Vibrational signals produced during feeding are fundamental to termite behaviour, yet their function in regulating collective foraging remains unclear. In this study, we combine bioassays, micro-CT imaging, and elastic wave modelling to investigate how the subterranean termite Coptotermes acinaciformis evaluates wood through structuralwave propagation. Using an axially excited Acoustic Black Hole (ABH), a tapered geometry that minimises wave reflections and effectively mimics an infinitely long food source, we show that termites preferentially attack longer wooden dowels and, remarkably, also lighter ABH-modified dowels. Micro-CT scans revealed feeding concentrated in the dowel core, coinciding with the region of maximum stress predicted by the models but where echo return was minimal. These results indicate that termites assess wood size through bite-induced echoes, analogous to echolocation in bats and dolphins, and preferentially exploit core regions of trunks and branches, thereby accounting for the tree-piping behaviour of termites. The reduction or absence of reflected waves may thus act as a cue that stimulates collective stigmergic foraging. From an applied perspective, ABHinspired structures could form the basis of novel, chemical-free lures for termite management.

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is an aggressive B-cell lymphoma that remains a leading cause of childhood cancer mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the epidemiological link between Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria and BL has been established, our understanding of the underlying immunological mechanisms conducive to tumorigenesis is incomplete. To address a noted gap in our knowledge of the immune landscape, we profiled neutrophil subsets from children with different exposure histories to Pf-malaria and children diagnosed with BL from Western Kenya, along with healthy malaria-naive Kenyan adults. Using multiparameter flow cytometry, we characterized neutrophils by expression of CD15, CD16, CD10, CD11b, CD182, CD184, and CD62L and found that malaria-exposed children exhibited increased frequencies of aged neutrophil subsets, accompanied by a reduction in the mature subset frequencies compared to malaria-naive children. Malaria-exposed children also had neutrophil profiles that closely resembled those seen in the adults. Notably, a positive correlation (rs = 0.7; p < 0.0001) was observed in immature neutrophils between malaria-exposed healthy and BL children, indicating a similar expansion pattern of this subset in both groups. This finding suggests a malaria-driven expansion of the immature subset, potentially promoting a permissive environment for BL. Our data suggests that the observed shift in neutrophil profiles could contribute to the malaria-induced immunopathology associated with BL Visual abstract: Created in BioRender. Forconi, C. (2025) https://BioRender.com/oz60qvq

Bacillus anthracis is the etiological agent of the zoonotic disease anthrax. The pathogen has colonized many regions of all inhabited continents. Increasing evidence points to a strong contribution of anthropogenic activities (trade) in this almost global spread. This article contributes further genomic data from 21 B. anthracis strains, including 19 isolated in Germany, aiming to support and detail the human role in anthrax dispersal. The newly sequenced genomes belong to the B. anthracis lineage predominant in China. This lineage is remarkable because of its phylogenetic structure. A polytomy with nine branches radiating from a central node was identified by whole-genome single-nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) analysis. Strains from Germany populate two among the nine branches. Detailed analysis of the polytomy indicates that it most likely emerged in China. We propose that the polytomy is the result of the import of contaminated animal products in a limited spatiotemporal frame, followed by the distribution of these products to different locations within China, where new B. anthracis lineages then became independently established. Currently available data point to Bengal as a likely geographic source of the original contamination, and the history of trade exchanges between Bengal and China agrees with the early fifteenth century as a likely time period. The subsequent exports to Germany would have occurred during the 19th century according to German trade history. Notably, Germany has been experiencing localized anthrax outbreaks from this trade heritage up into the 21st century.

Publication date: November 2025 Source: #ticks and #tick-borne Diseases, Volume 16, Issue 6 Author(s): Helene Mens, Rosa Gynthersen, Nanna Skaarup Andersen, Mathilde Ørbæk, Fredrikke C. Knudtzen, Sanne Løkkegaard Larsen, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson, Olga A. Stukolova, Dieuwertje Hoornstra, Joppe W. Hovius, Anne-Mette Lebech

Plasmodium falciparum is the major cause of malaria in Africa, responsible for high morbidity and mortality across the continent. This study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis of P. falciparum research conducted in Africa between 2000 and 2024 as shown in Figure 1. Using the PRISMA framework, 10,903 peer-reviewed articles were retrieved from the Scopus database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Bibliometrix in R and VOSviewer to assess publication trends, authorship networks, keyword evolution, and thematic concentration. Results reveal contributions from 18,345 authors across 4,903 journals, with an average of 31.83 citations per article. Research output has grown steadily over the two-decade period, with significant input from African scholars and international collaborators. The most active research themes include epidemiology, antimalarial drug resistance, vaccine development, vector biology, and socio-economic factors in malaria control. Despite this progress, the review highlights persistent gaps in genomic surveillance, localised insecticide resistance monitoring, and integration of social determinants into malaria intervention strategies. Regional disparities in research output remain, with some high-burden areas underrepresented. Collaboration among African institutions is limited compared to international partnerships. These observations indicate the urgent need for targeted funding, strengthened intra-African collaboration, and policies that contextualise malaria research within local health systems. Addressing these gaps is essential for speeding the elimination agenda of malaria in the continent.

A study of the mosquito fauna of Meghalaya State, India was carried out during August and September 2022 and between December 2023 and January 2024. A total of 3,238 specimens of 117 species, two unnamed, representing 27 genera were collected and identified. Of these, 61 species are new to the state and seven are new country records. Our study provides the most up-to-date information on the distribution of mosquito species that occur in Meghalaya State, many of which are vectors of pathogens of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis and chikungunya, particularly in the diverse forests of the State. These findings emphasize the significance of mosquito surveillance in Meghalaya State for monitoring the spread of mosquito-borne pathogens and planning appropriate control measures.

Publication date: Available online 13 October 2025 Source: Acta Tropica Author(s): Joshua Kamani, Irene Sacristán Yagüe, Mike Shand, Ifeyinwa, R. Okosi, Toyin Olubade, Samuel A. Moses, Rebecca A. Yakubu, Shimon Harrus

RNA viruses exhibit high mutation rates due to error-prone polymerases, leading to a diverse pool of viral haplotypes (also referred to as quasi-species) within infected hosts. While haplotypes have been well studied in chronic infections like HIV and HCV, diversity remains under-explored in acute infections like dengue (DENV), which are constrained by a short viremic phase. This study aimed to characterise the mutation hotspots in DENV genomes at both consensus and haplotype levels. Near full length DENV genomes were sequenced using Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) from the plasma of Sri Lankan patients with dengue fever recruited between 2017 -2020. Consensus sequences were mapped with Minimap-2, and haplotypes were reconstructed with Nano-Q, a tool designed for estimation of RNA virus haplotypes and their relative abundance. The genomic variability of DENV genomes was assessed by calculating Shannon Entropy (SE). Codons undergoing diversifying selection were identified with three phylogenetics-based algorithms (FEL, MEME, FUBAR) implemented within the Datamonkey suite. From 150 samples tested, both consensus and haplotype sequences were characterised in 90 samples (DENV1: 8, DENV2: 51, DENV3: 31). The genomic variability of consensus sequences measured by SE was higher in DENV2 compared to DENV3, and the reverse was true for haplotypes. At the consensus level, the NS2A gene had the greatest number of mutable sites when adjusted for gene length across all serotypes, while at the haplotype level the NS1 gene had the same. Overall, the haplotypes sequences revealed more sites with high mutability and codons under diversifying selection than those visible at consensus level. This provides proof-in-principle that in acute RNA viruses also have high mutability in haplotypes, which may be inapparent with a consensus-level analysis.

Background Dermacentor reticulatus is a key tick species across Europe and an established vector of multiple pathogens that affect both human and animal health. Despite its significant role in disease transmission, genomic data for this species remain limited. Here, we present the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of D. reticulatus, constructed using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing data. Methods High molecular weight DNA was extracted from a female Dermacentor reticulatus collected in Devon, UK, and sequenced using Oxford Nanopore long-read technology. Genome assemblies were generated using both guided and unguided approaches, followed by repeat masking, gene prediction, and functional annotation. Genome completeness was assessed using BUSCO, and comparative, phylogenetic, and functional analyses were performed against other Dermacentor and tick species. Results This chromosome-scale genome assembly revealed a repeat-rich genome, with approximately 61.9% of the total sequence consisting of repetitive elements. Benchmarking universal single-copy ortholog (BUSCO) analysis demonstrated strong genome completeness, with guided assembly (chromosome) achieving a score of 97.1%, closely matching those of related Dermacentor species. For comparison, unguided assembly (scaffold) yielded a BUSCO score of 96.7%. Gene annotation following repeat masking resulted in BUSCO completeness scores of 95.1% (guided) and 95.0% (unguided). Functional characterisation included Pfam domain assignment and Gene Ontology analysis. Additionally, we assembled the mitochondrial genome (15,103 bp), comprising 38 genes, providing further insight into D. reticulatus phylogenetic placement. Conclusions This genomic resource establishes a foundation for functional genomics, evolutionary studies and supports future research in vector biology and the control of tick-borne diseases.

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an economically valuable crop worldwide including in the United States due to its nutritional benefits in human health and widespread use as a spice or vegetable. Although numerous viruses have been reported infecting peppers in the USA, little is known about the diversity and distribution of pepper-infecting viruses in Oklahoma. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive pepper virome study to identify viruses infecting pepper and their incidence across six different counties in Oklahoma. A total of 310 plant samples including pepper and other potential hosts were collected during the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Samples were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. Viral contigs identified via HTS were further validated through RT-PCR or PCR assays followed by Sanger sequencing. In total, 17 distinct viruses were detected, including 15 RNA and two DNA viruses, with several representing putatively novel findings. The most prevalent virus was beet curly top virus (BCTV), followed by tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), potato yellow dwarf virus/constricta yellow dwarf virus (PYDV/CYDV), and pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). Virus incidence varied by season and location, with some surveys showing infection rates exceeding 80%. This study provides the first in-depth characterization of the pepper virome in Oklahoma and valuable insights into the prevalence and distribution of pepper-infecting viruses. These findings will support the development of informed, targeted strategies for virus detection and management in pepper production systems.

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan with worldwide distribution and is of significant importance for One Health due to its zoonotic potential. Although its presence in terrestrial environments is well documented, little is known about its circulation and genetic diversity in the marine ecosystem. This study investigated the occurrence of T. gondii in seabirds rescued from the southern coast of Brazil, focusing on bioassay and molecular characterization. Tissue samples (the heart,...

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a poxvirus that can cause severe, systemic disease in cattle. By far the most important route of transmission of LSDV is mechanical transmission via haematophagous arthropod vectors. However we lack detailed information on this process including the likelihood of transmission by different vector species. This study used an experimental bovine model of LSDV transmission to quantify the transmission of LSDV from an infected donor to a naive recipient calf. Three species of Diptera representing different vector groups were included (Stomoxys calcitrans, Aedes aegypti and Culicoides nubeculosus, respectively a large biting fly, a mosquito and a midge), and the clinical, virological and immunological outcomes in the recipient calves studied. The ability of Ae. aegypti to mechanically transmit LSDV following feeding on an artificial membrane feeding system was also examined. Both Ae. aegypti and S. calcitrans were able to transmit LSDV, resulting in disease in recipient calves. Bites from virus-positive C. nubeculosus did not result in disease in recipient calves, though the presence of neutralising antibodies in these recipients indicated exposure to virus or virus components. Ae. aegypti successfully transmitted LSDV following feeding on LSDV-spiked blood through an artificial membrane feeding system, validating this laboratory model as a future replacement for donor cattle. Mathematical models of the data were generated and predicted S. calcitrans to be the most efficient vector of LSDV of the insects tested with a reproduction number (R0) of 5.8.

CONCLUSIONS: The detection of different life stages of lice within the host confirms that they reproduce and develop on a given host species, fully utilizing its resources.

A relatively small number of liver-localized CD8 T cells can provide sterilizing protection against exposure to Plasmodium sporozoites. Previously published mathematical model-based simulations of randomly searching for an infection T cells, assuming that T cells move in open (3D) space or on a regular lattice, suggested that some degree of attraction is needed for cells to find the infection. Yet, in our previous experiments we failed to find evidence of attraction towards the infection in most T cells. Because the movement of liver-localized T cells is confined to sinusoids, the blood vessels of the liver, T cells may in fact be attracted to the infection site via the sinusoids. In new experiments we imaged Plasmodium-specific CD8 T cells, sporozoites, and liver sinusoids simultaneously. We also developed a new method to model imaged sinusoids as graphs and to simulate movement of T cells on graphs, and new tests to detect biased cell movement on graphs. As before, our previously published open space/3D-based metric suggested that few T cells are attracted to the infection site in presence of moderate cluster of T cells. However, with our new graph-based metric we could not detect attraction when constraining T cell movement to sinusoids. Surprisingly, simulations of T cells searching for an infection via liver sinusoids showed that a relatively small number of T cells (1 cell/imaging volume or

Publication date: Available online 12 October 2025 Source: Acta Tropica Author(s): Gizem Cufaoglu, Abdullah Zamantioglu, Sami Gokpinar

Intracellular parasites are pathogens that must invade and persist within host cells. In the case of Leishmania spp., it is generally assumed that the parasite must be phagocytosed to further establish residence within professional phagocytic cells. However, several studies report the presence of Leishmania spp. in non-phagocytic cells, highlighting their ability to enter cells independently of classical phagocytosis. Indeed, we have recently demonstrated that promastigotes, the infective form transmitted to hosts during the bite of the insect vector, subvert a lysosome-exocytosis-dependent membrane repair pathway to invade fibroblasts. Here, we investigate the invasion of non-phagocytic cells by L. amazonensis amastigotes, the infective form directly responsible for host-to-vector transmission, disease generation and parasite dissemination during infection in humans and other mammalian hosts. Our results show that amastigotes rapidly induce their entry into cells lacking classical phagocytic capability, where they survive, multiply, and persist. Invasion depends on parasite-induced actin remodeling confined to the parasite-host plasma membrane contact site, with localized recruitment of Rho GTPases that fuel actin polymerization at invasion foci. Our findings highlight the remarkable ability of Leishmania amastigotes to induce their own internalization into virtually any cell type, bypassing the need for conventional phagocytosis. This property may profoundly influence parasite biology by enabling amastigotes to cross cellular barriers, disseminate, and silently establish infection in diverse host cells. Importantly, when considering non-phagocytic cells, our results demonstrate that Leishmania amazonensis employs distinct, stage-specific invasion mechanisms: promastigotes co-opt host cell lysosomes, whereas amastigotes depend on F-actin dynamics.

The malaria parasite mitochondria represent the only tractable, naturally occurring system in which cristae, the characteristic invaginations of the inner mitochondrial membrane, are known to be formed de novo. In traditional model organisms, the central complex involved in cristae organization is the mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS). However, whether MICOS has an active role in the initial formation of cristae remained unclear. We identified two putative Plasmodium falciparum MICOS components, PfMIC19 and PfMIC60 and show that both genes are dispensable in asexual blood stages, gametocytes, and mosquito stages, albeit with a mild reduction in oocyst numbers. Immunofluorescence microscopy and electron tomography of gametocytes lacking either or both MICOS orthologues showed aberrant mitochondrial morphology and abnormal cristae, with a marked reduction of crista junctions. Thus, by utilizing the unique properties of P. falciparum, we confirmed the involvement of PfMIC19 and PfMIC60 in the organization of crista junctions, while providing evidence that MICOS is not required for the formation of cristae.

Publication date: Available online 10 October 2025 Source: Acta Tropica Author(s): Lucas Alexandre Farias de Souza, Sâmia Luzia Sena da Silva, Bruna Laís Sena do Nascimento, Emanuelle de Sousa Farias, Joaquim Pinto Nunes Neto, Magda Clara Vieira da Costa-Ribeiro

CONCLUSION: In this study, the sustained low prevalence of pfdhfr/dhps quintuple mutant justifies the continued use of SP- containing IPTp and PMC, as well as its expansion in the country into the second year of life with additional SP doses. Importantly, no validated pfK13 markers were found supporting the use of artemisinin-based combination therapies in Sierra Leone.

Osteomyelitis (OM), particularly methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-induced OM, remains a serious clinical challenge due to complex pathogenesis and rising antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of ursolic acid (UA) against MRSA-induced OM using integrated network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and experimental validation. Through target prediction and multi-database mining, we identified 57 common targets of UA and OM. ML algorithms, including Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and random forest, pinpointed three core genes: Neutrophil Elastase (ELANE), Lactoferrin (LTF), and S100A12. Enrichment analyses revealed significant involvement in neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation, inflammatory response, and immune regulation. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations confirmed stable binding between UA and ELANE. In vitro, UA exhibited antibacterial activity against clinical MRSA isolates (MIC = 16-64 g/mL) and showed synergistic effects with Penicillin (FICI = 0.125-0.5). These results demonstrate that UA combats OM through immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory actions, and direct antibacterial activity, providing a foundation for its use as an adjuvant therapy against MRSA-related OM.

Plasmodium falciparum is the causative agent of human malaria, a life-threating infectious disease that imposes a major global health burden. Lipid metabolism is indispensable for this parasite's replication and survival, yet most of the molecular components and mechanisms involved remain poorly understood. In eukaryotes, lipid droplets (LDs) serve as dynamic organelles that store neutral lipids (NLs), buffer lipotoxic stress, and regulate signaling pathways, with their biogenesis controlled by diacylglycerol o-acyltransferases (DGATs). Although P. falciparum encodes a putative DGAT, its role in the parasite life cycle has not been elucidated. We generated conditional PfDGAT-knockout parasites to investigate the enzyme's functional significance. PfDGAT deficiency led to parasite death, accompanied by reduced LD formation, elevated phospholipid levels, and induction of ER stress. Moreover, PfDGAT deletion altered protein trafficking, resulting in the decreased cytoadherence of parasite-infected erythrocytes to human brain microvascular endothelial cells, and suppressed parasite sexual differentiation. Thus, PfDGAT deletion affected multiple aspects of the parasite's life cycle, highlighting its critical role in parasite survival and pathogenesis. Our findings provide new insights into parasite lipid homeostasis and highlight DGAT as a potential target of antimalarial intervention.

Pancytopenia észlelésekor a kiváltó ok azonosítása kihívást jelenthet, mivel az etiológiák széles skálája – beleértve a gyógyszereket, az autoimmun állapotokat, a malignus daganatokat, a fertőzéseket, a haemophagocytosist – sokféle lehet. A szerzők egy 3 éves leánygyermek esetét mutatják be, aki elhúzódó lázas állapot miatt került felvételre. A laboratóriumi vizsgálatok pancytopeniát, emelkedett gyulladásos aktivitást mutattak, a tünetek hátterében a malignitás kizárható volt. A klinikai tünetek...

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common pathologies, with a high incidence in women and hospitalized patients. Their diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical symptoms and signs in addition to the detection of microorganisms in urine trough urine cultures, a time-consuming and resource-intensive test. The goal was to optimize UTI detection through artificial intelligence (machine learning) using non-microbiological laboratory parameters, thereby reducing unnecessary cultures and expediting diagnosis. A total of 4283 urine cultures from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed in the Microbiology Laboratory of the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (Granada, Spain) between 2016 and 2020. Various machine learning algorithms were applied to predict positive urine cultures and the type of isolated microorganism. Random Forest demonstrated the best performance, achieving an accuracy (percentage of correct positive and negative classifications) of 82.2% and an area under the ROC curve of 87.1%. Moreover, the Tree algorithm successfully predicted the presence of Gram-negative bacilli in urine cultures with an accuracy of 79.0%. Among the most relevant predictive variables were the presence of leukocytes and nitrites in the urine dipstick test, along with elevated white cells count, monocyte count, lymphocyte percentage in blood and creatinine levels. The integration of AI algorithms and non-microbiological parameters within the diagnostic and management pathways of UTI holds considerable promise. However, further validation with clinical data is required for integration into hospital practice.

Publication date: Available online 10 October 2025 Source: Acta Tropica Author(s): Miriam Félicité Amara, Kouamé Wilfred Ulrich Kouadio, Hamadou Konate, Raymond Karlhis Yao, Brou N’guessan Akuèlou Kouame, Aboubacar Karabinta, Abdoulaye Diabate, Olivier Gnankine, Moussa Namountougou

Culicoides paraensis is considered the most significant species of medical importance within the genus Culicoides and is recognized as the main vector of Oropouche virus (OROV). While OROV transmission has traditionally been confined to tropical forest areas of South and Central America, recent outbreaks in regions of Brazil previously considered non-endemic suggest an expansion of the virus's geographic distribution. In this study, we document the first occurrence of C. paraensis in the state...