Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas L. Schmidt, T. Swan, Jessica Chung, Stephan Karl, Samuel Demok, Qiong Yang, Matt A. Field, Mutizwa Odwell Muzari, Gerhard Ehlers, Mathew Brugh, Rodney Bellwood, Peter Horne, Thomas R. Burkot, Scott Ritchie, Ary A. Hoffmann
Summary: Population genomic approaches have been used to study the invasion of Aedes albopictus in the Torres Strait Islands of Australia in 2004, revealing spatial genetic structure within populations and direct gene flow from Papua New Guinea. The study also identified recent movement between islands and introgression of linked alleles from PNG, indicating a highly interconnected invasive system.
Article
Biology
Andrey A. Yurchenko, Anastasia N. Naumenko, Gleb N. Artemov, Dmitry A. Karagodin, James M. Hodge, Alena I. Velichevskaya, Alina A. Kokhanenko, Semen M. Bondarenko, Mohammad R. Abai, Maryam Kamali, Mikhail I. Gordeev, Anton V. Moskaev, Beniamino Caputo, Sargis A. Aghayan, Elina M. Baricheva, Vladimir N. Stegniy, Maria V. Sharakhova, Igor V. Sharakhov
Summary: This article analyzes the phylogenetic relationships of mosquito species to reveal migration routes and timing of Holarctic malaria vectors. It strongly supports the inclusion of An. beklemishevi into the Maculipennis subgroup. Detailed knowledge of the evolutionary history of the Maculipennis subgroup provides a framework for examining genomic changes and disease transmission patterns in Eurasia.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gerard Terradas, Anna B. Buchman, Jared B. Bennett, Isaiah Shriner, John M. Marshall, Omar S. Akbari, Ethan Bier
Summary: CRISPR-based gene-drive systems have the potential to revolutionize vector control, but mutant alleles resistant to Cas9 cleavage can interrupt gene spread. Targeting essential genes with recoded rescue elements may reduce the appearance of NHEJ alleles and leave no trace of Cas9.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
John B. Connolly, Joerg Romeis, Yann Devos, Debora C. M. Glandorf, Geoff Turner, Mamadou B. Coulibaly
Summary: Engineered gene drives are being developed to control mosquito malaria vectors by biasing their own inheritance in target populations. Vertical gene drive transfer to sibling species is biologically plausible due to the complex hybridization between vector and nonvector species. Assessing the environmental risks of gene drive use in species complexes requires nuanced considerations of target and nontarget organisms. Incorporating the concept of target species complexes offers more flexibility in assessing potential impacts from vertical gene drive transfer.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Charles Whittaker, Peter Winskill, Marianne Sinka, Samuel Pironon, Claire Massey, Daniel J. Weiss, Michele Nguyen, Peter W. Gething, Ashwani Kumar, Azra Ghani, Samir Bhatt
Summary: Understanding the temporal dynamics of mosquito populations is crucial for optimizing control strategies. This study analyzed 40 years of mosquito catch data from 117 locations in mainland India, covering seven species. The results showed significant variation in dynamics and seasonality between locations and species, with the identification of four different dynamical archetypes that are associated with specific environmental factors. This study highlights the importance of environmental factors in shaping mosquito population dynamics and provides a framework for identifying seasonal variation patterns in vectors relevant to public health.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Lenharo
Summary: The facility will produce up to five billion bacteria-infected mosquitoes per year.
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Saumya Gupta, Adam J. Blake, Jeffrey A. Riffell
Summary: A new study reveals a distinct pattern of preference for human-associated olfactory cues that informs the selective behavior of malaria-transmitting mosquitoes.
Article
Parasitology
Andrea Miranda Paez, Kayleigh Chalkowski, Sarah Zohdy, Janna R. Willoughby
Summary: This article provides an overview of avian malaria, including its transmission, impact on ecosystems, and management strategies for vulnerable bird populations.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Johanna Ripp, Xanthoula Smyrnakou, Marie-Therese Neuhoff, Franziska Hentzschel, Friedrich Frischknecht
Summary: Malaria-causing parasites rely on an actin-myosin-based motor for their invasion and migration, and the phosphorylation status plays a crucial role in regulating their motility and force generation during transmission.
Editorial Material
Parasitology
Laurent Renia, Yun Shan Goh
Summary: Eappen et al. present a method for in vitro production of a large quantity of sporozoites, addressing the challenge of mass production of infectious sporozoites from infected mosquitoes. This opens up new avenues for investigating sporozoite biology and scaling up sporozoite production for vaccine development.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emily Ying Yang Chan, Eugene Siu Kai Lo, Zhe Huang, Holly Ching Yu Lam, May Pui-shan Yeung, Kin-on Kwok, Kevin Kei Ching Hung, Shelly Lap-ah Tse
Summary: The geographic pattern of dengue fever is changing due to global environmental and climate changes in the 21st century. A study in Hong Kong, a non-endemic subtropical city, found high community awareness of the local outbreak, with most residents able to identify symptoms and adopt mosquito protective measures. Around 40% of respondents reported being bitten by mosquitoes during the study period, with bites commonly occurring near grassy areas, at home, and at public transport waiting spots. Factors such as age, gender, and residential location were found to affect the risk of mosquito bites and adoption of protective measures.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
A. Utarini, C. Indriani, R. A. Ahmad, W. Tantowijoyo, E. Arguni, M. R. Ansari, E. Supriyati, D. S. Wardana, Y. Meitika, I. Ernesia, I. Nurhayati, E. Prabowo, B. Andari, B. R. Green, L. Hodgson, Z. Cutcher, E. Rances, P. A. Ryan, S. L. O'Neill, S. M. Dufault, S. K. Tanamas, N. P. Jewell, K. L. Anders, C. P. Simmons
Summary: The cluster-randomized trial in Indonesia showed that deploying mosquitoes infected with the wMel strain of Wolbachia pipientis led to a reduction in symptomatic, virologically confirmed dengue infections and hospitalizations among residents.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Triwibowo Ambar Garjito, Lulus Susanti, Mujiyono Mujiyono, Mega Tyas Prihatin, Dwi Susilo, Sidiq Setyo Nugroho, Mujiyanto Mujiyanto, Raden Ajeng Wigati, Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto, Sylvie Manguin, Laurent Gavotte, Roger Frutos
Summary: There are various methods to collect and assess the abundance of dengue vector mosquitoes, but the lack of long-term sampling methods may result in variability and lack of statistical significance in the results. There is no correlation between the collection methods and the presence of dengue virus in mosquitoes or the incidence of dengue, and the efficacy of a given method is inconsistent across different locations.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jonathan W. K. Liew, Fatma D. Mohd Bukhari, Nantha Kumar Jeyaprakasam, Wei Kit Phang, Indra Vythilingam, Yee Ling Lau
Summary: By using nested PCR on concentrated high-volume blood samples, researchers in Malaysia were able to detect 2 natural, asymptomatic Plasmodium inui monoinfections in humans, as well as a P. inui-positive Anopheles cracens mosquito. To identify simian malaria parasite transmission in humans, investigators should utilize ultrasensitive detection methods.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Meksianis Z. Ndii
Summary: This study focuses on the effects of implementing multiple dengue elimination strategies in a seasonally varying mosquito population. The results show that the disease-free equilibrium is stable when R0 < 1, and a positive periodic solution exists when R0 > 1. The reduction of dengue infections is determined by the implementation of vaccination, vector control, and media awareness campaigns.
RESULTS IN PHYSICS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrew J. Golnar, Emily Ruell, Alun L. Lloyd, Kim M. Pepin
Summary: Robust methods of predicting how gene drive systems will interact with ecosystems are important for safe deployment of gene drive technology. Quantitative tools can help reduce risk uncertainty, streamline empirical research, guide risk management, and promote cross-sector collaboration in the development and implementation of gene drive technology.
TRENDS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
William J. Bradshaw, Ethan C. Alley, Jonathan H. Huggins, Alun L. Lloyd, Kevin M. Esvelt
Summary: Bidirectional tracing is more effective in improving outbreak control and reducing effective reproduction number, compared to forward-tracing alone. Expanding the manual tracing window or implementing smartphone-based exposure notification can significantly increase the benefits of bidirectional tracing.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(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
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Morganne Igoe, Praachi Das, Suzanne Lenhart, Alun L. Lloyd, Lan Luong, Dajun Tian, Cristina Lanzas, Agricola Odoi
Summary: This study investigated geographic disparities and predictors of COVID-19 hospitalization risks in the St. Louis area. The results showed that COVID-19 hospitalization risks are influenced by socioeconomic, demographic, and health-related factors, with variations across different geographic locations. These findings are important for informing health planning and guiding vaccination efforts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Praachi Das, Morganne Igoe, Suzanne Lenhart, Lan Luong, Cristina Lanzas, Alun L. Lloyd, Agricola Odoi
Summary: This study investigates the geographic disparities of COVID-19 risk and the associations between COVID-19 risk and socioeconomic, demographic, movement, and chronic disease factors in the Greater St. Louis Area of Missouri. The results show that there are geographic disparities in COVID-19 risk, and these risks are associated with sociodemographic factors, population movements, and obesity hospitalization risks. The findings highlight the importance of considering these factors in controlling and preventing COVID-19.
Article
Biology
Julian Sass, Achal Awasthi, Veronica Obregon-Perko, Janice McCarthy, Alun L. Lloyd, Ann Chahroudi, Sallie Permar, Cliburn Chan
Summary: The dynamics of HIV viral load after antiretroviral therapy initiation is complex and cannot be accurately described by a simple exponential decay model. A new model inspired by the Gompertz model, where the decay rate is a dynamic variable, is proposed. This modified model performs as well as the two-phase exponential decay model for HIV and SIV data, and outperforms it for the infant rhesus macaque SHIV.C.CH505 infection data. It suggests that the dynamics of viral decay in this model may be explained by a distribution of cell lifespans rather than two distinct cell types.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amy C. H. Morrison, Valerie A. Paz-Soldan, Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec, Louis Lambrechts, William H. Elson, Patricia A. Barrera, Helvio C. Astete, Veronica B. Briesemeister, Mariana C. Leguia, Sarah A. Jenkins, Kanya C. L. Long, Anna B. A. Kawiecki, Robert C. D. Reiner Jr, T. Alex T. Perkins, Alun L. M. Lloyd, Lance A. Waller, Robert D. P. Hontz, Steven T. L. Stoddard, Christopher M. W. Barker, Uriel Kitron, John P. Elder, Alan L. Rothman, Thomas W. Scott
Summary: Current knowledge of dengue virus transmission is limited and has more failures than successes. The foundation for interventions is based on untested assumptions from a small portion of the human population with clinically apparent disease. There is a need to embrace heterogeneities in virus transmission dynamics and conduct comprehensive longitudinal studies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christian E. Gunning, Amy C. Morrison, Kenichi W. Okamoto, Thomas W. Scott, Helvio Astete, Gissella M. Vasquez, Fred Gould, Alun L. Lloyd
Summary: The importance of mosquitoes in transmitting human pathogens has led to research efforts in mosquito biology to improve vector control measures. In this study, a model called Skeeter Buster 2 (SB2) was used to predict the impact of insecticidal control measures on Aedes aegypti mosquito populations. Field experiments were conducted in Peru to validate the model and compare the results with empirical observations. The model and empirical results showed similar effects of insecticidal spraying on mosquito populations, but there were some differences in certain parameters. The study highlights the importance of nonlinear dynamics and the limitations of fine-grained predictability in mosquito population dynamics.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amarish K. Yadav, Cole Butler, Akihiko Yamamoto, Anandrao A. Patil, Alun L. Lloyd, Maxwell J. Scott
Summary: Genetic-based methods, such as CRISPR homing gene drives, offer efficient and cost-effective ways to control insect pests. In this study, split homing drives targeting the dsx gene in Drosophila suzukii were developed and evaluated. The modified drive showed high transmission rates and could potentially be used for effective control of D. suzukii populations.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Matthew A. Combs, Andrew J. Golnar, Justin M. Overcash, Alun L. Lloyd, Keith R. Hayes, David A. O'Brochta, Kim M. Pepin
Summary: Engineered gene drives have the potential to bring both widespread benefits and irreversible harms to ecosystems. CRISPR-based systems have greatly accelerated gene drive research, making field trials and risk assessments possible. Dynamic process-based models provide quantitative platforms to predict gene drive outcomes based on specific ecological and evolutionary features. This synthesis of gene drive dynamic modeling studies highlights research trends, knowledge gaps, and emergent principles, aiming to promote responsible development and risk assessment of gene drives.
TRENDS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Sean C. Cavany, Guido C. Espana, Alun Lloyd, Gonzalo Vazquez-Prokopec, Helvio S. Astete, Lance Waller, Uriel S. Kitron, Thomas Scott, Amy S. Morrison, Robert Reiner Jr, T. Alex S. Perkins
Summary: This article presents a combined approach of mechanistic and statistical modeling to study the population dynamics of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes and the impact of control strategies. The model is calibrated using empirical data and accurately predicts the changes in mosquito population dynamics and the effectiveness of control measures.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Louis Lambrechts, Robert C. Reiner, M. Veronica Briesemeister, Patricia Barrera, Kanya C. Long, William H. Elson, Alfonso Vizcarra, Helvio Astete, Isabel Bazan, Crystyan Siles, Stalin Vilcarromero, Mariana Leguia, Anna B. Kawiecki, T. Alex Perkins, Alun L. Lloyd, Lance A. Waller, Uriel Kitron, Sarah A. Jenkins, Robert D. Hontz, Wesley R. Campbell, Lauren B. Carrington, Cameron P. Simmons, J. Sonia Ampuero, Gisella Vasquez, John P. Elder, Valerie A. Paz-Soldan, Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec, Alan L. Rothman, Christopher M. Barker, Thomas W. Scott, Amy C. Morrison, Elvina Viennet, Amy T. Gilbert
Summary: This study investigated the transmission of dengue virus from mildly ill individuals to mosquitoes. The researchers found that transmission risk was highest on the second day of illness, rather than on the first day as previously reported. The level of viremia and the duration of the extrinsic incubation period in mosquitoes were identified as important factors influencing transmission probability. Understanding the variation in infectiousness and contributing factors is crucial for disease surveillance and prevention strategies.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Alexanderia Lacy, Morganne Igoe, Praachi Das, Trevor Farthing, Alun L. Lloyd, Cristina Lanzas, Agricola Odoi, Suzanne Lenhart
Summary: This study investigates the heterogeneity of COVID-19 cases, hospitalization, and vaccination coverage in the St. Louis region of Missouri. The impact of human mobility, vaccination, and time-varying transmission rates on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in five counties is examined. A COVID-19 model with ordinary differential equations is developed, and parameter estimation is performed using weekly data from 2021. The study predicts changes in disease spread under scenarios with increased vaccination coverage and utilizes local movement data to connect infection forces across different counties.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gonzalo M. Vazquez-Prokopec, Amy C. Morrison, Valerie Paz-Soldan, Steven T. Stoddard, William Koval, Lance A. Waller, T. Alex Perkins, Alun L. Lloyd, Helvio Astete, John Elder, Thomas W. Scott, Uriel Kitron
Summary: Transmission heterogeneity is a common feature in infectious disease systems. This study examined the distribution of dengue virus infections in the human activity spaces of individuals in Iquitos, Peru. The results showed marked heterogeneity in dengue case distribution, with a small number of locations contributing to the majority of infections.
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Kale Davies, Suzanne Lenhart, Judy Day, Alun L. Lloyd, Cristina Lanzas
Summary: In this study, a network model for environmentally-transmitted pathogens was constructed and the effects of different assumptions on the model were investigated. The results showed that relaxing restrictive assumptions can improve the accuracy of ordinary differential equation models and highlight errors caused by different assumptions.
MATHEMATICAL BIOSCIENCES AND ENGINEERING
(2023)