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Xie A, Zhang Y, Breed MF, An X, Yao H, Huang Q, Su J, Sun X. Terrestrial invertebrate hosts of human pathogens in urban ecosystems. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH 2024; 3:369-380. [PMID: 39281069 PMCID: PMC11399638 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2024.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/18/2024]
Abstract
Terrestrial invertebrates in urban ecosystems are extremely species-rich, have many important roles in material flow and energy circulation, and are host to many human pathogens that pose threats to human health. These invertebrates are widely distributed in urban areas, including both out- and in-door environments. Consequently, humans are frequently in contact with them, which provides many opportunities for them to pose human health risks. However, comprehensive knowledge on human pathogen transfer via invertebrates is lacking, with research to date primarily focused on dipterans (e.g., mosquitoes, flies). Here, we take a broad taxonomic approach and review terrestrial invertebrate hosts (incl. mosquitoes, flies, termites, cockroaches, mites, ticks, earthworms, collembola, fleas, snails, and beetles) of human pathogens, with a focus on transmission pathways. We also discuss how urbanization and global warming are likely to influence the communities of invertebrate hosts and have flow-on risks to human health. Finally, we identify current research gaps and provide perspectives on future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Xie
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Yiyue Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Martin F Breed
- College of Science & Engineering, Flinders University, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Xinli An
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Haifeng Yao
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Qiansheng Huang
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Jianqiang Su
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Key Laboratory of Urban Environment and Health, Ningbo Observation and Research Station, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Urban Environmental Processes and Pollution Control, CAS Haixi Industrial Technology Innovation Center in Beilun, Ningbo 315830, China
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Smith DC, Schäfer SM, Golding N, Nunn MA, White SM, Callaghan A, Purse BV. Vegetation structure drives mosquito community composition in UK's largest managed lowland wetland. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:201. [PMID: 38711091 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06280-y] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The rising burden of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe extends beyond urban areas, encompassing rural and semi-urban regions near managed and natural wetlands evidenced by recent outbreaks of Usutu and West Nile viruses. While wetland management policies focus on biodiversity and ecosystem services, few studies explore the impact on mosquito vectors. METHODS Our research addresses this gap, examining juvenile mosquito and aquatic predator communities in 67 ditch sites within a South England coastal marsh subjected to different wetland management tiers. Using joint distribution models, we analyse how mosquito communities respond to abiotic and biotic factors influenced by wetland management. RESULTS Of the 12 mosquito species identified, Culiseta annulata (Usutu virus vector) and Culex pipiens (Usutu and West Nile virus vector) constitute 47% of 6825 larval mosquitoes. Abundant predators include Coleoptera (water beetles) adults, Corixidae (water boatmen) and Zygoptera (Damselfy) larvae. Models reveal that tier 3 management sites (higher winter water levels, lower agricultural intensity) associated with shade and less floating vegetation are preferred by specific mosquito species. All mosquito species except Anopheles maculipennis s.l., are negatively impacted by potential predators. Culiseta annulata shows positive associations with shaded and turbid water, contrary to preferences of Corixidae predators. CONCLUSIONS Tier 3 areas managed for biodiversity, characterised by higher seasonal water levels and reduced livestock grazing intensity, provide favourable habitats for key mosquito species that are known vectors of arboviruses, such as Usutu and West Nile. Our findings emphasise the impact of biodiversity-focused wetland management, altering mosquito breeding site vegetation to enhance vector suitability. Further exploration of these trade-offs is crucial for comprehending the broader implications of wetland management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C Smith
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK.
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 2AJ, UK.
| | - Stefanie M Schäfer
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Nick Golding
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Miles A Nunn
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Steven M White
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
| | - Amanda Callaghan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, RG6 2AJ, UK
| | - Bethan V Purse
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, MacLean Building, Wallingford, OX10 8BB, UK
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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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Singh S, Verma AK, Chowdhary N, Sharma S, Awasthi A. Dengue havoc: overview and eco-friendly strategies to forestall the current epidemic. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:124806-124828. [PMID: 37989950 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-30745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness that affects over 100 nations around the world, including Africa, America, the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. Those who get infected by virus for the second time are at greater risk of having persistent dengue symptoms. Dengue fever has yet to be treated with a long-lasting vaccination or medication. Because of their ease of use, mosquito repellents have become popular as a dengue prevention technique. However, this has resulted in environmental degradation and harm, as well as bioaccumulation and biomagnification of hazardous residues in the ecosystem. Synthetic pesticides have caused a plethora of serious problems that were not foreseen when they were originally introduced. The harm caused by the allopathic medications/synthetic pesticides/chemical mosquito repellents has paved the door to employment of eco-friendly/green approaches in order to reduce dengue cases while protecting the integrity of the nearby environment too. Since the cases of dengue have become rampant these days, hence, starting the medication obtained from green approaches as soon as the disease is detected is advisable. In the present paper, we recommend environmentally friendly dengue management strategies, which, when combined with a reasonable number of vector control approaches, may help to avoid the dengue havoc as well as help in maintaining the integrity of the ecosystem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satpal Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103
| | - Arunima Kumar Verma
- Department of Zoology, Autonomous Government P.G. College, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India, 485001
| | - Nupoor Chowdhary
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103
| | - Shikha Sharma
- Department of Botany, Post Graduate Government College for Girls, Sector-11, Chandigarh, India, 160011
| | - Abhishek Awasthi
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Agrasen University, Baddi, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India, 174103.
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Tufan-Cetin O, Cetin H. Use of micro and macroalgae extracts for the control of vector mosquitoes. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16187. [PMID: 37842039 PMCID: PMC10569164 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous vectors of human diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Controlling these vectors is a challenging responsibility for public health authorities worldwide. In recent years, the use of products derived from living organisms has emerged as a promising approach for mosquito control. Among these living organisms, algae are of great interest due to their larvicidal properties. Some algal species provide nutritious food for larvae, while others produce allelochemicals that are toxic to mosquito larvae. In this article, we reviewed the existing literature on the larvicidal potential of extracts of micro- and macroalgae, transgenic microalgae, and nanoparticles of algae on mosquitoes and their underlying mechanisms. The results of many publications show that the toxic effects of micro- and macroalgae on mosquitoes vary according to the type of extraction, solvents, mosquito species, exposure time, larval stage, and algal components. A few studies suggest that the components of algae that have toxic effects on mosquitoes show through synergistic interaction between components, inhibition of feeding, damage to gut membrane cells, and inhibition of digestive and detoxification enzymes. In conclusion, algae extracts, transgenic microalgae, and nanoparticles of algae have shown significant larvicidal activity against mosquitoes, making them potential candidates for the development of new mosquito control products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Tufan-Cetin
- Department of Environmental Protection Technology, Vocational School of Technical Sciences, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
| | - Huseyin Cetin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
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González MA, Goiri F, Cevidanes A, Hernández-Triana LM, Barandika JF, García-Pérez AL. Mosquito community composition in two major stopover aquatic ecosystems used by migratory birds in northern Spain. MEDICAL AND VETERINARY ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 37:616-629. [PMID: 37134155 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are common bloodsucking Diptera frequently found in aquatic environments, which are valuable ecosystems for many animal species, particularly migrating birds. Therefore, interactions between these animal species and mosquitoes may play a critical role in pathogen transmission. During 2018-2019, mosquitoes were collected from two aquatic ecosystems in northern Spain using different methodologies and identified using classical morphology and molecular tools. A total of 1529 males and females of 22 native mosquito species (including eight new records for the region) were trapped using CO2 -baited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) traps and sweep netting. Among the blood-fed female mosquitoes, 11 vertebrate host species-six mammals and five birds-were identified using DNA barcoding. The developmental sites of eight mosquito species were determined across nine microhabitats, and 11 mosquito species were caught landing on humans. The flight period varied among mosquito species, with some peaking in the spring and others in the summer. Our study highlights the advantages of mosquito sampling using various techniques to comprehensively characterise species composition and abundance. Information on the trophic preferences, biting behaviour and influence of climatic variables on the ecology of mosquitoes is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikel A González
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
- Applied Zoology and Animal Conservation Research Group (ZAP), Department of Biology, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Fátima Goiri
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Aitor Cevidanes
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, UK
| | - Jesús F Barandika
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
| | - Ana L García-Pérez
- Department of Animal Health, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development. Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
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7
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Pernat N, Kampen H, Jeschke JM, Werner D. Buzzing Homes: Using Citizen Science Data to Explore the Effects of Urbanization on Indoor Mosquito Communities. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12050374. [PMID: 33919337 PMCID: PMC8143366 DOI: 10.3390/insects12050374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urbanization has been associated with a loss of overall biodiversity and a simultaneous increase in the abundance of a few species that thrive in urban habitats, such as highly adaptable mosquito vectors. To better understand how mosquito communities differ between levels of urbanization, we analyzed mosquito samples from inside private homes submitted to the citizen science project 'Mückenatlas'. Applying two urbanization indicators based on soil sealing and human population density, we compared species composition and diversity at, and preferences towards, different urbanization levels. Species composition between groups of lowest and highest levels of urbanization differed significantly, which was presumably caused by reduced species richness and the dominance of synanthropic mosquito species in urban areas. The genus Anopheles was frequently submitted from areas with a low degree of urbanization, Aedes with a moderate degree, and Culex and Culiseta with a high degree of urbanization. Making use of citizen science data, this first study of indoor mosquito diversity in Germany demonstrated a simplification of communities with increasing urbanization. The dominance of vector-competent species in urban areas poses a potential risk of epidemics of mosquito-borne diseases that can only be contained by a permanent monitoring of mosquitoes and by acquiring a deeper knowledge about how anthropogenic activities affect vector ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadja Pernat
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1–3, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Königin-Luise-Str. 2–4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany;
| | - Jonathan M. Jeschke
- Institute of Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Königin-Luise-Str. 1–3, 14195 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Königin-Luise-Str. 2–4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Müggelseedamm 310, 12587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany;
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research, Königin-Luise-Str. 2–4, 14195 Berlin, Germany
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Peyton JM, Martinou AF, Adriaens T, Chartosia N, Karachle PK, Rabitsch W, Tricarico E, Arianoutsou M, Bacher S, Bazos I, Brundu G, Bruno-McClung E, Charalambidou I, Demetriou M, Galanidi M, Galil B, Guillem R, Hadjiafxentis K, Hadjioannou L, Hadjistylli M, Hall-Spencer JM, Jimenez C, Johnstone G, Kleitou P, Kletou D, Koukkoularidou D, Leontiou S, Maczey N, Michailidis N, Mountford JO, Papatheodoulou A, Pescott OL, Phanis C, Preda C, Rorke S, Shaw R, Solarz W, Taylor CD, Trajanovski S, Tziortzis I, Tzirkalli E, Uludag A, Vimercati G, Zdraveski K, Zenetos A, Roy HE. Horizon Scanning to Predict and Prioritize Invasive Alien Species With the Potential to Threaten Human Health and Economies on Cyprus. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.566281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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9
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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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10
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Everard M, Johnston P, Santillo D, Staddon C. The role of ecosystems in mitigation and management of Covid-19 and other zoonoses. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2020; 111:7-17. [PMID: 32501392 PMCID: PMC7247996 DOI: 10.1016/j.envsci.2020.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
There is rising international concern about the zoonotic origins of many global pandemics. Increasing human-animal interactions are perceived as driving factors in pathogen transfer, emphasising the close relationships between human, animal and environmental health. Contemporary livelihood and market patterns tend to degrade ecosystems and their services, driving a cycle of degradation in increasingly tightly linked socio-ecological systems. This contributes to reductions in the natural regulating capacities of ecosystem services to limit disease transfer from animals to humans. It also undermines natural resource availability, compromising measures such as washing and sanitation that may be key to managing subsequent human-to-human disease transmission. Human activities driving this degrading cycle tend to convert beneficial ecosystem services into disservices, exacerbating risks related to zoonotic diseases. Conversely, measures to protect or restore ecosystems constitute investment in foundational capital, enhancing their capacities to provide for greater human security and opportunity. We use the DPSIR (Drivers-Pressures-State change-Impact-Response) framework to explore three aspects of zoonotic diseases: (1) the significance of disease regulation ecosystem services and their degradation in the emergence of Covid-19 and other zoonotic diseases; and of the protection of natural resources as mitigating contributions to both (2) regulating human-to-human disease transfer; and (3) treatment of disease outbreaks. From this analysis, we identify a set of appropriate response options, recognising the foundational roles of ecosystems and the services they provide in risk management. Zoonotic disease risks are ultimately interlinked with biodiversity crises and water insecurity. The need to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic ongoing at the time of writing creates an opportunity for systemic policy change, placing scientific knowledge of the value and services of ecosystems at the heart of societal concerns as a key foundation for a more secure future. Rapid political responses and unprecedented economic stimuli reacting to the pandemic demonstrate that systemic change is achievable at scale and pace, and is also therefore transferrable to other existential, global-scale threats including climate change and the 'biodiversity crisis'. This also highlights the need for concerted global action, and is also consistent with the duties, and ultimately the self-interests, of developed, donor nations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Everard
- University of the West of England (UWE), Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Paul Johnston
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RN, UK
| | - David Santillo
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, School of Biosciences, Innovation Centre Phase 2, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4RN, UK
| | - Chad Staddon
- University of the West of England (UWE), Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay Campus, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
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11
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Browne C, Medlock JM. West Nile fever in Europe in 2018: an emerging problem or just an anomaly? Vet Rec 2020; 185:365-368. [PMID: 31562277 DOI: 10.1136/vr.l5748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Last summer saw an unusually high number of cases of West Nile fever in horses and people in south and south-east Europe, but it is too early to tell if this was a one-off increase or a sign of things to come. Here, Christopher Browne, Eleanor Glendenning, Jolyon Medlock and Helen Roberts discuss the various West Nile fever surveillance and control mechanisms in place in the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Browne
- Eleanor Glendenning, Helen Roberts, Exotic Disease Control, Defra, London, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Group, Public Health England, Salisbury, UK
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12
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Johnson BJ, Manby R, Devine GJ. What Happens on Islands, doesn’t Stay on Islands: Patterns of Synchronicity in Mosquito Nuisance and Host-Seeking Activity between a Mangrove Island and Adjacent Coastal Development. Urban Ecosyst 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-020-00998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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13
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Chen X, Wu T, Liang J, Zhou L. Urban mosquito management administration: Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) habitat surveillance and questionnaire survey in Wuhan, Central China. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0232286. [PMID: 32369525 PMCID: PMC7199959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creating National Sanitary City (CNSC) promotes appearance, environment sanitation and public health including vector management of cities in China. However, vector management especially mosquito management and the related administrative productivity of Patriotic Health Campaign System (PHCS) of National Sanitary Cities (NSCs) were questioned by many pest control professionals and citizens. In this study, we studied mosquito management of NSCs taking Wuhan as an example. The study aimed to (1) determine the distribution and abundance of immature mosquito habitats in built-up areas of Wuhan and (2) better understand the related administration procedure in CNSC. METHODS Immature mosquito habitat surveillance was carried out in randomly selected premises of driving schools (DSs), schools or kindergartens (SKs), property management residential areas (PMRAs), construction sites (CSs), wide roads with storm drains (WRSDs) and urban creeks (UCs) in built-up areas of Wuhan from July to October 2015 followed by questionnaire interviews with one each of premise occupants and district departments responsible for mosquito management in these premises. RESULTS Total of 64.1 km of route were inspected in 36 DSs, 36 SKs, 36 PMRAs, 36 CSs and 36 segments of WRSD and 2,158 potential mosquito habitats with 749 (35%) mosquito-positive habitats were found. The route index (RI) was 11.7, which was 14.6 times higher than the grade C criteria for vector density control (RI = 0.8 positive habitats/km) in CNSC. Occupants of 36 DSs, 36 SKs, 36 PMRAs, 34 CSs were interviewed and 77% of them reported no difference in mosquito infestation in their premises since 2013 and 80% of them knew about the responsibility and arrangements of PHCS of mosquito management in their premises. Only 15% had the awareness of larval source reduction strategy and 14% had implemented it. Receipt the electronic/paper edition of CNSC vector management specifications from the PHCS was very low (13%) and an official notification or bulletin for rectification mosquito-positive habitats was also very low (5%). Of the 75 responsible district departments interviewed, about half (55%) reported that they had held training courses/meetings related to CNSC vector management, the majority (96%) reported that they had not carried out independent on-site supervision of premises under their jurisdiction. No differences in larval indices were found between premises which were administrative intervened and with no administrative intervention. CONCLUSIONS The administrative intervention of PHCS had not evidently improved mosquito management of the premises in built-up areas in Wuhan. It is a violation of the original intention of the National Patriotic Health Campaign Committee in organizing CNSC programs. To combat mosquito borne diseases, and to improve the quality of life of residents, we recommend that PHCS honestly reveals defects in urban mosquito management and seriously takes those exposed defects. The PHCS should strengthen Patriotic Health Campaign activities by strict adherence to NSC standards. Further research on sustained promotion of urban mosquito management of NSCs, which focus on effective administration, as well as on improvement of related sectors of NSC standards should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Chen
- Disinfection and Vector Control Section, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Taiping Wu
- Disinfection and Vector Control Section, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiansheng Liang
- Disinfection and Vector Control Section, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangcai Zhou
- Disinfection and Vector Control Section, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention & Control, Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China
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Rendón OR, Garbutt A, Skov M, Möller I, Alexander M, Ballinger R, Wyles K, Smith G, McKinley E, Griffin J, Thomas M, Davidson K, Pagès JF, Read S, Beaumont N. A framework linking ecosystem services and human well‐being: Saltmarsh as a case study. PEOPLE AND NATURE 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pan3.10050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martin Skov
- School of Ocean Sciences Bangor University Bangor UK
| | - Iris Möller
- Department of Geography University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Meghan Alexander
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
| | - Rhoda Ballinger
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
| | | | - Greg Smith
- Politics Department University of Exeter Exeter UK
| | - Emma McKinley
- School of Earth and Ocean Sciences Cardiff University Cardiff UK
| | - John Griffin
- Biosciences Department Swansea University Swansea UK
| | | | - Kate Davidson
- Biosciences Department Swansea University Swansea UK
| | | | - Simon Read
- School of Art and Design Middlesex University London London UK
| | - Nicola Beaumont
- Sea and Society Group Plymouth Marine Laboratory Plymouth UK
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15
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Medlock JM, Hansford KM, Vaux AGC, Cull B, Gillingham E, Leach S. Assessment of the Public Health Threats Posed by Vector-Borne Disease in the United Kingdom (UK). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:E2145. [PMID: 30274268 PMCID: PMC6210260 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15102145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the known distribution of vector-borne diseases in Europe has changed, with much new information also available now on the status of vectors in the United Kingdom (UK). For example, in 2016, the UK reported their first detection of the non-native mosquito Aedes albopictus, which is a known vector for dengue and chikungunya virus. In 2010, Culex modestus, a principal mosquito vector for West Nile virus was detected in large numbers in the Thames estuary. For tick-borne diseases, data on the changing distribution of the Lyme borreliosis tick vector, Ixodes ricinus, has recently been published, at a time when there has been an increase in the numbers of reported human cases of Lyme disease. This paper brings together the latest surveillance data and pertinent research on vector-borne disease in the UK, and its relevance to public health. It highlights the need for continued vector surveillance systems to monitor our native mosquito and tick fauna, as well as the need to expand surveillance for invasive species. It illustrates the importance of maintaining surveillance capacity that is sufficient to ensure accurate and timely disease risk assessment to help mitigate the UK's changing emerging infectious disease risks, especially in a time of climatic and environmental change and increasing global connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - Kayleigh M Hansford
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - Ben Cull
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - Emma Gillingham
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
| | - Steve Leach
- Medical Entomology Group, Public Health England, Emergency Response Department, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG, UK.
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16
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Beyond Climate Change and Health: Integrating Broader Environmental Change and Natural Environments for Public Health Protection and Promotion in the UK. ATMOSPHERE 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/atmos9070245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasingly, the potential short and long-term impacts of climate change on human health and wellbeing are being demonstrated. However, other environmental change factors, particularly relating to the natural environment, need to be taken into account to understand the totality of these interactions and impacts. This paper provides an overview of ongoing research in the Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) on Environmental Change and Health, particularly around the positive and negative effects of the natural environment on human health and well-being and primarily within a UK context. In addition to exploring the potential increasing risks to human health from water-borne and vector-borne diseases and from exposure to aeroallergens such as pollen, this paper also demonstrates the potential opportunities and co-benefits to human physical and mental health from interacting with the natural environment. The involvement of a Health and Environment Public Engagement (HEPE) group as a public forum of “critical friends” has proven useful for prioritising and exploring some of this research; such public involvement is essential to minimise public health risks and maximise the benefits which are identified from this research into environmental change and human health. Research gaps are identified and recommendations made for future research into the risks, benefits and potential opportunities of climate and other environmental change on human and planetary health.
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17
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Lumley S, Hernández-Triana LM, Horton DL, Fernández de Marco MDM, Medlock JM, Hewson R, Fooks AR, Johnson N. Competence of mosquitoes native to the United Kingdom to support replication and transmission of Rift Valley fever virus. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:308. [PMID: 29776384 PMCID: PMC5960175 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-2884-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rift Valley fever phlebovirus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne arbovirus causing severe disease in humans and livestock. It is endemic in Africa and spread to the Arabian Peninsula in 2000 raising concerns it could emerge in Europe. The ability of temperate mosquitoes from the United Kingdom (UK) to support replication and transmission of RVFV is unknown. METHODS In this study, two colonised lines of Culex pipiens, wild-caught Aedes detritus and Ae. rusticus from the UK were infected with pathogenic strains of RVFV to assess their vector competence. Mosquitoes were offered artificial blood-meals containing 106 or 107 plaque forming units (PFU)/ml RVFV, simulating natural peak viraemia in young ruminants, and maintained at 20 °C or 25 °C for up to 21 days. Bodies, legs and saliva were collected and tested for the presence of viral RNA and infectious virus to determine the infection, dissemination and transmission potential. RESULTS Across temperatures, doses and strains the average infection, dissemination and transmission rates were: 35, 13 and 5% (n = 91) for Cx. pipiens (Caldbeck); 23, 14 and 5% (n = 138) for Cx. pipiens (Brookwood); 36, 28 and 7% (n = 118) for Ae. detritus. However, despite 35% (n = 20) being susceptible to infection, Ae. rusticus did not transmit RVFV. Survival of Aedes species was negatively affected by maintenance at 25 °C compared to the more representative peak average British summer temperature of 20 °C. Increased mortality was also observed with some species infected with 107 PFU/ml compared to 106 PFU/ml. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that temperate mosquito species present in the UK demonstrate a transmission potential for RVFV in the laboratory but, even at high temperatures, this occurred at low efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Lumley
- Microbiology Services Division, Public Health England, Wiltshire, UK. .,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK. .,Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Daniel L Horton
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Microbiology Services Division, Public Health England, Wiltshire, UK
| | - Roger Hewson
- Microbiology Services Division, Public Health England, Wiltshire, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Anthony R Fooks
- Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.,Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.,Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-borne Diseases Research Group, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
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18
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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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19
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Millins C, Gilbert L, Medlock J, Hansford K, Thompson DB, Biek R. Effects of conservation management of landscapes and vertebrate communities on Lyme borreliosis risk in the United Kingdom. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2018; 372:rstb.2016.0123. [PMID: 28438912 PMCID: PMC5413871 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2016.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Landscape change and altered host abundance are major drivers of zoonotic pathogen emergence. Conservation and biodiversity management of landscapes and vertebrate communities can have secondary effects on vector-borne pathogen transmission that are important to assess. Here we review the potential implications of these activities on the risk of Lyme borreliosis in the United Kingdom. Conservation management activities include woodland expansion, management and restoration, deer management, urban greening and the release and culling of non-native species. Available evidence suggests that increasing woodland extent, implementing biodiversity policies that encourage ecotonal habitat and urban greening can increase the risk of Lyme borreliosis by increasing suitable habitat for hosts and the tick vectors. However, this can depend on whether deer population management is carried out as part of these conservation activities. Exclusion fencing or culling deer to low densities can decrease tick abundance and Lyme borreliosis risk. As management actions often constitute large-scale perturbation experiments, these hold great potential to understand underlying drivers of tick and pathogen dynamics. We recommend integrating monitoring of ticks and the risk of tick-borne pathogens with conservation management activities. This would help fill knowledge gaps and the production of best practice guidelines to reduce risks. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Conservation, biodiversity and infectious disease: scientific evidence and policy implications’.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Millins
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK .,The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.,School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Lucy Gilbert
- The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen AB15 8QH, UK
| | - Jolyon Medlock
- Medical Entomology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.,Health Protection Research Unit in Environment and Health, Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Kayleigh Hansford
- Medical Entomology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Des Ba Thompson
- Scottish Natural Heritage, 231 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 7AT, UK
| | - Roman Biek
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.,The Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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20
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Zittra C, Vitecek S, Obwaller AG, Rossiter H, Eigner B, Zechmeister T, Waringer J, Fuehrer HP. Landscape structure affects distribution of potential disease vectors (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:205. [PMID: 28441957 PMCID: PMC5405510 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Vector-pathogen dynamics are controlled by fluctuations of potential vector communities, such as the Culicidae. Assessment of mosquito community diversity and, in particular, identification of environmental parameters shaping these communities is therefore of key importance for the design of adequate surveillance approaches. In this study, we assess effects of climatic parameters and habitat structure on mosquito communities in eastern Austria to deliver these highly relevant baseline data. Methods Female mosquitoes were sampled twice a month from April to October 2014 and 2015 at 35 permanent and 23 non-permanent trapping sites using carbon dioxide-baited traps. Differences in spatial and seasonal abundance patterns of Culicidae taxa were identified using likelihood ratio tests; possible effects of environmental parameters on seasonal and spatial mosquito distribution were analysed using multivariate statistical methods. We assessed community responses to environmental parameters based on 14-day-average values that affect ontogenesis. Results Altogether 29,734 female mosquitoes were collected, and 21 of 42 native as well as two of four non-native mosquito species were reconfirmed in eastern Austria. Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in mosquito abundance between sampling years and provinces. Incidence and abundance patterns were found to be linked to 14-day mean sunshine duration, humidity, water–level maxima and the amount of precipitation. However, land cover classes were found to be the most important factor, effectively assigning both indigenous and non-native mosquito species to various communities, which responded differentially to environmental variables. Conclusions These findings thus underline the significance of non-climatic variables for future mosquito prediction models and the necessity to consider these in mosquito surveillance programmes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-017-2140-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Zittra
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon Vitecek
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelheid G Obwaller
- Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports, Division of Science, Research and Development, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Barbara Eigner
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Johann Waringer
- Department of Limnology and Bio-Oceanography, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- Institute of Parasitology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
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21
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Kuleš J, Potocnakova L, Bhide K, Tomassone L, Fuehrer HP, Horvatić A, Galan A, Guillemin N, Nižić P, Mrljak V, Bhide M. The Challenges and Advances in Diagnosis of Vector-Borne Diseases: Where Do We Stand? Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2017; 17:285-296. [PMID: 28346867 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2016.2074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBD) are of major importance to human and animal health. In recent years, VBD have been emerging or re-emerging in many geographical areas, alarming new disease threats and economic losses. The precise diagnosis of many of these diseases still remains a major challenge because of the lack of comprehensive data available on accurate and reliable diagnostic methods. Here, we conducted a systematic and in-depth review of the former, current, and upcoming techniques employed for the diagnosis of VBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josipa Kuleš
- 1 ERA Chair Team, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lenka Potocnakova
- 2 Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology of University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Bhide
- 2 Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology of University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Laura Tomassone
- 3 Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino , Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Hans-Peter Fuehrer
- 4 Department of Pathobiology, Institute of Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna, Austria
| | - Anita Horvatić
- 1 ERA Chair Team, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Asier Galan
- 1 ERA Chair Team, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nicolas Guillemin
- 1 ERA Chair Team, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Petra Nižić
- 5 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vladimir Mrljak
- 5 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Internal Diseases Clinic, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mangesh Bhide
- 1 ERA Chair Team, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb , Zagreb, Croatia .,2 Laboratory of Biomedical Microbiology and Immunology of University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy , Kosice, Slovakia .,6 Institute of Neuroimmunology , Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
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22
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Londono-Renteria B, Troupin A, Colpitts TM. Arbovirosis and potential transmission blocking vaccines. Parasit Vectors 2016; 9:516. [PMID: 27664127 PMCID: PMC5035468 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-016-1802-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases caused by arboviruses (viruses transmitted by arthropods) are undergoing unprecedented epidemic activity and geographic expansion. With the recent introduction of West Nile virus (1999), chikungunya virus (2013) and Zika virus (2015) to the Americas, stopping or even preventing the expansion of viruses into susceptible populations is an increasing concern. With a few exceptions, available vaccines protecting against arboviral infections are nonexistent and current disease prevention relies on vector control interventions. However, due to the emergence of and rapidly spreading insecticide resistance, different disease control methods are needed. A feasible method of reducing emerging tropical diseases is the implementation of vaccines that prevent or decrease viral infection in the vector. These vaccines are designated ‘transmission blocking vaccines’, or TBVs. Here, we summarize previous TBV work, discuss current research on arboviral TBVs and present several promising TBV candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berlin Londono-Renteria
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
| | - Andrea Troupin
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Tonya M Colpitts
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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23
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Cohen C, Einav M, Hawlena H. Path analyses of cross-sectional and longitudinal data suggest that variability in natural communities of blood-associated parasites is derived from host characteristics and not interspecific interactions. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:429. [PMID: 26286391 PMCID: PMC4545369 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1029-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The parasite composition of wild host individuals often impacts their behavior and physiology, and the transmission dynamics of pathogenic species thereby determines disease risk in natural communities. Yet, the determinants of parasite composition in natural communities are still obscure. In particular, three fundamental questions remain open: (1) what are the relative roles of host and environmental characteristics compared with direct interactions between parasites in determining the community composition of parasites? (2) do these determinants affect parasites belonging to the same guild and those belonging to different guilds in similar manners? and (3) can cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses work interchangeably in detecting community determinants? Our study was designed to answer these three questions in a natural community of rodents and their fleas, ticks, and two vector-borne bacteria. METHODS We sampled a natural population of Gerbillus andersoni rodents and their blood-associated parasites on two occasions. By combining path analysis and model selection approaches, we then explored multiple direct and indirect paths that connect (i) the environmental and host-related characteristics to the infection probability of a host by each of the four parasite species, and (ii) the infection probabilities of the four species by each other. RESULTS Our results suggest that the majority of paths shaping the blood-associated communities are indirect, mostly determined by host characteristics and not by interspecific interactions or environmental conditions. The exact effects of host characteristics on infection probability by a given parasite depend on its life history and on the method of sampling, in which the cross-sectional and longitudinal methods are complementary. CONCLUSIONS Despite the awareness of the need of ecological investigations into natural host-vector-parasite communities in light of the emergence and re-emergence of vector-borne diseases, we lack sampling methods that are both practical and reliable. Here we illustrated how comprehensive patterns can be revealed from observational data by applying path analysis and model selection approaches and combining cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. By employing this combined approach on blood-associated parasites, we were able to distinguish between direct and indirect effects and to predict the causal relationships between host-related characteristics and the parasite composition over time and space. We concluded that direct interactions within the community play only a minor role in determining community composition relative to host characteristics and the life history of the community members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Cohen
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Monica Einav
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
| | - Hadas Hawlena
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel.
- Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel.
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24
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Medlock JM, Leach SA. Effect of climate change on vector-borne disease risk in the UK. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2015; 15:721-30. [PMID: 25808458 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(15)70091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
During the early part of the 21st century, an unprecedented change in the status of vector-borne disease in Europe has occurred. Invasive mosquitoes have become widely established across Europe, with subsequent transmission and outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya virus. Malaria has re-emerged in Greece, and West Nile virus has emerged throughout parts of eastern Europe. Tick-borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, continue to increase, or, in the case of tick-borne encephalitis and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever viruses, have changed their geographical distribution. From a veterinary perspective, the emergence of Bluetongue and Schmallenberg viruses show that northern Europe is equally susceptible to transmission of vector-borne disease. These changes are in part due to increased globalisation, with intercontinental air travel and global shipping transport creating new opportunities for invasive vectors and pathogens. However, changes in vector distributions are being driven by climatic changes and changes in land use, infrastructure, and the environment. In this Review, we summarise the risks posed by vector-borne diseases in the present and the future from a UK perspective, and assess the likely effects of climate change and, where appropriate, climate-change adaptation strategies on vector-borne disease risk in the UK. Lessons from the outbreaks of West Nile virus in North America and chikungunya in the Caribbean emphasise the need to assess future vector-borne disease risks and prepare contingencies for future outbreaks. Ensuring that adaptation strategies for climate change do not inadvertently exacerbate risks should be a primary focus for decision makers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK; NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Environmental Change and Health, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK.
| | - Steve A Leach
- Medical Entomology Group, Emergency Response Department, Public Health England, Porton Down, Salisbury, UK
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