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Raele DA, Severini F, Toma L, Menegon M, Boccolini D, Tortorella G, Di Luca M, Cafiero MA. Anopheles sacharovi in Italy: first record of the historical malaria vector after over 50 years. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:182. [PMID: 38600589 PMCID: PMC11005165 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06252-2] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anopheles sacharovi, a member of the Anopheles maculipennis complex, was a historical malaria vector in Italy, no longer found since the last report at the end of 1960s. In September 2022, within the Surveillance Project for the residual anophelism, a single specimen of An. maculipennis sensu lato collected in Lecce municipality (Apulia region) was molecularly identified as An. sacharovi. This record led to implement a targeted entomological survey in September 2023. METHODS Investigation was conducted in the areas around the first discovery, focusing on animal farms, riding stables and potential breeding sites. Adult and immature mosquitoes were collected, using active search or traps, in several natural and rural sites. Mosquitoes belonging to An. maculipennis complex were identified morphologically and molecularly by a home-made routine quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay, developed specifically for the rapid identification of An. labranchiae, and, when necessary, by amplification and sequencing of the ITS-2 molecular marker. RESULTS Out of the 11 sites investigated, 6 were positive for Anopheles presence. All 20 An. maculipennis s.l. (7 adults, 10 larvae and 3 pupae) collected in the areas were identified as An. sacharovi by ITS-2 sequencing. CONCLUSIONS The discovery of An. sacharovi, considered to have disappeared from Italy for over 50 years, has a strong health relevance and impact, highlighting an increase in the receptivity of the southern areas. As imported malaria cases in European countries are reported every year, the risk of Plasmodium introduction by gametocyte carriers among travellers from endemic countries should be taken into greater consideration. Our findings allow rethinking and building new models for the prediction and expansion of introduced malaria. Furthermore, to prevent the risk of reintroduction of the disease, the need to strengthen the surveillance of residual anophelism throughout the South should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Antonio Raele
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e Della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia, 20, 71121, Foggia, Italia.
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Daniela Boccolini
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Giovanni Tortorella
- Azienda Sanitaria Nazionale (ASL), Servizio Veterinario Sanità Animale, Viale Don Minzoni N. 8, 73100, Lecce, Italia
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento di Malattie Infettive, Reparto di Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italia
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e Della Basilicata, Via Manfredonia, 20, 71121, Foggia, Italia
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Díez de Los Ríos J, Navarro M, Vilamala A, Rubio JM, Vilaró I, Besolí A, Serra-Pladevall J. Hospital-acquired malaria in Catalonia: an unexpected post-surgical complication. J Travel Med 2024; 31:taae028. [PMID: 38365435 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taae028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Díez de Los Ríos
- Internal Medicine Department, Multidisciplinary Inflammation Research Group, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra les Infeccions, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Barcelona 08916, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), Vic 08500, Spain
- Fundació Institut de Recerca i Innovació en Ciències de la Vida i de la Salut de la Catalunya Central, Vic 08500, Spain
| | - María Navarro
- Microbiology Department, Multidisciplinary Inflammation Research Group, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
| | - Anna Vilamala
- Microbiology Department, Multidisciplinary Inflammation Research Group, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
| | - José Miguel Rubio
- Malaria and Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, National Microbiology Center, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Ingrid Vilaró
- Internal Medicine Department, Multidisciplinary Inflammation Research Group, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
| | - Anna Besolí
- Infection Control Nurse, Infection Surveillance and Prevention Unit, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
| | - Judit Serra-Pladevall
- Fundació Institut de Recerca i Innovació en Ciències de la Vida i de la Salut de la Catalunya Central, Vic 08500, Spain
- Microbiology Department, Multidisciplinary Inflammation Research Group, Hospital Universitari de Vic, Barcelona 08500, Spain
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat de Vic-Universitat Central de Catalunya (UVIC-UCC), Vic 08500, Spain
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Gilioli G, Defilippo F, Simonetto A, Heinzl A, Migliorati M, Calzolari M, Canziani S, Lelli D, Lavazza A. Characterization of environmental drivers influencing the abundance of Anopheles maculipennis complex in Northern Italy. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:109. [PMID: 38449059 PMCID: PMC10916043 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06208-6] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Italy, malaria was endemic until the 1970s, when it was declared eradicated by WHO. Nowadays, with the persistence of competent mosquito populations, the effect of climate change, and increased possibility of importing malaria parasites from endemic counties due to growing migration, a malaria resurgence in Italy has become more likely. Hence, enhancing the understanding of the current distribution of the Anopheles maculipennis complex and the factors that influence the presence of this malaria vector is crucial, especially in Northern Italy, characterised by a high density of both human population and livestock. METHODS To assess the presence and abundance of malaria vectors, a 4-year field survey in the plain areas of Lombardy and Emilia-Romagna region in Italy was conducted. Every sampling point was characterised in space by the land use in a 500-m radius and in time considering meteorological data collected in the short and long time periods before sampling. We combined the results of a linear regression model with a random forest analysis to understand the relative importance of the investigated niche dimensions in determining Anopheles mosquito presence and abundance. RESULTS The estimated normalised variable importance indicates that rice fields were the most important land use class explaining the presence of Anopheles, followed by transitional woodlands and shrubland. Farm buildings were the third variable in terms of importance, likely because of the presence of animal shelters, followed by urbanised land. The two most important meteorological variables influencing the abundance of Anopheles in our study area were mean temperature in the 24 h before the sampling date and the sum of degree-days with temperature between 18 °C and 30 °C in the 14 days before the sampling date. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained in this study could be helpful in predicting the risk of autochthonous malaria transmission, based on local information on land cover classes that might facilitate the presence of malaria vectors and presence of short- and medium-term meteorological conditions favourable to mosquito development and activity. The results can support the design of vector control measures through environmental management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianni Gilioli
- Department of Civil Engineering Architecture Land and Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Defilippo
- Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Anna Simonetto
- Department of Civil Engineering Architecture Land and Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Heinzl
- Department of Civil Engineering Architecture Land and Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manlio Migliorati
- Department of Civil Engineering Architecture Land and Environment and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia Romagna, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Canziani
- Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Lavazza
- Institute Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Della Lombardia E Dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy
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Snounou G, Sharp PM, Culleton R. The two parasite species formerly known as Plasmodium ovale. Trends Parasitol 2024; 40:21-27. [PMID: 38040603 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Plasmodium ovale was the last of the exclusively human malaria parasites to be described, in 1922, and has remained the least well studied. Beginning in 1995, two divergent forms of the parasite, later termed 'classic' and 'variant', were described. By 2010, it was realised that these forms are two closely related, but genetically distinct and non-recombining species; they were given the names Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri. Since then, substantial additional data have confirmed that the two parasites are indeed separate species, but the trinomial nomenclature has often led to confusion about their status, with many authors describing them as subspecies. We hereby formally name them Plasmodium ovalecurtisi and Plasmodium ovalewallikeri.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Snounou
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Immunologie des maladies virales, auto-immunes, hématologiques et bactériennes (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMR1184), 92265, Fontenay-aux-Roses & Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Paul M Sharp
- Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3FL, UK
| | - Richard Culleton
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, Proteo-Science Centre, Ehime University, 454 Shitsukawa, Toon, Ehime 791-0295, Japan.
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Requena-Méndez A, Cattaneo P, Bogale RT, Marti-Soler H, Wångdahl A, Buonfrate D, Bisoffi Z, Färnert A. Malaria parasite prevalence among migrants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1528-1537. [PMID: 37739263 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asymptomatic malaria infections are highly prevalent in endemic areas. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of malaria parasites in migrants screened in non-endemic areas. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE-Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, Lilacs, Cochrane, and MedRxiv. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Cross-sectional studies and observational prospective or retrospective cohort studies conducted in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand regardless of language or publication status. Studies should include prevalence data on malaria in migrants that were recruited through a systematic screening approach. We excluded studies where people were tested because of malaria symptoms. PARTICIPANTS Migrant individuals exposed to malaria infection ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS: A standardized and validated appraisal instrument was used for studies reporting prevalence data (Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis). METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS Pooled estimates of the parasite prevalence by PCR, microscopy, and rapid diagnostic test (RDT) were calculated with a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was explored by stratification by age, region of origin, period of study, and quality of studies. RESULTS Of 1819 studies retrieved, 23 studies were included with in total 4203 participant PCR data, 3186 microscopy and 4698 RDT data, respectively. Migrants from sub-Saharan Africa had a malaria parasite prevalence of 8.3% (95% CI 5.1-12.2) by PCR, 4.3% (1.5-8.2) by RDT, and 3.1% (0.7-6.8) by microscopy. For migrants from Asia and Latin America, the prevalence with PCR was 0% (0.0-0.08) and 0.4% (0.0-1.8), respectively. Migrants from the Central African Region had the highest PCR prevalence (9.3% [6.0-13.0]), followed by West African migrants (2.0% [0.0-7.7]). Restricting the analysis to sub-Saharan Africa migrants arriving to the host country within the previous year, the PCR-based prevalence was 11.6% (6.9-17.4). CONCLUSION We provide estimates on the malaria parasite prevalence in migrants in non-endemic setting. Despite heterogeneity between settings, these findings can contribute to inform screening strategies and guidelines targeting malaria in migrants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Requena-Méndez
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Migrant Health Research group, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain; CIBERINFEC, (CIBER de Enfermedades Infecciosas), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Paolo Cattaneo
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Rebecca T Bogale
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Marti-Soler
- Migrant Health Research group, Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal, University of Barcelona), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Wångdahl
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases, Västerås Hospital, Västerås, Sweden
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Sacro Cuore-Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Anna Färnert
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Pennino F, Fiorilla C, Sorrentino M, Armonia U, Parisi A, Mirizzi PD, Di Lillo M, De Silva O, Montuori P, Triassi M, Nardone A. Investigating Awareness Regarding Travel-Related Infectious Disease Prevention in a Metropolitan Area. Trop Med Infect Dis 2023; 8:476. [PMID: 37888604 PMCID: PMC10611143 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8100476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The rise in international travel has led to an increase in travel-related infectious diseases. It is predicted that by 2030, the number of international travelers will reach 1.8 billion, with over 250 million people affected globally. This issue also has an economic impact, as the eradication of travel-related infectious diseases leads to a loss of USD 12 billion in tourism. To understand the association between demographic variables and knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to travel-related infectious diseases, a cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among 1191 individuals in the metropolitan city of Naples, Italy. Multiple linear regression was performed over three models. The results revealed that knowledge about travel-related infectious diseases was positively associated with age, female gender, non-smoking habits, being single, and higher education attainment. The attitude towards travel-related infectious diseases was positively associated with being female, non-smoking habits, being single, higher education attainment, and a higher level of knowledge. A statistically significant association was observed between behaviors and non-smoking habits and between higher levels of knowledge and attitudes. To address this issue, public health programs could be implemented to improve behaviors in the general population. Overall, this study provides valuable information about the determinants of knowledge, attitude, and behaviors related to travel-related infectious diseases in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pennino
- Department of Public Health, “Federico II” University, Via Sergio Pansini No. 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Brozat JF, Haverkamp M, Hohlstein P, Adams JK, Wirtz TH, Klingel HR, Hürtgen S, Hamesch K, Bruns T, Trautwein C, Jhaisha SA, Koch A. An old foe on peculiar paths: severe falciparum malaria in a Syrian refugee, possibly infected during migrant smuggling from Türkiye to Germany. Infection 2023; 51:1583-1586. [PMID: 37223876 PMCID: PMC10206553 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-023-02042-7] [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: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Infectious diseases and their imperative awareness gain major relevance through global warming and multi-continent refugee crises. Here, we demonstrate the challenges of malaria diagnosis, disease course, and treatment, including post-artesunate hemolysis in a Syrian refugee with severe falciparum malaria, most probably infected during migrant smuggling from Türkiye to Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan F Brozat
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Miriam Haverkamp
- Department of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Philipp Hohlstein
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jule K Adams
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Theresa H Wirtz
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Hanna R Klingel
- Laboratory Diagnostic Center, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Susanne Hürtgen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Rhein-Maas Hospital, Würselen, Germany
| | - Karim Hamesch
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Samira Abu Jhaisha
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Koch
- Department for Gastroenterology, Metabolic Disorders and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Piazzesi A, Pane S, Putignani L. How Modulations of the Gut Microbiota May Help in Preventing or Treating Parasitic Diseases. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s40475-022-00275-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Menegon M, Tomazatos A, Severini F, Raele DA, Lilja T, Werner D, Boccolini D, Toma L, Vasco I, Lühken R, Kampen H, Cafiero MA, Di Luca M. Molecular Characterization of Anopheles algeriensis Theobald, 1903 (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations from Europe. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11090990. [PMID: 36145422 PMCID: PMC9505642 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11090990] [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: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anopheles algeriensis Theobald, 1903, considered a competent vector of Plasmodium parasites, is a mosquito species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area but rare in Northern and Central Europe. The disappearance of its suitable breeding sites in Italy is having a detrimental effect on the occurrence of this species once common along the Southern coasts and on the islands. Recently, molecular investigations have renewed interest in this species, highlighting a genetic heterogeneity among European populations. In this study, An. algeriensis populations from Italy, Germany, Romania, and Sweden were analyzed by molecular typing of the intergenic transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was also analyzed from specimens collected in Southern Italy. With the aim of investigating the population structure of this species, the obtained data were compared to all publicly available ITS2 and COI sequences of An. algeriensis, adding specimens from Spain and Portugal. The analyses of both markers indicate a split between Iberian populations (Spain for ITS2 and Spain/Portugal for COI) and those from the rest of Europe, revealing two cryptic species. The analysis of the COI barcode revealed a third clade representing a cryptic species present in Danube Delta (Romania). The high levels of genetic divergence among the clades of An. algeriensis indicate that this taxon represents a species complex, potentially harboring several distinct cryptic species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Tomazatos
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Antonio Raele
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Tobias Lilja
- Department of Microbiology, National Veterinary Institute, 75189 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Daniela Boccolini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Vasco
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Renke Lühken
- Department of Arbovirology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, 17493 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Baird JK, Warsame M, Recht J. Survey and Analysis of Chemoprophylaxis Policies for Domestic Travel in Malaria-Endemic Countries. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7070121. [PMID: 35878133 PMCID: PMC9325288 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevention of malaria in travelers with the use of antimalarials often occurs in connection with international travel to areas of significant risk of infection. Although these travelers sometimes cause outbreaks in their malaria-free home countries, the cardinal objective of prescribed chemoprophylaxis is to protect the traveler from patent malaria during travel. Here we consider the chemoprophylaxis of domestic travelers from malaria-free but -receptive areas within malaria-endemic countries. The main objective in this setting is the protection of those areas from reintroduced malaria transmission. In order to better understand policy and practices in this regard, we surveyed malaria prevention and treatment guidelines of 36 malaria-endemic countries and 2 that have recently eliminated malaria (Sri Lanka, China) for recommendations regarding malaria chemoprophylaxis for domestic travel. Among them, just 8 provided specific and positive recommendations, 1 recommended without specific guidance, and 4 advised against the practice. Most nations (25/38; 66%) did not mention chemoprophylaxis for domestic travel, though many of those did offer guidance for international travel. The few positive recommendations for domestic travel were dominated by the suppressive prophylaxis options of daily doxycycline or atovaquone-proguanil or weekly mefloquine. The incomplete protection afforded by these strategies, along with impractical dosing in connection with the typically brief domestic travel, may in part explain the broad lack of policies and practices across malaria-endemic nations regarding chemoprophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Kevin Baird
- Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Eijkman Institute of Molecular Biology, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
- The Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FZ, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Marian Warsame
- School of Public Health and Social Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Gothenburg University, 41390 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Judith Recht
- Independent Researcher, North Bethesda, MD 20852, USA;
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Forniti A, Riccardi N, Sponga P, Buono C, Iapoce R, Suardi LR, Tiseo G, Falcone M, Menichetti F. Recrudescence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria 5 years after treatment in an HIV migrant: a case report with a peculiar presentation. LE INFEZIONI IN MEDICINA 2022; 30:304-308. [PMID: 35693061 PMCID: PMC9177190 DOI: 10.53854/liim-3002-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In the last two decades, several cases of delayed-onset malaria in migrants from endemic areas were reported. The decrease of acquired immunity over time, often enhanced by immune suppression, represents a possible underlying mechanism for recrudescence. Here we describe a case of Plasmodium falciparum malaria occurring five years after exposure in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus, originating from Ivory Coast. Peculiarly, bilateral subsegmental pulmonary embolism in the absence of deep venous thrombosis was also detected, requiring anticoagulant therapy. Treatment with dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine was followed by clearance of trophozoites and the patient was discharged home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Forniti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Niccolò Riccardi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pietro Sponga
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Buono
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Riccardo Iapoce
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Roberto Suardi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giusy Tiseo
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Falcone
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Menichetti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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12
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Bertola M, Fornasiero D, Sgubin S, Mazzon L, Pombi M, Montarsi F. Comparative efficacy of BG-Sentinel 2 and CDC-like mosquito traps for monitoring potential malaria vectors in Europe. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:160. [PMID: 35526068 PMCID: PMC9077833 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05285-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different trapping devices and attractants are used in the mosquito surveillance programs currently running in Europe. Most of these devices target vector species belonging to the genera Culex or Aedes, and no studies have yet evaluated the effectiveness of different trapping devices for the specific targeting of Anopheles mosquito species, which are potential vectors of malaria in Europe. This study aims to fill this gap in knowledge by comparing the performance of trapping methods that are commonly used in European mosquito surveillance programs for Culex and Aedes for the specific collection of adults of species of the Anopheles maculipennis complex. Methods The following combinations of traps and attractants were used: (i) BG-Sentinel 2 (BG trap) baited with a BG-Lure cartridge (BG + lure), (ii) BG trap baited with a BG-Lure cartridge and CO2 (BG + lure + CO2), (iii) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-like trap (CDC trap) baited with CO2 (CDC + CO2), (iv) CDC trap used with light and baited with BG-Lure and CO2 (CDC light + lure + CO2). These combinations were compared in the field using a 4 × 4 Latin square study design. The trial was conducted in two sites in northeastern Italy in 2019. Anopheles species were identified morphologically and a sub-sample of An. maculipennis complex specimens were identified to species level by molecular analysis. Results Forty-eight collections were performed on 12 different trapping days at each site, and a total of 1721 An. maculipennis complex specimens were captured. The molecular analysis of a sub-sample comprising 254 specimens identified both Anopheles messeae/Anopheles daciae (n = 103) and Anopheles maculipennis sensu stricto (n = 8) at site 1, while at site 2 only An. messeae/An. daciae (n = 143) was found. The four trapping devices differed with respect to the number of An. messeae/An. daciae captured. More mosquitoes were caught by the BG trap when it was used with additional lures (i.e. BG + lure + CO2) than without the attractant, CO2 [ratioBG+lure vs BG+lure+CO2 = 0.206, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.101–0.420, P < 0.0001], while no significant differences were observed between CDC + CO2 and CDC light + lure + CO2 (P = 0.321). The addition of CO2 to BG + lure increased the ability of this combination to capture An. messeae/An. daciae by a factor of 4.85, and it also trapped more mosquitoes of other, non-target species (Culex pipiens, ratioBG+lure vs BG+lure+CO2 = 0.119, 95% CI 0.056–0.250, P < 0.0001; Ochlerotatus caspius, ratioBG+lure vs BG+lure+CO2 = 0.035, 95% CI 0.015–0.080, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Our results show that both the BG-Sentinel and CDC trap can be used to effectively sample An. messeae/An. daciae, but that the combination of the BG-Sentinel trap with the BG-Lure and CO2 was the most effective means of achieving this. BG + lure + CO2 is considered the best combination for the routine monitoring of host-seeking An. maculipennis complex species such as An. messeae/An. daciae. The BG-Sentinel and CDC traps have value as alternative methods to human landing catches and manual aspiration for the standardized monitoring of Anopheles species in Europe. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05285-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Diletta Fornasiero
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Sgubin
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Mazzon
- Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment (DAFNAE), University of Padova, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, 35020, Legnaro, Padua, Italy. .,Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Yin J, Yan H, Li M. Prompt and precise identification of various sources of infection in response to the prevention of malaria re-establishment in China. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:45. [PMID: 35436964 PMCID: PMC9014402 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00968-y] [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: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Prompt and precise diagnosis of patients is an essential component of malaria control and elimination strategies, it is even more vital for the prevention of malaria re-establishment in the post elimination phase. After eliminating malaria in China, the strategy for prevention of malaria re-establishment was updated in a timely manner from the elimination strategy focusing on each case/focus to the prevention of re-establishment focusing on timely identification of the source of infection. However, there are numerous challenges, such as the persistent large number of imported malaria cases, the long-term threat of border malaria, unknown levels of asymptomatic infections and Plasmodium falciparum HRP2/3 gene deletions, and the continuous spreading of antimalarial drug resistance. Meanwhile, the detection capacity also need to be further improved to meet the timely detection of all sources of infection, otherwise it is bound to occur introduced malaria cases and malaria re-establishment in the presence of malaria vector mosquitoes. Therefore, it is necessary to continuously strengthen the malaria detection competency at all levels, promote the research and development on the malaria parasitological testing technologies, thus improving the timely detection of various sources of infection, and preventing the re-establishment of malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhai Yin
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - He Yan
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Mei Li
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, WHO Collaborating Center for Tropical Diseases, National Center for International Research on Tropical Diseases, Shanghai, 200025, China
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14
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Bertola M, Mazzucato M, Pombi M, Montarsi F. Updated occurrence and bionomics of potential malaria vectors in Europe: a systematic review (2000-2021). Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:88. [PMID: 35292106 PMCID: PMC8922938 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05204-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the eradication of malaria across most European countries in the 1960s and 1970s, the anopheline vectors are still present. Most of the malaria cases that have been reported in Europe up to the present time have been infections acquired in endemic areas by travelers. However, the possibility of acquiring malaria by locally infected mosquitoes has been poorly investigated in Europe, despite autochthonous malaria cases having been occasionally reported in several European countries. Here we present an update on the occurrence of potential malaria vector species in Europe. Adopting a systematic review approach, we selected 288 papers published between 2000 and 2021 for inclusion in the review based on retrieval of accurate information on the following Anopheles species: An. atroparvus, An. hyrcanus sensu lato (s.l.), An. labranchiae, An. maculipennis sensu stricto (s.s.), An. messeae/daciae, An. sacharovi, An. superpictus and An. plumbeus. The distribution of these potential vector species across Europe is critically reviewed in relation to areas of major presence and principal bionomic features, including vector competence to Plasmodium. Additional information, such as geographical details, sampling approaches and species identification methods, are also reported. We compare the information on each species extracted from the most recent studies to comparable information reported from studies published in the early 2000s, with particular reference to the role of each species in malaria transmission before eradication. The picture that emerges from this review is that potential vector species are still widespread in Europe, with the largest diversity in the Mediterranean area, Italy in particular. Despite information on their vectorial capacity being fragmentary, the information retrieved suggests a re-definition of the relative importance of potential vector species, indicating An. hyrcanus s.l., An. labranchiae, An. plumbeus and An. sacharovi as potential vectors of higher importance, while An. messeae/daciae and An. maculipennis s.s. can be considered to be moderately important species. In contrast, An. atroparvus and An. superpictus should be considered as vectors of lower importance, particularly in relation to their low anthropophily. The presence of gaps in current knowledge of vectorial systems in Europe becomes evident in this review, not only in terms of vector competence but also in the definition of sampling approaches, highlighting the need for further research to adopt the appropriate surveillance system for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Matteo Mazzucato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy.
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Roma, Italy
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15
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Dorrucci M, Boccolini D, Bella A, Lucarelli C, D'Amato S, Caraglia A, Maraglino FP, Severini C, Gradoni L, Pezzotti P. Malaria surveillance system and Hospital Discharge Records: Assessing differences in Italy, 2011–2017 database analysis. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 48:102322. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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16
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Ciusa G, Guida Marascia F, Virruso R, Angheben A, Guaraldi G, Cascio A. Clinical recrudescence of chronic untreated P. malariae infection after BNT162b2 CoVID-19 vaccine. IDCases 2022; 27:e01456. [PMID: 35223428 PMCID: PMC8857774 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2022.e01456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We described a case of clinical reactivation of chronic P. malariae infection following CoVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2 (Pifzer-Biontech CoVID-19 vaccine) in a 48-year old Italian man.The patient came to our attention for fever of unknown origin show a quartan pattern (every third day) associated to splenomegaly, the onset of the fever occurred one month after CoVID-19 vaccination with BNT162b2. P. malariae was diagnosed using Carestart™ malaria rapid test and Polymerase-Chain Reaction. Post-vaccine transient reduction of immune reactivity is described in literature, although the mechanism is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Ciusa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- Corresponding author at:Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - F. Guida Marascia
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - R. Virruso
- U.O.C. of Microbiology, Virology and Parassitology, A.O.U.P. "Paolo Giaccone", 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - A. Angheben
- Department of Infectious—Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024, Verona, Italy
| | - G. Guaraldi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - A. Cascio
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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17
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Raele DA, Severini F, Boccolini D, Menegon M, Toma L, Vasco I, Franco E, Miccolis P, Desiante F, Nola V, Salerno P, Cafiero MA, Di Luca M. Entomological Surveillance in Former Malaria-endemic Areas of Southern Italy. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10111521. [PMID: 34832676 PMCID: PMC8619560 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10111521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria still represents a potential public health issue in Italy, and the presence of former Anopheles vectors and cases imported annually merit continuous surveillance. In areas no longer endemic, the concurrent presence of gametocyte carriers and competent vectors makes re-emergence of local transmission possible, as recently reported in Greece. In October 2017, due to the occurrence of four suspected introduced malaria cases in the province of Taranto (Apulia region), entomological investigations were performed to verify the involvement of local anopheline species. In 2019–2020 entomological surveys were extended to other areas historically prone to malaria between the provinces of Taranto and Matera and the province of Foggia (Gargano Promontory). Resting mosquitoes were collected in animal shelters and human dwellings, larvae were sampled in natural and artificial breeding sites, and specimens were both morphologically and molecularly identified. A total of 2228 mosquitoes were collected, 54.3% of which were anophelines. In all the investigated areas, Anopheles labranchiae was the most widespread species, while Anopheles algeriensis was predominant at the Gargano sites, and Anopheles superpictus and Anopheles plumbeus were recorded in the province of Matera. Our findings showed a potentially high receptivity in the surveyed areas, where the abundance of the two former malaria vectors, An. labranchiae and An. superpictus, is related to environmental and climatic parameters and to anthropic activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Antonio Raele
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (D.A.R.); (I.V.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Daniela Boccolini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.)
| | - Ilaria Vasco
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (D.A.R.); (I.V.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Ettore Franco
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, 74121 Taranto, Italy; (E.F.); (P.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Pasquale Miccolis
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, 74121 Taranto, Italy; (E.F.); (P.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Francesco Desiante
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, 74121 Taranto, Italy; (E.F.); (P.M.); (F.D.)
| | - Vincenzo Nola
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Sanità e Benessere Animale, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, 75100 Matera, Italy; (V.N.); (P.S.)
| | - Pietrangelo Salerno
- Dipartimento di Prevenzione, Sanità e Benessere Animale, Azienda Sanitaria Locale, 75100 Matera, Italy; (V.N.); (P.S.)
| | - Maria Assunta Cafiero
- Laboratorio di Entomologia Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Puglia e della Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy; (D.A.R.); (I.V.); (M.A.C.)
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Reparto Malattie Trasmesse da Vettori, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy; (F.S.); (D.B.); (M.M.); (L.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Bellin N, Calzolari M, Callegari E, Bonilauri P, Grisendi A, Dottori M, Rossi V. Geometric morphometrics and machine learning as tools for the identification of sibling mosquito species of the Maculipennis complex (Anopheles). INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2021; 95:105034. [PMID: 34384936 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2021.105034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Geometric morphometrics allows researchers to use the specific software to quantify and to visualize morphological differences between taxa from insect wings. Our objective was to assess wing geometry to distinguish four Anopheles sibling species of the Maculipennis complex, An. maculipennis s. s., An. daciae sp. inq., An. atroparvus and An. melanoon, found in Northern Italy. We combined the geometric morphometric approach with different machine learning alghorithms: support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural network (ANN) and an ensemble model (EN). Centroid size was smaller in An. atroparvus than in An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained only 33% of the total variance and appeared not very useful to discriminate among species, and in particular between An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. The performance of four different machine learning alghorithms using procrustes coordinates of wing shape as predictors was evaluated. All models showed ROC-AUC and PRC-AUC values that were higher than the random classifier but the SVM algorithm maximized the most metrics on the test set. The SVM algorithm with radial basis function allowed the correct classification of 83% of An. maculipennis s. s. and 79% of An. daciae sp. inq. ROC-AUC analysis showed that three landmarks, 11, 16 and 15, were the most important procrustes coordinates in mean wing shape comparison between An. maculipennis s. s. and An. daciae sp. inq. The pattern in the three-dimensional space of the most important procrustes coordinates showed a clearer differentiation between the two species than the PCA. Our study demonstrated that machine learning algorithms could be a useful tool combined with the wing geometric morphometric approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolò Bellin
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Callegari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Annalisa Grisendi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Michele Dottori
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "B. Ubertini" (IZSLER), Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Rossi
- University of Parma, Department of Chemistry, Life Sciences and Environmental Sustainability, Parco Area delle Scienze, 11/A, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Mahittikorn A, Masangkay FR, Kotepui KU, Milanez GDJ, Kotepui M. Comparison of Plasmodium ovale curtisi and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri infections by a meta-analysis approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6409. [PMID: 33742015 PMCID: PMC7979700 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85398-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria caused by Plasmodium ovale species is considered a neglected tropical disease with limited information about its characteristics. It also remains unclear whether the two distinct species P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri exhibit differences in their prevalence, geographic distribution, clinical characteristics, or laboratory parameters. Therefore, this study was conducted to clarify these differences to support global malaria control and eradication programs. Studies reporting the occurrence of P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri were explored in databases. Differences in proportion, clinical data, and laboratory parameters between the two species were estimated using a random-effects model and expressed as pooled odds ratios (ORs), mean difference (MD), or standardized MD depending on the types of extracted data. The difference in geographical distribution was visualized by mapping the origin of the two species. A total of 1453 P. ovale cases extracted from 35 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The p-value in the meta-analyses provided evidence favoring a real difference between P. ovale curtisi malaria cases (809/1453, 55.7%) and P. ovale wallikeri malaria cases (644/1453, 44.3%) (p: 0.01, OR 1.61, 95% CI 0.71-3.63, I2: 77%). Subgroup analyses established evidence favoring a real difference between P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri malaria cases among the imported cases (p: 0.02, 1135 cases). The p value in the meta-analyses provided evidence favoring a real difference in the mean latency period between P. ovale curtisi (289 cases) and P. ovale wallikeri malaria (266 cases) (p: 0.03, MD: 27.59, 95% CI 1.99-53.2, I2: 94%), total leukocyte count (p < 0.0001, MD: 840, 95% CI 610-1070, I2: 0%, two studies) and platelet count (p < 0.0001, MD: 44,750, 95% CI 2900-60,500, I2: 32%, three studies). Four continents were found to have reports of P. ovale spp., among which Africa had the highest number of reports for both P. ovale spp. in its 37 countries, with a global proportion of 94.46%, and an almost equal distribution of both P. ovale spp., where P. ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri reflected 53.09% and 46.90% of the continent's proportion, respectively. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to demonstrate the differences in the characteristics of the two distinct P. ovale species. Malaria caused by P. ovale curtisi was found in higher proportions among imported cases and had longer latency periods, higher platelet counts, and higher total leukocyte counts than malaria caused by P. ovale wallikeri. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to confirm the differences or similarities between these two species to promote malaria control and effective eradication programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aongart Mahittikorn
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frederick Ramirez Masangkay
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Kwuntida Uthaisar Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
| | - Giovanni De Jesus Milanez
- Department of Medical Technology, Institute of Arts and Sciences, Far Eastern University-Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
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Calzolari M, Desiato R, Albieri A, Bellavia V, Bertola M, Bonilauri P, Callegari E, Canziani S, Lelli D, Mosca A, Mulatti P, Peletto S, Ravagnan S, Roberto P, Torri D, Pombi M, Di Luca M, Montarsi F. Mosquitoes of the Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6421. [PMID: 33742019 PMCID: PMC7979756 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-85442-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The correct identification of mosquito vectors is often hampered by the presence of morphologically indiscernible sibling species. The Maculipennis complex is one of these groups that include both malaria vectors of primary importance and species of low/negligible epidemiological relevance, of which distribution data in Italy are outdated. Our study was aimed at providing an updated distribution of Maculipennis complex in Northern Italy through the sampling and morphological/molecular identification of specimens from five regions. The most abundant species was Anopheles messeae (2032), followed by Anopheles maculipennis s.s. (418), Anopheles atroparvus (28) and Anopheles melanoon (13). Taking advantage of ITS2 barcoding, we were able to finely characterize tested mosquitoes, classifying all the Anopheles messeae specimens as Anopheles daciae, a taxon with debated rank to which we referred as species inquirenda (sp. inq.). The distribution of species was characterized by Ecological Niche Models (ENMs), fed by recorded points of presence. ENMs provided clues on the ecological preferences of the detected species, with An. daciae sp. inq. linked to stable breeding sites and An. maculipennis s.s. more associated to ephemeral breeding sites. We demonstrate that historical Anopheles malaria vectors are still present in Northern Italy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Calzolari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Rosanna Desiato
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Albieri
- Centro Agricoltura Ambiente "Giorgio Nicoli" S.r.L. (CAA), Via Sant'Agata, 835, 40014, Crevalcore, BO, Italy
| | - Veronica Bellavia
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Bertola
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Bonilauri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Callegari
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Canziani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Davide Lelli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Mosca
- Territory and Agriculture Technical Area, Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente - IPLA SpA, Corso Casale, 476, 10132, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Mulatti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Simone Peletto
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, Via Bologna 148, 10154, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Ravagnan
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Paolo Roberto
- Territory and Agriculture Technical Area, Istituto per le Piante da Legno e l'Ambiente - IPLA SpA, Corso Casale, 476, 10132, Turin, Italy
| | - Deborah Torri
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna "Bruno Ubertini", Via Bianchi, 9, 25124, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Pombi
- Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, PD, Italy.,Dipartimento di Sanità Pubblica e Malattie Infettive, Università di Roma "Sapienza", P.le Aldo Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy
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