scholarly journals Entomological Assessment of the Status and Risk of Mosquito-borne Arboviral Transmission in Ghana

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Amoa-Bosompem ◽  
Daisuke Kobayashi ◽  
Katsunori Murota ◽  
Astri Nur Faizah ◽  
Kentaro Itokawa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Mosquito Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
The Status ◽  
Mutualistic Relationship ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Endemic Areas ◽  
Arboviral Transmission

Entomological surveillance is one of the tools used in monitoring and controlling vector-borne diseases. However, the use of entomological surveillance for arboviral infection vector control is often dependent on finding infected individuals. Although this method may suffice in highly endemic areas, it is not as effective in controlling the spread of diseases in low endemic and non-endemic areas. In this study, we examined the efficiency of using entomological markers to assess the status and risk of arbovirus infection in Ghana, which is considered a non-endemic country, by combining mosquito surveillance with virus isolation and detection. This study reports the presence of cryptic species of mosquitoes in Ghana, demonstrating the need to combine morphological identification and molecular techniques in mosquito surveillance. Furthermore, although no medically important viruses were detected, the importance of insect-specific viruses in understanding virus evolution and arbovirus transmission is discussed. This study reports the first mutualistic relationship between dengue virus and the double-stranded RNA Aedes aegypti totivirus. Finally, this study discusses the complexity of the virome of Aedes and Culex mosquitoes and its implication for arbovirus transmission.

Molecular Characterization of Some Equine Vector-Borne Pathogens and Identification of Their Vectors in Egypt

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hend H.A.M. Abdullah ◽  
Dina Aboelsoued ◽  
Tarek K Farag ◽  
Kadria N Abdel Megeed ◽  
Sobhy Abdel-Shafy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
First Time ◽  
Multiple Pathogens ◽  
Apparently Healthy

Abstract Background Equine vector borne diseases (EVBD) have been considered emerging and reemerging diseases transmitted by arthropods and most of these diseases have zoonotic concern. This study was designed to screen EVBD in equines and their vectors using molecular analyses and identify vectors by MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques.Methods A total of 335 blood samples were collected from apparently healthy equines (320 from horses and 15 from donkeys) from Cairo and Beni-Suef provinces in Egypt. A total of 166 arthropods (105 sucking flies and 61 ticks) were collected from the same animals. MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques were used to confirm the findings of morphological identification of vector. Quantitative PCR and Standard PCR coupled with sequencing were performed in equines and vectors DNA for screening multiple pathogens.Results MALDI-TOF and molecular techniques confirmed that Hippoposca equina (louse fly), Rhipicephalus annulatus (Rh. annulatus) and Rh. microplus ixodid ticks were found. In vectors, we identified Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale; 1.6%), A. platys-like (1.6%) and a new Ehrlichia sp. (4.9%) in Rh. microplus, while Ehrlichia rustica (E. rustica) was found in Rh. microplus and Rh. annulatus. Likewise, Borrelia theileri was identified in Rh. microplus (3.3%). For H. equina, Anaplasma and Borrelia sp. DNA were detected by qPCR only. In equines, A. marginale (0.6%), A. ovis (0.6%) and Theileria ovis (T. ovis; 0.6%) were found in donkeys. In horses, T. equi (1.2%) and a new Theileria sp. Africa (2.7%) were identified.Conclusions For the first time, we reported here the presence of Rh. microplus as a competent tick for Rh. annulatus in Egypt using MALDI-TOF and molecular identification. To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first detection of different pathogens as A. marginale, A. platys-like, E. rustica, new Ehrlichia sp., B. theileri in Rh. microplus, A. marginale, A. ovis and T. ovis in donkeys and a new Theileria sp. Africa in horses in Egypt.

scholarly journals Application of advanced molecular techniques to detect vector borne pathogens from stray dogs and cats in two different climatic zones of Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah D Alanazi ◽  
Jan Šlapeta ◽  
Abulaziz Alouffi ◽  
Nichola Calvani ◽  
Mohamed Alyousif ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Middle Eastern ◽  
High Elevation ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Climatic Zones ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background: Vector-borne diseases have been increasing worldwide and reported in many animals including dogs and cats. Limited or no data are currently available regarding canine and feline vector-borne diseases in Saudi Arabia and limited information is available from other Middle Eastern countries. The aim of this study was to compare vector-borne disease prevalence between two bio-climatically distinct regions of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh province that is arid positioned at low elevation and Asir province that is humid at high elevation. Methods: Blood samples from 74d ogs from Riyadh province and 70 dogs and 44 cats from Asirprovince were collected and examined for the presence of genomic DNA of Babesias pp, Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichias pp., Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., and Hepatozoon spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Multiplex-tandem PCR (MT-PCR) and Sanger sequencing.Results: Seventy four dogs were tested from Riyadh province and found be negative of any pathogen. Of the 70 dogs examined from Asir province 45(64.3%) were positive. Specifically, 40 (57.1%) dogs were positive for A.platys, 20 (28.5%) for B.vogeli, 11(15.7%) for My.Haemocanis, two (2.85%) for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and one (1.4%) for Br.henselae. Fourteen out of 44 cats (31.8%) were positive for one of the detected vector-borne pathogens. Six cats (13.6%) were positive for Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum and My.haemofelis, respectively, four cats (9.2%) were positive for Br.Henselae, two (4.54%) for Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum and one (2.27%) for A. platys. Conclusions: The results of this study report the occurrence of A. platys, B. vogeli, Br. henselae, and My. haemocanis in dogs and of A. platys, Br. henselae, My.haemofelis and Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum in cats from Asir province Further molecular investigations are strongly recommended in order to reduce the risk of dogs and cats acquiring vector-borne diseases in Saudi Arabia.

scholarly journals Endoparasites and vector-borne pathogens in dogs from Greek islands: pathogen distribution and zoonotic implications

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anastasia Diakou ◽  
Angela Di Cesare ◽  
Simone Morelli ◽  
Mariasole Colombo ◽  
Lenaig Halos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Linear Models ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Toxocara Canis ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Rickettsia Conorii ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Endemic Areas ◽  
Of Greece

AbstractThe present study investigated the presence of endo- and ecto-parasites, and vector-borne pathogens, in dogs from four islands of Greece. A total of 200 owned and sheltered dogs were examined with different microscopic, serological and molecular methods.Of the examined dogs, 130 (65%) were positive for one or more parasites and/or vector-borne pathogens. The most common zoonotic intestinal helminths recorded were Ancylostomatidae (12.5%) and Toxocara canis (3.5%). Ninety-three dogs (46.5%) seroreacted to Rickettsia conorii. Twenty-two (11%) of them were also PCR positive and 7 (3.5%) showed corpuscoles suggestive of Rickettsia spp. on the blood smears. Nineteen dogs (9.5%) were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, three of them being also PCR positive. Dogs positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum-Anaplasma platys (1%), Dirofilaria immitis (0.5%) and Babesia canis (0.5%) were also found. Fleas and ticks were recorded in 53 (26.5%) and 50 (25%) dogs and all specimens were identified as Ctenocephalides felis felis and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu latu. Binary multiple univariate Generalized Linear Models were used to investigate factors and clinical signs related to the recorded positivity, while the association of specific signs with the pathogens was evaluated using tests of independence. Knowledge of occurrence and impact of zoonotic parasites and vector-borne pathogens in dog populations is crucial to prevent the infection in animals and people, and to control the risk of spreading of these pathogens in endemic and non-endemic areas.Author summaryBoth owned and sheltered dogs can harbor a variety of intestinal and extra-intestinal endoparasites, as well as vector-borne pathogens and ectoparasites, of zoonotic concern. Dog shelters and stray dogs are present in several touristic areas of Greece, including Sporades and Cyclades islands, where tourists often bring their pets with them, likely travelling from non-endemic to endemic areas. The present study has been carried out with the aim to evaluate the occurrence of the aforementioned pathogens. Data obtained showed that they are present in canine populations of Greece, with possibilities of infection for travelling dogs, which can also contribute to the spreading of zoonotic vector-borne diseases, introducing new pathogens in previously non-endemic areas. For these reasons, a constant monitoring of the epidemiological situation, improving control measures and correct diagnostic approaches are of primary importance for the prevention of canine and human infections, decreasing the spreading of potentially deadly pathogens.

scholarly journals Study on coinfecting vector-borne pathogens in dogs and ticks in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 407-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luiz Ricardo Gonçalves ◽  
Kilder Dantas Filgueira ◽  
Silvia Maria Mendes Ahid ◽  
Josivânia Soares Pereira ◽  
André Mendes do Vale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Multiple Infections ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Leishmania Spp ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Babesia Spp

Since dogs presenting several vector borne diseases can show none or nonspecific clinical signs depending on the phase of infection, the assessment of the particular agents involved is mandatory. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Babesia spp., Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., Hepatozoon spp. and Leishmania spp. in blood samples and ticks, collected from two dogs from Rio Grande do Norte showing suggestive tick-borne disease by using molecular techniques. DNA of E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum were detected in blood samples and R. sanguineus ticks collected from dogs. Among all samples analyzed, two showed the presence of multiple infections with E. canis, H. canis and L. infantum chagasi. Here we highlighted the need for molecular differential diagnosis in dogs showing nonspecific clinical signs.

scholarly journals Evaluating and strengthening the health system of Curaҫao to improve its performance for future outbreaks of vector-borne diseases

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vaitiare Mulderij-Jansen ◽  
Izzy Gerstenbluth ◽  
Ashley Duits ◽  
Adriana Tami ◽  
Ajay Bailey
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Health System ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
System Building ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Dutch Caribbean ◽  
Health System Building Blocks

Abstract Background Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika pose a significant challenge to health systems in countries they affect, especially countries with less developed healthcare systems. Therefore, countries are encouraged to work towards more resilient health systems. This qualitative study aims to examine the performance of the health system of the Dutch Caribbean island of Curaҫao regarding the prevention and control of VBDs in the last decade by using the WHO health system building blocks. Methods From November 2018 to December 2020, a multi-method qualitative study was performed in Curaçao, applying content analysis of documents (n = 50), five focus group discussions (n = 30), interviews with experts (n = 11) and 15 observation sessions. The study was designed based on the WHO framework: health system building blocks. Two cycles of inductive and deductive coding were employed, and Nvivo software was used to analyse the data. Results This study’s data highlighted the challenges (e.g. insufficient oversight, coordination, leadership skills, structure and communication) that the departments of the health system of Curaҫao faced during the last three epidemics of VBDs (2010–2020). Furthermore, low levels of collaboration between governmental and non-governmental organisations (e.g. semi-governmental and private laboratories) and insufficient capacity building to improve skills (e.g. entomological, surveillance skills) were also observed. Lastly, we observed how bottlenecks in one building block negatively influenced other building blocks (e.g. inadequate leadership/governance obstructed the workforce's performance). Conclusions This study uncovers potential organisational bottlenecks that have affected the performance of the health system of Curaҫao negatively. We recommend starting with the reinforcement of oversight of the integrated vector management programme to ensure the development, implementation and evaluation of related legislation, policies and interventions. Also, we recommend evaluating and reforming the existing administrative and organisational structure of the health system by considering the cultural style, challenges and barriers of the current health system. More efforts are needed to improve the documentation of agreements, recruitment and evaluation of the workforce's performance. Based on our findings, we conceptualised actions to strengthen the health system's building blocks to improve its performance for future outbreaks of infectious diseases. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals The significance of the entomological surveillance in the prevention of vector-borne diseases

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 ◽  
pp. 61
Author(s):  
F. Montarsi ◽  
S. Carlin ◽  
G. Da Rold ◽  
S. Ravagnan ◽  
E. Porcellato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne

scholarly journals Consolidation of Aedes albopictus Surveillance Program in the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, Spain

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (11) ◽  
pp. 4173
Author(s):  
Francisco Collantes ◽  
Manuel José Méndez ◽  
Caridad Soto-Castejón ◽  
Eva María Muelas
Keyword(s):  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Vector Management ◽  
Weekly Sample ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Almost All

Background: Due to the Spanish legal framework, the national program for vector-borne diseases results from the agreement between national and regional governments, and it is the basis for the development of the regional programs, which should include the regional entomological surveillance program. Aedes albopictus was recorded for the first time in the Region of Murcia, in 2011. It gave rise to a new epidemiological scenario due to the presence of a competent vector of several arboviruses, which resulted in autochthonous cases of dengue in 2018. Methods: 40 out of 45 municipalities participated in the regional entomological surveillance program, and 266 sampling points were established, with two ovitraps at each site as pseudo-replications. The study period was from April 16th to November 26th, with bi-weekly sample collections: 16 regional samplings were carried out. Results: Regional participation was high, and data loss was low (1.26%). Ae. albopictus was detected in 4.9% of samples and 89.4% of points, located in 39 of the 40 municipalities. The intensity of the presence of Ae. albopictus was estimated by a positivity index, that is, the percentage of positive samples over time. The vector phenology was obtained at a regional level, using the number of eggs as estimation of population density and the positivity values of points and municipalities. Every two weeks, real-time results were provided to the municipalities, which could use them as a vector management tool. Conclusion: The regional entomological surveillance program for Ae. albopictus in the Region of Murcia was consolidated in 2019, with standardized and comparable methods. Almost all the municipalities of the region have observed the presence of Ae. albopictus, although intensity and spatial and temporal cover vary among them.

scholarly journals Triatoindex: A Composite Indicator for Triatomine Surveillance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gilmar Ribeiro ◽  
Orlando Marcos Farias de Sousa ◽  
Carlos Gustavo Silva dos Santos ◽  
Eduardo Oyama Lins Fonseca ◽  
Roberto Fonseca dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Triatoma Infestans ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Entomological Surveillance ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Disease Vector ◽  
Human Contact ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Triatomine Species ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Entomological indicators are essential to guide surveillance and control of vector-borne diseases. Indicators of Chagas disease vector surveillance such as infestation, colonization, and density depend on wide surveys performed by trained health agents that are difficult to maintain in endemic countries; now, surveillance is mainly based on community participation. Thus, the development of an index that aggregates variables of vectorial potential and occurrence and triatomine species may be useful. Objective: To develop an index for triatomine bug surveillance. Methods: The index was developed based on entomological surveillance data from the State of Bahia, Brazil, between 2006 and 2019. For each triatomine species, the following data were analyzed: a) relative abundance; b) geographic distribution, c) proportion of nymphs; d) Trypanosoma cruzi infection; e) human contact/ blood meal sources. Values ​​were assigned to each of these variables and the sum of the values ​​generated the index (TriatoIndex = Ti) that ranged from 0 to 15. Subsequently, the municipalities' Ti value was calculated, based on the sum of the Ti values ​​of the species registered in each municipality. RESULTS: From the 26 species of triatomines in Bahia, 20 (77%) presented Ti <10. Triatoma infestans (15), T. sordida (14), T. brasiliensis (13), T. pseudomaculata (12), T. melanica (10), and T. juazeirensis (10) presented the highest values ​​of Ti in the studied area. The Ti values ​​in the municipalities in the central and northeastern regions of Bahia were high; these areas were considered hotspots for the occurrence of the main important vectors. Conclusions: The index presented takes into account the geographical distribution and vectorial potential of triatomines within the region. TriatoIndex is a promising tool for targeted surveillance of T. cruzi vectors.

Abundance and diversity of ectoparasites of wild birds in Pandam Wildlife Park, Plateau State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-13
Author(s):  
M.R. Daben ◽  
B.O. Echor ◽  
S.A. Da’an
Keyword(s):  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
White Paper ◽  
Wild Birds ◽  
Morphological Identification ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Plateau State ◽  
Abundance And Diversity

Birds’ populations are being threatened by parasites that have not received adequate attention by parasitologists. This study aimed at evaluating the abundance and diversity of ectoparasites of the wild birds in Pandam Wildlife Park. A systematic five-month study of ectoparasites was  conducted. Sixty-two (62) birds were trapped using mist nets and examined for ectoparasite infestation. Wool soaked with 70% ethanol, using gloved-protected-hand; ectoparasites were carefully extracted, preserved in sampling bottles containing 70% alcohol for morphological identification. A wide spectrum insecticide (0.09% tetrametrin and 0.45 piperronyl) was used to pulverize tiny parasites on the feather over a white paper. Overall, 4,066 ectoparasites belonging to 5 orders, 8 families, and 24 species were identified from the trapped birds. Fiftysix 56(90.3%) birds were found to be infested with ectoparasites, while 6(9.7%) had none. Phthirathera, and Siphonaptera were the most and least abundant  respectively. The highest parasites found were lice (96.60%) and the least, fleas (0.02%). Wing predilection site had the highest infestation rate (83%), and the lowest was the leg (0.37%). The most caught and most infested bird species was the West African thrush bird Turdus pelios (14.28%), followed by the Red-checked cuckoo-shrike and Bronze manikin (10.70% and 7.14%) respectively. Least species of bird infested among others, were the African paradise king fisher, Blue-throated brown sunbird, Blue-spotted wood dove, and Blue-breasted fire finch (1.79%). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the rate of infestations among the caught and examined bird species. The study provided useful insight and knowledge on how diverse and abundant ectoparasites of bird species are in this park and possible vector-borne diseases that may have zoonotic potential. Keywords: Abundance; birds; ectoparasites; diversity; park; wildlife.

scholarly journals Neighborhood Violence Impacts Disease Control and Surveillance: Case Study of Cali, Colombia from 2014 to 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Krystosik ◽  
Andrew Curtis ◽  
A. LaBeaud ◽  
Diana Dávalos ◽  
Robinson Pacheco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Health Services ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Arboviral Transmission ◽  
The Impact

Arboviruses are responsible for a large burden of disease globally and are thus subject to intense epidemiological scrutiny. However, a variable notably absent from most epidemiological analyses has been the impact of violence on arboviral transmission and surveillance. Violence impedes surveillance and delivery of health and preventative services and affects an individual’s health-related behaviors when survival takes priority. Moreover, low and middle-income countries bear a disproportionately high burden of violence and related health outcomes, including vector borne diseases. To better understand the epidemiology of arboviral outbreaks in Cali, Colombia, we georeferenced chikungunya (CHIKV), dengue (DENV), and Zika (ZIKV) viral cases from The National System of Surveillance in Public Health between October 2014 and April 2016. We extracted homicide data from the municipal monthly reports and kernel density of homicide distribution from IdeasPaz. Crucially, an overall higher risk of homicide is associated with increased risk of reported DENV, lower rates of acute testing, and higher rates of lab versus clinical discordance. In the context of high violence as a potential barrier to access to preventive health services, a community approach to improve health and peace should be considered.

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