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Wehmeyer ML, Jaworski L, Jöst H, Șuleșco T, Rauhöft L, Afonso SMM, Neumann M, Kliemke K, Lange U, Kiel E, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Sauer FG, Lühken R. Host attraction and host feeding patterns indicate generalist feeding of Culex pipiens s.s. and Cx. torrentium. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:369. [PMID: 39215365 PMCID: PMC11363403 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito host feeding patterns are an important factor of the species-specific vector capacity determining pathogen transmission routes. Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium are competent vectors of several arboviruses, such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus. However, studies on host feeding patterns rarely differentiate the morphologically indistinguishable females. METHODS We analyzed the host feeding attraction of Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium in host-choice studies for bird, mouse, and a human lure. In addition, we summarized published and unpublished data on host feeding patterns of field-collected specimens from Germany, Iran, and Moldova from 2012 to 2022, genetically identified as Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, Cx. pipiens hybrid biotype pipiens × molestus, and Cx. torrentium, and finally put the data in context with similar data found in a systematic literature search. RESULTS In the host-choice experiments, we did not find a significant attraction to bird, mouse, and human lure for Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. torrentium. Hosts of 992 field-collected specimens were identified for Germany, Iran, and Moldova, with the majority determined as Cx. pipiens pipiens, increasing the data available from studies known from the literature by two-thirds. All four Culex pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa had fed with significant proportions on birds, humans, and nonhuman mammals. Merged with the data from the literature from 23 different studies showing a high prevalence of blood meals from birds, more than 50% of the blood meals of Cx. pipiens s.s. were identified as birds, while up to 39% were human and nonhuman mammalian hosts. Culex torrentium fed half on birds and half on mammals. However, there were considerable geographical differences in the host feeding patterns. CONCLUSIONS In the light of these results, the clear characterization of the Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium taxa as ornithophilic/-phagic or mammalophilic/-phagic needs to be reconsidered. Given their broad host ranges, all four Culex taxa could potentially serve as enzootic and bridge vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linda Jaworski
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Carl Von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Șuleșco
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leif Rauhöft
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Markus Neumann
- Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Sports Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Werderstraße 124, 19055, Schwerin, Germany
| | | | - Unchana Lange
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ellen Kiel
- Carl Von Ossietzky University, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 22609, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany.
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Bouaoud L, Aissaoui L, Dor A. Diversity and Distribution of Culicidian Fauna in Urban and Rural Areas of Setif Region (North-East Algeria). Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2024; 24:372-381. [PMID: 38573212 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2023.0047] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: The study explored larval mosquito breeding sites in urban and rural areas from March 2021 to February 2022 in the North-East region of Algeria to provide information on larval biology and ecology of different mosquito species. Methodology: It focused on the effect of the physicochemical characteristics of the breeding sites (pH and water temperature), area, and months on the larval mosquito abundance. Diversity index and equitability were calculated for the registered mosquito species in both areas. Results: Months significantly affected the larval mosquito abundances, with a clear abundance increase from March to August 2021, and then, a clear decrease to February 2022. The interactions between rural and urban areas, water pH, and water temperature as well affected the mosquito abundance. Twelve species of Culicidae were identified and distributed in three genera: Culex, Culiseta, and Aedes. Culex pipiens was the most dominant species in rural and urban sites, with a rate of 69% and 48%, respectively. In rural site, Aedes caspius and Aedes vexans occupied the second position with value of 7-8% each. In urban sites, the second position was occupied by Culiseta longiareolata (36%) and then by Culex theileri (10%). In terms of site diversity, only one site was highly diversified in rural sites, El Hchichia (H' = 1.12 bits). In urban sites, Setif Center, Guellel an Ain Trick, had almost similar diversity with values between 1.03 and 1.04 bits. Equitability values were 0.48 in rural sites and 0.55 in urban sites. Therefore, the Culicidae species presented in these study sites are moderately balanced. Conclusion: The present study provides key tools for planning a better vector control through the information on the effect of some factors on the proliferation of mosquitoes in the urban and rural sites of the Setif region and on the Culicidae diversity and abundance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laldja Bouaoud
- Research Laboratory of Improvement and Development of Animal and Plant Production, Department of Biology and Animal Physiology, University Ferhat Abbas of Setif, Setif, Algeria
| | - Lynda Aissaoui
- Research Laboratory of Improvement and Development of Animal and Plant Production, Department of Biology and Animal Physiology, University Ferhat Abbas of Setif, Setif, Algeria
| | - Ariane Dor
- Investigadora por México CONAHCYT-ECOSUR Unidad Tapachula, Chiapas, Mexico
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Goiri F, González MA, Cevidanes A, Barandika JF, García-Peréz AL. Mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries in northern Spain. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:168. [PMID: 38566167 PMCID: PMC10986117 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06263-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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes inhabiting urban green spaces and cemeteries in Europe represent a crucial facet of public health concern and contribute to the ecological balance. As urbanization intensifies, these areas increasingly serve as vital habitats for various mosquito species, fostering breeding grounds and increasing the risk of disease transmission. METHODS A study was conducted in the three main cities (inland, coastal, and estuarine) of the Basque Country, northern Spain, to investigate the species composition, abundance, dynamic populations, larval habitats, and host preferences of mosquitoes in urban green spaces and cemeteries. CDC traps and dipping were used to collect mosquitoes for 2 years (2019-2020). RESULTS A total of 21 mosquito species were identified, with Culex pipiens s.l. being the most abundant and widespread. The three ecological forms of Cx. pipiens were found, and Cx. pipiens pipiens was the most common in both green areas and cemeteries. Morphological identification together with molecular tools identified 65 COI sequences with high homology. The highest species richness was found in the inland city, followed by the coastal city and the estuarine city. Mosquito abundance was significantly higher in green areas compared to cemeteries and in the coastal and estuarine cities compared to the inland city. The investigation of larval breeding sites highlighted the dominance of Cx. pipiens s.l., particularly in semi-artificial ponds, diverse water-holding containers (tyres and buckets) and drainage systems in green areas; in cemeteries, most of the larvae were found in flowerpots and funerary urns. Seasonal activity exhibited variable peaks in mosquito abundance in the different cities, with a notable increase in July or August. Additionally, blood meal analysis revealed that Cx. pipiens s.l. fed on several common urban avian species. CONCLUSIONS Studies on mosquitoes are essential to understand their role in disease transmission and to design targeted and sustainable management strategies to mitigate the associated risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima Goiri
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Mikel A González
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
- Doñana Biological Station, Spanish National Research Council (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Peréz
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain.
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Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, Ruiz S, Soriguer RC, Figuerola J. Landscape and mosquito community impact the avian Plasmodium infection in Culex pipiens. iScience 2024; 27:109194. [PMID: 38433892 PMCID: PMC10906513 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites provide an important model for studying host-pathogen interactions, yet understanding their dynamics in vectors under natural conditions is limited. We investigated the effect of vector abundance, species richness and diversity, and habitat characteristics on avian Plasmodium prevalence and lineage richness in Culex pipiens across 45 urban, natural, and rural localities in southern Spain. Analyzing 16,574 mosquitoes grouped in 768 mosquito pools, 32.7% exhibited parasite presence. 13 different Plasmodium lineages were identified, with the lineage SYAT05 being the most commonly found. Parasite prevalence positively correlated with the distance to saltmarshes and rivers, but negatively with the distance to total water source. Parasite lineage diversity was higher in natural than in rural areas and positively correlated with mosquito species richness. These results emphasize the complex dynamics of avian Plasmodium in the wild, with habitat characteristics and vector community driving the parasite transmission by mosquito vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada (UGR), Granada, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Diputación de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón C. Soriguer
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Blom R, Krol L, Langezaal M, Schrama M, Trimbos KB, Wassenaar D, Koenraadt CJM. Blood-feeding patterns of Culex pipiens biotype pipiens and pipiens/molestus hybrids in relation to avian community composition in urban habitats. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:95. [PMID: 38424573 PMCID: PMC10902945 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06186-9] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex pipiens sensu stricto (s.s.) is considered the primary vector of Usutu virus and West Nile virus, and consists of two morphologically identical but behaviourally distinct biotypes (Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus) and their hybrids. Both biotypes are expected to differ in their feeding behaviour, and pipiens/molestus hybrids are presumed to display intermediate feeding behaviour. However, the evidence for distinct feeding patterns is scarce, and to date no studies have related differences in feeding patterns to differences in host abundance. METHODS Mosquitoes were collected using CO2-baited traps. We collected blood-engorged Cx. pipiens/torrentium specimens from 12 contrasting urban sites, namely six city parks and six residential areas. Blood engorged Cx. pipiens/torrentium mosquitoes were identified to the species and biotype/hybrid level via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We performed blood meal analysis via PCR and Sanger sequencing. Additionally, avian host communities were surveyed via vocal sounds and/or visual observation. RESULTS We selected 64 blood-engorged Cx. pipiens/torrentium mosquitoes of which we successfully determined the host origin of 55 specimens. Of these, 38 belonged to biotype pipiens, 14 were pipiens/molestus hybrids and the identity of three specimens could not be determined. No blood-engorged biotype molestus or Cx. torrentium specimens were collected. We observed no differences in feeding patterns between biotype pipiens and pipiens/molestus hybrids across different habitats. Avian community composition differed between city parks and residential areas, whereas overall avian abundance did not differ between the two habitat types. CONCLUSIONS Our results show the following: (1) Cx. pipiens s.s. feeding patterns did not differ between city parks and residential areas, regardless of whether individuals were identified as biotype pipiens or pipiens/molestus hybrids. (2) We detected differences in host availability between city parks and residential areas. (3) We show that in both urban habitat types, biotype pipiens and pipiens/molestus hybrids fed on both mammalian and avian hosts. This underscores the potential role in arbovirus transmission of biotype pipiens and pipiens/molestus hybrids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rody Blom
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Louie Krol
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Deltares, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Langezaal
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Schrama
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Krijn B Trimbos
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Wassenaar
- Institute of Environmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Constantianus J M Koenraadt
- Laboratory of Entomology, Plant Sciences Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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Ferraguti M, Dimas Martins A, Artzy-Randrup Y. Quantifying the invasion risk of West Nile virus: Insights from a multi-vector and multi-host SEIR model. One Health 2023; 17:100638. [PMID: 38024254 PMCID: PMC10665159 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The invasion of vector-borne diseases depends on the type of specific features of the vector and hosts at play. Within the Culex pipiens complex, differences in ecology, biology, and vector competence can influence the risk of West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks. To determine which life-history traits affect WNV invasion into susceptible communities the most, we constructed an epidemiological Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered model with three vector (eco)types, Culex pipiens pipiens, Cx. pip. molestus, and their hybrids, and two vertebrate hosts, birds (as amplifying hosts) and humans (as dead-end hosts). We investigated how differences in feeding preferences and transmission rates influenced WNV transmission across different habitats and two seasons (Spring versus Summer), to investigate the impact of increasing mosquitoes on the WNV transmission risk. Our results showed that vector feeding preferences and the transmission rate between mosquitoes and birds were the parameters that most influenced WNV invasion risk. Even though our model did not predict WNV invasion across any of the studied environments, we found that natural habitats displayed the highest susceptibility to WNV invasion. Pipiens (eco)type acted as the primary vector in all habitats. Hybrids, contrary to common opinion, showed minimal involvement in WNV transmission. However, it is important to interpret our study results with caution due to the possibility of idealized spring and summer seasons being reflected in the field-collected data. Our study could be a tool to enhance current vector surveillance and control programs by targeting specific vector types in specific environments, especially in natural habitat, which are most responsive to environmental shifts. The joint approach based on epidemiological modelling based on field collected data can help to reduce wasted time and economic costs while maximizing the efficiency of local public health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Departamento de Biología de la Conservación y Cambio Global, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD), CSIC, C/Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092 Seville, Spain
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Afonso Dimas Martins
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Utrecht, Yalelaan 7, 3584 CL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Yael Artzy-Randrup
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Köchling K, Schaub GA, Werner D, Kampen H. Avian Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. parasites in mosquitoes in Germany. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:369. [PMID: 37853399 PMCID: PMC10585844 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05965-0] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although haemosporidian parasites may cause considerable health and economic problems in aviaries, there is limited understanding of the vectors transmitting them. Mosquito-borne Plasmodium species are responsible for the deaths of numerous exotic (= immunologically naïve) birds in zoos every year, while native birds are adapted to the parasites and largely protected by an effective immune response. METHODS Mosquitoes were collected in bird/animal parks, wetlands and private gardens in various regions of Germany from 2020 to 2022. Females were pooled with up to 10 specimens according to taxon, location and date. Extracted DNA was screened for avian Haemosporida-specific mitochondrial rDNA using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Positive samples were amplified by a Plasmodium/Haemoproteus-specific nested PCR targeting the partial cytochrome b gene, followed by sequencing of the PCR product for species identification. Sequences were checked against GenBank and MalAvi databases. RESULTS PCR of 2633 pools with 8834 female mosquitoes signalled infection with Plasmodium in 46 pools and with Haemoproteus in one pool. Further amplification and sequencing demonstrated the occurrence of Haemoproteus majoris lineage PARUS1 (n = 1) as well as several Plasmodium species and lineages, including Plasmodium relictum SGS1 (n = 16) and GRW11 (n = 1), P. matutinum LINN1 (n = 13), P. vaughani SYAT05 (n = 10), P. circumflexum TURDUS01 (n = 3), P. cathemerium PADOM02 (n = 1) and Plasmodium sp. SYBOR02 (n = 1) and PLOPRI01 (n = 1). The infections were detected in Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 40), Culiseta morsitans/fumipennis (n = 6) and Aedes cinereus/geminus (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS Although the overall Plasmodium minimum infection rate (5.2) appears to be low, the results demonstrated not only the ongoing circulation of Plasmodium parasites in the German mosquito population, but also the occurrence of eight distinct Plasmodium lineages, with three of them (PADOM02, SYBOR02, PLOPRI01) being detected in Germany for the first time. This study highlights the importance of conducting mosquito-borne pathogen surveillance studies simultaneously targeting vectors and vertebrate hosts, as certain species may be detected more readily in their vectors than in their vertebrate hosts, and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Köchling
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany.
| | | | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
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Moser SK, Barnard M, Frantz RM, Spencer JA, Rodarte KA, Crooker IK, Bartlow AW, Romero-Severson E, Manore CA. Scoping review of Culex mosquito life history trait heterogeneity in response to temperature. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:200. [PMID: 37316915 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes in the genus Culex are primary vectors in the US for West Nile virus (WNV) and other arboviruses. Climatic drivers such as temperature have differential effects on species-specific changes in mosquito range, distribution, and abundance, posing challenges for population modeling, disease forecasting, and subsequent public health decisions. Understanding these differences in underlying biological dynamics is crucial in the face of climate change. METHODS We collected empirical data on thermal response for immature development rate, egg viability, oviposition, survival to adulthood, and adult lifespan for Culex pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus, Cx. tarsalis, and Cx. restuans from existing literature according to the PRISMA scoping review guidelines. RESULTS We observed linear relationships with temperature for development rate and lifespan, and nonlinear relationships for survival and egg viability, with underlying variation between species. Optimal ranges and critical minima and maxima also appeared varied. To illustrate how model output can change with experimental input data from individual Culex species, we applied a modified equation for temperature-dependent mosquito type reproduction number for endemic spread of WNV among mosquitoes and observed different effects. CONCLUSIONS Current models often input theoretical parameters estimated from a single vector species; we show the need to implement the real-world heterogeneity in thermal response between species and present a useful data resource for researchers working toward that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Kane Moser
- Genomics and Bioanalytics (B-GEN), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA.
| | - Martha Barnard
- Information Systems and Modeling (A-1), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Rachel M Frantz
- Information Systems and Modeling (A-1), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Julie A Spencer
- Information Systems and Modeling (A-1), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Katie A Rodarte
- Genomics and Bioanalytics (B-GEN), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Isabel K Crooker
- Information Systems and Modeling (A-1), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
- Department of Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Andrew W Bartlow
- Genomics and Bioanalytics (B-GEN), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Ethan Romero-Severson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics (T-6), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Carrie A Manore
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics (T-6), Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
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Giatropoulos A, Koliopoulos G, Pantelakis PN, Papachristos D, Michaelakis A. Evaluating the Sublethal Effects of Origanum vulgare Essential Oil and Carvacrol on the Biological Characteristics of Culex pipiens biotype molestus (Diptera: Culicidae). INSECTS 2023; 14:400. [PMID: 37103215 PMCID: PMC10146918 DOI: 10.3390/insects14040400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Culex pipiens is a mosquito species complex spread worldwide that poses a serious threat to human health as the primary vector of West Nile virus. Its control is mainly based on larvicidal applications with synthetic insecticides on mosquito breeding sites. However, the excessive use of synthetic larvicides may provoke mosquito resistance issues and negative side effects to the aquatic environment and human health. Plant-derived essential oils, including those from the Lamiaceae family, can be eco-friendly alternative larvicidal agents causing acute larval toxicity and/or growth inhibitory effects on the developmental stages of mosquitoes through different modes of action. In the current laboratory study, we evaluated the sublethal effects of carvacrol-rich oregano essential oil and pure carvacrol on Cx. pipiens biotype molestus, the autogenous member of the Cx. pipiens species complex, after the exposure of 3rd-4th instar larvae to LC50 concentrations. The short-term (24 h) larvicidal treatment with the sublethal concentrations of both tested materials exhibited an acute lethal effect on the exposed larvae as well as significant delayed mortality for surviving larvae and pupae. Larvicidal treatment with carvacrol reduced the longevity of the emerged males. In addition, the morphological abnormalities that were observed at the larval and pupal stage along with failed adult emergence indicate the potential growth inhibitory properties of the tested bioinsecticides. Our findings suggest that carvacrol and carvacrol-rich oregano oil are effective plant-based larvicides at doses lower than the acute lethal ones, thus promoting an environmentally friendly and more affordable perspective for their use against the WNV vector Cx. pipiens biotype molestus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athanasios Giatropoulos
- Laboratory of Efficacy Control of Pesticides, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece
| | - George Koliopoulos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos-Nektarios Pantelakis
- Laboratory of Efficacy Control of Pesticides, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece
- Laboratory of Agricultural Zoology and Entomology, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Papachristos
- Laboratory of Agricultural Entomology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Laboratory of Insects and Parasites of Medical Importance, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 14561 Kifissia, Greece
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Abstract
The northern house mosquito Culex pipiens sensu stricto is one of the most important disease vector mosquitoes in temperate zones across the northern hemisphere, responsible for the emergence of West Nile Virus over the last two decades. It comprises two ecologically distinct forms - an aboveground form, pipiens, diapauses in winter and primarily bites birds, while a belowground form, molestus, thrives year-round in subways, basements and other human-made, belowground habitats, bites mammals, and can even lay eggs without a blood meal. The two forms hybridize in some but not all places, leading to a complex ecological mosaic that complicates predictions of vectorial capacity. Moreover, the origin of the belowground molestus is contentious, with iconic populations from the London Underground subway system being held up by evolutionary biologists as a preeminent example of rapid, in situ, urban adaptation and speciation. We review the recent and historical literature on the origin and ecology of this important mosquito and its enigmatic forms. A synthesis of genetic and ecological studies spanning 100+ years clarifies a striking latitudinal gradient - behaviorally divergent and reproductively isolated forms in northern Europe gradually break down into what appear to be well-mixed, intermediate populations in North Africa. Moreover, a continuous narrative thread dating back to the original description of form molestus in Egypt in 1775 refutes the popular idea that belowground mosquitoes in London evolved in situ from their aboveground counterparts. These enigmatic mosquitoes are more likely derived from populations in the Middle East, where human-biting and other adaptations to human environments may have evolved on the timescale of millennia rather than centuries. We outline several areas for future work and discuss the implications of these patterns for public health and for our understanding of urban adaptation in the Anthropocene.
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Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, Figuerola J. Ecological Effects on the Dynamics of West Nile Virus and Avian Plasmodium: The Importance of Mosquito Communities and Landscape. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071208. [PMID: 34201673 PMCID: PMC8310121 DOI: 10.3390/v13071208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans and wildlife are at risk from certain vector-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile and yellow fevers. Factors linked to global change, including habitat alteration, land-use intensification, the spread of alien species, and climate change, are operating on a global scale and affect both the incidence and distribution of many vector-borne diseases. Hence, understanding the drivers that regulate the transmission of pathogens in the wild is of great importance for ecological, evolutionary, health, and economic reasons. In this literature review, we discuss the ecological factors potentially affecting the transmission of two mosquito-borne pathogens circulating naturally between birds and mosquitoes, namely, West Nile virus (WNV) and the avian malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium. Traditionally, the study of pathogen transmission has focused only on vectors or hosts and the interactions between them, while the role of landscape has largely been ignored. However, from an ecological point of view, it is essential not only to study the interaction between each of these organisms but also to understand the environmental scenarios in which these processes take place. We describe here some of the similarities and differences in the transmission of these two pathogens and how research into both systems may facilitate a greater understanding of the dynamics of vector-borne pathogens in the wild.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Theoretical and Computational Ecology (TCE), Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Parasitology, University of Granada, E-18071 Granada, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
- Correspondence: (M.F.); (J.M.-d.l.P.)
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), E-41092 Seville, Spain;
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Spain
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12
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Tiron GV, Stancu IG, Dinu S, Prioteasa FL, Fălcuță E, Ceianu CS, Cotar AI. Characterization and Host-Feeding Patterns of Culex pipiens s.l. Taxa in a West Nile Virus-Endemic Area in Southeastern Romania. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2021; 21:713-719. [PMID: 34160283 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2020.2739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Culex pipiens sensu lato has been documented as West Nile virus (WNV) vector in southeastern Romania. Bucharest, the densely populated capital city of Romania, and the surrounding Ilfov county are WNV hotspots. In this area, the morphologically indistinguishable biotypes of Cx. pipiens, namely pipiens and molestus, are usually differentiated by their behavioral and physiological traits. Their involvement in WNV transmission, as suggested by entomological investigations, was not previously documented for each biotype. We used a Real-Time PCR assay based on CQ11 microsatellite to identify the Cx. pipiens biotypes and their hybrids collected in various habitats in the Bucharest metropolitan area. A sympatric distribution of both biotypes was observed, with a preference of green areas for pipiens, and human settings and animal farmlands for molestus. In the latter habitats, pipiens and molestus were found in mixed aboveground populations. A low number of hybrids was found suggesting existence of reproductive isolation. In subway tunnels molestus was dominant with a higher number of hybrids recorded than aboveground. Blood-engorged mosquitoes were identified to biotype and the blood meal source identified by DNA barcoding. Overall, Cx. pipiens s.l. fed mainly on birds, commonly on house sparrows, collared doves, and blackbirds, which are potential WNV-amplifying hosts. The preference for avian hosts was expressed strongest by pipiens biotype, while molestus was substantially less specific, feeding on avian and mammal hosts with similar frequency, with humans representing 20% of the hosts. Hybrids had a host choice closer to that of molestus. These findings highlight the role of pipiens biotype as enzootic/epizootic vector, and specifically show molestus as the bridge vector for WNV. The pipiens and molestus biotypes show important differences in habitat preferences, including oviposition; these findings demonstrate that targeted mosquito control to limit WNV transmission may be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgiana Victorița Tiron
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Georgeta Stancu
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Sorin Dinu
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florian Liviu Prioteasa
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Fălcuță
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Ani Ioana Cotar
- Cantacuzino National Medico-Military Institute for Research and Development, Bucharest, Romania
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13
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Hernandez-Colina A, Gonzalez-Olvera M, Lomax E, Townsend F, Maddox A, Hesson JC, Sherlock K, Ward D, Eckley L, Vercoe M, Lopez J, Baylis M. Blood-feeding ecology of mosquitoes in two zoological gardens in the United Kingdom. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:249. [PMID: 34016159 PMCID: PMC8139098 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04735-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoological gardens contain unique configurations of exotic and endemic animals and plants that create a diverse range of developing sites and potential sources of blood meals for local mosquitoes. This may imply unusual interspecific pathogen transmission risks involving zoo vertebrates, like avian malaria to captive penguins. Understanding mosquito ecology and host feeding patterns is necessary to improve mosquito control and disease prevention measures in these environments. METHODS Mosquito sampling took place in Chester Zoo for 3 years (2017, 2018, and 2019) and for 1 year in Flamingo Land (2017) using different trapping methods. Blood-fed mosquitoes were identified and their blood meal was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and blasted for host species identification. RESULTS In total, 640 blood-fed mosquitoes were collected [Culex pipiens (n = 497), Culiseta annulata (n = 81), Anopheles maculipennis s.l. (n = 7), An. claviger (n = 1), and unidentifiable (n = 55)]. Successful identification of the host species was achieved from 159 blood-fed mosquitoes. Mosquitoes fed on birds (n = 74), non-human mammals (n = 20), and humans (n = 71). There were mixed blood meals from two hosts (n = 6). The proportions of blood-fed mosquitoes varied across sampling seasons and sites within the zoos. The use of resting traps and aspiration of vegetation were more efficient techniques for capturing blood-fed mosquitoes than traps for host-seeking or gravid mosquitoes. By relating the locations of zoo vertebrates to where fed mosquitoes were trapped, the minimum travelling distances were calculated (13.7 to 366.7 m). Temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, proximity to zoo vertebrate exhibits, and vegetation level were found to be significantly associated with the proportion of captured blood-fed mosquitoes by generalized linear modelling. CONCLUSIONS Mosquito feeding behaviour in zoos is mainly influenced by time, location (sampling area), temperature, and host availability, which highlights the value of mosquito monitoring in complex settings to plan control strategies and potentially reduce inherent disease transmission risks for humans and threatened zoo vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK.
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK.
| | - Merit Gonzalez-Olvera
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Emily Lomax
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Freya Townsend
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Amber Maddox
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Jenny C Hesson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Zoonosis Science Centre, Uppsala University, 751 23, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kenneth Sherlock
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Dawn Ward
- Flamingo Land, Kirby Misperton, Malton, YO17 6UX, UK
| | - Lindsay Eckley
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Mark Vercoe
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Department of Livestock and One Health, Institute of Infection, Veterinary & Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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14
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Guimarães LDO, Simões RF, Chagas CRF, de Menezes RMT, Silva FS, Monteiro EF, Holcman MM, Bajay MM, Pinter A, de Camargo-Neves VLF, Kirchgatter K. Assessing Diversity, Plasmodium Infection and Blood Meal Sources in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from a Brazilian Zoological Park with Avian Malaria Transmission. INSECTS 2021; 12:215. [PMID: 33802320 PMCID: PMC7999885 DOI: 10.3390/insects12030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria parasites are widespread parasites transmitted by Culicidae insects belonging to different genera. Even though several studies have been conducted recently, there is still a lack of information about potential vectors of Plasmodium parasites, especially in Neotropical regions. Former studies with free-living and captive animals in São Paulo Zoo showed the presence of several Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted at the zoo to collect mosquitoes in order to find out (i) which species of Culicidae are present in the study area, (ii) what are their blood meal sources, and (iii) to which Plasmodium species might they be potential vectors. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meal source and haemosporidian DNA were identified using molecular protocols. A total of 25 Culicidae species were identified, and 6 of them were positive for Plasmodium/Haemoproteus DNA. Ten mosquito species had their source of blood meal identified, which were mainly birds, including some species that were positive for haemosporidian parasites in the former study mentioned. This study allowed us to expand the list of potential vectors of avian malaria parasites and to improve our knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the highly diverse communities of birds, parasites, and vectors present at São Paulo Zoo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Roseli França Simões
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas
- Nature Research Centre, 08412 Vilnius, Lithuania;
- Applied Research Department, Zoological Park Foundation, São Paulo SP 04301-905, Brazil
| | - Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Fabiana Santos Silva
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Eliana Ferreira Monteiro
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
| | - Marcia Moreira Holcman
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | | | - Adriano Pinter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Vera Lucia Fonseca de Camargo-Neves
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
| | - Karin Kirchgatter
- Superintendence for Endemic Disease Control, SUCEN, São Paulo SP 01027-000, Brazil; (L.d.O.G.); (R.M.T.d.M.); (F.S.S.); (M.M.H.); (A.P.); (V.L.F.d.C.-N.)
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo SP 05403-000, Brazil; (R.F.S.); (E.F.M.)
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15
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Platonova E, Aželytė J, Iezhova T, Ilgūnas M, Mukhin A, Palinauskas V. Experimental study of newly described avian malaria parasite Plasmodium (Novyella) collidatum n. sp., genetic lineage pFANTAIL01 obtained from South Asian migrant bird. Malar J 2021; 20:82. [PMID: 33568162 PMCID: PMC7874632 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03588-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Avian malaria parasites are microorganisms parasitizing erythrocytes and various tissues of the birds; they are common and distributed worldwide. These parasites are known to infect birds of different taxa and be the cause of the deaths of birds in the wild and in captivity. The species of parasites with the ability to colonize new territories and infect local non-migratory birds are of particular interest. This scenario is likely in temperate zones of Europe, because of climate change and its contribution in spreading vectors of southern origin, which can be involved in the transmission of malaria parasites. In the present study, a tropical Plasmodium parasite from a naturally infected long-distance migrant bird was isolated and tested for its ability to develop in common species of mosquitoes and European short-distance migrant birds. Methods Plasmodium sp. (pFANTAIL01) was isolated on the Curonian spit of the Baltic sea coast from the naturally infected Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus in June 2019. The parasite was described based on the morphological features of its blood stages, the partial mitochondrial cytochrome b gene and development after experimental infection of birds and mosquitoes. The parasite was inoculated into Eurasian siskins, Carduelis spinus. Parasitaemia, haematocrit and weight of birds were monitored. At the end of the survey, internal organs were collected to study exoerythrocytic stages of this parasite. Experimental infection of mosquitoes Culex pipiens form molestus and Culex quinquefasciatus was applied to study sporogonic development of the parasite. Results Based on morphological features, the parasite was described as a new species, Plasmodium collidatum n. sp., and attributed to subgenus Novyella. It was revealed that the obtained pFANTAIL01 lineage is a generalist parasite infecting a wide range of avian hosts and most likely is transmitted in South and Southeast (SE) Asia and Oceania. In Europe, this strain was recorded only in adult migratory birds wintering in South Asia. This parasite developed high parasitaemia in experimentally infected siskins and caused 25 % mortality. Exoerythrocytic stages of pFANTAIL01 were found in the lungs, liver, spleen and kidney of the deceased birds. Sporogonic development did not occur in Cx. pipiens form molestus and Cx. quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. Conclusions Plasmodium collidatum is a highly virulent for Eurasian siskin and completes its development in these birds, which can be considered as a potential vertebrate host if the transmission of the infection starts occurring in Europe and temperate zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Platonova
- Biological Station Rybachy of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad Region, 238535, Rybachy, Russia. .,Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania.
| | - Justė Aželytė
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Tatjana Iezhova
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Mikas Ilgūnas
- Nature Research Centre, Akademijos 2, LT-09412, Vilnius 21, Lithuania
| | - Andrey Mukhin
- Biological Station Rybachy of the Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kaliningrad Region, 238535, Rybachy, Russia
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16
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Martínez-de la Puente J, Gutiérrez-López R, Díez-Fernández A, Soriguer RC, Moreno-Indias I, Figuerola J. Effects of Mosquito Microbiota on the Survival Cost and Development Success of Avian Plasmodium. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:562220. [PMID: 33519724 PMCID: PMC7838439 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.562220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Both intrinsic and extrinsic factors affect the capacity of mosquitoes for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. Among them, mosquito microbiota may play a key role determining the development of pathogens in mosquitoes and the cost of infections. Here, we used a wild avian malaria-mosquito assemblage model to experimentally test the role of vector microbiota on the cost of infection and their consequences for parasite development. To do so, a cohort of Culex pipiens mosquitoes were treated with antibiotics, including gentamicin sulfate and penicillin-streptomycin, to alter their microbiota, and other cohort was treated with sterilized water as controls. Subsequently, both cohorts were allowed to feed on Plasmodium infected or uninfected house sparrows (Passer domesticus). The antibiotic treatment significantly increased the survival rate of mosquitoes fed on infected birds while this was not the case of mosquitoes fed on uninfected birds. Additionally, a higher prevalence of Plasmodium in the saliva of mosquitoes was found in antibiotic treated mosquitoes than in mosquitoes of the control group at 20 days post exposure (dpe). Analyses of the microbiota of a subsample of mosquitoes at 20 dpe suggest that although the microbiota diversity did not differ between individuals of the two treatments, microbiota in control mosquitoes had a higher number of unique features and enriched in biochemical pathways related to the immune system than antibiotic treated ones. In sum, this study provides support for the role of mosquito microbiota on mosquito survival and the presence of parasite DNA in their saliva.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Moreno-Indias
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, Virgen de la Victoria University Hospital, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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17
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González MA, Prosser SW, Hernández-Triana LM, Alarcón-Elbal PM, Goiri F, López S, Ruiz-Arrondo I, Hebert PDN, García-Pérez AL. Avian Feeding Preferences of Culex pipiens and Culiseta spp. Along an Urban-to-Wild Gradient in Northern Spain. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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18
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Gutiérrez-López R, Bourret V, Loiseau C. Is Host Selection by Mosquitoes Driving Vector Specificity of Parasites? A Review on the Avian Malaria Model. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.569230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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19
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Ferraguti M, Heesterbeek H, Martínez-de la Puente J, Jiménez-Clavero MÁ, Vázquez A, Ruiz S, Llorente F, Roiz D, Vernooij H, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. The role of different Culex mosquito species in the transmission of West Nile virus and avian malaria parasites in Mediterranean areas. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 68:920-930. [PMID: 32748497 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases, especially those transmitted by mosquitoes, have severe impacts on public health and economy. West Nile virus (WNV) and avian malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium are mosquito-borne pathogens that may produce severe disease and illness in humans and birds, respectively, and circulate in an endemic form in southern Europe. Here, we used field-collected data to identify the impact of Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus and Cx. modestus, on the circulation of both WNV and Plasmodium in Andalusia (SW Spain) using mathematical modelling of the basic reproduction number (R0 ). Models were calibrated with field-collected data on WNV seroprevalence and Plasmodium infection in wild house sparrows, presence of WNV and Plasmodium in mosquito pools, and mosquito blood-feeding patterns. This approach allowed us to determine the contribution of each vector species to pathogen amplification. Overall, 0.7% and 29.6% of house sparrows were positive to WNV antibodies and Plasmodium infection, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of Plasmodium was higher in Cx. pipiens (2.0%), followed by Cx. perexiguus (1.8%) and Cx. modestus (0.7%). Three pools of Cx. perexiguus were positive to WVN. Models identified Cx. perexiguus as the most important species contributing to the amplification of WNV in southern Spain. For Plasmodium models, R0 values were higher when Cx. pipiens was present in the population, either alone or in combination with the other mosquito species. These results suggest that the transmission of these vector-borne pathogens depends on different Culex species, and consequently, their transmission niches will present different spatial and temporal patterns. For WNV, targeted surveillance and control of Cx. perexiguus populations appear as the most effective measure to reduce WNV amplification. Also, preventing Culex populations near human settlements, or reducing the abundance of these species, are potential strategies to reduce WNV spillover into human populations in southern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hans Heesterbeek
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Jiménez-Clavero
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal - Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - Ana Vázquez
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Laboratorio de Arbovirus y Enfermedades Víricas Importadas, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Santiago Ruiz
- Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Área de Medio Ambiente, Huelva, Spain
| | - Francisco Llorente
- Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal - Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CISA), Valdeolmos, Spain
| | - David Roiz
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Hans Vernooij
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red de Epidemiologia y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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20
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Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Senar JC, Figuerola J, Bueno-Mari R, Montalvo T. Mosquitoes in an Urban Zoo: Identification of Blood Meals, Flight Distances of Engorged Females, and Avian Malaria Infections. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:460. [PMID: 32974390 PMCID: PMC7472536 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoological gardens are home to a large number of vertebrate species and as such are suitable sites for both mosquito breeding and maintenance. They are excellent places for entomological studies of mosquito phenology, diversity, and blood-feeding patterns, as well as for xenomonitoring. During 2016, we sampled mosquitoes in Barcelona Zoo and used molecular methods to determine their blood-feeding patterns and the prevalence and diversity of avian malaria parasites. We also estimated the flight distance of engorged mosquitoes in the area. Overall, 1,384 adult Culex pipiens s.l., Culiseta longiareolata, and Aedes albopictus were captured. Birds dominated the diet of Cx. pipiens s.l. (n = 87) and Cs. longiareolata (n = 6), while humans were the only blood-meal source of Ae. albopictus (n = 3). Mosquitoes had a mean flight distance of 95.67 m after feeding on blood (range 38.71–168.51 m). Blood parasites were detected in the abdomen of 13 engorged Cx. pipiens s.l., eight of which had fed on magpies. Four Plasmodium lineages and a single lineage of the malaria-like parasite Haemoproteus were identified. These results suggest that Cx. pipiens s.l. is involved in the local transmission of avian Plasmodium, which potentially affects the circulation of parasites between and within wildlife and enclosed animals. Vigilance regarding possible mosquito breeding sites in this zoo is thus recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Senar
- Evolutionary and Behavioural Ecology Research Unit, Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Sevilla, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Bueno-Mari
- Laboratorios Lokímica, Departamento de Investigación y Desarrollo (I+D), Valencia, Spain
| | - Tomás Montalvo
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Agencia de Salud Pública de Barcelona, Consorci Sanitari de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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21
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van Hoesel W, Santiago-Alarcon D, Marzal A, Renner SC. Effects of forest structure on the interaction between avian hosts, dipteran vectors and haemosporidian parasites. BMC Ecol 2020; 20:47. [PMID: 32814584 PMCID: PMC7437053 DOI: 10.1186/s12898-020-00315-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Forest habitats are important biodiversity refuges for a wide variety of bird species. Parasitism may modulate host species presence and abundance, and parasite effects can change according to forest management practices. Such processes are not well studied in vector-borne avian haemosporidians. We analyzed the effects of forest management on bird-dipteran-haemosporidian interactions, using seven common bird species in managed and unmanaged beech forest habitats in northeastern Germany. We assumed that forest structural heterogeneity affects parasite population parameters in avian hosts (i.e., prevalence and parasitemia), through its effect on the condition of the avian host but also through varying vector abundances. Results Parasite prevalence was high (about 80%) and homogeneous across different beech forest categories (i.e., young, old, unmanaged) and for all bird species, except Erithacus rubecula (35%). Parasitemia varied across bird species but not across forest categories within each avian species (lowest parasitemia were found in E. rubecula, Turdus merula, and Turdus philomelos). In our study system, we found that vector abundance was not the main driver of parasite dynamics. We found that forest structure affects parasite infection probability directly and potentially host condition via available resources that have to be used either to combat infections (i.e., high parasitemia) or to maintain a good body condition. Conclusions The effects of each of the predictors were bird species-specific, and we found that Diptera vectors were not the foremost influence in our host-vector-parasite system. Effects of forest habitat variables indicated that for most bird species in this study, habitat regulation of infection probability was more likely (i.e., E. rubecula, Fringilla coelebs, Sylvia atricapilla), whereas for Parus major habitat characteristics impacted first individuals' body condition and subsequently the probability of infection. Our findings emphasize the need of species-specific analyses and to use continuous forest structural parameters (e.g., the proportion of gap, south facing aspect) to better understand habitat and land use effects on host-vector-parasite dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem van Hoesel
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Diego Santiago-Alarcon
- Instituto de Ecología, Red de Biología Y Conservación de Vertebrados, Coatepec 351 El Haya, 91070, Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Zoology, University of Extremadura, Avenida de Elvas s/n, 06006, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Swen C Renner
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Gregor-Mendel Straße 33, 1180, Vienna, Austria.,Ornithology, Natural History Museum Vienna, Burggasse 7, 1010, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Putative Role of Arthropod Vectors in African Swine Fever Virus Transmission in Relation to Their Bio-Ecological Properties. Viruses 2020; 12:v12070778. [PMID: 32698448 PMCID: PMC7412232 DOI: 10.3390/v12070778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
African swine fever (ASF) is one of the most important diseases in Suidae due to its significant health and socioeconomic consequences and represents a major threat to the European pig industry, especially in the absence of any available treatment or vaccine. In fact, with its high mortality rate and the subsequent trade restrictions imposed on affected countries, ASF can dramatically disrupt the pig industry in afflicted countries. In September 2018, ASF was unexpectedly identified in wild boars from southern Belgium in the province of Luxembourg, not far from the Franco-Belgian border. The French authorities rapidly commissioned an expert opinion on the risk of ASF introduction and dissemination into metropolitan France. In Europe, the main transmission routes of the virus comprise direct contact between infected and susceptible animals and indirect transmission through contaminated material or feed. However, the seasonality of the disease in some pig farms in Baltic countries, including outbreaks in farms with high biosecurity levels, have led to questions on the possible involvement of arthropods in the transmission of the virus. This review explores the current body of knowledge on the most common arthropod families present in metropolitan France. We examine their potential role in spreading ASF-by active biological or mechanical transmission or by passive transport or ingestion-in relation to their bio-ecological properties. It also highlights the existence of significant gaps in our knowledge on vector ecology in domestic and wild boar environments and in vector competence for ASFV transmission. Filling these gaps is essential to further understanding ASF transmission in order to thus implement appropriate management measures.
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23
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Spanoudis CG, Andreadis SS, Bray DP, Savopoulou-Soultani M, Ignell R. Behavioural response of the house mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus and Culex pipiens molestus to avian odours and its reliance on carbon dioxide. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 34:129-137. [PMID: 31912522 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
How Culex (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes select and discriminate between potential avian hosts is critical for understanding the epidemiology of West Nile virus. Therefore, the present authors studied the behavioural responses of Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) and Culex pipiens molestus (Forsskål) to headspace volatiles of three avian species [chicken and pigeon (sexes analysed separately), and magpie], presented either alone or in combination with 600 p.p.m. carbon dioxide (CO2 ). The attraction of Cx. quinquefasciatus to the headspace volatiles of both sexes of chicken, and of female pigeon, in combination with CO2 was significantly higher than that achieved by the CO2 and solvent control. Although Cx. p. molestus was attracted to headspace volatiles of chickens and magpies, it was repelled by those of female pigeons when combined with CO2 . An increased effect between the avian volatiles and CO2 was observed for Cx. quinquefasciatus, whereas the addition of CO2 had no effect on the attraction of Cx. p. molestus females. The results of this study demonstrate that Cx. quinquefasciatus and Cx. p. molestus are attracted to the odour of potential avian hosts. Future studies aimed at identifying the bioactive volatile compounds in the headspace of chickens may contribute to the potential development of effective surveillance and control tools against Culex species.
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Affiliation(s)
- C G Spanoudis
- Laboratory of Applied Zoology and Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S S Andreadis
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter, Institute of Plant Breeding and Genetic Resources, Thermi, Greece
| | - D P Bray
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - M Savopoulou-Soultani
- Laboratory of Applied Zoology and Parasitology, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - R Ignell
- Department of Plant Protection Biology, Unit of Chemical Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
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Martinou AF, Schäfer SM, Bueno Mari R, Angelidou I, Erguler K, Fawcett J, Ferraguti M, Foussadier R, Gkotsi TV, Martinos CF, Schäfer M, Schaffner F, Peyton JM, Purse BV, Wright DJ, Roy HE. A call to arms: Setting the framework for a code of practice for mosquito management in European wetlands. J Appl Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki F. Martinou
- Joint Services Health UnitBritish Forces Cyprus RAF Akrotiri Cyprus
- The Cyprus InstituteAthalassa Campus Aglantzia Cyprus
- Enalia Physis Aglantzia Cyprus
| | | | | | - Ioanna Angelidou
- Joint Services Health UnitBritish Forces Cyprus RAF Akrotiri Cyprus
| | - Kamil Erguler
- The Cyprus InstituteAthalassa Campus Aglantzia Cyprus
| | - James Fawcett
- Joint Services Health UnitBritish Forces Cyprus RAF Akrotiri Cyprus
| | - Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Wetland Ecology Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD‐CSIC) Seville Spain
| | - Rémi Foussadier
- Entente InterdépartementaleRhône‐Alpes pour la Démoustication Chindrieux France
| | | | | | - Martina Schäfer
- Biologisk Myggkontroll Nedre Dalälven Utvecklings AB Gysinge Sweden
| | | | - Jodey M. Peyton
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford Wallingford UK
| | - Bethan V. Purse
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford Wallingford UK
| | | | - Helen E. Roy
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Wallingford Wallingford UK
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25
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Morphological and molecular characterization of Plasmodium cathemerium (lineage PADOM02) from the sparrow Passer domesticus with complete sporogony in Culex pipiens complex. Parasitology 2020; 147:985-993. [PMID: 32338240 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182020000566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Avian malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by Plasmodium spp. protozoa. Although these parasites have been extensively studied in North America and Eurasia, knowledge on the diversity of Plasmodium, its vectors and avian hosts in Africa is scarce. In this study, we report on natural malarial infections in free-ranging sparrows (Passer domesticus) sampled at Giza Governorate, Egypt. Parasites were morphologically characterized as Plasmodium cathemerium based on the examination of thin blood smears from the avian host. Sequencing a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene showed that the parasite corresponded to lineage PADOM02. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this parasite is closely related to the lineages SERAU01 and PADOM09, both of which are attributed to P. cathemerium. Experimental infection of Culex pipiens complex was successful, with ookinetes first detected at 1-day post infection (dpi), oocysts at 4 dpi and sporozoites at 6 dpi. The massive infection of the salivary glands by sporozoites corroborates that Cx. pipiens complex is a competent vector of PADOM02. Our findings confirm that Plasmodium lineage PADOM02 infects sparrows in urban areas along the Nile River, Egypt, and corroborate that Cx. pipiens complex is a highly competent vector for these parasites. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that this lineage corresponds to the morphospecies P. cathemerium and not P. relictum as previously believed.
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Dynamics of prevalence and distribution pattern of avian Plasmodium species and its vectors in diverse zoogeographical areas - A review. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 81:104244. [PMID: 32087345 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Avian Plasmodium is of special interest to health care scientists and veterinarians due to the potency of causing avian malaria in non-adapted birds and their evolutionary phylogenetic relationship with human malaria species. This article aimed to provide a comprehensive list of the common avian Plasmodium parasites in the birds and mosquitoes, to specify the common Plasmodium species and lineages in the selected regions of West of Asia, East of Europe, and North of Africa/Middle East, and to determine the contribution of generalist and host-specific Plasmodium species and lineages. The final list of published infected birds includes 146 species, among which Passer domesticus was the most prevalent in the studied areas. The species of Acrocephalus arundinaceus and Sylvia atricapilla were reported as common infected hosts in the examined regions of three continents. The highest numbers of common species of infected birds between continent pairs were from Asia and Europe, and no common record was found from Europe and Africa. The species of Milvus migrans and Upupa epops were recorded as common species from Asia and Africa. The lineage of GRW11 and species of P. relictum were the most prevalent parasites among all the infection records in birds. The most prevalent genus of vectors of avian malaria belonged to Culex and species of Cx. pipiens. The lineage SGS1 with the highest number of occurrence has been found in various vectors comprising Cx. pipiens, Cx. modestus, Cx. theileri, Cx. sasai, Cx. perexiguus, Lutzia vorax, and Culicoides alazanicus. A total of 31 Plasmodium species and 59 Plasmodium lineages were recorded from these regions. SGS1, GRW04, and GRW11, and P. relictum and P. vaughani are specified as common generalist avian malaria parasites from these three geographic areas. The presence of avian Plasmodium parasites in distant geographic areas and various hosts may be explained by the movement of the infected birds through the migration routes. Although most recorded lineages were from Asia, investigating the distribution of lineages in some of the countries has not been done. Thus, the most important outcome of this review is the determination of the distribution pattern of parasite and vector species that shed light on gaps requiring further studies on the monitoring of avian Plasmodium and common vectors extension. This task could be achieved through scientific field and laboratory networking, performing active surveillance and designing regional/continental control programs of birds' malaria and other zoonotic diseases.
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Abstract
Factors such as the particular combination of parasite-mosquito species, their co-evolutionary history and the host's parasite load greatly affect parasite transmission. However, the importance of these factors in the epidemiology of mosquito-borne parasites, such as avian malaria parasites, is largely unknown. Here, we assessed the competence of two mosquito species [Culex pipiens and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) caspius], for the transmission of four avian Plasmodium lineages (Plasmodium relictum SGS1 and GRW11 and Plasmodium cathemerium-related lineages COLL1 and PADOM01) naturally infecting wild house sparrows. We assessed the effects of parasite identity and parasite load on Plasmodium transmission risk through its effects on the transmission rate and mosquito survival. We found that Cx. pipiens was able to transmit the four Plasmodium lineages, while Ae. caspius was unable to transmit any of them. However, Cx. pipiens mosquitoes fed on birds infected by P. relictum showed a lower survival and transmission rate than those fed on birds infected by parasites related to P. cathemerium. Non-significant associations were found with the host-parasite load. Our results confirm the existence of inter- and intra-specific differences in the ability of Plasmodium lineages to develop in mosquito species and their effects on the survival of mosquitoes that result in important differences in the transmission risk of the different avian malaria parasite lineages studied.
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Camp JV, Nowotny N. The knowns and unknowns of West Nile virus in Europe: what did we learn from the 2018 outbreak? Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2020; 18:145-154. [PMID: 31914833 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2020.1713751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne human and animal pathogen with nearly worldwide distribution. In Europe, the virus is endemic with seasonal regional outbreaks that have increased in frequency over the last 10 years. A massive outbreak occurred across southern and central Europe in 2018 with the number of confirmed human cases increasing up to 7.2-fold from the previous year, and expanding to include previously virus-free regions.Areas covered: This review focuses on potential causes that may explain the 2018 European WNV outbreak. We discuss the role genetic, ecological, and environmental aspects may have played in the increased activity during the 2018 transmission season, summarizing the latest epidemiological and virological publications.Expert opinion: Optimal environmental conditions, specifically increased temperature, were most likely responsible for the observed outbreak. Other factors cannot be ruled out due to limited available information, including factors that may influence host/vector abundance and contact. Europe will likely experience even larger-scale outbreaks in the coming years. Increased surveillance efforts should be implemented with a focus on early-warning detection methods, and large-scale host and vector surveys should continue to fill gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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29
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Tomazatos A, Jansen S, Pfister S, Török E, Maranda I, Horváth C, Keresztes L, Spînu M, Tannich E, Jöst H, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Cadar D, Lühken R. Ecology of West Nile Virus in the Danube Delta, Romania: Phylogeography, Xenosurveillance and Mosquito Host-Feeding Patterns. Viruses 2019; 11:v11121159. [PMID: 31847345 PMCID: PMC6950446 DOI: 10.3390/v11121159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ecology of West Nile virus (WNV) in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (Romania) was investigated by combining studies on the virus genetics, phylogeography, xenosurveillance and host-feeding patterns of mosquitoes. Between 2014 and 2016, 655,667 unfed and 3842 engorged mosquito females were collected from four sampling sites. Blood-fed mosquitoes were negative for WNV-RNA, but two pools of unfed Culex pipiens s.l./torrentium collected in 2014 were tested positive. Our results suggest that Romania experienced at least two separate WNV lineage 2 introductions: from Africa into Danube Delta and from Greece into south-eastern Romania in the 1990s and early 2000s, respectively. The genetic diversity of WNV in Romania is primarily shaped by in situ evolution. WNV-specific antibodies were detected for 19 blood-meals from dogs and horses, but not from birds or humans. The hosts of mosquitoes were dominated by non-human mammals (19 species), followed by human and birds (23 species). Thereby, the catholic host-feeding pattern of Culex pipiens s.l./torrentium with a relatively high proportion of birds indicates the species’ importance as a potential bridge vector. The low virus prevalence in combination with WNV-specific antibodies indicate continuous, but low activity of WNV in the Danube Delta during the study period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru Tomazatos
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | | | - Edina Török
- “Lendület” Landscape and Conservation Ecology, Institute of Ecology and Botany, MTA Centre for Ecological Research, 2163 Vácrátót, Hungary;
| | - Iulia Maranda
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Cintia Horváth
- Department of Clinical Sciences-Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.S.)
| | - Lujza Keresztes
- Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400372 Cluj Napoca, Romania;
| | - Marina Spînu
- Department of Clinical Sciences-Infectious Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania (M.S.)
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, 20359 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
| | - Renke Lühken
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, 20359 Hamburg, Germany; (A.T.); (S.J.); (I.M.); (E.T.); (H.J.)
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, Universität Hamburg, 20148 Hamburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Abdeltawab MSA, Rifaie SA, Shoeib EY, El-Latif HAA, Badawi M, Salama WH, El-Aal AAA. Insights into the impact of Ivermectin on some protein aspects linked to Culex pipiens digestion and immunity. Parasitol Res 2019; 119:55-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-019-06539-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ferraguti M, Martínez-de la Puente J, García-Longoria L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J, Marzal A. From Africa to Europe: evidence of transmission of a tropical Plasmodium lineage in Spanish populations of house sparrows. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:548. [PMID: 31753041 PMCID: PMC6873688 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3804-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Avian malaria parasites are a highly diverse group that commonly infect birds and have deleterious effects on their hosts. Some parasite lineages are geographically widespread and infect many host species in many regions. Bird migration, natural dispersal, invasive species and human-mediated introductions into areas where competent insect vectors are present, are probably the main drivers of the current distribution of avian malaria parasites. Methods A total of 412 and 2588 wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) were captured in 2012 and 2013 in two areas of the Iberian Peninsula (central and southern Spain, respectively). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples; parasite lineages were sequenced and identified by comparing with GenBank and/or MalAvi databases. Results Thirteen Plasmodium lineages were identified in house sparrows corresponding to three major clades. Five individuals were infected by the African Plasmodium lineage PAGRI02, which has been proposed to actively circulate only in Africa. Conclusions Despite the low prevalence of PAGRI02 in sparrows in Spain, our results suggest that the area of transmission of this parasite is more widespread than previously thought and covers both Africa and Europe. Further studies of the global distribution of Plasmodium lineages infecting wild birds are required to identify the current transmission areas of these parasites. This is vital given the current scenario of global change that is providing new opportunities for avian malaria transmission into areas where parasites were previously absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferraguti
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura (UEx), Badajoz, Spain. .,Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luz García-Longoria
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura (UEx), Badajoz, Spain.,Department of Biology, Molecular Ecology and Evolution Lab, Ecology Building, Lund University, 22362, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Marzal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular Biology and Zoology, University of Extremadura (UEx), Badajoz, Spain
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Michaelakis A, Papachristos DP, Rumbos CI, Benelli G, Athanassiou CG. Larvicidal activity of spinosad and its impact on oviposition preferences of the West Nile vector Culex pipiens biotype molestus - A comparison with a chitin synthesis inhibitor. Parasitol Int 2019; 74:101917. [PMID: 31004804 DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, the larvicidal activity of ageing aqueous suspensions of spinosad against larvae of Culex pipiens biotype molestus, as well as their effect on the oviposition preferences of adult gravid females were evaluated in laboratory bioassays. Spinosad was applied at its label dose and the aqueous stock suspensions were stored for various ageing intervals up to 38 days. Untreated distilled water and diflubenzuron served as negative and positive control, respectively. Stock suspensions were taken after 0, 2, 6, 8, 16, 30 and 38 days of storage for diflubenzuron and after 0, 2, 6, 8, 20 and 27 days for spinosad, and were used for the bioassays. Furthermore, the effect of spinosad on the oviposition response of Cx. p. biotype molestus gravid females was investigated in two-choice oviposition preference bioassays. Spinosad was evaluated at half of its label dose and at its label dose, whereas diflubenzuron and distilled water served as positive and negative control, respectively. Results showed that both insecticides were found highly effective for the control of Cx. p. biotype molestus larvae, for ageing intervals up to 27 and 38 days for spinosad and diflubenzuron, respectively. Spinosad acted immediately after the preparation of the insecticidal solution (LT50 = 1.5 h), whereas for aged samples, LT50 values increased with the increase of the ageing interval (LT50 = 5 days for the 27 days old sample). For diflubenzuron, ageing time increased its insecticidal activity, as for aged diflubenzuron-treated solutions, lower LT50 values were achieved. In the oviposition preference bioassays, significantly fewer egg rafts were laid in water treated with spinosad at its label dose compared to control. However, this was not the case for water treated with spinosad at half of its label dose. Oviposition Activity Index (OAI) values were always comprised between -0.3 and 0.3, showing no relevant oviposition deterrence or attraction. The results of the present study contribute to our understanding of the effect of ageing on insecticidal solutions widely used in urban areas to control Cx. p. biotype molestus. Although an important vector of high public health importance, Cx. p. biotype molestus has been scarcely studied as target of environmentally and toxicologically reduced risk insecticides, such as spinosad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios Michaelakis
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 S. Delta Str. 14561 Kifissia, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios P Papachristos
- Department of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, 8 S. Delta Str. 14561 Kifissia, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos I Rumbos
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., 38446, N. Ionia, Magnesia, Greece
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Christos G Athanassiou
- Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Phytokou str., 38446, N. Ionia, Magnesia, Greece.
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Camp JV, Karuvantevida N, Chouhna H, Safi E, Shah JN, Nowotny N. Mosquito biodiversity and mosquito-borne viruses in the United Arab Emirates. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:153. [PMID: 30944019 PMCID: PMC6448230 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the last 50 years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has experienced rapid population growth and urbanization. Urbanization is known to influence biodiversity, and there appears to be a link between the emergence of arboviruses and urban growth. Very little is known about the UAE mosquito species richness and dominant vectors. We performed a mosquito survey comparing peri-urban sites in Dubai and Al Ain to a protected, natural site in Fujairah emirate. We measured mosquito biodiversity and species composition, and screened mosquito pools for common arboviruses to measure arbovirus activity in the region. Results We report ten species of mosquitoes from the UAE, with highest species diversity in the natural site, a protected wadi near the eastern coast. The predominant mosquito was Culex perexiguus, and was associated with peri-urban habitats. The site with lowest mosquito species diversity but relatively high species richness was the peri-urban site of Al Ain Zoo, where we identified Bagaza virus and Barkedji virus, two flaviviruses, in pools of Cx. perexiguus. Conclusions Decreased mosquito biodiversity was associated with increased levels of urbanization. The predominance of two species at peri-urban sites was related to the availability of their larval habitats. Arboviruses were associated with the presence of a single predominant mosquito species, Cx. perexiguus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy V Camp
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Noushad Karuvantevida
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Houda Chouhna
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ebtesam Safi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Junid N Shah
- Natural Resources Conservation Section, Environment Department, Dubai Municipality, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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Martínez-de la Puente J, Ferraguti M, Jiménez-Peñuela J, Ruiz S, Martínez J, Roiz D, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Filarial worm circulation by mosquitoes along an urbanization gradient in southern Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66:1752-1757. [PMID: 30874363 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are the main vectors of pathogens affecting wild animals, livestock and humans. Here, we used molecular tools to assess the local circulation of filarial parasites in mosquitoes collected during 2013 from natural, rural and urban habitats from southern Spain. We screened parasites in 22,791 female mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, Culex and Culiseta. Filarial worms were only detected in two mosquito pools. An Ae. caspius pool was positive for Setaria equina and an unidentified worm related to Onchocerca was detected in a Cx. pipiens pool. None of the mosquito pools were positive for Dirofilaria. These results underlay the role of Ae. caspius in the transmission of Setaria parasites among livestock and/or wildlife to humans in southern Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Santiago Ruiz
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.,Diputación de Huelva, Área de Medio Ambiente, Servicio de Control de Mosquitos, Huelva, Spain
| | - Javier Martínez
- Departamento de Biomedicina y Biotecnología (área Parasitología), Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - David Roiz
- Infectious Diseases and Vectors: Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Control. IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Montpellier, France
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
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Gutiérrez-López R, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Effects of host sex, body mass and infection by avian Plasmodium on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:87. [PMID: 30867014 PMCID: PMC6416876 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-019-3342-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens is strongly influenced by the contact rates between mosquitoes and susceptible hosts. The biting rates of mosquitoes depend on different factors including the mosquito species and host-related traits (i.e. odour, heat and behaviour). However, host characteristics potentially affecting intraspecific differences in the biting rate of mosquitoes are poorly known. Here, we assessed the impact of three host-related traits on the biting rate of two mosquito species with different feeding preferences: the ornithophilic Culex pipiens and the mammophilic Ochlerotatus (Aedes) caspius. Seventy-two jackdaws Corvus monedula and 101 house sparrows Passer domesticus were individually exposed to mosquito bites to test the effect of host sex, body mass and infection status by the avian malaria parasite Plasmodium on biting rates. RESULTS Ochlerotatus caspius showed significantly higher biting rates than Cx. pipiens on jackdaws, but non-significant differences were found on house sparrows. In addition, more Oc. caspius fed on female than on male jackdaws, while no differences were found for Cx. pipiens. The biting rate of mosquitoes on house sparrows increased through the year. The bird infection status and body mass of both avian hosts were not related to the biting rate of both mosquito species. CONCLUSIONS Host sex was the only host-related trait potentially affecting the biting rate of mosquitoes, although its effect may differ between mosquito and host species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- Present Address: Theoretical and Computational Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Department of Ethology & Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), C/Américo Vespucio 26, 41092 Seville, Spain
- CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Publica, Seville, Spain
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Laynez-Roldán P, Martínez-de la Puente J, Montalvo T, Mas J, Muñoz J, Figuerola J, Rodriguez-Valero N. Two cases of subcutaneous dirofilariasis in Barcelona, Spain. Parasitol Res 2018; 117:3679-3681. [DOI: 10.1007/s00436-018-6098-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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First genetic characterization of Usutu virus from Culex pipiens mosquitoes Serbia, 2014. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2018; 63:58-61. [PMID: 29778766 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Since its first appearance in Europe, Usutu virus (USUV) diverged to several different genetic lineages. The virus was reported to date from multiple countries across Europe (Hungary, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic and Belgium). Considering the more frequently published impact of the virus on humans it is crucial to investigate locally circulating genetic variants and trace its evolution. We retrospectively analyzed mosquito samples from Serbia Vojvodina region, collected during 2014. In this study we report the results of the screening of 23,753 female mosquitoes (753 pools) for USUV-specific nucleic-acid. Out of the 753 pools sampled, the presence of USUV RNA was confirmed in 3 pools of Culex pipiens mosquitoes, collected in August. Based on their partial NS5 sequence, all strains were identical, therefore we adjusted one representative strain for complete genome sequencing. Based on phylogenetic analysis the Serbian USUV sequences were most closely related to the virus that emerged in Austria in 2001, in Hungary in 2005 and was circulating until 2015 in Hungary. This data presents a wider geographic distribution of this genetic variant and provides the first genetic data from this region.
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The Role of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) in Virus Transmission in Europe. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020389. [PMID: 29473903 PMCID: PMC5858458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, a range of mosquito-borne viruses that threaten public and veterinary health have emerged or re-emerged in Europe. Mosquito surveillance activities have highlighted the Culex pipiens species complex as being critical for the maintenance of a number of these viruses. This species complex contains morphologically similar forms that exhibit variation in phenotypes that can influence the probability of virus transmission. Critical amongst these is the choice of host on which to feed, with different forms showing different feeding preferences. This influences the ability of the mosquito to vector viruses and facilitate transmission of viruses to humans and domestic animals. Biases towards blood-feeding on avian or mammalian hosts have been demonstrated for different Cx. pipiens ecoforms and emerging evidence of hybrid populations across Europe adds another level of complexity to virus transmission. A range of molecular methods based on DNA have been developed to enable discrimination between morphologically indistinguishable forms, although this remains an active area of research. This review provides a comprehensive overview of developments in the understanding of the ecology, behaviour and genetics of Cx. pipiens in Europe, and how this influences arbovirus transmission.
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Yan J, Broggi J, Martínez-de la Puente J, Gutiérrez-López R, Gangoso L, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Does bird metabolic rate influence mosquito feeding preference? Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:110. [PMID: 29471885 PMCID: PMC5824498 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Host selection by mosquitoes plays a central role in the transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although interspecific variation in mosquito attraction has often been reported, the mechanisms underlying intraspecific differences in hosts' attractiveness to mosquitoes are still poorly known. Metabolic rate is related to several physiological parameters used as location cues by mosquitoes, and so potentially affect host-vector contact rates. Therefore, individual hosts with higher metabolic rates should be more attractive to host-seeking mosquitoes. Here, we experimentally investigated the role of bird metabolic rate in the feeding preferences of Culex pipiens (Linnaeus), a widespread mosquito vector of many pathogens affecting human and wildlife health. RESULTS Passer domesticus (Linnaeus) pairs containing one bird treated with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and the other injected with phosphate-buffered saline solution (PBS) (i.e. control) were simultaneously exposed overnight to mosquitoes. The treatment did not affect the proportion of mosquitoes biting on each individual. However, mosquito feeding preference was negatively associated with bird resting metabolic rate but positively with bird body mass. These two variables explained up to 62.76% of the variations in mosquito feeding preference. CONCLUSIONS The relationships between mosquito feeding preferences and individual host characteristics could be explained by enhanced anti-mosquito behaviour associated with higher metabolic rates. The potential role of cues emitted by hosts is also discussed. Thus, individuals with high metabolism may actively avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, despite releasing more attractant cues. Since metabolic rates can be related to individual differences in personality and life history traits, differences in mosquitoes' feeding preferences may be related to intraspecific differences in exposure to vector-borne pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Juli Broggi
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Gutiérrez-López
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 26, E-41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBER ESP), Seville, Spain
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Cardo M, Rubio A, Junges M, Vezzani D, Carbajo A. Heterogeneous distribution of Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus and their hybrids along the urbanisation gradient. Acta Trop 2018; 178:229-235. [PMID: 29198600 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex, hereafter referred to as the Pipiens Assemblage, are vectors of arbovirus of worldwide concern including West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis. Given their distinct eco-physiology and vectorial capacity, accurate specimen identification and insight in the environmental drivers of their distribution are essential for the understanding of disease transmission patterns. Using a PCR-based identification protocol, we characterized the spatial distribution of Cx. pipiens, Cx. quinquefasciatus and their hybrids developing in used tyres located within the overlapping region in South America as a function of different estimators of the urbanisation gradient. Out of 84 samples collected from tyre piles of 20 sites, we identified 369 larvae which corresponded predominantly to Cx. quinquefasciatus (76.4% of immatures) all along the gradient but more frequent at the urban end. Cx. pipiens (21.4%) was more conspicuous at the low urbanised end but was also present in highly urbanised sites, whereas hybrids were collected in very low numbers (2.2%). The urbanisation estimator best associated with the heterogeneous occurrence of the Pipiens Assemblage members was the proportion of impervious surface 1km around each tyre pile, which explained 41.7% of the variability in the data, followed closely by the distance to the Capital City (38.3%). Cumulative annual precipitation, population number in a 1km radius around each pile and distance to the de la Plata River were significantly associated with the distribution of the Pipiens Assemblage at lower explanation percentages (20-23%). A thorough understanding of the ecological basis and environmental associations of the distribution of Pipiens Assemblage members will enable forecasting population trends in changing environments to develop effective control measures for mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit.
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Abstract
Background Insect vectors, namely mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), are compulsory for malaria parasites (Plasmodium spp.) to complete their life cycle. Despite this, little is known about vector competence of different mosquito species for the transmission of avian malaria parasites. Methods In this study, nested PCR was used to determine Plasmodium spp. occurrence in pools of whole individuals, as well as the diversity of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequences in wild-caught mosquitoes sampled across Eastern Austria in 2013–2015. Results A total of 45,749 mosquitoes in 2628 pools were collected, of which 169 pools (6.43%) comprising 9 mosquito species were positive for avian Plasmodium, with the majority of positives in mosquitoes of Culex pipiens s.l./Culex torrentium. Six different avian Plasmodium lineages were found, the most common were Plasmodium vaughani SYAT05, Plasmodium sp. Linn1 and Plasmodium relictum SGS1. In 2014, mosquitoes of the Culex pipiens complex were genetically identified and Culex pipiens f. pipiens presented with the highest number of avian Plasmodium positives (n = 37; 16.74%). Despite this, the minimum infection rate (MIR) was highest in Culex torrentium (5.36%) and Culex pipiens f. pipiens/f. molestus hybrids (5.26%). During 2014 and 2015, seasonal and annual changes in Plasmodium lineage distribution were also observed. In both years P. vaughani SYAT05 dominated at the beginning of the sampling period to be replaced later in the year by P. relictum SGS1 (2014) and Plasmodium sp. Linn1 (2015). Conclusions This is the first large-scale study of avian Plasmodium parasites in Austrian mosquitoes. These results are of special interest, because molecular identification of the taxa of the Cx. pipiens complex and Cx. torrentium enabled the determination of Plasmodium prevalence in the different mosquito taxa and hybrids of this complex. Since pools of whole insects were used, it is not possible to assert any vector competence in any of the examined mosquitoes, but the results are nonetheless valuable in providing an overview of avian Plasmodium species and lineages present in Austria.
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Beji M, Rhim A, Roiz D, Bouattour A. Ecophysiological characterization and molecular differentiation of Culex pipiens forms (Diptera: Culicidae) in Tunisia. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:327. [PMID: 28693560 PMCID: PMC5504560 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2265-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Culex pipiens complex (Diptera: Culicidae) includes the most widespread mosquito species in the world. Members of this complex are the primary enzootic and epidemic vectors of the West Nile virus (genus Flavivirus) in several countries. The two recognized forms of Cx. pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758) - pipiens and molestus- exhibit behavioral and physiological differences. Natural populations of Cx. pipiens were investigated in several sites in Tunisia to evaluate the ecophysiological and molecular characteristics of their forms. Results The analysis showed the sympatric presence of Cx. pipiens forms and hybrids in all studied sites. Of all the tested larvae of Cx. pipiens, 33.5% were identified as pipiens, 30.8% were identified as molestus, and 35.6% were identified as hybrids. The molestus and hybrid forms were positively correlated with urban habitats and belowground sites while the pipiens form was positively correlated with rural habitats and aboveground sites. Autogeny was expressed in all types of habitats and breeding sites. By contrast with the microsatellite CQ11, the two molecular markers, ace-2 and cytb, did not allow differentiation between the Cx. pipiens forms. Conclusions Our study shows the ubiquitous distribution and the plasticity of the different forms of Cx. pipiens in a wide range of ecological conditions. It suggests that the behavioral traits assigned to the forms of Cx. pipiens seem to be more flexible than previously assumed. Our analysis also proves that the microsatellite CQ11 remains an efficient tool for distinguishing between Cx. pipiens forms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2265-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa Beji
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Microbiologie Vétérinaire LR11IPT03, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - Adel Rhim
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Microbiologie Vétérinaire LR11IPT03, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia
| | - David Roiz
- Infectious Diseases and Vectors: Ecology, Genetics, Evolution and Control, IRD (Institut de Recherche pour le Développement), Montpellier, France
| | - Ali Bouattour
- Université Tunis El Manar, Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Laboratoire d'Epidémiologie et de Microbiologie Vétérinaire LR11IPT03, Service d'Entomologie Médicale, 1002, Tunis-Belvédère, Tunisia.
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