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American Family Physician Sep 2022Each year, malaria causes an estimated 500,000 deaths worldwide. Most of these deaths occur in Africa and disproportionally affect children younger than five years...
Each year, malaria causes an estimated 500,000 deaths worldwide. Most of these deaths occur in Africa and disproportionally affect children younger than five years worldwide. Human malarial disease is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The primary means of infection is through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. The incidence of malaria in the United States has increased since 2011, in conjunction with the increase in worldwide travel. An estimated 2,000 cases of malaria occur annually in the United States. All travelers to malaria-endemic regions should be prescribed prophylaxis. Malaria has a broad range of clinical presentations. Travelers who have symptoms of malaria should seek medical attention as soon as possible. All febrile travelers who have recently returned from a malarious area should be evaluated for malaria. The accurate, timely, and species-specific diagnosis of malaria is essential for successful treatment. Direct microscopy of Giemsa-stained blood smears is the reference standard for laboratory diagnosis. Rapid testing for malaria has emerged as an important adjunctive diagnostic modality. Malaria treatment is determined by individual patient factors and geography. The World Health Organization recommends treating uncomplicated cases of malaria with artemisinin combination therapy, except in the first trimester of pregnancy. Severe malaria is mainly caused by Plasmodium falciparum. Children, pregnant patients, and people who are not from endemic regions are at highest risk of severe malaria. Intravenous artesunate is the treatment of choice for severe malaria.
Topics: Animals; Artemisinins; Artesunate; Child; Female; Humans; Incidence; Malaria; Travel; United States
PubMed: 36126008
DOI: No ID Found -
Frontiers in Genetics 2020The principles and function of chromatin and nuclear architecture have been extensively studied in model organisms, such as . However, little is known about the role of... (Review)
Review
The principles and function of chromatin and nuclear architecture have been extensively studied in model organisms, such as . However, little is known about the role of these epigenetic processes in transcriptional regulation in other insects including mosquitoes, which are major disease vectors and a worldwide threat for human health. Some of these life-threatening diseases are malaria, which is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus and transmitted by mosquitoes; dengue fever, which is caused by an arbovirus mainly transmitted by ; and West Nile fever, which is caused by an arbovirus transmitted by spp. In this contribution, we review what is known about chromatin-associated mechanisms and the 3D genome structure in various mosquito vectors, including , , and spp. We also discuss the similarities between epigenetic mechanisms in mosquitoes and the model organism , and advocate that the field could benefit from the cross-application of state-of-the-art functional genomic technologies that are well-developed in the fruit fly. Uncovering the mosquito regulatory genome can lead to the discovery of unique regulatory networks associated with the parasitic life-style of these insects. It is also critical to understand the molecular interactions between the vectors and the pathogens that they transmit, which could hold the key to major breakthroughs on the fight against mosquito-borne diseases. Finally, it is clear that epigenetic mechanisms controlling mosquito environmental plasticity and evolvability are also of utmost importance, particularly in the current context of globalization and climate change.
PubMed: 33365050
DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.602949 -
Trends in Parasitology Feb 2024Malaria is a life-threatening tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal. Malaria parasites have a... (Review)
Review
Malaria is a life-threatening tropical disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, of which Plasmodium falciparum is the most lethal. Malaria parasites have a complex life cycle, with stages occurring in both the Anopheles mosquito vector and human host. Ring stages are the youngest form of the parasite in the intraerythrocytic developmental cycle and are associated with evasion of spleen clearance, temporary growth arrest (TGA), and drug resistance. This formidable ability to survive and develop into mature, sexual, or growth-arrested forms demonstrates the inherent population heterogeneity. Here we highlight the role of the ring stage as a crossroads in parasite development and as a reservoir of surviving cells in the human host via TGA survival mechanisms.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Antimalarials; Drug Resistance; Life Cycle Stages; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum
PubMed: 38104024
DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.007 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021Exposure of mosquitoes to numerous eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes in their associated microbiomes has probably helped drive the evolution of the innate immune...
Exposure of mosquitoes to numerous eukaryotic and prokaryotic microbes in their associated microbiomes has probably helped drive the evolution of the innate immune system. To our knowledge, a metagenomic catalog of the eukaryotic microbiome has not been reported from any insect. Here we employ a novel approach to preferentially deplete host 18S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons to reveal the composition of the eukaryotic microbial communities of larvae sampled in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Republic of Guinea (Conakry). We identified 453 eukaryotic operational taxonomic units (OTUs) associated with larvae in nature, but an average of 45% of the 18S rRNA sequences clustered into OTUs that lacked a taxonomic assignment in the Silva database. Thus, the microbiome contains a striking proportion of novel eukaryotic taxa. Using sequence similarity matching and phylogenetic placement, the fraction of unassigned sequences was reduced to an average of 4%, and many unclassified OTUs were assigned as relatives of known taxa. A novel taxon of the genus in the phylum Apicomplexa (which also includes ) is widespread in larvae from East and West Africa. Notably, is present at fluctuating abundance among larval breeding sites, consistent with the expected pattern of an epidemic pathogen. Species richness of the eukaryotic microbiome was not significantly different across sites from East to West Africa, while species richness of the prokaryotic microbiome was significantly lower in West Africa. Laboratory colonies of harbor 26 eukaryotic OTUs, of which 38% ( = 10) are shared with wild populations, while 16 OTUs are unique to the laboratory colonies. Genetically distinct colonies co-housed in the same facility maintain different prokaryotic microbiome profiles, suggesting a persistent host genetic influence on microbiome composition. These results provide a foundation to understand the role of the eukaryotic microbiome in vector immunity and pathogen transmission. We hypothesize that prevalent apicomplexans such as associated with could induce interference or competition against within the vector. This and other members of the eukaryotic microbiome may offer candidates for new vector control tools.
PubMed: 34054746
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.635772 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2022Getah virus (GETV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, belonging to the family, genus. It was first isolated from mosquitoes in Malaysia in 1955, being... (Review)
Review
Getah virus (GETV) is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, belonging to the family, genus. It was first isolated from mosquitoes in Malaysia in 1955, being widespread in island countries in the South Pacific region. Since the beginning of the 21st century, GETV expanded its range and geographical distribution from low-latitude tropical regions to 60° north latitude, being isolated from 17 different species of mosquitoes belonging to five genera of Culicidae (, , , and ), as well as from midges in Eurasia. Molecular genetic evolution analysis revealed large molecular differences between the mosquitoes currently circulating Eurasia and those in the South Pacific in 1950s. The number of disease outbreaks caused by GETV in animals is increasing alongside the types of animals infected, from horses and pigs to cattle, blue foxes and red pandas. The disease burden is severely underestimated, and the economic cost to livestock production remains unknown. Herein, we review GETV temporal and spatial distribution, molecular genetic evolution, transmission and data on disease outbreaks. This work provides a reference for public health workers engaged in GETV research and zoonotic disease prevention and control.
PubMed: 36015065
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080945 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2022Malaria remains a vector-borne infectious disease that is still a major public health concern worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Malaria is caused by a protozoan... (Review)
Review
Malaria remains a vector-borne infectious disease that is still a major public health concern worldwide, especially in tropical regions. Malaria is caused by a protozoan parasite of the genus and transmitted through the bite of infected female mosquitoes. The control interventions targeting mosquito vectors have achieved significant success during the last two decades and rely mainly on the use of chemical insecticides through the insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). Unfortunately, resistance to conventional insecticides currently being used in public health is spreading in the natural mosquito populations, hampering the long-term success of the current vector control strategies. Thus, to achieve the goal of malaria elimination, it appears necessary to improve vector control approaches through the development of novel environment-friendly tools. Mosquito microbiota has by now given rise to the expansion of innovative control tools, such as the use of endosymbionts to target insect vectors, known as "symbiotic control." In this review, we will present the viral, fungal and bacterial diversity of mosquitoes, including the bacteriophages. This review discusses the likely interactions between the vector microbiota and its fitness and resistance to insecticides.
PubMed: 35668761
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.891573 -
Journal of Agricultural and Food... Sep 2022Infected mosquitos from the genus have become one of the world's most influential contributors to human morbidity and death. To explore new biopesticides with activity...
Infected mosquitos from the genus have become one of the world's most influential contributors to human morbidity and death. To explore new biopesticides with activity against , , a species related to the subspecies group of , was investigated. Six metabolites, aureothin, allo-aureothin, deoxyaureothin, 4',7-dihydroxy isoflavone, 2-methyl-5-(3-indolyl)oxazole, and 2-ethyl-5-(3-indolyl)oxazole were isolated, and chemical structures, were elucidated based on one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy analyses and HRMS. The larvicidal activity of these compounds was evaluated. Only two isomeric compounds, aureothin and allo-aureothin, showed larvicidal activity against with LC values of 1.5 and 3.1 ppm for 24 h post-treatment, respectively, and 3.8 and 7.4 ppm for 48 h post-treatment, respectively. The crude extract of also demonstrated potent larvicidal activity with LC values of 1.46 and 1.2 ppm for 24 and 48 h post-treatment, respectively. Deoxyaureothin, a furan ring reduced form of aureothin, showed no activity against . The hybrid imported fire ants activity of aureothin was also evaluated, but it did not show any activity at the highest dose of 62.5 μg/g. Described here is the first report on a bioassay-directed investigation of the secondary metabolites of and biological evaluation of isolated compounds aureothin and its isomer and intermediates as potential microbial larvicides. and crude extracts thereof are a promising source of potential microbial biolarvicides.
Topics: Aedes; Animals; Anopheles; Culex; Humans; Insecticides; Larva; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Streptomyces
PubMed: 36040208
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c03537 -
Heliyon Dec 2023In the department of Córdoba, 21 widely distributed species have been described, of which , , , and are the most abundant species, and the last three play a vectorial...
In the department of Córdoba, 21 widely distributed species have been described, of which , , , and are the most abundant species, and the last three play a vectorial role in Malaria transmission in Colombia. A correct taxonomic identification of malaria insect vectors is of vital importance for the development of effective vector control strategies. However, the identification of individuals from the genus presents difficulties due to the loss of relevant morphological characters during the transport and preservation of the collected specimens. In addition to the interspecific variations, and the intraspecific similarities of the species belonging to the subgenus since itpresents species complexes and cryptic species that difficults identification based only in morphological characteristics. The objective of this study was to characterize the barcode fragment of the COI gene and its genetic diversity for the identification of . and . in areas of high malaria transmission from the department of Córdoba. 67 individuals belonging to the species cytotype and 22 were identified, and additionally, 9 haplotypes were obtained for and 14 for distributed in the study areas. The values obtained in the and estimators indicate a low or null genetic differentiation and a high gene flow between most of the studied populations because they share the most frequent haplotypes of these two species. The maximum likelihood trees for these species showed that the specimens from Córdoba belong to the same mitochondrial lineage as those previously reported from Antioquia, Choco, and Norte de Santander.
PubMed: 38076053
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23006 -
Infection, Genetics and Evolution :... Jun 2022Anopheles is a genus belonging to the Culicidae family, which has great medical importance due to its role as a vector of Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria.... (Review)
Review
Anopheles is a genus belonging to the Culicidae family, which has great medical importance due to its role as a vector of Plasmodium, the causative agent of malaria. Great focus has been given to the salivary gland proteins (SGPs) group from Anopheles' functional genomics. This class of proteins is essential to blood-feeding behavior as they have attributes such as vasodilators and anti-clotting properties. Recently, a comprehensive review on Anopheles SGPs was performed; however, the authors did not deeply explore the adaptive molecular evolution of these genes. In this context, this work aimed to perform a more detailed analysis of the adaptive molecular evolution of SGPs in Anopheles, carrying out positive selection and gene family evolution analysis on 824 SGPs. Our results show that most SGPs have positively selected codon sites that can be used as targets in developing new strategies for vector control and that younger SGPs evolve at a faster rate than older SGPs. Notably, we could not find any evidence of an accelerated shift in SGPs' rates of gene gain and loss compared with other proteins, as suggested in previous works.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Evolution, Molecular; Insect Proteins; Malaria; Mosquito Vectors; Salivary Proteins and Peptides
PubMed: 35339698
DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2022.105271 -
Parasites & Vectors Nov 2023Adult mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are important vectors of Plasmodium parasites, causative agents of malaria. The aim of this review was to synthesize the overall... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adult mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles are important vectors of Plasmodium parasites, causative agents of malaria. The aim of this review was to synthesize the overall and species-specific proportion of Anopheles species infected with sporozoites and their geographical distribution in the last 2 decades (2001-2021).
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted using databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Scopus, African Journals OnLine) and manual Google search between January 1 and February 15, 2022. Original articles describing work conducted in Ethiopia, published in English and reporting infection status, were included in the review. All the required data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form, imported to SPSS-24, and analyzed accordingly. The quality of each original study was assessed using a quality assessment tool adapted from the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklist. This study was registered on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration no. CRD42022299078).
RESULTS
A search for published articles produced a total of 3086 articles, of which 34 met the inclusion criteria. Data on mosquito surveillance revealed that a total of 129,410 anophelines comprising 25 species were captured, of which 48,365 comprising 21 species were tested for sporozoites. Anopheles arabiensis was the dominant species followed by An. pharoensis and An. coustani complex. The overall proportion infected with sporozoites over 21 years was 0.87%. Individual proportions included Anopheles arabiensis (1.09), An. pharoensis (0.79), An. coustani complex (0.13), An. funestus (2.71), An. demeilloni (0.31), An. stephensi (0.70), and An. cinereus (0.73). Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites accounted 79.2% of Plasmodium species. Mixed infection of Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum was only reported from one An. arabiensis sample.
CONCLUSIONS
Anopheles arebiensis was the dominant malaria vector over the years, with the highest sporozoite infection proportion of 2.85% and an average of 0.90% over the years. Other species contributing to malaria transmission in the area were An. pharoensis, An. coustani complex, An. funestus, An. stephensi, and An. coustani. The emergence of new vector species, in particular An. stephensi, is particularly concerning and should be investigated further.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Malaria; Sporozoites; Ethiopia; Mosquito Vectors; Systematic Reviews as Topic; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium
PubMed: 38008761
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06054-y