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JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Jun 2024The biological characteristics of mosquito vectors vary, impacting their response to control measures. Thus, having up-to-date information on vector bionomics is...
BACKGROUND
The biological characteristics of mosquito vectors vary, impacting their response to control measures. Thus, having up-to-date information on vector bionomics is essential to maintain the effectiveness of existing control strategies and tools, particularly as India aims for malaria elimination by 2030.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to assess the proportions of vector species resting indoors and outdoors, determine their preference for host biting/feeding, identify transmission sites, and evaluate the susceptibility of vectors to insecticides used in public health programs.
METHODS
Mosquito collections were conducted in 13 districts across 8 Indian states from 2017 to 2020 using various methods to estimate their densities. Following morphological identification in the field, sibling species of Anopheles mosquitoes were identified molecularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-specific alleles. Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections in the vectors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and PCR assays. In addition, we assessed the insecticide susceptibility status of primary malaria vectors following the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol.
RESULTS
Anopheles culicifacies, a primary malaria vector, was collected (with a man-hour density ranging from 3.1 to 15.9) from all states of India except those in the northeastern region. Anopheles fluviatilis, another primary vector, was collected from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Odisha. In Haryana and Karnataka, An. culicifacies sibling species A predominated, whereas species C and E were predominant in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. An. culicifacies displayed mainly endophilic behavior across all states, except in Madhya Pradesh, where the proportion of semigravid and gravid mosquitoes was nearly half of that of unfed mosquitoes. The human blood index of An. culicifacies ranged from 0.001 to 0.220 across all study sites. The sporozoite rate of An. culicifacies ranged from 0.06 to 4.24, except in Madhya Pradesh, where none of the vector mosquitoes were found to be infected with the Plasmodium parasite. In the study area, An. culicifacies exhibited resistance to DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; with <39% mortality). Moreover, it showed resistance to malathion (with mortality rates ranging from 49% to 78%) in all districts except Angul in Odisha and Palwal in Haryana. In addition, resistance to deltamethrin was observed in districts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana, and Karnataka.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study offers vital insights into the prevalence, resting behavior, and sibling species composition of malaria vectors in India. It is evident from our findings that resistance development in An. culicifacies, the primary vector, to synthetic pyrethroids is on the rise in the country. Furthermore, the results of our study suggest a potential change in the resting behavior of An. culicifacies in Madhya Pradesh, although further studies are required to confirm this shift definitively. These findings are essential for the development of effective vector control strategies in India, aligning with the goal of malaria elimination by 2030.
Topics: India; Animals; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria; Anopheles; Humans; Disease Eradication; Insecticides; Insecticide Resistance; Ecology
PubMed: 38885497
DOI: 10.2196/42050 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jun 2024Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is indigenous to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Ae. albopictus is expanding across the globe at...
Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is indigenous to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Ae. albopictus is expanding across the globe at alarming rates, raising concern over the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue, West Nile fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya fever. Since Ae. albopictus was reported in Houston (Harris County, Texas) in 1985, this species has rapidly expanded to at least 32 states across the United States. Public health efforts aimed at controlling Ae. albopictus, including surveillance and adulticide spraying operations, occur regularly in Harris County. Despite rotation of insecticides to mitigate the development of resistance, multiple mosquito species including Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti in Harris County show organophosphate and pyrethroid resistance. Aedes albopictus shows relatively low resistance levels as compared to Ae. aegypti, but kdr-mutation and the expression of detoxification genes have been reported in Ae. albopictus populations elsewhere. To identify potential candidate detoxification genes contributing to metabolic resistance, we used RNA sequencing of field-collected malathion-resistant and malathion-susceptible, and laboratory-maintained susceptible colonies of Ae. albopictus by comparing the relative expression of transcripts from three major detoxification superfamilies involved in malathion resistance due to metabolic detoxification. Between these groups, we identified 12 candidate malathion resistance genes and among these, most genes correlated with metabolic detoxification of malathion, including four P450 and one alpha esterase. Our results reveal the metabolic detoxification and potential cuticular-based resistance mechanisms associated with malathion resistance in Ae. albopictus in Harris County, Texas.
Topics: Animals; Malathion; Aedes; Insecticide Resistance; Insecticides; Gene Expression Profiling; Mosquito Vectors; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Transcriptome; Texas; Female; Insect Proteins
PubMed: 38865422
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0012243 -
Chemico-biological Interactions Jun 2024It is established that organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) toxicity results from modification of amino acids in active sites of target proteins. OPPs can also modify...
It is established that organophosphorus pesticide (OPP) toxicity results from modification of amino acids in active sites of target proteins. OPPs can also modify unrelated target proteins such as histones and such covalent histone modifications can alter DNA-binding properties and lead to aberrant gene expression. In the present study, we report on non-enzymatic covalent modifications of calf thymus histones adducted to selected OPPs and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in vitro using a bottom-up proteomics method approach. Histones were not found to form detectable adducts with the two tested OPFRs but were avidly modified by a few of the seven OPPs that were tested in vitro. Dimethyl phosphate (or diethyl phosphate) adducts were identified on Tyr, Lys and Ser residues. Most of the dialkyl phosphate adducts were identified on Tyr residues. Methyl and ethyl modified histones were also detected. Eleven amino residues in histones showed non-enzymatic covalent methylation by exposure of dichlorvos and malathion. Our bottom-up proteomics approach showing histone-OPP adduct formation warrants future studies on the underlying mechanism of chronic illness from exposure to OPPs.
PubMed: 38844256
DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2024.111095 -
ACS Omega May 2024The widespread use of malathion enhances agricultural plant productivity by eliminating pests, weeds, and diseases, but it may lead to serious environmental pollution...
The widespread use of malathion enhances agricultural plant productivity by eliminating pests, weeds, and diseases, but it may lead to serious environmental pollution and potential health risks for humans and animals. To mitigate these issues, environmentally friendly hydrogel adsorbents for malathion were synthesized using biodegradable polymers, specifically cellulose, β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and biobased epichlorohydrin as a cross-linker. This study investigated the effects of the cellulose-to-PVA ratio and epichlorohydrin (ECH) content on the properties and malathion adsorption capabilities of β-CD/cellulose/PVA hydrogels. It was found that the gel content of the hydrogels increased with a higher cellulose-to PVA and ECH ratio, whereas the swelling ratio decreased, indicating a denser structure that impedes water permeation. In addition, various parameters affecting the malathion adsorption capacity of the hydrogel, namely, contact time, pH, hydrogel dosage, initial concentration of malathion, and temperature, were studied. The hydrogel prepared with a β-CD/cellulose/PVA ratio of 20:40:40 and 9 mL of ECH exhibited the highest malathion adsorption rate and capacity, which indicated an equilibrium adsorption capacity of 656.41 mg g at an initial malathion concentration of 1000 mg L. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ζ-potential, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and NMR spectroscopy confirmed malathion adsorption within the hydrogel. The adsorption process followed intraparticle diffusion kinetics and corresponded to Freundlich isotherms, indicating multilayer adsorption on heterogeneous substrates within the adsorbent, facilitated by diffusion.
PubMed: 38826516
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00037 -
Malaria Journal May 2024Mexico has experienced a significant reduction in malaria cases over the past two decades. Certification of localities as malaria-free areas (MFAs) has been proposed as...
BACKGROUND
Mexico has experienced a significant reduction in malaria cases over the past two decades. Certification of localities as malaria-free areas (MFAs) has been proposed as a steppingstone before elimination is achieved throughout the country. The Mexican state of Quintana Roo is a candidate for MFA certification. Monitoring the status of insecticide susceptibility of major vectors is crucial for MFA certification. This study describes the susceptibility status of Anopheles albimanus, main malaria vector, from historically important malaria foci in Quintana Roo, using both phenotypic and genotypic approaches.
METHODS
Adult mosquito collections were carried out at three localities: Palmar (Municipality of Othon P. Blanco), Buenavista (Bacalar) and Puerto Morelos (Puerto Morelos). Outdoor human-landing catches were performed by pairs of trained staff from 18:00 to 22:00 during 3-night periods at each locality during the rainy season of 2022. Wild-caught female mosquitoes were exposed to diagnostic doses of deltamethrin, permethrin, malathion, pirimiphos-methyl or bendiocarb using CDC bottle bioassays. Mortality was registered at the diagnostic time and recovery was assessed 24 h after exposure. Molecular analyses targeting the Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel (vgsc) gene and acetylcholinesterase (ace-1) gene were used to screen for target site polymorphisms. An SNP analysis was carried out to identify mutations at position 995 in the vgsc gene and at position 280 in the ace-1 gene.
RESULTS
A total of 2828 anophelines were collected. The main species identified were Anopheles albimanus (82%) and Anopheles vestitipennis (16%). Mortalities in the CDC bottle bioassay ranged from 99% to 100% for all the insecticides and mosquito species. Sequence analysis was performed on 35 An. albimanus across the three localities; of those, 25 were analysed for vgsc and 10 for ace-1 mutations. All individuals showed wild type alleles.
CONCLUSION
The results demonstrated that An. albimanus populations from historical malaria foci in Quintana Roo are susceptible to the main insecticides used by the Ministry of Health.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Insecticides; Insecticide Resistance; Mexico; Female; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria
PubMed: 38796456
DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04993-0 -
Insects May 2024(1) Background: In Cambodia, is an important vector of the dengue virus. Vector control using insecticides is a major strategy implemented in managing mosquito-borne...
(1) Background: In Cambodia, is an important vector of the dengue virus. Vector control using insecticides is a major strategy implemented in managing mosquito-borne diseases. Resistance, however, threatens to undermine the use of insecticides. In this study, we present the levels of insecticide resistance of in Cambodia and the mechanisms involved. (2) Methods: Two populations were collected from the capital, Phnom Penh city, and from rural Pailin province. Adults were tested with diagnostic doses of malathion (0.8%), deltamethrin (0.03%), permethrin (0.25%), and DDT (4%) using WHO tube assays. Synergist assays using piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were implemented before the pyrethroid assays to detect the potential involvement of metabolic resistance mechanisms. Adult female mosquitoes collected from Phnom Penh and Pailin were tested for voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) kdr (knockdown resistance) mutations commonly found in sp.-resistant populations throughout Asia (S989P, V1016G, and F1534C), as well as for other mutations (V410L, L982W, A1007G, I1011M, T1520I, and D1763Y). (3) Results: The two populations showed resistance against all the insecticides tested (<90% mortality). The use of PBO (an inhibitor of P450s) strongly restored the efficacy of deltamethrin and permethrin against the two resistant populations. Sequences of regions of the gene showed a lack of mutations known to be associated with pyrethroid resistance. However, four novel non-synonymous mutations (L412P/S, C983S, Q1554STOP, and R1718L) and twenty-nine synonymous mutations were detected. It remains to be determined whether these mutations contribute to pyrethroid resistance. (4) Conclusions: Pyrethroid resistance is occurring in two populations originating from urban and rural areas of Cambodia. The resistance is likely due to metabolic resistance specifically involving P450s monooxygenases. The levels of resistance against different insecticide classes are a cause for concern in Cambodia. Alternative tools and insecticides for controlling dengue vectors should be used to minimize disease prevalence in the country.
PubMed: 38786914
DOI: 10.3390/insects15050358 -
Heliyon May 2024Several types of pesticides used in museum collections over time become dangerous for people who may handle textile articles treated with such substances. In the case of...
Several types of pesticides used in museum collections over time become dangerous for people who may handle textile articles treated with such substances. In the case of the analysis of ancient, modern, and contemporary textile materials, it is particularly important to keep the artifacts intact, as they cannot be replaced. The need to use micro- or nondestructive techniques led to the development of methods such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME), liquid‒liquid dispersive microextraction (DLLME), and single-droplet microextraction (SDME). In this paper is described an optimized extraction method of three pesticides (malathion, methoxychlor, and permethrin) by creating a non-destructive solid phase extraction system on a textile support, abbreviated FPSE - 100 % cotton fabric coated with a sol-gel solution prepared from a polymer (PEG or PDMS). To obtain a suitable FPSE, the following parameters were evaluated: polymer selection (individual or mixture of polymers), acid catalyst (trifluoroacetic acid, acetic acid and hydrochloride acid), amount of polymer (1.0 g, 2.5 g or 5.0 g), polymerization time (30 min, 120 min and 240 min), ultrasonic bath temperature (40 °C and 70 °C), and type of bath to obtain the sol-gel (ultrasonic bath, water bath with stirring and mechanical stirrer). To complete the FPSE optimization, the influence of pesticide extraction time on FPSE and desorption from FPSE in ethyl acetate was also assessed. The pesticides extraction yields obtained for the laboratory textile samples are in the range of 52.7 %-128.0 %. The technique proposed in the manuscript proved to be effective as a nondestructive tool for evaluating and quantifying the presence of pesticides in textile museum collections. The approach described here reduces heritage object damage due to sampling compared to methods commonly employed and may represent a starting point for future research.
PubMed: 38778962
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31020 -
PloS One 2024Malathion® is a persistent organophosphate pesticide used against biting and chewing insects on vegetables. It is a difficult-to-remove surface contaminant of...
Malathion® is a persistent organophosphate pesticide used against biting and chewing insects on vegetables. It is a difficult-to-remove surface contaminant of vegetables and contaminates surface and ground water and soils. Malathion® is only partially water soluble, but use of detergent carriers makes adhering Malathion® residues difficult to subsequently remove. Magnetically treated water (MTW) successfully removed Malathion® from Chinese Kale (Brassica oleracea L.), meeting Maximum Residue Load (MRL) standards. Samples were soaked in MTW for 30 min prior to detection with GC/MS/MS, 98.5±3.02% of Malathion® was removed after washing by MTW. Removal by simple washing was only ≈42±1.2% which was not nearly sufficient to meet MRL criteria.
Topics: Brassica; Malathion; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water; Insecticides; Pesticide Residues; Water Purification; Food Contamination; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38758738
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298371 -
Environmental Toxicology and... Jun 2024Pesticides safeguard crop health but may diminish cholinesterase activity in farmers, potentially leading to psychiatric disorders like depression and suicide attempts....
Pesticides safeguard crop health but may diminish cholinesterase activity in farmers, potentially leading to psychiatric disorders like depression and suicide attempts. This study, with 453 participants (225 pesticide-exposed farmers, 228 non-farmers) in Almería, Spain, aimed to investigate the presence of depressive symptoms and suicide attempts, the decrease acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity, and their relationship with pesticide exposure in farmers. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Spanish adaptation of the Beck Depression Inventory, and blood samples were analyzed for AChE and BChE activity. Farmers showed significantly increased risk of moderate/severe depression and suicide attempts compared to non-farmers (OR = 2.18; p = 0.001), with highest risks observed among mancozeb users (OR = 2.76; p = 0.001 for depression) and malathion users (OR = 3.50; p = 0.001 for suicide attempts). Findings emphasize elevated depression and suicide risks among pesticide-exposed farmers, particularly associated with chlorpyrifos, mancozeb, and malathion exposure.
Topics: Humans; Male; Pesticides; Middle Aged; Farmers; Suicide, Attempted; Depression; Female; Occupational Exposure; Adult; Butyrylcholinesterase; Acetylcholinesterase; Spain; Aged
PubMed: 38723701
DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104461