Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saumya Gupta, Adam J. Blake, Jeffrey A. Riffell
Summary: A new study reveals a distinct pattern of preference for human-associated olfactory cues that informs the selective behavior of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priscille Barreaux, Hilary Ranson, Geraldine M. M. Foster, Philip J. J. McCall
Summary: The blood feeding behavior of female mosquitoes, which affects their ability to transmit malaria, is not well understood in the presence of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). This study examines how both insecticide resistant and susceptible mosquitoes interact with different types of nets while attempting to blood feed on a human arm. The results showed that ITNs did not effectively prevent host searching but significantly reduced blood feeding success and volume for all mosquitoes, although the resistant mosquitoes were able to compensate for the decrease by accelerating their rate of blood ingestion.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaman Musdal, Aram Ismail, Birgitta Sjodin, Bengt Mannervik
Summary: Nobo is a crucial glutathione transferase (GST) in insects that contributes to their growth and the spread of diseases. It has been found to have efficient hydroxylase activity in insects containing the ketosteroid. Specific amino acid residues are essential for the catalytic activity of Nobo.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lateef. O. Busari, Haleemah O. Raheem, Zarat O. Iwalewa, Kamilu A. Fasasi, Monsuru A. Adeleke
Summary: The study evaluates the resistance and susceptibility of adult female Anopheles gambiae s. l., Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes to four groups of insecticides and the distribution of their larval habitat within Osogbo metropolis. The results indicate that Anopheles gambiae s. l. shows the highest resistance to Permethrin, while Aedes aegypti exhibits highest resistance against OC-Control. The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae s. l. and Culex quinquefasciatus to Pirimiphos-methyl and Aedes aegypti to Permethrin suggests the potential success of using these insecticides for vector control.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Arnaud Tepa, Jonas A. Kengne-Ouafo, Valdi S. Djova, Magellan Tchouakui, Leon M. J. Mugenzi, Rousseau Djouaka, Constant A. Pieme, Charles S. Wondji
Summary: The main malaria vector Anopheles gambiae in a pesticide-driven agricultural hotspot in Cameroon has developed resistance to multiple insecticides, leading to a loss in the efficacy of control interventions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joseph D. Challenger, Daniela Olivera Mesa, Dari F. Da, R. Serge Yerbanga, Thierry Lefevre, Anna Cohuet, Thomas S. Churcher
Summary: Transmission-blocking vaccines for malaria are being tested and their field efficacy is predicted to be higher than in laboratory conditions. Targeting school-aged children is recommended as it can have a significant impact in reducing malaria cases. Utilizing such vaccines alongside existing interventions could have substantial benefits in malaria control.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Hongying Zhang, Mingqiang Li, Ruixiang Tan, Changsheng Deng, Bo Huang, Zhibin Wu, Shaoqing Zheng, Wenfeng Guo, Fei Tuo, Yueming Yuan, Carlos Alberto Bandeira, D'almeida Herodes Rompao, Qin Xu, Jianping Song, Qi Wang
Summary: Malaria is a serious parasitic disease that kills thousands of people annually, particularly in Africa. Sao Tome and Principe have stable transmission of malaria, but local Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes show resistance to insecticides like DDT and fenitrothion. This resistance status, especially to cypermethrin, is concerning and requires serious consideration by the government for future malaria vector management.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Smita Das, Mara Maquina, Keeley Phillips, Nelson Cuamba, Dulcisaria Marrenjo, Francisco Saute, Krijn P. Paaijmans, Silvie Huijben
Summary: This study investigated the genetic diversity, population structure, and insecticide resistance profiles of mosquito populations. The results showed high levels of gene flow among mosquito populations and variation in insecticide resistance. These findings suggest that resistance markers may not capture all phenotypic variation, but high impact resistance genes are likely to spread easily in this area.
Article
Parasitology
Domonbabele F. D. S. Hien, Prisca S. L. Pare, Amanda Cooper, Benjamin K. Koama, Edwige Guissou, Koudraogo B. Yameogo, Rakiswende S. Yerbanga, Iain W. Farrell, Jean B. Ouedraogo, Olivier Gnankine, Rickard Ignell, Anna Cohuet, Roch K. Dabire, Philip C. Stevenson, Thierry Lefevre
Summary: The study shows that certain plant compounds in nectar can affect the lifespan of mosquitoes and the infection rate of parasites, but the effects of ricinine at different concentrations vary between the two species of mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Majo Carrasco-Tenezaca, Musa Jawara, Mahamed Y. Abdi, John Bradley, Otis Sloan Brittain, Sainey Ceesay, Umberto D'Alessandro, David Jeffries, Margaret Pinder, Hannah Wood, Jakob B. Knudsen, Steve W. Lindsay
Summary: The study found that raising buildings off the ground can effectively reduce malaria transmission in rural Gambia, as most malaria mosquitoes fly close to the ground and showed significantly reduced entry when buildings were elevated.
JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY INTERFACE
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Gregory C. Lanzaro, Melina Campos, Marc Crepeau, Anthony Cornel, Abram Estrada, Hans Gripkey, Ziad Haddad, Ana Kormos, Steven Palomares
Summary: Novel malaria control strategies involving genetically engineered mosquitoes (GEMs) aim to modify mosquito populations to be refractory to the malaria parasite through gene engineering. The selection of trial sites should prioritize maximizing success chances, minimizing risks, and serving as valid and convincing test locations, based on geographic, geological, and biological criteria. Physical islands are proposed as ideal GEM field trial sites due to their geographic and genetic isolation, biological complexity, and other key factors.
EVOLUTIONARY APPLICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Lorenz M. Hofer, Prisca A. Kweyamba, Rajabu M. Sayi, Mohamed S. Chabo, Sonali L. Maitra, Sarah J. Moore, Mgeni M. Tambwe
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), light microscopy (LM) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in detecting asymptomatic malaria infections that can transmit to mosquitoes. The results showed that mRDT detected the highest infection rate, while subpatent mRDT infections contributed marginally to the pool of oocyts-infected mosquitoes.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Naminata Tondossama, Chiara Virgillito, Zanakoungo Ibrahima Coulibaly, Verena Pichler, Ibrahima Dia, Alessandra della Torre, Andre Offianan Toure, Akre Maurice Adja, Beniamino Caputo, Rui-De Xue
Summary: Despite high usage of insecticide-treated bed nets, malaria transmission rates remain high in two studied villages, possibly due to mosquito and human behaviors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lesley A. Alton, Vanessa Kellermann
Summary: Climate warming is expected to increase ectotherms' energy demands by accelerating their metabolic rates. However, this prediction ignores environmental complexity such as species interactions. Through experiments with Drosophila species, we found that developmental acclimation to warmer temperatures can reduce the energetic cost of climate warming by reducing the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rates. However, interspecific interactions among larvae can erode this benefit, underestimating the metabolic costs of warming by 3-16% on average.
NATURE CLIMATE CHANGE
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Naminata Tondossama, Zanakoungo Coulibaly, Issouf Traore, Berenger A. Ako, Danielle D. Zoh, Chiara Virgillito, Negnorogo Guindo-Coulibaly, Paola Serini, Fabrice K. Assouho, Ibrahima Dia, Andre O. Toure, Maurice A. Adja, Beniamino Caputo, Alessandra della Torre, Verena Pichler
Summary: Anopheles gambiae and An. coluzzii are two mosquito species with significant roles in transmitting malaria in Africa. This study discovered two mixed populations of these two species in Cote d'Ivoire and investigated their nature. The current genomic markers were not sufficient to explain the origin of these unusual populations, highlighting the need for further analysis to understand their impact on malaria transmission and control.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Federica Guglielmo, Antoine Sanou, Thomas Churcher, Heather M. Ferguson, Hilary Ranson, Ellie Sherrard-Smith
Summary: The study found significant variation in outdoor Anopheles mosquito bite exposure between individuals and across seasons. In October, when Anopheles densities are highest, the risk of Anopheles bites per person per night ranged from 2.2 to 52.2, depending on hours spent indoors. Males and individuals over 21 years old were predicted to receive more bites in both sentinel villages.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Halfan S. Ngowo, Emmanuel E. Hape, Jason Matthiopoulos, Heather M. Ferguson, Fredros O. Okumu
Summary: This study found that poor larval survival, mating success, low fecundity, and shorter survival in laboratory conditions contribute to the difficulties in colonizing Anopheles funestus. Future research should focus on improving these aspects, especially addressing the mating issue.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tanya L. Russell, Lynn Grignard, Alan Apairamo, Nathan Kama, Albino Bobogare, Chris Drakeley, Thomas R. Burkot
Summary: The study conducted a malaria survey in 19 villages in the Solomon Islands, finding highly uneven distribution of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax infections. The majority of infections were afebrile, suggesting the need for strong active case detection and radical cure with primaquine for P. vivax infections. Village-level stratification based on passive and active case detection data could support a more cost-effective and successful malaria elimination programme.
Article
Parasitology
Richard Paul B. Malijan, Frank Mechan, Jessie C. Braganza, Kristelle Mae R. Valle, Ferdinand V. Salazar, Majhalia M. Torno, Wilfredo E. Aure, Brian A. Bacay, Fe Esperanza Espino, Stephen J. Torr, Kimberly M. Fornace, Chris Drakeley, Heather M. Ferguson
Summary: This study in Palawan Island, the Philippines, aimed to identify potential malaria vectors and their behavior. The results showed that the abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes, An. balabacensis and An. flavirostris, was relatively low and no Plasmodium infections were detected. These findings suggest lower exposure to P. knowlesi compared to neighboring countries and imply that An. balabacensis and An. flavirostris could potentially act as bridge vectors between humans and macaques.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoine Sanou, Luca Nelli, W. Moussa Guelbeogo, Fatoumata Cisse, Madou Tapsoba, Pierre Ouedraogo, N'fale Sagnon, Hilary Ranson, Jason Matthiopoulos, Heather M. Ferguson
Summary: Research in Burkina Faso showed that mosquito populations rapidly developed resistance to insecticides following mass LLIN distribution, while behavioral adaptations to avoid LLINs were not evident within the study period. Changes in the composition of mosquito species over two years were observed, potentially impacting the effectiveness of LLINs in malaria control. It is important to address both insecticide resistance and behavioral adaptations in vector control strategies.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Isabel Byrne, Wilfredo Aure, Benny O. Manin, Indra Vythilingam, Heather M. Ferguson, Chris J. Drakeley, Tock H. Chua, Kimberly M. Fornace
Summary: The study found that land-use changes and topography influence the suitability of larval habitats for malaria vectors, potentially explaining the link between P. knowlesi incidence and deforestation. Predictive maps and identification of influential spatial scales may help target vector control interventions effectively.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Ismail H. Nambunga, Betwel J. Msugupakulya, Emmanuel E. Hape, Issa H. Mshani, Najat F. Kahamba, Gustav Mkandawile, Daniel M. Mabula, Rukiyah M. Njalambaha, Emmanuel W. Kaindoa, Letus L. Muyaga, Marie R. G. Hermy, Frederic Tripet, Heather M. Ferguson, Halfan S. Ngowo, Fredros O. Okumu
Summary: Wild populations of An. funestus and An. arabiensis in these study villages can mate both inside and outside human dwellings. Most of the mating clearly happens before the mosquitoes enter houses, but additional mating happens indoors. The ecological significance of indoor mating remains to be determined.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Rebecca Brown, Milena Salgado-Lynn, Amaziasizamoria Jumail, Cyrlen Jalius, Tock-Hing Chua, Indra Vythilingam, Heather M. Ferguson
Summary: This study demonstrated the use of thermal imaging and mosquito magnet independence traps (MMIT) to assess the abundance, diversity, and infection rates of mosquitoes near long-tailed macaque sleeping sites in Malaysian Borneo. It was found that the primary Plasmodium knowlesi vector, Anopheles balabacensis, was trapped at higher abundance near sleeping sites. Although no positive P. knowlesi mosquitoes were found, two were infected with another simian malaria Plasmodium inui. Analysis of macaque stools confirmed a high prevalence of Plasmodium infection.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Najat F. Kahamba, Marceline Finda, Halfan S. Ngowo, Betwel J. Msugupakulya, Francesco Baldini, Lizette L. Koekemoer, Heather M. Ferguson, Fredros O. Okumu
Summary: This paper examines the importance of Anopheles funestus in sub-Saharan Africa and its impact on malaria transmission. An. funestus dominates in many areas in east and southern Africa and has shown high resistance to commonly used insecticides. The study finds that targeted larval source management and high quality insecticide methods based on the ecological characteristics of An. funestus can greatly reduce its population and malaria transmission.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Halfan S. Ngowo, Fredros O. Okumu, Emmanuel E. Hape, Issa H. Mshani, Heather M. Ferguson, Jason Matthiopoulos
Summary: This study developed a model that accurately reconstructed the population dynamics and ecology of An. funestus mosquitoes and examined their response to interventions. The results showed that seasonal variation and density dependence had a relatively minor impact on the stability and responsiveness of An. funestus populations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Doreen J. Siria, Roger Sanou, Joshua Mitton, Emmanuel P. Mwanga, Abdoulaye Niang, Issiaka Sare, Paul C. D. Johnson, Geraldine M. Foster, Adrien M. G. Belem, Klaas Wynne, Roderick Murray-Smith, Heather M. Ferguson, Mario Gonzalez-Jimenez, Simon A. Babayan, Abdoulaye Diabate, Fredros O. Okumu, Francesco Baldini
Summary: This study presents a rapid and cost-effective surveillance method for monitoring malaria vectors. By using the spectra of mosquito cuticle, the method can simultaneously identify the species and age class of the vectors. With a deep transfer learning model, it is able to predict the age of new populations and detect the impact of control interventions on mosquito populations.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Genevieve Kerr, Leanne J. Robinson, Tanya L. Russell, Joanne Macdonald
Summary: Accurate and timely testing is crucial for the control of both malaria and COVID-19, despite their differences in diagnosis. Learning from successful malaria control programs can provide insights for improving COVID-19 diagnostic strategies.
Article
Parasitology
Halfan S. Ngowo, Alex J. Limwagu, Heather M. Ferguson, Jason Matthiopoulos, Fredros O. Okumu, Luca Nelli
Summary: Improved methods for sampling outdoor-biting mosquitoes are crucial for monitoring vector-borne diseases. This study developed a statistical framework for predicting human-biting rates from different exposure-free alternatives and established a valuable framework for estimating human exposures based on trap catches.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Morgan Furlong, Andrew M. Adamu, Andrew Hoskins, Tanya L. Russell, Bruce Gummow, Maryam Golchin, Roslyn I. Hickson, Paul F. Horwood
Summary: Mathematical and geospatial mapping techniques were used to estimate the risk of Japanese encephalitis virus transmission in coastal and inland regions of Australia. Increased surveillance of waterbirds, feral pigs, and mosquito populations is recommended in areas with human and domestic pig populations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Morgan Furlong, Andrew Adamu, Roslyn I. Hickson, Paul Horwood, Maryam Golchin, Andrew Hoskins, Tanya Russell
Summary: By estimating the geographic distribution of mosquito species in Australia, we were able to identify high-risk communities for Japanese encephalitis virus transmission, highlighting the importance of further surveillance and research in Australia.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)