Biology and Life Sciences

Abstract: Tissue-migrating nematodes, including Toxocara spp., Ascaris spp., and Strongyloides spp., can cause substantial pulmonary injury during larval migration, characterized by inflammatory cell infiltration, disruption of the alveolar–capillary barrier, and increased vascular permeability. New therapeutic approaches should prioritize parasite control while also considering the recovery of injured pulmonary tissue. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), a highly conserved molecular chaperone involved in protein folding, stress adaptation, and cellular signaling, represents a potential therapeutic target in both parasitic nematodes and host tissues. Experimental studies have demonstrated that pharmacological inhibition of HSP90 reduces parasite viability and microfilarial output in selected filarial nematodes, supporting its potential as an anthelmintic strategy. Independently, HSP90 inhibitors have demonstrated protective effects against pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and experimental lung injury by preserving intercellular junctions, modulating inflammatory signaling pathways, and attenuating cytoskeletal rearrangement and vascular hyperpermeability. These findings suggest that HSP90 inhibition may offer a dual therapeutic approach by interfering with parasite survival while simultaneously limiting host pulmonary vascular and tissue injury. This review evaluates HSP90 inhibitors as potential anthelmintic agents against nematodes associated with pulmonary disease, particularly tissue-migrating larvae. Species- and stage-specific susceptibility, host toxicity, and preservation of protective immunity and tissue repair are discussed as key translational challenges.

Abstract: Urban visceral leishmaniasis is increasingly reported across Amazonian municipalities, where diagnostic complexity and parasite biology challenge effective surveillance and control. This study combined serological, parasitological, molecular, and sequence-based analyses of canine samples from four municipalities in the Brazilian Amazon with ultrastructural analysis of a Leishmania (L.) amazonensis reference strain. Diagnostic agreement between the Dual Path Platform rapid test (TR DPP®) and parasitological examination olymph-node aspirates was evaluated in 1,499 dogs using Cohen's kappa coefficient. Agreement was substantial (κ = 0.641; 95% CI: 0.604–0.677), although 275 dogs showed discordant results, consistent with distinct biological stages and diagnostic windows of infection. In a separate molecular subset of 130 dogs, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and small subunit ribosomal DNA (SSU rDNA) revealed different detection patterns in blood and conjunctival swab samples. SSU rDNA sequencing identified a small number of nucleotide polymorphisms consistent with limited sequence variation, and sequence comparison and distance-based analyses indicated high overall similarity among the obtained sequences. Transmission electron microscopy showed lipid-associated inclusions, vacuolar compartments, and vesicle-like structures, which were described qualitatively on the basis of morphological criteria only. Because these datasets derive from complementary but distinct sources, they are presented as an integrative analytical framework rather than as evidence of mechanistic links within a single sample set. Together, the findings indicate that canine visceral leishmaniasis in Amazonian urban settings involves diagnostic discordance, matrix-dependent molecular detection, and limited SSU rDNA sequence variation, complemented by ultrastructural parasite features consistent with previous descriptions, with implications for surveillance and diagnostic strategies in endemic regions.

Abstract: Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the cornerstone of treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Angola. The Ministry of Health conducts therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) at sentinel sites to monitor treatment effectiveness and detect emerging antimalarial drug resistance. This study systematically reviewed the therapeutic efficacy and safety of ACTs used in Angola from 2006 to December 2025. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify clinical studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of ACTs, including artemether-lumefantrine (AL), artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ), dihydroartemisininpiperaquine (DP) and artesunate-pyronaridine (ASPY), for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Angola. Of 913 records identified, seven studies from Bengo, Benguela, Luanda, Lunda Sul, Uíge, and Zaire met the inclusion criteria. ACTs showed high therapeutic efficacy, with PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) generally exceeding 90% through 42 days of followup. However, AL efficacy was below 90% in Zaire in 2013, 2015, Lunda Sul in 2019, and Bengo in 2021, whereas AS-AQ and DP consistently maintained high efficacy. Molecular surveillance showed no evidence of established artemisinin resistance, although markers potentially associated with reduced lumefantrine susceptibility warrant continued monitoring. Adverse events were predominantly mild and transient. ACTs remain effective and well tolerated for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Angola. Nevertheless, recurrent reductions in AL efficacy at specific sentinel sites highlight the need for sustained therapeutic efficacy and molecular surveillance through regular TES to enable early detection of emerging antimalarial resistance and inform national treatment policies.

Abstract: Plant-based expression systems may represent a promising strategy for oral vaccines against ascariasis. While protection or expression in other systems or routes of immunization does not imply vaccine potential via lettuce, an exploratory Lettuce Vaccine Suitability Index (LVSI) was applied to a dataset on four Ascaris antigens and three biological comparators. For five different criteria (immunologic response, antigen accessibility, plant expression, biological importance, oral delivery compatibility), scores from 0 to 5 were assigned, resulting in a total potential score of 25. Scores were compared across six different weighting scenarios, and underlying publications were reviewed to distinguish facts and assumptions. Baseline LVSI scores were 25 for As16, 23 for As14, 17 for As37 and 15 for As24. The ranking of the Ascaris antigens remained stable across scenarios, in contrast to some comparators. During the literature research, incomplete support was found for several assumptions made in the scoring, particularly concerning proper folding, gastrointestinal stability and transferability between expression systems or routes of immunization. None of the reviewed studies established protection upon lettuce-based immunization with Ascaris antigens. While these first LVSI scores need validation and further refinement before vaccine performance can be predicted, the index offers a transparent tool to structure available information and identify knowledge gaps.

Abstract: Climate-driven expansion of Leishmania infantum and its phlebotomine vectors is reshaping the geography of leishmaniasis across Europe, while surveillance systems remain largely dependent on labour-intensive trapping and pathogen screening. We propose a hypothesis-driven framework in which surface environmental DNA (eDNA) collected from sand fly resting microhabitats is analysed using duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) targeting both vector and parasite DNA. The approach is not intended to replace conventional entomological surveillance but to function as a first-tier triage tool for identifying locations where targeted trapping and pathogen investigations should be prioritised.The hypothesis is based on three observations: (i) adult sand flies aggregate at predictable sheltered resting sites; (ii) infected sand flies may harbour substantial parasite burdens, with each Leishmania parasite containing thousands of kinetoplast minicircle copies; and (iii) biological residues deposited at resting sites may contribute detectable quantities of vector and parasite DNA to environmental surfaces. We therefore hypothesise that repeated occupation of resting microhabitats could generate environmental DNA signals reflecting local vector–parasite co-occurrence.We outline a tiered interpretation framework and a falsifiable validation pathway combining controlled insectarium experiments and field investigations. Particular emphasis is placed on distinguishing environmental detection of parasite DNA from evidence of active transmission and on defining the analytical and ecological conditions required for reliable signal interpretation.If validated, surface eDNA surveillance could provide a scalable spatial risk surveillance component within integrated One Health surveillance systems, helping to prioritise entomological investigations in newly exposed or under-surveyed regions. Beyond operational surveillance, this framework may contribute to addressing a recurrent challenge in neglected tropical diseases: distinguishing true emergence from delayed detection in areas where transmission has historically been overlooked.

Abstract: Trichomoniasis is a venereally transmitted protozoan disease of bovines that causes vaginitis, early embryonic death and second-trimester abortion, increasing the risk of infertility. Despite its economic and health significance, it has been misdiagnosed or under-reported in Pakistan. This study aimed to describe the molecular epidemiology of Trichomonas in cattle and buffaloes on selected farms in Punjab, Pakistan. Preputial and vaginal secretions (600 samples) were collected from suspected animals across eight districts by purposive sampling, together with placentomes from aborted fetuses. Samples were cultured in InPouch TF kits, and culture-positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR. Blood samples were tested by latex agglutination. The associations of natural mating, breeding practices, infrastructure and veterinary services with infection were analysed statistically. Overall prevalence was 16.67% (100/600; 95% CI 13.9-19.9%), and differed significantly by district (chi-square = 27.60, df = 7, p = 0.0003), ranging from 0% in Burewala to 30.0% in Bahawalnagar. Natural mating was strongly associated with infection (odds ratio 12.43, 95% CI 6.32-24.46, p < 0.0001) compared with artificial insemination. These results link prevalence to local risk factors and can support control strategies; artificial insemination should be preferred over natural mating.

Abstract: Intestinal parasitic infections affect approximately 3.5 billion people worldwide, causing significant health and economic burdens, particularly in children. Major parasites include helminths and protozoa such as Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, and Ascaris lumbricoides. Conventional diagnostic methods such as fecal smear microscopy, formol-ethyl acetate concentration, Kato–Katz thick smear, and cultivation are widely used but have limitations, including low sensitivity, especially in mild infections, dependence on fresh samples, prolonged analysis time, and risk of false negatives due to intermittent parasite excretion. Staining techniques such as Lugol’s iodine and Ziehl–Neelsen improve visualization but require skilled microscopists and are time-consuming. There is a pressing need for rapid, simple, and affordable field-deployable diagnostics. This study evaluates the efficacy of a novel multicolor staining reagent. The new Parasimax Multicolor technique demonstrated greater rapidity in parasite detection and superior image clarity, even in the presence of artifacts. Ova and larvae of parasites appeared in a bright yellowish coloration, allowing for clear distinction from fecal debris and other interfering elements. The mean detection time was 40 seconds, compared to the Lugol technique, which required 2 to 3 minutes. Furthermore, the Parasimax method is amenable to combination with fluorescence microscopy, and additionally permits the evaluation of parasite viability.

Abstract:

Background: Panama is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot; however, little is known about the genetic diversity patterns of Toxoplasma gondii in wildlife. This exploratory study evaluated the allelic and haplotypic diversity of the Alt. SAG2, GRA6, and Apico markers using wildlife tissue samples; additionally, it compared the genealogical relationships between the identified variants and a defined panel of reference sequences. Methods: Three cloned amplicons per tissue and locus were analyzed by bidirectional Sanger sequencing from 18 tissue samples collected from 13 wild animals. Locus-specific sequence relationships were examined using alignments, NeighborNet networks, and unrooted Neighbor-Joining trees based on p-distances. Results: A total of 162 clone sequences were generated, comprising 54 sequences for each locus. Alt.SAG2 variants clustered with reference alleles associated with T. gondii types II and III, whereas GRA6 variants clustered with reference alleles associated with type I, II, and III. The analyzed Apico fragment showed limited resolution among the three reference groups. Multiple sequence variants were recovered from some tissue-derived clone sets. Conclusions: The genetic variation detected in Panamanian wildlife comprises a heterogeneous set of T. gondii sequence variants associated with archetypal clonal variants and with sequence variants described in geographically distant regions. These findings suggest that the allelic variation present in the analyzed wildlife is not restricted to the regional context but is part of a broader pattern of T. gondii diversity in the Neotropics.

Abstract: Microtubules constitute fundamental cytoskeletal polymers that orchestrate cell division, intracellular trafficking, and the maintenance of cellular architecture across eukaryotic lineages. The biogenesis, folding, and steady-state homeostasis of αβ-tubulin heterodimers are tightly regulated by an evolutionarily conserved cohort of dedicated molecular chaperones, designated tubulin-specific chaperones (TBCs; TBCA–TBCE), acting in concert with the small GTPase Arl2. While this intricate assembly pathway has been extensively dissected in mammalian and plant systems, its existence, molecular architecture, and physiological relevance within the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum have remained entirely uncharted. In the present study, we undertake a rigorous, multi-layered in silico interrogation of the P. falciparum genome to identify and functionally contextualize the parasite’s putative tubulin-specific chaperones (PfTBCs). Through integrated sequence homology analyses, domain architecture mapping, and phylogenetic reconstruction, we establish the presence of clear orthologs corresponding to the canonical TBC repertoire. Subsequent functional annotation, coupled with protein-protein interaction network predictions, strongly implicates the role of PfTBCs in the coordinated assembly of αβ-tubulin heterodimers and the broader regulation of microtubule dynamics. Given the indispensable contribution of microtubule dynamics to parasite growth, asexual replication, gametocytogenesis, motility, and host-cell invasion, the identification of a conserved tubulin-folding machinery represents a significant conceptual advance. This work furnishes the first systematic evidence for an intact TBC-Arl2 pathway in P. falciparum, thereby laying a robust computational foundation for targeted experimental validation. Moreover, by highlighting PfTBCs as potentially essential and selectively vulnerable components of parasite cytoskeletal homeostasis, the study nominates these proteins as promising candidates for future antimalarial intervention strategies.

Abstract: In tropical and subtropical countries, malaria and leishmaniasis are significant vector-borne parasitic infections that can often be present at the same time, posing a risk of concurrent infections. However, their roles in disease progression and host responses are not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of consecutive infection with L. major and P. berghei in BALB/c mice. BALB/c mice were randomly allocated to naïve, L. major mono-infected, P. berghei mono-infected and co-infected groups. We observed body weight, Leishmania parasite burden in the footpad, and hematological parameters over a 13-day follow-up after malaria infection. Co-infected mice developed more severe disease than either mono-infected group, exhibiting greater body weight reduction, with mean body weight declining to 24.8 ± 2.4 g by Day 13, compared with 28.1 ± 1.5 g in L. major-infected mice and 26.9 ± 1.9 g in P. berghei-infected mice. The co-infected mice also had higher parasitemia than P. berghei mono-infected mice (23.73 ± 3.02% vs. 19.63 ± 3.39%; p = 0.008), and higher Leishmania parasite burden than L. major mono-infected mice (34.00 ± 1.38 vs. 28.92 ± 6.16; p = 0.041). Co-infection induced anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, lymphopenia and monocytosis. These findings show that co-infection with L. major–P. berghei exacerbates disease severity, boosts the burden of malaria, and worsens hematological dysfunctions; thus, highlighting the need for an integrated approach to malaria–leishmaniasis co-infections in endemic areas.

Abstract: We characterized octonucleate Entamoeba isolates from galliform birds and lesser rheas (Rhea pennata) using cyst morphometry and SSU rRNA sequence/secondary structure analyses, comparing them with published data for morphologically comparable Entamoeba species. Entamoeba gallinarum is the only octonucleate species described from galliform hosts; the morphology of the galliform isolates was consistent with this species except for their larger cyst size. Because no genetic data from E. gallinarum are available and morphometric differences alone were considered insufficient to support a new species, the galliform isolates were conservatively assigned to E. gallinarum. The rhea isolates fell within the morphometric ranges reported for E. gallinarum sensu this study, E. coli, and E. muris. Analysis of published E. coli sequences identified several lineages delimited by compensatory base changes (CBCs), supporting its interpretation as a cryptic species complex. The SSU rRNA sequence of the rhea isolates was identical to those of a lineage within E. coli subtype ST2. Without determining which lineage represents E. coli sensu stricto, we propose the rhea-associated lineage as a new species, Entamoeba choiquei n. sp. Finally, we introduce Enta-LISA, an R-based workflow integrating primary sequence divergence and CBC comparisons of SSU rRNA secondary structures to facilitate reproducible lineage delimitation in Entamoeba.

Abstract: Psammomys obesus is a diurnal herbivorous rodent widely distributed across the arid regions of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Although it has ecological, agricultural, public-health, and biomedical importance, its helminth fauna remains poorly known. This study provides the first inventory of helminth parasites infecting P. obesus in southern Tunisia and examines variations in parasitism according to host sex, age, body condition and sampling region. A total of 152 specimens of P. obesus were captured between September 2023 and March 2026 in Tamaghza and Djebel Dahar regions. Parasitological examination revealed four helminth species: three cestodes, Sudarikovina aegyptica, Gerbillitaenia psammomi and Mesocestoides sp. larvae, and one nematode, Syphacia sp. Their respective prevalences were 63.82%, 12.50%, 0.66% and 16.45%. The findings of Mesocestoides and Syphacia species represent new records for P. obesus. Furthermore, S. aegyptica constitutes a new record for Tunisia. Host age and sampling region significantly influenced the occurrence and abundance of G. psammomi, as adults were more likely to be infected and harbored a significantly higher parasite burden than juveniles. In contrast, host sex and body condition had no significant effect. For S. aegyptica and Syphacia sp. no significant association was found between parasite occurrence or abundance and the host’s sex, age or body condition.

Abstract: Background and purposeThe development of drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum has emerged as a major obstacle for malaria elimination programs in endemic regions, leading to their prevention failure. This poses a significant challenge for the affected population. There is a need to investigate chemotherapeutic agents with low cost and minimal toxicity to overcome drug resistance of malaria. Combination therapy is a more emerging trend guided by World Health Organization to control drug-resistant malaria. Plant-based products are readily accessible and can serve as potential complementary treatments to recommended antimalarial drugs. This review highlight importance of plant based adjuvant with their present and future clinical manifestation toward malaria control.MethodThe inclusion of a wide range of sources such as research articles, reviews, and book chapters on plant-derived combinations from the years 2010 to 2022 have been thoroughly studied and retrieved from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and others.Result/ConclusionPlant-derived products have demonstrated significant success in the discovery of antimalarial drugs. By using plant extracts or phytomolecules in combination with traditional antimalarials, effective potential against malaria has been observed in vitro parasite culture with minimal safety risk and good efficacy in mice models. Several combinational antimalarial therapies have already been made available clinically, while a few others are still in clinical trial stages. Therefore, this review express recent literature on antimalarial combination therapies, highlighting their potential and providing guidance for future research in this field.

Abstract: Programmed cell death pathways in Plasmodium falciparum remain conceptually fragmented. Over decades, researchers have applied metazoan apoptotic, autophagic, and necrotic markers to this deep-branching protozoan, frequently clashing with the reality that the parasite lacks the canonical genetic machinery (such as true caspases or death receptors) found in multicellular eukaryotes. In this work, we shift the focus from the parasite’s disputed intrinsic death machinery to a neglected arena: the active manipulation of the host erythrocyte’s autonomous suicide program, eryptosis. We integrate existing literature on membrane remodeling, protein export, and lipid raft dynamics to propose a novel Host Protein Sequestration Hypothesis. We suggest that P. falciparum evades splenic clearance by actively dismantling the host cell’s surface death signaling platforms—Clusters of Apoptotic Signaling Molecule-Enriched Rafts (CASMERs)—and pulling these host components inward. We suggest that human FAS is internalized by the parasite and physically interacts with Plasmodium lipid-raft scaffolding proteins. This perspective offers a fundamentally fresh conceptual framework for understanding malaria survival strategies and highlights a vulnerable, non-canonical therapeutic target.

Abstract: Rhipicephalus microplus represents an important challenge for cattle farming due to economic losses and growing resistance to chemical acaricides. In this context, this study evaluated the temporal dynamics of survival of engorged females of R. microplus exposed to different concentrations of a commercial formulation of Steinernema carpocapsae. Three independent bioassays were conducted, in which survival was analyzed by Kaplan–Meier curves, Cox proportional hazards model and TL50 and TL90 estimates. The infectivity of nematodes recovered from engorged females was subsequently evaluated in Tenebrio molitor. The more concentrated suspensions promoted a faster reduction in survival, shorter lethal times and higher risk ratios, while the 130 mL dilution showed a later response. Despite the variation in lethal times between bioassays, a consistent pattern of response was observed between the concentrations evaluated. The recovered nematodes remained infectious, causing mortality in T. molitor. The results demonstrate that the analysis of the temporal dynamics of mortality provides a more comprehensive characterization of the activity of S. carpocapsae on R. microplus, expanding the understanding of its application as a biological control agent.

Abstract: Leishmaniasis continues to be a major neglected tropical disease, particularly in endemic areas where reliable diagnosis remains challenging. Many existing diagnostic methods are invasive, lack sufficient sensitivity, or require equipment and expertise that may not be available in resource-limited settings. Parasite-derived spliced leader (SL) RNA has recently gained attention as a promising molecular marker because it may enable the sensitive detection of viable Leishmania parasites and help track changes in infection over time. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are also of growing interest because they protect and transport stable biomolecules that may provide valuable diagnostic information and influence interactions between the parasite and its host. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of detecting Leishmania-derived SL-RNA within EV-associated samples. EVs were isolated from parasite-conditioned media (PCM) and infected THP-1 macrophage (I-MP) cell-conditioned medium (CCM), followed by nanoparticle tracking analysis for EV characterization. RNA was extracted from EV preparations, reverse transcribed into cDNA and analyzed for SL-RNA amplification using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) approaches. Successful amplification of SL-RNA was detected in PCM and I-MP CCM EV samples, whereas uninfected controls showed no specific amplification. ddPCR analysis demonstrated sensitive detection across infected samples which supports the potential utility of this approach for low-abundance target detection. These findings support the feasibility of EV-associated SL-RNA as a molecular biomarker for Leishmania infection.

Abstract: Cerebral Malaria (CM) is a life-threatening disease caused by Plasmodium falciparum. There are currently no reliable tools to predict the progression of cerebral syndromes in humans. Cerebral malaria results in mortality for approximately 1–2% of affected patients, with diagnosis generally established following the onset of neurological manifestations—such as coma, paralysis, or seizures—which may also be indicative of alternative medical conditions. More research is warranted to detect early biomolecular fingerprints of CM in biofluids. In this study, we have investigated the disease's early molecular markers in mice's urine. Our analysis has identified a significant decrease in methylmalonate in urine for mice with CM, a finding that not only provides a potential early detection tool for CM but also opens new avenues for research and intervention strategies.

Abstract: Clinostomum spp. are digenetic trematodes characterized by high genetic diversity and complex life cycles involving three hosts: snails, fish, and birds. These parasites signifi-cantly impact freshwater ecosystems, particularly when infecting fish as the second in-termediate host. Despite their ecological importance, no studies have examined the morpho-molecular characteristics of Clinostomum spp. from freshwater fish species in Oman, limiting our understanding of their life cycles and potential threats to the local aquatic environment. The present study investigated Clinostomum spp. infecting killifish (Aphaniops sp.) from four locations in the Muscat region of the Sultanate of Oman (Al Amirat, Al Khoud, Darsait, and Al Bahayes) using integrated morphological and mo-lecular approaches. Metacercariae were morphologically characterized through organ measurements and molecularly identified using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences. Morphometric analysis revealed that Clinostomum parasites from Omani freshwater bodies were consistently smaller than the established species C. complanatum and C. marginatum reported from other regions. DNA sequence analysis indicated that the Omani specimens were closely related to, but distinct from, Turkish C. complanatum, suggesting they may represent a potentially novel species or subspecies.

Abstract: Background: A common zoonotic parasite protozoan with significant effects on veterinary and public health is Toxoplasma gondii. It is believed that one-third of the world's population has come into contact with this parasite. Pregnant women in Sudan have been found to have higher seroprevalence rates, and exposure has been linked to serious gestational problems such miscarriage, preterm delivery, or stunted fetal growth. In Shendi, River Nile State, Sudan, this study sought to ascertain the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies and examine epidemiological risk factors among expectant mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional hospital and clinic-based study was carried out on 300 pregnant women in Shendi. Serum samples were collected and tested for T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies with a commercial quick immunochromatographic test (ICT) cassette. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, obstetrical, and dietary behavioral information. Results: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies in 300 individuals was 46.7% (n=140), indicating previous immunological exposure; no IgM antibodies were found, indicating the lack of active, acute infections during the sample period. T. gondii seropositivity was found to be significantly associated with raw or undercooked meat consumption (P=0.000), first-trimester gestational age (P=0.000), a maternal history of miscarriage (P=0.000), and prior deliveries of children with congenital abnormalities. There was no statistically significant link between age groups (P=0.989) or parity (P=0.636). Conclusion: The findings show a significant seroprevalence of latent maternal toxoplasmosis exposure in the Shendi region. The strong associations between dietary habits and unfavorable obstetric outcomes highlight the importance of early regular antenatal screening, enhanced food safety education, and preventative prenatal efforts to reduce vertical transmission risk.

Abstract: Urinary schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma haematobium, is endemic in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. The standard microscopic diagnosis is time-consuming and requires expertise to differentiate eggs from artifacts. A study evaluated the performance of a novel staining reagent called Parasimax multicolor^® for the rapid detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine samples from two endemic countries. Samples positive for Schistosoma haematobium were identified by comparing staining techniques, including Parasimax multicolor staining, wet mount preparation and auramide staining. The results showed that Parasimax staining was faster (30 seconds) and more effective for observing Schistosoma haematobium eggs and miracidia, as well as cellular elements such as red blood cells, even when observed with lower magnification lens. These results show that staining with Parasimax reagent is a potential emergency method for detecting eggs and miracidia of Schistosoma haematobium.