Due to the increasing resistance of malaria parasites to antimalarial drugs, medicinal plants are increasingly being employed to cure malaria. The purpose of this study is to establish the cytotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiplasmodial activity of a mixture of Terminalia macroptera and Erythrina sigmoidea extracts, two plants that have been traditionally used together in the management of malaria in Cameroon's Western Region. The stem bark extracts of both plants were formulated according to established protocols. Previous studies reported the use of blends of E. sigmoidea and T. macroptera in antiplasmodial assays employing established methods. Three combinations were used: 75% T. macroptera and 25% E. sigmoidea in Combination 1, 50% T. macroptera and 50% E. sigmoidea in Combination 2, and 25% T. macroptera and 75% E. sigmoidea in Combination 3. The in vitro antiplasmodial activity of the combinations against chloroquine-sensitive (3D7) and chloroquine-resistant (Dd2) Plasmodium falciparum strains was evaluated by the SYBR green fluorescence-based assay. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2picrylhydrazyl), FRAP free radical scavenging (ferric reducing antioxidant capacity), H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), and NO (nitric oxide) radical scavenging. Cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated by using Vero cell line and human donor red blood cells (RBCs). Docking studies were conducted using the Schrodinger Maestro software. Extracts of E. sigmoidea and T. macroptera were effective in all the three combinations. Being effective with IC50 values of 4.64 ± 0.09 μg/mL for the 3D7 strain and 4.67 ± 0.24 μg/mL for the Dd2 strain of P. falciparum, the third combination proved to be the most effective. The free radical scavenging activity of all the plant extracts was good. Against DPPH, FRAP, NO, and H2O2, IC50 values for the combination were 510.3 μg/mL, 159.6 μg/mL, and undetermined, respectively. Plant extract Combination 3 was not cytotoxic in cytotoxicity assay with CC50 of 217.05 ± 0.21 μg/mL against Vero cells and reduced hemolysis compared with positive control. Phytochemical analysis of plant extract identified the existence of alkaloids, triterpenoids, tannins, quinones, saponins, flavonoids, and phenolics. Sigmoidin A, Bidwillon A, Abyssinone V, Flavogallonic acid, 3,4,5-tri-O-caffeoylquinic acid were the Top 5 ligands that had the highest docking scores. Compounds are docked to PfDHFR because it is an essential enzyme, a validated antimalarial drug target, and docking provides mechanistic insight, resistance relevance, and predictive support for antiplasmodial activity. These findings suggest that the combination of stem bark extracts of T. macroptera and E. sigmoidea may have antimalarial activity. Additional in vivo antimalarial and toxicity studies are required for the scientific validation of the application of the two plant extracts in combination for antimalarial activity. The investigation of T. macroptera and E. sigmoidea via their interactions with proteins supported our hypothesis that the active substance is a strong inhibitor of the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (Pf-DHFR-TS). Analyzing these compounds' ADME characteristics contributes to the possibility of these ligands being developed into pharmaceutical forms.

Fish is a vital source of food, employment, trade, and economic well-being for people. But, it is hindered by a variety of diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and most commonly parasites. The impact and public health importance of parasitic helminthes in fish which cause devaluation, retarded growth, morbidity, and mortality have not been sufficiently studied in Ethiopia, especially in Lake Chamo. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted in Lake Chamo, Southern Ethiopia from October 2023 to December 2024 to estimate the prevalence, identify determinants, and assess community awareness towards public health importance of parasitic helminthes in commercially viable fish species. The study was performed using 369 commercially viable fish species selected from local fishermen either randomly or conveniently. A total of 156 respondents at vicinity of Lake Chamo were surveyed using structured questionnaire to assess their awareness level towards fish parasites. The overall prevalence of fish helminthic parasite infection was 67.8% (250/369) with high prevalence observed in Oreochromis niloticus (80.6%) and no parasite identified in Hydrocynus vittatus. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of infection were statistically significant with more likely in O. niloticus (OR = 2.9, CI = 1.32-6.54), female (OR = 1.6, CI = 1.03-2.49), and in large standard length (OR = 2.2, CI = 1.15-4.16) compared with their respective categories. From identified fish helminthes, Clinostomum (57.67%) was dominant genus followed by cestode larvae (50.8%), Contracaecum (12.8%), Acanthocephala (6%), cestode (3.2%), and unidentified parasite (3.2%). The survey revealed widespread consumption of raw fish (90.4%) around Lake Chamo, coupled with a total absence (100%) of practical preventive measures among respondents. Generally, commercially viable fish in Lake Chamo are widely affected by internal helminthes, creating a risk of fish borne zoonosis due to poor management and low awareness level. Thus, integrated parasitic control approaches involving fish, humans, and the environment should be applied in the study area.

Rapid urbanization and poor waste management practices have led to environmental and public health concerns in Akure Metropolis, Nigeria. Open dumpsites serve as breeding grounds for vectors and reservoirs for soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs), increasing the risk of parasitic infections and vector‐borne diseases. This study investigates waste disposal practices, geohelminth contamination, and vector abundance at dumpsites to assess their implications for public health. The study was conducted at selected dumpsites in Akure Metropolis using a structured questionnaire to collect demographic and waste disposal data. Soil samples were collected and analyzed for helminth ova and larvae using the flotation and Bearmann culture techniques. Vectors, including insects and rodents, were captured and identified using standard entomological methods. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, with results presented in descriptive statistics and graphical formats. Out of 100 respondents, 30% used formal waste collection services, whereas 29% disposed of refuse directly at dumpsites, and 41% used both methods. Soil analysis revealed high contamination with Strongyloides stercoralis, Ascaris lumbricoides, and hookworm ova, with 14 out of 15 samples testing positive. Houseflies (Musca domestica), ants, mosquitoes, and rodents were abundant, acting as potential mechanical carriers of parasites. Ants were the most prevalent vectors (41.35%), followed by mosquitoes (30.77%) and houseflies (25.96%). Rodents (1.92%) were the least abundant. The study highlights the significant public health risks associated with refuse dumpsites due to high geohelminth contamination and vector proliferation. Urgent intervention is needed to improve waste management, public awareness, and sanitation practices to mitigate disease transmission risks in Akure Metropolis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a ubiquitous protozoan parasite causing toxoplasmosis in humans. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of microwave on the viability and infectivity of T. gondii tachyzoites of the RH strain, both in vitro and in vivo. T. gondii tachyzoites of the RH strain were treated with microwave radiation for 5, 10, 15, and 20 s. The viability of treated tachyzoites was assessed using flow cytometry. The in vitro infectivity of these treated tachyzoites was investigated using the HeLa cell culture. For in vivo studies, BALB/c mice received two injections of treated tachyzoites mixed with Freund's adjuvant, over a fortnight interval, and their daily survival rates were monitored. Subsequently, untreated tachyzoites were inoculated into surviving mice in order to evaluate induced immunity. The produced IgG antibody titers in surviving mice were measured using the modified agglutination test. The flow cytometry method showed mortality rates of 46.89%, 74.11%, 88.38%, and 99.34% for the treated tachyzoites at 5, 10, 15, and 20 s, respectively. An in vitro analysis showed no proliferation of treated tachyzoites at 10- to 20-s time points after 24, 48, and 72 h. An in vivo study showed that all mice injected with tachyzoites treated for 5 s died, while those treated for 10–20 s survived. Mice that survived were exposed to untreated tachyzoites and showed a significant viability rate up to 18 days. The modified agglutination test showed an antibody titer of 1:80 in partially immunized mice. These results suggest that microwave-treated tachyzoites combined with Freund's adjuvant greatly enhance survival rates, reduce infectivity, and induce a humoral immune response in mice, offering partial protection against acute toxoplasmosis.

Leishmaniasis is a group of diseases transmitted by sandflies, affecting humans and animals, with three clinical presentations: cutaneous, mucosal, and visceral. The disease is caused by the parasite Leishmania and is a significant global health issue, with approximately two million cases annually and 350 million people at risk. The disease is endemic in 98 countries, including Algeria, which is a hotspot. In Algeria, three species of Leishmania (Leishmania major, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania tropica) cause cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, with the cutaneous one being highly endemic. In Algeria since the 19th century, research on leishmaniasis has been intensive, and the review was aimed at compiling over a century of research to provide updated knowledge on transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiology in this country.

BackgroundCystic echinococcosis (CE) remains an important public health challenge in endemic regions of Iran, especially in areas with intensive livestock farming and close human–animal contact. Long‐term epidemiological analyses are essential for identifying patterns, informing control strategies, and evaluating intervention outcomes.MethodsA 17‐year cross‐sectional study design based on retrospective data (2006–2022) was conducted on surgically confirmed human CE cases from two referral hospitals in Razavi Khorasan Province, northeastern Iran. Demographic, clinical, and spatial data from patients residing in Torbat‐e Heydariyeh, Zaveh, Mahvelat, and Roshtkhar were reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v.25, including chi‐square, Mann–Whitney U, and one‐way ANOVA tests (α = 0.05). Temporal trends were assessed using Poisson regression, and case distribution was visualized via GIS‐based heatmapping (ArcGIS Pro 3.2).ResultsA total of 232 CE surgical cases were recorded during a 17‐year period, corresponding to an average annual incidence of 13.6 and a surgical incidence rate of 3/100,000 population. The liver was the most affected organ (81.5%), and abdominal pain was the most frequent presenting symptom (73.7%). Two age peaks were observed at 21–40 and ≥ 61 years. Females (57.8%) and urban residents (64.7%) comprised the majority of patients. Regression analysis indicated a nonsignificant declining trend over time (β = −0.95, 95% CI: −2.71–0.81, p = 0.26). A statistically significant association was found between residency and organ involvement in patients with CE (χ2 = 5.78, df = 1, p = 0.016).ConclusionThis 17‐year analysis reveals persistent CE burden in northeastern Iran despite a modest decline in recent years. Sustained One Health surveillance, public education, and strengthened veterinary–human collaboration are required to mitigate disease transmission and improve control outcomes.

Foodborne diseases, particularly those caused by parasitic infections, pose significant public health challenges globally, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children. In this study, we investigated the parasitic contamination in 773 samples of fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens from Ecuador's Chimborazo Province. Utilizing a cross-sectional, observational approach, samples were collected from the capital of the Guano canton, Chimborazo Province. The analysis revealed an alarming overall contamination frequency of 74.5%, with leafy greens exhibiting the highest contamination (238/275 [86.5%]), followed by vegetables (130/188 [69.1%]) and fruits (208/310 [67.1%]) (X 2 = 32.793; p < 0.0001). Protozoa (71.8%) were four times more prevalent than helminths (16.9%) (X 2 = 471.106; p < 0.0001), showing a higher frequency in leafy greens (228/275 [82.9%]) compared to fruits (205/310 [66.1%]) and vegetables (122/188 [64.9%]) (X 2 = 26.113; p < 0.0001). In contrast, helminths were more frequently found in vegetables (54/188 [28.7%]) than in leafy greens (49/275 [17.8%]) and fruits (28/310 [9%]) (X 2 = 32.469; p < 0.0001). Notably, Blastocystis sp. was the most frequently identified parasite in all types of produce, particularly in fruits (43.5%) and leafy greens (40.7%). These findings underscore the critical need to improve food safety protocols and sanitation practices in agricultural settings to mitigate health risks associated with parasitic infections, especially among children in socioeconomically disadvantaged rural communities.

This study investigated the role of cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, and Blattella germanica species as mechanical vector hosts for intestinal parasites in Sana'a City, Yemen, from May to August 2022. Three hundred sixty-five cockroach samples were systematically collected from various sites, including markets, garbage disposal areas, and butcher shops in designated regions. These samples were accurately examined for parasites on their external surfaces. Out of the 365 samples, 198 (54.24%) were infected with a variety of parasites, including protozoa, eggs, and larvae of nematodes. This investigation revealed the presence of nine distinct parasite species on the external surfaces of cockroaches, including three species of protozoan cysts and six species of helminths. Specifically, the identified parasites were Entamoeba coli (69, 60%), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (61, 58%), Giardia lamblia (56, 53%), Ascaris lumbricoides (45, 31%), Hymenolepis nana (42, 35%), Enterobius vermicularis (23, 17%), hookworm (9, 6%), Trichuris trichiura (7, 3%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (2, 1%) of P. americana and B. germanica. The dominant parasite among the samples was E. coli (69, 60.%), whereas S. stercoralis (2, 1%) exhibited the lowest prevalence among the cockroaches collected. Noqum and Assafi'yah zones showed the highest numbers of infected cockroaches, with 71% and 63%, respectively, while the lowest numbers were obtained from Al-Kuwait Hospital (5%). To improve understanding in this area, further investigations would be required to isolate and identify parasites from diverse cockroach specimens' internal (digestive tract) and external surfaces.

Introduction: Human intestinal parasites are identified as causes of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the status of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) among malnourished children attending Bele Gesgar Primary Hospital and investigate the possible risk factors of infections. Materials and Methods: A case-control study design was employed in this study. The parasites were detected using a wet mount, formalin-ether concentration, and modified Ziehl-Neelsen methods. Results: There were 422 children under the age ≤ 14 who took part in the study. The overall prevalence of IPIs was 31.75% (134/422) among sampled children, 44.07% in malnourished, and 19.43% in well nourished. Among malnourished children, the most prevalent parasites were Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (11.37%), followed by Giardia lamblia (9.48%) and Ascaris lumbricoides (3.79%). The highest protozoal and parasite (helminths) infections were detected in the age groups below 5 years (46.24%) and the lowest in the age group of 11-14 (13.98%). Having no toilet (aOR = 3.541; p = 0.023), not handwashing after toilet (aOR = 3.074; p = 0.010), having contact with animals (aOR = 0.095; p = 0.001), and playing with mud and soil (aOR = 13.210; p = 0.001) were found as significant risk factors of parasitic infection among the malnourished children according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion: In general, this study indicated that the status of parasite infections in children showed variation based on age and sex. In addition, not toilet usage, not washing hands with soap after toilet, having contact with animals, and playing with mud and soil were significant risk factors (p < 0.05) for IPIs in malnourished children.

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIHPs) in dogs, belonging to the phyla Platyhelminthes and Nemathelminths, pose a zoonotic threat by contaminating human environments with cysts, oocysts, and eggs. Investigating GIHPs in domesticated dogs in close contact with humans is crucial to understanding zoonotic transmission. This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of zoonotic helminths in dogs in western Chitwan, Nepal. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 240 canine caretakers. A total of 103 freshly defecated fecal samples were collected from three sites in Bharatpur Metropolitan City and preserved in 10% formalin. The samples were examined using sedimentation and flotation techniques. The study found an overall GIHP prevalence of 57.28% (59/103), identifying six parasite species. The most prevalent was Ancylostoma spp. (74.57%), followed by Taenia spp. (20.34%), Toxocara spp. (15.25%), Strongyloides spp. (5.08%), Trichuris spp. (3.39%), and Dipylidium spp. (3.39%). Multiple infections were observed in 15.25% (9/59) of cases. Infection rates in males and females were 61.02% and 38.98%, respectively. Among the puppies, adults, and older dogs, the infection rates were 60%, 57.97%, and 50%, respectively. By region, infection rates were 67.86% in Chanauli, 59.46% in Rampur, and 47.37% in Mangalpur. The dewormed (≤ 3 months) dogs had a 38.10% prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs). In contrast, those dewormed less frequently (> 3 months) had a 56.10% prevalence, while nondewormed dogs had the highest prevalence at 68.29%. Out of 240 canine caretakers, only 50.41% were aware of parasitic zoonoses. The findings highlight the importance of regular deworming and veterinary intervention to control GIHPs and reduce the risk of zoonotic transmission, emphasizing the need for strategic health measures.