Topic Review
Angiostrongylus cantonensis in the Definitive Rodent Host
Human angiostrongylosis is an emerging zoonosis caused by the larvae of three species of metastrongyloid nematodes of the genus Angiostrongylus, with Angiostrongylus cantonensis (Chen, 1935) being dominant across the world. Its obligatory heteroxenous life cycle includes rats as definitive hosts, mollusks as intermediate hosts, and amphibians and reptiles as paratenic hosts. In humans, the infection manifests as Angiostrongylus eosinophilic meningitis (AEM) or ocular form.
  • 311
  • 29 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Blastocystis in Gut Microbiome
Blastocystis is the most common gastrointestinal protist found in humans and animals. Although the clinical significance of Blastocystis remains unclear, the organism is increasingly being viewed as a commensal member of the gut microbiome. 
  • 142
  • 29 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Sarcocystis Infecting Old World and South American camelids
Sarcocystis spp. are coccidian protozoans belonging to the Apicomplexa phylum. As with other members of this phylum, they are obligate intracellular parasites with complex cellular machinery for the invasion of host cells. Sarcocystis spp. display dixenous life cycles, involving a predator and a prey as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively. Specifically, these parasites develop sarcocysts in the tissues of their intermediate hosts, ranging in size from microscopic to visible to the naked eye, depending on the species. When definitive hosts consume sarcocysts, infective forms are produced in the digestive system and discharged into the environment via feces.
  • 71
  • 27 Feb 2024
Topic Review
Stachybotrys chartarum Enzymes and Their Possible Applications
Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold) (Stachybotriaceae) is a toxigenic fungus that is commonly found in damp environments. This fungus has the capacity to produce various classes of bio-metabolites with unrivaled structural features, including cyclosporins, cochlioquinones, atranones, trichothecenes, dolabellanes, phenylspirodrimanes, xanthones, and isoindoline and chromene derivatives.
  • 463
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasma gondii is a pathogenic protozoan parasite that infects the nucleated cells of warm-blooded hosts leading to an infectious zoonotic disease known as toxoplasmosis. The infection outcomes might be severe and fatal in patients with immunodeficiency, diabetes, and pregnant women and infants. 
  • 275
  • 21 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Trypanosoma cruzi Congenital Transmission
Chagas disease, initiated by the etiological agent Trypanosoma cruzi, is an endemic infection in the American continent. Although vectorial transmission of T. cruzi is recognized as the main mode of infection, other routes such as congenital and blood transfusion are also documented as important methods of transmission. T. cruzi maternal–fetal transmission has been recorded in humans and examined by some investigators in naturally and experimentally infected mammals. 
  • 408
  • 08 Nov 2022
Topic Review
Acanthamoeba spp.
Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebas, which are widely distributed in soil, water, and air. They are capable of causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis, Acanthamoeba pneumonia, Acanthamoeba keratitis, and disseminated acanthamoebiasis.
  • 666
  • 18 Mar 2021
Topic Review
ADP-Ribosylation during Infection Establishment by Trypanosomatidae Parasites
ADP-ribosylation is a reversible post-translational protein modification, which is evolutionarily conserved in prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. It governs critical cellular functions, including, but not limited to cellular proliferation, differentiation, RNA translation, and genomic repair. The addition of one or multiple ADP-ribose moieties can be catalysed by poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) enzymes, while in eukaryotic organisms, ADP-ribosylation can be reversed through the action of specific enzymes capable of ADP-ribose signalling regulation. In several lower eukaryotic organisms, including Trypanosomatidae parasites, ADP-ribosylation is thought to be important for infection establishment. Trypanosomatidae encompasses several human disease-causing pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, T. brucei, and the Leishmania genus. These parasites are the etiological agents of Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), and leishmaniasis, respectively.
  • 213
  • 19 May 2023
Topic Review
Alaria alata
Alaria alata flukes are cosmopolitan parasites. In Europe, the definitive hosts are red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wolves (Canis lupus), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), as well as animals that belong to the Felidae family. Intermediate hosts, such as snails and frogs, are the sources of infection for definitive hosts. The developmental stages of A. alata mesocercariae may occur in paratenic hosts, including many species of mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as in wild boars (Sus scrofa), which are important from the zoonotic point of view. Alaria alata is a widespread trematode that is considered a potential cause of a human disease called alariosis, which is associated with the consumption of raw or undercooked meat of intermediate or paratenic hosts of this parasite.
  • 4.3K
  • 11 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Anthelmintic Drugs and Resistance
Helminth parasitic infections are a considerable constraint to the livestock industries worldwide. Nematode parasites cause the major proportion of harm to livestock. The infections caused are accountable for severe economic losses in cattle, goat and sheep farming industries. Morbidity and mortality in livestock due to parasitic diseases are increasing alarmingly. Also, their zoonotic influence on human health is considered significant. Anthelmintic drugs have been developed occasionally to curb this disease and prevent major losses. But the development of resistance against these drugs has put another constraint on this flourishing industry. Helminth parasites have developed resistance against three main classes of anthelmintics: benzimidazoles, macrocyclic lactones and nicotinic agonists. With the intensification of resistance, various screening and confirmatory tests have been developed for the speedy introduction of newer drugs in the livestock industry. At the same time, designing and launching novel anthelmintics is time-consuming and economically restrained. Phytochemicals attract much attention because of their pharmacotherapeutic potential, least toxic profile and low environmental hazards. 
  • 194
  • 20 Jul 2023
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