The transformation of livestock production underway in Africa to support a growing population and the livelihood of farmers cannot be implemented without controlling major endemic diseases, such as vector-borne animal tr...The transformation of livestock production underway in Africa to support a growing population and the livelihood of farmers cannot be implemented without controlling major endemic diseases, such as vector-borne animal trypanosomosis (AT). Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for cost-effective trypanosomosis control, and through coordinated efforts, disease intelligence is being enhanced at the continental and national level. Information systems on the disease and its vectors ('atlases') have been established for Africa and in 14 high-burden countries. These initiatives underpin the progressive control pathway (PCP), a strategic approach that is being rolled out across the continent. However, information systems need continuous updates, enhanced dissemination and in-depth data analysis, including modelling, if their full potential is to be realized.
To maintain effective malaria control, endemic countries must reinforce their short-term commodity-based approaches with sustainable, longer-term strategies. In Africa, where only a few highly-efficient Anopheles vectors...To maintain effective malaria control, endemic countries must reinforce their short-term commodity-based approaches with sustainable, longer-term strategies. In Africa, where only a few highly-efficient Anopheles vectors drive most malaria transmission, we propose a two-tier strategy to safeguard control gains. First, aggressively pursue an expanded interpretation of species sanitation by targeting ecological vulnerabilities of primary vectors to suppress or eliminate them. Second, gradually build structural resilience through improved housing and environmental management. Future innovations, like gene-drive mosquitoes and longer-lasting vaccines, could further amplify impact and enhance resilience in poor communities. This layered strategy must rest on human-centred policies, increased domestic funding, cross-sector partnerships and resilient health systems, anchored in longer-term planning beyond the usual 5-year cycles. Ultimately, countries could preserve control gains, despite limited external financing.
Leishmania development in sand flies involves critical attachment steps to the midgut epithelium and the stomodeal valve, mediated by parasite- and vector-derived molecules. Initial midgut attachment prevents parasite lo...Leishmania development in sand flies involves critical attachment steps to the midgut epithelium and the stomodeal valve, mediated by parasite- and vector-derived molecules. Initial midgut attachment prevents parasite loss during defecation and determines vector competence. In specific vectors like Phlebotomus papatasi, attachment involves galectins and Leishmania lipophosphoglycan, while in permissive species like Lutzomyia longipalpis, mucin adhesion dominates. Later, promastigotes adhere to the stomodeal valve, forming adhesion plaques, which in combination with the promastigote secretory gel (PSG) blocks the gut and promotes transmission. Recent studies identified three flagellar proteins (KIAP1-3) crucial for plaque formation. Knockouts of KIAPs prevented stomodeal valve colonization and PSG production, likely impacting parasite transmission. Thus, KIAPs are essential for late-stage Leishmania development in sand flies.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40683760
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Parasitoid wasp venoms are widely studied for their immunosuppressive properties. Work by Dong et al. expands the venom repertoire to include manipulation of host metabolites with the discovery of the Leptopilina-specifi...Parasitoid wasp venoms are widely studied for their immunosuppressive properties. Work by Dong et al. expands the venom repertoire to include manipulation of host metabolites with the discovery of the Leptopilina-specific venom lipase (LVL). LVL is an active lipase that converts host lipids to support parasitoid embryogenesis following infection.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40681451
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Mosquitoes transmit pathogens causing 700 000 deaths annually. Microbe-based vector control, which reduces vector populations or blocks pathogen development within vectors, offers an innovative way to lower global morbid...Mosquitoes transmit pathogens causing 700 000 deaths annually. Microbe-based vector control, which reduces vector populations or blocks pathogen development within vectors, offers an innovative way to lower global morbidity and mortality due to vector-borne disease. This review addresses challenges hindering the widespread adoption of microbe-based vector control in mosquitoes. We consider understudied transmission routes of mosquito-associated microbiota, factors affecting colonization and persistence of candidate microbial control agents in mosquito hosts, and the need for robust tools and methodologies to validate that observations in laboratory populations can be reliably extended to field populations. We highlight how understanding the microbial ecology underlying interactions between mosquitoes and their native microbiota can guide successful vector control efforts in these and other arthropod disease vectors.
Based on a particular biochemical model, the use of rhodoquinone (RQ) under hypoxic conditions has been linked to an alternative complex II in the electron transport chain in helminths. This model was derived from detail...Based on a particular biochemical model, the use of rhodoquinone (RQ) under hypoxic conditions has been linked to an alternative complex II in the electron transport chain in helminths. This model was derived from detailed studies on Ascaris suum and generalized for helminths. However, accumulated evidence warrants a critical model re-examination. RQ facilitates complex II to operate in reverse as a fumarate reductase when oxygen is unavailable, but this biochemical adaptation typically does not involve a dedicated alternative complex II. Based on recent genomic, biochemical, and pharmacological data, we argue that the Ascaris scenario cannot be extrapolated to other helminths. Complex II is a promising pharmacological target for helminths; thus, the revision of the model also has practical consequences.
The post-COVID-19 era has exacerbated challenges in controlling echinococcosis on the Tibetan Plateau, the epicentre of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, where reduced funding for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) coi...The post-COVID-19 era has exacerbated challenges in controlling echinococcosis on the Tibetan Plateau, the epicentre of alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, where reduced funding for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) coincides with growing tourism and trade. This convergence heightens transmission risk, and we provide a novel synthesis of context-specific, integrated control strategies.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Aug · PMID 40675861
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Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause deadly infectious diseases. Despite the unique characteristics of their cAMP signaling pathways, little is known about the mechanisms driving signal specificity in these...Trypanosomatids are protozoan parasites that cause deadly infectious diseases. Despite the unique characteristics of their cAMP signaling pathways, little is known about the mechanisms driving signal specificity in these early divergent eukaryotes. From the activation of adenylate cyclases in response to environmental cues to the downstream regulation of gene expression, the signaling mechanisms triggering developmental transformations in trypanosomes are poorly understood. In this review we integrate previous and new evidence supporting the existence of membrane microdomains that assemble cAMP signaling proteins in different subcellular compartments of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. We also discuss the main cellular processes regulated by cAMP compartments in this parasite. Advances in this field are crucial to identifying new targets for antiparasitic interventions.
Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to suppress host immunity, yet how these effectors disrupt plant defense remains poorly understood. Recently, Qin et al. report that the nematode effector MiV86 stabilizes host...Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete effectors to suppress host immunity, yet how these effectors disrupt plant defense remains poorly understood. Recently, Qin et al. report that the nematode effector MiV86 stabilizes host E3 ligase NbRNF217, which leads to the degradation of the helper NRC4 receptor and immune suppression.
This review explores the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic and therapeutic targets to enhance control programs for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic disease posing significant threats to global...This review explores the potential of microRNAs (miRNAs) as diagnostic and therapeutic targets to enhance control programs for cystic echinococcosis (CE), a zoonotic parasitic disease posing significant threats to global human and animal health. Scientific evidence has demonstrated that Echinococcus-derived miRNAs are present in the biofluids of infected hosts, underscoring their potential for CE diagnosis. Additionally, specific miRNAs from Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato have been shown to influence host-parasite interactions, making them promising therapeutic targets for CE. In conclusion, further investigation into the role of miRNAs in CE could lead to significant breakthroughs in the fight against this neglected disease.
The apicoplast, a peculiar organelle of red algal origin surrounded by four membranes, is important for several metabolic processes in the malaria parasite, including isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and coenzyme A (CoA)...The apicoplast, a peculiar organelle of red algal origin surrounded by four membranes, is important for several metabolic processes in the malaria parasite, including isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and coenzyme A (CoA) biosynthesis. Transporters are required to provide substrates and export products for these metabolic pathways and are therefore excellent novel drug targets. On the basis of known apicoplast pathways, we discuss which functions are expected to be fulfilled by the Plasmodium apicoplast transportome, which comprises 11 confirmed and 17 putative apicoplast transporters identified to date. Facilitated by the development of new tools, we anticipate the discovery of key players of the apicoplast transportome, such as the IPP and CoA exporters, and the exploitation of these proteins as drug targets.
Trends Parasitol
· 2025 Oct · PMID 40651914
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is a Neotropical tick widely distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It has been confirmed in most American countries, except for Canada, the United States, Chile, Uruguay, and the Caribbean islands, excl...is a Neotropical tick widely distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. It has been confirmed in most American countries, except for Canada, the United States, Chile, Uruguay, and the Caribbean islands, excluding Trinidad and Tobago. Sporadic records in these later countries likely represent accidental introductions. This three-host tick occurs primarily in ecosystems with high humidity, such as the Amazon and Atlantic rainforest. Adults commonly parasitize wild large mammals, dogs, and may bite humans. Immature stages feed mainly on small mammals (rodents, marsupials) but also infest birds. is the vector of strain Atlantic rainforest (SAR), the agent of an emerging spotted fever group rickettsiosis. It may also transmit to dogs. Its wide geographic range, host versatility, and zoonotic potential highlight its importance in the eco-epidemiology of tick-borne diseases throughout Central and South America.
Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past two decades, the disease remains a major challenge. This review explores novel mosquito-targeting and transmission-blocking solutions to combat the growing co...Despite significant progress in malaria control over the past two decades, the disease remains a major challenge. This review explores novel mosquito-targeting and transmission-blocking solutions to combat the growing concerns of antimalarial and insecticide resistance. The emergence of drug-resistant Plasmodium spp. parasites and insecticide-resistant mosquitoes, coupled with changes in vector behaviour and the spread of invasive species, necessitates the development of new control strategies. We examine a range of approaches ranging from low-tech repurposing of existing technologies to high-tech genetic engineering solutions. These interventions aim to exploit the parasite population bottleneck in mosquitoes to potentially reduce selective pressure and the risk of resistance development. Although each approach has its advantages and limitations, an integrated strategy that combines current tools with novel technologies may be crucial for malaria eradication.
The mRNA vaccine platform should help research on East Coast fever subunit vaccines, but it remains unexplored. A theoretical strength of this platform, namely its capacity to prime cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, is a...The mRNA vaccine platform should help research on East Coast fever subunit vaccines, but it remains unexplored. A theoretical strength of this platform, namely its capacity to prime cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, is appealing as these, rather than antibodies, are the major mediators of immunity induced by a live parasite-based vaccine. Here, I highlight knowledge on functionally relevant bovine adaptive cellular and antibody immune responses to Theileria parva and antigens targeted by them that could help to assess this vaccine platform, and in the design of a broad-spectrum subunit vaccine. The view that N-glycosylated parasite antigens may exist is unlikely as the pathogen does not encode genomic capacity to catalyze this post-translational modification.