Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Miguel Medina Munoz, Caitlyn Brenner, Dylan Richmond, Noah Spencer, Rita V. M. Rio
Summary: The transcriptomic analysis of tsetse flies revealed significant differences in gene expression between species, particularly in Wigglesworthia which may reflect differences in host co-evolution and adaptation. These differences could contribute to the variations in vector competence between tsetse species and provide insights for novel vector control strategies.
Article
Entomology
Kalinga Chilongo, Tawanda Manyangadze, Samson Mukaratirwa
Summary: The impact of human settlements on tsetse populations depends on distance; the further away from human settlements, the better the body size and physiological condition of tsetse flies.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Abraham Mayoke, Johnson O. Ouma, Paul O. Mireji, Stephen F. Omondi, Shadrack M. Muya, Andre Itoua, Sylvance O. Okoth, Rosemary Bateta
Summary: The study of genetic diversity of Glossina fuscipes in the Congo revealed high genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, genetic information exchange, and the impact of human intervention.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Ruobing Zhou, Yuan Gao, Nan Chang, Tai Gao, Delong Ma, Chao Li, Qiyong Liu
Summary: Glossina morsitans, a vector for Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), is primarily distributed in sub-Saharan Africa. This study utilized the Maxent model to analyze the relationship between climatic variables and G. morsitans distribution, projecting potentially suitable habitats under historical and future climate conditions. Results indicate that Isothermality and Precipitation of Wettest Quarter are key factors influencing the distribution of G. morsitans. Potential suitable areas may extend beyond Africa, and a decline in suitable habitats under future climate conditions is expected. Surveillance and preventive measures are recommended for high-risk regions.
Article
Microbiology
Calmes Ursain Bouaka Tsakeng, Tito Tresor Melachio Tanekou, Steve Feudjio Soffack, Inaki Tirados, Cedrique Noutchih, Flobert Njiokou, Jude Daiga Bigoga, Charles Sinclair Wondji
Summary: This study provides an inventory of tsetse bacterial communities in Cameroon and explores their possible associations with trypanosome establishment in Glossina palpalis palpalis. The results show significant differences in microbiome diversity and composition among tsetse species and between teneral and non-teneral flies, or between flies displaying or not displaying mature trypanosome infections. Some bacteria are associated with trypanosome maturation in tsetse flies and could be further investigated for potential vector control tools.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jackson Muyobela, Christian W. W. Pirk, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Catherine L. Sole
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of utilizing the vehicle-mounted sticky trap for the survey of Glossina morsitans in Zambia and predicts its spatial distribution using ecological niche models. The distribution of the tsetse species has reduced due to temperature and land cover changes. The sticky trap is recommended as an additional tool for tsetse surveys.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Paul O. Mireji, Clarence M. Mangera, Billiah K. Bwana, Ahmed Hassanali
Summary: Tsetse-transmitted trypanosomiases are neglected tropical diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa. Artificial bait technologies have been successfully used to reduce tsetse populations, and repellent-odor-based protection of livestock has been developed. The optimized attractant and repellent blends lay down useful groundwork for future development of tsetse fly control interventions.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Entomology
J. W. Hargrove, J. Van Sickle, R. K. Saini
Summary: The study found that n-pentadecane did not significantly increase the larviposition rate of tsetse flies, regardless of species, concentration, or the presence of other environmental factors. The physical characteristics of the burrow larviposition sites were more influential in increasing larviposition rates than the putative larviposition pheromones.
AFRICAN ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Arpron Leesombun, Sivapong Sungpradit, Sookruetai Boonmasawai, Thekhawet Weluwanarak, Suriyo Klinsrithong, Jiraporn Ruangsittichai, Sumate Ampawong, Roungthip Masmeatathip, Tanasak Changbunjong
Summary: This study found that the essential oil of Plectranthus amboinicus has contact and fumigant toxicities against stable fly and horse fly, making it a potential natural insecticide for controlling these fly species.
Article
Parasitology
Jan Votypka, Klara J. Petrzelkova, Jana Brzonova, Milan Jirku, David Modry, Julius Lukes
Summary: Researchers discovered several monoxenous trypanosomatids in the gut of tsetse flies in the protected areas of Central African Republic, suggesting that these flies may not only acquire nutrients through blood-feeding, but also potentially spread pathogens by consuming sugar and water.
FOLIA PARASITOLOGICA
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kat S. Rock, Ching- Huang, Ronald E. Crump, Paul R. Bessell, Paul E. Brown, Inaki Tirados, Philippe Solano, Marina Antillon, Albert Picado, Severin Mbainda, Justin Darnas, Emily H. Crowley, Steve J. Torr, Mallaye Peka
Summary: This study examines the transmission and control measures of gHAT in the Mandoul focus of Chad through model refinements. The results indicate that transmission has been interrupted since 2015, but further confirmatory testing and monitoring are recommended.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Thekhawet Weluwanarak, Tanasak Changbunjong, Arpron Leesombun, Sookruetai Boonmasawai, Sivapong Sungpradit
Summary: The insecticidal activity of Piper nigrum fruit essential oil (EO) against stable fly was evaluated through contact and fumigant toxicity tests. Chemical analysis revealed the major components of the EO. Results showed that fly mortality increased with EO concentration and time during the first 24 hours of exposure. The EO could be a potential natural insecticidal agent for controlling stable fly and further studies are needed to examine its efficacy through field trials and investigation of nano-formulations.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Kalinga Chilongo, Tawanda Manyangadze, Mukaratirwa Samson
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of trypanosome infection in tsetse flies along a gradient representing the quality of tsetse habitat and distance from human settlements. The results showed that in areas further from human settlements, there was a reduced likelihood of trypanosome infection, likely due to increased nutrition levels and fat reserves in tsetse flies, enhancing their immunity against trypanosome infection.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Stella Gachoki, Thomas Groen, Anton Vrieling, Michael Okal, Andrew Skidmore, Daniel Masiga
Summary: The study conducted in Kenya used species distribution models to predict potential breeding and foraging sites for Glossina pallidipes based on satellite-derived variables. The models provided insights into tsetse bionomics and could aid in prioritizing control areas for tsetse infestations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Tanasak Changbunjong, Sookruetai Boonmasawai, Sivapong Sungpradit, Thekhawet Weluwanarak, Arpron Leesombun
Summary: This study found that Citrus aurantium essential oil exhibits insecticidal activity against Stomoxys calcitrans, suggesting it can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides for stable fly control.
Article
Ecology
Sara Grove, Norah P. Saarman, Gregory S. Gilbert, Brant Faircloth, Karen A. Haubensak, Ingrid M. Parker
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Brian L. Weiss, Michele A. Maltz, Aurelien Vigneron, Yineng Wu, Katharine S. Walter, Michelle B. O'Neill, Jingwen Wang, Serap Aksoy
Review
Entomology
Serap Aksoy
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aurelien Vigneron, Michelle B. O'Neill, Brian L. Weiss, Amy F. Savage, Olivia C. Campbell, Shaden Kamhawi, Jesus G. Valenzuela, Serap Aksoy
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2020)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Peter J. Hotez, Serap Aksoy, Paul J. Brindley, Shaden Kamhawi
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rosemary Bateta, Norah P. Saarman, Winnie A. Okeyo, Kirstin Dion, Thomas Johnson, Paul O. Mireji, Sylvance Okoth, Imna Malele, Grace Murilla, Serap Aksoy, Adalgisa Caccone
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2020)
Article
Ecology
Sharifa G. Crandall, Norah Saarman, Gregory S. Gilbert
Article
Cell Biology
Nurper Guz, Asli Dageri, Boran Altincicek, Serap Aksoy
Summary: The study characterized three putative heat shock proteins from S. littoralis and analyzed their expression levels in response to various stressors. It was found that these Hsp genes might play significant roles in the response to biotic and abiotic stress, as well as in the regulation of developmental stages.
CELL STRESS & CHAPERONES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Evlyn Pless, Norah P. Saarman, Jeffrey R. Powell, Adalgisa Caccone, Giuseppe Amatulli
Summary: The study found that the combination of machine learning framework and iterative optimization process is effective in integrating genetic and environmental data, with good predictive ability for genetic distance of Ae. aegypti. Researchers also produced a map of genetic connectivity for Ae. aegypti's range in North America and discussed the important environmental and anthropogenic variables for predicting gene flow.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Jae Hak Son, Brian L. Weiss, Daniela I. Schneider, Kiswend-sida M. Dera, Fabian Gstoettenmayer, Robert Opiro, Richard Echodu, Norah P. Saarman, Geoffrey M. Attardo, Maria Onyango, Adly M. M. Abdalla, Serap Aksoy, Kirk W. Deitsch, Bruno Lemaitre, Kirk W. Deitsch, Bruno Lemaitre, Kirk W. Deitsch, Bruno Lemaitre
Summary: Research shows that the bacterium Spiroplasma has a negative impact on the reproductive physiology of tsetse flies, which could potentially be utilized for reducing tsetse population size and disease transmission.
Article
Microbiology
Liu Yang, Brian L. Weiss, Adeline E. Williams, Emre Aksoy, Alessandra de Silva Orfano, Jae Hak Son, Yineng Wu, Aurelien Vigneron, Mehmet Karakus, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Tsetse flies are vectors of parasitic African trypanosomes, the causative agents of human and animal African trypanosomoses. Inhibiting tsetse's ability to transmit trypanosomes by strengthening the fly's natural barriers can serve as an alternative approach to reduce disease. The peritrophic matrix (PM) is a chitinous and proteinaceous barrier that lines the insect midgut and inhibits infection with pathogens.
Article
Biology
Josefin Stiller, Graham Short, Healy Hamilton, Norah Saarman, Sarah Longo, Peter Wainwright, Greg W. Rouse, W. Brian Simison
Summary: By sampling ultraconserved elements and taxon, we reconstructed the phylogeny of syngnathids and discovered previously overlooked species diversity and significant biogeographic patterns. The changes in diversification rates suggest possible links to declining global temperatures, the separation of the Atlantic and Pacific faunas, and associated environmental changes.
Article
Ecology
Laura Vavassori, Ann-Christin Honnen, Norah Saarman, Adalgisa Caccone, Pie Muller
Summary: Aedes albopictus, an invasive species and disease vector, has been found north of the Alps, raising questions about its origins and the presence of overwintering populations. Population genomic data analysis revealed weak genetic structure and high levels of genetic admixture across the Alps, indicating rapid dispersal along transportation routes. The recovery of full siblings in consecutive years in France suggests the presence of overwintering populations. These findings highlight the increased risk of further northward expansion and the need for enhanced mosquito population surveillance in Northern Europe.
ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Brian L. Weiss, Rita V. M. Rio, Serap Aksoy
Summary: Wigglesworthia glossinidia is an endosymbiont of tsetse flies that is maternally transmitted and plays a crucial role in the physiological adaptations and immune system development of the flies.
Review
Microbiology
Jingwen Wang, Li Gao, Serap Aksoy
Summary: In this Review, the authors explore the impact of microbiota on vector physiology and competence, provide an overview of the common and unique characteristics of microbiota in major disease vector systems and discuss the potential applications of manipulating vector microbiota for vector control purposes. Vector arthropods, such as mosquitoes, ticks, flies, triatomine bugs and lice, play a role in transmitting various pathogens to mammals, posing a threat to human and animal health. These arthropods harbor symbiotic microorganisms, known as microbiota, which are essential for their development and reproduction. The authors summarize the key features of the symbiotic associations in major vector taxa and discuss the interactions between microbiota and their arthropod hosts, which influence vector metabolism and immune responses relevant for pathogen transmission success. They also highlight the use of symbiotic associations in developing alternative control methods to reduce vector populations and vector competence. The authors conclude by pointing out the remaining knowledge gaps in vector-microbiota interactions, which require further research for both basic understanding and practical applications.
NATURE REVIEWS MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)