Article
Immunology
Carezza Botto-Mahan, Juana P. Correa, Raul Araya-Donoso, Francisca Farias, Esteban San Juan, Nicol Quiroga, Ricardo Campos-Soto, Claudio Reyes-Olivares, Daniel Gonzalez-Acuna
Summary: In this study, we assessed 4 lizard species in Chile for Trypanosoma cruzi and found that all species were infected. We also discovered that one species had the ability to transmit the protozoan, highlighting their role as reservoirs for T. cruzi.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Sofia Ocana-Mayorga, Juan Jose Bustillos, Anita G. Villacis, C. Miguel Pinto, Simone Frederique Breniere, Mario J. Grijalva
Summary: Understanding the blood meal patterns of disease vectors is crucial in developing strategies to decrease human-vector contact. In Ecuador, limited data on Chagas disease infection are available, but active transmission has been demonstrated in endemic areas. This study found that humans are the main food source for triatomines, although birds, particularly chickens, might also play a significant role in maintaining these vectors in certain areas.
Article
Parasitology
Catalina Sierra -Rosales, Esteban San Juan, Nicol Quiroga, Raul Araya-Donoso, Aldo Solari, Juana P. Correa, Antonella Bacigalupo, Carezza Botto-Mahan
Summary: The proximity between infectious disease vector populations and human settlements, as well as the infection prevalence of vector populations, can determine the infection risk. In this study, the diet of the Chilean endemic triatomine was characterized, and it was found that infected kissing bugs had human and human-associated animals in their diet. The proportion of human and human-associated vertebrates in the diet of infected bugs was negatively associated with the distance from human settlements.
Article
Parasitology
Gustavo Fabian Enriquez, Jacqueline Bua, Maria Marcela Orozco, Natalia Paula Macchiaverna, Julian Antonio Alvarado Otegui, Hernan Dario Argibay, Maria del Pilar Fernandez, Ricardo Esteban Gurtler, Marta Victoria Cardinal
Summary: The study found that the parasite load of Chagas disease in sylvatic mammals is directly associated with host infectiousness to the vector, and it is much higher compared to domestic hosts. The parasite load shows an aggregated distribution across host species, indicating the presence of highly infectious hosts that can be targeted for transmission control efforts.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Nieves Martinez-Peinado, Javier E. Ortiz, Maria Jesus Pinazo, Joaquim Gascon, Alejandro Tapia, German Roitman, Jaume Bastida, Gabriela E. Feresin, Julio Alonso-Padilla
Summary: This study identified alkaloids with anti-T. cruzi activity from Habranthus brachyandrus collected in Argentina. The alkaloid ismine showed specific activity against the parasite and low toxicity against liver cells. These findings provide a new direction for the development of drugs for Chagas disease.
Article
Entomology
Ruben Garrido, Ricardo Campos-Soto, Nicol Quiroga, Carezza Botto-Mahan
Summary: Laboratory experiments showed that bloodmeal-stealing occurs between wild-caught Mepraia spinolai nymphs, albeit infrequently. This behavior may play a role in the maintenance of wild T. cruzi cycles.
ECOLOGICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Alejandra Alvedro, Maria Sol Gaspe, Hannah Milbourn, Natalia Paula Macchiaverna, Mariano Alberto Laino, Gustavo Fabian Enriquez, Ricardo Esteban Gurtler, Marta Victoria Cardinal
Summary: The study found that Trypanosoma cruzi transmission was likely occurring in both peri-urban and rural houses in Avia Terai, Argentina. This implies a threat to urban inhabitants due to widespread infestation and high levels of human-triatomine contact in infested domiciles. Vector control strategies and surveillance should be tailored to peri-urban and urban settings in order to achieve sustainable interruption of domestic transmission in the Chaco region.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Andrea S. Florentin, Herakles A. Garcia Perez, Carla M. F. Rodrigues, Eugenio F. Dubois, Carlos M. Monzon, Marta M. G. Teixeira
Summary: Argentina is a major exporter of meat, but Trypanosoma vivax was prevalent in the Gran Chaco region, causing significant economic losses. Some dairy cows in the Pampas were also infected, leading to a decrease in milk production.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Cecilia S. Andreazzi, Luis A. Martinez-Vaquero, Gisele R. Winck, Thiago S. Cardoso, Bernardo R. Teixeira, Samanta C. C. Xavier, Rosana Gentile, Ana Maria Jansen, Paulo S. D'Andrea
Summary: Land use changes and biodiversity loss disrupt ecosystem functioning and drive infectious disease outbreaks. Using a large database on small mammal infection by Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil, we found that allometric traits and rodent abundance were key predictors of infection risk, along with variables related to landscape environmental quality. Changes in natural vegetation cover and biodiversity dimensions indirectly reduced infection by affecting host community composition. Integrating social inclusion and human welfare into biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts could help regulate T. cruzi prevalence and reduce transmission risk.
Article
Entomology
Sabrina Eliana Bertucci, Matias Ignacio Dufek, Luciano Damian Patitucci
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of anthropization on the muscid fly assemblages in the Humid Chaco ecoregion of Argentina. The results showed that human activities significantly influenced the structure of fly communities and the presence of exotic species, leading to biotic homogenization. Urban habitats had the highest abundance, while rural habitats had the highest species richness and diversity, supporting the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. This study provides valuable information for using sarcosaprophagous muscids as indicators of disturbance in natural habitats and potential health risks associated with this group of flies.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Entomology
Matias Dufek, Miryam P. Damborsky, Pablo R. Mulieri
Summary: The study found that flesh fly assemblages in different habitats exhibited temporal fluctuations in accordance with climatic factors and microclimate conditions. Although the lowest diversity values were observed between August and September in all habitats, flesh flies were present and well represented throughout the year in each habitat type.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Raquel Goncalves, Rhiannon A. E. Logan, Hanafy M. Ismail, Mark J. I. Paine, Caryn Bern, Orin Courtenay
Summary: This study evaluated routine IRS practices and insecticide quality control in a typical endemic community in the Bolivian Chaco, finding substantial variations in delivered insecticide concentrations. Only a small percentage of filter papers and houses reached the target concentration, and most houses were sprayed at a lower than expected rate.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Ricardo Esteban Gurtler, Mariano Alberto Laino, Alejandra Alvedro, Gustavo Fabian Enriquez, Natalia Paula Macchiaverna, Maria Sol Gaspe, Marta Victoria Cardinal
Summary: Fluralaner had a significant impact on the abundance and infection rate of Triatoma infestans, making it an important intervention for interrupting the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Nestor G. Valle, Marcela L. Monne, Miryam P. Damborsky, Antonio Santos-Silva
Summary: This study reports 14 species recorded for the first time in Argentina, belonging to the subfamilies Cerambycinae and Lamiinae of the family Cerambycidae.
Article
Parasitology
M. B. Natalini, J. Notarnicola, F. Sanchez Gavier, M. M. Kowalewski
Summary: This study aimed to expand the knowledge about the helminth infra community of a maned wolf, describe adult parasites, and explore parasitic coinfections. The results showed the first record of adults of Dirofilaria immitis in maned wolves, and also added C. brachyurus as a new host for Spirometra sp.
PARASITOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vanio A. Mugabe, Lairton S. Borja, Cristiane W. Cardoso, Scott C. Weaver, Mitermayer G. Reis, Uriel Kitron, Guilherme S. Ribeiro
Summary: The study found a widespread decline in suspected dengue cases following the Zika outbreak, suggesting potential cross-species immunity between Zika and dengue viruses. However, this cross-protection seems to be transient (around 2 years). Long-term follow-ups are needed to confirm these findings, which could have important implications for DENV vaccine development and application.
TROPICAL MEDICINE & INTERNATIONAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kathryn L. Schaber, T. Alex Perkins, Alun L. Lloyd, Lance A. Waller, Uriel Kitron, Valerie A. Paz-Soldan, John P. Elder, Alan L. Rothman, David J. Civitello, William H. Elson, Amy C. Morrison, Thomas W. Scott, Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec
Summary: The study shows the significant impact of different population behavior responses and activity reductions on the transmission and outbreak of DENV, leading to changes in transmission methods at the individual level and reducing the importance of transmission from the activity space outside symptomatic cases.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Monaise M. O. Silva, Mariana Kikuti, Rosangela O. Anjos, Moyra M. Portilho, Viviane C. Santos, Thaiza S. F. Goncalves, Laura B. Tauro, Patricia S. S. Moreira, Leile C. Jacob-Nascimento, Perla M. Santana, Gubio S. Campos, Andre M. Siqueira, Uriel Kitron, Mitermayer G. Reis, Guilherme S. Ribeiro
Summary: The study found that female sex and older age were independent risk factors for chronic arthralgia in patients with chikungunya. The impact of persistent arthralgia on daily activities and mental health was substantial, highlighting the need for novel strategies in mitigating virus transmission and providing long-term medical assistance to affected patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vanio Andre Mugabe, Arlete Mahumane, Cynthia Sema, Erika Valeska Rossetto, Crescencio Sequeira Nhabomba, Neusa Fataha, Unicia Nyamula, Angelica Sotomane, Wilson Irugula, Benigno Canze, Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea, Uriel Kitron, Guilherme Sousa Ribeiro, Eduardo Samo Gudo
Summary: An outbreak of pellagra in Nhamatanda district, Mozambique, three months after cyclone Idai was found to be associated with factors such as being female, lower education level, and insufficient consumption of chicken and peanut before the cyclone hit. The cyclone exacerbated food shortages in households, leading to a significant increase in pellagra cases due to reduced niacin consumption.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Kathryn L. Schaber, Amy C. Morrison, William H. Elson, Helvio Astete-Vega, Jhonny J. Cordova-Lopez, Esther Jennifer Rios Lopez, W. Lorena Quiroz Flores, Alfonso S. Vizcarra Santillan, Thomas W. Scott, Lance A. Waller, Uriel Kitron, Christopher M. Barker, T. Alex Perkins, Alan L. Rothman, Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec, John P. Elder, Valerie A. Paz-Soldan
Summary: The study shows that social contacts of individuals with dengue change their patterns of visitation and caregiving, affecting mobility patterns. Changes in social contact mobility are crucial for understanding DENV transmission dynamics and assessing disease prevention strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Vanio A. Mugabe, Eduardo S. Gudo, Osvaldo F. Inlamea, Uriel Kitron, Guilherme S. Ribeiro
Summary: In early 2019, Mozambique was hit by Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, exacerbating existing health issues caused by natural disasters and population displacement. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic further challenged the country's public health system.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ian Hennessee, Julie A. Clennon, Lance A. Waller, Uriel Kitron, J. Michael Bryan
Summary: This article discusses the importance of date selection in COVID-19 surveillance data analysis and public reporting, with report date being suitable for public reporting and visualization, while symptom onset date is better suited for epidemiological analyses. Standardizing date-based surveillance could enhance public comprehension, policymaking, and outbreak response effectiveness.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ian Hennessee, Miles A. Kirby, Xavier Misago, Jackie Umupfasoni, Thomas Clasen, Uriel Kitron, Joshua P. Rosenthal, Emmanuel Hakizimana
Summary: This study investigated the impact of different cooking fuel types on the behavior and mortality of Anopheles mosquitoes in experimental huts in Rwanda. The results showed that cooking with liquid petroleum gas (LPG) was associated with significantly increased household entry and host-seeking behavior compared with wood and charcoal. There was no significant difference in household exit across fuel types, and mortality was lower in LPG-burning huts compared with wood-burning huts. These findings suggest that clean fuel adoption may increase exposure to Anopheles mosquitoes.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Parasitology
Gustavo Fabian Enriquez, Jacqueline Bua, Maria Marcela Orozco, Natalia Paula Macchiaverna, Julian Antonio Alvarado Otegui, Hernan Dario Argibay, Maria del Pilar Fernandez, Ricardo Esteban Gurtler, Marta Victoria Cardinal
Summary: The study found that the parasite load of Chagas disease in sylvatic mammals is directly associated with host infectiousness to the vector, and it is much higher compared to domestic hosts. The parasite load shows an aggregated distribution across host species, indicating the presence of highly infectious hosts that can be targeted for transmission control efforts.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ian Hennessee, Julie A. Clennon, Lance A. Waller, Uriel Kitron, J. Michael Bryan
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bryson Alberto Ndenga, Francis Maluki Mutuku, Harun Njenga Ngugi, Joel Omari Mbakaya, Dunstan Mukoko, Uriel Kitron, Angelle Desiree LaBeaud
Summary: This study examined the activity of Aedes aegypti in seeking human blood at night. The results showed that Aedes aegypti is mainly active during twilight and daytime, with more mosquitoes collected during twilight compared to night hours. This indicates that extending the activity time into the night increases the chances of Aedes aegypti contacting humans and transmitting diseases.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Entomology
Raquel Lima de Souza, Gabriel dos Santos Ferreira, Lairton Souza Borja, Romero de Jesus Nazare, Vanio Andre Mugabe, Hernan Dario Argibay, Moyra Machado Portilho, Leile Camila Jacob-Nascimento, Mitermayer Galvao Reis, Uriel D. Kitron, Guilherme Sousa Ribeiro
Summary: We identified several mosquito species in an Atlantic Forest fragment located in a large urban park in Salvador, Brazil, one year after a citywide yellow fever virus epizootic. The most abundant species captured were Culex quinquefasciatus, Limatus spp., and Wyeomyia spp. The diversity of mosquito species was greater in the park area with restinga vegetation compared to the area with dense rainforest.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yamila Romer, Kayla Adcock, Zhuoran Wei, Daniel G. Mead, Oscar Kirstein, Steph Bellman, Anne Piantadosi, Uriel Kitron, Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec
Summary: This study in Georgia, USA, investigated the presence of Heartland virus (HRTV) in ticks and found that it was present in Amblyomma americanum ticks. The virus was isolated and its genome was sequenced, showing similarity with other HRTV isolates but also marked differences. This finding highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of this emerging tickborne pathogen among clinicians and public health professionals.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yamila Romer, Kayla Adcock, Zhuoran Wei, Daniel Mead, Oscar Kirstein, Steph Bellman, Anne Piantadosi, Uriel Kitron, Gonzalo Vazquez Prokopec
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bekele Megersa, Abebe Haile, Uriel Kitron
Summary: This study examined the nutritional status and factors associated with malnutrition among children in the Borana pastoral system in southern Ethiopia. The results showed a high prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting, with dietary diversity and milk frequency playing important roles in reducing the risks. The study emphasizes the need for improved nutrition practices, access to health services, and sanitary conditions in the pastoral community.
ARCHIVES OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
