Article
Parasitology
Esteban San Juan, Raul Araya-Donoso, Catalina Sierra-Rosales, Juana P. Correa, Nicol Quiroga, Ricardo Campos-Soto, Aldo Solari, Martin Llewellyn, Antonella Bacigalupo, Carezza Botto-Mahan
Summary: In this study, it was investigated whether three sylvatic triatomine species in the semiarid-Mediterranean ecosystem of Chile feed on humans. The results showed that these insects feed on a variety of vertebrate species, including humans. Therefore, it is important to educate local inhabitants, workers, and tourists to avoid or minimize the risk of exposure to Chagas disease vectors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Luiza Maria Grzyb Delgado, Jader de Oliveira, Amanda Ravazi, Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Heloisa Pinotti, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Isabella da Silva Masarin, Mauricio Lilioso, Elaine Folly-Ramos, Cleber Galvao, Maria Tercilia Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, Joao Aristeu da Rosa, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
Summary: The study demonstrated reproductive isolation between T. petrocchiae and T. b. brasiliensis and T. lenti, suggesting that T. petrocchiae is the most derived species within the T. brasiliensis complex.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jose Manuel Latorre Estivalis, Lucila Traverso, Gina Pontes, Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
Summary: This study characterized the sensory-related gene families of the kissing bug Triatoma infestans and identified gene candidates potentially mediating host cue detection. The results revealed several triatomine-specific sensory adaptations and conserved sensory gene orthogroups shared by hemipterans. The ingestion of a blood meal significantly altered the expression of several sensory-related genes, suggesting their role in mediating the host-seeking behavior of triatomines. This research provides valuable insights into the molecular basis of sensory processes in a vector of human disease.
Article
Parasitology
Isadora Freitas Bittinelli, Jader de Oliveira, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Amanda Ravazi, Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Giulia Montanari, Ana Julia Chaves Gomes, Laura Poloto Cesaretto, Isabella da Silva Massarin, Cleber Galvao, Maria Tercilia Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, Joao Aristeu da Rosa, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
Summary: This study used chromosomal and phylogenetic analysis to confirm that T. tibiamaculata belongs to the genus Panstrongylus and that its morphological features shared with Triatoma species are homoplasies.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
L. Abrahan, M. J. Cavallo, I. Amelotti
Summary: By involving householders in entomological evaluation, the study found that costs related to visited, evaluated, and sprayed domiciliary units were lower with community participation. Additionally, a larger number of domiciliary units were evaluated with community participation, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective control strategy for Chagas disease.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Irving J. J. May-Concha, Maryrose J. J. Escalante-Talavera, Jean-Pierre Dujardin, Etienne Waleckx
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the antennal phenotype of Triatoma dimidiata vectors. The results showed significant differences in sensilla patterns between infected and non-infected insects in sylvatic and domestic populations, suggesting that T. cruzi infection may lead to changes in antennal phenotype. Furthermore, infected insects in sylvatic and domestic populations tended to exhibit increased sexual dimorphism.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Luiza Maria Grzyb Delgado, Isadora de Freitas Bittinelli, Jader de Oliveira, Amanda Ravazi, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Daniel Cesaretto Cristal, Cleber Galvao, Maria Tercilia Vilela De Azeredo-Oliveira, Joao Aristeu da Rosa, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
Summary: Experimental crosses and molecular studies showed that T. sordida La Paz has a low genetic distance and no pre- or postzygotic barriers when compared to T. sordida s.s, confirming that T. sordida La Paz represents only a chromosomal polymorphism of T. sordida s.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra Lopez, Alejandro Tapia, Julio Zygadlo, Raul Stariolo, Gustavo A. Abraham, Pablo R. Cortez Tornello
Summary: The study investigates the potential repellent activity of Zuccagnia punctata essential oil (ZEO) and poly(epsilon-caprolactone) matrices loaded with ZEO (ZEOP) against Triatoma infestans and other blood-sucking insects. The results show that both ZEO and ZEOP exhibit significant repellent activity, with ZEO demonstrating strong repellency against T. infestans within 72 hours.
Article
Ecology
S. A. Ferrieres, C. A. Condat
Summary: The study presents a mathematical model based on a chicken coop population of T. infestans, investigating the impact of various factors on the bug population and validating the model's reliability. Findings suggest that temperature and food availability are crucial factors influencing the survival of T. infestans.
ECOLOGICAL MODELLING
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sofia Ocana-Mayorga, Juan Jose Bustillos, Anita G. Villacis, C. Miguel Pinto, Simone Frederique Breniere, Mario J. Grijalva
Summary: Understanding the blood meal patterns of disease vectors is crucial in developing strategies to decrease human-vector contact. In Ecuador, limited data on Chagas disease infection are available, but active transmission has been demonstrated in endemic areas. This study found that humans are the main food source for triatomines, although birds, particularly chickens, might also play a significant role in maintaining these vectors in certain areas.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Heloisa Pinotti, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi, Jader de Oliveira, Amanda Ravazi, Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Maria Tercilia Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, Joao Aristeu da Rosa
Summary: The subfamily Triatominae consists of 156 species divided into five tribes, all potential vectors of Chagas disease. The Triatoma brasiliensis complex, with eight taxa, has been studied through experimental crosses to analyze the segregation pattern of phenotypic characteristics in hybrids. The results show the importance of integrative taxonomy in correctly identifying Chagas disease vectors, particularly in cases of natural hybridization.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Adriana Benatti Bilheiro, Glaucilene da Silva Costa, Maisa da Silva Araujo, Willian Augusto Rocha Ribeiro, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros, Luis Marcelo Aranha Camargo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the blood meal sources of triatomines in the Brazilian Amazon and identified 21 different sources, including potential reservoirs of T. cruzi. These findings are crucial for understanding the transmission cycle of Chagas disease in the Amazon region and guiding control strategies.
Article
Parasitology
Natalia Regina Cesaretto, Jader de Oliveira, Amanda Ravazi, Fernanda Fernandez Madeira, Yago Visinho dos Reis, Ana Beatriz Bortolozo de Oliveira, Roberto Dezan Vicente, Daniel Cesaretto Cristal, Cleber Galvao, Maria Tercilia Vilela de Azeredo-Oliveira, Joao Aristeu da Rosa, Kaio Cesar Chaboli Alevi
Summary: The taxonomy history of Meccus genus has been complex, but experimental crosses show reproductive compatibility among species of the T. phyllosoma complex, supporting the reorganization of Meccus in Triatoma genus.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Francisco Chacon, Antonella Bacigalupo, Barbara Alvarez-Duhart, Pedro E. Cattan, Rigoberto Solis, Catalina Munoz-San Martin
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of parasite load on feeding and defecation behavior of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in South America. The results showed that the intensity of T. cruzi infection modulates the behavior of T. infestans, increasing its vector competence.
Article
Parasitology
Patricia A. Lobbia, Claudia Rodriguez, Gaston Mougabure-Cueto
Summary: Chemical control is crucial in interrupting the transmission of Chagas disease. However, the effectiveness of chemical control campaigns has been hindered by the development of resistance to pyrethroids in the main vector Triatoma infestans. This study examined the effects of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the susceptibility and resistance to deltamethrin in T. infestans. The results showed that the infection affected the toxicological susceptibility of the susceptible strain, but not the resistant strain.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Gonzalo Marcelo Ramirez-Avila, Stephanie Depickere, Imre M. Janosi, Jason A. C. Gallas
Summary: In this study, a detailed investigation of the dynamical response of the Rulkov model over a wide range of parameters is conducted. The study reveals the existence of nested arithmetic progressions among periodic pulsing and bursting phases of the model. These findings contribute significantly to the understanding of the dynamics of the Rulkov model and can be potentially valuable in large-scale simulations of the brain and other complex neuron networks.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL-SPECIAL TOPICS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
G. M. Ramirez-Avila, S. Depickere, J. L. Deneubourg, J. Kurths
Summary: Synchronization in pulse-coupled oscillators has been extensively studied, and a game with simple rules is proposed to describe this phenomenon in the context of firefly synchronization. The results on complete synchronization are highly dependent on the rules used, which are compared statistically. Additionally, the importance of initial conditions in achieving or not achieving synchronization, as well as the required time intervals, is quantified through the calculation of basins of attraction.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL-SPECIAL TOPICS
(2022)
Review
Parasitology
Marc Desquesnes, Alireza Sazmand, Marisa Gonzatti, Alain Boulange, Geraldine Bossard, Sophie Thevenon, Geoffrey Gimonneau, Philippe Truc, Stephane Herder, Sophie Ravel, Denis Sereno, Etienne Waleckx, Vincent Jamonneau, Philippe Jacquiet, Sathaporn Jittapalapong, David Berthier, Philippe Solano, Laurent Hebert
Summary: Reliable diagnostic tools are necessary to effectively treat and control animal trypanosomoses, which can be pathogenic. This review emphasizes the implementation of previously reviewed diagnostic methods in complex scenarios, and highlights the need for an integrative approach that combines parasite detection, DNA/RNA/antigen detection, antibody detection, and epizootiological information. While antibody detection tests have high sensitivity, DNA-based methods are more specific. Further developments are required to address gaps in current diagnostic methods and to improve prevention and control of animal trypanosomoses.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brice Rotureau, Etienne Waleckx, Vincent Jamonneau, Philippe Solano, Sophie Molia, Patrice Debre, Koussay Dellagi, Serge Morand
Article
Parasitology
Lopez-Dominguez Jaime, Lopez-Monteon Aracely, Ochoa-Martinez Paulina, Eric Dumonteil, Christian Barnabe, Etienne Waleckx, Ruben Gustavo Hernandez-Giles, Angel Ramos-Ligonio
Summary: This study aimed to characterize Mexican isolates of T. cruzi and evaluate their susceptibility to NFX. The results showed a high variability in the susceptibility to NFX of the T. cruzi isolates in Central and Southeastern Mexico, suggesting the presence of naturally resistant isolates circulating in the country. These findings have important implications for treatment policies for Chagas disease patients.
ACTA PARASITOLOGICA
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Stephanie Depickere, Anita G. Villacis, Soledad Santillan-Guayasamin, Jorgia Esperanza Callapa Rafael, Simone Frederique Breniere, Susana Revollo Zepita
Summary: This study investigated the infestation of palm trees by Triatominae in the Amazon region of Bolivia. It identified two Triatominae species and found that Rhodnius insects mainly infest palm trees. The study highlights the epidemiological importance of Rhodnius in the transmission of Chagas disease in the region.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Irving J. J. May-Concha, Maryrose J. J. Escalante-Talavera, Jean-Pierre Dujardin, Etienne Waleckx
Summary: This study investigated the effect of Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the antennal phenotype of Triatoma dimidiata vectors. The results showed significant differences in sensilla patterns between infected and non-infected insects in sylvatic and domestic populations, suggesting that T. cruzi infection may lead to changes in antennal phenotype. Furthermore, infected insects in sylvatic and domestic populations tended to exhibit increased sexual dimorphism.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Juan Mena, Christian Hidalgo, Daniela Estay-Olea, Nicole Sallaberry-Pincheira, Antonella Bacigalupo, Andre V. Rubio, Diego Penaloza, Carolina Sanchez, Javiera Gomez-Adaros, Valeria Olmos, Javier Cabello, Kendra Ivelic, Maria Jose Abarca, Diego Ramirez-Alvarez, Marisol Torregrosa Rocabado, Natalia Duran Castro, Martina Carreno, Gabriela Gomez, Pedro E. Cattan, Galia Ramirez-Toloza, Sofia Robbiano, Carla Marchese, Eduardo Raffo, Paulina Stowhas, Gonzalo Medina-Vogel, Carlos Landaeta-Aqueveque, Rene Ortega, Etienne Waleckx, Daniel Gonzalez-Acuna, Gemma Rojo
Summary: This study aimed to conduct molecular surveillance in wildlife rehabilitation centers and wildlife associated institutions in Chile to assess the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 in wild animals. A total of 185 samples from 83 individuals belonging to 15 different species were tested, and the results showed that all samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2.
VETERINARY QUARTERLY
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Delphine Kemlin, Nicolas Gemander, Stephanie Depickere, Veronique Olislagers, Daphnee Georges, Alexandra Waegemans, Pieter Pannus, Anne Lemy, Maria E. Goossens, Isabelle Desombere, Johan Michiels, Marylene Vandevenne, Leo Heyndrickx, Kevin K. Arien, Andre Matagne, Margaret E. Ackerman, Alain Le Moine, Arnaud Marchant
Summary: This study conducted a prospective monocentric cohort study of 65 kidney transplant recipients who received 3 doses of BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. It was found that the risk of breakthrough infection was reduced and the vaccine provided protection against BTI in kidney transplant recipients. T cell responses played a positive role in compensating for the suboptimal antibody response to booster vaccination.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Pieter Pannus, Stephanie Depickere, Delphine Kemlin, Daphnee Georges, Sarah Houben, Veronique Olislagers, Alexandra Waegemans, Stephane De Craeye, Antoine Francotte, Felicie Chaumont, Celien Van Oostveldt, Leo Heyndrickx, Johan Michiels, Elisabeth Willems, Emilie Dhondt, Marharyta Krauchuk, Marie-Noelle Schmickler, Mathieu Verbrugghe, Nele Van Loon, Katelijne Dierick, Andre Matagne, Isabelle Desombere, Kevin K. Arien, Arnaud Marchant, Maria E. Goossens
Summary: This observational cohort study compared the immune responses of nursing home residents and staff members after receiving the second and third doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The results showed that the third dose significantly boosted the immune responses of residents, but had a smaller effect on staff members. The study also found that the humoral immune response induced by the third dose was predictive of subsequent vaccine breakthrough infections.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alheli Flores-Ferrer, Gerardo Suzan, Etienne Waleckx, Sebastien Gourbiere
Summary: Urbanization is a global trend that requires effective control measures to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases in urban areas. This study focuses on the risk of West Nile Virus (WNV) outbreaks in Merida, Mexico, due to changes in the bird community. The researchers developed a mathematical model and found that urbanization can significantly increase the duration and daily risk of WNV outbreaks, with the increase in Quiscalus mexicanus abundance having the largest impact. To mitigate the risks, reducing the mosquito population is crucial, and epidemiological monitoring combined with preemptive measures targeting both mosquitoes and birds is recommended.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christian Barnabe, Simone Frederique Breniere, Soledad Santillan-Guayasamin, Emmanuel J. P. Douzery, Etienne Waleckx
Summary: Chagas disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi is a neglected disease in Latin America. Genetic characterization of T. cruzi strains is crucial for epidemiological studies. This study used Next Generation Sequencing to sequence mitochondrial genes, single-copy nuclear genes, and the repeated intergenic part of the mini-exon gene to analyze T. cruzi genetic diversity. The results showed that single-copy nuclear genes are the gold standard for strain characterization, and mitochondrial markers are necessary for detecting introgression and heteroplasmy. However, caution should be exercised when using mini-exon sequences for typing and phylogenetic studies.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Arnaud Cannet, Camille Simon-Chane, Mohammad Akhoundi, Aymeric Histace, Olivier Romain, Marc Souchaud, Pierre Jacob, Darian Sereno, Karine Mouline, Christian Barnabe, Frederic Lardeux, Philippe Bousses, Denis Sereno
Summary: This study presents a new identification method using deep learning that can accurately classify and assign Anopheles species based on their wing interferential patterns. The method achieves high accuracy, including 100% accuracy for morphologically indistinguishable species within the Gambiae complex.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Michel Dollet, Sandrine Fabre, Maeva Beaumont, Christian Barnabe, Yak Namaliu, Alfred Kembu, Roland Bourdeix
Summary: Coconut plays a significant role in the nutrition and livelihoods of millions of households in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Papua New Guinea. However, the coconut diversity in the region is under threat from Bogia coconut syndrome, a new lethal phytoplasma disease. This study identified a new phytoplasma associated with the disease and found it to be the first LYTS group member in the Asian-Pacific region.
TROPICAL PLANT PATHOLOGY
(2022)