Article
Mathematics
Edwin Barrios-Rivera, Olga Vasilieva, Mikhail Svinin
Summary: This study aims to contribute to the research on vector control by designing optimal strategies for insecticide spraying based on a mathematical model. The results show that reducing the budget for corrective control is unwise as it may lead to additional public spending.
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Scott B. Biering, Eva Harris
Summary: The compound JNJ-A07 shows promising activity against the dengue virus in mouse models, offering hope for a treatment for this prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease in humans.
Article
Cell Biology
Keith D. Harris, Gili Greenbaum
Summary: Gene drives, a genetic construct for population suppression, require careful consideration for control measures and fail-safe strategies due to potential spillover and loss of the gene drive. A developed gene drive model combining evolutionary and demographic dynamics demonstrates a robust outcome of short-term suppression followed by gene swamping, preventing spillover and resisting resistance evolution, suggesting its suitability as a fail-safe strategy for gene drive deployment.
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Richard Allan, Sophie Budge, Hendrik Sauskojus
Summary: Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses, while Anopheles stephensi is a highly invasive vector that transmits malaria pathogens. The spread of Aedes mosquitoes and A. stephensi is closely linked to population movement, urbanization, and poor sanitation. Urgent action is needed to protect the populations at risk by integrating disease control resources and developing innovative vector-control tools.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Fredros Okumu, Marceline Finda
Summary: After 20 years of using insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and improved case management, malaria burden in the historically high-endemic Kilombero valley in Tanzania has significantly decreased. While most infections still occur indoors, substantial biting also happens outdoors and before bedtime.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Sundus Shafat Ahmad, Manju Rahi, Poonam Saroha, Amit Sharma
Summary: Malaria is a significant public health burden, and controlling it requires a balance between diagnosis, treatment, and vector control strategies. The Indian government has launched a malaria elimination plan with the aim to achieve a nationwide malaria-free status by 2030. Researchers propose exploring ivermectin as a vector control tool for fighting malaria in India.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
A. Omame, H. Rwezaura, M. L. Diagne, S. C. Inyama, J. M. Tchuenche
Summary: A mathematical model was used to analyze the co-interaction of COVID-19 and dengue transmission dynamics, showing that certain control strategies can significantly reduce co-infection cases and preventing dengue can avert a large number of new COVID-19 infections.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2021)
Article
Mathematics
Azhar Iqbal Kashif Butt, Muhammad Imran, Brett A. McKinney, Saira Batool, Hassan Aftab
Summary: This article proposes a new mathematical model for dengue and malaria co-infection, aiming to better understand disease dynamics and develop more efficient control strategies. The study finds that personal precautions and vector population reduction through spraying are the most effective control methods.
Review
Biology
Tony Nolan
Summary: This article discusses the application of gene drive technology in controlling disease-transmitting mosquitoes. While some progress has been made, there are still barriers in technical development and field deployment.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Parasitology
Thomas L. Schmidt, Nancy M. Endersby-Harshman, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Mosquito control strategies are increasingly incorporating knowledge from population genomics research, with recent applications focusing on mosquito invasions, insecticide resistance evolution, and rear and release programs. Current research trends follow developments in reference assemblies, with improvements to existing assemblies for species like Aedes and new assemblies for taxa like Anopheles. The use of improved assemblies allows for better incorporation of adaptive and demographic hypotheses in studies of invasive and rear and release target populations.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Manisha A. Kulkarni, Claudia Duguay, Katarina Ost
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to investigate the impacts of climate change on malaria and dengue, as well as the relevant policy responses and adaptation strategies. The results showed that the evidence for the impacts of climate change on dengue was strongest in Southeast Asia, while the evidence for malaria was strongest in highland areas of Africa. Recommended strategies for climate change-driven disease transmission included enhanced surveillance, early warning systems, predictive models, and vector control.
GLOBALIZATION AND HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Virology
Samson T. Ogunlade, Michael T. Meehan, Adeshina I. Adekunle, Emma S. McBryde
Summary: A systematic review is conducted to explore the present understanding of the effectiveness of vector control approaches via dengue transmission models.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Akhil Kumar Srivastav, Anuj Kumar, Prashant K. Srivastava, Mini Ghosh
Summary: This study presents a mathematical model for dengue transmission which incorporates the impact of information-based behavioral response and the segregation of infected human population. The sensitivity analysis identifies key model parameters influencing disease transmission. An optimal control problem is proposed, showing that comprehensive control strategies are effective in reducing infection and cost. The study also examines the effect of basic reproduction number on control strategies, concluding that a comprehensive approach is effective even in severe epidemics.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jackie Cook, Eleanore Sternberg, Carine J. Aoura, Raphael N'Guessan, Immo Kleinschmidt, Alphonsine A. Koffi, Matthew B. Thomas, Serge-Brice Assi
Summary: In recent years, the decline in malaria transmission has slowed down and even reversed in some areas. This study evaluated the impact of a new house-based intervention called Screening + EaveTubes (SET) on malaria infection prevalence in Cote d'Ivoire. The results showed that SET significantly reduced malaria infection prevalence compared to the control group.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Woo-Hyun Cho, Kyungchul Noh, Byung Hun Lee, Ellane Barcelon, Sang Beom Jun, Hye Yoon Park, Sung Joong Lee
Summary: Astrocytes affect animal behaviors by regulating tripartite synaptic transmission. This study reveals that hippocampal astrocytes modulate mouse anxiety-like behavior by regulating synaptic homeostasis of dentate gyrus granule cells via ATP release.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Josiane B. Assis, Bruno Cogliati, Eliane Esteves, Margareth L. Capurro, Denise M. Fonseca, Anderson Sa-Nunes
Summary: This study evaluated the protective role of Aedes aegypti saliva in a murine model of APAP-induced DILI. Exposure to Ae. aegypti saliva attenuated liver damage, reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, and decreased inflammatory cell populations in the liver, indicating that Ae. aegypti saliva has therapeutic properties and may be a prospective source of new compounds in the management of DILI-associated inflammatory disorders and potentially other inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
Article
Entomology
Rosemary Susan Lees, Giorgio Praulins, Natalie Lissenden, Andy South, Jessica Carson, Faye Brown, John Lucas, David Malone
Summary: This study investigated the effectiveness of two indoor residual sprays against malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. The results showed that the clothianidin IRS was highly effective in preventing the spread of malaria, especially against mosquitoes that have developed resistance to other insecticides. The type of surface material also affected the effectiveness of the residual sprays.
Article
Entomology
Natalie Lissenden, Jennifer S. Armistead, Katherine Gleave, Seth R. Irish, Jackline L. Martin, Louisa A. Messenger, Sarah J. Moore, Corine Ngufor, Natacha Protopopoff, Richard Oxborough, Angus Spiers, Rosemary S. Lees
Summary: Mosquitoes are becoming increasingly resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, leading to the development of new insecticide-treated nets. However, there is a lack of standardized methods to measure the efficacy of these nets against mosquitoes in the long term.
Article
Entomology
Rosemary S. Lees, Jennifer S. Armistead, Salum Azizi, Edi Constant, Christen Fornadel, John E. Gimnig, Janet Hemingway, Daniel Impoinvil, Seth R. Irish, William Kisinza, Natalie Lissenden, Henry D. Mawejje, Louisa A. Messenger, Sarah Moore, Corine Ngufor, Richard Oxborough, Natacha Protopopoff, Hilary Ranson, Graham Small, Joseph Wagman, David Weetman, Sarah Zohdy, Angus Spiers
Summary: To test the effectiveness and durability of new bed nets, it is necessary to study and test insecticide-resistant mosquitoes. A group of experts collaborated to develop a protocol for standardized monitoring and accurate characterization of resistant mosquitoes, providing valuable guidance for malaria control programs and stakeholders.
Article
Entomology
George John Ian Parsons, Rosemary Susan Lees, Sofia Balaska, John Vontas
Summary: Resistance to insecticides used to control mosquitoes is likely to develop over time. Monitoring and using alternative insecticide classes are important to sustain the intervention's effectiveness. This study introduces a method for detecting resistance against orally ingested insecticides and suggests using different methods for different modes of uptake. Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSBs) show promise in controlling resistant mosquitoes, but more research is needed. Monitoring for resistance is crucial, and this study provides a potential method for detection.
Article
Entomology
Janneke Snetselaar, Rosemary S. Lees, Geraldine M. Foster, Kyle J. Walker, Baltazari J. Manunda, David J. Malone, Franklin W. Mosha, Mark W. Rowland, Matthew J. Kirby
Summary: A study found that using an automated track sprayer to apply insecticidal indoor residual spray to walls can achieve the target dose more accurately and evenly compared to manual spraying. This finding offers potential improvement for evaluating new IRS formulations in experimental huts.
Article
Entomology
Giorgio Praulins, Daniel P. McDermott, Angus Spiers, Rosemary Susan Lees
Summary: This article discusses the importance of the World Health Organization susceptibility bioassay in monitoring insecticide resistance and highlights the inconsistencies in its implementation and referencing. Recommendations for improved reporting and adherence to the method are provided based on a review of test procedures and experimental testing. Accurate monitoring of insecticide resistance is crucial for combating vector-borne diseases.
Article
Entomology
Muhammad Misbah-ul-Haq, Antonios A. Augustinos, Danilo O. Carvalho, Lucia Duran de la Fuente, Kostas Bourtzis
Summary: Aedes aegypti is a major vector of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has gained interest as an environment-friendly and species-specific method for mosquito population control. Genetic sexing strains (GSS) that facilitate sex separation are essential for the success of SIT. This study evaluated the genetic stability and biological quality of an Aedes aegypti GSS based on the white eye mutation, and discussed the effects of incorporating a recombination-suppressing inversion on the strain's biological quality.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Frank Mechan, Zikmund Bartonicek, David Malone, Rosemary Susan Lees
Summary: The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) has rapidly expanded in ecological conservation, agriculture, and global health efforts including vector control. UAVs offer the ability to reach remote areas inaccessible to ground-based teams, providing a solution to the labor-intensive and slow conventional approaches to vector surveillance and treatment. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on UAV applications in malaria control and vector control, assess their strengths and challenges compared to conventional methodologies, and explore potential future developments.
Article
Parasitology
Vincent Corbel, Mara D. Kont, Martha Liliana Ahumada, Laura Andreo, Bazoma Bayili, Koama Bayili, Basil Brooke, Jesus A. Pinto Caballero, Ben Lambert, Thomas S. Churcher, Stephane Duchon, Josiane Etang, Adriana E. Flores, Kasinathan Gunasekaran, Waraporn Juntarajumnong, Matt Kirby, Rachel Davies, Rosemary Susan Lees, Audrey Lenhart, Jose Bento Pereira Lima, Ademir J. Martins, Pie Mueller, Raphael N'Guessan, Corine Ngufor, Giorgio Praulins, Martha Quinones, Kamaraju Raghavendra, Vaishali Verma, Adanan Che Rus, Michael Samuel, Koou Sin Ying, Sungsit Sungvornyothin, Sreehari Uragayala, Raman Velayudhan, Rajpal S. Yadav
Summary: This study developed and validated a new WHO glass bottle bioassay method to monitor mosquito susceptibility to new public health insecticides. The results showed that the bottle bioassay is an effective method for evaluating mosquito susceptibility to new and promising insecticides.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Rosemary Susan Lees, Christen Fornadel, Janneke Snetselaar, Joe Wagman, Angus Spiers
Article
Entomology
Dylan A. Tussey, Rachel Morreale, Danilo O. Carvalho, Steven Stenhouse, Aaron M. Lloyd, David F. Hoel, Daniel A. Hahn
Summary: The yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti L., is capable of transmitting various human pathogens. With increasing concerns over insecticide resistance, alternative control strategies for Ae. aegypti are necessary. The sterile insect technique (SIT) has been explored as a popular option, but logistical challenges in mass production and sterilization have hindered its implementation. This study demonstrates that irradiating adult male mosquitoes can improve the efficiency of SIT programs, providing a viable alternative to the traditional pupae irradiation method.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jessica Carson, Bryan Erriah, Stephania Herodotou, Alexander G. Shtukenberg, Leilani Smith, Svetlana Ryazanskaya, Michael D. Ward, Bart Kahr, Rosemary Susan Lees
Summary: This study found that heating the commercial crystalline form of deltamethrin can significantly enhance its efficacy against resistant Anopheles mosquitoes in West Africa. The increased lethality can be maintained for up to 13 months.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Danilo O. Carvalho, Andre L. Costa-da-Silva, Vivian Petersen, Micael Santana de Souza, Rafaella S. Ioshino, Isabel C. S. Marques, Alexander W. E. Franz, Ken E. Olson, Anthony A. James, Margareth L. Capurro
Summary: Dengue viruses are mosquito-borne flaviviruses causing millions of human infections each year, posing a challenge for global public health systems. Aedes aegypti, the principal vector species, is difficult to control due to breeding site abundance and insecticide resistance. Developing new vector control strategies is crucial for reducing the disease burden.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
George Parsons, Rosemary Susan Lees, John Vontas, Mathias Mondy, Julian Entwistle
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Gabriela Martinez Moura Tavares, Hannar Angelica de Melo Alverga, Estela Moraes Felix, Giovana de Oliveira Dichman, Gabriel Monteiro Pinheiro, Yara Juliano, Priscila Paruci, Dennis Minoru Fujita, Lucas Melo Neves, Marina Tiemi Shio, Luiz Henrique da Silva Nali
Summary: This study investigated the frequency of N. gonorrhoeae infection in women in a poor area of São Paulo and found that most of the strains detected showed resistance to one or more antimicrobials.
Article
Parasitology
Qian Yao, Ying-Ying Fan, Shuang Huang, Gui-Rong Hu, Jun-Ke Song, Xin Yang, Guang-Hui Zhao
Summary: This study found that the expression of miR-4521 was upregulated during C. parvum infection, and this upregulation was related to the TLR/NF-kappa B signal pathway. Additionally, miR-4521 promoted the propagation of C. parvum in HCT-8 cells by regulating BCL2-mediated cell apoptosis through targeting foxm1.
Article
Parasitology
Cho Naing, Maxine A. Whittaker, Wong Siew Tung, Htar Aung, Joon Wah Mak
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of zoonotic brugian filariasis in animals and compare it with the prevalence in humans in the same area. The findings suggest that cats, dogs, and leaf-eating monkeys may serve as potential reservoirs for human brugian filariasis.
Review
Parasitology
Raissa Nogueira de Brito, Susan Tanner, Julie Velasquez Runk, Juliana Hoyos
Summary: This study conducted a scoping review to identify major research themes and knowledge gaps in the social science literature on leishmaniases or Chagas disease. The findings showed that research in this field mainly focuses on the sociocultural, economic, historical, and political dimensions of the diseases. Future research should pay more attention to how social institutions and economic factors shape disease education, control measures, healthcare access, and quality of life of affected individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Minghao Zheng, Mengyao Zhang, Hao Li, Shipo Wu, Yuee Zhao, Jinlong Zhang, Yunyue Zhou, Mohamed Boie Jalloh, Kun Zhang, Lina Chen, Zhiqiang Mi, Yong Cui, Lihua Hou
Summary: Rapid and convenient detection of Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite in Africa, is crucial for malaria eradication efforts in medical resource-limited settings. A CRISPR-based diagnostic method that can detect P. falciparum without nucleic acid extraction was developed and showed high sensitivity and consistency with qPCR test. It can also detect artemisinin-resistant strains and other laboratory-cultured strains. This method has great potential for clinical testing and large-scale community screening in Africa and other regions.
Article
Parasitology
Fabian Correa-Morales, Cassandra Gonzalez-Acosta, David Ibarra-Ojeda, Miguel Moreno-Garcia
Summary: Since 2002, West Nile Virus (WNV) has been reported in 18 states in Mexico. This paper discusses the proposed hypotheses for the absence of WNV outbreaks in Latin America and provides a context-specific explanation for Mexico.
Article
Parasitology
Umberto Molini, Lauren M. Coetzee, Vernon Christians, Maria Y. Hemberger, Bernard Chiwome, Maria Amukwaya, Siegfried Khaiseb, Giovanni Cattoli, William G. Dundon, Giovanni Franzo
Summary: Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) has been reported globally since its first identification in 2015. Limited data on PCV-3 in Africa led to a study in Namibia, which found a high prevalence of PCV-3 in backyard piggeries, but not in commercial farms with higher biosecurity measures. The source of viral introduction and factors such as semen importation, feeding backyard pigs with human food waste, pig exchanges, and wildlife movements may be involved in the dispersal of PCV-3 within Namibia. Further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology and impact of PCV-3 on pig productivity and wildlife health.
Article
Parasitology
Chutchai Piewbang, Panida Poonsin, Pattiya Lohavicharn, Panitnan Punyathi, Sawang Kesdangsakonwut, Tanit Kasantikul, Somporn Techangamsuwan
Summary: This study provides insights into the pathology of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in dogs, revealing severe damage to the lungs and involvement of multiple organs. The findings suggest the potential utility of dogs as a model for studying SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans, highlighting the need for further investigation.
Article
Parasitology
Julian Avila-Jimenez, Juan David Gutierrez, Mariano Altamiranda-Saavedra
Summary: Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease transmitted to humans by sandfly vectors and vertebrate hosts. This study used ecological niche modeling to investigate the potential distribution of host and vector species associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission, revealing different distribution patterns under varying climatic conditions.
Article
Parasitology
Luis A. Gomez-Puerta, Juan Olazabal, Santiago Paredes, Juan Lopez, Miguel Anampa, Angelica Mondragon, Ana Vargas-Calla, Hugo Castillo
Summary: This study reports the first detection of Candidatus M. haemolamae infection in vicunas from the Pampa Galeras National Reserve in Peru, using molecular diagnosis. Tick-infested vicunas had a higher likelihood of being infected with Candidatus M. haemolamae compared to tick-free vicunas. Gender and age were not associated with infection.
Article
Parasitology
Berlin Londono-Renteria, Zakaria Seidu, Helena Lamptey, Michael F. Ofori, Lars Hviid, Mary Lopez-Perez
Summary: Heterozygous carriers of HbAS and HbAC have a reduced risk of severe malaria, but not immunity against Plasmodium falciparum infection. Antibody levels against gSG6-P1 peptide in Anopheles mosquito saliva can serve as a serological biomarker for exposure to Plasmodium infection. This study highlights the importance of studying the role of hemoglobinopathies in malaria transmission for improving control interventions.
Article
Parasitology
Imane Belbacha, Meryem El Azzouzi, Rajae Bensghir, Kamal Filali Marhoum, Khadija Hajjout, El Mir Elharti, Khalid Sadki, Hicham Oumzil
Summary: This study investigates the association of three SNPs in the APOBEC3G gene with disease outcomes in Moroccan HIV-1 infected patients. The rs2294367 CG genotype is strongly associated with protection against HIV-1 infection, particularly in older individuals.
Article
Parasitology
Tan Luong, Do Kien Tran, Anh Hung Pham, Thi Thu-Ha Hoang, Van Khang Pham, Quang Thai Pham, Thi Mai Hung Tran, Minh Hoa Luong, Thanh Long Pham, Jason K. Blackburn
Summary: This study examined the epidemiology of anthrax in Lai Chau province, Vietnam, using historical data. Spatial clusters of human and livestock anthrax were identified, and the characteristics of the disease were described. The study found that there were distinct differences between the high-risk areas for human and livestock anthrax, and most human cases occurred during specific seasons. Additionally, the decrease in livestock anthrax vaccine coverage was associated with an increase in disease incidence.
Article
Parasitology
Jin-tao Chen, Jian-bo Zhan, Ming-chao Zhu, Kai-ji Li, Man-qing Liu, Bin Hu, Kun Cai, Hai-rong Xiong, Shu-liang Chen, Wei-long Tan, Liang-jun Chen, Wei Hou
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and variation of orthohantavirus in rodents and humans in Hubei province, China. It identified the diversity of orthohantaviruses circulating in the region, with the HV004-like subtype being the main genotype in rodents and patients. This highlights the importance of continued attention and research on orthohantaviruses, especially newly identified strains.