Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Petr Blabolil, Lynsey R. Harper, Stepanka Ricanova, Graham Sellers, Cristina Di Muri, Tomas Juza, Mojmir Vasek, Zuzana Sajdlova, Pavel Rychtecky, Petr Znachor, Josef Hejzlar, Jiri Peterka, Bernd Hanfling
Summary: Biomonitoring of complex heterogeneous environments presents challenges, and using environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a promising technique for monitoring fish populations in reservoirs. Factors such as temperature, water age, and trophic status play important roles in determining fish distribution, and eDNA detection reflects ecological niches of different species. The study provides evidence that eDNA metabarcoding is a viable option for fish monitoring in reservoirs.
ECOLOGICAL INDICATORS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Opale Coutant, Cecile Richard-Hansen, Benoit de Thoisy, Jean-Baptiste Decotte, Alice Valentini, Tony Dejean, Regis Vigouroux, Jerome Murienne, Sebastien Brosse
Summary: The study found that aquatic eDNA metabarcoding has the potential to inventory mammals in Neotropical environments, providing additional data for diurnal nonaquatic species and detecting species not found in line transect surveys, such as semi-aquatic, aquatic and nocturnal terrestrial and arboreal species. Although further developments are needed, eDNA can be used as a complement to traditional surveys.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrea Corral-Lou, Ignacio Doadrio
Summary: The study demonstrates that eDNA metabarcoding is a powerful tool for monitoring freshwater fish composition and uncovering cryptic diversity in the Iberian Peninsula. However, the need for a local genetic database for accurate interpretation and cautious use of mitochondrial DNA markers is highlighted.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew C. Yates, Melania E. Cristescu, Alison M. Derry
Summary: Research has shown strong correlations between eDNA concentrations and organism abundance in laboratory experiments, but weaker correlations in natural environments due to various influencing factors. Future research must address these factors, including integrating organism physiology, eDNA dynamics, and key environmental parameters to improve accuracy. Despite challenges, recent developments indicate potential for eDNA to provide rough quantitative estimates of abundance in natural ecosystems when models incorporate physiology and eDNA dynamics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iain Perry, Ifan B. Jams, Roser Casas-Mulet, Josefina Hamutoko, Angela Marchbank, Selma Lendelvo, Erold Naomab, Benjamin Mapani, Simon Creer, Heike Wanke, Isabelle Durance, Peter Kille
Summary: eDNA approaches, by identifying DNA fragments in the environment, offer a cost-effective tool for monitoring biodiversity. This study tested eDNA protocols in semi-arid ecosystems in Namibia and successfully gathered data on various organisms. However, challenges such as high turbidity and a lack of reference data were identified.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Thomas A. Wilding, Thorsten Stoeck, Barbara J. Morrissey, Silvia Ferreira Carvalho, Mark W. Coulson
Summary: Man's impacts on global ecosystems are increasing and there is a growing demand for appropriate monitoring. Metabarcoding provides an alternative to morphology-based identification and can improve the accuracy of monitoring by removing less frequent DNA sequences.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter A. U. Staehr, Karsten Dahl, Helle Buur, Cordula Goeke, Rumakanta Sapkota, Anne Winding, Marina Panova, Matthias Obst, Per Sundberg
Summary: This study investigated the use of eDNA metabarcoding as a supplement to traditional diver-based monitoring of marine boulder reef biodiversity within the photic zone. The results showed that eDNA sampling provided a substantial supplement to traditional monitoring, despite a low detection of macroalgae. This suggests that eDNA methods should be added to conventional monitoring programs in the future.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Paula Suarez-Bregua, Miguel Alvarez-Gonzalez, Kim M. Parsons, Josep Rotllant, Graham J. Pierce, Camilo Saavedra
Summary: Monitoring marine mammal populations is crucial for assessing their status. Traditional methods have limitations, while environmental DNA (eDNA) offers a cost-effective and sensitive tool to monitor marine mammals, especially for rare, elusive, or threatened species.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Juan Li, Peter Seeber, Jan Axtner, Rachel Crouthers, Milou Groenenberg, Arnulf Koehncke, Alexandre Courtiol, Pin Chanratana, Alex D. Greenwood
Summary: Observation-based methods in wildlife monitoring are limited to well-characterized species, while environmental DNA (eDNA) can complement them by detecting multiple taxa with less labor-intensive sample collection. Hybridization capture and metabarcoding are two eDNA methods with different strengths, and combining them can improve sensitivity and species detection.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
John Gilbey, Gary Carvalho, Rita Castilho, Ilaria Coscia, Mark W. Coulson, Geir Dahle, Sofie Derycke, Sara M. Francisco, Sarah J. Helyar, Torild Johansen, Claudia Junge, Kara K. S. Layton, Jann Martinsohn, Iveta Matejusova, Joana I. Robalo, Naiara Rodriguez-Ezpeleta, Goncalo Silva, Ilona Strammer, Anti Vasemagi, Filip A. M. Volckaert
Summary: Effective management of marine fisheries and ecosystem monitoring require analysis of complex information, with increasing legislative demands for good environmental status. Utilizing environmental DNA for data collection presents new cost-effective methods for revolutionizing marine data collection.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kathrin Pascher, Vid Svara, Michael Jungmeier
Summary: Novel methods for species detection based on collection of environmental DNA have great potential in biodiversity assessment and conservation practice, offering precise and rapid species identification. These methods could serve as supplement or even substitutes for conventional monitoring methods used in protected areas.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Philip D. Lamb, Vera G. Fonseca, David L. Maxwell, Chibuzor C. Nnanatu
Summary: Environmental DNA (eDNA) has been widely used in ecological studies and management applications. The decay rate of eDNA is influenced by temperature and environment, but not by DNA type or fragment length. Factors such as ultraviolet light, pH, and microbial load have not been sufficiently studied. Further research is needed to understand the decay of eDNA in aquatic environments.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaoyu Chen, Yueqiao Kong, Shan Zhang, Jindong Zhao, Sheng Li, Meng Yao
Summary: The study evaluates the performance of different types of sorbents and filter membranes for capturing eDNA in aquatic environments. Glass fiber filters (GF) were found to be the most effective in both laboratory and field experiments, capturing a high quantity of amphibian and fish eDNA within a short time.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Vera M. A. Zizka, Jan Koschorreck, Collins C. Khan, Jonas J. Astrin
Summary: Human-induced biodiversity loss and changes in community composition are major challenges. Molecular methods provide tools for biodiversity assessments and ESBs can play a crucial role in long-term storage of environmental samples, especially when cooperating with Biodiversity Biobanks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES EUROPE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luhan Wu, Tomonori Osugi, Takashi Inagawa, Jiro Okitsu, Shogo Sakamoto, Toshifumi Minamoto
Summary: Periodic monitoring is important for the protection of endangered fish, sustainable use of fishery resources, and management of alien species. This study developed a quantitative metabarcoding approach to simultaneously quantify the eDNA concentration of an entire fish assemblage in a small reservoir. The results showed that this approach is highly consistent with traditional fish monitoring methods and can provide valuable information for the ecological monitoring of multiple fish species.
MOLECULAR ECOLOGY RESOURCES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Stephen A. Spencer, Emmanuel H. Andriamasy, Cortland Linder, James M. StJ Penney, Jemima Henstridge-Blows, Hannah J. Russell, Kate Hyde, Caitlin Sheehy, Isla L. Young, Benedicte Sjoflot, Daniel A. L. Rakotomampianina, Anjara M. Nandimbiniaina, Gina U. Raderalazasoa, Tahiry N. Ranaivoson, Antsa Andrianiaina, Rasolofomanana S. M. Michele, Zafera A. Rohe, Amaya L. Bustinduy, J. Russell Stothard, Sheena M. Cruickshank, Glenn T. Edosoa, Alain M. Rahetilahy
Summary: Schistosomiasis control requires multisectoral approaches including praziquantel treatment, access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene, and health education. Community input can help ensure health education programs are culturally appropriate to effectively direct protective behavior change. This study reports on the development of an education program for Malagasy children, which resulted in significant improvements in their knowledge and practices related to intestinal schistosomiasis. Continued investment in these tailored education programs can promote the future well-being of children through increased participation in control and treatment activities.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Neil D. Young, Andreas J. Stroehlein, Tao Wang, Pasi K. Korhonen, Margaret Mentink-Kane, J. Russell Stothard, David Rollinson, Robin B. Gasser
Summary: This study reports the genome of the snail Bulinus truncatus, which is an intermediate host for the human blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium. The authors explore protein groups involved in the snail's interaction with the parasite and identify expansions in gene families linked to immune response regulation. Understanding this snail-parasite relationship could inform interventions to interrupt transmission of schistosomiasis.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andreas J. Stroehlein, Pasi K. Korhonen, V. Vern Lee, Stuart A. Ralph, Margaret Mentink-Kane, Hong You, Donald P. McManus, Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente, J. Russell Stothard, Parwinder Kaur, Olga Dudchenko, Erez Lieberman Aiden, Bicheng Yang, Huanming Yang, Aidan M. Emery, Bonnie L. Webster, Paul J. Brindley, David Rollinson, Bill C. H. Chang, Robin B. Gasser, Neil D. Young
Summary: Urogenital schistosomiasis, caused by the blood fluke Schistosoma haematobium, affects over 100 million people globally. Research on the genome of S. haematobium reveals important biological and disease traits, which can contribute to improved control of the disease.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yaya Ibrahim Coulibaly, Moussa Sangare, Housseini Dolo, Salif Seriba Doumbia, Siaka Yamoussa Coulibaly, Ilo Dicko, Abdoul Fatao Diabate, Michel Emmanuel Coulibaly, Lamine Soumaoro, Abdallah Amadou Diallo, Massitan Dembele, Sekou Fantamady Traore, Michelle Stanton, Benjamin Guibehi Koudou, Amy Deborah Klion, Thomas B. Nutman, Louise Kelly-Hope, Moses John Bockarie
Summary: This study compares different mosquito collection methods and finds that the Ifakara tent trap type C (ITTC) is a good alternative to human landing catch (HLC) for monitoring the transmission of lymphatic filariasis and malaria.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Daniel McDowell, Lisa Hurt, Narcis B. Kabatereine, John Russell Stothard, Joanne Lello
Summary: Plasmodium-Schistosoma mansonicoinfections are associated with a reduced Plasmodium intensity in preschool-aged children. This relationship, however, is modified by prior infections, host age, and family wealth. Future research should assess whether these interactions impact host health and parasite control efficacy.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Nathan C. Lo, Fernando Schemelzer Moraes Bezerra, Daniel G. Colley, Fiona M. Fleming, Mamoun Homeida, Narcis Kabatereine, Fatma M. Kabole, Charles H. King, Margaret A. Mafe, Nicholas Midzi, Francisca Mutapi, Joseph R. Mwanga, Reda M. R. Ramzy, Fadjar Satrija, J. Russell Stothard, Mamadou Souncalo Traore, Joanne P. Webster, Juerg Utzinger, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Anthony Danso-Appiah, Paolo Eusebi, Eric S. Loker, Charles O. Obonyo, Reginald Quansah, Song Liang, Michel Vaillant, M. Hassan Murad, Paul Hagan, Amadou Garba
Summary: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease infecting approximately 250 million people worldwide, has been controlled through preventive chemotherapy programs. However, the recent increase in scientific evidence and the global supply of praziquantel has resulted in the need to update public health guidance. In 2022, the WHO published new guidelines that expand preventive chemotherapy eligibility, lower the prevalence threshold for treatment, and increase the frequency of treatment.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Song Liang, Keerati Ponpetch, Yi-Biao Zhou, Jiagang Guo, Berhanu Erko, J. Russell Stothard, M. Hassan Murad, Xiao-Nong Zhou, Fadjar Satrija, Joanne P. Webster, Justin Remais, Jurg Utzinger, Amadou Garba
Summary: This study aimed to summarize available diagnostic techniques for schistosome infections in non-human animals through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The findings suggest that the parasitologic technique FEA-SD and the molecular technique qPCR are the most promising techniques for schistosome diagnosis in non-human animal hosts.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrew Hope, Albert Mugenyi, Johan Esterhuizen, Inaki Tirados, Lucas Cunningham, Gala Garrod, Mike J. Lehane, Joshua Longbottom, T. N. Clement Mangwiro, Mercy Opiyo, Michelle Stanton, Steve J. Torrid, Glyn A. Vale, Charles Waiswa, Richard Selby
Summary: The deployment of Tiny Targets, insecticide-treated panels that attract and kill tsetse flies, has been effective in reducing the population and transmission of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, the parasite causing gHAT. Increasing the intervention area resulted in a significant reduction in tsetse abundance, but the impact was limited to the deployed rivers. Invasion of tsetse from untreated areas sustained the population at low levels. The effective life of Tiny Targets was around 60 days. Improved control can be achieved by increasing target coverage and extending their effective life.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Parasitology
J. R. Stothard, J. T. Ellis
Article
Infectious Diseases
Akinola Stephen Oluwole, Uwem Friday Ekpo, Obiageli Josephine Nebe, Nse Michael Akpan, Solomon Monday Jacob, Uche Veronica Amazigo, John Russell Stothard
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amber L. Reed, Angus M. O'Ferrall, Sekeleghe A. Kayuni, Hamish Baxter, Michelle C. Stanton, J. Russell Stothard, Christopher Jewell
Summary: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease spread by water snails, which can cause intestinal schistosomiasis (IS) and urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS). An emerging outbreak of IS with increasing UGS co-infection rates has been observed along the shoreline of Lake Malawi. A secondary data analysis of epidemiological data from school-aged children in Mangochi District was conducted to understand the infection trends by age and Schistosoma species.
PARASITE EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Patrick Ken Kalonde, Alick Chisale Austin, Treaser Mandevu, Prince Justice Banda, Andsen Banda, Michelle C. Stanton, Mengshi Zhou
Summary: Open waste disposal has negative impacts on local ecology, economy, and public health. This paper explores the factors influencing waste disposal decisions and proposes a community-based approach to waste management.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH: INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Parasitology
A. Juhasz, S. E. J. Barlow, H. Williams, B. Johnson, N. Davies Walsh, L. C. Cunningham, S. Jones, E. J. LaCourse, J. R. Stothard
Summary: This study conducted surveillance on snails in Knowsley Safari in the United Kingdom and identified two significant trematode cercariae, Bilharziella polonica from Planorbarius corneus and Trichobilharzia spp. from Ampullacaena balthica. Genetic analysis revealed that the latter likely consisted of two taxa. The study also assessed the swimming rate of B. polonica and evaluated the risk of cercarial dermatitis for public activities.
JOURNAL OF HELMINTHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sekeleghe A. Kayuni, Mohammad H. Al-Harbi, Peter Makaula, Boniface Injesi, Bright Mainga, Fanuel Lampiao, Lazarus Juziwelo, E. James LaCourse, J. Russell Stothard
Summary: Pathologies in male genitalia related to male genital schistosomiasis can be detected through ultrasonography, which can describe the morbidity of the disease when there are positive findings in parasitological and molecular tests. The advancements in ultrasonography and its accessibility in endemic areas can help monitor the resolution of pathologies after treatment.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mohammad H. Alharbi, Cynthia Iravoga, Sekeleghe A. Kayuni, Lucas Cunningham, E. James LaCourse, Peter Makaula, J. Russell Stothard
Summary: This study reveals the new diversity of Bulinus africanus group snails in Lake Malawi and provides insights into the recent changes in the epidemiology of urogenital schistosomiasis.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)