Article
Parasitology
Darine Slama, Rihab Baraket, Latifa Remadi, Emna Chaker, Hamouda Babba
Summary: The study aimed to develop accurate tools for distinguishing C. oxystoma from C. kingi in developing countries, identifying morphological characteristics and molecular identification methods for species differentiation. The presence of C. oxystoma in Tunisia was confirmed for the first time, highlighting the efficiency of the PCR-RFLP method.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Luis Paulo Costa Carvalho, Antonio Marques Pereira Junior, Paula Frassinetti Medeiros de Paulo, Geisiane Santos Silva, Glaucilene da Silva Costa, Moises Thiago de Souza Freitas, Felipe Arley Costa Pessoa, Jansen Fernandes Medeiros
Summary: This study used molecular tools to evaluate the blood meal sources of Culicoides biting midges from sylvatic environments in Brazil, identifying a high diversity of blood meal sources. The abundance of Culicoides in the canopy may be related to the fact that the majority of blood meal hosts feed in treetops. The study enhances our knowledge of the feeding profile of biting midges from forest environments and can help define zoonotic transmission cycles in the future.
Article
Parasitology
Samantha E. Allen, Stacey L. Vigil, Tara Furukawa-Stoffer, Nicole Colucci, Aruna Ambagala, David L. Pearl, Mark G. Ruder, Claire M. Jardine, Nicole M. Nemeth
Summary: This study investigated the distribution and abundance of Culicoides spp. in southern Ontario, Canada, and examined the influence of meteorological and ecological risk factors on the abundance of C. biguttatus, C. stellifer, and Avaritia subgenus. The results showed that meteorological and ecological factors had a significant impact on the abundance of these Culicoides spp.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
Zuzana Kasicova, Andrea Schreiberova, Andrea Kimakova, Alica Kocisova
Summary: The study found that Culicoides species in Slovakia can feed on mammals, birds, rodents, and humans, marking the first investigation into the trophic preferences of Culicoides species.
Article
Entomology
Raisa Rodrigues Santos Rios, Maria Clara Alves Santarem, Karlos Antonio Lisboa Ribeiro Junior, Breno Araujo de Melo, Sybelle Georgia Mesquita da Silva, Neuriane Cavalcante da Silva, Vitoria Regina Viana dos Santos, Jakeline Maria dos Santos, Antonio Euzebio Goulart Santana, Angelina Bossi Fraga
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence of Culicoides insects in the state of Alagoas in northeast Brazil, confirming the first report of Culicoides insignis in the area. Culicoides are hematophagous insects that are vectors of important human and animal diseases, and understanding their geographic distribution is crucial for control strategies.
Article
Parasitology
Ying Liang Duan, Zhen Xing Yang, Glenn Bellis, Le Li
Summary: The study conducted in Wulong village, Shizong County, Yunnan Province, China, involved collecting biting midges and isolating viruses, confirming that one species of midge, Culicoides jacobsoni, could potentially transmit TIBOV.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Pairot Pramual, Panya Jomkumsing, Komgrit Wongpakam, Kotchaphon Vaisusuk, Wasupon Chatan, Bhuvadol Gomontean
Summary: This study used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences as genetic markers to evaluate the level of genetic diversity and the genetic structure of Culicoides mahasarakhamense from Thailand. Results showed that the level of genetic diversity was relatively high, but most populations were not genetically different. However, one population from northern Thailand was found to be genetically highly different from others, possibly due to historical population isolation and geographic distance separation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yoamel Milian-Garcia, Christopher A. Hempel, Lauren A. A. Janke, Robert G. Young, Tara Furukawa-Stoffer, Aruna Ambagala, Dirk Steinke, Robert H. Hanner
Summary: By sequencing the mitochondrial genomes of two Culicoides species, comparing different assembly tools, and identifying the best strategy and tools, this study provides a basis for molecular identification of Culicoides species.
Article
Entomology
Yoamel Milian-Garcia, Lauren A. A. Janke, Robert G. Young, Aruna Ambagala, Robert H. Hanner
Summary: This study utilized environmental DNA metabarcoding to identify Culicoides species, demonstrating the effectiveness of this molecular-based identification method for biosurveillance of flighted insects. However, inconsistency in morphological identifications of Culicoides specimens to the species level highlighted the importance of curated DNA reference libraries for Culicoides. The saturated salt solution used in traps preserved morphological characteristics and environmental DNA, contributing significantly to the study.
Article
Virology
Sarah Thabet, Soufien Sghaier, Thameur Ben Hassine, Darine Slama, Raja Ben Osmane, Ridha Ben Omrane, Wiem Mouelhi, Massimo Spedicato, Alessandra Leone, Liana Teodori, Valentina Curini, Moncef Othmani, Shadia Berjaoui, Paola Ripa, Makram Orabi, Bassem Belhaj Mohamed, Ayda Sayadi, Sonia Ben Slama, Maurilia Marcacci, Giovanni Savini, Alessio Lorusso, Salah Hammami
Summary: EHDV-8 was found in deer carcasses in the national reserve of El Feidja, Jendouba, Northwestern Tunisia in 2021 and 2022. Insect vectors carrying EHDV-8, mainly Culicoides kingi and Culicoides oxystoma species, were collected in the areas surrounding Tozeur city in Southern Tunisia.
Article
Parasitology
Pairot Pramual, Panya Jomkumsing, Waraporn Jumpato, Sirilak Bunauea
Summary: This study used a molecular approach to detect haemosporidian parasites in six biting midge species in Thailand, finding three species of these parasites. The study suggests that biting midges may be competent vectors of these parasites, with further investigation needed for confirmation.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carlos Barcelo, Ricardo del Rio, Miguel A. Miranda
Summary: This study analyzed the activity of two vector species, Culicoides imicola and Culicoides obsoletus, in Europe during the period from sunset to sunrise. It also compared the Culicoides populations in two different areas in Mallorca, Spain. The results showed that C. obsoletus was most abundant in June and active during the first three hours after sunset, while C. imicola had the highest captures in October and more evenly distributed activity during the night. The populations in the two areas were composed of the same species, but had significant differences in abundance and sex ratio. These findings provide valuable insights for understanding the ecology of Culicoides and developing more effective strategies for disease control.
Article
Entomology
Bhuvadol Gomontean, Kotchaphon Vaisusuk, Wasupon Chatan, Komgrit Wongpakam, Papasara Sankul, Laksika Lachanthuek, Ronnalit Mintara, Isara Thanee, Pairot Pramual
Summary: In this study, we investigated the species diversity, abundance, and host blood source of the biting midge genus Culicoides Latreille in cattle pens located in three different land use areas. We found that cattle pens in villages and agricultural lands had higher abundance but lower diversity compared to those near the forest. Biting midge species in the cattle pens preferred buffalos as their blood source, despite their lower abundance compared to cows or chickens.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yuwen He, Jinxin Meng, Nan Li, Zhao Li, Taoying Yu, Laxi Zhang, Dongmei Wang, Guoping Liu, Jinglin Wang
Summary: In this study, a new species of Culicoides (Sinocoides) jiangchengensis Wang et Liu sp. nov is described and compared with other species in the subgenus Sinocoides. The morphological characteristics and genetic relationship of C. jiangchengensis are discussed, and a checklist of 10 species in the subgenus Sinocoides in China is provided, along with an updated key for species identification.
Article
Parasitology
Jack Pilgrim, Stefanos Siozios, Matthew Baylis, Gert Venter, Claire Garros, Gregory D. D. Hurst
Summary: The study reveals a linkage disequilibrium between the endosymbiont Cardinium and mitochondria in Culicoides imicola populations, indicating potential gene flow of the endosymbiont within the Mediterranean basin. Mitotype variations between Eastern and Western Mediterranean basins mirror Cardinium-infection heterogeneity, cautioning against the sole use of the COI marker for determining population structure and movement in C. imicola. Additional molecular markers are suggested for complementing the assessment of population structure and gene flow.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Latifa Remadi, Maribel Jimenez, Najla Chargui, Najoua Haouas, Hamouda Babba, Ricardo Molina
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Entomology
Najla Chargui, Darine Slama, Najoua Haouas, Latifa Rmadi, Hamouda Babba
JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY
(2018)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ibtissem Lahmar, Arwa Lachkhem, Oussama Babba, Darine Slama, Aida Trabelsi, Karine Passebosc-Faure, Marie Laure Darde, Hamouda Babba
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Latifa Remadi, Najla Chargui, Maribel Jimenez, Ricardo Molina, Najoua Haouas, Estela Gonzalez, Raja Chaabane-Banaouas, Eya Ben Salah, Mohsen Haddaji, Yassine Chaabouni, Hamouda Babba
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Parasitology
Najoua Haouas, Talal Alharazi, Asma Obaid Al Rasheedi, Rafat Zreiq, Fahad Algahtani
Summary: Due to Saudi Arabia's high-income economy, many families hire foreign housemaids, increasing the risk of transmitting intestinal parasites to the community. A study in northwestern Saudi Arabia found that 20.11% of foreign housemaids were infected with intestinal parasites, including helminths and protozoans. More vigilance and follow-up are needed to address this public health concern.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Talal H. Alharazi, Najoua Haouas, Hesham M. Al-Mekhlafi
Summary: This study found a low level of knowledge about different epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis among rural endemic communities in Taiz, Yemen. It is recommended to provide targeted health education on disease transmission and prevention to improve the situation.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fahad D. Algahtani, Mohamed Ali Alzain, Najoua Haouas, Khadijah Angawi, Bandar Alsaif, Adel Kadri, Mohamed A. Dkhil, Mejdi Snoussi, Rafat Zrieq
Summary: The study found that most Saudi participants had positive Islamic attitudes and practices during the COVID-19 lockdown, but elders and males were less likely to adhere to preventive measures during worship, while younger individuals, females, and unmarried individuals were less likely to adhere to preventive measures when dealing with COVID-19 related death. Despite the overall positive Islamic attitudes and practices, targeted health education interventions are recommended for specific risk groups to improve adherence to preventive measures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafat Zrieq, Asma M. Khemakhem, Najoua Haouas, Mohammed G. M. Zeariya, Fares Alshammari, Fahad D. Algahtani
Summary: Given the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, accurate diagnosis and isolation of infected individuals are crucial for swiftly containing the disease. The increasing mutations in the virus RNA sequence pose a challenge for molecular diagnostics, requiring unconventional strategies for effective containment. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 differs from other Coronaviridae viruses, necessitating comprehensive and innovative diagnostic approaches.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Darine Slama, Rihab Baraket, Latifa Remadi, Emna Chaker, Hamouda Babba
Summary: The study aimed to develop accurate tools for distinguishing C. oxystoma from C. kingi in developing countries, identifying morphological characteristics and molecular identification methods for species differentiation. The presence of C. oxystoma in Tunisia was confirmed for the first time, highlighting the efficiency of the PCR-RFLP method.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Mycology
Wissal Chebil, Najoua Haouas, Raja Chaabane-Banaoues, Latifa Remadi, Najla Chargui, Selim M'rad, Sameh Belgacem, Azer Ben Salah, Hichem Belhadj Ali, Zeineb Chemli, Marwa Lakoudi, Claudia Cafarchia, Hamouda Babba
Summary: This study defined the clinical features of pityriasis versicolor (PV) in Tunisia, characterized Malassezia isolates using phenotypic and molecular techniques, and found no significant association between species and clinical parameters.
JOURNAL DE MYCOLOGIE MEDICALE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Wissal Chebil, Wafa Rhimi, Najoua Haouas, Valentina Romano, Sameh Belgacem, Hichem Belhadj Ali, Hamouda Babba, Claudia Cafarchia
Summary: Enzymatic activities, biofilm formation, and antifungal profiles play a role in the pathogenicity of Malassezia spp. and may explain their involvement in invasive fungal infections and inflammation.
Article
Microbiology
Wissal Chebil, Najoua Haouas, Elja Eskes, Paul Vandecruys, Sameh Belgacem, Hichem Belhadj Ali, Hamouda Babba, Patrick Van Dijck
Summary: Malassezia yeasts, as emerging pathogens associated with dermatological and systemic infections, show different in vitro antifungal susceptibility profiles in pityriasis versicolor lesions and healthy controls, highlighting the importance of accurately evaluating their susceptibility for guiding specific and effective treatment regimens.
Article
Virology
Sarah Thabet, Soufien Sghaier, Thameur Ben Hassine, Darine Slama, Raja Ben Osmane, Ridha Ben Omrane, Wiem Mouelhi, Massimo Spedicato, Alessandra Leone, Liana Teodori, Valentina Curini, Moncef Othmani, Shadia Berjaoui, Paola Ripa, Makram Orabi, Bassem Belhaj Mohamed, Ayda Sayadi, Sonia Ben Slama, Maurilia Marcacci, Giovanni Savini, Alessio Lorusso, Salah Hammami
Summary: EHDV-8 was found in deer carcasses in the national reserve of El Feidja, Jendouba, Northwestern Tunisia in 2021 and 2022. Insect vectors carrying EHDV-8, mainly Culicoides kingi and Culicoides oxystoma species, were collected in the areas surrounding Tozeur city in Southern Tunisia.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafat Zrieq, Najoua Haouas, Reem M. Ali, Hamoud F. Alshammari, Fahad D. Algahtani
Summary: COVID-19 has spread abnormally compared to other beta-coronaviruses, affecting over 130 million humans. The study aims to compare the genomic and proteomic characteristics of SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, and their potential cross-immunity for prevention and treatment of COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rafat Zreiq, Najoua Haouas, Asma M. Khemakhem, Rawan M. Obeidat, Reem M. Ali, Asma Ayyed AL-Shammary, Bandar Alsaif, Fahad D. Algahtani
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2020)