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Ossa-López PA, Ramírez-Chaves HE, Rivera-Páez FA. Pathogens associated with ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and mammals in the Orinoquia region of Colombia: An approach to understanding vector-pathogen-host interactions. Acta Trop 2024; 256:107282. [PMID: 38861832 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2024.107282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
The hard tick clade (Ixodidae) currently comprises 762 species worldwide (266 Prostriata and 496 Metastriata). A quarter of hard ticks are found in the Neotropical region, and 42 species have been documented in Colombia. Ixodidae species are important vectors of pathogens such as bacteria, helminths, protozoa, and viruses. In tick-borne diseases, vertebrate hosts perform an important role in the transmission, maintenance, and spread of pathogens. Colombia ranks sixth among countries with the highest mammal biodiversity, with a total of 548 species, where some of these species may be involved in pathogen transmission cycles with ticks as vectors. This research evaluated the presence of two genera of bacteria (Borrelia and Rickettsia) and the protozoan (Babesia) in ticks and mammals in the Orinoquia region of Colombia, establishing interaction networks. The information comes from 734 mammals (655 wild and 79 domestic), belonging to 59 species. Tick infestation (n = 1,805) was found with 14.85 % (n = 109) of the examined mammals and corresponds to nine tick species confirmed morphologically and molecularly. To detect pathogens 272 ticks were collected while feeding on 96 mammals; samples from 93 mammals were analyzed. The presence of borreliae from the relapsing fever group (RFG) and the Lyme disease group (LDG) were detected. Rickettsia spp. was detected in ticks and mammals, while Babesia bigemina was only detected in ticks. This research is the first to address the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens in domestic and wild mammals infested with hard ticks in the Department of Arauca, Colombia. Considering that reporting cases of infections with Babesia, Borrelia, and Rickettsia in Colombia is not mandatory, their impact on public health cannot be estimated. This highlights the importance of continuously detecting, confirming, and identifying these and other important pathogens within the "One Health" framework, as they have a significant economic and medical-veterinary impact globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula A Ossa-López
- Doctorado en Ciencias, Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Héctor E Ramírez-Chaves
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia; Centro de Museos, Museo de Historia Natural, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 58 No. 21-50, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia
| | - Fredy A Rivera-Páez
- Grupo de Investigación en Genética, Biodiversidad y Manejo de Ecosistemas (GEBIOME), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Caldas, Calle 65 No. 26-10, 170004, Manizales, Caldas, Colombia.
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Wesselmann KM, Postigo-Hidalgo I, Pezzi L, de Oliveira-Filho EF, Fischer C, de Lamballerie X, Drexler JF. Emergence of Oropouche fever in Latin America: a narrative review. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024; 24:e439-e452. [PMID: 38281494 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(23)00740-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1955, the incidence and geographical spread of reported Oropouche virus (OROV) infections have increased. Oropouche fever has been suggested to be one of the most important vector-borne diseases in Latin America. However, both literature on OROV and genomic sequence availability are scarce, with few contributing laboratories worldwide. Three reassortant OROV glycoprotein gene variants termed Iquitos, Madre de Dios, and Perdões virus have been described from humans and non-human primates. OROV predominantly causes acute febrile illness, but severe neurological disease such as meningoencephalitis can occur. Due to unspecific symptoms, laboratory diagnostics are crucial. Several laboratory tests have been developed but robust commercial tests are hardly available. Although OROV is mainly transmitted by biting midges, it has also been detected in several mosquito species and a wide range of vertebrate hosts, which likely facilitates its widespread emergence. However, potential non-human vertebrate reservoirs have not been systematically studied. Robust animal models to investigate pathogenesis and immune responses are not available. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, transmission cycle, cross-protection from infections with OROV reassortants, and the natural history of infection remain unclear. This Review identifies Oropouche fever as a neglected disease and offers recommendations to address existing knowledge gaps, enable risk assessments, and ensure effective public health responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konrad M Wesselmann
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France
| | - Ignacio Postigo-Hidalgo
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Laura Pezzi
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France; Centre National de Référence (CNR) des Arbovirus, Marseille, France
| | - Edmilson F de Oliveira-Filho
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carlo Fischer
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Xavier de Lamballerie
- Unité des Virus Émergents (UVE: Aix-Marseille Univ-IRD 190-Inserm 1207), Marseille, France; Centre National de Référence (CNR) des Arbovirus, Marseille, France
| | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany.
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De Meester L, Vázquez-Domínguez E, Kassen R, Forest F, Bellon MR, Koskella B, Scherson RA, Colli L, Hendry AP, Crandall KA, Faith DP, Starger CJ, Geeta R, Araki H, Dulloo EM, Souffreau C, Schroer S, Johnson MTJ. A link between evolution and society fostering the UN sustainable development goals. Evol Appl 2024; 17:e13728. [PMID: 38884021 PMCID: PMC11178947 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Given the multitude of challenges Earth is facing, sustainability science is of key importance to our continued existence. Evolution is the fundamental biological process underlying the origin of all biodiversity. This phylogenetic diversity fosters the resilience of ecosystems to environmental change, and provides numerous resources to society, and options for the future. Genetic diversity within species is also key to the ability of populations to evolve and adapt to environmental change. Yet, the value of evolutionary processes and the consequences of their impairment have not generally been considered in sustainability research. We argue that biological evolution is important for sustainability and that the concepts, theory, data, and methodological approaches used in evolutionary biology can, in crucial ways, contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We discuss how evolutionary principles are relevant to understanding, maintaining, and improving Nature Contributions to People (NCP) and how they contribute to the SDGs. We highlight specific applications of evolution, evolutionary theory, and evolutionary biology's diverse toolbox, grouped into four major routes through which evolution and evolutionary insights can impact sustainability. We argue that information on both within-species evolutionary potential and among-species phylogenetic diversity is necessary to predict population, community, and ecosystem responses to global change and to make informed decisions on sustainable production, health, and well-being. We provide examples of how evolutionary insights and the tools developed by evolutionary biology can not only inspire and enhance progress on the trajectory to sustainability, but also highlight some obstacles that hitherto seem to have impeded an efficient uptake of evolutionary insights in sustainability research and actions to sustain SDGs. We call for enhanced collaboration between sustainability science and evolutionary biology to understand how integrating these disciplines can help achieve the sustainable future envisioned by the UN SDGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc De Meester
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Berlin Germany
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
- Institute of Biology Freie University Berlin Berlin Germany
- Berlin-Brandenburg Institute of Advanced Biodiversity Research (BBIB) Berlin Germany
| | - Ella Vázquez-Domínguez
- Departamento de Ecología de la Biodiversidad, Instituto de Ecología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Ciudad Universitaria Ciudad de México Mexico
- Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics Group Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC) Sevilla Spain
| | - Rees Kassen
- Department of Biology McGill University Montreal Quebec Canada
| | | | - Mauricio R Bellon
- Comisión Nacional Para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad (CONABIO) México City Mexico
- Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems Arizona State University Tempe Arizona USA
| | - Britt Koskella
- Department of Integrative Biology University of California Berkeley California USA
| | - Rosa A Scherson
- Laboratorio Evolución y Sistemática, Departamento de Silvicultura y Conservación de la Naturaleza Universidad de Chile Santiago Chile
| | - Licia Colli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Animali, Della Nutrizione e Degli Alimenti, BioDNA Centro di Ricerca Sulla Biodiversità e Sul DNA Antico, Facoltà di Scienze Agrarie, Alimentari e Ambientali Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Piacenza Italy
| | - Andrew P Hendry
- Redpath Museum & Department of Biology McGill University Montreal Quebec Canada
| | - Keith A Crandall
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics George Washington University Washington DC USA
- Department of Invertebrate Zoology, US National Museum of Natural History Smithsonian Institution Washington DC USA
| | | | - Craig J Starger
- School of Global Environmental Sustainability Colorado State University Fort Collins Colorado USA
| | - R Geeta
- Department of Botany University of Delhi New Delhi India
| | - Hitoshi Araki
- Research Faculty of Agriculture Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Ehsan M Dulloo
- Effective Genetic Resources Conservation and Use Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT Rome Italy
| | - Caroline Souffreau
- Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Evolution and Conservation KU Leuven Leuven Belgium
| | - Sibylle Schroer
- Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries (IGB) Berlin Germany
| | - Marc T J Johnson
- Department of Biology & Centre for Urban Environments University of Toronto Mississauga Mississauga Ontario Canada
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Longo-Pendy NM, Sevidzem SL, Makanga BK, Ndotit-Manguiengha S, Boussougou-Sambe ST, Obame Ondo Kutomy P, Obame-Nkoghe J, Nkoghe-Nkoghe LC, Ngossanga B, Mvoubou FK, Koumba CRZ, Adegnika AA, Razack AS, Mavoungou JF, Mintsa-Nguema R. Assessment of environmental and spatial factors influencing the establishment of Anopheles gambiae larval habitats in the malaria endemic province of Woleu-Ntem, northern Gabon. Malar J 2024; 23:158. [PMID: 38773512 PMCID: PMC11106858 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-04980-5] [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: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the spatial distribution of Anopheles mosquito larval habitats and the environmental factors associated with them, as a prerequisite for the implementation of larviciding. METHODS The study was conducted in December 2021, during the transition period between the end of the short rainy season (September-November) and the short dry season (December-February). Physical, biological, and land cover data were integrated with entomological observations to collect Anopheles larvae in three major towns: Mitzic, Oyem, and Bitam, using the "dipping" method during the transition from rainy to dry season. The collected larvae were then reared in a field laboratory established for the study period. After the Anopheles mosquitoes had emerged, their species were identified using appropriate morphological taxonomic keys. To determine the influence of environmental factors on the breeding of Anopheles mosquitoes, multiple-factor analysis (MFA) and a binomial generalized linear model were used. RESULTS According to the study, only 33.1% out of the 284 larval habitats examined were found to be positive for Anopheles larvae, which were primarily identified as belonging to the Anopheles gambiae complex. The findings of the research suggested that the presence of An. gambiae complex larvae in larval habitats was associated with various significant factors such as higher urbanization, the size and type of the larval habitats (pools and puddles), co-occurrence with Culex and Aedes larvae, hot spots in ambient temperature, moderate rainfall, and land use patterns. CONCLUSIONS The results of this research mark the initiation of a focused vector control plan that aims to eradicate or lessen the larval habitats of An. gambiae mosquitoes in Gabon's Woleu Ntem province. This approach deals with the root causes of malaria transmission through larvae and is consistent with the World Health Organization's (WHO) worldwide objective to decrease malaria prevalence in regions where it is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil-Michel Longo-Pendy
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie de la Santé (URES), Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon.
| | - Silas Lendzele Sevidzem
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie des Maladies Transmissibles (LEMAT), Université Libreville Nord (ULN), Libreville, Gabon
| | | | - Saturnin Ndotit-Manguiengha
- Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET), Libreville, Gabon
- Agence Gabonaise d'Etudes et d'Observations Spatiales (AGEOS), Libreville, Gabon
| | | | - Piazzy Obame Ondo Kutomy
- Programme National de Lutte Contre Le Paludisme (PNLP), Libreville, Gabon
- Universite Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Dakar, Sénégal
| | - Judicaël Obame-Nkoghe
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie de la Santé (URES), Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
- Université des Sciences et Techniques de Masuku (USTM), Franceville, Gabon
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Phuthaditjhaba, Republic of South Africa
| | - Lynda-Chancelya Nkoghe-Nkoghe
- Unité de Recherche en Ecologie de la Santé (URES), Centre Interdisciplinaire de Recherches Médicales de Franceville (CIRMF), Franceville, Gabon
| | | | | | | | - Ayôla Akim Adegnika
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- Institut Für Tropenmedizin, Eberhard Karls Universität, Tübingen, Germany
- Fondation Pour la Recherche Scientifique (FORS), P.O. Box 88, Cotonou, Benin
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner site Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | | | - Rodrigue Mintsa-Nguema
- Laboratoire d'Ecologie des Maladies Transmissibles (LEMAT), Université Libreville Nord (ULN), Libreville, Gabon
- Institut de Recherche en Écologie Tropicale (IRET), Libreville, Gabon
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Bailey A, Prist PR. Landscape and Socioeconomic Factors Determine Malaria Incidence in Tropical Forest Countries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:576. [PMID: 38791790 PMCID: PMC11121048 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050576] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Deforestation, landscape dynamics, and socioeconomic factors within the tropical Americas, Africa, and Asia may have different impacts on malaria incidence. To evaluate how these drivers affect malaria incidence at the global and regional scale, we collected malaria incidence rates from 2000 to 2019 from 67 tropical countries, along with forest loss, land use change types, and socioeconomic elements. LASSO regression, linear mixed effect modeling, and k-fold cross validation were used to create and evaluate the models. Regionality plays a role in the significance of varying risk factors. The Tropical Americas model had the highest coefficient of determination (marginal R2 = 0.369), while the Africa model showed the highest predictive accuracy with only a 17.4% error rate. Strong associations between tree cover loss (β = -4037.73, p < 0.001) and percentage forest area (β = 5373.18, p = 0.012) in Africa, and percent of key biodiversity areas under protection (β = 496.71, p < 0.001; β = 1679.20, p < 0.001) in the tropical Americas and Asia with malaria incidence indicates that malaria risk should be considered during conservation policy development, and recommends that individual approaches to policy and investment be considered when implementing malaria interventions on different spatial scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Bailey
- EcoHealth Alliance, 520 Eighth Ave., Ste. 1200, New York, NY 10018, USA;
| | - Paula R. Prist
- EcoHealth Alliance, 520 Eighth Ave., Ste. 1200, New York, NY 10018, USA;
- Future Earth, One Health, 413 Chukar Ct., Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA
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Lynn MK, Aquino MSR, Rivas PMC, Miranda X, Torres-Romero DF, Cowan H, Meyer MM, Godoy WDC, Kanyangarara M, Self SCW, Campbell BA, Nolan MS. Perinatal dengue and Zika virus cross-sectional seroprevalence and maternal-fetal outcomes among El Salvadoran women presenting for labor-and-delivery. Matern Health Neonatol Perinatol 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38561854 PMCID: PMC10985905 DOI: 10.1186/s40748-024-00177-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite maternal flavivirus infections' linkage to severe maternal and fetal outcomes, surveillance during pregnancy remains limited globally. Further complicating maternal screening for these potentially teratogenic pathogens is the overwhelming subclinical nature of acute infection. This study aimed to understand perinatal and neonatal risk for poor health outcomes associated with flaviviral infection during pregnancy in El Salvador. METHODS Banked serologic samples and clinical results obtained from women presenting for labor and delivery at a national referent hospital in western El Salvador March to September 2022 were used for this study. 198 samples were screened for dengue and Zika virus IgM, and statistical analyses analyzed demographic and clinical outcome associations with IgM positivity. RESULTS This serosurvey revealed a high rate of maternal flavivirus infection-24.2% of women presenting for labor and delivery were dengue or Zika virus IgM positive, suggesting potential infection within pregnancy. Specifically, 20.2% were Zika virus IgM positive, 1.5% were dengue virus IgM positive, and 2.5% were both dengue and Zika virus IgM positive. Women whose home had received mosquito abatement assistance within the last year by the ministry of health were 70% less likely to test IgM positive (aOR = 0.30, 95%CI: 0.10, 0.83). Further, statistical geospatial clustering revealed transmission foci in six primary municipalities. Pregnancy complications and poor birth outcomes were noted among the dengue and/or Zika virus maternal infection group, although these outcomes were not statistically different than the seronegative group. None of the resulting neonates born during this study were diagnosed with congenital Zika syndrome. CONCLUSIONS The high rate of Zika virus detected among pregnant women and the lack of Zika-specific neonatal outcomes monitoring during a non-outbreak year highlights the need for continued surveillance in Central America and among immigrant mothers presenting for childbirth from these countries. As changing climatic conditions continue to expand the range of the disease vector, asymptomatic screening programs could be vital to early identification of outbreaks and clinical management of cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary K Lynn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Xiomara Miranda
- Hospital Nacional "Dr Jorge Mazzini Villacorta", Ministerio de Salud, Sonsonate, El Salvador
| | - David F Torres-Romero
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of El Salvador, Sonsonate, El Salvador
| | - Hanson Cowan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Madeleine M Meyer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA
| | | | - Mufaro Kanyangarara
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Stella C W Self
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Berry A Campbell
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prisma Health, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Melissa S Nolan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street #327, 29201, Columbia, SC, USA.
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Ntabi JDM, Lissom A, Djontu JC, Nkemngo FN, Diafouka-Kietela S, Mayela J, Missontsa G, Djogbenou L, Ndo C, Wondji C, Adegnika AA, Lenga A, Borrmann S, Ntoumi F. Entomological indicators of Plasmodium species transmission in Goma Tsé-Tsé and Madibou districts, in the Republic of Congo. Malar J 2024; 23:21. [PMID: 38229020 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04823-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major public health problem in the Republic of Congo, with Plasmodium falciparum being the deadliest species of Plasmodium in humans. Vector transmission of malaria is poorly studied in the country and no previous report compared rural and urban data. This study aimed to determine the Anopheles fauna and the entomological indices of malaria transmission in the rural and urban areas in the south of Brazzaville, and beyond. METHODS Indoor household mosquitoes capture using electric aspirator was performed in rural and urban areas during raining and dry seasons in 2021. The identification of Anopheles species was done using binocular magnifier and nested-PCR. TaqMan and nested-PCR were used to detect the Plasmodium species in the head/thorax and abdomens of Anopheles. Some entomological indices including the sporozoite infection rate, the entomological inoculation rate and the man biting rate were estimated. RESULTS A total of 699 Anopheles mosquitoes were collected: Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) (90.7%), Anopheles funestus s.l. (6.9%), and Anopheles moucheti (2.4%). Three species of An. gambiae s.l. were identified including Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (78.9%), Anopheles coluzzii (15.4%) and Anopheles arabiensis (5.7%). The overall sporozoite infection rate was 22.3% with a predominance of Plasmodium falciparum, followed by Plasmodium malariae and Plasmodium ovale. Anopheles aggressiveness rate was higher in households from rural area (1.1 bites/night) compared to that from urban area (0.8 ib/p/n). The overall entomological inoculation rate was 0.13 ib/p/n. This index was 0.17 ib/p/n and 0.092 ib/p/n in rural and in urban area, respectively, and was similar during the dry (0.18 ib/p/n) and rainy (0.14 ib/p/n) seasons. CONCLUSION These findings highlight that malaria transmission remains high in rural and urban area in the south of Republic of Congo despite the ongoing control efforts, thereby indicating the need for more robust interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Dollon Mbama Ntabi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
| | - Abel Lissom
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Djontu
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Francis N Nkemngo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Centre Region, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Jolivet Mayela
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Georges Missontsa
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Luc Djogbenou
- Tropical Infectious Deseases Research Center (TIDRC), University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou, Benin
| | - Cyrille Ndo
- Department of Parasitology and Medical Entomology, Centre for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Centre Region, Yaounde, Cameroon
- Department of Parasitology and Microbiology, Center for Research in Infectious Diseases (CRID), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Charles Wondji
- Department of Vector Biology, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA, UK
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroun
| | - Ayola Akim Adegnika
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre de Recherches Médicales de Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arsène Lenga
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo
| | - Steffen Borrmann
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center of Infection Research (DZIF), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour La Recherche Médicale, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Faculté Des Sciences Et Techniques, Université Marien Ngouabi, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
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Liu X, Sun Y, Yin Y, Dai X, Bergquist R, Gao F, Liu R, Liu J, Wang F, Lv X, Zhang Z. Influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk in Anhui Province based on sixteen year's longitudinal surveillance data: a spatio-temporal modelling study. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:108. [PMID: 38017569 PMCID: PMC10685489 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01163-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urbanization greatly affects the natural and social environment of human existence and may have a multifactoral impact on parasitic diseases. Schistosomiasis, a common parasitic disease transmitted by the snail Oncomelania hupensis, is mainly found in areas with population aggregations along rivers and lakes where snails live. Previous studies have suggested that factors related to urbanization may influence the infection risk of schistosomiasis, but this association remains unclear. This study aimed to analyse the effect of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk from a spatial and temporal perspective in the endemic areas along the Yangtze River Basin in China. METHODS County-level schistosomiasis surveillance data and natural environmental factor data covering the whole Anhui Province were collected. The urbanization level was characterized based on night-time light data from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program Operational Linescan System (DMSP-OLS) and the National Polar-Orbiting Partnership's Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS). The geographically and temporally weighted regression model (GTWR) was used to quantify the influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk with the other potential risk factors controlled. The regression coefficient of urbanization was tested for significance (α = 0.05), and the influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk was analysed over time and across space based on significant regression coefficients. Variables studied included climate, soil, vegetation, hydrology and topography. RESULTS The mean regression coefficient for urbanization (0.167) is second only to the leached soil area (0.300), which shows that the urbanization is the most important influence factors for schistosomiasis infection risk besides leached soil area. The other important variables are distance to the nearest water source (0.165), mean minimum temperature (0.130), broadleaf forest area (0.105), amount of precipitation (0.073), surface temperature (0.066), soil bulk density (0.037) and grassland area (0.031). The influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk showed a decreasing trend year by year. During the study period, the significant coefficient of urbanization level increased from - 0.205 to - 0.131. CONCLUSIONS The influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection has spatio-temporal heterogeneous. The urbanization does reduce the risk of schistosomiasis infection to some extend, but the strength of this influence decreases with increasing urbanization. Additionally, the effect of urbanization on schistosomiasis infection risk was greater than previous reported natural environmental factors. This study provides scientific basis for understanding the influence of urbanization on schistosomiasis, and also provides the feasible research methods for other similar studies to answer the issue about the impact of urbanization on disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Sun
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
- No. 8 Institute of Geology and Mineral Resources Exploration of Shandong Province, Rizhao, Shandong, China
| | - Yun Yin
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofeng Dai
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | | | - Fenghua Gao
- Anhui Institute of Schistosomiasis Control, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Liu
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jie Liu
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Fuju Wang
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao Lv
- College of Geodesy and Geomatics, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.
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Barrie A, Agodzo S, Frazer-Williams R, Awuah E, Bessah E. A multivariate statistical approach and water quality index for water quality assessment for the Rokel river in Sierra Leone. Heliyon 2023; 9:e16196. [PMID: 37484331 PMCID: PMC10360579 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16196] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to use multivariate statistical approach to determine the relationship between parameters, identify the factors affecting the quality of water and interpret and group the water quality parameters. Water quality data was collected during two seasons; wet season spanning from June to August 2019 and dry season spanning from February to April 2019. The physiochemical and microbial parameters measured from the sampling process were turbidity, temperature, pH, electric conductivity, total hardness, calcium carbonates, total dissolved solid (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), iron, nitrate, phosphate, potassium, sulphate, chromium, fluoride, e. coli and coliform. A total of 406 data set were collected and analysed using Principal Component Analysis, water quality index, cluster analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). These data sets were tested for sampling adequacy using Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's Test and the result on the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy obtained was 0.615. The analysis yields Five PCs extraction with eigenvalues >1. These components explained 82.628% of the total variance of the entire components. The maximum water quality index 13 which indicated a grade A and can be treated for water supply. The following parameters Chromium 0.39 mg/l, Iron 1.88 mg/l, turbidity 18.66NTU, Phosphates 26.00 mg/l and fluorides 1.75 mg/l exceeded the WHO guidelines for drinking water. The mean values electrical conductivity is 12.26 μS/cm, 31.8 μS/cm for rain and dry seasons respectively., The following parameters Turbidity, Total Dissolved Solid, Total Suspended solids, Iron, Phosphate, Fluoride and Sulphate shows variation with High during the rain and low during the dry season with significant statical difference with a p value < 0.05. Whereas there is difference between the seasonal values of chromium, Nitrate and Potassium. The ANOVA resulted in P-value >0.05 which indicated no statistically significant different for chromium, Nitrate and Potassium. The seasonal variation was corroborated by cluster analysis with two clusters of C1 and C2. The PCs analysis, cluster analysis and ANOVA gave detailed characterization of the source and group correlation amongst the physiochemical and microbial parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Barrie
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - S.K. Agodzo
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - R. Frazer-Williams
- Department of Chemistry, Fourah Bay College, The University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - E. Awuah
- Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - E. Bessah
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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10
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Acheampong AO, Opoku EEO. Energy justice, democracy and deforestation. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 341:118012. [PMID: 37150171 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper contributes to the debate on the determinants of deforestation, a menace that is posing threat to sustainable development particularly in tropical developing regions. Specifically, the paper focuses on the effect of energy justice and democratization. The main contribution to the literature hinges on the emphasis on energy justice - operationalized as rural-urban equality in access to electricity and clean fuels and technologies for cooking - and its interaction with democracy. Using a panel data of 47 sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000-2020 and the dynamic two-step generalized method of moment estimator, the results generally indicate that improvement in rural-urban equality in access to electricity and clean fuels and technologies for cooking is associated with a reduction in deforestation. Democracy is similarly found to be associated with reduction in deforestation. The conditional effect analysis largely depicts an intensified reducing effect of energy justice on deforestation in the presence of improved democratic practices. The results though robust to an alternative estimator, the Driscoll-Kraay estimator, differ when sub-regional analysis is considered. The paper aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 7, 13, 15 and 16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex O Acheampong
- Bond Business School, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia; Centre for Data Analytics, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Eric Evans Osei Opoku
- Nottingham University Business School China, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, China.
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11
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da Silva CFA, Dos Santos AM, do Bonfim CV, da Silva Melo JL, Sato SS, Barreto EP. Deforestation impacts on dengue incidence in the Brazilian Amazon. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:593. [PMID: 37079116 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11174-0] [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: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the study is to perform the spatial analysis of the conditioning factors for the increase in the incidence rate of dengue cases in municipalities located in the Amazon biome, in the period from 2016 to 2021. Three statistical approaches were applied: Moran's index, ordinary least squares regression, and geographically weighted regression. The results revealed that the incidence rates of dengue cases cluster in two areas, both located in the south of the Amazon biome, which is associated with the Arc of Deforestation. The variable deforestation influences the increase in dengue incidence rates revealed by the OLS and GWR model. The adjusted R2 of the GWR model was 0.70, that is, the model explains about 70% of the total case variation of dengue incidence rates in the Amazon biome. The results of the study evidence the need for public policies aimed at the prevention and combat of deforestation in the Amazon region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Fabricio Assunção da Silva
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Center of Technologies and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Avenida da Engenharia, S/N - Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil.
| | - Alex Mota Dos Santos
- Center of Agroforestry Sciences and Technologies, Federal University of Southern Bahia, Rodovia Ilhéus/Itabuna, Km 22, 45604-811, Itabuna, Brazil
| | | | - José Lucas da Silva Melo
- Department of Statistics, Center of Nature and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, Cidade Universitária, Recife, 123550670-901, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Simone Sayuri Sato
- Department of Cartographic Engineering, Center of Technologies and Geosciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Acadêmico Hélio Ramos, Cidade Universitária, S/N, 50740-530, Recife, Avenida, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Paes Barreto
- Master in Environmental Technology, Pernambuco Institute of Technology, ITEP, Avenida Professor Luís Freire, 700 - Cidade Universitária, Recife - PE, 50740-540, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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12
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Alenou LD, Nwane P, Mbakop LR, Piameu M, Ekoko W, Mandeng S, Bikoy EN, Toto JC, Onguina H, Etang J. Burden of mosquito-borne diseases across rural versus urban areas in Cameroon between 2002 and 2021: prospective for community-oriented vector management approaches. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:136. [PMID: 37076896 PMCID: PMC10114431 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05737-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the past two decades, Cameroon has recorded one of the highest rates of urban population growth in sub-Saharan Africa. It is estimated that more than 67% of Cameroon's urban population lives in slums, and the situation is far from improving as these neighbourhoods are growing at an annual rate of 5.5%. However, it is not known how this rapid and uncontrolled urbanization affects vector populations and disease transmission in urban versus rural areas. In this study, we analyse data from studies conducted on mosquito-borne diseases in Cameroon between 2002 and 2021 to determine the distribution of mosquito species and the prevalence of diseases they transmit with regards to urban areas versus rural areas. METHODS A search of various online databases, such as PubMed, Hinari, Google and Google Scholar, was conducted for relevant articles. A total of 85 publications/reports were identified and reviewed for entomological and epidemiological data from the ten regions of Cameroon. RESULTS Analysis of the findings from the reviewed articles revealed 10 diseases transmitted by mosquitoes to humans across the study regions. Most of these diseases were recorded in the Northwest Region, followed by the North, Far North and Eastern Regions. Data were collected from 37 urban and 28 rural sites. In the urban areas, dengue prevalence increased from 14.55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2-23.9%) in 2002-2011 to 29.84% (95% CI 21-38.7%) in 2012-2021. In rural areas, diseases such as Lymphatic filariasis and Rift valley fever, which were not present in 2002-2011, appeared in 2012-2021, with a prevalence of 0.4% (95% CI 0.0- 2.4%) and 10% (95% CI 0.6-19.4%), respectively. Malaria prevalence remained the same in urban areas (67%; 95% CI 55.6-78.4%) between the two periods, while it significantly decreased in rural areas from 45.87% (95% CI 31.1-60.6%) in 2002-2011 to 39% (95% CI 23.7-54.3%) in the 2012-2021 period (*P = 0.04). Seventeen species of mosquitoes were identified as involved in the transmission of these diseases, of which 11 were involved in the transmission of malaria, five in the transmission of arboviruses and one in the transmission of malaria and lymphatic filariasis. The diversity of mosquito species was greater in rural areas than in urban areas during both periods. Of the articles reviewed for the 2012-2021 period, 56% reported the presence of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato in urban areas compared to 42% reported in 2002-2011. The presence of Aedes aegypti increased in urban areas in 2012-2021 but this species was absent in rural areas. Ownership of long-lasting insecticidal nets varied greatly from one setting to another. CONCLUSIONS The current findings suggest that, in addition to malaria control strategies, vector-borne disease control approaches in Cameroon should include strategies against lymphatic filariasis and Rift Valley fever in rural areas, and against dengue and Zika viruses in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leo Dilane Alenou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon.
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
| | - Philippe Nwane
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Lili Ranaise Mbakop
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Michael Piameu
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- School of Health Sciences, Catholic University of Central Africa, P.O. Box 1110, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Wolfgang Ekoko
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Bamenda, Bambili, P.O. Box 39, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Stanislas Mandeng
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Elisabeth Ngo Bikoy
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 337, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Claude Toto
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Hugues Onguina
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Josiane Etang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, P.O. Box 2701, Douala, Cameroon.
- Malaria Research Laboratory, Yaoundé Research Institute (IRY), Organization for the Coordination of Endemic Diseases' Control in Central Africa (OCEAC), P.O. Box 288, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
- Department of Insect Biotechnology in Plant Protection, Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Faculty 09-Agricultural Sciences, Nutritional Sciences and Environmental Management, Justus-Liebig-University Gießen, Winchester Str. 2, 35394, Giessen, Germany.
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13
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Perera DS, Tharaka WGH, Amarasinghe D, Wickramarachchi SR. Extracellular extracts of antagonistic fungi,Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma viride, as larvicides against dengue vectors, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Acta Trop 2023; 238:106747. [PMID: 36368414 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the responsible vectors of transmitting dengue in Sri Lanka. Excessive use of chemical pesticides causes insecticide resistance. Therefore, mosquito biolarvicides remain to be an important method for mosquito control. The use of fungal metabolites can be considered a tool to overcome the issues related to insecticide resistance and environmental pollution. The present study focused on the evaluation of the mosquito larvicidal efficacy of Trichoderma longibrachiatum and Trichoderma viride aqueous and crude extracellular metabolites against Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus under the laboratory conditions. Fungi were grown in Richards' broth medium for collection of fungal biomass. Eight test concentrations of extracellular aqueous and crude fungal filtrates in a range from 12.5 gL-1 to 175 gL-1 were prepared and batches of 25 laboratory-reared third instar larvae of Ae.aegypti and Ae.albopictus were exposed to each test concentration separately with three replicates. Control bioassays were conducted with distilled water and larval mortality was recorded after 24 hours and 48 hours of exposure periods. The study revealed that LC50 values and LC90 values for extracellular crude metabolites for two fungal species were lower than the values obtained for extracellular aqueous extracts. All the LC50 values obtained for Ae.albopictus were lower than that of Ae.aegypti. LC50 values obtained for T.viride aqueous extracellular metabolites were 81.46 gL-1 and 87.75 gL-1in 24 hours, 70.66 gL-1 and 77.93 gL-1 in 48 hours for Ae. albopictus and Ae. aegypti respectively. LC50 values obtained for T.longibrachiatum aqueous extracellular metabolites were recorded as 103.35gL-1 and 108.79gL-1 in 24 hours and 93.05gL-1 and 102.1gL-1 in 48 hours for Ae.albopictus and Ae.aegypti respectively. It was revealed that LC50 values obtained for T.viride crude extracellular metabolites were 34.42gL-1 and 47.27gL-1 in 24 hours, 30.29gL-1 and 41.56gL-1 in hours for Ae.albopictus and Ae.aegypti respectively. LC50 values obtained for T.longibrachiatum crude extracellular metabolites were 49.84gL-1 and 59.24gL-1 in 24 hours, 40.73gL-1 and 51.49gL-1 in 48 hours for Ae.albopictus and Ae.aegypti respectively. It can be concluded that there is a potential for using T.viride as an effective larvicide against dengue mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinusha S Perera
- National Dengue Control Unit, Department of Health, Colombo 05,Sri Lanka; Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Dalugama, Sri Lanka
| | - W G Hiruni Tharaka
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Dalugama, Sri Lanka
| | - Deepika Amarasinghe
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Dalugama, Sri Lanka.
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Romero-Vega LM, Piche-Ovares M, Soto-Garita C, Barantes Murillo DF, Chaverri LG, Alfaro-Alarcón A, Corrales-Aguilar E, Troyo A. Seasonal changes in the diversity, host preferences and infectivity of mosquitoes in two arbovirus-endemic regions of Costa Rica. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:34. [PMID: 36703148 PMCID: PMC9881273 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05579-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes are vectors of various arboviruses belonging to the genera Alphavirus and Flavivirus, and Costa Rica is endemic to several of them. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the community structure of such vectors in Costa Rica. METHODS Sampling was performed in two different coastal locations of Costa Rica with evidence of arboviral activity during rainy and dry seasons. Encephalitis vector surveillance traps, CDC female gravid traps and ovitraps were used. Detection of several arboviruses by Pan-Alpha and Pan-Flavi PCR was attempted. Blood meals were also identified. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was estimated for each area during the rainy and dry seasons. The Chao2 values for abundance and Shannon index for species diversity were also estimated. RESULTS A total of 1802 adult mosquitoes belonging to 55 species were captured, among which Culex quinquefasciatus was the most caught species. The differences in NDVI were higher between seasons and between regions, yielding lower Chao-Sørensen similarity index values. Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus, West Nile virus and Madariaga virus were not detected at all, and dengue virus and Zika virus were detected in two separate Cx. quinquefasciatus specimens. The primary blood-meal sources were chickens (60%) and humans (27.5%). Both sampled areas were found to have different seasonal dynamics and population turnover, as reflected in the Chao2 species richness estimation values and Shannon diversity index. CONCLUSION Seasonal patterns in mosquito community dynamics in coastal areas of Costa Rica have strong differences despite a geographical proximity. The NDVI influences mosquito diversity at the regional scale more than at the local scale. However, year-long continuous sampling is required to better understand local dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M. Romero-Vega
- grid.412889.e0000 0004 1937 0706Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica ,grid.10729.3d0000 0001 2166 3813Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Marta Piche-Ovares
- grid.412889.e0000 0004 1937 0706Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica ,grid.10729.3d0000 0001 2166 3813Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica
| | - Claudio Soto-Garita
- grid.412889.e0000 0004 1937 0706Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Daniel Felipe Barantes Murillo
- grid.10729.3d0000 0001 2166 3813Universidad Nacional, Heredia, Costa Rica ,grid.252546.20000 0001 2297 8753Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama USA
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Troyo
- grid.412889.e0000 0004 1937 0706Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
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TORCH Congenital Syndrome Infections in Central America's Northern Triangle. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11020257. [PMID: 36838223 PMCID: PMC9964893 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11020257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
TORCH pathogens are a group of globally prevalent infectious agents that may cross the placental barrier, causing severe negative sequalae in neonates, including fetal death and lifelong morbidity. TORCH infections are classically defined by Toxoplasma gondii, other infectious causes of concern (e.g., syphilis, Zika virus, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus), rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex viruses. Neonatal disorders and congenital birth defects are the leading causes of neonatal mortality in Central America's Northern Triangle, yet little is known about TORCH congenital syndrome in this region. This review synthesizes the little that is known regarding the most salient TORCH infections among pregnant women and neonates in Central America's Northern Triangle and highlights gaps in the literature that warrant further research. Due to the limited publicly available information, this review includes both peer-reviewed published literature and university professional degree theses. Further large-scale studies should be conducted to clarify the public health impact these infections in this world region.
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16
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Qin T, Shi M, Zhang M, Liu Z, Feng H, Sun Y. Diversity of RNA viruses of three dominant tick species in North China. Front Vet Sci 2023; 9:1057977. [PMID: 36713863 PMCID: PMC9880493 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.1057977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A wide range of bacterial pathogens have been identified in ticks, yet the diversity of viruses in ticks is largely unexplored. Methods Here, we used metagenomic sequencing to characterize the diverse viromes in three principal tick species associated with pathogens, Haemaphysalis concinna, Dermacentor silvarum, and Ixodes persulcatus, in North China. Results A total of 28 RNA viruses were identified and belonged to more than 12 viral families, including single-stranded positive-sense RNA viruses (Flaviviridae, Picornaviridae, Luteoviridae, Solemoviridae, and Tetraviridae), negative-sense RNA viruses (Mononegavirales, Bunyavirales, and others) and double-stranded RNA viruses (Totiviridae and Partitiviridae). Of these, Dermacentor pestivirus-likevirus, Chimay-like rhabdovirus, taiga tick nigecruvirus, and Mukawa virus are presented as novel viral species, while Nuomin virus, Scapularis ixovirus, Sara tick-borne phlebovirus, Tacheng uukuvirus, and Beiji orthonairovirus had been established as human pathogens with undetermined natural circulation and pathogenicity. Other viruses include Norway mononegavirus 1, Jilin partitivirus, tick-borne tetravirus, Pico-like virus, Luteo-like virus 2, Luteo-likevirus 3, Vovk virus, Levivirus, Toti-like virus, and Solemo-like virus as well as others with unknown pathogenicity to humans and wild animals. Conclusion In conclusion, extensive virus diversity frequently occurs in Mononegavirales and Bunyavirales among the three tick species. Comparatively, I. persulcatus ticks had been demonstrated as such a kind of host with a significantly higher diversity of viral species than those of H. concinna and D. silvarum ticks. Our analysis supported that ticks are reservoirs for a wide range of viruses and suggested that the discovery and characterization of tick-borne viruses would have implications for viral taxonomy and provide insights into tick-transmitted viral zoonotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,Medical Corps, Naval Logistics Academy, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meina Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhitong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yi Sun ✉
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Serosurvey in Two Dengue Hyperendemic Areas of Costa Rica Evidence Active Circulation of WNV and SLEV in Peri-Domestic and Domestic Animals and in Humans. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010007. [PMID: 36678356 PMCID: PMC9863573 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Costa Rica harbors several flaviviruses, including Dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), and Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV). While DENV and ZIKV are hyperendemic, previous research indicates restricted circulation of SLEV and WNV in animals. SLEV and WNV seroprevalence and high transmission areas have not yet been measured. To determine the extents of putative WNV and SLEV circulation, we sampled peri-domestic and domestic animals, humans, and mosquitoes in rural households located in two DENV and ZIKV hyperendemic regions during the rainy and dry seasons of 2017-2018 and conducted plaque reduction neutralization test assay for serology (PRNT) and RT-PCR for virus detection. In Cuajiniquil, serological evidence of WNV and SLEV was found in equines, humans, chickens, and wild birds. Additionally, five seroconversion events were recorded for WNV (2 equines), SLEV (1 human), and DENV-1 (2 humans). In Talamanca, WNV was not found, but serological evidence of SLEV circulation was recorded in equines, humans, and wild birds. Even though no active viral infection was detected, the seroconversion events recorded here indicate recent circulation of SLEV and WNV in these two regions. This study thus provides clear-cut evidence for WNV and SLEV presence in these areas, and therefore, they should be considered in arboviruses differential diagnostics and future infection prevention campaigns.
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Remesar S, Castro-Scholten S, Morrondo P, Díaz P, Jiménez-Martín D, Rouco C, Camacho-Sillero L, Cano-Terriza D, García-Bocanegra I. Molecular detection of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks parasitizing wild lagomorphs from Spain: characterization of a novel Ehrlichia species. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:467. [DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05600-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Several species belonging to the genus Ehrlichia are considered pathogenic for animals and humans. Although wildlife are known to play an important role in the epidemiology of these bacteria, information on the role of wild lagomorphs in their sylvatic cycle is limited. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the occurrence of Ehrlichia spp. in ticks collected from wild lagomorphs in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems.
Methods
A total of 1122 pooled ticks (254 pools) collected from 506 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 29 Iberian hares (Lepus granatensis) were analysed using a nested PCR assay targeting the partial groEL gene. Ehrlichia spp.-positive samples were further subjected to a second PCR assay targeting 16S rRNA.
Results
Three (1.2%) tick pools comprising Rhipicephalus pusillus collected from nine wild rabbits were positive for Ehrlichia spp. All the Ehrlichia DNA sequences were identical, and use of sequence and phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify a novel Ehrlichia species.
Conclusions
We provide evidence that a novel Ehrlichia species, named herein as ‘Candidatus Ehrlichia andalusi’, which may be of concern for animal and public health, is circulating in R. pusillus in Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems. Further studies are warranted to assess the epidemiology, pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of this Ehrlichia species.
Graphical Abstract
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Antibody Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated with Rickettsia spp. in a Pediatric Cohort: SFGR Remains Underdiagnosed and Underreported in El Salvador. Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11111241. [DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR) are caused by a group of tick-borne pathogens that are increasing in incidence globally. These diseases are typically underreported and undiagnosed in low- and middle-income countries, and thus, have been classified as neglected bacterial pathogens. Countries with high poverty, low human development index score, and limited health infrastructure—like El Salvador in Central America—lack necessary surveillance for SFGR and other tick-borne pathogens. This paucity of baseline SFGR infection prevalence leaves vulnerable populations at risk of misdiagnosis. Further, tick-borne disease burdens in El Salvador are severely limited. To lay the foundation for tick-borne disease epidemiology in El Salvador, our team conducted two different enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on banked human sera samples from a cohort of approximately 1000 pediatric participants from a high-risk vector-borne disease population. Eleven percent of all tested banked pediatric sera were positive for at least one ELISA assay at the time of enrollment: 10.7% were positive for only IgM antibodies (acute SFGR infection), and 2.5% were positive for IgG antibodies (a past SFGR infection). Older, male, children enrolled during the wet season, with a household history of infectious disease and higher maternal education level had higher odds of SFGR antibodies. Additionally, children from households with domestic poultry birds and previous knowledge of other vector-borne diseases had significantly reduced odds of SFGR antibodies. The large percentage of acute SFGR infections indicates that it continues to remain an underreported and undiagnosed issue in El Salvador and the Central American region. Much is still unknown regarding the complexity of the tick, animal host, and human host ecology transmission cycle of SFGR in El Salvador.
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Spotted Fever Group Rickettsioses in Central America: The Research and Public Health Disparity among Socioeconomic Lines. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13080674. [PMID: 35893029 PMCID: PMC9332791 DOI: 10.3390/insects13080674] [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: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tick-borne diseases are an important public health issue globally. Spotted fever group rickettsioses (SFGR), a group of related tick-borne pathogens, can cause significant disease, but is widely underreported and likely misdiagnosed. In Central America, there is little known about SFGR, and there seems to be a socioeconomic-related difference between the most-developed and least-developed countries in the region. The least-developed countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua) disproportionately underreport research or studies regarding SFGR disease compared to the most-developed countries (Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica). We compared human development and poverty indicators among Central American countries for this review of SFGR Rickettsia-related articles. The least-developed countries are at a higher risk or are more vulnerable to SFGR disease than the most-developed countries in this region. Abstract Tick-borne diseases including rickettsial diseases are increasing in incidence worldwide. Many rickettsial pathogens can cause disease which is commonly underdiagnosed and underreported; Rickettsia pathogens in the spotted fever group (SFGR) are thus classified as neglected bacterial pathogens. The Central American region shoulders a large proportion of the global neglected disease burden; however, little is known regarding SFGR disease here. Although development varies, four of the seven countries in this region have both the highest poverty rates and SFGR disease burdens (El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua), compared to Belize, Panama, and Costa Rica. Utilizing the Human Development Index (HDI), we compared published articles related to SFGR Rickettsia prevalence in the lowest-HDI-scoring countries to the highest-HDI-scoring countries. Our analysis identified a distinct dichotomy in publication, and by proxy, potentially awareness and knowledge of SFGR tick-borne disease in Central America, where the least-developed countries are at the highest risk for, yet the most vulnerable to, SFGR disease.
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Tourapi C, Tsioutis C. Circular Policy: A New Approach to Vector and Vector-Borne Diseases’ Management in Line with the Global Vector Control Response (2017–2030). Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7070125. [PMID: 35878137 PMCID: PMC9319326 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Integrated Vector Management (IVM) has yielded exemplary results in combating and preventing vector-borne diseases (VBDs) and their vectors. It’s success and positive outcomes depend on the sound planning, implementation, enforcement, and validation of the locally adapted vector control efforts from the involved national sectors and stakeholders. Nevertheless, current realities create several implications impeding IVM’s performance. Hence, there is a need to adjust local IVM plans to several factors, such as (i) the rapidly changing and unpredictable environmental conditions (i.e., climate change, shift on species distribution, invasive species—Anopheles stephensi, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus); (ii) the environmental impacts from human activities (i.e., fossil fuel use, food sources, industry, land use, urbanization and deforestation); (iii) changes in human demographics and the international movement of people (travelers and forcibly displaced persons due to conflicts and severe weather) increasing the risk of contracting and transmitting vector-borne diseases and shifting humanitarian emergencies and societal demands; (iv) the SARS-CoV2 pandemic outbreak and the implication on national public health systems; (v) the continuous flow of technological advancements and newly acquired knowledge; (vi) the realization of the strong link between planetary health and public health. Addressing these factors in IVM can become difficult, taking into consideration the numerous involved sectors, stakeholders, and fields in the management of vectors and vector-borne diseases (VBD). This document proposes and discusses the aspects and steps of a holistic approach, referenced as the Circular Policy, for national and local IVM strategies to be effective and adaptable, capable of providing the optimum outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana Tourapi
- Departments of Health Sciences and Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
| | - Constantinos Tsioutis
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22-559413
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