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Health Science Reports Oct 2023Malaria is a parasitic infection primarily caused by four main species of the genus , that is, , , , and . It is transmitted through the bite of the female mosquito. It...
BACKGROUND
Malaria is a parasitic infection primarily caused by four main species of the genus , that is, , , , and . It is transmitted through the bite of the female mosquito. It holds the status of one of the leading causes of death in the developing world. Malaria is endemic to Pakistan, and the country experienced the worst floods in its history from April to October 2022. The stagnant flood water served as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, culminating in an alarming spike in malaria cases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of cases reported till August 2022 was more than in the whole year of 2021. There was more than a twofold rise in cumulative cases in 62 high-burden Pakistani Districts in August 2022 as compared to August 2021.
AIMS
This commentary aims to bring this emerging issue to notice and highlight the most effective probable measures to help eliminate and prevent the hazards the current outbreak poses.
RESULTS
Rapid planning and execution are needed to ensure the most efficient and rapid elimination of malaria. To educate the general public, the national government must start public awareness efforts in electronic, print, and social media and deploy solar-powered mobile healthcare units to far-flung areas. Prophylactic and postexposure treatments should be planned because larvicidal preventive measures are less practical in flood-affected vicinities.
CONCLUSION
The most effective preventive strategy is drug prophylaxis, followed by insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying, and untreated nets. Scientists should intensify their investigations for effective medications to alleviate the malaria burden in Pakistan.
PubMed: 37822844
DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1620 -
Viruses Aug 2023The diversity and circulation of arboviruses are not much studied in Madagascar. The fact is that arboviral emergences are rarely detected. The existing surveillance...
The diversity and circulation of arboviruses are not much studied in Madagascar. The fact is that arboviral emergences are rarely detected. The existing surveillance system primarily relies on serological detection and records only a few human infections annually. The city of Mahajanga, however, experienced a confirmed dengue fever epidemic in 2020 and 2021. This study aimed to characterize and analyze the virome of mosquitoes collected in Mahajanga, near patients with dengue-like syndromes to detect known and unknown viruses as well as investigate the factors contributing to the relative low circulation of arboviruses in the area. A total of 4280 mosquitoes representing at least 12 species from the , , and genera were collected during the dry and the rainy seasons from three sites, following an urbanization gradient. The virome analysis of 2192 female mosquitoes identified a diverse range of viral families and genera and revealed different patterns that are signatures of the influence of the mosquito genus or the season of collection on the composition and abundance of the virome. Despite the absence of known human or veterinary arboviruses, the identification and characterization of viral families, genera, and species in the mosquito virome contribute to our understanding of viral ecology and diversity within mosquito populations in Madagascar. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing surveillance efforts and provides a basis for the development of preventive strategies against various mosquito-borne viral diseases, including known arboviruses.
PubMed: 37766259
DOI: 10.3390/v15091852 -
Parasites & Vectors Sep 2023Mosquitoes carry a variety of viruses that can cause disease in humans, animals and livestock. Surveys for viruses carried by wild mosquitoes can significantly...
BACKGROUND
Mosquitoes carry a variety of viruses that can cause disease in humans, animals and livestock. Surveys for viruses carried by wild mosquitoes can significantly contribute to surveillance efforts and early detection systems. In addition to mosquito-borne viruses, mosquitoes harbor many insect-specific viruses (ISVs). Quang Binh virus (QBV) is one such example, categorized as an ISV within the Flavivirus genus (family Flaviviridae). QBV has been specifically documented in Vietnam and China, with reports limited to several mosquito species.
METHODS
The homogenate obtained from female mosquitoes was cultured on C6/36 (Aedes albopictus) and BHK-21 (baby hamster kidney) cell lines. Positive cultures were identified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) with taxon- or species-specific primers. Next-generation sequencing was employed to sequence the complete genomes of the identified positive samples. Subsequently, phylogenetic, gene homology, molecular evolutionary and genetic variation analyses were conducted.
RESULT
In 2021, a total of 32,177 adult female mosquitoes were collected from 15 counties in Guizhou Province, China. The predominant mosquito species identified were Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Armigeres subalbatus and Anopheles sinensis. Among the collected mosquitoes, three positive cultures were obtained from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus pools, revealing the presence of Quang Binh virus (QBV) RNA sequences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three Guizhou isolates, along with the prototype isolate from Vietnam, formed distinct branches. These branches were primarily closely related to other QBV isolates reported in China. Comparative analysis revealed a high degree of nucleotide and amino acid homology between the Guizhou isolates and both Vietnamese and other indigenous Chinese isolates. Additionally, nonsynonymous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) were observed in these strains compared to the QBV prototype strain.
CONCLUSION
This study represents the first report of QBV presences in Cx. tritaeniorhynchus mosquitoes in Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic tree analysis showed that the three Guizhou isolates were most closely related to the QBV genes found in China. In addition, the study of the genetic characteristics and variation of this virus provided a deeper understanding of QBV and enriched the baseline data of these insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFVs).
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Infant; Cricetinae; Culex; Phylogeny; Aedes; China; Flavivirus
PubMed: 37679786
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05938-3 -
Scientific Reports Aug 2023We present a new and innovative identification method based on deep learning of the wing interferential patterns carried by mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus to classify...
We present a new and innovative identification method based on deep learning of the wing interferential patterns carried by mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus to classify and assign 20 Anopheles species, including 13 malaria vectors. We provide additional evidence that this approach can identify Anopheles spp. with an accuracy of up to 100% for ten out of 20 species. Although, this accuracy was moderate (> 65%) or weak (50%) for three and seven species. The accuracy of the process to discriminate cryptic or sibling species is also assessed on three species belonging to the Gambiae complex. Strikingly, An. gambiae, An. arabiensis and An. coluzzii, morphologically indistinguishable species belonging to the Gambiae complex, were distinguished with 100%, 100%, and 88% accuracy respectively. Therefore, this tool would help entomological surveys of malaria vectors and vector control implementation. In the future, we anticipate our method can be applied to other arthropod vector-borne diseases.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Anopheles; Deep Learning; Mosquito Vectors; Arthropods; Siblings
PubMed: 37626130
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41114-4 -
PloS One 2023Bacterial content of mosquitoes has given rise to the development of innovative tools that influence and seek to control malaria transmission. This study identified the...
Bacterial content of mosquitoes has given rise to the development of innovative tools that influence and seek to control malaria transmission. This study identified the bacterial microbiota in field-collected female adults of the Anopheles hyrcanus group and three Anopheles species, Anopheles nivipes, Anopheles philippinensis, and Anopheles vagus, from an endemic area in the southeastern part of Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand, near the Lao PDR-Cambodia-Thailand border. A total of 17 DNA libraries were generated from pooled female Anopheles abdomen samples (10 abdomens/ sample). The mosquito microbiota was characterized through the analysis of DNA sequences from the V3-V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene, and data were analyzed in QIIME2. A total of 3,442 bacterial ASVs were obtained, revealing differences in the microbiota both within the same species/group and between different species/group. Statistical difference in alpha diversity was observed between An. hyrcanus group and An. vagus and between An. nivipes and An. vagus, and beta diversity analyses showed that the bacterial community of An. vagus was the most dissimilar from other species. The most abundant bacteria belonged to the Proteobacteria phylum (48%-75%) in which Pseudomonas, Serratia, and Pantoea were predominant genera among four Anopheles species/group. However, the most significantly abundant genus observed in each Anopheles species/group was as follows: Staphylococcus in the An. hyrcanus group, Pantoea in the An. nivipes, Rosenbergiella in An. philippinensis, and Pseudomonas in An. vagus. Particularly, Pseudomonas sp. was highly abundant in all Anopheles species except An. nivipes. The present study provides the first study on the microbiota of four potential malaria vectors as a starting step towards understanding the role of the microbiota on mosquito biology and ultimately the development of potential tools for malaria control.
Topics: Animals; Female; Anopheles; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Thailand; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria; Pantoea; Pseudomonas
PubMed: 37590198
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289733 -
Cureus Jul 2023Malaria is a vector-borne tropical infection caused by protozoa of the genus and is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The disease is commonly... (Review)
Review
Malaria is a vector-borne tropical infection caused by protozoa of the genus and is transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. The disease is commonly characterized by fever, edema, thrombocytopenia, hypoglycemia, anemia, and myalgias; however, the infection's cutaneous presentations are not commonly emphasized and tend to be overlooked. A literature search was conducted that focused on the various skin pathologies that malaria patients have been noted to present with using case reports and currently available literature. We describe the various skin manifestations associated with malaria, such as purpura fulminans, febrile urticaria, cutaneous leishmaniasis co-infections, urticaria infectiosum, vivax-induced severe thrombocytopenia petechiae, acral skin necrosis, and reticulated erythema, and how each of these skin manifestations may provide insight into the patient's prognosis. Documentation and vigilance regarding these cutaneous manifestations must be emphasized as they may lead to better patient outcomes and a stronger understanding of the patient's underlying malaria.
PubMed: 37575836
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41706 -
Parasites & Vectors Aug 2023Indonesia is home to many species of non-human primates (NHPs). Deforestation, which is still ongoing in Indonesia, has substantially reduced the habitat of NHPs in the...
BACKGROUND
Indonesia is home to many species of non-human primates (NHPs). Deforestation, which is still ongoing in Indonesia, has substantially reduced the habitat of NHPs in the republic. This has led to an intensification of interactions between NHPs and humans, which opens up the possibility of pathogen spillover. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of malarial parasite infections in NHPs in five provinces of Indonesia in 2022. Species of the genus Anopheles that can potentially transmit malarial pathogens to humans were also investigated.
METHODS
An epidemiological survey was conducted by capturing NHPs in traps installed in several localities in the five provinces, including in the surroundings of a wildlife sanctuary. Blood samples were drawn aseptically after the NHPs had been anesthetized; the animals were released after examination. Blood smears were prepared on glass slides, and dried blood spot tests on filter paper. Infections with Plasmodium spp. were determined morphologically from the blood smears, which were stained with Giemsa solution, and molecularly through polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing using rplU oligonucleotides. The NHPs were identified to species level by using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene and the internal transcribed spacer 2 gene as barcoding DNA markers. Mosquito surveillance included the collection of larvae from breeding sites and that of adults through the human landing catch (HLC) method together with light traps.
RESULTS
Analysis of the DNA extracted from the dried blood spot tests of the 110 captured NHPs revealed that 50% were positive for Plasmodium, namely Plasmodium cynomolgi, Plasmodium coatneyi, Plasmodium inui, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium sp. Prevalence determined by microscopic examination of the blood smears was 42%. Species of the primate genus Macaca and family Hylobatidae were identified by molecular analysis. The most common mosquito breeding sites were ditches, puddles and natural ponds. Some of the Anopheles letifer captured through HLC carried sporozoites of malaria parasites that can cause the disease in primates.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of malaria in the NHPs was high. Anopheles letifer, a potential vector of zoonotic malaria, was identified following its collection in Central Kalimantan by the HLC method. In sum, the potential for the transmission of zoonotic malaria in several regions of Indonesia is immense.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Indonesia; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria; Plasmodium knowlesi; Primates; Macaca; Anopheles
PubMed: 37550692
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05880-4 -
Medecine Tropicale Et Sante... Mar 2023Because of the individual morbidity and lethality and the resulting collective incapacity, malaria has always been a risk for the Armed Forces in operation. The fight...
Because of the individual morbidity and lethality and the resulting collective incapacity, malaria has always been a risk for the Armed Forces in operation. The fight against malaria is a real public health plan carried out by the Armed Forces Health Service (SSA) for the benefit of the Forces. This plan has four main components: vector control, which targets larvae and adult mosquitoes of the genus , personal vector protection, which limits human-vector contact, chemoprophylaxis, and early diagnosis and treatment of malaria.Since 2001, the epidemiology of malaria in the Armed Forces have suffered from large-scale epidemics during operational engagements in Côte d'Ivoire, Guyana and the Central African Republic. The start of a military operation is accompanied by strategic and logistical priorities that take precedence over prevention. In addition, the rigorous application of personal protection measures remains difficult and even more so in a combat situation.The development of urban malaria in Africa, the use of causal chemoprophylaxis, the alternative to "nothing but insecticides", and the development of efficient diagnostic tools allowing for early and adapted management are the challenges ahead for the SSA.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Humans; Military Personnel; Mosquito Vectors; Malaria; Insecticides; Cote d'Ivoire
PubMed: 37525641
DOI: 10.48327/mtsi.v3i1.2023.311 -
Mycologia 2023Species of the phylum Blastocladiomycota, early-diverging zoosporic (flagellated) lineages of fungi, are vastly understudied. This phylum includes the genus , which...
Species of the phylum Blastocladiomycota, early-diverging zoosporic (flagellated) lineages of fungi, are vastly understudied. This phylum includes the genus , which consists of more than 80 fungal species that are obligate parasites of arthropods. Known species lack a complete asexual life cycle, instead surviving through an obligate heterecious alternation of generations life cycle. Despite their global distribution and interesting life cycle, little is known about the genomics of any species. To address this, we generated three draft-level genomes and annotations for representing its haploid meiospore, orange gamete, and amber gamete life stages. These draft genome assemblies ranged in size from 5002 to 5799 contigs, with a total length of 19.8-22.8 Mb and a mean of 7416 protein-coding genes. We then demonstrated the utility of these genomes by combining the draft annotations as a reference for analysis of transcriptomes. We analyzed transcriptomes from across host-associated life stages, including infected larvae and excised mature sporangia from the mosquito . We identified differentially expressed genes and enriched GO terms both across and within life stages and used these to make hypotheses about biology. Generally, we found the transcriptome to be a complex and dynamic expression landscape; GO terms related to metabolism and transport processes were enriched during infection and terms related to dispersal were enriched during sporulation. We further identified five high mobility group (HMG)-box genes in , three belonging to clades with mating type (MAT) loci from other fungi, as well as four ortholog expansions in compared with other fungi. The genomes and transcriptomes reported here are a valuable resource and may be leveraged toward furthering understanding of the biology of these and other early-diverging fungal lineages.
Topics: Animals; Coelomomyces; Parasites; Transcriptome; Anopheles; Larva; Crustacea
PubMed: 37494633
DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2023.2228182 -
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases Jul 2023Anthropogenic land-use change, such as deforestation and urban development, can affect the emergence and re-emergence of mosquito-borne diseases, e.g., dengue and...
Anthropogenic land-use change, such as deforestation and urban development, can affect the emergence and re-emergence of mosquito-borne diseases, e.g., dengue and malaria, by creating more favourable vector habitats. There has been a limited assessment of how mosquito vectors respond to land-use changes, including differential species responses, and the dynamic nature of these responses. Improved understanding could help design effective disease control strategies. We compiled an extensive dataset of 10,244 Aedes and Anopheles mosquito abundance records across multiple land-use types at 632 sites in Latin America and the Caribbean. Using a Bayesian mixed effects modelling framework to account for between-study differences, we compared spatial differences in the abundance and species richness of mosquitoes across multiple land-use types, including agricultural and urban areas. Overall, we found that mosquito responses to anthropogenic land-use change were highly inconsistent, with pronounced responses observed at the genus- and species levels. There were strong declines in Aedes (-26%) and Anopheles (-35%) species richness in urban areas, however certain species such as Aedes aegypti, thrived in response to anthropogenic disturbance. When abundance records were coupled with remotely sensed forest loss data, we detected a strong positive response of dominant and secondary malaria vectors to recent deforestation. This highlights the importance of the temporal dynamics of land-use change in driving disease risk and the value of large synthetic datasets for understanding changing disease risk with environmental change.
Topics: Animals; Mosquito Vectors; Latin America; Bayes Theorem; Aedes; Anopheles; Malaria; Caribbean Region
PubMed: 37450491
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011450