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		Research Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) against larvae and engorged adult females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) Flávio Augusto Sanches Politi, Glyn Mara Figueira, Andréa Mendez Araújo, Bruno Rodrigues Sampieri, Maria Izabel Camargo Mathias, Matias Pablo Juan Szabó, Gervásio Henrique Bechara, Lourdes Campaner dos Santos, Wagner Vilegas, Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues Pietro Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:295 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study investigated the in vitro activity of 70% ethanolic extracts of Tagetes patula against Rhipicephalus sanguineus, finding a significant percentage of egg laying inhibition and lethal effect on larvae. Image: Oviposition of female R. sanguineus subjected to Adult Immersion Test for 5 minutes.
		Research Circumstantial evidence for an increase in the total number and activity of borrelia-infected ixodes ricinus in the Netherlands Hein Sprong, Agnetha Hofhuis, Fedor Gassner, Willem Takken, Frans Jacobs, Arnold JH van Vliet, Marijn van Ballegooijen, Joke van der Giessen, Katsuhisa Takumi Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:294 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary In The Netherlands, the incidence of Lyme disease has been on the rise since 1994. Here, we investigated whether the abundance of questing Ixodes ricinus infected with the Lyme spirochete has increased concomitantly. Image: Questing female Ixodes ricinus. Courtsey: Hans Smid (http://www.bugsinthepicture.com/).
		Research Replication of West Nile virus, Rabensburg lineage in mammalian cells is restricted by temperature Matthew T Aliota, Laura D Kramer Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:293 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper demonstrated that temperature is an important determinant limiting the host range of Rabensburg virus, an intermediate between the mosquito-specific and mosquito-vertebrate cycling flaviviruses. Image: Overt cytopathic effects associated with Rabensburg virus growth on Aedes albopictus cells (arrows indicate extensive cell fusion and syncytia formation).
		Research Effect of combinations of marketed human anthelmintic drugs against Trichuris muris in vitro and in vivo Jennifer Keiser, Lucienne Tritten, Roberto Adelfio, Mireille Vargas Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:292 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Drug combination effects of albendazole, mebendazole, levamisole, pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin were studied against Trichuris muris. Four synergistic and one additive combination were identified in vivo. Albendazole-mebendazole should be investigated further in preclinical studies. Image: SEM of anterior region of Trichuris muris.
		Research New species of Ehrlichia isolated from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus shows an ortholog of the E. canis major immunogenic glycoprotein gp36 with a new sequence of tandem repeats Alejandro Cabezas Cruz, Erich Zweygarth, Mucio Flavio Barbosa Ribeiro, Julia Angelica Gonçalves da Silveira, Jose de la Fuente, Libor Grubhoffer, James J Valdés, Lygia Maria Friche Passos Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:291 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A new species (Ehrlichia mineirensis) isolated from hemolymph of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus shows an ortholog of the E. canis major immunogenic glycoprotein gp36 with a new sequence of tandem repeats. Image: Ehrlichia mineirensis gp36 ortholog.
		Research Protein expression in the midgut of sugar-fed Aedes albopictus females Leonardo Saboia-Vahia, Andre Borges-Veloso, Patricia Cuervo, Magno Junqueira, Camila Mesquita-Rodrigues, Constanca Britto, Gilberto Barbosa Domont, Jose Batista De Jesus Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:290 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper reports on the proteomic characterization of the midgut from Aedes albopictus females fed on sugar by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and data mining. Proteins were identified by sequence similarity to entries from the Ae. aegypti genome and the potential functional interactions between them were analyzed using STRING. Image: Two-dimensional protein profile of the midgut of Ae. albopictus females fed on sugar and potential functional interactions between identified proteins.
		Research Status of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s. s. M form prior to the scaling up of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in Adzopé, Eastern Côte d’Ivoire Ludovic P Ahoua Alou, Alphonsine A Koffi, Maurice A Adja, Serge B Assi, Philippe K Kouassi, Raphael N’Guessan Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:289 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The results presented here show that prior to LLINs scaling up, pyrethroid resistance was present at various levels in An. gambiae from Adzop?, C?te d?Ivoire. Underlying mechanisms included L1014F kdr mutation and probably metabolic detoxifiers. Image: Sampling of An. gambiae s. l. larvae in paddy and vegetable fields.
		Research Duplex quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and discrimination of the eggs of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) in soil and fecal samples Jean-Francois Durant, Leonid M Irenge, Renata Fogt-Wyrwas, Catherine Dumont, Jean-Pierre Doucet, Bernard Mignon, Bertrand Losson, Jean-Luc Gala Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:288 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper describes the development and validation of a new molecular method for rapid detection and identification of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in fecal and environmental samples. Image: T. cati eggs as shown by light microscopy and real-time PCR amplification curves obtained from Toxocara cati DNA serial dilutions.
		Review A systematic review of mosquito coils and passive emanators: defining recommendations for spatial repellency testing methodologies Sheila B Ogoma, Sarah J Moore, Marta F Maia Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:287 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Spatial repellents reduce contact between humans and mosquitoes through deterrence and mortality, as well as reducing blood feeding of mosquitoes. However, there is a need to reach consensus on methodologies for testing products that contain spatial repellent activities. Image: A 100m by 5m netting tunnel for testing efficacy of spatial repellents against outdoor-biting mosquitoes.
		Research Larval ecology of mosquitoes in sylvatic arbovirus foci in southeastern Senegal Diawo Diallo, Cheikh T Diagne, Kathryn A Hanley, Amadou A Sall, Michaela Buenemann, Yamar Ba, Ibrahima Dia, Scott C Weaver, Mawlouth Diallo Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:286 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper investigated the ecology of the larval stages of potential sylvatic arbovirus vectors in southeastern Senegal by identifying and characterizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of the mosquito larval microhabitats in several land cover classes, foci of sylvatic dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya transmission. Image: Larval microhabitats of mosquitoes in southeastern Senegal.
		Research Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in rodents in an area with sympatric existence of the hard ticks Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, Germany Cornelia Silaghi, Dietlinde Woll, Monia Mahling, Kurt Pfister, Martin Pfeffer Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:285 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Detection of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in every second rodent in a metropolitan area supports their role as reservoir hosts for ticks, of which one out of four were also positive. Image: Tick larvae around the mouth of a yellow-necked mouse.
		Research A new focus of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) (Diptera, Culicidae) distribution in Western Germany: rapid spread or a further introduction event? Helge Kampen, Dorothee Zielke, Doreen Werner Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:284 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary After the recent detection of the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus in southern Germany, the identification of a further distinct distribution area of this invasive species in western Germany is described. Image: Invasive mosquito species Aedes japonicus japonicus.
		Research Population genetic structure of the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus s.s. and allied species in southern Africa Kwang Shik Choi, Lizette L Koekemoer, Maureen Coetzee Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:283 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper describes the molecular comparison of five members of the Anopheles funestus group from southern Africa using mitochrondrial DNA markers. Image: The major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Courtesy Ray Wilson).
		Short report The use of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to detect the re-emerging Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys Boniface Namangala, Lottie Hachaambwa, Kiichi Kajino, Aaron S Mweene, Kyouko Hayashida, Martin Simuunza, Humphrey Simukoko, Kennedy Choongo, Pamela Chansa, Shabir Lakhi, Ladslav Moonga, Amos Chota, Joseph Ndebe, Mutale Nsakashalo-Senkwe, Elizabeth Chizema, Lackson Kasonka, Chihiro Sugimoto Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:282 (4 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper evaluates the performance of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) against microscopy using clinical specimens obtained from four male sleeping sickness patients from Luangwa and Zambezi valleys in Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively. Image: Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
		Research Arrhenotoky and oedipal mating in the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae) John B McCulloch, Jeb P Owen Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:281 (4 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The northern fowl mite is a widespread ectoparasite of birds and a pest of poultry. We report that unmated females produce male offspring and are able to mate with sons to subsequently produce both sexes. This makes all females, regardless of mating status, capable of transmitting to new hosts to initiate infestations. Image: Scanning electron micrograph of an adult, female northern fowl mite.
		Research Diagnostic accuracy of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of Leishmania DNA in buffy coat from visceral leishmaniasis patients Md Gulam Musawwir Khan, Khondaker Rifat Hasan Bhaskar, Md Abdus Salam, Tania Akther, Gerd Pluschke, Dinesh Mondal Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:280 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Spleen tissue aspiration is an invasive and highly risky procedure which may cause life threatening internal bleeding in 1 of 1000 procedures, sometime with fatal outcomes. Thus there is a need for an accurate but risk-free diagnostic tool for VL. Image: Spleen tissue aspiration for diagnosis of VL.
		Research Genetic diversity among Toxoplasma gondii strains from different hosts and geographical regions revealed by sequence analysis of GRA5 gene Jia Chen, Zhong-Yuan Li, Dong-Hui Zhou, Guo-Hua Liu, Xing-Quan Zhu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:279 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study demonstrated the existence of sequence variability in the GRA5 gene among Toxoplasma gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions, allowing the differentiation of the isolates. Image: Phylogram of 14 Toxoplasma gondii strains based on GRA5 gene sequences.
		Research High prevalence of schistosomiasis in Mbita and its adjacent islands of Lake Victoria, western Kenya Maurice R Odiere, Fredrick O Rawago, Maurice Ombok, William Secor, Diana MS Karanja, Pauline NM Mwinzi, Patrick J Lammie, Kimberly Won Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:278 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study revealed a very high prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis on Mbita mainland and the 4 adjacent islands (Mfangano, Ringiti, Rusinga and Takawiri), and indicates an urgent need to implement treatment in such rather remote, largely inaccessible areas, not previously covered by mass drug administration programs. Image: A member of staff from the field team.
		Short report Toxicity of essential oil from Indian borage on the larvae of the African malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae Eliningaya J Kweka, Annadurai Senthilkumar, Venugopalan Venkatesalu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:277 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study assessed the toxicity of Plectranthus amboinicus plant extracts against both laboratory and wild population larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l. Image: The aerial parts of the plant.
		Review Leishmania development in sand flies: parasite-vector interactions overview Anna Dostálová, Petr Volf Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:276 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary We review interactions of parasites of the genus Leishmania with their insect vectors, phlebotomine sand flies. Recent findings on molecules participating in the early-phase survival, attachment and development of the parasite in the midgut of the vector are highlighted. Image: Sand fly female.
		Review Factors impacting on progress towards elimination of transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in China Yi-Biao Zhou, Song Liang, Qing-Wu Jiang Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:275 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This review summarizes some factors that may pose great obstacles towards transmission interruption of Schistosoma japonicum, and assesses potential roles of these factors in the transmission and implications for the current China¿s control strategy. Image: Water buffaloes pastured in the snail-inhabited marshland areas.
		Review Epidemiology and control of human schistosomiasis in Tanzania Humphrey D Mazigo, Fred Nuwaha, Safari M Kinung’hi, Domenica Morona, Angela Pinot de Moira, Shona Wilson, Jorg Heukelbach, David W Dunne Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:274 (28 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis remains as a serious public health problem in Tanzania, almost 51.5% of the country population is infected. Several control efforts have been instituted in small and large scale and none of these have resulted in the control of the disease. Image: Fishermen along the southern shore of the Lake Victoria.
		Research Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein in BALB/c mice Min Meng, Shenyi He, Guanghui Zhao, Yang Bai, Huaiyu Zhou, Hua Cong, Gang Lu, Qunli Zhao, Xing-Quan Zhu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:273 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The present findings suggests that T. gondii 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses in BALB/c mice and was a novel DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. The immune protective efficacy elicited by SAG1 gene was also demonstrated. Image: The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii.
		Review Lymphatic filariasis in Brazil: epidemiological situation and outlook for elimination Gilberto Fontes, Anderson Leite, Ana Rachel Vasconcelos de Lima, Helen Freitas, John Ehrenberg, Eliana Maria Mauricio da Rocha Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:272 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper reviews the available literature on the lymphatic filariasis epidemiological situation in Brazil, explores the current status of this parasitic disease and the outlook for its elimination in the country. Image: Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria in Giemsa stained thick blood smear.
		Research A systematic review and meta-analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the Mexican population Ma L Galvan-Ramirez, Rogelio Troyo, Sonia Roman, Carlos Calvillo-Sanchez, Rosamaria Bernal-Redondo Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:271 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| 1 comment \| Editor’s summary The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the Mexican population over the past 60 years, according to IgG positivity, diagnosed with different methods. Weighted prevalence in high-and low-risk groups were calculated by meta-analysis. Image: Toxoplasma gondii infection has remained without significant changes, downward trend of 0.1% that represents an overall 5.8% reduction of infection (R2= 0.0354 and F (1) =4.802, p>0.05) that was not statistically significant.

	All
		Research Acaricidal activity of ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Tagetes patula L. (Asteraceae) against larvae and engorged adult females of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) Flávio Augusto Sanches Politi, Glyn Mara Figueira, Andréa Mendez Araújo, Bruno Rodrigues Sampieri, Maria Izabel Camargo Mathias, Matias Pablo Juan Szabó, Gervásio Henrique Bechara, Lourdes Campaner dos Santos, Wagner Vilegas, Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues Pietro Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:295 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study investigated the in vitro activity of 70% ethanolic extracts of Tagetes patula against Rhipicephalus sanguineus, finding a significant percentage of egg laying inhibition and lethal effect on larvae. Image: Oviposition of female R. sanguineus subjected to Adult Immersion Test for 5 minutes.
		Research Circumstantial evidence for an increase in the total number and activity of borrelia-infected ixodes ricinus in the Netherlands Hein Sprong, Agnetha Hofhuis, Fedor Gassner, Willem Takken, Frans Jacobs, Arnold JH van Vliet, Marijn van Ballegooijen, Joke van der Giessen, Katsuhisa Takumi Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:294 (17 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary In The Netherlands, the incidence of Lyme disease has been on the rise since 1994. Here, we investigated whether the abundance of questing Ixodes ricinus infected with the Lyme spirochete has increased concomitantly. Image: Questing female Ixodes ricinus. Courtsey: Hans Smid (http://www.bugsinthepicture.com/).
		Research Replication of West Nile virus, Rabensburg lineage in mammalian cells is restricted by temperature Matthew T Aliota, Laura D Kramer Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:293 (14 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper demonstrated that temperature is an important determinant limiting the host range of Rabensburg virus, an intermediate between the mosquito-specific and mosquito-vertebrate cycling flaviviruses. Image: Overt cytopathic effects associated with Rabensburg virus growth on Aedes albopictus cells (arrows indicate extensive cell fusion and syncytia formation).
		Research Effect of combinations of marketed human anthelmintic drugs against Trichuris muris in vitro and in vivo Jennifer Keiser, Lucienne Tritten, Roberto Adelfio, Mireille Vargas Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:292 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Drug combination effects of albendazole, mebendazole, levamisole, pyrantel pamoate and ivermectin were studied against Trichuris muris. Four synergistic and one additive combination were identified in vivo. Albendazole-mebendazole should be investigated further in preclinical studies. Image: SEM of anterior region of Trichuris muris.
		Research New species of Ehrlichia isolated from Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus shows an ortholog of the E. canis major immunogenic glycoprotein gp36 with a new sequence of tandem repeats Alejandro Cabezas Cruz, Erich Zweygarth, Mucio Flavio Barbosa Ribeiro, Julia Angelica Gonçalves da Silveira, Jose de la Fuente, Libor Grubhoffer, James J Valdés, Lygia Maria Friche Passos Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:291 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary A new species (Ehrlichia mineirensis) isolated from hemolymph of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus shows an ortholog of the E. canis major immunogenic glycoprotein gp36 with a new sequence of tandem repeats. Image: Ehrlichia mineirensis gp36 ortholog.
		Research Protein expression in the midgut of sugar-fed Aedes albopictus females Leonardo Saboia-Vahia, Andre Borges-Veloso, Patricia Cuervo, Magno Junqueira, Camila Mesquita-Rodrigues, Constanca Britto, Gilberto Barbosa Domont, Jose Batista De Jesus Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:290 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper reports on the proteomic characterization of the midgut from Aedes albopictus females fed on sugar by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and data mining. Proteins were identified by sequence similarity to entries from the Ae. aegypti genome and the potential functional interactions between them were analyzed using STRING. Image: Two-dimensional protein profile of the midgut of Ae. albopictus females fed on sugar and potential functional interactions between identified proteins.
		Research Status of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles gambiae s. s. M form prior to the scaling up of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) in Adzopé, Eastern Côte d’Ivoire Ludovic P Ahoua Alou, Alphonsine A Koffi, Maurice A Adja, Serge B Assi, Philippe K Kouassi, Raphael N’Guessan Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:289 (11 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The results presented here show that prior to LLINs scaling up, pyrethroid resistance was present at various levels in An. gambiae from Adzop?, C?te d?Ivoire. Underlying mechanisms included L1014F kdr mutation and probably metabolic detoxifiers. Image: Sampling of An. gambiae s. l. larvae in paddy and vegetable fields.
		Research Duplex quantitative real-time PCR assay for the detection and discrimination of the eggs of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati (Nematoda, Ascaridoidea) in soil and fecal samples Jean-Francois Durant, Leonid M Irenge, Renata Fogt-Wyrwas, Catherine Dumont, Jean-Pierre Doucet, Bernard Mignon, Bertrand Losson, Jean-Luc Gala Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:288 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper describes the development and validation of a new molecular method for rapid detection and identification of Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati in fecal and environmental samples. Image: T. cati eggs as shown by light microscopy and real-time PCR amplification curves obtained from Toxocara cati DNA serial dilutions.
		Review A systematic review of mosquito coils and passive emanators: defining recommendations for spatial repellency testing methodologies Sheila B Ogoma, Sarah J Moore, Marta F Maia Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:287 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary Spatial repellents reduce contact between humans and mosquitoes through deterrence and mortality, as well as reducing blood feeding of mosquitoes. However, there is a need to reach consensus on methodologies for testing products that contain spatial repellent activities. Image: A 100m by 5m netting tunnel for testing efficacy of spatial repellents against outdoor-biting mosquitoes.
		Research Larval ecology of mosquitoes in sylvatic arbovirus foci in southeastern Senegal Diawo Diallo, Cheikh T Diagne, Kathryn A Hanley, Amadou A Sall, Michaela Buenemann, Yamar Ba, Ibrahima Dia, Scott C Weaver, Mawlouth Diallo Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:286 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper investigated the ecology of the larval stages of potential sylvatic arbovirus vectors in southeastern Senegal by identifying and characterizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of the mosquito larval microhabitats in several land cover classes, foci of sylvatic dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya transmission. Image: Larval microhabitats of mosquitoes in southeastern Senegal.
		Research Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in rodents in an area with sympatric existence of the hard ticks Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus, Germany Cornelia Silaghi, Dietlinde Woll, Monia Mahling, Kurt Pfister, Martin Pfeffer Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:285 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Detection of Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis in every second rodent in a metropolitan area supports their role as reservoir hosts for ticks, of which one out of four were also positive. Image: Tick larvae around the mouth of a yellow-necked mouse.
		Research A new focus of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) (Diptera, Culicidae) distribution in Western Germany: rapid spread or a further introduction event? Helge Kampen, Dorothee Zielke, Doreen Werner Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:284 (7 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary After the recent detection of the Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus in southern Germany, the identification of a further distinct distribution area of this invasive species in western Germany is described. Image: Invasive mosquito species Aedes japonicus japonicus.
		Research Population genetic structure of the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus s.s. and allied species in southern Africa Kwang Shik Choi, Lizette L Koekemoer, Maureen Coetzee Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:283 (6 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper describes the molecular comparison of five members of the Anopheles funestus group from southern Africa using mitochrondrial DNA markers. Image: The major African malaria vector Anopheles funestus (Courtesy Ray Wilson).
		Short report The use of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) to detect the re-emerging Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) in the Luangwa and Zambezi valleys Boniface Namangala, Lottie Hachaambwa, Kiichi Kajino, Aaron S Mweene, Kyouko Hayashida, Martin Simuunza, Humphrey Simukoko, Kennedy Choongo, Pamela Chansa, Shabir Lakhi, Ladslav Moonga, Amos Chota, Joseph Ndebe, Mutale Nsakashalo-Senkwe, Elizabeth Chizema, Lackson Kasonka, Chihiro Sugimoto Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:282 (4 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This paper evaluates the performance of Loop-mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) against microscopy using clinical specimens obtained from four male sleeping sickness patients from Luangwa and Zambezi valleys in Zambia and Zimbabwe, respectively. Image: Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.
		Research Arrhenotoky and oedipal mating in the northern fowl mite (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) (Acari: Gamasida: Macronyssidae) John B McCulloch, Jeb P Owen Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:281 (4 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary The northern fowl mite is a widespread ectoparasite of birds and a pest of poultry. We report that unmated females produce male offspring and are able to mate with sons to subsequently produce both sexes. This makes all females, regardless of mating status, capable of transmitting to new hosts to initiate infestations. Image: Scanning electron micrograph of an adult, female northern fowl mite.
		Research Diagnostic accuracy of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of Leishmania DNA in buffy coat from visceral leishmaniasis patients Md Gulam Musawwir Khan, Khondaker Rifat Hasan Bhaskar, Md Abdus Salam, Tania Akther, Gerd Pluschke, Dinesh Mondal Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:280 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Spleen tissue aspiration is an invasive and highly risky procedure which may cause life threatening internal bleeding in 1 of 1000 procedures, sometime with fatal outcomes. Thus there is a need for an accurate but risk-free diagnostic tool for VL. Image: Spleen tissue aspiration for diagnosis of VL.
		Research Genetic diversity among Toxoplasma gondii strains from different hosts and geographical regions revealed by sequence analysis of GRA5 gene Jia Chen, Zhong-Yuan Li, Dong-Hui Zhou, Guo-Hua Liu, Xing-Quan Zhu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:279 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study demonstrated the existence of sequence variability in the GRA5 gene among Toxoplasma gondii isolates from different hosts and geographical regions, allowing the differentiation of the isolates. Image: Phylogram of 14 Toxoplasma gondii strains based on GRA5 gene sequences.
		Research High prevalence of schistosomiasis in Mbita and its adjacent islands of Lake Victoria, western Kenya Maurice R Odiere, Fredrick O Rawago, Maurice Ombok, William Secor, Diana MS Karanja, Pauline NM Mwinzi, Patrick J Lammie, Kimberly Won Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:278 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study revealed a very high prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis on Mbita mainland and the 4 adjacent islands (Mfangano, Ringiti, Rusinga and Takawiri), and indicates an urgent need to implement treatment in such rather remote, largely inaccessible areas, not previously covered by mass drug administration programs. Image: A member of staff from the field team.
		Short report Toxicity of essential oil from Indian borage on the larvae of the African malaria vector mosquito, Anopheles gambiae Eliningaya J Kweka, Annadurai Senthilkumar, Venugopalan Venkatesalu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:277 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary This study assessed the toxicity of Plectranthus amboinicus plant extracts against both laboratory and wild population larvae of Anopheles gambiae s.l. Image: The aerial parts of the plant.
		Review Leishmania development in sand flies: parasite-vector interactions overview Anna Dostálová, Petr Volf Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:276 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary We review interactions of parasites of the genus Leishmania with their insect vectors, phlebotomine sand flies. Recent findings on molecules participating in the early-phase survival, attachment and development of the parasite in the midgut of the vector are highlighted. Image: Sand fly female.
		Review Factors impacting on progress towards elimination of transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in China Yi-Biao Zhou, Song Liang, Qing-Wu Jiang Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:275 (3 December 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This review summarizes some factors that may pose great obstacles towards transmission interruption of Schistosoma japonicum, and assesses potential roles of these factors in the transmission and implications for the current China¿s control strategy. Image: Water buffaloes pastured in the snail-inhabited marshland areas.
		Review Epidemiology and control of human schistosomiasis in Tanzania Humphrey D Mazigo, Fred Nuwaha, Safari M Kinung’hi, Domenica Morona, Angela Pinot de Moira, Shona Wilson, Jorg Heukelbach, David W Dunne Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:274 (28 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Editor’s summary Urogenital and intestinal schistosomiasis remains as a serious public health problem in Tanzania, almost 51.5% of the country population is infected. Several control efforts have been instituted in small and large scale and none of these have resulted in the control of the disease. Image: Fishermen along the southern shore of the Lake Victoria.
		Research Evaluation of protective immune responses induced by DNA vaccines encoding Toxoplasma gondii surface antigen 1 (SAG1) and 14-3-3 protein in BALB/c mice Min Meng, Shenyi He, Guanghui Zhao, Yang Bai, Huaiyu Zhou, Hua Cong, Gang Lu, Qunli Zhao, Xing-Quan Zhu Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:273 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary The present findings suggests that T. gondii 14-3-3 protein can induce effective immune responses in BALB/c mice and was a novel DNA vaccine candidate against toxoplasmosis. The immune protective efficacy elicited by SAG1 gene was also demonstrated. Image: The life cycle of Toxoplasma gondii.
		Review Lymphatic filariasis in Brazil: epidemiological situation and outlook for elimination Gilberto Fontes, Anderson Leite, Ana Rachel Vasconcelos de Lima, Helen Freitas, John Ehrenberg, Eliana Maria Mauricio da Rocha Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:272 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| Editor’s summary This paper reviews the available literature on the lymphatic filariasis epidemiological situation in Brazil, explores the current status of this parasitic disease and the outlook for its elimination in the country. Image: Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria in Giemsa stained thick blood smear.
		Research A systematic review and meta-analysis of Toxoplasma gondii infection among the Mexican population Ma L Galvan-Ramirez, Rogelio Troyo, Sonia Roman, Carlos Calvillo-Sanchez, Rosamaria Bernal-Redondo Parasites & Vectors 2012, 5:271 (26 November 2012) Abstract \| Full text \| PDF \| PubMed \| Cited on BioMed Central \| 1 comment \| Editor’s summary The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in the Mexican population over the past 60 years, according to IgG positivity, diagnosed with different methods. Weighted prevalence in high-and low-risk groups were calculated by meta-analysis. Image: Toxoplasma gondii infection has remained without significant changes, downward trend of 0.1% that represents an overall 5.8% reduction of infection (R2= 0.0354 and F (1) =4.802, p>0.05) that was not statistically significant.