Eco-epidemiological Insights into Psammolestes arthuri: Trypanosoma cruzi Infection and Feeding Behavior in Casanare, Colombia.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, affects millions of people and is primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs. Although Psammolestes arthuri has been traditionally classified as a secondary vector due to its predominantly ornithophilic feeding habits, recent findings suggest that its ecological and behavioral traits may enhance its epidemiological relevance. We hypothesized that P.

Molecular diagnosis of trypanosomatids in reveals risk areas for transmission and sympatric circulation with in the metropolitan area of Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia.

The adaptation of wild animals to urban environments can lead to increased contact with humans and a higher risk of exposure to zoonotic agents. (common opossum) is an important reservoir of and spp., which commonly affect human populations in Latin America.

SpikeID: Rapid and unbiased identification of SARS-CoV-2 variants by spike sequencing.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) are characterized by distinct mutations in the S1 domain of the viral spike protein. This domain encompasses the N-terminal domain, the receptor-binding domain, and part of the cleavage site region. While mutations in other genomic regions of SARS-CoV-2 can impact VOC potential, the S1 domain holds particular importance for identifying variants and assessing antigenic evolution and immune escape potential.

Molecular Characterization of Echinococcus vogeli from Human Case, Colombia, 2024.

In Colombia, 35 confirmed cases of neotropical polycystic echinococcosis were reported during 1978-2018. In most cases, Echinococcus vogeli was identified by means of morphologic identification. We describe a case of E.

Characterizing the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma sanguisuga collected from dog kennels in southern Texas.

Background: Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health issue in South America, with increasing concern over its potential transmission in the USA. Triatoma sanguisuga, a triatomine vector, is found in Southern states of the USA, including Texas, raising questions about the local transmission dynamics of T. cruzi.

Multilocus analysis uncovers the evolution of the Rhodniini tribe, vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi.

In this study, we investigate the origin and diversification of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors within the Rhodniini tribe (Triatominae subfamily) through phylogenetic analyses based on eight genes from 17 species and 497 specimens-the largest sampling of this tribe to date. Our results predominantly support the paraphyly of the genus Rhodnius, with the three Psammolestes species forming a well-supported monophyletic clade nested within it. In two reconstructions, however, Psammolestes and Rhodnius are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic, each with strong support.

Characterizing the diversity of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l) virome in Colombia.

Ticks within the species complex Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato are carriers for various pathogens worldwide. Among them are some RNA viruses, who have gained increased attention due to their potential for interaction between pathogenic and non-pathogenic organism. Our study aimed to investigate the RNA virus composition in R.

Impact of Blastocystis carriage and colonization intensity on gut microbiota composition in a non-westernized rural population from Colombia.

Background: The role of Blastocystis, a common intestinal parasitic protist of humans and other animals, in human health and disease remains elusive. Recent studies suggest a connection between Blastocystis colonization, healthier lifestyles, and high-diversity gut microbiota. Nevertheless, studies concerning the relationship between Blastocystis colonization, its intensity, and gut microbiota composition -involving both bacterial and eukaryotic communities- remain limited.

Integrating metagenomics and metabolomics to study the gut microbiome and host relationships in sports across different energy systems.

The gut microbiome plays a critical role in modulating host metabolism, influencing energy production, nutrient utilization, and overall physiological adaptation. In athletes, these microbial functions may be further specialized to meet the unique metabolic demands of different sports disciplines. This study explored the role of the gut microbiome in modulating host metabolism among Colombian athletes by comparing elite weightlifters (n = 16) and cyclists (n = 13) through integrative omics analysis.

Unveiling shifts in cervical microbiota composition among Colombian women in the presence of Trichomonas vaginalis: a longitudinal study.

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan affecting human reproductive health. Although bacterial coinfections have been associated with T. vaginalis infection outcomes, pertinent data are scarce.

Dual RNA-Seq reveals strain-specific transcriptional adaptations of Trypanosoma cruzi in host cells infected with isolates from acute and chronic cases.

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a major public health issue, particularly in Latin America, and is traditionally transmitted by triatomine bugs. Chagas disease progresses through two phases: an acute phase characterized by high parasitemia and a chronic phase, which may remain asymptomatic or develop into severe complications. This study utilized dual-RNAseq technology to analyze gene expression in mice fibroblast host cells infected with the strain JJ21 isolated from an acute Chagas disease case of presumptive oral transmission, comparing it with the MG strain isolated from a chronic Chagas disease human case.

The genome sequence of the kissing bug, (Latreille, 1811).

We present a genome assembly from an individual female (kissing bug; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hemiptera; Reduviidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 1,362.73 megabases and 1,342.

Metagenomic Analysis of Surface Waters and Wastewater in the Colombian Andean Highlands: Implications for Health and Disease.

Urban water bodies serve as critical reservoirs of microbial diversity, with major implications for public health and environmental quality. This study aimed to characterize the microbial diversity of surface waters and wastewater from the Pasto River in the Colombian Andean Highlands, offering insights that may support water quality monitoring efforts. Sampling was conducted at three river sites and one wastewater location.

Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions in Congenital Chagas Disease Through Transcriptomic Approaches.

Chagas disease, caused by , is a parasitic zoonosis with significant health impacts, particularly in Latin America. While traditionally associated with vector-borne transmission, increased migration has expanded its reach into urban and non-endemic regions. Congenital transmission has become a critical route of infection, involving intricate maternal-fetal immune interactions that challenge diagnosis and treatment.

Genomics of novel influenza A virus (H18N12) in bats, Caribe Colombia.

Influenza viruses are highly capable of mutating and adapting in mammalian hosts. While these viruses have been extensively studied in birds, research on their presence in bats has been limited. However, influenza viruses circulating in bats have shown notable molecular divergence.

Exploring endosymbionts and pathogens in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Ctenocephalides felis felis with Oxford Nanopore Technology.

Fleas and ticks play a crucial role in public health as vectors of multiple diseases affecting humans and animals. Several rickettsial pathogens and endosymbionts are transmitted by fleas and ticks. Therefore, understanding this group of microorganisms is essential for fully grasping the spectrum of pathogens transmitted by vectors and the interactions between endosymbiotic microorganisms and their hosts.

Strengthening molecular testing capacity in Colombia: Challenges and opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated efforts to enhance pathogen detection using molecular biology techniques. This study examines the expansion of molecular testing capacity in Colombia, identifying strengths and areas for improvement in the existing infrastructure. The study began with the creation of a database inventorying laboratories based on publicly available data from government entities and active web searches.

Triatoma venosa and Panstrongylus geniculatus challenge the certification of interruption of vectorial Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by Rhodnius prolixus in eastern Colombia.

Reactivation of Trypanosoma cruzi transmission by native vectors with different domiciliation capabilities is a major concern for Chagas disease control programs. T. cruzi transmission via intra-domestic Rhodnius prolixus was certified as interrupted by the Pan American Health Organization in Miraflores municipality (Boyacá, Colombia) in 2019.

First evidence of human infection by the kinetoplastid flagellate Dimastigella trypaniformis in a patient with urinary tract infection.

Objectives: We report a unique case of an 88-year-old man presenting with symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection, whose diagnostic evaluation led to the identification of a previously unrecognized motile flagellated protozoan. This case highlights the importance of considering emerging parasitic agents in cases of hematuria and complex urinary tract infections and underscores the role of molecular diagnostics in identifying atypical and rare pathogens.

Design: This is a case report describing the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and molecular identification of an unusual kinetoplastid organism in a patient's urine.

Comparative analysis of bacterial microbiota in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae): insights from field and laboratory populations in Colombia.

Comparative studies of the microbiota in whole-body mosquitoes from natural populations and laboratory-reared specimens are scarce, particularly in tropical countries like Colombia, where understanding microbial patterns is critical for effective disease control and vector management. This study examines the bacterial microbiota of Aedes aegypti by comparing field-collected mosquitoes from 3 Colombian regions (Southern Amazon, Central Andean region, and Northern Caribbean coast) with laboratory strains (Rockefeller, Otanche, and Tolima). These regions are highly endemic for dengue and are associated with lineage 1 of Ae.

Molecular detection of trypanosomatids among cave-dwelling bats from Colombia.

Bats play crucial roles in various ecosystems including caves. Although the presence of trypanosomatid species in bats has been documented in Colombia, their diversity in cave-dwelling bats remains unclear. This study aimed to characterize the frequency and diversity of protists from the family Trypanosomatidae circulating in bats from the Macaregua cave ecosystem in Santander, Colombia.

Parasite-microbiota interactions: a pathway to innovative interventions for Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and ascariasis.

Parasitic infections are a major global health challenge, driven in part by complex interactions between parasites, host microbiota, and immune responses. Recent advances in microbiome research highlight the critical role of microbiota in influencing disease outcomes and treatment effectiveness. This review examines how changes in the microbiota impact parasite transmission, disease progression, and responses to treatment, focusing on key parasitic diseases such as Chagas disease, leishmaniasis, and ascariasis.

Fatal Mixed Plasmodium Infection in Traveler Returning to Colombia from Comoros Islands, 2024.

During 2014-2022, only Plasmodium falciparum malaria cases were reported in the Comoro Islands. We report a fatal case of mixed Plasmodium malaria infection in a traveler returning from the Comoros to Colombia in 2024, highlighting the need to strengthen laboratory detection and identification of Plasmodium spp. in sub-Saharan Africa.

Challenges in the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by in four travelers: a case series.

We describe a group of four travelers returning to the United States and Canada who acquired infection in the Peruvian Amazon. Pentavalent antimonials are the preferred treatment option for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in most endemic countries in Central and South America. However, we initially treated our patients with liposomal amphotericin B (LAB) and miltefosine since these are the only two available Food and Drug Administration approved drugs in the United States.