Shi Quan
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Vaccinia virus expressing MIC8 and AMA1 provides protection against Toxoplasma gondii ME49 infection
Hae-Ji Kang, Yan Jin, Zhao-Shou Yang, Md Atique Ahmed, Fu-Shi Quan
Parasites, Hosts and Diseases.2025; 63(4): 340. CrossRef

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Genetic structure of apical membrane antigen-1 in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Pakistan: Komal Zaib, Asifullah Khan, Muhammad Umair Khan, Ibrar Ullah, Tuấn Cường Võ, Jung-Mi Kang, Hương Giang Lê, Byoung-Kuk Na, Sahib Gul Afridi; Parasites Hosts Dis 2024;62(3):302-312.
Published online August 26, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.24028

Plasmodium falciparum apical membrane antigen-1 (PfAMA-1) is a major candidate for the blood-stage malaria vaccine. Genetic polymorphisms of global pfama-1suggest that the genetic diversity of the gene can disturb effective vaccine development targeting this antigen. This study was conducted to explore the genetic diversity and gene structure of pfama-1 among P. falciparum isolates collected in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. A total of 19 full-length pfama-1 sequences were obtained from KP-Pakistan P. falciparum isolates, and genetic polymorphism and natural selection were investigated. KP-Pakistan pfama-1 exhibited genetic diversity, wherein 58 amino acid changes were identified, most of which were located in ectodomains, and domains I, II, and III. The amino acid changes commonly found in the ectodomain of global pfama-1 were also detected in KP-Pakistan pfama-1. Interestingly, 13 novel amino acid changes not reported in the global population were identified in KP-Pakistan pfama-1. KP-Pakistan pfama-1 shared similar levels of genetic diversity with global pfama-1. Evidence of natural selection and recombination events were also detected in KP-Pakistan pfama-1.

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Genetic diversity and natural selection of cell-traversal protein for ookinetes and sporozoites (CelTOS) in Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Vietnam
Tuấn Cường Võ, Hương Giang Lê, Jung-Mi Kang, Nguyen Thi Minh Trinh, Minkyoung Cho, Youn-Kyoung Goo, Huynh Hong Quang, Byoung-Kuk Na
Gene.2025; 968: 149731. CrossRef
Genetic polymorphism of Duffy binding protein in Pakistan Plasmodium vivax isolates
Đăng Thùy Dương Nguyễn, Tuấn Cường Võ, Kim Oanh Nguyễn, Hương Giang Lê, Jung-Mi Kang, Thu Hằng Nguyễn, Minkyoung Cho, Sahib Gul Afridi, Byoung-Kuk Na
Acta Tropica.2024; 260: 107421. CrossRef

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Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of Anisakis simplex sensu stricto (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the common minke whale in Korean waters: Sunmin Kim, Bom Sok Lee, Seongjun Choe; Parasites Hosts Dis 2023;61(3):240-250.
Published online August 21, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3347/PHD.23046

The genus Anisakis is among the most significant parasites to public health, as it causes anisakiasis, a parasitic infection in humans resulting from consuming raw or undercooked seafood. Although the infection status of i>Anisakis in second intermediate hosts, such as marine fishes and cephalopods, and humans have been severally reported in Korea, no information about the definitive host in Korean waters is available. In 2014, 2 adult gastric nematodes were collected from a common minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) found in the East Sea, Korea. These worms were identified as A. simplex sensu stricto (s.s.) by comparing the mitochondrial COX2 marker with previously deposited sequences. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of A. simplex (s.s.) worldwide revealed 2 distinct populations: the Pacific population and the European waters population. This is the first report on adult i>Anisakis and its definitive host species in Korea. Further studies on Anisakis infection in other cetacean species and marine mammals in Korean seas are warrantedi>Anisakis

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Genetic analyses of Anisakis pegreffii (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from the East Asian finless porpoise Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sunameri (Cetacea: Phocoenidae) in Korean waters
Sunmin Kim, Jong Yoon Jeon, Kyunglee Lee, Hyunjoo Lee, Han Chan Park, Kyung Eun Lee, Hang Lee, Sung Bin Lee, Sang Wha Kim, Se Chang Park, Seongjun Choe, Heejeong Youn
Parasitology Research.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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