Article
Biology
Benjamin Amoah, Robert S. McCann, Alinune N. Kabaghe, Monicah Mburu, Michael G. Chipeta, Paula Moraga, Steven Gowelo, Tinashe Tizifa, Henk van den Berg, Themba Mzilahowa, Willem Takken, Michele van Vugt, Kamija S. Phiri, Peter J. Diggle, Dianne J. Terlouw, Emanuele Giorgi
Summary: Monitoring malaria transmission intensity through parasite prevalence (PR) and entomological inoculation rate (EIR) is crucial for elimination and eradication efforts. Spatial and temporal variations in PR and EIR can provide a comprehensive picture of malaria epidemiology to inform control activities. The study in rural Malawi found overlapping hotspots of EIR and PR during high transmission seasons, with a 1-month delayed effect of EIR on PR.
Article
Immunology
Roland Bamou, Martin Rono, Teshome Degefa, Janet Midega, Charles Mbogo, Prophet Ingosi, Alice Kamau, Argaw Ambelu, Zewdie Birhanu, Kora Tushune, Edmond Kopya, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Timoleon Tchuinkam, Flobert Njiokou, Delenasaw Yewhalaw, Christophe Antonio Nkondjio, Joseph Mwangangi
Summary: The study revealed that mosquito biting behavior was closely associated with human behavior in the three settings. Malaria transmission was found to be high in Cameroon compared to Kenya and Ethiopia, with over 50% of infected bites recorded outdoors. Non-users of LLINs were at 2.5 to 3 times higher risk of acquiring malaria compared to users.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
P. Doumbe-Belisse, E. Kopya, C. S. Ngadjeu, N. Sonhafouo-Chiana, A. Talipouo, L. Djamouko-Djonkam, H. P. Awono-Ambene, C. S. Wondji, F. Njiokou, C. Antonio-Nkondjio
Summary: Sub-Saharan Africa is experiencing rapid urban population growth, with over 75% of the population expected to be living in urban settings by 2050. The study found high malaria transmission in rural compared to urban areas, but most cities have seen an increase in transmission after 2003. Anopheles gambiae complex species were the predominant vectors in urban settings, with larvae adapting to various aquatic habitats.
Article
Parasitology
Irene Nzioki, Maxwell G. Machani, Shirley A. Onyango, Kevin K. Kabui, Andrew K. Githeko, Eric Ochomo, Guiyun Yan, Yaw A. Afrane
Summary: This study assessed the biting patterns of potentially infectious malaria vectors in different ecological settings in western Kenya. The results showed heterogeneity of anopheline distribution, high outdoor malaria transmission, and early morning peak biting activity, especially in the absence of bednets indoors.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Theresia Estomih Nkya, Ulrike Fillinger, Onyango P. Sangoro, Rose Marubu, Emmanuel Chanda, Clifford Maina Mutero
Summary: This paper reviews entomological research on malaria vector control in six countries in southern Africa, highlighting the lack of information on malaria vectors and their control in frontline elimination countries. The study emphasizes the importance of strengthening research capacity and routine monitoring to enhance decision-making for malaria elimination.
Article
Parasitology
Ophilia Lukubwe, Tabeth Mwema, Rosalia Joseph, Deodatus Maliti, Iitula Iitula, Stark Katokele, Petrina Uusiku, Dennis Walusimbi, Sheila B. B. Ogoma, Cara Smith Gueye, Elodie Vajda, Allison Tatarsky, Edward Thomsen, Munya Tambo, Davis Mumbengegwi, Neil F. F. Lobo
Summary: The Namibia National Vector-borne Diseases Control Program conducted entomological surveillance to understand the drivers of malaria transmission. The findings showed low indoor resting rates and insecticide resistance, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and a resistance mitigation strategy.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lepa Syahrani, Dendi H. Permana, Din Syafruddin, Siti Zubaidah, Puji B. S. Asih, Ismail E. Rozi, Anggi P. N. Hidayati, Sully Kosasih, Farahana K. Dewayanti, Nia Rachmawati, Rifqi Risandi, Michael J. Bangs, Claus Bogh, Jenna Davidson, Allison Hendershot, Timothy Burton, John P. Grieco, Nicole L. Achee, Neil F. Lobo
Summary: This study investigates the behavior and characteristics of mosquitoes that bite humans at night in the Sumba Island, Indonesia. The researchers conducted biweekly human landing catches over a three-year period, capturing a total of 73,507 mosquito specimens. The study identified various species of mosquitoes that have the potential to transmit diseases such as malaria, filaria, and dengue. The data suggest that there is a high diversity of mosquito species with different behaviors, leading to mosquito-human contact both indoors and outdoors throughout the night. The study highlights the importance of implementing intervention strategies that are specific to each vector species and the need for molecular methods in species identification. Additionally, the findings emphasize the perennial transmission of mosquito-borne diseases in the area. Overall, this study provides valuable baseline and novel data for disease and vector-specific strategies in Indonesia.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Angel Rosas-Aguirre, Marta Moreno, Diamantina Moreno-Gutierrez, Alejandro Llanos-Cuentas, Marlon Saavedra, Juan Contreras-Mancilla, Jose Barboza, Freddy Alava, Kristhian Aguirre, Gabriel Carrasco, Catharine Prussing, Joseph Vinetz, Jan E. Conn, Niko Speybroeck, Dionicia Gamboa
Summary: The study provided an in-depth characterization of malaria transmission dynamics in remote riverine villages in the Peruvian Amazon, revealing high heterogeneity in malaria transmission both across and within villages. Factors such as housing structure and human behavior were found to be associated with malaria cases, with villages in the basin of the Mazan River being more susceptible to malaria transmission.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Stefani Piedrahita, Natali Alvarez, Nelson Naranjo-Diaz, Sara Bickersmith, Jan E. Conn, Margarita M. Correa
Summary: This study investigated the blood feeding sources and entomological indices of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria endemic regions of Colombia, revealing that An. nuneztovari preferentially feeds on dogs, while An. darlingi feeds on pigs, dogs, and Galliformes. These results are crucial for designing targeted control interventions to minimize human-vector contact.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ning Zhao, Ishaq Sesay, Hong Tu, Frederick Yamba, Liang Lu, Yuhong Guo, Xiuping Song, Jun Wang, Xiaobo Liu, Yujuan Yue, Haixia Wu, Qiyong Liu
Summary: The study identified An. gambiae as the dominant Anopheles species in Freetown, Sierra Leone, with An. gambiae s.s. being the predominant species within the An. gambiae complex. Surveillance of seasonal fluctuation and high P. falciparum infection rates in Anopheles suggest that June to July and October to November are crucial periods for malaria control and prevention. The high frequency of kdr allele mutations in An. gambiae calls for close monitoring of vector susceptibility to insecticides and tracking of resistance mechanisms to develop more effective vector control measures and strategies.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Brice Natchema S. Fonkou, Magellan Tchouakui, Benjamin D. Menze, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Derrick Fofie, Daniel Nguiffo-Nguete, Lucia Nkengazong, Jeannette Tombi, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: The study reveals the significant role of An. funestus s.s. in malaria transmission in Cameroon, with an exacerbation from GSTe2-based metabolic resistance.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
John B. Keven, Michelle Katusele, Rebecca Vinit, Daniela Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Manuel W. Hetzel, Leanne J. Robinson, Moses Laman, Stephan Karl, Edward D. Walker
Summary: A malaria control programme in Papua New Guinea, which involved distribution of long-lasting insecticidal bed nets and artemisinin combination therapy, resulted in significant reductions in vector abundance and malaria transmission intensity. However, a study conducted seven years later showed a reversal of these reductions to some extent.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Boulais Yovogan, Constantin J. Adoha, Bruno Akinro, Manfred Accrombessi, Edouard Dangbenon, Aboubakar Sidick, Razaki Osse, Gil G. Padonou, Louisa A. Messenger, Arsene Fassinou, Hermann W. Sagbohan, Clement Agbangla, Armel Djenontin, Esdras M. Odjo, Corine Ngufor, Jackie Cook, Natacha Protopopoff, Arthur Sovi, Martin C. Akogbeto
Summary: The selection of mosquito collection methods is crucial for evaluating the impact of vector control tools on entomological outcomes. In a cluster randomised control trial comparing the efficacy of different types of insecticidal nets, three mosquito collection methods were assessed: Human landing catches (HLC), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, and pyrethrum spray catches (PSC). The results showed that HLCs collected the highest number of mosquitoes, followed by CDC light traps, while PSCs collected the least. The study suggests that ethically acceptable, cheaper, and logistically simpler methods like CDC light traps could be prioritised in large community trials for measuring the efficacy of vector control tools.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alejandro Feged-Rivadeneira, Federico Andrade-Rivas, Felipe Gonzalez-Casabianca, Francisco J. Escobedo
Summary: There is a scale relationship between urbanization and disease transmission in Colombia, with contrary findings to previous epidemiological studies, as malaria shows higher infection intensity in smaller human settlements and specific ethnic groups.
GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Donato Antonio Raele, Francesco Severini, Daniela Boccolini, Michela Menegon, Luciano Toma, Ilaria Vasco, Ettore Franco, Pasquale Miccolis, Francesco Desiante, Vincenzo Nola, Pietrangelo Salerno, Maria Assunta Cafiero, Marco Di Luca
Summary: Malaria remains a potential public health issue in Italy, with the presence of former Anopheles vectors and imported cases requiring continuous monitoring. A study found high receptivity in surveyed areas, with the abundance of former malaria vectors related to environmental factors and anthropic activities. The possibility of local transmission re-emergence was highlighted, as seen in recent cases reported in Greece.
Article
Immunology
Nora Cespedes, Erinn L. Donnelly, Casey Lowder, Gretchen Hansten, Delaney Wagers, Anna M. Briggs, Joseph Schauer, Lori Haapanen, Magnus Abrink, Judy Van de Water, Shirley Luckhart
Summary: Increased mast cells and MC mediators have been observed in malaria-related bacteremia, but their role in malarial immunity is not well understood. Through studying Mcpt4 in malaria-induced bacteremia, it was found that Mcpt4 knockout mice had significantly lower parasitemia but increased intestinal permeability and altered ileal adherens junction E-cadherin. Additionally, differences in immune response were observed between Mcpt4(-/-) and Mcpt4(+/+) mice, suggesting a role for Mcpt4 in host immune response modulation during malaria infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Diana Carolina Rache-Arce, Maryuris Machacado-Salas, Doris Rosero-Garcia
Summary: This study aims to analyze the research on hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in Colombia. A literature search yielded 37 relevant articles, with the highest number of publications in 2018. The most frequently identified bacterial genera were Pseudomonas and Bacillus, and some studies suggested that bacterial consortia are more efficient in hydrocarbon degradation compared to pure cultures.
Correction
Entomology
Doris A. Rosero-Garcia, Giovan F. Gomez, Margarita M. Correa
ENTOMOLOGICAL NEWS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Chasity E. Trammell, Gabriela Ramirez, Irma Sanchez-Vargas, Laura A. St Clair, Oshani C. Ratnayake, Shirley Luckhart, Rushika Perera, Alan G. Goodman
Summary: This study demonstrates that targeting insulin signaling through the repurposing of small molecule drugs can effectively reduce viral replication and transmission of Zika virus. Activation of RNAi and JAK/STAT antiviral pathways by insulin signaling leads to a significant reduction in virus levels in mosquitoes. The findings suggest a potential field delivery approach to reduce virus transmission from mosquitoes to humans.
Article
Physiology
Anna M. Briggs, Malayna G. Hambly, Raquel M. Simao-Gurge, Sarah M. Garrison, Zainab Khaku, Grace Van Susteren, Edwin E. Lewis, Jeffrey A. Riffell, Shirley Luckhart
Summary: Ingesting 5-HT associated with severe malaria increases mosquito flight velocity and investigation of visual objects in response to host odor. It also increases the tendency of mosquitoes to take a second blood meal and enhances infection success with a specific malaria parasite. These findings provide insights for manipulating 5-HT signaling in mosquitoes to control malaria transmission.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Stefani Piedrahita, Natali Alvarez, Nelson Naranjo-Diaz, Sara Bickersmith, Jan E. Conn, Margarita M. Correa
Summary: This study investigated the blood feeding sources and entomological indices of Anopheles mosquitoes in malaria endemic regions of Colombia, revealing that An. nuneztovari preferentially feeds on dogs, while An. darlingi feeds on pigs, dogs, and Galliformes. These results are crucial for designing targeted control interventions to minimize human-vector contact.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Neha Thakre, Raquel M. Simao Gurge, Jun Isoe, Heather Kivi, Jessica Strickland, Lillian R. Delacruz, Anna M. Rodriguez, Reagan Haney, Rohollah Sadeghi, Teresa Joy, Minhao Chen, Shirley Luckhart, Michael A. Riehle
Summary: This study demonstrates that manipulating pantothenate kinase (PanK) activity and co-enzyme A (CoA) levels in mosquitoes can reduce malaria infection without significant effects on mosquito fitness.
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Ashleigh Roberds, Carolyne Kifude, Janet Oyieko, Stephen Ocholla, James Mutunga, David Oullo, Charles Waga, Zhaozhang Li, Shirley Luckhart, V. Ann Stewart
Summary: Despite significant developments towards malaria reduction, the transmission of parasites in the context of HIV-1 co-infection and treatment has not been fully understood. This study aimed to examine the impact of HIV-1-malaria co-infection, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and antimalarials on Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte prevalence and transmission to mosquitoes. The results showed that HIV-1 status and treatment did not predict gametocyte prevalence or transmission, but initiation of ART and antimalarial treatment was associated with a significant reduction in gametocyte prevalence in newly diagnosed HIV-1 and malaria positive individuals.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janet Oyieko, Nathanial K. Copeland, Solomon Otieno, Carolyne Kifude, Stephen Ocholla, Jack Hutter, Hunter Smith, Ashleigh Roberds, Shirley Luckhart, V. Ann Stewart
Summary: Individuals infected with HIV-1 are more likely to have asymptomatic parasitemia, which can potentially contribute to the spread of malaria. HIV treatment can help reduce the prevalence of asymptomatic parasitemia over time.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Tatyana Stefanovska, Shirley Luckhart, Lucas Ripa, Glen Stevens, Edwin Lewis
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Carolyne M. Kifude, Ashleigh Roberds, Janet Oyieko, Stephen Ocholla, Solomon Otieno, John N. Waitumbi, Jack Hutter, Hunter Smith, Nathanial K. Copeland, Shirley Luckhart, V. Ann Stewart
Summary: This study highlights significant interactions between malaria and HIV-1. HIV-1 negative individuals have a higher risk of malaria, while HIV-1 positive individuals on ART/TS have a reduced risk of asymptomatic malaria. The use of TS for malaria treatment has a long-term impact on asymptomatic malaria, while the use of antimalarial drug AL has a transient effect.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jordan Hernandez, Amado Villalobos-Leiva, Adriana Bermudez, Daniela Ahumada-C, Manuel J. Suazo, Margarita Correa, Angie Diaz, Hugo A. Benitez
Summary: This study analyzes the morphological variability of Caquetaia kraussii and finds that environmental stress influences about 10% of its body shape, while the majority of the variability is not directly influenced by environmental parameters, suggesting a possible effect from sexual dimorphism. Additionally, there is shape variation among populations of different localities, which may be subject to environmental and sexual stresses.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nelson Naranjo-Diaz, Juan C. Hernandez-Valencia, Giovan F. Gomez, Margarita M. Correa
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of anthropogenic land cover changes on the composition and diversity of Anopheles species in two Colombian malaria-endemic regions. The results showed that land cover variation significantly affected the Anopheles species, with forest variation playing a key role. The study highlighted the impact of environmental change on neotropical malaria vectors and its potential implications for vector control interventions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Brendan F. Riske, Shirley Luckhart, Michael A. Riehle
Summary: Malaria parasites rely on obtaining essential nutrients from their vertebrate and mosquito hosts for their survival. Pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is a vital nutrient that the parasite cannot produce on its own and is needed for its growth. This review explores the pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis pathway in the human-mosquito-malaria parasite triad and discusses potential strategies to disrupt this pathway and limit malaria parasite development in both hosts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Immunology
Erinn L. Donnelly, Nora Cespedes, Judy A. Van de Water, Shirley L. Luckhart
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)