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Reichl J, Prossegger C, Petutschnig S, Unterköfler MS, Bakran-Lebl K, Markowicz M, Indra A, Fuehrer HP. Comparison of a multiplex PCR with DNA barcoding for identification of container breeding mosquito species. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:171. [PMID: 38566239 PMCID: PMC10985852 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06255-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identification of mosquitoes greatly relies on morphological specification. Since some species cannot be distinguished reliably by morphological methods, it is important to incorporate molecular techniques into the diagnostic pipeline. DNA barcoding using Sanger sequencing is currently widely used for identification of mosquito species. However, this method does not allow detection of multiple species in one sample, which would be important when analysing mosquito eggs. Detection of container breeding Aedes is typically performed by collecting eggs using ovitraps. These traps consist of a black container filled with water and a wooden spatula inserted for oviposition support. Aedes mosquitoes of different species might lay single or multiple eggs on the spatula. In contrast to Sanger sequencing of specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, multiplex PCR protocols targeting specific species of interest can be of advantage for detection of multiple species in the same sample. METHODS For this purpose, we adapted a previously published PCR protocol for simultaneous detection of four different Aedes species that are relevant for Austrian monitoring programmes, as they can be found in ovitraps: Aedes albopictus, Aedes japonicus, Aedes koreicus, and Aedes geniculatus. For evaluation of the multiplex PCR protocol, we analysed 2271 ovitrap mosquito samples from the years 2021 and 2022, which were collected within the scope of an Austrian nationwide monitoring programme. We compared the results of the multiplex PCR to the results of DNA barcoding. RESULTS Of 2271 samples, the multiplex PCR could identify 1990 samples, while species determination using DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene was possible in 1722 samples. The multiplex PCR showed a mixture of different species in 47 samples, which could not be detected with DNA barcoding. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, identification of Aedes species in ovitrap samples was more successful when using the multiplex PCR protocol as opposed to the DNA barcoding protocol. Additionally, the multiplex PCR allowed us to detect multiple species in the same sample, while those species might have been missed when using DNA barcoding with Sanger sequencing alone. Therefore, we propose that the multiplex PCR protocol is highly suitable and of great advantage when analysing mosquito eggs from ovitraps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Prossegger
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah Petutschnig
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Mateusz Markowicz
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety (AGES), Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Reichl J, Prossegger C, Eichholzer B, Plauder P, Unterköfler MS, Bakran-Lebl K, Indra A, Fuehrer HP. A citizen science report-Tiger mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) in allotment gardens in Graz, Styria, Austria. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:79. [PMID: 38158426 PMCID: PMC10756886 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is an invasive species not native to Europe. Due to its ability to transmit pathogens, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses, Ae. albopictus is considered a major health threat. In Austria, it was first reported in 2012 in the Western province of Tyrol and was documented in the metropolitan area of Vienna in 2020, demonstrating its ability to colonize urban areas. In July 2021, a garden owner from Graz, Styria, Austria, contacted experts because of the possible presence of tiger mosquitoes in an allotment garden complex. Accordingly, citizen scientists collected adult mosquitoes and set up ovitraps. Adults and eggs were sent to the laboratory for morphological examination and molecular DNA barcoding within the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene. In total, 217 eggs of Ae. albopictus were found at the allotment garden as well as at a second location in the city of Graz. In addition, 14 adult Ae. albopictus specimens, of which 7 were molecularly identified as an identical haplotype, were collected at the allotment garden. With its mild climate and numerous parks and gardens, Graz provides the perfect environment for reproduction of tropical/subtropical alien Aedes mosquitoes. The presence of eggs and adult specimens in the current study period indicates that Ae. albopictus is already breeding in Graz. However, monitoring efforts need to be continued to determine whether stable populations of Ae. albopictus can survive there.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Reichl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Prossegger
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Pamina Plauder
- Heimgartenverein Schönau, Kasernstraße 60, 8010, Graz, Austria
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Indra
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES - Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., Währinger Straße 25A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
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Matos M, Bilic I, Palmieri N, Mitsch P, Sommer F, Tvarogová J, Liebhart D, Hess M. Epidemic of cutaneous fowlpox in a naïve population of chickens and turkeys in Austria: Detailed phylogenetic analysis indicates co-evolution of fowlpox virus with reticuloendotheliosis virus. Transbound Emerg Dis 2022; 69:2913-2923. [PMID: 34974640 PMCID: PMC9787674 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cutaneous fowlpox is a disease of chickens and turkeys caused by the fowlpox virus (FWPV), characterized by the development of proliferative lesions and scabs on unfeathered areas. FWPVs regularly carry an integrated, active copy of the reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), and it has been hypothesized that such FWPVs are more problematic in the field. Extensive outbreaks are usually observed in tropical and sub-tropical climates, where biting insects are more difficult to control. Here, we report an epidemic of 65 cutaneous fowlpox cases in Austria in layer chickens (91% of the cases) and broiler breeders and turkeys, all of them unvaccinated against the disease, from October 2018 to February 2020. The field data revealed appearance in flocks of different sizes ranging from less than 5000 birds up to more than 20,000 animals, with the majority raised indoors in a barn system. The clinical presentation was characterized by typical epithelial lesions on the head of the affected birds, with an average decrease of 6% in egg production and an average weekly mortality of 1.2% being observed in the flocks. A real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed the presence of FWPV-REV DNA, not only in the lesions but also in the environmental dust from the poultry houses. The integration of the REV provirus into the FWPV genome was confirmed by PCR, and revealed different FWPV genome populations carrying either the REV long terminal repeats (LTRs) or the full-length REV genome, reiterating the instability of the inserted REV. Two selected samples were fully sequenced by next generation sequencing (NGS), and the whole genome phylogenetic analysis revealed a regional clustering of the FWPV genomes. The extensive nature of these outbreaks in host populations naïve for the virus is a remarkable feature of the present report, highlighting new challenges associated with FWPV infections that need to be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Matos
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ivana Bilic
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Nicola Palmieri
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | | | | | - Jana Tvarogová
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dieter Liebhart
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Michael Hess
- Clinic for Poultry and Fish MedicineDepartment for Farm Animals and Veterinary Public HealthUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
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Battaglia V, Agostini V, Moroni E, Colombo G, Lombardo G, Rambaldi Migliore N, Gabrieli P, Garofalo M, Gagliardi S, Gomulski LM, Ferretti L, Semino O, Malacrida AR, Gasperi G, Achilli A, Torroni A, Olivieri A. The worldwide spread of Aedes albopictus: New insights from mitogenomes. Front Genet 2022; 13:931163. [PMID: 36092930 PMCID: PMC9459080 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.931163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is one of the most invasive species in the world and a competent vector for numerous arboviruses, thus the study and monitoring of its fast worldwide spread is crucial for global public health. The small extra-nuclear and maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA represents a key tool for reconstructing phylogenetic and phylogeographic relationships within a species, especially when analyzed at the mitogenome level. Here the mitogenome variation of 76 tiger mosquitoes, 37 of which new and collected from both wild adventive populations and laboratory strains, was investigated. This analysis significantly improved the global mtDNA phylogeny of Ae. albopictus, uncovering new branches and sub-branches within haplogroup A1, the one involved in its recent worldwide spread. Our phylogeographic approach shows that the current distribution of tiger mosquito mitogenome variation has been strongly affected by clonal and sub-clonal founder events, sometimes involving wide geographic areas, even across continents, thus shedding light on the Asian sources of worldwide adventive populations. In particular, different starting points for the two major clades within A1 are suggested, with A1a spreading mainly along temperate areas from Japanese and Chinese sources, and A1b arising and mainly diffusing in tropical areas from a South Asian source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenza Battaglia
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Agostini
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Moroni
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Colombo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lombardo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Gabrieli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biosciences and Pediatric Clinical Research Center “Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi”, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Garofalo
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomic Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stella Gagliardi
- Molecular Biology and Transcriptomic Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ludvik M. Gomulski
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Ferretti
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ornella Semino
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna R. Malacrida
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuliano Gasperi
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Achilli
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Torroni
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Olivieri
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “L. Spallanzani”, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Anna Olivieri,
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Velo E, Balestrino F, Kadriaj P, Carvalho DO, Dicko A, Bellini R, Puggioli A, Petrić D, Michaelakis A, Schaffner F, Almenar D, Pajovic I, Beqirllari A, Ali M, Sino G, Rogozi E, Jani V, Nikolla A, Porja T, Goga T, Fălcuă E, Kavran M, Pudar D, Mikov O, Ivanova-Aleksandrova N, Cvetkovikj A, Akıner MM, Mikovic R, Tafaj L, Bino S, Bouyer J, Mamai W. A Mark-Release-Recapture Study to Estimate Field Performance of Imported Radio-Sterilized Male Aedes albopictus in Albania. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:833698. [PMID: 36051578 PMCID: PMC9424856 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.833698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogen transmitting Aedes albopictus mosquito is spreading rapidly in Europe, putting millions of humans and animals at risk. This species is well-established in Albania since its first detection in 1979. The sterile insect technique (SIT) is increasingly gaining momentum worldwide as a component of area-wide-integrated pest management. However, estimating how the sterile males will perform in the field and the size of target populations is crucial for better decision-making, designing and elaborating appropriate SIT pilot trials, and subsequent large-scale release strategies. A mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiment was carried out in Albania within a highly urbanized area in the city of Tirana. The radio-sterilized adults of Ae. albopictus Albania strain males were transported by plane from Centro Agricoltura Ambiente (CAA) mass-production facility (Bologna, Italy), where they were reared. In Albania, sterile males were sugar-fed, marked with fluorescent powder, and released. The aim of this study was to estimate, under field conditions, their dispersal capacity, probability of daily survival and competitiveness, and the size of the target population. In addition, two adult mosquito collection methods were also evaluated: BG-Sentinel traps baited with BG-Lure and CO2, (BGS) versus human landing catch (HLC). The overall recapture rates did not differ significantly between the two methods (2.36% and 1.57% of the total male released were recaptured respectively by BGS and HLC), suggesting a similar trapping efficiency under these conditions. Sterile males traveled a mean distance of 93.85 ± 42.58 m and dispersed up to 258 m. Moreover, they were observed living in the field up to 15 days after release with an average life expectancy of 4.26 ± 0.80 days. Whether mosquitoes were marked with green, blue, yellow, or pink, released at 3.00 p.m. or 6.00 p.m., there was no significant difference in the recapture, dispersal, and survival rates in the field. The Fried competitiveness index was estimated at 0.28. This mark-release-recapture study provided important data for better decision-making and planning before moving to pilot SIT trials in Albania. Moreover, it also showed that both BG-traps and HLC were successful in monitoring adult mosquitoes and provided similar estimations of the main entomological parameters needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enkelejda Velo
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
- *Correspondence: Enkelejda Velo, ; Wadaka Mamai,
| | - Fabrizio Balestrino
- Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente (Italy), Crevalcore, Italy
| | - Përparim Kadriaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Ahmadou Dicko
- Statistics for Development–STATS4D, Sacre Coeur III, Dakar, Senegal
| | - Romeo Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente (Italy), Crevalcore, Italy
| | | | - Dusan Petrić
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Scient.Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Kifissia, Greece
| | | | - David Almenar
- Empresa de Transformación Agraria S.A., S.M.E, M.P. (TRAGSA), Paterna, Spain
| | - Igor Pajovic
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Montenegro, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | | | | | - Gjergji Sino
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Elton Rogozi
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Vjola Jani
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | | | - Tanja Porja
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, “MeteoAlb” Politechnic University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Thanas Goga
- Aide to the Prime Minister, Albania Department of Risk Communication and Community Engagement, WHE Balkan Hub, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Elena Fălcuă
- “Cantacuzino” National Military-Medical Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Kavran
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Dubravka Pudar
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Novi Sad, Vojvodina, Serbia
| | - Ognyan Mikov
- National Centre of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | - Aleksandar Cvetkovikj
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-Skopje, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Muhammet Mustafa Akıner
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences Department of Biology, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Rados Mikovic
- Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory, Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Lindita Tafaj
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Silva Bino
- Department of Epidemiology and Control of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Public Health, Tirana, Albania
| | - Jeremy Bouyer
- Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wadaka Mamai
- Joint FAO/IAEA Programme of Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture, Vienna, Austria
- Institute for Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Yaounde, Cameroon
- *Correspondence: Enkelejda Velo, ; Wadaka Mamai,
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Building International Capacity for Citizen Scientist Engagement in Mosquito Surveillance and Mitigation: The GLOBE Program’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13070624. [PMID: 35886800 PMCID: PMC9316649 DOI: 10.3390/insects13070624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary The GLOBE Program’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper is a free citizen science data collection tool that can be downloaded onto smartphones. The Mosquito Habitat Mapper encourages individuals to participate in locating and removing mosquito breeding habitats from use. An easy-to-use graphic interface enables users to report and describe mosquito breeding habitats, places with standing water where immature mosquitoes grow and develop. Citizen scientists are asked to determine if they see immature mosquitoes and if they wish to count and identify any mosquito larvae they see. In the last task, the user is asked to dump out or cover the standing water source, eliminating its use as a breeding habitat. In this way, the GLOBE Observer mobile app also supports the actions of individuals protecting their communities from mosquito-borne disease. In addition, all data reported by citizen scientists are publicly available. Scientists are accessing this data for a variety of research uses, including the development of automated techniques to recognize larvae and mosquito breeding sites from digital images. Since 2017, more than 32,000 Mosquito Habitat Mapper observations have been submitted by citizen scientists in 84 countries. Abstract The GLOBE Program’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper is a no-cost citizen scientist data collection tool compatible with Android and iOS devices. Available in 14 languages and 126 countries, it supports mosquito vector surveillance, mitigation, and education by interested individuals and as part of participatory community surveillance programs. For low-resource communities where mosquito control services are inadequate, the Mosquito Habitat Mapper supports local health action, empowerment, and environmental justice. The tangible benefits to human health supported by the Mosquito Habitat Mapper have encouraged its wide adoption, with more than 32,000 observations submitted from 84 countries. The Mosquito Habitat Mapper surveillance and data collection tool is complemented by an open database, a map visualization interface, data processing and analysis tools, and a supporting education and outreach campaign. The mobile app tool and associated research and education assets can be rapidly deployed in the event of a pandemic or local disease outbreak, contributing to global readiness and resilience in the face of mosquito-borne disease. Here, we describe the app, the Mosquito Habitat Mapper information system, examples of Mosquito Habitat Mapper deployment in scientific research, and the outreach campaign that supports volunteer training and STEM education of students worldwide.
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Bakran-Lebl K, Pree S, Brenner T, Daroglou E, Eigner B, Griesbacher A, Gunczy J, Hufnagl P, Jäger S, Jerrentrup H, Klocker L, Paill W, Petermann JS, Barogh BS, Schwerte T, Suchentrunk C, Wieser C, Wortha LN, Zechmeister T, Zezula D, Zimmermann K, Zittra C, Allerberger F, Fuehrer HP. First Nationwide Monitoring Program for the Detection of Potentially Invasive Mosquito Species in Austria. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13030276. [PMID: 35323574 PMCID: PMC8949374 DOI: 10.3390/insects13030276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary In the last years several alien mosquito species have been introduced into Austria. Those species pose a threat, as they—especially the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)—can transmit many pathogens. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of alien mosquitoes in Austria. Using traps representing ideal breeding sites for those mosquitoes, we collected, counted and identified the species of the mosquito eggs laid in the traps. The Asian tiger mosquito was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria. The Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus) was widespread and abundant in Austria. Although it was found in all provinces, the Asian bush mosquito was more often found in the South than the North and more eggs were collected in urban/industrial/transport areas than in (mostly) natural areas. Further, more eggs from the Asian bush mosquito were found in samples collected at higher daily mean temperatures, and fewer eggs in samples collected at higher daily maximum wind speeds. The results of this study will help to better understand the risk from alien mosquitoes to human health in Austria and will be useful to show future changes in the distribution of those species. Abstract In Austria, only fragmented information on the occurrence of alien and potentially invasive mosquito species exists. The aim of this study is a nationwide overview on the situation of those mosquitoes in Austria. Using a nationwide uniform protocol for the first time, mosquito eggs were sampled with ovitraps at 45 locations in Austria at weekly intervals from May to October 2020. The sampled eggs were counted and the species were identified by genetic analysis. The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus was found at two sites, once in Tyrol, where this species has been reported before, and for the first time in the province of Lower Austria, at a motorway rest stop. The Asian bush mosquito Aedes japonicus was widespread in Austria. It was found in all provinces and was the most abundant species in the ovitraps by far. Aedes japonicus was more abundant in the South than in the North and more eggs were found in habitats with artificial surfaces than in (semi-) natural areas. Further, the number of Ae. japonicus eggs increased with higher ambient temperature and decreased with higher wind speed. The results of this study will contribute to a better estimation of the risk of mosquito-borne disease in Austria and will be a useful baseline for a future documentation of changes in the distribution of those species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES—Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., 1096 Vienna, Austria; (P.H.); (F.A.)
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefanie Pree
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
| | - Thomas Brenner
- GEBL—Gelsenbekaempfung in den Leithaauen, 2452 Mannersdorf, Austria;
| | - Eleni Daroglou
- Verein Biologische Gelsenregulierung March-Thaya Auen, 2273 Hohenau an der March, Austria; (E.D.); (H.J.)
| | - Barbara Eigner
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
| | - Antonia Griesbacher
- Data, Statistics & Risk Assessment, AGES—Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Johanna Gunczy
- Universalmuseum Joanneum, Studienzentrum Naturkunde, 8045 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (W.P.)
| | - Peter Hufnagl
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES—Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., 1096 Vienna, Austria; (P.H.); (F.A.)
| | - Stefanie Jäger
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.J.); (T.S.)
| | - Hans Jerrentrup
- Verein Biologische Gelsenregulierung March-Thaya Auen, 2273 Hohenau an der March, Austria; (E.D.); (H.J.)
| | | | - Wolfgang Paill
- Universalmuseum Joanneum, Studienzentrum Naturkunde, 8045 Graz, Austria; (J.G.); (W.P.)
| | - Jana S. Petermann
- Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.S.P.); (D.Z.)
| | - Bita Shahi Barogh
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
| | - Thorsten Schwerte
- Department of Zoology, University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; (S.J.); (T.S.)
| | | | | | - Licha N. Wortha
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
| | | | - David Zezula
- Environment and Biodiversity, University of Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (J.S.P.); (D.Z.)
| | | | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, 1030 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Franz Allerberger
- Institute for Medical Microbiology & Hygiene, AGES—Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety Ltd., 1096 Vienna, Austria; (P.H.); (F.A.)
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetmeduni Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.P.); (B.E.); (B.S.B.); (L.N.W.); (H.-P.F.)
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8
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Čabanová V, Boršová K, Svitok M, Oboňa J, Svitková I, Barbušinová E, Derka T, Sláviková M, Klempa B. An unwanted companion reaches the country: the first record of the alien mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) in Slovakia. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:572. [PMID: 34772447 PMCID: PMC8588666 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05062-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive mosquitoes of the genus Aedes are quickly spreading around the world. The presence of these alien species is concerning for both their impact on the native biodiversity and their high vector competence. The surveillance of Aedes invasive mosquito (AIM) species is one of the most important steps in vector-borne disease control and prevention. METHODS In 2020, the monitoring of AIM species was conducted in five areas (Bratislava, Zvolen, Banská Bystrica, Prešov, Košice) of Slovakia. The sites were located at points of entry (border crossings with Austria and Hungary) and in the urban and rural zones of cities and their surroundings. Ovitraps were used at the majority of sites as a standard method of monitoring. The collected specimens were identified morphologically, with subsequent molecular identification by conventional PCR (cox1) and Sanger sequencing. The phylogenetic relatedness of the obtained sequences was inferred by the maximum likelihood (ML) method. The nucleotide heterogeneity of the Slovak sequences was analysed by the index of disparity. RESULTS A bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus japonicus, was found and confirmed by molecular methods in three geographically distant areas of Slovakia-Bratislava, Zvolen and Prešov. The presence of AIM species is also likely in Košice; however, the material was not subjected to molecular identification. The nucleotide sequences of some Slovak strains confirm their significant heterogeneity. They were placed in several clusters on the ML phylogenetic tree. Moreover, Ae. j. japonicus was discovered in regions of Slovakia that are not close to a point of entry, where the mosquitoes could find favourable habitats in dendrothelms in city parks or forests. CONCLUSION Despite being a first record of the Ae. j. japonicus in Slovakia, our study indicates that the established populations already exist across the country, underlining the urgent need for intensified surveillance of AIM species as well as mosquito-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktória Čabanová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristína Boršová
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Ilkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Marek Svitok
- Department of Biology and General Ecology, Technical University in Zvolen, T. G. Masaryka 24, 960 01 Zvolen, Slovakia
- Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jozef Oboňa
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, 17 Novembra č. 1, 081 16 Prešov, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Svitková
- Institute of Botany, Plant Science and Biodiversity Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 23 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Eva Barbušinová
- Department of Breeding and Diseases of Game, Fish and Bees, Ecology and Cynology, University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Komenského 73, 041 81 Košice, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Derka
- Department of Ecology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Iľkovičova 6, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Sláviková
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Boris Klempa
- Institute of Virology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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9
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Fuehrer HP, Morelli S, Unterköfler MS, Bajer A, Bakran-Lebl K, Dwużnik-Szarek D, Farkas R, Grandi G, Heddergott M, Jokelainen P, Knific T, Leschnik M, Miterpáková M, Modrý D, Petersen HH, Skírnisson K, Vergles Rataj A, Schnyder M, Strube C. Dirofilaria spp. and Angiostrongylus vasorum: Current Risk of Spreading in Central and Northern Europe. Pathogens 2021; 10:1268. [PMID: 34684217 PMCID: PMC8537668 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10101268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the relevance of Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens, causing cardiopulmonary and subcutaneous dirofilariosis in dogs and cats, and of Angiostrongylus vasorum, causing canine angiostrongylosis, has steadily increased in Central and Northern Europe. In this review, a summary of published articles and additional reports dealing with imported or autochthonous cases of these parasites is provided for Central (Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Luxemburg, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland) and Northern (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) Europe. Research efforts focusing on Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum have varied by country, and cross-border studies are few. The housing conditions of dogs, pet movements, the spread of competent vectors, and climate change are important factors in the spread of these nematodes. Dogs kept outside overnight are a major factor for the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. However, the establishment of invasive, diurnal, synanthropic, competent mosquito vectors such as Aedes albopictus may also influence the establishment of Dirofilaria spp. The drivers of the spread of A. vasorum remain not fully understood, but it seems to be influenced by habitats shared with wild canids, dog relocation, and possibly climatic changes; its pattern of spreading appears to be similar in different countries. Both Dirofilaria spp. and A. vasorum merit further monitoring and research focus in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
| | - Maria Sophia Unterköfler
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Anna Bajer
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (M.S.U.); (K.B.-L.)
| | - Dorota Dwużnik-Szarek
- Department of Eco-Epidemiology of Parasitic Diseases, Institute of Developmental Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, Miecznikowa 1, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland; (A.B.); (D.D.-S.)
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1078 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Giulio Grandi
- Section for Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden;
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), 756 51 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mike Heddergott
- Department of Zoology, Musée National d’Historire Naturelle, 25, Rue Münster, 2160 Luxembourg, Luxembourg;
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark;
| | - Tanja Knific
- Institute of Food Safety, Feed and Environment, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Michael Leschnik
- Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department/Universitätsklinik für Kleintiere und Pferde, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinärplatz 1, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martina Miterpáková
- Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, 040 01 Košice, Slovakia;
| | - David Modrý
- Biology Center, Institute of Parasitology, Czech Academy of Sciences, 37005 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic;
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources/CINeZ, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, 16500 Praha-Suchdol, Czech Republic
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 61137 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Heidi Huus Petersen
- Centre for Diagnostic, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Karl Skírnisson
- Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, University of Iceland, Keldnavegur 3, 112 Reykjavik, Iceland;
| | - Aleksandra Vergles Rataj
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Manuela Schnyder
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
| | - Christina Strube
- Centre for Infection Medicine, Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
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10
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Djiappi-Tchamen B, Nana-Ndjangwo MS, Tchuinkam T, Makoudjou I, Nchoutpouen E, Kopya E, Talipouo A, Bamou R, Mayi MPA, Awono-Ambene P, Wondji C, Antonio-Nkondjio C. Aedes Mosquito Distribution along a Transect from Rural to Urban Settings in Yaoundé, Cameroon. INSECTS 2021; 12:819. [PMID: 34564259 PMCID: PMC8471432 DOI: 10.3390/insects12090819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The surveillance of mosquito vectors is important for the control of arboviruses diseases worldwide. Detailed information on the bionomics and distribution of their main vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, is essential for assessing disease transmission risk and for better planning of control interventions. METHODS Entomological surveys were carried out from November 2019 to November 2020 in six localities of Yaoundé city following a transect from urban to rural settings: two urban (Obili, Mvan), two peri-urban (Simbock, Ahala) and two rural areas (Lendom, Elig-essomballa)-during rainy and dry seasons. All water containers were inspected. Aedes mosquito abundance, species distribution and seasonal distribution patterns were compared using generalized linear models. Stegomyia indexes were estimated to determine the risk of arbovirus transmission. RESULTS A total of 6332 mosquitoes larvae were collected (2342 in urban areas, 1694 in peri-urban areas and 2296 in rural sites). Aedes species recorded included Ae. albopictus, Ae. aegytpi, Ae. simpsoni and Aedes spp. High mosquito abundance was registered in the rainy season (4706) compared to the dry season (1626) (p < 0.0001). Ae. albopictus was the most abundant Aedes species in urban (96.89%) and peri-urban (95.09%) sites whereas Ae. aegypti was more prevalent in rural sites (68.56%) (p < 0.0001). Both species were found together in 71 larval habitats. Ae. albopictus was mostly found in discarded tires (42.51%), whereas Ae. aegypti was more prevalent in plastic containers used for storing water (65.87%). The majority of Aedes mosquitoes' breeding places were situated close to human dwellings (0-10 m). CONCLUSION Uncontrolled urbanization seems to greatly favour the presence of Aedes mosquito species around human dwellings in Yaoundé. Controlling Aedes mosquito distribution is becoming urgent to reduce the risk of arbovirus outbreaks in the city of Yaoundé.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borel Djiappi-Tchamen
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Research Unit Biology and Applied Ecology (VBID-RUBAE), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 067, Cameroon; (B.D.-T.); (T.T.); (R.B.); (M.P.A.M.)
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
| | - Mariette Stella Nana-Ndjangwo
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé P.O. Box 337, Cameroon
| | - Timoléon Tchuinkam
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Research Unit Biology and Applied Ecology (VBID-RUBAE), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 067, Cameroon; (B.D.-T.); (T.T.); (R.B.); (M.P.A.M.)
| | - Idene Makoudjou
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé P.O. Box 337, Cameroon
| | - Elysée Nchoutpouen
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon; (E.N.); (C.W.)
| | - Edmond Kopya
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé P.O. Box 337, Cameroon
| | - Abdou Talipouo
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
- Department of Animal Physiology and Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé P.O. Box 337, Cameroon
| | - Roland Bamou
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Research Unit Biology and Applied Ecology (VBID-RUBAE), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 067, Cameroon; (B.D.-T.); (T.T.); (R.B.); (M.P.A.M.)
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
| | - Marie Paul Audrey Mayi
- Vector Borne Diseases Laboratory of the Research Unit Biology and Applied Ecology (VBID-RUBAE), Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, Dschang P.O. Box 067, Cameroon; (B.D.-T.); (T.T.); (R.B.); (M.P.A.M.)
| | - Parfait Awono-Ambene
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
| | - Charles Wondji
- Centre for Research in Infectious Disease (CRID), Yaoundé P.O. Box 13591, Cameroon; (E.N.); (C.W.)
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
| | - Christophe Antonio-Nkondjio
- Institut de Recherche de Yaoundé (IRY), Organisation de Coordination pour la Lutte Contre les Endémies en Afrique Centrale (OCEAC), Yaoundé P.O. Box 288, Cameroon; (M.S.N.-N.); (I.M.); (E.K.); (A.T.); (P.A.-A.)
- Vector Biology Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Pembroke Place, Liverpool L3 5QA, UK
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11
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Caputo B, Langella G, Petrella V, Virgillito C, Manica M, Filipponi F, Varone M, Primo P, Puggioli A, Bellini R, D’Antonio C, Iesu L, Tullo L, Rizzo C, Longobardi A, Sollazzo G, Perrotta MM, Fabozzi M, Palmieri F, Saccone G, Rosà R, della Torre A, Salvemini M. Aedes albopictus bionomics data collection by citizen participation on Procida Island, a promising Mediterranean site for the assessment of innovative and community-based integrated pest management methods. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009698. [PMID: 34529653 PMCID: PMC8445450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, the colonization of Mediterranean Europe and of other temperate regions by Aedes albopictus created an unprecedented nuisance problem in highly infested areas and new public health threats due to the vector competence of the species. The Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) and the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) are insecticide-free mosquito-control methods, relying on mass release of irradiated/manipulated males, able to complement existing and only partially effective control tools. The validation of these approaches in the field requires appropriate experimental settings, possibly isolated to avoid mosquito immigration from other infested areas, and preliminary ecological and entomological data. We carried out a 4-year study in the island of Procida (Gulf of Naples, Italy) in strict collaboration with local administrators and citizens to estimate the temporal dynamics, spatial distribution, and population size of Ae. albopictus and the dispersal and survival of irradiated males. We applied ovitrap monitoring, geo-spatial analyses, mark-release-recapture technique, and a citizen-science approach. Results allow to predict the seasonal (from April to October, with peaks of 928-9,757 males/ha) and spatial distribution of the species, highlighting the capacity of Ae. albopictus population of Procida to colonize and maintain high frequencies in urban as well as in sylvatic inhabited environments. Irradiated males shown limited ability to disperse (mean daily distance travelled <60m) and daily survival estimates ranging between 0.80 and 0.95. Overall, the ecological characteristics of the island, the acquired knowledge on Ae. albopictus spatial and temporal distribution, the high human and Ae. albopictus densities and the positive attitude of the resident population in being active parts in innovative mosquito control projects provide the ground for evidence-based planning of the interventions and for the assessment of their effectiveness. In addition, the results highlight the value of creating synergies between research groups, local administrators, and citizens for affordable monitoring (and, in the future, control) of mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beniamino Caputo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuliano Langella
- Department of Agriculture, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Valeria Petrella
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Virgillito
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Mattia Manica
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Federico Filipponi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Varone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Pasquale Primo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Romeo Bellini
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente “Giorgio Nicoli”, Crevalcore, Italy
| | | | - Luca Iesu
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Liliana Tullo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Ciro Rizzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Germano Sollazzo
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Miriana Fabozzi
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Palmieri
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saccone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Rosà
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Centre Agriculture Food Environment, University of Trento, San Michele all’Adige (TN), Italy
| | - Alessandra della Torre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Salvemini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Sonnberger BW, Graf B, Straubinger RK, Rackl D, Obwaller AG, Peschke R, Shahi Barogh B, Joachim A, Fuehrer HP. Vector-borne pathogens in clinically healthy military working dogs in eastern Austria. Parasitol Int 2021; 84:102410. [PMID: 34166784 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2021.102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Military working dogs have an increased risk of acquiring an infection with vector-borne pathogens due to kennel housing and regular exposure to wildlife and vectors. To evaluate the level of infections in clinically healthy dogs of the Austrian Armed Forces, 94 individuals of the Military Working Dog Training Centre (MWDTC) Kaisersteinbruch/eastern Austria were examined in August 2016, February 2019 and August 2019. A modified Knott test was used to determine the presence of microfilariae, PCR for DNA detection of filarioid nematodes (incl. Dirofilaria), Leishmania spp., piroplasms, Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae, and serological examination for antibodies against Borrelia burgdoferi s. l. and Leishmania infantum in all dogs. Two dogs were positive for Dirofilaria repens in the Knott test, and one of them also by PCR. Six clinically healthy dogs (4.2%) were positive for Babesia canis (PCR). In serology, 10 (10.6%) of the dogs were positive for specific antibodies against Borrelia burgdoferi s. l. The results suggest that the current measures against arthropod vector exposure and the pathogens they can transmit are not fully sufficient for these dogs. Further investigations of the tick and mosquito fauna in this area will shed more light on the risk of exposure for both the dogs and the staff of the MWDTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernhard W Sonnberger
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Barbara Graf
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Reinhard K Straubinger
- Chair for Bacteriology and Mycology, Institute for Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany.
| | - Dietmar Rackl
- Federal Ministry of Defense, Joint Support Command, Veterinary Service, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Federal Ministry of Defense, Division of Science, Research and Development, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Roman Peschke
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bita Shahi Barogh
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Anja Joachim
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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13
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Bakran-Lebl K, Zittra C, Harl J, Shahi-Barogh B, Grätzl A, Ebmer D, Schaffner F, Fuehrer HP. Arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1895) in Vienna, Austria and initial monitoring activities. Transbound Emerg Dis 2021; 68:3145-3150. [PMID: 34051130 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus was recorded in Vienna, Austria, in August 2020 for the first time. The species was found to occur in three sites within the city; morphology-based monitoring was followed by DNA-barcoding. Mitochondrial COI barcode sequences recovered three different haplotypes, however this data does not reveal whether single or multiple introduction events have occurred. The vicinity of Viennese Ae. albopictus sites to major traffic routes highlights the importance of passive transport for range expansion of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Bakran-Lebl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Functional and Evolutionary Ecology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Josef Harl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bita Shahi-Barogh
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andreas Grätzl
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Ebmer
- Veterinary Clinic Tiergarten Schönbrunn, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Fuehrer HP, Schoener E, Weiler S, Barogh BS, Zittra C, Walder G. Monitoring of alien mosquitoes in Western Austria (Tyrol, Austria, 2018). PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008433. [PMID: 32574163 PMCID: PMC7337398 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are of major importance to human and animal health due to their ability to transmit various pathogens. In Europe the role of mosquitoes in public health has increased with the introduction of alien Aedes mosquitoes such as the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus; the Asian bush mosquito, Ae. japonicus; and Ae. koreicus. In Austria, Ae. japonicus has established populations in various regions of the country. Aedes albopictus is not known to overwinter in Austria, although isolated findings of eggs and adult female mosquitoes have been previously reported, especially in Tyrol. Aedes koreicus had not so far been found in Austria. Within the framework of an alien mosquito surveillance program in the Austrian province of Tyrol, ovitraps were set up weekly from May to October, 2018, at 67 sites– 17 in East Tyrol and 50 in North Tyrol. Sampling was performed at highways and at urban and rural areas. DNA obtained from mosquito eggs was barcoded using molecular techniques and sequences were analysed to species level. Eggs of alien Aedes species were found at 18 out of 67 sites (27%). Both Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus were documented at highways and urban areas in both East and North Tyrol. Aedes koreicus was found in East Tyrol. During this mosquito surveillance program, eggs of Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus, and Ae. koreicus were documented in the Austrian province of Tyrol. These findings not only show highways to be points of entry, but also point to possible establishment processes of Ae. japonicus in Tyrol. Moreover, Ae. koreicus was documented in Austria for the first time. The importance of mosquitoes for Public Health in Europe increased dramatically with the introduction of alien species considered to be competent vectors of important human pathogens (e.g. dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses), which autochthonous mosquitoes are not yet known to transmit. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), the Asian bush mosquito (Aedes japonicus), and Aedes koreicus are particularly of relevance, as they are expanding their range in Europe. Tyrol, a region in the Alps with main transport routes from Italy to Germany is of high relevance for the spread of potential invasive, alien Aedes mosquitoes. In this study, we demonstrate highways to be points of entry, and point to possible establishment of the Asian tiger mosquito and the East Asian bush mosquito in Tyrol (findings at highways and urban areas). Moreover, we report the first findings of Ae. koreicus in Austria, this species having most probably spread from neighbouring populations in Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Ellen Schoener
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Bita Shahi Barogh
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Zittra
- Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Walder
- Dr. Gernot Walder GmbH, Austria
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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15
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Nebbak A, Almeras L. Identification of Aedes mosquitoes by MALDI-TOF MS biotyping using protein signatures from larval and pupal exuviae. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:161. [PMID: 32238178 PMCID: PMC7110738 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) biotyping is an innovative strategy, applied successfully for the identification of numerous arthropod families including mosquitoes. The effective mosquito identification using this emerging tool was demonstrated possible at different steps of their life-cycle, including eggs, immature and adult stages. Unfortunately, for species identification by MS, the euthanasia of the mosquito specimen is required. METHODS To avoid mosquito euthanasia, the present study assessed whether aedine mosquitoes could be identified by MALDI-TOF MS biotyping, using their respective exuviae. In this way, exuviae from the fourth-instar and pupal stages of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti were submitted to MALDI-TOF MS analysis. RESULTS Reproducible and specific MS spectra according to aedine species and stage of exuviae were observed which were objectified by cluster analyses, composite correlation index (CCI) tool and principal components analysis (PCA). The query of our reference MS spectra database (DB) upgraded with MS spectra of exuviae from fourth-instar larvae and pupae of both Aedes species revealed that 100% of the samples were correctly classified at the species and stage levels. Among them, 93.8% (135/144) of the MS profiles reached the threshold log score value (LSV > 1.8) for reliable identification. CONCLUSIONS The extension of reference MS spectra DB to exuviae from fourth-instar and pupal stages made now possible the identification of mosquitoes throughout their life-cycle at aquatic and aerial stages. The exuviae presenting the advantage to avoid specimen euthanasia, allowing to perform complementary analysis on alive mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Nebbak
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France.,Centre de Recherche Scientifique et Technique en Analyses Physico-Chimiques (CRAPC), Zone Industrielle, BP 384 Bou-Ismail, Tipaza, Algérie
| | - Lionel Almeras
- Aix Marseille University, IRD, SSA, AP-HM, VITROME, Marseille, France. .,Unité Parasitologie et Entomologie, Département Microbiologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France. .,IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.
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Jácome R, Carrasco-Hernández R, Campillo-Balderas JA, López-Vidal Y, Lazcano A, Wenzel RP, Ponce de León S. A yellow flag on the horizon: The looming threat of yellow fever to North America. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 87:143-150. [PMID: 31382047 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Yellow fever virus historically was a frequent threat to American and European coasts. Medical milestones such as the discovery of mosquitoes as vectors and subsequently an effective vaccine significantly reduced its incidence, in spite of which, thousands of cases of this deathly disease still occur regularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Amazonian basin in South America, which are usually not reported. An urban outbreak in Angola, consecutive years of increasing incidence near major Brazilian cities, and imported cases in China, South America and Europe, have brought this virus back to the global spotlight. The aim of this article is to underline that the preventive YFV measures, such as vaccination, need to be carefully revised in order to minimize the risks of new YFV outbreaks, especially in urban or immunologically vulnerable places. Furthermore, this article highlights the diverse factors that have favored the spread of other Aedes spp.-associated arboviral diseases like Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, to northern latitudes causing epidemics in the United States and Europe, emphasizing the possibility that YFV might follow the path of these viruses unless enhanced surveillance and efficient control systems are urgently initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Jácome
- Laboratorio de Origen de la Vida, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - R Carrasco-Hernández
- División de Investigación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Alberto Campillo-Balderas
- Laboratorio de Origen de la Vida, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Yolanda López-Vidal
- Programa de Inmunología Molecular Microbiana, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Antonio Lazcano
- Laboratorio de Origen de la Vida, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico; Miembro de El Colegio Nacional, Mexico
| | | | - Samuel Ponce de León
- Programa Universitario de Investigación en Salud, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. Universidad 3000, C.P. 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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