Aminopeptidase H11 confers strong protection against Haemonchus contortus infection in its native form but lower efficacy in recombinant versions. Advances in its glycobiology, novel expression systems, and adjuvants off...Aminopeptidase H11 confers strong protection against Haemonchus contortus infection in its native form but lower efficacy in recombinant versions. Advances in its glycobiology, novel expression systems, and adjuvants offer solutions to overcome this hurdle. This forum aims to guide future efforts toward developing effective H11-based vaccines as sustainable alternatives to chemical control of haemonchosis.
Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals, yet its ecological role and clinical significance remain debated. Companion animals and livestock are of particular interest due to their close contact w...Blastocystis is a common intestinal protist in humans and animals, yet its ecological role and clinical significance remain debated. Companion animals and livestock are of particular interest due to their close contact with humans and potential reservoir roles. This review synthesizes current knowledge on Blastocystis occurrence and diversity in these animal groups, reframing the discussion through the lens of host digestive physiology and microbiome ecology. Rather than a taxonomic inventory, we group animals as carnivores, omnivores, or herbivores to highlight how gastrointestinal physiology and diet might shape colonization. Carnivores show low prevalence, herbivores exhibit high subtype richness, and omnivores display intermediate patterns. Growing evidence links Blastocystis to gut eubiosis, highlighting the need for broader, integrative research across hosts and environments.
Chagas' disease remains one of the most neglected vector-borne infections in the Americas, with transmission shaped by the extraordinary ecological and evolutionary diversity of triatomine bugs. Unlike mosquitoes and tic...Chagas' disease remains one of the most neglected vector-borne infections in the Americas, with transmission shaped by the extraordinary ecological and evolutionary diversity of triatomine bugs. Unlike mosquitoes and ticks, whose genomic resources now guide functional studies and control strategies, triatomines have long remained underexplored. Recent advances in long-read sequencing and chromosome-level assemblies are beginning to change this landscape, enabling investigation of key traits such as domiciliation, dispersal, feeding behavior, and insecticide resistance. Yet critical gaps persist, including limited species representation, scarce transcriptomic resources, and the near absence of genome editing or population-scale data. Triatomine genomics now stands at a decisive turning point, offering unprecedented opportunities to inform surveillance and transform vector control strategies.
Marzook NB, Silvester E, Sparvoli D
… +15 more, Faral-Tello P, Wendt G, Geoghegan V, Maarifi G, Pallett M, Counihan N, Cook A, Roumégous C, Zanghi G, Amin A, Kovářová J, Autheman D, Arnold CS, Gutiérrez-Sanchez M, Bernabeu M
Vector-borne infectious diseases remain a burden within the intertropical belt, and developing holistic vector-control strategies poses a significant challenge. Recently, Tang and colleagues engineered an entomopathogeni...Vector-borne infectious diseases remain a burden within the intertropical belt, and developing holistic vector-control strategies poses a significant challenge. Recently, Tang and colleagues engineered an entomopathogenic fungus that attracts and kills mosquitoes by emitting a woody-scented compound.
In the past decade, Cryptosporidium research has progressed considerably, often drawing on Toxoplasma gondii as a molecular model. Yet, accumulating evidence reveals that such cross-species extrapolation risks overlookin...In the past decade, Cryptosporidium research has progressed considerably, often drawing on Toxoplasma gondii as a molecular model. Yet, accumulating evidence reveals that such cross-species extrapolation risks overlooking the distinctive biology of Cryptosporidium. Notably, marked metabolic differences exist not only between apicomplexans but also within the Cryptosporidium species, particularly between those infecting the stomach (C. andersoni, C. muris) and those targeting the intestines (C. parvum, C. hominis). Pathways such as polyamine and ceramide metabolism illustrate how earlier assumptions, combined with insufficient attention to species delineation, have led to an incomplete and sometimes inaccurate description of Cryptosporidium metabolism. This review examines metabolic needs and capabilities across several Cryptosporidium species to clarify evolutionary differences and highlight promising pathways for therapeutic intervention.
The peptidome mimicry hypothesis (PMH) builds on the principle that vertebrate immunity recognizes peptides absent from the host proteome. It extends this idea to predict host-parasite coevolution outcomes, systematic 'm...The peptidome mimicry hypothesis (PMH) builds on the principle that vertebrate immunity recognizes peptides absent from the host proteome. It extends this idea to predict host-parasite coevolution outcomes, systematic 'missing peptides', the narrow host specificity of many parasites, and the higher susceptibility of some interspecies hybrids to infection. PMH proposes that long-term coevolution reduces parasite peptide vocabularies and drives convergence toward host repertoires - a pattern that can help to infer a parasite's original host. For example, analyses of SARS-CoV-2 peptide vocabularies have been used to reconstruct the virus's likely host-switching history. Beyond theory, PMH provides an independent and effective way to nominate immunogenic peptide targets for vaccine design, complementary to existing prediction methods.
Parasitic plants rely on other plants for nutrients, but they steer clear of exploiting their relatives, a behavior known as kin avoidance. Recently, Xiang et al. revealed that the parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonic...Parasitic plants rely on other plants for nutrients, but they steer clear of exploiting their relatives, a behavior known as kin avoidance. Recently, Xiang et al. revealed that the parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum glucosylates and inactivates its haustorium-inducing factors (HIFs), thereby inhibiting prehaustorium formation and avoiding parasitism of its own species.
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a leading approach for deciphering the complexity and heterogeneity of RNA transcripts among individual cells. The technique has revolutionized helminthology by offer...Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a leading approach for deciphering the complexity and heterogeneity of RNA transcripts among individual cells. The technique has revolutionized helminthology by offering critical insights into helminth cell and developmental biology, host-helminth interactions, and the underlying mechanisms involved in the immunopathology of helminth infections. scRNA-seq facilitates the identification of novel anti-helminth targets for therapeutic and prophylactic intervention. This review presents an overview of scRNA-seq and highlights its applications in the field of helminthology. Despite certain limitations and challenges, the technique has the potential for further improvement and integration with other methodologies, such as single-cell multi-omics, showing a promising perspective in transforming helminth research.
Loiasis remains one of the least prioritised filarial infections, yet its neglect undermines onchocerciasis elimination and limits progress toward global NTD goals. Recognising Loa loa as a neglected tropical disease wou...Loiasis remains one of the least prioritised filarial infections, yet its neglect undermines onchocerciasis elimination and limits progress toward global NTD goals. Recognising Loa loa as a neglected tropical disease would unlock resources, promote safe mass drug administration, and accelerate the World Health Organization's 2030 targets.
Studying parasites in aquatic vertebrate hosts is vital for understanding parasite diversity, life cycles, host-parasite associations and parasite-environment interactions. However, such research often requires euthanizi...Studying parasites in aquatic vertebrate hosts is vital for understanding parasite diversity, life cycles, host-parasite associations and parasite-environment interactions. However, such research often requires euthanizing hosts, raising ethical concerns amid increasingly stringent animal welfare standards. This opinion article examines whether and when killing aquatic vertebrate hosts for parasitological studies is ethically justifiable. We outline current ethical regulations and review processes, then consider legitimate reasons for host sacrifice - such as accurate parasite identification, biodiversity assessment, and ecosystem health monitoring. Emphasising the multiple Rs framework in parasitological research we propose practical strategies to minimise harm, including non-lethal diagnostics and improved methodologies. Our goal is to foster critical reflection and promote more ethical, innovative approaches within aquatic parasitology.
Halos L, Ameda B, Ducrotoy M
… +9 more, Kock L, Mulongo M, Muthee J, Vudriko P, Howe M, Evans A, Fletcher M, Biguezoton A, Multistakeholder Working Group on Parasiticide Access
Livestock is a vital source of nutrition, income, and resilience in Africa, yet parasitic diseases remain a major constraint to productivity. Access to safe, effective, and affordable parasiticides for smallholder farmer...Livestock is a vital source of nutrition, income, and resilience in Africa, yet parasitic diseases remain a major constraint to productivity. Access to safe, effective, and affordable parasiticides for smallholder farmers is limited, while reliance on outdated or substandard products, rising resistance, counterfeit drugs, and weak regulation further reduce effectiveness. This article summarizes outcomes from a recent multi-stakeholder meeting on parasiticide access, emphasizing that innovation must extend beyond new molecule discovery to include adapted formulations, smart regulation, local delivery models, workforce capacity, diagnostic and product stewardship. Coordinated action by governments, industry, farmers, and animal health professionals is essential to improve access and make parasite control a driver of resilient, equitable, and sustainable livestock systems across Africa.
Plasmodium, the parasite which causes malaria, has evolved with - and plagued - humans since our species emerged. Decades of intervention efforts have concluded that the blueprint for success is to hamper transmission be...Plasmodium, the parasite which causes malaria, has evolved with - and plagued - humans since our species emerged. Decades of intervention efforts have concluded that the blueprint for success is to hamper transmission between Anopheles mosquitoes and humans. Before causing symptomatic blood-stage infection, Plasmodium must first develop in the liver, which serves as a hidden gateway into the human host. Blocking parasite entrance or exit through the liver stage prevents both illness and onward transmission. Robust immunity against the pre-erythrocytic stages of Plasmodium falciparum fails to develop during natural exposure in malaria-endemic countries. Here, we highlight how expanding knowledge of key mechanisms involved in the immune response against the liver stage parasite is shaping current and future intervention strategies against malaria.
Francesco Redi invented scientifically controlled experimentation. He is best known for demonstrating that insects arise only from the eggs of other insects and not spontaneously from decaying matter, and is regarded by...Francesco Redi invented scientifically controlled experimentation. He is best known for demonstrating that insects arise only from the eggs of other insects and not spontaneously from decaying matter, and is regarded by many as the father of parasitology. Here, we highlight the foundational work of Redi for his 400th birthday.
Ascarid infections, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (humans), Ascaris suum (domestic pigs and wild boars), Parascaris spp. (equids), Ascaridia galli (poultry) and Toxocara spp. (dogs, foxes, and cats), remain a significan...Ascarid infections, caused by Ascaris lumbricoides (humans), Ascaris suum (domestic pigs and wild boars), Parascaris spp. (equids), Ascaridia galli (poultry) and Toxocara spp. (dogs, foxes, and cats), remain a significant global challenge, substantially impacting human, animal, and environmental health and imposing considerable economic burdens. This review synthesizes recent advances and persistent obstacles in ascarid control, including drug resistance, low-intensity and undetected infections, climate-driven transmission shifts, and diagnostic limitations. Using a One Health lens, we underscore the need for integrated approaches across human, animal, and environmental sectors. We emphasize rethinking helminth control strategies through cross-sector collaboration, community participation, equity, social and behavior change communication (SBCC), environmental risk reduction, and innovative diagnostic and monitoring systems across species and environments.
Low-dose exposure to pesticides can have stimulatory effects on the biological traits of arthropods, a hallmark of hormesis, which induces adaptive responses. In this forum article we postulate that such responses could...Low-dose exposure to pesticides can have stimulatory effects on the biological traits of arthropods, a hallmark of hormesis, which induces adaptive responses. In this forum article we postulate that such responses could be induced in sea lice ectoparasitic copepods, offering a perspective for scientific advance and improved practical solutions.
This review focuses on recent advances in the field of cell division of eukaryotic pathogens of the phylum Apicomplexa, a group of pathogens known for their diverse modes of cell division. We cover two topics - an organi...This review focuses on recent advances in the field of cell division of eukaryotic pathogens of the phylum Apicomplexa, a group of pathogens known for their diverse modes of cell division. We cover two topics - an organization and a regulation of the apicomplexan cell cycles - using models of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and Plasmodium falciparum merozoites of the red blood cell stage. The review emphasizes differences and similarities between the conventional cell cycle of the parasite's host cells and apicomplexan cell cycles, and between binary and multinuclear divisions of Apicomplexa. Although many factors play a role in cell cycle regulation, we concentrated on the central cell cycle regulators, cyclin-dependent kinase complexes.