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Korhonen EM, Truong Nguyen PT, Faolotto G, Suvanto MT, Nicosia AM, Crobu MG, Grasso I, Vapalahti O, Smura T, Ravanini P, Huhtamo E. Complete coding sequence of an Aedes flavivirus strain isolated from Aedes albopictus collected in Northern Italy. Microbiol Resour Announc 2024; 13:e0014624. [PMID: 38917449 PMCID: PMC11256834 DOI: 10.1128/mra.00146-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Complete genome data for the globally distributed Aedes flavivirus (AEFV) is scarce. We analyzed a new Italian AEFV strain isolated from Aedes albopictus. The results demonstrated genetic diversity among Italian AEFVs. The high similarity between AEFV genomes across geographically distant regions suggests long distance spreading via invasive host mosquito species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi M. Korhonen
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Giulia Faolotto
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità Di Novara, Italy, Piemonte, Novara
| | - Maija T. Suvanto
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Maria Nicosia
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità Di Novara, Italy, Piemonte, Novara
| | - Maria Grazia Crobu
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità Di Novara, Italy, Piemonte, Novara
| | - Ivan Grasso
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità Di Novara, Italy, Piemonte, Novara
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Helsinki University Hospital Diagnostic Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Teemu Smura
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Paolo Ravanini
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital Maggiore Della Carità Di Novara, Italy, Piemonte, Novara
| | - Eili Huhtamo
- Department of Virology, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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2
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Mantilla-Granados JS, Castellanos JE, Velandia-Romero ML. A tangled threesome: understanding arbovirus infection in Aedes spp. and the effect of the mosquito microbiota. Front Microbiol 2024; 14:1287519. [PMID: 38235434 PMCID: PMC10792067 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1287519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Arboviral infections transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes are a major threat to human health, particularly in tropical regions but are expanding to temperate regions. The ability of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to transmit multiple arboviruses involves a complex relationship between mosquitoes and the virus, with recent discoveries shedding light on it. Furthermore, this relationship is not solely between mosquitoes and arboviruses, but also involves the mosquito microbiome. Here, we aimed to construct a comprehensive review of the latest information about the arbovirus infection process in A. aegypti and A. albopictus, the source of mosquito microbiota, and its interaction with the arbovirus infection process, in terms of its implications for vectorial competence. First, we summarized studies showing a new mechanism for arbovirus infection at the cellular level, recently described innate immunological pathways, and the mechanism of adaptive response in mosquitoes. Second, we addressed the general sources of the Aedes mosquito microbiota (bacteria, fungi, and viruses) during their life cycle, and the geographical reports of the most common microbiota in adults mosquitoes. How the microbiota interacts directly or indirectly with arbovirus transmission, thereby modifying vectorial competence. We highlight the complexity of this tripartite relationship, influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic conditions at different geographical scales, with many gaps to fill and promising directions for developing strategies to control arbovirus transmission and to gain a better understanding of vectorial competence. The interactions between mosquitoes, arboviruses and their associated microbiota are yet to be investigated in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan S. Mantilla-Granados
- Saneamiento Ecológico, Salud y Medio Ambiente, Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jaime E. Castellanos
- Grupo de Virología, Universidad El Bosque, Vicerrectoría de Investigaciones, Bogotá, Colombia
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Hollingsworth BD, Grubaugh ND, Lazzaro BP, Murdock CC. Leveraging insect-specific viruses to elucidate mosquito population structure and dynamics. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011588. [PMID: 37651317 PMCID: PMC10470969 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Several aspects of mosquito ecology that are important for vectored disease transmission and control have been difficult to measure at epidemiologically important scales in the field. In particular, the ability to describe mosquito population structure and movement rates has been hindered by difficulty in quantifying fine-scale genetic variation among populations. The mosquito virome represents a possible avenue for quantifying population structure and movement rates across multiple spatial scales. Mosquito viromes contain a diversity of viruses, including several insect-specific viruses (ISVs) and "core" viruses that have high prevalence across populations. To date, virome studies have focused on viral discovery and have only recently begun examining viral ecology. While nonpathogenic ISVs may be of little public health relevance themselves, they provide a possible route for quantifying mosquito population structure and dynamics. For example, vertically transmitted viruses could behave as a rapidly evolving extension of the host's genome. It should be possible to apply established analytical methods to appropriate viral phylogenies and incidence data to generate novel approaches for estimating mosquito population structure and dispersal over epidemiologically relevant timescales. By studying the virome through the lens of spatial and genomic epidemiology, it may be possible to investigate otherwise cryptic aspects of mosquito ecology. A better understanding of mosquito population structure and dynamics are key for understanding mosquito-borne disease ecology and methods based on ISVs could provide a powerful tool for informing mosquito control programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon D Hollingsworth
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Institute for Host Microbe Interaction and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Brian P Lazzaro
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Institute for Host Microbe Interaction and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
| | - Courtney C Murdock
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Cornell Institute for Host Microbe Interaction and Disease, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
- Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, United States of America
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4
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Ogola EO, Bastos ADS, Rotich G, Kopp A, Slothouwer I, Omoga DCA, Sang R, Torto B, Junglen S, Tchouassi DP. Analyses of Mosquito Species Composition, Blood-Feeding Habits and Infection with Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Two Arid, Pastoralist-Dominated Counties in Kenya. Pathogens 2023; 12:967. [PMID: 37513814 PMCID: PMC10386387 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12070967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), although not known to be pathogenic to humans and animals, can modulate the transmission of arboviruses by mosquitoes. In this study, we screened 6665 host-seeking, gravid and blood-fed mosquitoes for infection with flaviviruses and assessed the vertebrate hosts of the blood-fed mosquitoes sampled in Baringo and Kajiado counties; both dryland ecosystem counties in the Kenyan Rift Valley. Sequence fragments of two ISFs were detected. Cuacua virus (CuCuV) was found in three blood-fed Mansonia (Ma.) africana. The genome was sequenced by next-generation sequencing (NGS), confirming 95.8% nucleotide sequence identity to CuCuV detected in Mansonia sp. in Mozambique. Sequence fragments of a potential novel ISF showing nucleotide identity of 72% to Aedes flavivirus virus were detected in individual blood-fed Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae s.l., Ma. africana and Culex (Cx.) univittatus, all having fed on human blood. Blood-meal analysis revealed that the collected mosquitoes fed on diverse hosts, primarily humans and livestock, with a minor representation of wild mammals, amphibians and birds. The potential impact of the detected ISFs on arbovirus transmission requires further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin O Ogola
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Gilbert Rotich
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Anne Kopp
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Inga Slothouwer
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dorcus C A Omoga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria 0028, South Africa
| | - Sandra Junglen
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-University Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Chariteplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), Nairobi P.O. Box 30772-00100, Kenya
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Novelo M, Dutra HLC, Metz HC, Jones MJ, Sigle LT, Frentiu FD, Allen SL, Chenoweth SF, McGraw EA. Dengue and chikungunya virus loads in the mosquito Aedes aegypti are determined by distinct genetic architectures. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011307. [PMID: 37043515 PMCID: PMC10124881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of the arboviruses dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV). These viruses exhibit key differences in their vector interactions, the latter moving more quicky through the mosquito and triggering fewer standard antiviral pathways. As the global footprint of CHIKV continues to expand, we seek to better understand the mosquito's natural response to CHIKV-both to compare it to DENV:vector coevolutionary history and to identify potential targets in the mosquito for genetic modification. We used a modified full-sibling design to estimate the contribution of mosquito genetic variation to viral loads of both DENV and CHIKV. Heritabilities were significant, but higher for DENV (40%) than CHIKV (18%). Interestingly, there was no genetic correlation between DENV and CHIKV loads between siblings. These data suggest Ae. aegypti mosquitoes respond to the two viruses using distinct genetic mechanisms. We also examined genome-wide patterns of gene expression between High and Low CHIKV families representing the phenotypic extremes of viral load. Using RNAseq, we identified only two loci that consistently differentiated High and Low families: a long non-coding RNA that has been identified in mosquito screens post-infection and a distant member of a family of Salivary Gland Specific (SGS) genes. Interestingly, the latter gene is also associated with horizontal gene transfer between mosquitoes and the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia. This work is the first to link the SGS gene to a mosquito phenotype. Understanding the molecular details of how this gene contributes to viral control in mosquitoes may, therefore, also shed light on its role in Wolbachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Novelo
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Heverton LC Dutra
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hillery C. Metz
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Jones
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Leah T. Sigle
- Department of Entomology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Francesca D. Frentiu
- Centre for Immunology and Infection Control, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Scott L. Allen
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Stephen F. Chenoweth
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elizabeth A. McGraw
- Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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6
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Wu Q, Guo C, Li XK, Yi BY, Li QL, Guo ZM, Lu JH. A meta-transcriptomic study of mosquito virome and blood feeding patterns at the human-animal-environment interface in Guangdong Province, China. One Health 2023; 16:100493. [PMID: 36817976 PMCID: PMC9932184 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mosquitoes are a formidable reservoir of viruses and important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Blood-fed mosquitoes have been utilized to determine host infection status, overcoming the difficulties associated with sampling from human and animal populations. Comprehensive surveillance of potential pathogens at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment is currently an accredited method to provide an early warning of emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases and to proactively respond to them. Herein we performed comprehensive sampling of mosquitoes from seven habitats (residential areas, hospital, airplane, harbor, zoo, domestic sheds, and forest park) across five cities in Guangdong Province, China. Our aim was to characterize the viral communities and blood feeding patterns at the human-animal-environment interface and analyze the potential risk of cross-species transmission using meta-transcriptomic sequencing. 1898 female adult mosquitoes were collected, including 1062 Aedes and 836 Culex mosquitoes, of which approximately 12% (n = 226) were satiated with blood. Consequently, 101 putative viruses were identified, which included DNA and RNA viruses, and positive-stranded RNA viruses (+ssRNA) were the most abundant. According to viral diversity analysis, the composition of the viral structure was highly dependent on host species, and Culex mosquitoes showed richer viral diversity than Aedes mosquitoes. Although the virome of mosquitoes from different sampling habitats showed an overlap of 39.6%, multiple viruses were specific to certain habitats, particularly at the human-animal interface. Blood meal analysis found four mammals and one bird bloodmeal source, including humans, dogs, cats, poultry, and rats. Further, the blood feeding patterns of mosquitoes were found to be habitat dependent, and mosquitoes at the human-animal interface and from forests had a wider choice of hosts, including humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife, which in turn considerably increases the risk of spillover of potential zoonotic pathogens. To summarize, we are the first to investigate the virome of mosquitoes from multiple interfaces based on the One Health concept. The characteristics of viral community and blood feeding patterns of mosquitoes at the human-animal-environment interface were determined. Our findings should support surveillance activities to identify known and potential pathogens that are pathogenic to vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,One Health Center of Excellence for Research & Training, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Cheng Guo
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York 10032, USA
| | - Xiao-kang Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,One Health Center of Excellence for Research & Training, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Bo-Yang Yi
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,One Health Center of Excellence for Research & Training, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qian-Lin Li
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,One Health Center of Excellence for Research & Training, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhong-Min Guo
- Laboratory Animal Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,Corresponding author.
| | - Jia-Hai Lu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,One Health Center of Excellence for Research & Training, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China,National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Monitoring and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Guangzhou 510080, China,Hainan Key Novel Thinktank “Hainan Medical University ‘One Health’ Research Center”, Haikou 571199, China,Key Laboratory of Tropical Diseases Control, Sun Yat-Sen University, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou 510080, China,Corresponding author at: School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Tchouassi DP, Agha SB, Villinger J, Sang R, Torto B. The distinctive bionomics of Aedes aegypti populations in Africa. CURRENT OPINION IN INSECT SCIENCE 2022; 54:100986. [PMID: 36243315 DOI: 10.1016/j.cois.2022.100986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses of medical importance. Behavioral and biological attributes contribute to its vectorial capacity. The mosquito domestic form, which resides outside Africa (Ae. aegypti aegypti (Aaa)), is considered to breed in artificial containers in and around homes and preferentially feeds on human blood but commonly indulges in a plant diet. Potential divergence in these attributes, in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) where Aaa coexists with the forest ecotype (Ae. aegypti formosus), should impact the vectoring ability and hence disease epidemiology. A summary of current knowledge on Ae. aegypti blood feeding, oviposition, and plant-feeding habits among SSA populations is provided in comparison with those in different geographies, globally. Emphasis is placed on improved understanding of the connection between changing subspecies adaptation in these traits and arbovirus disease risk in SSA in response to climate change and increasing urbanization, with the ultimate use of this information for effective disease control.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Tchouassi
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Sheila B Agha
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Rosemary Sang
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Baldwyn Torto
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, P.O. Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
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Chiuya T, Villinger J, Falzon LC, Alumasa L, Amanya F, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Masiga DK. Molecular screening reveals non-uniform malaria transmission in western Kenya and absence of Rickettsia africae and selected arboviruses in hospital patients. Malar J 2022; 21:268. [PMID: 36115978 PMCID: PMC9482282 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04287-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In sub-Saharan Africa, malaria is the common diagnosis for febrile illness and related clinical features, resulting in the under-diagnosis of other aetiologies, such as arboviruses and Rickettsia. While these may not be significant causes of mortality in malaria-endemic areas, they affect the daily life and performance of affected individuals. It is, therefore, important to have a clear picture of these other aetiologies to institute correct diagnoses at hospitals and improve patient outcomes.
Methods
Blood samples were collected from patients with fever and other clinical features associated with febrile illness at selected hospitals in the malaria-endemic counties of Busia, Bungoma, and Kakamega, and screened for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, Sindbis, dengue and chikungunya viruses, Rickettsia africae, and Plasmodium spp. using high-throughput real-time PCR techniques. A logistic regression was performed on the results to explore the effect of demographic and socio-economic independent variables on malaria infection.
Results
A total of 336 blood samples collected from hospital patients between January 2018 and February 2019 were screened, of which 17.6% (59/336) were positive for Plasmodium falciparum and 1.5% (5/336) for Plasmodium malariae. Two patients had dual P. falciparum/P. malariae infections. The most common clinical features reported by the patients who tested positive for malaria were fever and headache. None of the patients were positive for the arboviruses of interest or R. africae. Patients living in Busia (OR 5.2; 95% CI 2.46–11.79; p < 0.001) and Bungoma counties (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.27–6.16; p = 0.013) had higher odds of being infected with malaria, compared to those living in Kakamega County.
Conclusions
The reported malaria prevalence is in line with previous studies. The absence of arboviral and R. africae cases in this study may have been due to the limited number of samples screened, low-level circulation of arboviruses during inter-epidemic periods, and/or the use of PCR alone as a detection method. Other sero-surveys confirming their circulation in the area indicate that further investigations are warranted.
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Chiuya T, Villinger J, Masiga DK, Ondifu DO, Murungi MK, Wambua L, Bastos ADS, Fèvre EM, Falzon LC. Molecular prevalence and risk factors associated with tick-borne pathogens in cattle in western Kenya. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:363. [PMID: 34838023 PMCID: PMC8627057 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03074-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are of global importance, especially in sub-Saharan Africa where they represent a major constraint to livestock production. Their association with human disease is also increasingly recognized, signalling their zoonotic importance. It is therefore crucial to investigate TBPs prevalence in livestock populations and the factors associated with their presence. We set out to identify TBPs present in cattle and to determine associated risk factors in western Kenya, where smallholder livestock production is important for subsistence and market-driven income. Results Tick-borne pathogen infections in blood samples collected from cattle at livestock markets and slaughterhouses between May 2017 and January 2019 were identified by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing of PCR products of genus-specific primers. Of the 422 cattle sampled, 30.1% (127/422) were infected with at least one TBP, while 8.8% (37/422) had dual infections. Anaplasma spp. (19.7%) were the most prevalent, followed by Theileria (12.3%), Ehrlichia (6.6%), and Babesia (0.2%) spp. Sequence analysis of the TBPs revealed them to be Anaplasma platys-like organisms (13.5%), Theileria velifera (7.4%), Anaplasma marginale (4.9%), Theileria mutans (3.1%), Theileria parva (1.6%), and Babesia bigemina (0.2%). Ehrlichia ruminantium, Rickettsia spp., and arboviruses were not detected. Exotic breeds of cattle were more likely to be infected with A. marginale compared to local breeds (OR: 7.99, 95% CI: 3.04–22.02, p < 0.001). Presence of ticks was a significant predictor for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 2.18, 95% CI: 1.32–3.69, p = 0.003) and Ehrlichia spp. (OR: 2.79, 95% CI: 1.22–7.23, p = 0.022) infection. Cattle sampled at slaughterhouses were more likely to be positive for Anaplasma spp. (OR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.01–2.70, p = 0.048) and A. marginale (OR: 3.84, 95% CI: 1.43–12.21, p = 0.012), compared to those sampled at livestock markets. Conclusion This study reports TBP prevalence and associated risk factors in western Kenya, factors which are key to informing surveillance and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatenda Chiuya
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa.
| | - Jandouwe Villinger
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Daniel K Masiga
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dickens O Ondifu
- International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), P.O Box 30772-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Maurice K Murungi
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Lillian Wambua
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya
| | - Armanda D S Bastos
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Private Bag 20, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Eric M Fèvre
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya.,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Laura C Falzon
- International Livestock Research Institute, Old Naivasha Road, P.O Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya. .,Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, CH64 7TE, UK.
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Efunshile AM, Ojide CK, Igwe D, Onyia B, Jokelainen P, Robertson LJ. Mosquito control at a tertiary teaching hospital in Nigeria. Infect Prev Pract 2021; 3:100172. [PMID: 34604733 PMCID: PMC8473772 DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2021.100172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mosquitoes are vectors of numerous diseases, including malaria and yellow fever. Mosquito control is therefore a priority in many countries, especially in healthcare settings. Here we investigated the opinions of patients and staff regarding mosquito control at a hospital in Nigeria, and also gathered data on mosquito-control measures in this setting. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire study of staff and patients and an observational approach to obtain data on mosquito-control measures used at a tertiary teaching hospital in Abakaliki, Nigeria. Discussion Both staff (N=517) and patients (N=302) reported experiencing more mosquito bites at the hospital than elsewhere. As well as contributing to discomfort, this exposure may put hospital staff and patients at risk of mosquito-borne infections. Complaints from patients about mosquitoes were reported by over 90% of staff, and over 50% of staff respondents were aware of patient discharge against medical advice due to mosquitoes. The most common control method was killing mosquitoes by hand. We observed a lack of door screens in all wards, window screens were absent or torn, and most beds did not have nets. In the children's wards none of the beds had nets. Conclusions Current measures against mosquitoes in this hospital appeared inadequate, and healthcare staff and hospital patients may be at increased risk of mosquito-borne infections. Mosquito control in the hospital requires attention, and the needs for improvement in mosquito control in the healthcare setting more widely should be evaluated and addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akinwale M Efunshile
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.,Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Chiedozie Kingsley Ojide
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Igwe
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Blessing Onyia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Alex Ekweme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Pikka Jokelainen
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Department of Bacteria, Parasites & Fungi, Infectious Disease Preparedness, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, Copenhagen S, 2300, Denmark
| | - Lucy J Robertson
- Parasitology, Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO box 5003, Ås, 1432, Norway
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