Longitudinal Follow-up Reveals Peripheral Immunological Changes Upon Tick Bite in a-Gal-Sensitized Individuals.

Background And Objectives: α-Gal syndrome is characterized by specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies to the carbohydrate galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) and delayed onset of allergic symptoms after ingestion of mammalian meat. While tick bites are assumed to mediate sensitization, the immune response to tick bites has not yet been investigated. To investigate the peripheral immune response to tick bites in humans over time.

Parasite airlines: mapping the distribution and transmission of avian blood parasites in migratory birds.

During their journeys, migratory birds encounter a wider range of parasites than residents, transporting them over vast distances. While some parasites are widely distributed, transmission is not inevitable and depends on the presence of competent arthropod vectors as well as parasite compatibility with native bird species. Distinguishing between parasite distribution and transmission areas is crucial for monitoring and assessing risks to native bird species, as distribution areas, with the appropriate conditions, could become potential transmission areas.

Raising the bar: genus-specific nested PCR improves detection and lineage identification of avian haemosporidian parasites.

Avian haemosporidian parasites are useful model organisms to study the ecology and evolution of parasite-host interactions due to their global distribution and extensive biodiversity. Detection of these parasites has evolved from microscopic examination to PCR-based methods, with the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene serving as barcoding region. However, standard PCR protocols used for screening and identification purposes have limitations in detecting mixed infections and generating phylogenetically informative data due to short amplicon lengths.

Hidden diversity of cestodes in wild African carnivores: I. Non-taeniid cyclophyllideans.

Our knowledge of parasites in wildlife remains limited, primarily due to restricted access to samples, especially of parasites from protected species. This present study contributes to the comprehension of the enigmatic world of helminths of African wild mammals and cestode biodiversity by combining both molecular and morphological analysis. Cestode samples were opportunistically collected from 77 individual definitive hosts in South Africa, Namibia and Ethiopia, encompassing 15 different species of wild African carnivores and additionally domestic cats.