Article
Entomology
Shun-Hua Gui, Clauvis Nji Tizi Taning, Guy Smagghe
Summary: In this study, the involvement of myosuppressin (MS) in fecundity in the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) was investigated. Silencing of MS through RNA interference resulted in a significant reduction in oviposition and oocyte size in adult CPBs, highlighting the important role played by MS in regulating fecundity in CPB. The reduction in oviposition in treated females was confirmed to be dependent on MS knockdown and independent of male fertilization, with further effects on ecdysteroid hormone levels and receptor transcript levels.
Article
Emergency Medicine
Aleem Azal Ali, Belinda Bajric, Carmen L. Isache, Ravindra P. Maharaj
Summary: Chikungunya is an arboviral infection characterized by acute viral illness and inflammatory arthritis. First described in Tanzania in 1952, outbreaks had been limited to Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans until 2013. The disease spread to the Caribbean in late 2013 and subsequently to Central and South America. In the United States, there have been travel-associated cases of Chikungunya reported, with the first case acquired in Florida without international travel history.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Duo Peng, Evdoxia G. Kakani, Enzo Mameli, Charles Vidoudez, Sara N. Mitchell, Gennifer E. Merrihew, Michael J. MacCoss, Kelsey Adams, Tasneem A. Rinvee, W. Robert Shaw, Flaminia Catteruccia
Summary: In the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae, the sex steroids 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and 3-dehydro-20E (3D20E) regulate different reproductive functions. 3D20E maintains paternity by turning off female sexual receptivity and induces expression of a reproductive gene related to egg development. Female-derived 20E licenses oviposition in mated individuals once a specific kinase is repressed.
Article
Entomology
Luis Felipe Ramirez-Sanchez, Brenda Juliana Hernandez, Pablo Andres Guzman, Catalina Alfonso-Parra, Frank W. Avila
Summary: The study reveals that female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes become sexually receptive 1 day after emergence, but can ingest blood much sooner. There are differences in fertility between young and old females, with significant declines observed in fertility of old females after 2 weeks.
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ana Cristina S. Bombaca, Ana Caroline P. Gandara, Vitor Ennes-Vidal, Vanessa Bottino-Rojas, Felipe A. Dias, Luana C. Farnesi, Marcos H. Sorgine, Ana Cristina Bahia, Rafaela Bruno, Rubem F. S. Menna-Barreto
Summary: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can be infected by the trypanosomatid Strigomonas culicis, with the hydrogen peroxide-resistant strain having a greater infectiousness. Infection with both strains affects the oxidative environment in the mosquitoes' midgut, impacting reproductive fitness and immune-related gene expression.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Marieke M. de Swart, Carlijn Balvers, Niels O. Verhulst, Constantianus J. M. Koenraadt
Summary: Female mosquitoes depend on host blood for egg development, but the relationship between host blood composition and mosquito reproduction, as well as its connection to host selection, are still not well understood. This review provides an overview of the known effects of blood constituents on mosquito reproduction, identifies knowledge gaps, and proposes new research directions. Examining physiological differences between generalist and specialist mosquito species is recommended to investigate the correlation between host preference and reproductive output.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Jing Chen, Yu-Chen Wu, Jiu-Kai Chen, Xiao-Jing Zhu, David Merkler, Cheng-Hong Liao, Qian Han
Summary: In this study, two novel elongase genes were identified in Aedes aegypti, and their functions were investigated using RNAi methods. AeELO2 was found to be involved in larval molting and growth, and it regulated the flexibility and elasticity of adult mosquito cuticles. AeELO9 affected the cold tolerance, osmotic balance, and egg development in Aedes aegypti.
Article
Microbiology
Erik Neff, Christopher C. Evans, Pablo D. Jimenez Castro, Ray M. Kaplan, Guha Dharmarajan
Summary: Research results suggest that the transmission efficiency of drug-resistant parasites in the mosquito vector is not reduced, and the spread of drug-resistant parasites in the vertebrate population is unlikely to be mitigated by reduced fitness in the mosquito vector.
Article
Business
Jaskaran Singh, Gurbir Singh, Satinder Kumar, Ajeet N. Mathur
Summary: This research examines the impact of religiosity on impulsive and compulsive buying behaviors, finding a negative relationship between intrinsic religiosity and unrestrained buying, and a positive relationship with extrinsic religiosity. Additionally, the influence of extrinsic religiosity on unrestrained buying is mediated by susceptibility to interpersonal influence and moderated by long-term orientation.
JOURNAL OF RETAILING AND CONSUMER SERVICES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Sacha Horn, Manuel Ritter, Kathrin Arndts, Dennis Borrero-Wolff, Anna Wiszniewsky, Linda Batsa Debrah, Alexander Y. Debrah, Jubin Osei-Mensah, Mkunde Chachage, Achim Hoerauf, Inge Kroidl, Laura E. Layland
Summary: Over 200 million people worldwide are infected with filariae, causing severe symptoms and disability. This study found that lymphatic filariasis patients have distinct subsets of exhausted T cells, with increased expression of exhaustion-associated receptors on CD4(+) T cells. These patterns of T cell exhaustion may have implications for susceptibility to co-infections and the management of lymphatic filariasis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Hannah J. MacLeod, George Dimopoulos, Sarah M. Short
Summary: This study found that larval diet abundance has persistent impacts on the size and composition of microbiota in the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti. Nutrient-rich diet led to increased bacterial loads and shifts in microbiota composition, particularly in larval breeding water and larvae. The availability of diet during development can cause lasting shifts in the microbiota composition and quantity in the disease vector Aedes aegypti.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Nouman Javed, Adam J. Lopez-Denman, Prasad N. Paradkar, Asim Bhatti
Summary: The study developed an automatic mosquito egg counting tool, EggCountAI, based on Mask Region-based Convolutional Neural Network (RCNN), and compared its performance with two commonly used tools, ICount and MECVision. Results showed that EggCountAI performed significantly better on both microscopic and macroscopic images, outperforming ICount and MECVision.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christine A. Schneider, Eric Calvo, Karin E. Peterson
Summary: Arthropod-borne viruses, transmitted to humans through blood-feeding behavior of biting arthropods, have the potential to cause severe disease. Saliva and salivary gland extracts from these arthropod vectors can influence the trajectory of the host's immune response to viral infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Guan-Hong Wang, Stephanie Gamez, Robyn R. Raban, John M. Marshall, Luke Alphey, Ming Li, Jason L. Rasgon, Omar S. Akbari
Summary: This review explores the latest developments in pathogen-blocking Wolbachia and genome engineering approaches to mosquito-borne disease control, discussing their similarities and critical distinctions, as well as their potential future applications.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Mara Moreno-Gomez, Ruben Bueno-Mari, Miguel. A. Miranda
Summary: Research has shown that sublethal doses of pyrethroid can reduce mosquito population size, longevity, and biting rate while posing low risks to human and environmental health.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Frederick A. Partridge, Carole J. R. Bataille, Ruth Forman, Amy E. Marriott, Josephine Forde-Thomas, Cecile Haeberli, Ria L. Dinsdale, James D. B. O'Sullivan, Nicky J. Willis, Graham M. Wynne, Helen Whiteland, John Archer, Andrew Steven, Jennifer Keiser, Joseph D. Turner, Karl F. Hoffmann, Mark J. Taylor, Kathryn J. Else, Angela J. Russell, David B. Sattelle
Summary: Nine hundred million people are infected with soil-transmitted helminths, but current benzimidazole drugs have low cure rates and face parasite drug resistance. Researchers are developing new anthelmintic drugs specifically targeting whipworm, with DHB and DBQ compounds showing potential as broad-spectrum anthelmintics.
ACS INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Kelly L. Johnston, W. David Hong, Joseph D. Turner, Paul M. O'Neill, Stephen A. Ward, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: Through 14 years of research, two drugs specifically designed to target Wolbachia have been discovered and are currently undergoing clinical trials, aiming to provide shorter regimens of macrofilaricides to support the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Anesthesiology
B. Morton, A. Vercueil, R. Masekela, E. Heinz, L. Reimer, S. Saleh, C. Kalinga, M. Seekles, B. Biccard, J. Chakaya, S. Abimbola, A. Obasi, N. Oriyo
Summary: This study team developed guidance for addressing parachute research studies by recommending the submission of structured reflexivity statements with manuscripts reporting research conducted in low- or middle-income countries. They also suggest that journal editors should transparently publish these statements with accepted manuscripts and use them as a tool for decision-making.
Article
Parasitology
Desmond N. Akumtoh, Abdel J. Njouendou, Haelly M. Metuge, Hanna T. Sjoberg, Nicolas P. Pionnier, Valerine C. Chunda, Narcisse Victor T. Gandjui, Lontum B. Ndzeshang, Fanny F. Fombad, Raphael A. Abong, Peter A. Enyong, Jerome Fru-Cho, Mathias E. Esum, Manuel Ritter, Mark J. Taylor, Joseph D. Turner, Samuel Wanji
Summary: The presence of microfilaridermic cattle is the most important predictor of successful recovery of male worms after implantation into rodents, providing a promising source of adult O. ochengi. Male worms from microfilaridermic cattle have a higher success rate in a murine implant model. However, amicrofilaridermic Gudali cattle are still considered an important source of O. ochengi male worms with good viability after implantation into rodents from a programmatic point of view.
EXPERIMENTAL PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
K. Gleave, F. Mechan, L. J. Reimer
Summary: The study investigated the impact of insecticide selection on mosquito fitness traits, finding that different insecticides can affect mosquito development, survival, and reproductive success. The temephos-exposed strain showed advantages in some fitness traits but also demonstrated trade-offs in reproductive success. Furthermore, the study suggests that insecticide selection can lead to potential limitations in disease transmission potential.
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
John Mattick, Silvia Libro, Robin Bromley, Wanpen Chaicumpa, Matthew Chung, Darren Cook, Mohammad Behram Khan, Nikhil Kumar, Yee-Ling Lau, Shailja Misra-Bhattacharya, Ramakrishna Rao, Lisa Sadzewicz, Atiporn Saeung, Mohd Shahab, Benjamin C. Sparklin, Andrew Steven, Joseph D. Turner, Luke J. Tallon, Mark J. Taylor, Andrew R. Moorhead, Michelle Michalski, Jeremy M. Foster, Julie C. Dunning Hotopp
Summary: The lack of sequence diversity on chromosome X in certain filarial nematodes may be associated with factors such as drug resistance and adaptability. Species with neo-X chromosome fusions have abnormally large chromosome X containing a third of the genetic material, leading to a lack of sequence diversity in a significant portion of the genome, which could potentially impact filarial eradication efforts.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon Quek, Darren A. N. Cook, Yang Wu, Amy E. Marriott, Andrew Steven, Kelly L. Johnston, Louise Ford, John Archer, Janet Hemingway, Stephen A. Ward, Simon C. Wagstaff, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor
Summary: The research reveals that lymphatic filariasis microfilariae depleted of Wolbachia lose their ability to develop in the mosquito vector rapidly due to a down-regulation of chitinase enzymes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Entomology
Lisa J. Reimer, Maureen Laroche, Emma N. I. Weeks
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Relindis Ekanya, Elisabeth Dibando Obie, Louise Hamill, Sophie Thorogood, Raphael Awah Abong, Abdel Jelil Njouendou, Andrew Amuam, Bertrand Lontum Ndzeshang, Desmond Akumtoh Nkimbeng, Jerome Fru Cho, Mathias Eyong Esum, Peter Enyong, Joseph D. Turner, Mark J. Taylor, Samuel Wanji
Summary: The study in the Meme River Basin in Cameroon found active transmission of onchocerciasis, susceptibility of Simulium larvae to temephos, and identified nine cytospecies. Non-target aquatic fauna were also observed.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amy E. Marriott, Julio Furlong Silva, Nicolas Pionnier, Hanna Sjoberg, John Archer, Andrew Steven, Dale Kempf, Mark J. Taylor, Joseph D. Turner
Summary: The lack of a robust long-term in vitro culture model for adult-stage lymphatic filarial nematodes hinders the development of new drugs. Testing potential therapeutic candidates against adult lymphatic filariae in vitro requires chronic infection of gerbils. Evaluation of parasite burden data from different animal models suggests that immune-deficient mice may be superior to gerbils in generating adult worms for drug screening.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Joseph Pryce, Nils Pilotte, Benjamin Menze, Allison R. Sirois, Michael Zulch, Jean Pierre Agbor, Steven A. Williams, Charles S. Wondji, Lisa Reimer
Summary: Determining the presence of loiasis in a community is crucial for implementing mass drug administration programmes for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis. This study suggests that a xenosurveillance approach based on the molecular screening of mosquitoes and their excreta/feces for Loa loa DNA may provide a non-invasive method for detecting the community presence of loiasis.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nils Pilotte, Tamara Thomas, Michael F. Zulch, Allison R. Sirois, Corrado Minetti, Lisa J. Reimer, Steven A. Williams, Lori J. Saunders
Summary: Mansonella perstans, a neglected tropical disease, has been understudied due to assumptions of limited morbidity. However, recent evidence suggests potential for increased disease. Researchers have developed a new diagnostic assay that can accurately detect M. perstans in human blood samples and field-collected mosquito samples. This assay will improve mapping of M. perstans infection, explore the pathogen-vector relationship, and determine prevalence.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Entomology
Zanthe Kotze, Daniel Martin-Vega, Lisa J. Reimer, Emma N. I. Weeks
MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Xavier Badia-Rius, Salissou Adamou, Mark J. Taylor, Louise A. Kelly-Hope
Summary: The Niger LF Programme has made progress in eliminating lymphatic filariasis and scaling up morbidity management and disability prevention activities. A survey conducted in three non-endemic districts found a lower transmission rate and high bed net usage. This has implications for targeted mass drug administration and morbidity management services.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Grant A. Kay, Edward Patterson, Grant Hughes, Jennifer Lord, Lisa Reimer
Summary: In this study, the impact of knockdown resistance (kdr) gene on vector competence for the O'nyong-nyong virus (ONNV) was examined. The results showed no significant differences in the prevalence of virus in different body parts of mosquitoes between the kdr mutant and wildtype lines. Although the wildtype strain had slightly higher ONNV titre in the legs after intrathoracic microinjection, no other significant differences in viral titre were observed. ONNV was not detected in the saliva of mosquitoes from either strain.