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Parasitology

STREAMS guidelines: standards for technical reporting in environmental and host-associated microbiome studies

by David Harrison – Chief Editor December 2, 2025

written by David Harrison – Chief Editor

New‍ Standards aim to Revolutionize Microbiome Research Reporting

A consortium of 25 researchers⁤ from institutions across teh globe have established complete guidelines for transparent and reproducible reporting of microbiome studies, addressing a ‌critical need for standardization in the‌ rapidly evolving field. The “STREAMS” (Standards for Technical Reporting in Environmental and host-associated Microbiome Studies) guidelines, detailed in a forthcoming publication, aim to improve the rigor and reliability ⁣of microbiome‍ research impacting areas from ⁤human health to environmental science.

The initiative‍ involved contributions from researchers‌ at ⁤institutions⁣ including the University of Bergen (Sigmund Jensen),Queen Mary ‍University of London (Stephania L. Tsola),⁢ University of ⁣Maryland (stephanie A. Yarwood), United Arab Emirates University (Sunil Mundra), University of Maine (Susan H. Brawley),⁣ Michigan State University (Sydney Chen), Weill Cornell Medicine (Theodore M. nelson), University of East Anglia (Thomas Mock, william Boulton), Naval Research Laboratory‍ (W. Judson Hervey), University of ‌South Carolina (Xuefeng Peng), SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (Yaqi You), University of Rhode Island‍ (Ying Zhang), and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (Yun Kit Yeoh).

J.M.K. and E.A.E.-F. led the writing⁢ of ⁣the guidelines, incorporating input and⁢ approval ‍from all contributing authors, ensuring a collaborative and comprehensive approach to establishing‍ these new standards. The⁣ guidelines seek‍ to address inconsistencies in methodology and reporting that ‌have historically hampered comparisons ‍and reproducibility within ‌microbiome research.

December 2, 2025 0 comments

Technology

Growth and development of two predator species fed a diet of genetically engineered mosquitoes | Parasites & Vectors

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor August 20, 2025

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Genetically Modified Mosquitoes & Their Predators: A New Study Reveals Potential Impact on Malaria Control

A groundbreaking study published in Parasites & ‍Vectors explores teh potential of genetically engineered mosquitoes to combat malaria, and⁤ how these modifications might affect their predators. Researchers at UC Irvine have‍ developed a genetically modified Anopheles coluzzii mosquito (AcTP13) designed to disrupt the malaria parasite’s life cycle.This research investigates how consuming these modified mosquitoes impacts two common predators: mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) and jumping spiders (Phidippus audax).

The ‌Science Behind the Mosquito Modification

the AcTP13 mosquito strain was engineered to produce ⁢antibodies targeting Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite responsible for malaria, at two critical ⁤stages: the ookinete and sporozoite⁤ phases.These ‍antibodies are most active in female mosquitoes after they’ve taken a blood meal. This targeted approach aims to reduce the parasite’s ability to infect humans.‍ The research, building on previous work by the james lab at UC Irvine [8], utilizes a “gene drive” system to ensure ‌the engineered traits are passed on through generations.

Predator Focus: ‍Mosquitofish and jumping Spiders

To understand the broader ecological impact, researchers focused on two key predators of mosquito ⁤larvae and adults:

Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis): these fish are commonly used for‍ mosquito control and readily consume mosquito larvae.
Jumping Spiders (Phidippus audax): These visually-oriented predators actively hunt adult mosquitoes.the study utilized juvenile stages of both predators, capitalizing on their rapid growth rates during this ⁢period.

Dietary Experiment: Feeding Predators Genetically Modified Mosquitoes

Researchers fed mosquitofish a diet consisting of lyophilized (freeze-dried) genetically modified mosquitoes mixed with standard fish food. Because juvenile mosquitofish struggle‌ to consume ‍live adult mosquitoes, this method ensured ⁣a consistent intake of the ⁤engineered antibodies.The diet was carefully formulated to contain approximately 68%⁢ gravid (pregnant) female mosquitoes,as these‍ express ‌the highest levels of the engineered proteins.

Key Findings & Ongoing Research

The⁢ study meticulously tracked the growth, development, and sex differentiation of the mosquitofish. Researchers monitored fish for mortality and observed them for signs ‌of ⁣sexual‌ maturity. Detailed measurements of fish length and mass where ‌taken weekly. ⁣

(Further ⁢details on the specific results regarding ‍growth, mortality, and sexual differentiation will be reported as the full study findings are released.)

Why ⁢This matters: Implications for Malaria Control

This research is crucial for evaluating the potential‍ risks and benefits‌ of using genetically modified mosquitoes as a malaria control‌ strategy. Understanding⁢ how these ⁣modifications affect the food chain and predator populations is essential for responsible implementation.

Sources:

Carballar-Lejarazú R, Dong Y, Pham TB, Tushar T, Corder RM, Mondal A, et al. Dual ‍effector population modification gene-drive strains⁣ of the African malaria mosquitoes,Anopheles⁢ gambiae and Anopheles coluzzii. Proc⁣ Natl Acad Sci. 2023;120:e2221118120. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2221118120
Siegel JP,‍ Novak RJ, lampman RL, Steinly BA. Statistical appraisal of the weight-wing length relationship of mosquitoes. J Med Entomol. 1992;29:711-4. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmedent/29.4.711
Schneider CA,Rasband WS,Eliceiri KW. NIH Image to ImageJ: 25 years of image analysis.Nat Methods. 2012;9:671-5. https://doi.org/10.1038/nmeth.2089
Arismendi I, Bury G, Zatkos L, Snyder J, Lindley D. A method to evaluate body length of live aquatic vertebrates using ⁤digital images. Ecol Evol. 2021;11:5497-502. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7444

Keywords: Malaria, Genetically Modified Mosquitoes, Gene⁣ Drive, Anopheles⁤ coluzzii, Mosquitofish, Jumping Spiders, Biological Control, Plasmodium falciparum, Insecticide Resistance, Vector Control, Ecology.

August 20, 2025 0 comments

Health

Risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in Tennessee, 2018–2023 | BMC Infectious Diseases

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 8, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Tennessee Grapples With Cryptosporidiosis Surge

Farmers’ Markets and Daycares Cited in Spreading Parasitic Illness

Tennessee has seen a significant number of cryptosporidiosis cases between 2018 and 2023, with over a thousand identified. This parasitic infection, often spread through contaminated water or contact with animals, highlights ongoing public health challenges in the state.

Understanding the Spread

A total of 1174 cryptosporidiosis cases were reported in Tennessee from 2018 to 2023, resulting in an average rate of 2.8 cases per 100,000 residents. Of these, 4.2% were linked to identified outbreaks. Four such outbreaks occurred during this period: a 2018 restaurant-linked event, a 2021 splashpad incident, and two separate daycare outbreaks in 2022 and 2023, attributed to person-to-person transmission of specific parasite genotypes.

Laboratory confirmation played a key role, with 92% of all reported cases testing positive for Cryptosporidium. However, species or genotype information was only available for a fraction of these cases, underscoring a need for more detailed diagnostic tracking. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was the most common diagnostic method, used in 65% of laboratory-confirmed infections.

Data illustrates the variety of Cryptosporidium species and genotypes identified in Tennessee cases from 2018 to 2023.

Demographic and Exposure Patterns

Females accounted for 55% of all cases. The age distribution showed that 32% of affected individuals were under 18, 54% were between 18 and 64, and 14% were 65 or older. The majority of cases, 83%, reported White race. Animal contact was a significant factor, reported by 54% of individuals, with visiting or living on a farm (20%) and pet ownership (9%) being the most common exposures.

Municipal water sources were implicated in 67% of cases, while well water was reported by 8%. International travel and contact with individuals experiencing diarrheal illness were reported in 6% and 9% of cases, respectively. These exposure patterns remained consistent whether or not specific genotype results were available.

Species-Specific Insights

Among cases with identified species, C. small was the most prevalent (65%), followed by C. man (21%). C. Felis and C. ubiquitum were also detected, though at lower rates. The distribution of C. small cases was higher in rural counties, whereas C. man cases were more concentrated in urban areas. Children under 18 represented a significant portion of C. small (54%) and C. ubiquitum (80%) infections.

Risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium species and genotypes in Tennessee, 2018–2023 | BMC Infectious Diseases — Geographic variations in cryptosporidiosis rates across Tennessee were observed between 2018 and 2023.

Individuals infected with C. small were more likely to report drinking well water and having contact with farm animals, including goats, cows, and chickens. In contrast, C. man infections were more frequently associated with recreational water exposure, both in natural and treated bodies of water, and with direct contact with other sick individuals.

Genotype Associations

For cases with genotyping, C. small accounted for 74% of the identified subtypes. Common C. small subtypes, such as IIaA15G2R1, showed a strong association with animal exposure, particularly to goats, cows, or chickens, and visiting farms or zoos. These findings are consistent with broader trends showing that animal-related activities are a significant risk factor for cryptosporidiosis. For example, a 2023 study in the UK found that over half of cryptosporidiosis cases were linked to animal contact, particularly with cattle and sheep (UK Health Security Agency).

Conversely, the most frequently identified C. man subtypes, IfA12G1R5 and IdA17G1, did not show specific associations with the assessed exposure variables when compared to the general population.

August 8, 2025 0 comments

Health

Insecticide resistance status and high frequency of kdr mutations in Aedes aegypti in Tegucigalpa, Honduras | Parasites & Vectors

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor August 1, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

Manila, Philippines – A recent study has shed light on the intricate population genetic structure of the dengue mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti, within the bustling metropolis of Manila. The research, published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, utilized genetic markers to map the mosquito’s distribution and connectivity across the capital region.

The findings provide crucial insights into how mosquito populations are structured at a fine scale,a critical factor for understanding and controlling the spread of dengue fever. By analyzing genetic variations, researchers can identify distinct mosquito populations and their movement patterns, which can inform targeted vector control strategies.

This research builds upon previous work that has investigated insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. As an example, a separate study in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases quantified permethrin resistance and the prevalence of kdr alleles in Florida strains of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Such studies are vital for assessing the efficacy of current insecticide treatments and developing new approaches to combat insecticide resistance, a growing challenge in vector control.

the detailed genetic mapping of Aedes aegypti in Manila offers a valuable resource for public health officials and researchers working to mitigate dengue transmission in one of Southeast Asia‘s most densely populated urban centers. Understanding the genetic makeup and dispersal of these vectors is paramount to developing effective, localized interventions.

August 1, 2025 0 comments

Health

Effects of maternal Echinococcus multilocularis infection on colitis susceptibility and gut microbiota of offspring | Parasites & Vectors

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 26, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

The gut bacterium *Odoribacter*, particularly the species *Odoribacter splanchnicus*, is frequently observed in lower abundance during colonic inflammation, suggesting a potential role in preserving gut health and balance[[38, 39]. While *Odoribacter* levels rose in both mothers and their offspring, only the maternal group demonstrated a decreased susceptibility to colitis. This observation implies that the mere presence of *Odoribacter* might not be sufficient to confer protection. in contrast, a notable increase in *Desulfovibrio* was noted in the offspring. This genus has been associated with the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)[[40, 41], potentially worsening inflammation and negating any protective effects inherited from the maternal microbiome. These findings highlight the intricate nature of host-microbiota interactions.

Though, several limitations of this study warrant consideration. The establishment of *E. multilocularis* infection within the peritoneal cavity led to a reduction in reproductive success among the infected mothers. This resulted in a limited number of offspring available for subsequent analysis, which may have impacted the sample size and diminished the statistical power of observations related to the offspring. Furthermore, while the study suggests a potential link between increased *Foxp3* expression, alterations in the microbiota, and reduced colitis severity in maternal mice, the precise molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these effects remain not fully elucidated. Further investigation with additional markers is

July 26, 2025 0 comments

Health

Desmocollin 2 is a dominant entry receptor for Epstein–Barr virus infection of epithelial cells

by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor July 25, 2025

written by Dr. Michael Lee – Health Editor

New vaccine Strategy Shows Promise Against Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Infection

recent research highlights a novel approach to developing a vaccine against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common herpesvirus linked to various cancers and autoimmune diseases. The study, published in Nature Communications, details the progress of a potent human neutralizing antibody that targets a previously unexploited vulnerable site on the virus. This revelation opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions and preventative strategies against EBV.

Further supporting this line of research, a separate study in Cell Host & Microbe demonstrated that a nanoparticle vaccine engineered to display the EBV glycoprotein B (gB) successfully elicited a protective neutralizing antibody response in preclinical models. This work underscores the potential of gB-based vaccines in eliciting robust immunity against EBV.

These advancements represent significant progress in the long-standing effort to combat EBV, a virus that infects a vast majority of the global population and can lead to lifelong health complications. The identification of novel targets and the development of effective vaccine candidates are crucial steps toward mitigating the widespread impact of EBV.

July 25, 2025 0 comments

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