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Koch RT, Erazo D, Folly AJ, Johnson N, Dellicour S, Grubaugh ND, Vogels CBF. Genomic epidemiology of West Nile virus in Europe. One Health 2024; 18:100664. [PMID: 38193029 PMCID: PMC10772404 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus is one of the most widespread mosquito-borne zoonotic viruses, with unique transmission dynamics in various parts of the world. Genomic surveillance has provided important insights in the global patterns of West Nile virus emergence and spread. In Europe, multiple West Nile virus lineages have been isolated, with lineage 1a and 2 being the main lineages responsible for human infections. In contrast to North America, where a single introduction of lineage 1a resulted in the virus establishing itself in a new continent, at least 13 introductions of lineages 1a and 2 have occurred into Europe, which is likely a vast underestimation of the true number of introductions. Historically, lineage 1a was the main lineage circulating in Europe, but since the emergence of lineage 2 in the early 2000s, the latter has become the predominant lineage. This shift in West Nile virus lineage prevalence has been broadly linked to the expansion of the virus into northerly temperate regions, where autochthonous cases in animals and humans have been reported in Germany and The Netherlands. Here, we discuss how genomic analysis has increased our understanding of the epidemiology of West Nile virus in Europe, and we present a global Nextstrain build consisting of publicly available West Nile virus genomes (https://nextstrain.org/community/grubaughlab/WNV-Global). Our results elucidate recent insights in West Nile virus lineage dynamics in Europe, and discuss how expanded programs can fill current genomic surveillance gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Tobias Koch
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Diana Erazo
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Arran J Folly
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Nicholas Johnson
- Vector-Borne Diseases, Virology Department, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Woodham Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, UK
| | - Simon Dellicour
- Spatial Epidemiology Lab (SpELL), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory for Clinical and Epidemiological Virology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nathan D Grubaugh
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Public Health Modeling Unit, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States of America
| | - Chantal B F Vogels
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Institute for Global Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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Li J, Du J, Ding G, Zhang W, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Zhou D, Sun Y, Liu X, Shen B. Isolation, characterization and functional analysis of a bacteriophage targeting Culex pipiens pallens resistance-associated Aeromonas hydrophila. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:222. [PMID: 38745242 PMCID: PMC11094981 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06281-x] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Culex pipiens pallens is a well-known mosquito vector for several diseases. Deltamethrin, a commonly used pyrethroid insecticide, has been frequently applied to manage adult Cx. pipiens pallens. However, mosquitoes can develop resistance to these insecticides as a result of insecticide misuse and, therefore, it is crucial to identify novel methods to control insecticide resistance. The relationship between commensal bacteria and vector resistance has been recently recognized. Bacteriophages (= phages) are effective tools by which to control insect commensal bacteria, but there have as yet been no studies using phages on adult mosquitoes. In this study, we isolated an Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH that specifically targets resistance-associated symbiotic bacteria in mosquitoes. We investigated the impact of Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH in an abundance of Aeromonas hydrophila in the gut of Cx. pipiens pallens and its effect on the status of deltamethrin resistance. METHODS Phages were isolated on double-layer agar plates and their biological properties analyzed. Phage morphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after negative staining. The phage was then introduced into the mosquito intestines via oral feeding. The inhibitory effect of Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH on Aeromonas hydrophila in mosquito intestines was assessed through quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Deltamethrin resistance of mosquitoes was assessed using WHO bottle bioassays. RESULTS An Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH was isolated from sewage and identified as belonging to the Myoviridae family in the order Caudovirales using TEM. Based on biological characteristics analysis and in vitro antibacterial experiments, Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH was observed to exhibit excellent stability and effective bactericidal activity. Sequencing revealed that the Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH genome comprises 43,663 bp (51.6% CG content) with 81 predicted open reading frames. No integrase-related gene was detected in the vB AH-LH genome, which marked it as a potential biological antibacterial. Finally, we found that Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH could significantly reduce deltamethrin resistance in Cx. pipiens pallens, in both the laboratory and field settings, by decreasing the abundance of Aeromonas hydrophila in their midgut. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that Aeromonas phage vB AhM-LH could effectively modulate commensal bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila in adult mosquitoes, thus representing a promising strategy to mitigate mosquito vector resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinze Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajia Du
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangshuo Ding
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenxing Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yinghui Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yidan Xu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqiu Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
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Jawień P, Pfitzner WP, Schaffner F, Kiewra D. Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) of Poland: An Update of Species Diversity and Current Challenges. INSECTS 2024; 15:353. [PMID: 38786909 PMCID: PMC11122502 DOI: 10.3390/insects15050353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
This article presents the current state of knowledge of mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) occurring in Poland. In comparison to the most recently published checklists (1999 and 2007), which listed 47 mosquito species, four species (Aedes japonicus, Anopheles daciae, Anopheles hyrcanus, and Anopheles petragnani) are added to the Polish fauna. Our new checklist of Polish mosquito fauna includes 51 species of mosquitoes from five genera: Aedes (30), Anopheles (8), Coquillettidia (1), Culiseta (7), and Culex (5). Aspects of the ecology and biology of the Polish mosquito fauna, with particular emphasis on newly recorded species, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Jawień
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
| | | | - Francis Schaffner
- Francis Schaffner Consultancy, Lörracherstrasse 50, 4125 Riehen, Switzerland;
| | - Dorota Kiewra
- Department of Microbial Ecology and Acaroentomology, University of Wroclaw, Przybyszewskiego Str. 63, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
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Bušić N, Klobučar A, Landeka N, Žitko T, Vignjević G, Turić N, Sudarić Bogojević M, Merdić E, Kučinić M, Bruvo Mađarić B. A DNA barcode reference library of Croatian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae): implications for identification and delimitation of species, with notes on the distribution of potential vector species. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:216. [PMID: 38734639 PMCID: PMC11088778 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06291-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquitoes pose a risk to human health worldwide, and correct species identification and detection of cryptic species are the most important keys for surveillance and control of mosquito vectors. In addition to traditional identification based on morphology, DNA barcoding has recently been widely used as a complementary tool for reliable identification of mosquito species. The main objective of this study was to create a reference DNA barcode library for the Croatian mosquito fauna, which should contribute to more accurate and faster identification of species, including cryptic species, and recognition of relevant vector species. METHODS Sampling was carried out in three biogeographical regions of Croatia over six years (2017-2022). The mosquitoes were morphologically identified; molecular identification was based on the standard barcoding region of the mitochondrial COI gene and the nuclear ITS2 region, the latter to identify species within the Anopheles maculipennis complex. The BIN-RESL algorithm assigned the COI sequences to the corresponding BINs (Barcode Index Number clusters) in BOLD, i.e. to putative MOTUs (Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units). The bPTP and ASAP species delimitation methods were applied to the genus datasets in order to verify/confirm the assignment of specimens to specific MOTUs. RESULTS A total of 405 mosquito specimens belonging to six genera and 30 morphospecies were collected and processed. Species delimitation methods assigned the samples to 31 (BIN-RESL), 30 (bPTP) and 28 (ASAP) MOTUs, with most delimited MOTUs matching the morphological identification. Some species of the genera Culex, Aedes and Anopheles were assigned to the same MOTUs, especially species that are difficult to distinguish morphologically and/or represent species complexes. In total, COI barcode sequences for 34 mosquito species and ITS2 sequences for three species of the genus Anopheles were added to the mosquito sequence database for Croatia, including one individual from the Intrudens Group, which represents a new record for the Croatian mosquito fauna. CONCLUSION We present the results of the first comprehensive study combining morphological and molecular identification of most mosquito species present in Croatia, including several invasive and vector species. With the exception of some closely related species, this study confirmed that DNA barcoding based on COI provides a reliable basis for the identification of mosquito species in Croatia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Bušić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Ana Klobučar
- Andrija Štampar Teaching Institute of Public Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nediljko Landeka
- Teaching Institute for Public Health of the Istrian County, Pula, Croatia
| | - Toni Žitko
- Teaching Institute for Public Health, Split-Dalmatia County, Split, Croatia
| | - Goran Vignjević
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Nataša Turić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Teaching Institute for Public Health of the Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek, Croatia
| | | | - Enrih Merdić
- Department of Biology, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mladen Kučinić
- Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Nagy NA, Tóth GE, Kurucz K, Kemenesi G, Laczkó L. The updated genome of the Hungarian population of Aedes koreicus. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7545. [PMID: 38555322 PMCID: PMC10981705 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases pose a potential risk to human and animal welfare, and understanding their spread requires genomic resources. The mosquito Aedes koreicus is an emerging vector that has been introduced into Europe more than 15 years ago but only a low quality, fragmented genome was available. In this study, we carried out additional sequencing and assembled and characterized the genome of the species to provide a background for understanding its evolution and biology. The updated genome was 1.1 Gbp long and consisted of 6099 contigs with an N50 value of 329,610 bp and a BUSCO score of 84%. We identified 22,580 genes that could be functionally annotated and paid particular attention to the identification of potential insecticide resistance genes. The assessment of the orthology of the genes indicates a high turnover at the terminal branches of the species tree of mosquitoes with complete genomes, which could contribute to the adaptation and evolutionary success of the species. These results could form the basis for numerous downstream analyzes to develop targets for the control of mosquito populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikoletta Andrea Nagy
- Department of Evolutionary Zoology and Human Biology, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- HUN-REN-UD Behavioural Ecology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
- Institute of Metagenomics, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.
| | - Gábor Endre Tóth
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Hemorrhagic Fever Reference and Research, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornélia Kurucz
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Levente Laczkó
- HUN-REN-UD Conservation Biology Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- One Health Institute, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Seechurn N, Herdman MT, Hernandez-Colina A, Vaux AGC, Johnston C, Berrell M, Lopez J, Eckley L, Gonzalez-Olvera M, Gillespie L, Kelly PP, Baylis M, Medlock JM. Field-based assessments of the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato in England: an important enzootic vector of Usutu and West Nile viruses. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:61. [PMID: 38342888 PMCID: PMC10859028 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06143-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Usutu virus (USUV), which is closely related to West Nile virus (WNV), sharing a similar ecology and transmission cycle, was first reported in the UK in the southeast of England in 2020. Both USUV and WNV are emerging zoonotic viruses hosted by wild birds. The 2020 finding of USUV in England raised awareness of this virus and highlighted the importance of understanding the seasonality of Culex pipiens sensu lato (Cx. pipiens s.l.), the main enzootic vector of these viruses. Zoos are prime locations for trapping mosquitoes because of their infrastructure, security, and range of vertebrate hosts and aquatic habitats. METHODS Three independent zoo-based case studies at four locations that cover the seasonality of Cx. pipiens s.l. in England were undertaken: (i) London Zoo (Zoological Society London [ZSL]) and surrounding areas, London; (ii) Chester Zoo (Cheshire); (ii) Twycross Zoo (Leicestershire); and (iv) Flamingo Land (zoo; North Yorkshire). Various adult mosquito traps were used to catch adult Cx. pipiens s.l. across seasons. RESULTS High yields of Cx. pipiens s.l./Culex torrentium were observed in Biogents-Mosquitaire and Center for Disease Control and Prevention Gravid traps in all studies where these traps were used. Mosquito counts varied between sites and between years. Observations of adult Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium abundance and modelling studies demonstrated peak adult abundance between late July and early August, with active adult female Cx. pipiens s.l./Cx. torrentium populations between May and September. CONCLUSIONS The information collated in this study illustrates the value of multiple mosquito monitoring approaches in zoos to describe the seasonality of this UK vector across multiple sites in England and provides a framework that can be used for ongoing and future surveillance programmes and disease risk management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Seechurn
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
| | - M Trent Herdman
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme Field Service, South East and London, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Arturo Hernandez-Colina
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Alexander G C Vaux
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Colin Johnston
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Morgan Berrell
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| | - Javier Lopez
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lindsay Eckley
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Merit Gonzalez-Olvera
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- North of England Zoological Society (Chester Zoo), Caughall Road, Chester, CH2 1LH, UK
| | - Lisa Gillespie
- Twycross Zoo, East Midland Zoological Society, Burton Road, Atherstone, CV9 3PX, UK
| | - Paul Pearce Kelly
- Zoological Society of London, Outer Circle, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Matthew Baylis
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jolyon M Medlock
- Medical Entomology and Zoonoses Ecology Group, UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
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Laverdeur J, Desmecht D, Hayette MP, Darcis G. Dengue and chikungunya: future threats for Northern Europe? FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 4:1342723. [PMID: 38456075 PMCID: PMC10911022 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2024.1342723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viral diseases are likely to be affected by the consequences of climate change with an increase in their distribution and intensity. Among these infectious diseases, chikungunya and dengue viruses are two (re)emergent arboviruses transmitted by Aedes species mosquitoes and which have recently demonstrated their capacity for rapid expansion. They most often cause mild diseases, but they can both be associated with complications and severe forms. In Europe, following the establishment of invasive Aedes spp, the first outbreaks of autochtonous dengue and chikungunya have already occurred. Northern Europe is currently relatively spared, but climatic projections show that the conditions are permissive for the establishment of Aedes albopictus (also known as the tiger mosquito) in the coming decades. It is therefore essential to question and improve the means of surveillance in northern Europe, at the dawn of inevitable future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine Laverdeur
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Daniel Desmecht
- Department of Animal Pathology, Fundamental and Applied Research for Animals & Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marie-Pierre Hayette
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Gilles Darcis
- Department of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Madeira S, Bernardino R, Osório HC, Boinas F. Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Fauna of a Zoological Park in an Urban Setting: Analysis of Culex pipiens s.l. and Their Biotypes. INSECTS 2024; 15:45. [PMID: 38249051 PMCID: PMC10816151 DOI: 10.3390/insects15010045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) are important emerging diseases that affect humans and animals. Zoological parks can work as early warning systems for the occurrence of MBDs. In this study, we characterized the mosquito fauna captured inside Lisbon Zoo from May 2018 to November 2019. An average of 2.4 mosquitos per trap/night were captured. Five mosquito species potentially causing MBDs, including Culex pipiens biotypes, were found in the zoo. The sympatric occurrence of Culex pipiens biotypes represents a risk factor for the epizootic transmission of West Nile virus and Usutu virus. The mosquito occurrence followed the expected seasonality, with the maximum densities during summer months. However, mosquito activity was detected in winter months in low numbers. The minimum temperature and the relative humidity (RH) on the day of capture showed a positive effect on Culex pipiens abundance. Contrary, the RH the week before capture and the average precipitation the week of capture had a negative effect. No invasive species were identified, nor have flaviviruses been detected in the mosquitoes. The implementation of biosecurity measures regarding the hygiene of the premises and the strict control of all the animals entering the zoo can justify the low prevalence of mosquitoes and the absence of flavivirus-infected mosquitoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Madeira
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | | | - Hugo Costa Osório
- CEVDI—INSA—Centre for Vectors and Infectious Diseases Research, National Institute of Health Doutor Ricardo Jorge, 2965-575 Águas de Moura, Portugal;
- ISAMB—Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernando Boinas
- CIISA—Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
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Agboli E, Schulze J, Jansen S, Cadar D, Sreenu VB, Leggewie M, Altinli M, Badusche M, Jöst H, Börstler J, Schmidt-Chanasit J, Schnettler E. Interaction of Mesonivirus and Negevirus with arboviruses and the RNAi response in Culex tarsalis-derived cells. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:361. [PMID: 37833743 PMCID: PMC10576325 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05985-w] [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: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito-specific viruses (MSVs) comprise a variety of different virus families, some of which are known to interfere with infections of medically important arboviruses. Viruses belonging to the family Mesoniviridae or taxon Negevirus harbor several insect-specific viruses, including MSVs, which are known for their wide geographical distribution and extensive host ranges. Although these viruses are regularly identified in mosquitoes all over the world, their presence in mosquitoes in Germany had not yet been reported. METHODS A mix of three MSVs (Yichang virus [Mesoniviridae] and two negeviruses [Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus]) in a sample that contained a pool of Coquillettidia richiardii mosquitoes collected in Germany was used to investigate the interaction of these viruses with different arboviruses in Culex-derived cells. In addition, small RNA sequencing and analysis of different mosquito-derived cells infected with this MSV mix were performed. RESULTS A strain of Yichang virus (Mesoniviridae) and two negeviruses (Daeseongdong virus and Dezidougou virus) were identified in the Cq. richiardii mosquitoes sampled in Germany, expanding current knowledge of their circulation in central Europe. Infection of mosquito-derived cells with these three viruses revealed that they are targeted by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway. In Culex-derived cells, co-infection by these three viruses had varying effects on the representative arboviruses from different virus families (Togaviridae: Semliki forest virus [SFV]; Bunyavirales: Bunyamwera orthobunyavirus [BUNV]; or Flaviviridae: Usutu virus [USUV]). Specifically, persistent MSV co-infection inhibited BUNV infection, as well as USUV infection (but the latter only at specific time points). However, the impact on SFV infection was only noticeable at low multiplicity of infection (MOI 0.1) and at specific time points in combination with the infection status. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results are important findings that will lead to a better understanding of the complex interactions of MSVs, mosquitoes and arboviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Agboli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, PMB 31, Ho, Ghana
| | - Jonny Schulze
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stephanie Jansen
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Cadar
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Mayke Leggewie
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mine Altinli
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marlis Badusche
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hanna Jöst
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jessica Börstler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Esther Schnettler
- Bernhard-Nocht-Institute for Tropical Medicine, 20359, Hamburg, Germany.
- Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, 20148, Hamburg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Luebeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany.
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Delrieu M, Martinet JP, O’Connor O, Viennet E, Menkes C, Burtet-Sarramegna V, Frentiu FD, Dupont-Rouzeyrol M. Temperature and transmission of chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses: A systematic review of experimental studies on Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PARASITOLOGY & VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES 2023; 4:100139. [PMID: 37719233 PMCID: PMC10500480 DOI: 10.1016/j.crpvbd.2023.100139] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne viruses are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many parts of the world. In recent years, modelling studies have shown that climate change strongly influences vector-borne disease transmission, particularly rising temperatures. As a result, the risk of epidemics has increased, posing a significant public health risk. This review aims to summarize all published laboratory experimental studies carried out over the years to determine the impact of temperature on the transmission of arboviruses by the mosquito vector. Given their high public health importance, we focus on dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which are transmitted by the mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Following PRISMA guidelines, 34 papers were included in this systematic review. Most studies found that increasing temperatures result in higher rates of infection, dissemination, and transmission of these viruses in mosquitoes, although several studies had differing findings. Overall, the studies reviewed here suggest that rising temperatures due to climate change would alter the vector competence of mosquitoes to increase epidemic risk, but that some critical research gaps remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Méryl Delrieu
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International
Network, URE Dengue et Arborises, Nouméa 98845, New Caledonia
| | - Jean-Philippe Martinet
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International
Network, URE Dengue et Arborises, Nouméa 98845, New Caledonia
| | - Olivia O’Connor
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International
Network, URE Dengue et Arborises, Nouméa 98845, New Caledonia
| | - Elvina Viennet
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology,
Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059, Australia
| | - Christophe Menkes
- ENTROPIE, IRD, University of New Caledonia, University of La Réunion,
CNRS, Ifremer, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Valérie Burtet-Sarramegna
- Institute of Exact and Applied Sciences (ISEA), University of New
Caledonia, 45 Avenue James Cook - BP R4 98 851 - Nouméa Cedex, New
Caledonia
| | - Francesca D. Frentiu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, And Centre for Immunology and Infection
Control, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4000,
Australia
| | - Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol
- Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Institut Pasteur International
Network, URE Dengue et Arborises, Nouméa 98845, New Caledonia
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Lapa D, Specchiarello E, Francalancia M, Girardi E, Maggi F, Garbuglia AR. Detection of Anti-Rift Valley Fever Virus Antibodies in Serum Samples of Patients with Suspected Arbovirus Infection. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2081. [PMID: 37630641 PMCID: PMC10460000 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082081] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The definitive diagnosis of the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) requires a form of testing that is available only in reference laboratories. It includes indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), the serum neutralization assay (NA), and real-time PCR. Therefore, often, no attempts are made to detect it, even among travelers from endemic areas. In this study, the presence of anti-RVFV IgG and IgM was retrospectively screened in stored serum samples from people who were admitted with arbovirus symptoms at the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (INMI) L. Spallanzani, Rome, Italy. Overall, 80 residual serum samples were anonymized, and sub-aliquots were prepared and tested for anti-RVFV IgG and IgM. A serum neutralization assay was used as a confirmatory test. There was a positive result in eight out of 80 samples (10%) for anti-RVFV IgG, with titers ranging from 1:40 up to 1:1280. Three of eight (2.6%) samples were confirmed as seropositive through an in-house serum neutralization assay, with antibody titers ranging from 1:10 to 1:160. All samples resulted negative for anti-RVFV IgM and RVFV RNA when tested by IFA and real-time RT-PCR, respectively. Our data highlight that several RVFV infections can possibly escape routine virological diagnosis, which suggests RVFV testing should be set up in order to monitor virus prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Lapa
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Eliana Specchiarello
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Massimo Francalancia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Enrico Girardi
- Scientific Direction, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Anna Rosa Garbuglia
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases Lazzaro Spallanzani (IRCCS), 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.S.); (M.F.); (F.M.); (A.R.G.)
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Cevidanes A, Goiri F, Barandika JF, Vázquez P, Goikolea J, Zuazo A, Etxarri N, Ocio G, García-Pérez AL. Invasive Aedes mosquitoes in an urban-peri-urban gradient in northern Spain: evidence of the wide distribution of Aedes japonicus. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:234. [PMID: 37452412 PMCID: PMC10349466 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05862-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The expansion of invasive mosquitoes throughout Europe has increased in recent decades. In northern Spain, Aedes albopictus was detected for the first time in 2014, and Aedes japonicus was detected in the three Basque provinces in 2020. This study aimed to evaluate the distribution of these mosquito species and their association with factors related to urbanization. METHODS In 2021, a total of 568 ovitraps were deployed in 113 sampling sites from 45 municipalities with > 10,000 inhabitants. Oviposition substrate sticks were replaced each fortnight and examined for Aedes eggs from June to November. Aedes eggs were counted, and the eggs from a selection of positive oviposition sticks, encompassing at least one stick from each positive ovitrap, were hatched following their life cycle until the adult stage. When egg hatching was not successful, PCR targeting the COI gene and sequencing of amplicons were carried out. RESULTS Eggs were detected in 66.4% of the sampling sites and in 32.4% of the ovitraps distributed in the three provinces of the Basque Country. Aedes albopictus and Ae. japonicus were widespread in the studied area, confirming their presence in 23 and 26 municipalities, respectively. Co-occurrence of both species was observed in 11 municipalities. The analysis of the presence of Aedes invasive mosquitoes and the degree of urbanization (urban, suburban, peri-urban) revealed that Ae. albopictus showed a 4.39 times higher probability of being found in suburban areas than in peri-urban areas, whereas Ae. japonicus had a higher probability of being found in peri-urban areas. Moreover, the presence of Ae. albopictus was significantly associated with municipalities with a higher population density (mean = 2983 inh/km2), whereas Ae. japonicus was associated with lower population density (mean = 1590 inh/km2). CONCLUSIONS The wide distribution of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus observed confirmed the spread and establishment of these species in northern Spain. A new colonization area of Ae. japonicus in Europe was confirmed. Due to the potential impact of Aedes invasive mosquitoes on public health and according to our results, surveillance programs and control plans should be designed considering different urbanization gradients, types of environments, and population density.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aitor Cevidanes
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Fátima Goiri
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Jesús F. Barandika
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Patricia Vázquez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Joseba Goikolea
- Subdirección de Salud Pública de Gipuzkoa, Eusko Jaurlaritza-Gobierno Vasco, Donostia, Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Ander Zuazo
- Dirección de Sanidad Ambiental e Higiene Urbana, Área de Salud y Consumo del Ayuntamiento de Bilbao, Bilbao, Bizkaia Spain
| | - Natalia Etxarri
- Dirección de Medio Ambiente, Sección de Sanidad Alimentaria y Zoonosis del Ayuntamiento de Donostia, Donostia, Gipuzkoa Spain
| | - Gurutze Ocio
- Departamento de Deporte y Salud, Servicio de Salud Pública, Unidad Sanitaria de Consumo del Ayuntamiento de Vitoria-Gasteiz, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Araba Spain
| | - Ana L. García-Pérez
- Animal Health Department, NEIKER-Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Bizkaia Spain
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Martinet JP, Bohers C, Vazeille M, Ferté H, Mousson L, Mathieu B, Depaquit J, Failloux AB. Assessing vector competence of mosquitoes from northeastern France to West Nile virus and Usutu virus. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011144. [PMID: 37276229 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are two arthropod-borne viruses that circulate in mainland France. Assessing vector competence has only been conducted so far with mosquitoes from southern France while an increasingly active circulation of WNV and USUV has been reported in the last years. The main vectors are mosquitoes of the Culex genus and the common mosquito Culex pipiens. Here, we measure the vector competence of five mosquito species (Aedes rusticus, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles plumbeus, Culex pipiens and Culiseta longiareolata) present in northeastern France. Field-collected populations were exposed to artificial infectious blood meal containing WNV or USUV and examined at different days post-infection. We show that (i) Cx. pipiens transmitted WNV and USUV, (ii) Ae. rusticus only WNV, and (iii) unexpectedly, Ae. albopictus transmitted both WNV and USUV. Less surprising, An. plumbeus was not competent for both viruses. Combined with data on distribution and population dynamics, these assessments of vector competence will help in developing a risk map and implementing appropriate prevention and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Martinet
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Paris, France
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Faculté de Pharmacie, ANSES, SFR Cap Santé, EA7510 ESCAPE-USC VECPAR, Reims, France
| | - Chloé Bohers
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Paris, France
| | - Marie Vazeille
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Paris, France
| | - Hubert Ferté
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Faculté de Pharmacie, ANSES, SFR Cap Santé, EA7510 ESCAPE-USC VECPAR, Reims, France
| | - Laurence Mousson
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Mathieu
- Faculté de Médecine, Maïeutique et Sciences de la Santé, Institut de Parasitologie et de Pathologie Tropicale, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Depaquit
- Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne, Faculté de Pharmacie, ANSES, SFR Cap Santé, EA7510 ESCAPE-USC VECPAR, Reims, France
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie-Mycologie, CHU de Reims, Reims, France
| | - Anna-Bella Failloux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, Arboviruses and Insect Vectors Unit, Paris, France
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Boucheikhchoukh M, Lafri I, Chamssidine Combo A, Regalado C, Barthés C, Leulmi H. Assessing the Effectiveness of Qista Baited Traps in Capturing Mosquito Vectors of Diseases in the Camargue Region (France) and Investigating Their Diversity. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:1809. [PMID: 37409687 DOI: 10.3390/ani13111809] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuisance, allergy, and vector role: mosquitoes are responsible for numerous inconveniences. Several strategies have been employed to fight against this confirmed vector. To record the diversity of mosquito vectors in Camargue (France) and assess the effectiveness of the Qista trap, six BAMs were deployed as a belt barrier to protect the Espeyran Castle (Saint-Gilles, Camargue). Prior to evaluating the reduction in the nuisance rate, recovery nets from the traps and human landing catches (HLC) were utilized twice a week in the treated and control areas. Overall, 85,600 mosquitoes were captured, belonging to eleven species, namely Aedes albopictus, Aedes caspius, Aedes detritus, Aedes dorsalis, Aedes rossicus, Aedes vexans, Anopheles maculipennis, Culex pipiens, Culex modestus, Culiseta annulata and Culiseta longiareolata. The six BAM devices trapped 84,461 mosquitoes. The average capture rate per BAM is 76.92 mosquitoes per day. The rate of nuisance has decreased from 4.33 ± 2.88 before the deployment to 1.59 ± 2.77 after BAM implantation. The Qista BAM trap seems to be an excellent tool for reducing the nuisance rate and may help researchers to optimize trapping methods by obtaining more significant sample sizes. It may also allow the updating of the host-seeking mosquito species' reported biodiversity in the south of France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Boucheikhchoukh
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Chadli Bendjedid El Tarf University, PB 73, El-Tarf 36000, Algeria
| | - Ismail Lafri
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Blida 1 University, Blida 09000, Algeria
| | | | - Christophe Regalado
- Department of "Licence Sciences et Technologies", Université Grenoble Alpes, 480 Avenue Centrale Domaine Universitaire, 38400 Saint-Martin-d'Hères, France
- Department of "Génie Biologique", Aix-Marseille Université, 19 Boulevard Saint Jean Chrysostome, 04000 Digne les Bains, France
| | - César Barthés
- Qista Techno BAM, 130 Lubéron Avenue, 13560 Sénas, France
- Department of "Génie Biologique", Université de Caen Basse Normandie-Campus 2, Boulevard du Maréchal Juin, CEDEX 5, 14032 Caen, France
| | - Hamza Leulmi
- Qista Techno BAM, 130 Lubéron Avenue, 13560 Sénas, France
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Van den Eynde C, Sohier C, Matthijs S, De Regge N. Belgian Anopheles plumbeus Mosquitoes Are Competent for Japanese Encephalitis Virus and Readily Feed on Pigs, Suggesting a High Vectorial Capacity. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1386. [PMID: 37374888 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11061386] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anopheles plumbeus, a day-active mosquito known to feed aggressively on humans, was reported as a nuisance species near an abandoned pigsty in Belgium. Since Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an emerging zoonotic flavivirus which uses pigs as amplification hosts, we investigated (1) whether An. plumbeus would feed on pigs and (2) its vector competence for JEV, to investigate whether this species could be a potential vector. Three- to seven-day-old F0-generation adult mosquitoes, emerged from field-collected larvae, were fed on a JEV genotype 3 Nakayama strain spiked blood meal. Blood-fed mosquitoes were subsequently incubated for 14 days at two temperature conditions: a constant 25 °C and a 25/15 °C day/night temperature gradient. Our results show that An. plumbeus is a competent vector for JEV at the 25 °C condition and this with an infection rate of 34.1%, a dissemination rate of 67.7% and a transmission rate of 14.3%. The vector competence showed to be influenced by temperature, with a significantly lower dissemination rate (16.7%) and no transmission when implementing the temperature gradient. Moreover, we demonstrated that An. plumbeus readily feeds on pigs when the opportunity occurs. Therefore, our results suggest that Belgian An. plumbeus mosquitoes may play an important role in the transmission of JEV upon an introduction into our region if temperatures increase with climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Van den Eynde
- Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Sohier
- Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Severine Matthijs
- Viral Re-Emerging Enzootic and Bee Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick De Regge
- Exotic and Vector-Borne Diseases, Sciensano, Groeselenberg 99, 1180 Brussels, Belgium
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Körsten C, Al-Hosary AA, Holicki CM, Schäfer M, Tews BA, Vasić A, Ziegler U, Groschup MH, Silaghi C. Simultaneous Coinfections with West Nile Virus and Usutu Virus in Culex pipiens and Aedes vexans Mosquitoes. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6305484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The mosquito-borne zoonotic flaviviruses West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are endemic in many European countries and emerged in Germany in recent years. Due to the increasing overlap of their distribution areas and their similar epidemiology, coinfections of WNV and USUV are possible. Indeed, coinfections in vertebrate hosts as a rare event have already been reported from some countries including Germany. However, it is largely unknown whether and to what extent coinfections could affect the vector competence of mosquitoes for WNV and USUV. For this purpose, the mosquito species Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, Culex pipiens biotype molestus, and Aedes vexans were orally infected in mono- and simultaneous coinfections with German strains of WNV and USUV. Mosquitoes were incubated for 14 days at 26°C, 85% relative humidity, and a 16 : 8 light-dark photocycle, before they were dissected and forced to salivate. The results showed a decrease in USUV susceptibility in Culex pipiens biotype pipiens, an increase in USUV susceptibility in Aedes vexans, and no obvious interaction between both viruses in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Vector competence for WNV appeared to be unaffected by a simultaneous occurrence of USUV in all tested mosquito species. Coinfections with both viruses were only found in Culex mosquitoes, and cotransmission of WNV and USUV was observed in Culex pipiens biotype molestus. Overall, our results show that viral interactions between WNV and USUV vary between mosquito species, and that the interaction mainly occurs during infection and replication in the mosquito midgut. The results of this study confirm that to fully understand the interaction between WNV and USUV, studies with various mosquito species are necessary. In addition, we found that even mosquito species with a low susceptibility to both viruses, such as Ae. vexans, can play a role in their transmission in areas with cocirculation.
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Giunti G, Becker N, Benelli G. Invasive mosquito vectors in Europe: From bioecology to surveillance and management. Acta Trop 2023; 239:106832. [PMID: 36642256 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Invasive mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) play a key role in the spread of a number of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide. Anthropogenic changes play a significant role in affecting their distribution. Invasive mosquitoes usually take advantage from biotic homogenization and biodiversity reduction, therefore expanding in their distribution range and abundance. In Europe, climate warming and increasing urbanization are boosting the spread of several mosquito species of high public health importance. The present article contains a literature review focused on the biology and ecology of Aedes albopictus, Ae. aegypti, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. atropalpus and Ae. triseriatus, outlining their distribution and public health relevance in Europe. Bioecology insights were tightly connected with vector surveillance and control programs targeting these species. In the final section, a research agenda aiming for the effective and sustainable monitoring and control of invasive mosquitoes in the framework of Integrated Vector Management and One Health is presented. The WHO Vector Control Advisory Group recommends priority should be given to vector control tools with proven epidemiological impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Giunti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, SA 84084, Italy
| | - Norbert Becker
- Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 230, Heidelberg 69120, Germany; Institute of Dipterology (IfD), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 3, Speyer 67346, Germany; IcyBac-Biologische Stechmückenbekämpfung GmbH (ICYBAC), Georg-Peter-Süß-Str. 1, Speyer 67346, Germany
| | - Giovanni Benelli
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, via del Borghetto 80, Pisa 56124, Italy.
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18
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Bisia M, Papadopoulos P, Filis S, Beleri S, Tegos N, Lamprou GK, Balatsos G, Papachristos D, Michaelakis A, Patsoula E. Field Evaluation of Commonly Used Adult Mosquito Traps in Greece. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2023; 23:119-128. [PMID: 36888960 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2022.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Entomological monitoring activities are a major part of mosquito and mosquito-borne diseases surveillance. Several trapping methods are implemented worldwide, aiming to gather data on species composition and their abundance in various study areas. Methods: Several methodological modifications, such as trapping systems baited with attractants or carbon dioxide, have been proposed to increase trap efficiency. The aim of this study was to test different trap types, commonly used in Greece to collect mosquitoes, with the addition of the Biogents Sentinel lure. Moreover, traps were placed in two distinct land types and two different heights above the ground to compare their efficacy. West Nile Virus is endemic in Greece, so we also aimed to detect viral presence and circulation in selected mosquito pools. Results: Adult mosquitoes of Aedes albopictus, Culex pipiens s.l., and Culiseta longiareolata were collected in both study areas. The trap type had a significant impact on the total collections, while the trap position and interaction between trap and position did not significantly affect mosquito catches. WNV was detected in Cx. pipiens s.l. pools examined from the two study areas. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the role of trapping methods as a key component for monitoring and surveillance of adult mosquito populations, reflecting that several trap types present with different mosquito species capture and catch rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Bisia
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Pavlos Papadopoulos
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attika, Athens, Greece
| | - Stelios Filis
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece.,Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stavroula Beleri
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attika, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Tegos
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attika, Athens, Greece
| | - George K Lamprou
- Laboratory of Organic Chemical Technology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Balatsos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Papachristos
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios Michaelakis
- Scientific Directorate of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, Benaki Phytopathological Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Patsoula
- Department of Public Health Policy, School of Public Health, University of West Attika, Athens, Greece
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19
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Identification of Usutu Virus Africa 3 Lineage in a Survey of Mosquitoes and Birds from Urban Areas of Western Spain. Transbound Emerg Dis 2023. [DOI: 10.1155/2023/6893677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Usutu virus (USUV) is an emerging zoonotic arbovirus that has caused an increasing number of animal and human cases in Europe in recent years. Understanding the vector species and avian hosts involved in the USUV enzootic cycle in an area of active circulation is vital to anticipate potential outbreaks. Mosquitoes were captured in 2020, while wild birds were sampled in both 2020 and 2021 in Extremadura, southwestern Spain. The presence of USUV in the mosquito vectors was assessed by a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay and confirmed by sequencing amplicons from two generic RT-PCR sets for flaviviruses. Sequences were analysed phylogenetically. Bird sera were screened for flavivirus antibodies with a blocking ELISA kit and subsequently tested for virus-specific antibodies with a micro-virus-neutralization test. Overall, 6,004 mosquitoes belonging to 13 species were captured, including some well-known flavivirus vectors (Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus, and Cx. univittatus). Of the 438 pools tested, USUV was detected in two pools of Cx. pipiens. Phylogenetic analysis using a fragment of the NS5 gene assigned the USUV detected the Africa 3 lineage. Out of 1,413 wild birds tested, USUV-specific antibodies were detected in 17 birds (1.2%, 10 males and 7 females) from eight species. The first detection of USUV Africa 3 lineage in mosquitoes from Spain, together with serologically positive resident wild birds in urban and rural areas, indicates active circulation and a possible risk of exposure for the human population, with necessity to establish specific surveillance plans.
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Aly SH, Elissawy AM, Salah D, Alfuhaid NA, Zyaan OH, Mohamed HI, Singab ANB, Farag SM. Phytochemical Investigation of Three Cystoseira Species and Their Larvicidal Activity Supported with In Silico Studies. Mar Drugs 2023; 21:md21020117. [PMID: 36827158 PMCID: PMC9967941 DOI: 10.3390/md21020117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Culex pipiens mosquitoes are transmitters of many viruses and are associated with the transmission of many diseases, such as filariasis and avian malaria, that have a high rate of mortality. The current study draws attention to the larvicidal efficacy of three methanolic algal extracts, Cystoseira myrica, C. trinodis, and C. tamariscifolia, against the third larval instar of Cx. pipiens. The UPLC-ESI-MS analysis of three methanol fractions of algal samples led to the tentative characterization of twelve compounds with different percentages among the three samples belonging to phenolics and terpenoids. Probit analysis was used to calculate the lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90). The highest level of toxicity was attained after treatment with C. myrica extract using a lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of 105.06 ppm, followed by C. trinodis (135.08 ppm), and the lowest level of toxicity was achieved by C. tamariscifolia (138.71 ppm) after 24 h. The elevation of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and reduction of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzymes confirm the larvicidal activity of the three algal extracts. When compared to untreated larvae, all evaluated extracts revealed a significant reduction in protein, lipid, and carbohydrate contents, verifying their larvicidal effectiveness. To further support the observed activity, an in silico study for the identified compounds was carried out on the two tested enzymes. Results showed that the identified compounds and the tested enzymes had excellent binding affinities for each other. Overall, the current work suggests that the three algal extractions are a prospective source for the development of innovative, environmentally friendly larvicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza H. Aly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Cairo 11829, Egypt
- Correspondence: (S.H.A.); (A.N.B.S.)
| | - Ahmed M. Elissawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Dina Salah
- Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Nawal Abdulaziz Alfuhaid
- Department of Biology, College of Science and Humanities in Al-kharj, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ola H. Zyaan
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hany I. Mohamed
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Abdel Nasser B. Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Centre of Drug Discovery Research and Development, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
- Correspondence: (S.H.A.); (A.N.B.S.)
| | - Shaimaa M. Farag
- Department of Entomology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
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21
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García-Romero C, Carrillo Bilbao GA, Navarro JC, Martin-Solano S, Saegerman C. Arboviruses in Mammals in the Neotropics: A Systematic Review to Strengthen Epidemiological Monitoring Strategies and Conservation Medicine. Viruses 2023; 15:417. [PMID: 36851630 PMCID: PMC9962704 DOI: 10.3390/v15020417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) are a diverse group of ribonucleic acid (RNA) viruses, with the exception of African swine fever virus, that are transmitted by hematophagous arthropods to a vertebrate host. They are the important cause of many diseases due to their ability to spread in different environments and their diversity of vectors. Currently, there is no information on the geographical distribution of the diseases because the routes of transmission and the mammals (wild or domestic) that act as potential hosts are poorly documented or unknown. We conducted a systematic review from 1967 to 2021 to identify the diversity of arboviruses, the areas, and taxonomic groups that have been monitored, the prevalence of positive records, and the associated risk factors. We identified forty-three arboviruses in nine mammalian orders distributed in eleven countries. In Brazil, the order primates harbor the highest number of arbovirus records. The three most recorded arboviruses were Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Saint Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus. Serum is the most used sample to obtain arbovirus records. Deforestation is identified as the main risk factor for arbovirus transmission between different species and environments (an odds ratio of 1.46 with a 95% confidence interval: 1.34-1.59). The results show an increase in the sampling effort over the years in the neotropical region. Despite the importance of arboviruses for public health, little is known about the interaction of arboviruses, their hosts, and vectors, as some countries and mammalian orders have not yet been monitored. Long-term and constant monitoring allows focusing research on the analysis of the interrelationships and characteristics of each component animal, human, and their environment to understand the dynamics of the diseases and guide epidemiological surveillance and vector control programs. The biodiversity of the Neotropics should be considered to support epidemiological monitoring strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinthya García-Romero
- Maestría en Biodiversidad y Cambio Climático, Facultad de Ciencias del Medio Ambiente, Universidad Tecnológica Indoamérica, Quito 170521, Ecuador
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Gabriel Alberto Carrillo Bilbao
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infections and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
- Facultad de Filosofía, Letras y Ciencias de la Educación, Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Juan-Carlos Navarro
- Grupo de Investigación en Enfermedades Emergentes, Ecoepidemiología y Biodiversidad, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Internacional SEK, Quito 170521, Ecuador
| | - Sarah Martin-Solano
- Instituto de Investigación en Zoonosis (CIZ), Universidad Central del Ecuador, Quito 170521, Ecuador
- Grupo de Investigación en Sanidad Animal y Humana (GISAH), Carrera Ingeniería en Biotecnología, Departamento de Ciencias de la Vida y la Agricultura, Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas—ESPE, P.O. Box 171-5-231B, Sangolquí 171103, Ecuador
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit of Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULiege), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infections and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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22
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Rossi B, Barreca F, Benvenuto D, Braccialarghe N, Campogiani L, Lodi A, Aguglia C, Cavasio RA, Giacalone ML, Kontogiannis D, Moccione M, Malagnino V, Andreoni M, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Human Arboviral Infections in Italy: Past, Current, and Future Challenges. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020368. [PMID: 36851582 PMCID: PMC9963149 DOI: 10.3390/v15020368] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Arboviruses represent a public health concern in many European countries, including Italy, mostly because they can infect humans, causing potentially severe emergent or re-emergent diseases, with epidemic outbreaks and the introduction of endemic circulation of new species previously confined to tropical and sub-tropical regions. In this review, we summarize the Italian epidemiology of arboviral infection over the past 10 years, describing both endemic and imported arboviral infections, vector distribution, and the influence of climate change on vector ecology. Strengthening surveillance systems at a national and international level is highly recommended to be prepared to face potential threats due to arbovirus diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Rossi
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Barreca
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Benvenuto
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Campogiani
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Lodi
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Aguglia
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Laura Giacalone
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Moccione
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata University Hospital, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of System Medicine Tor Vergata, University of Rome, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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23
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Nanfack-Minkeu F, Delong A, Luri M, Poelstra JW. Invasive Aedes japonicus Mosquitoes Dominate the Aedes Fauna Collected with Gravid Traps in Wooster, Northeastern Ohio, USA. INSECTS 2023; 14:56. [PMID: 36661984 PMCID: PMC9861081 DOI: 10.3390/insects14010056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae), or the Asian rock pool mosquito, is an invasive mosquito in Europe and America. It was first detected outside of Asia in 1990 in Oceania. It has since expanded to North America and Europe in 1998 and 2000, respectively. Even though it is classified as a secondary vector of pathogens, it is competent to several arboviruses and filarial worms, and it is contributing to the transmission of La Crosse virus (LACV) and West Nile virus (WNV). In this study, CDC light, BG-sentinel, and gravid traps were used to collect mosquitoes between June and October 2021, in Wooster, Northeastern Ohio, USA. Morphological identification or/and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify the collected mosquitoes. Our results revealed that (adult) Ae. japonicus mosquitoes were the most abundant mosquito species collected with gravid traps in Wooster in 2021, confirming its establishment in Ohio. Molecular analyses of Ae. japonicus showed 100% nucleotide similarity with Ae. japonicus collected in Iowa (USA) and Canada, suggesting multiple introductions. Its presence may increase the risk of future arbovirus outbreaks in Wooster, Ohio. This study stresses the importance of actively monitoring the density and distribution of all members of the Ae. japonicus complex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Delong
- Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Program, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Moses Luri
- Departments of Economics, and Mathematical and Computational Sciences, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
- Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
| | - Jelmer W. Poelstra
- Molecular and Cellular Imaging Center, Ohio State University, Wooster, OH 44691, USA
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24
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Entomological Surveillance Activities in Regions in Greece: Data on Mosquito Species Abundance and West Nile Virus Detection in Culex pipiens Pools (2019-2020). Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 8:tropicalmed8010001. [PMID: 36668908 PMCID: PMC9865208 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) infections have been recorded in Greece since 2010, with seasonal outbreaks (summer-autumn) on an almost annual basis, caused mainly by the WNV lineage 2 strain (Nea Santa-Greece-2010). National Public Health Organization (NPHO) in Greece is annually implementing enhanced surveillance of human WNV infection, in order to promptly identify human cases of WNV infection and monitor distribution in terms of time and place. Entomological surveillance activities were carried out on a national basis in 2019 and 2020, under NPHO coordination and the collaboration of several private subcontractors, along with the Unit of Medical Entomology, Laboratory for Surveillance of Infectious Diseases (LSID). The aim was to monitor mosquito species composition, abundance, and WNV circulation in mosquito pools of Culex pipiens s.l. species. Adult mosquito traps were placed in selected sites; collected samples were morphologically characterized and pooled by date of collection, location, and species types. Female Culex pipiens s.l. pools were tested for WNV and WNV infection rates (MIR and MLE) were estimated. Highest mean number of female Culex pipiens s.l. species was recorded in Central Macedonia both for 2019 and 2020. Six hundred and fifty-nine mosquito pools (147 in 2019 and 512 in 2020) of female Culex pipiens s.l. were examined for WNV presence. The highest MLE was detected in Western Macedonia in 2019 and in Thessaly in 2020. Here, we present data on the mosquito species composition in the studied areas and WNV detection in mosquitoes from areas in Greece where the specific national mosquito surveillance program was implemented, for two years, 2019 and 2020.
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25
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Vector Competence of German Aedes punctor (Kirby, 1837) for West Nile Virus Lineages 1 and 2. Viruses 2022; 14:v14122787. [PMID: 36560791 PMCID: PMC9787774 DOI: 10.3390/v14122787] [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: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is a zoonotic flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes as a biological vector. Because of its biting behavior, the widespread snow-melt mosquito Aedes punctor could be a potential bridge vector for WNV to humans and nonhuman mammals. However, little is known on its role in transmission of WNV. The aim of this study was to determine the vector competence of German Ae. punctor for WNV lineages 1 and 2. Field-collected larvae and pupae were reared to adults and offered infectious blood containing either an Italian WNV lineage 1 or a German WNV lineage 2 strain via cotton stick feeding. Engorged females were incubated for 14/15 or 21 days at 18 °C. After incubation; surviving mosquitoes were dissected and forced to salivate. Mosquito bodies with abdomens, thoraces and heads, legs plus wings and saliva samples were investigated for WNV RNA by RT-qPCR. Altogether, 2/70 (2.86%) and 5/85 (5.88%) mosquito bodies were found infected with WNV lineage 1 or 2, respectively. In two mosquitoes, viral RNA was also detected in legs and wings. No saliva sample contained viral RNA. Based on these results, we conclude that Ae. punctor does not play an important role in WNV transmission in Germany.
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26
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Da Re D, Van Bortel W, Reuss F, Müller R, Boyer S, Montarsi F, Ciocchetta S, Arnoldi D, Marini G, Rizzoli A, L'Ambert G, Lacour G, Koenraadt CJM, Vanwambeke SO, Marcantonio M. dynamAedes: a unified modelling framework for invasive Aedes mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:414. [PMID: 36348368 PMCID: PMC9641901 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05414-4] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mosquito species belonging to the genus Aedes have attracted the interest of scientists and public health officers because of their capacity to transmit viruses that affect humans. Some of these species were brought outside their native range by means of trade and tourism and then colonised new regions thanks to a unique combination of eco-physiological traits. Considering mosquito physiological and behavioural traits to understand and predict their population dynamics is thus a crucial step in developing strategies to mitigate the local densities of invasive Aedes populations. Here, we synthesised the life cycle of four invasive Aedes species (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. koreicus) in a single multi-scale stochastic modelling framework which we coded in the R package dynamAedes. We designed a stage-based and time-discrete stochastic model driven by temperature, photo-period and inter-specific larval competition that can be applied to three different spatial scales: punctual, local and regional. These spatial scales consider different degrees of spatial complexity and data availability by accounting for both active and passive dispersal of mosquito species as well as for the heterogeneity of the input temperature data. Our overarching aim was to provide a flexible, open-source and user-friendly tool rooted in the most updated knowledge on the species' biology which could be applied to the management of invasive Aedes populations as well as to more theoretical ecological inquiries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Da Re
- Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- Unit Entomology and the Outbreak Research Team, Tropical Medicine Institute, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Friederike Reuss
- Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Ruth Müller
- Unit Entomology and the Outbreak Research Team, Tropical Medicine Institute, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sebastien Boyer
- Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit, Institute Pasteur du Cambodge, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, National reference centre/OIE collaborating centre for diseases at the animal-human interface, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Silvia Ciocchetta
- The University of Queensland, School of Veterinary Science, Gatton, Australia
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | - Annapaola Rizzoli
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige, Italy
| | | | | | - Constantianus J M Koenraadt
- Wageningen University & Research, Department of Plant Sciences, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie O Vanwambeke
- Georges Lemaître Center for Earth and Climate Research, Earth and Life Institute, UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Matteo Marcantonio
- Evolutionary Ecology and Genetics Group, Earth and Life Institute, UC Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium.
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27
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Jahir A, Kahamba NF, Knols TO, Jackson G, Patty NFA, Shivdasani S, Okumu FO, Knols BGJ. Mass Trapping and Larval Source Management for Mosquito Elimination on Small Maldivian Islands. INSECTS 2022; 13:805. [PMID: 36135506 PMCID: PMC9503984 DOI: 10.3390/insects13090805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Globally, environmental impacts and insecticide resistance are forcing pest control organizations to adopt eco-friendly and insecticide-free alternatives to reduce the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, which affect millions of people, such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika virus. We used, for the first time, a combination of human odor-baited mosquito traps (at 6.0 traps/ha), oviposition traps (7.2 traps/ha) and larval source management (LSM) to practically eliminate populations of the Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (peak suppression 93.0% (95% CI 91.7-94.4)) and the Southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus (peak suppression 98.3% (95% CI 97.0-99.5)) from a Maldivian island (size: 41.4 ha) within a year and thereafter observed a similar collapse of populations on a second island (size 49.0 ha; trap densities 4.1/ha and 8.2/ha for both trap types, respectively). On a third island (1.6 ha in size), we increased the human odor-baited trap density to 6.3/ha and then to 18.8/ha (combined with LSM but without oviposition traps), after which the Aedes mosquito population was eliminated within 2 months. Such suppression levels eliminate the risk of arboviral disease transmission for local communities and safeguard tourism, a vital economic resource for small island developing states. Terminating intense insecticide use (through fogging) benefits human and environmental health and restores insect biodiversity, coral reefs and marine life in these small and fragile island ecosystems. Moreover, trapping poses a convincing alternative to chemical control and reaches impact levels comparable to contemporary genetic control strategies. This can benefit numerous communities and provide livelihood options in small tropical islands around the world where mosquitoes pose both a nuisance and disease threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akib Jahir
- Culex Maldives, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
- Soneva Fushi, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
| | | | - Tom O. Knols
- K&S Holding BV, Kalkestraat 20, 6669 CP Dodewaard, The Netherlands
| | - Gordon Jackson
- Soneva Fushi, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
| | - Nila F. A. Patty
- Culex Maldives, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
| | - Sonu Shivdasani
- Culex Maldives, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
- Soneva Fushi, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
| | | | - Bart G. J. Knols
- Culex Maldives, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
- Soneva Fushi, 4th Floor Jazeera Building, Boduthakurufaanu Magu, Male 20077, Maldives
- Ifakara Health Institute, Ifakara P.O. Box 53, Tanzania
- K&S Holding BV, Kalkestraat 20, 6669 CP Dodewaard, The Netherlands
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28
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Belavilas-Trovas A, Gregoriou ME, Tastsoglou S, Soukia O, Giakountis A, Mathiopoulos K. A species-specific lncRNA modulates the reproductive ability of the asian tiger mosquito. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:885767. [PMID: 36091452 PMCID: PMC9448860 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.885767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) research has emerged as an independent scientific field in recent years. Despite their association with critical cellular and metabolic processes in plenty of organisms, lncRNAs are still a largely unexplored area in mosquito research. We propose that they could serve as exceptional tools for pest management due to unique features they possess. These include low inter-species sequence conservation and high tissue specificity. In the present study, we investigated the role of ovary-specific lncRNAs in the reproductive ability of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. Through the analysis of transcriptomic data, we identified several lncRNAs that were differentially expressed upon blood feeding; we called these genes Norma (NOn-coding RNA in Mosquito ovAries). We observed that silencing some of these Normas resulted in significant impact on mosquito fecundity and fertility. We further focused on Norma3 whose silencing resulted in 43% oviposition reduction, in smaller ovaries and 53% hatching reduction of the laid eggs, compared to anti-GFP controls. Moreover, a significant downregulation of 2 mucins withing a neighboring (∼100 Kb) mucin cluster was observed in smaller anti-Norma3 ovaries, indicating a potential mechanism of in-cis regulation between Norma3 and the mucins. Our work constitutes the first experimental proof-of-evidence connecting lncRNAs with mosquito reproduction and opens a novel path for pest management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Belavilas-Trovas
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria-Eleni Gregoriou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Spyros Tastsoglou
- DIANA-Lab, Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Lamia, Greece
- Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Olga Soukia
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Antonis Giakountis
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kostas Mathiopoulos
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- *Correspondence: Kostas Mathiopoulos,
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29
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Kurucz K, Zeghbib S, Arnoldi D, Marini G, Manica M, Michelutti A, Montarsi F, Deblauwe I, Van Bortel W, Smitz N, Pfitzner WP, Czajka C, Jöst A, Kalan K, Šušnjar J, Ivović V, Kuczmog A, Lanszki Z, Tóth GE, Somogyi BA, Herczeg R, Urbán P, Bueno-Marí R, Soltész Z, Kemenesi G. Aedes koreicus, a vector on the rise: Pan-European genetic patterns, mitochondrial and draft genome sequencing. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269880. [PMID: 35913994 PMCID: PMC9342712 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
The mosquito Aedes koreicus (Edwards, 1917) is a recent invader on the European continent that was introduced to several new places since its first detection in 2008. Compared to other exotic Aedes mosquitoes with public health significance that invaded Europe during the last decades, this species’ biology, behavior, and dispersal patterns were poorly investigated to date.
Methodology/Principal findings
To understand the species’ population relationships and dispersal patterns within Europe, a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase I (COI or COX1) gene was sequenced from 130 mosquitoes, collected from five countries where the species has been introduced and/or established. Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing techniques were combined to generate the first complete nuclear and mitochondrial genomic sequences of Ae. koreicus from the European region. The complete genome of Ae. koreicus is 879 Mb. COI haplotype analyses identified five major groups (altogether 31 different haplotypes) and revealed a large-scale dispersal pattern between European Ae. koreicus populations. Continuous admixture of populations from Belgium, Italy, and Hungary was highlighted, additionally, haplotype diversity and clustering indicate a separation of German sequences from other populations, pointing to an independent introduction of Ae. koreicus to Europe. Finally, a genetic expansion signal was identified, suggesting the species might be present in more locations than currently detected.
Conclusions/Significance
Our results highlight the importance of genetic research of invasive mosquitoes to understand general dispersal patterns, reveal main dispersal routes and form the baseline of future mitigation actions. The first complete genomic sequence also provides a significant leap in the general understanding of this species, opening the possibility for future genome-related studies, such as the detection of ‘Single Nucleotide Polymorphism’ markers. Considering its public health importance, it is crucial to further investigate the species’ population genetic dynamic, including a larger sampling and additional genomic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kornélia Kurucz
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- * E-mail:
| | - Safia Zeghbib
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Daniele Arnoldi
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marini
- Department of Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology, Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Trento, Italy
| | - Mattia Manica
- Center for Health Emergencies, Bruno Kessler Foundation, Trento, Italy
| | - Alice Michelutti
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Montarsi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Micology and Medical Entomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- Entomology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- Entomology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Outbreak Research team, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Department of Biology, Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo), Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Wolf Peter Pfitzner
- Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage e.V. (KABS e.V.), Speyer, Germany
| | - Christina Czajka
- Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage e.V. (KABS e.V.), Speyer, Germany
| | - Artur Jöst
- Kommunale Aktionsgemeinschaft zur Bekämpfung der Schnakenplage e.V. (KABS e.V.), Speyer, Germany
| | - Katja Kalan
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Jana Šušnjar
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Vladimir Ivović
- Department of Biodiversity, University of Primorska, Faculty of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Anett Kuczmog
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsófia Lanszki
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Gábor Endre Tóth
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Balázs A. Somogyi
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Róbert Herczeg
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Péter Urbán
- Bioinformatics Research Group, Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Rubén Bueno-Marí
- Department of Research and Development, Laboratorios Lokímica, Paterna, Valencia, Spain
- Parasite & Health Research Group, Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Valencia, Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
| | - Zoltán Soltész
- Centre for Ecological Research, Eötvös Lóránd Research Network, Vácrátót, Hungary
| | - Gábor Kemenesi
- Institute of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- National Laboratory of Virology, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
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Rau J, Werner D, Beer M, Höper D, Kampen H. The microbial RNA metagenome of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Germany. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:2587-2599. [PMID: 35857094 PMCID: PMC9378336 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07576-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Aedes albopictus is a highly invasive mosquito species that has become widespread across the globe. In addition, it is an efficient vector of numerous pathogens of medical and veterinary importance, including dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Among others, the vector potential of mosquitoes is influenced by their microbiome. However, this influence is very dynamic and can vary between individuals and life stages. To obtain a rough overview on the microbiome of Ae. albopictus populations in Germany, pooled female and pooled male individuals from seven German locations were investigated by total RNA sequencing. The mosquito specimens had been collected as larvae in the field and processed immediately after adult emergence, i.e. without females having fed on blood. RNA fragments with high degrees of identity to a large number of viruses and microorganisms were identified, including, for example, Wolbachia pipientis and Acinetobacter baumannii, with differences between male and female mosquitoes. Knowledge about the natural occurrence of microorganisms in mosquitoes may be translated into new approaches to vector control, for example W. pipientis can be exploited to manipulate mosquito reproduction and vector competence. The study results show how diverse the microbiome of Ae. albopictus can be, and the more so needs to be adequately analysed and interpreted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Rau
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Muencheberg, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Dirk Höper
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald, Germany
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From a long-distance threat to the invasion front: a review of the invasive Aedes mosquito species in Belgium between 2007 and 2020. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:206. [PMID: 35698108 PMCID: PMC9195248 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05303-w] [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: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Invasive mosquito species (IMS) and their associated mosquito-borne diseases are emerging in Europe. In Belgium, the first detection of Aedes albopictus (Skuse 1894) occurred in 2000 and of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald 1901) in 2002. Early detection and control of these IMS at points of entry (PoEs) are of paramount importance to slow down any possible establishment. This article reviews the introductions and establishments recorded of three IMS in Belgium based on published (2007–2014) and unpublished (2015–2020) data collected during several surveillance projects. In total, 52 PoEs were monitored at least once for the presence of IMS between 2007 and 2020. These included used tyre and lucky bamboo import companies, airports, ports, parking lots along highways, shelters for imported cutting plants, wholesale markets, industrial areas, recycling areas, cemeteries and an allotment garden at the country border with colonised areas. In general, monitoring was performed between April and November. Mosquitoes were captured with adult and oviposition traps as well as by larval sampling. Aedes albopictus was detected at ten PoEs, Ae. japonicus at three PoEs and Aedes koreicus (Edwards 1917) at two PoEs. The latter two species have established overwintering populations. The percentage of PoEs positive for Ae. albopictus increased significantly over years. Aedes albopictus is currently entering Belgium through lucky bamboo and used tyre trade and passive ground transport, while Ae. japonicus through used tyre trade and probably passive ground transport. In Belgium, the import through passive ground transport was first recorded in 2018 and its importance seems to be growing. Belgium is currently at the invasion front of Ae. albopictus and Ae. japonicus. The surveillance and control management actions at well-known PoEs associated to long-distance introductions are more straightforward than at less-defined PoEs associated with short-distance introductions from colonised areas. These latter PoEs represent a new challenge for IMS management in Belgium in the coming years. Aedes albopictus is expected to become established in Belgium in the coming years, hence increasing the likelihood of local arbovirus transmission. The implementation of a sustainable, structured and long-term IMS management programme, integrating active and passive entomological surveillance, vector control and Public Health surveillance is therefore pivotal.
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Michaely LM, Rissmann M, Keller M, König R, von Arnim F, Eiden M, Rohn K, Baumgärtner W, Groschup M, Ulrich R. NSG-Mice Reveal the Importance of a Functional Innate and Adaptive Immune Response to Overcome RVFV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020350. [PMID: 35215938 PMCID: PMC8880686 DOI: 10.3390/v14020350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic disease caused by RVF Phlebovirus (RVFV). The RVFV MP-12 vaccine strain is known to exhibit residual virulence in the case of a deficient interferon type 1 response. The hypothesis of this study is that virus replication and severity of lesions induced by the MP-12 strain in immunocompromised mice depend on the specific function of the disturbed pathway. Therefore, 10 strains of mice with deficient innate immunity (B6-IFNARtmAgt, C.129S7(B6)-Ifngtm1Ts/J, B6-TLR3tm1Flv, B6-TLR7tm1Aki, NOD/ShiLtJ), helper T-cell- (CD4tm1Mak), cytotoxic T-cell- (CD8atm1Mak), B-cell- (Igh-Jtm1DhuN?+N2), combined T- and B-cell- (NU/J) and combined T-, B-, natural killer (NK) cell- and macrophage-mediated immunity (NOD.Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1WjI/SzJ (NSG) mice) were subcutaneously infected with RVFV MP-12. B6-IFNARtmAgt mice were the only strain to develop fatal disease due to RVFV-induced severe hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis. Notably, no clinical disease and only mild multifocal hepatocellular necrosis and apoptosis were observed in NSG mice, while immunohistochemistry detected the RVFV antigen in the liver and the brain. No or low virus expression and no lesions were observed in the other mouse strains. Conclusively, the interferon type 1 response is essential for early control of RVFV replication and disease, whereas functional NK cells, macrophages and lymphocytes are essential for virus clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Mathias Michaely
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Rissmann
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Rebecca König
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Felicitas von Arnim
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Martin Eiden
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Karl Rohn
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 17, 30559 Hannover, Germany;
- Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bünteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-511-953-8620; Fax: +49-511-953-8675
| | - Martin Groschup
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany; (M.R.); (M.K.); (R.K.); (F.v.A.); (M.E.); (M.G.)
| | - Reiner Ulrich
- Institute of Veterinary-Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Südufer 10, 17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Adla K, Dejan K, Neira D, Dragana Š. Degradation of ecosystems and loss of ecosystem services. One Health 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-822794-7.00008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Gregor KM, Becker SC, Hellhammer F, Baumgärtner W, Puff C. Immunohistochemical Characterization of the Nervous System of Culex pipiens (Diptera, Culicidae). BIOLOGY 2022; 11:57. [PMID: 35053056 PMCID: PMC8772823 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Arthropod-borne diseases represent one of the greatest infection-related threats as a result of climate change and globalization. Repeatedly, arbovirus-infected mosquitoes show behavioral changes whose underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown, but might help to develop control strategies. However, in contrast to well-characterized insects such as fruit flies, little is known about neuroanatomy and neurotransmission in mosquitoes. To overcome this limitation, the study focuses on the immunohistochemical characterization of the nervous system of Culex pipiens biotype molestus in comparison to Drosophila melanogaster using 13 antibodies labeling nervous tissue, neurotransmitters or neurotransmitter-related enzymes. Antibodies directed against γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, tyrosine-hydroxylase and glutamine synthetase were suitable for investigations in Culex pipiens and Drosophila melanogaster, albeit species-specific spatial differences were observed. Likewise, similar staining results were achieved for neuronal glycoproteins, axons, dendrites and synaptic zones in both species. Interestingly, anti-phosphosynapsin and anti-gephyrin appear to represent novel markers for synapses and glial cells, respectively. In contrast, antibodies directed against acetylcholine, choline acetyltransferase, elav and repo failed to produce a signal in Culex pipiens comparable to that in Drosophila melanogaster. In summary, present results enable a detailed investigation of the nervous system of mosquitoes, facilitating further studies of behavioral mechanisms associated with arboviruses in the course of vector research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M. Gregor
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (K.M.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Stefanie C. Becker
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (S.C.B.); (F.H.)
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fanny Hellhammer
- Institute for Parasitology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (S.C.B.); (F.H.)
- Research Center for Emerging Infections and Zoonoses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (K.M.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Christina Puff
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bünteweg 17, Lower Saxony, 30559 Hannover, Germany; (K.M.G.); (C.P.)
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Bertola M, Mutinelli F. A Systematic Review on Viruses in Mass-Reared Edible Insect Species. Viruses 2021; 13:2280. [PMID: 34835086 PMCID: PMC8619331 DOI: 10.3390/v13112280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Edible insects are expected to become an important nutrient source for animals and humans in the Western world in the near future. Only a few studies on viruses in edible insects with potential for industrial rearing have been published and concern only some edible insect species. Viral pathogens that can infect insects could be non-pathogenic, or pathogenic to the insects themselves, or to humans and animals. The objective of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the viruses detected in edible insects currently considered for use in food and/or feed in the European Union or appropriate for mass rearing, and to collect information on clinical symptoms in insects and on the vector role of insects themselves. Many different virus species have been detected in edible insect species showing promise for mass production systems. These viruses could be a risk for mass insect rearing systems causing acute high mortality, a drastic decline in growth in juvenile stages and in the reproductive performance of adults. Furthermore, some viruses could pose a risk to human and animal health where insects are used for food and feed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Bertola
- Laboratory of Parasitology Micology and Sanitary Enthomology, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy
| | - Franco Mutinelli
- National Rereference Laboratory for Honey Bee Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell’Università 10, 35020 Legnaro, PD, Italy;
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Deblauwe I, Ibáñez-Justicia A, De Wolf K, Smitz N, Schneider A, Stroo A, Jacobs F, Vanslembrouck A, Gombeer S, Dekoninck W, Müller R, Van Bortel W. First Detections of Culiseta longiareolata (Diptera: Culicidae) in Belgium and the Netherlands. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2524-2532. [PMID: 34313772 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Culiseta (Allotheobaldia) longiareolata (Macquart) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an ornithophilic mosquito species that occurs in the southern Palaearctic Region from the Azores to Central Asia, the Ethiopian Region, India, and Pakistan. Although it has a widespread distribution range, the species was only recently reported in Western and Central Europe. Between 2017 and 2020, larvae, pupae, and adults of Cs. longiareolata (n = 161) were found at 13 distinct locations in Belgium (n = 4) and The Netherlands (n = 9). Collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified and the identification was then validated by COI DNA barcoding. These are the first records of the species in the above-mentioned countries. The present results suggest that Cs. longiareolata could be increasing its distribution range in temperate regions, indicating a warming climate. As the species might be a potential vector of bird pathogens (e.g., West Nile virus), its spread in Western Europe is noteworthy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isra Deblauwe
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adolfo Ibáñez-Justicia
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Geertjesweg, EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien De Wolf
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Nathalie Smitz
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo), Leuvensesteenweg, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Anna Schneider
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Arjan Stroo
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Geertjesweg, EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frans Jacobs
- Centre for Monitoring of Vectors (CMV), Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA), Geertjesweg, EA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Adwine Vanslembrouck
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Scientific Heritage Service & BopCo), Vautierstraat, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gombeer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Scientific Heritage Service & BopCo), Vautierstraat, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Dekoninck
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (Scientific Heritage Service & BopCo), Vautierstraat, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ruth Müller
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
- Outbreak Research Team, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat, Antwerp, Belgium
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Radiation-Assisted Green Synthesis and Characterization of Selenium Nanoparticles, and Larvicidal Effects on Culex pipiens complex. J CLUST SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10876-021-02174-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Srihi H, Chatti N, Ben Mhadheb M, Gharbi J, Abid N. Phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis of the complete genome of the West Nile virus lineage 2 (WNV-2) in the Mediterranean basin. BMC Ecol Evol 2021; 21:183. [PMID: 34579648 PMCID: PMC8477494 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-021-01902-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The West Nile virus is a highly contagious agent for a wide range of hosts. Its spread in the Mediterranean region raises several questions about its origin and the risk factors underlying the virus’s dispersal. Materials and methods The present study aims to reconstruct the temporal and spatial phylodynamics of West Nile virus lineage 2 in the Mediterranean region using 75 complete genome sequences from different host species retrieved from international databases. Results This data set suggests that current strains of WNV-2 began spreading in South Africa or nearby regions in the early twentieth century, and it migrated northwards via at least one route crossing the Mediterranean to reach Hungary in the early 2000s, before spreading throughout Europe. Another introduction event, according to the data set collected and analyses performed, is inferred to have occurred in around 1978. Migratory birds constitute, among others, additional risk factors that enhance the geographical transmission of the infection.
Conclusion Our data underline the importance of the spatial–temporal tracking of migratory birds and phylodynamic reconstruction in setting up an efficient surveillance system for emerging and reemerging zoonoses in the Mediterranean region. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12862-021-01902-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haythem Srihi
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.
| | - Noureddine Chatti
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Manel Ben Mhadheb
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Jawhar Gharbi
- Research Unit UR17ES30 "Genomics, Biotechnology and Antiviral Strategies", Higher Institute of Biotechnology of Monastir, University of Monastir, Tahar Hadded Avenue, PB 74, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia.,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, King Faisal University, PB 400, Post Code 31982, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nabil Abid
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biological Active Substances LR99ES27, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Ibn Sina Street, 5000, Monastir, Tunisia. .,High Institute of Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, Department of Biotechnology, University of Manouba, BiotechPôlet Sidi Thabet, PB 66, 2020, Ariana-Tunis, Tunisia.
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Madeira S, Duarte A, Boinas F, Costa Osório H. A DNA barcode reference library of Portuguese mosquitoes. Zoonoses Public Health 2021; 68:926-936. [PMID: 34398521 DOI: 10.1111/zph.12885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes are important biological vectors of pathogens and species identification in all life stages is the first step for effective monitoring and control of mosquito-borne diseases. Molecular methods for species identification have been developed over the last years to overcome the limitations of the taxonomic identification based on morphology. DNA barcoding, using a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene, can be used for species identification but a reliable and comprehensive reference database of verified sequences is required. In this study, we aimed to generate a DNA barcode reference library for the identification of mosquito species from Portuguese mosquito fauna, including most relevant vector species. Mosquitoes captured under the National Vector Surveillance Program (REVIVE) were processed for DNA extraction, COI gene fragment amplification and sequencing. Nighty-eight barcode sequences were obtained, representing 26 species and 6 genera. Sequences were submitted to GenBank and BOLD and were used for validation of phenetic classification. Barcode Index Number (BIN) assignment and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) were used and clustered COI sequences into twenty-five molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs). This is the first comprehensive study that combines morphological and molecular identification of most mosquito species present in Portugal aiming to offer a reliable framework for mosquito species identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Madeira
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Duarte
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Fernando Boinas
- CIISA - Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar em Sanidade Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Lisboa, Avenida da Universidade Técnica, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Hugo Costa Osório
- Centro de Estudos de Vetores e Doenças Infeciosas Dr. Francisco Cambournac (CEVDI), Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Águas de Moura, Portugal.,Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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López-Mercadal J, Barretto Bruno Wilke A, Barceló C, Miranda MA. Evidence of Wing Shape Sexual Dimorphism in Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus in Mallorca, Spain. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.569034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is a highly invasive species widely distributed on the Spanish Mediterranean coast and the Balearic archipelago. Most studies involving this species in Spain have been focused on surveillance and control methods. However, micro-evolutionary studies for Ae. albopictus in Spain have been traditionally neglected. Morphological diversity could be the result of long-term evolutionary diversification in responses to selective pressures such as temperature, precipitation, food availability, predation, or competition that may influence flight activity, host-seeking, and blood-feeding behavior. Wing geometric morphometric have been used not only to study micro- and macro-evolution in mosquitoes but also in studies of population structuring and sexual dimorphism. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to investigate the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus populations to unveil sexual dimorphism that could provide information about their ecology and behavior. Mosquito eggs were collected using oviposition traps at the main campus of the University of the Balearic Islands (Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and reared under laboratory conditions. In order to study wing shape variation patterns in Ae. albopictus males and females, the left wing of each adult mosquito was removed and analyzed based on 18 landmarks. Our results indicated strong levels of sexual dimorphism between Ae. albopictus males and females. Furthermore, according to the cross-validated reclassification test, males were correctly distinguished from females with an accuracy of 84% and females from males 75%. We observed a significant sexual dimorphism in the wing shape patterns of Ae. albopictus when considering different seasonal patterns (spring vs. autumn). Our results suggested that selective pressures may affect males differently to females. Host-seeking, blood-feeding, and oviposition behavior of females may act as a major driver for wing shape sexual dimorphism. These results should be considered for the development of more effective and targeted mosquito control strategies.
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Krupa E, Henon N, Mathieu B. Diapause characterisation and seasonality of Aedes japonicus japonicus (Diptera, Culicidae) in the northeast of France. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:45. [PMID: 34037519 PMCID: PMC8152802 DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2021045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
The invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) settled in 2013 in the Alsace region, in the northeast of France. In this temperate area, some mosquito species use diapause to survive cold winter temperatures and thereby foster settlement and dispersal. This study reports diapause and its seasonality in a field population of Ae. japonicus in the northeast of France. For two years, eggs were collected from May to the beginning of November. They were most abundant in summer and became sparse in late October. Diapause eggs were determined by the presence of a fully developed embryo in unhatched eggs after repeated immersions. Our study showed effective diapause of Ae. japonicus in this part of France. At the start of the egg-laying period (week 20), we found up to 10% of eggs under diapause, and this rate reached 100% in October. The 50% cut-off of diapause incidence was determined by the end of summer, leading to an average calculated maternal critical photoperiod of 13 h 23 min. Interestingly, diapause was shown to occur in part of the eggs even at the earliest period of the two seasons, i.e. in May of each year. Even though we observed that the size of eggs was positively correlated with diapause incidence, morphology cannot be used as the unique predictive indicator of diapause status due to overlapping measurements between diapausing and non-diapausing eggs. This study provides new knowledge on diapause characterisation and invasive traits of Ae. japonicus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Krupa
- Université de Strasbourg, DIHP Dynamique des Interactions Hôte Pathogène UR 7292, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Nicolas Henon
- Université de Strasbourg, DIHP Dynamique des Interactions Hôte Pathogène UR 7292, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bruno Mathieu
- Université de Strasbourg, DIHP Dynamique des Interactions Hôte Pathogène UR 7292, 67000 Strasbourg, France
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Ewing DA, Purse BV, Cobbold CA, White SM. A novel approach for predicting risk of vector-borne disease establishment in marginal temperate environments under climate change: West Nile virus in the UK. J R Soc Interface 2021; 18:20210049. [PMID: 34034529 PMCID: PMC8150030 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2021.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne diseases (VBDs), such as dengue, Zika, West Nile virus (WNV) and tick-borne encephalitis, account for substantial human morbidity worldwide and have expanded their range into temperate regions in recent decades. Climate change has been proposed as a likely driver of past and future expansion, however, the complex ecology of host and vector populations and their interactions with each other, environmental variables and land-use changes makes understanding the likely impacts of climate change on VBDs challenging. We present an environmentally driven, stage-structured, host-vector mathematical modelling framework to address this challenge. We apply our framework to predict the risk of WNV outbreaks in current and future UK climates. WNV is a mosquito-borne arbovirus which has expanded its range in mainland Europe in recent years. We predict that, while risks will remain low in the coming two to three decades, the risk of WNV outbreaks in the UK will increase with projected temperature rises and outbreaks appear plausible in the latter half of this century. This risk will increase substantially if increased temperatures lead to increases in the length of the mosquito biting season or if European strains show higher replication at lower temperatures than North American strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Ewing
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland, James Clerk Maxwell Building, The King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bethan V. Purse
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Christina A. Cobbold
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Steven M. White
- UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Benson Lane, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, UK
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Wing Morphometrics of Aedes Mosquitoes from North-Eastern France. INSECTS 2021; 12:insects12040341. [PMID: 33921410 PMCID: PMC8069731 DOI: 10.3390/insects12040341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of the increasing circulation of arboviruses, a simple, fast and reliable identification method for mosquitoes is needed. Geometric morphometrics have proven useful for mosquito classification and have been used around the world on known vectors such as Aedes albopictus. Morphometrics applied on French indigenous mosquitoes would prove useful in the case of autochthonous outbreaks of arboviral diseases. METHODS We applied geometric morphometric analysis on six indigenous and invasive species of the Aedes genus in order to evaluate its efficiency for mosquito classification. RESULTS Six species of Aedes mosquitoes (Ae. albopictus, Ae. cantans, Ae. cinereus, Ae. sticticus, Ae. japonicus and Ae. rusticus) were successfully differentiated with Canonical Variate Analysis of the Procrustes dataset of superimposed coordinates of 18 wing landmarks. CONCLUSIONS Geometric morphometrics are effective tools for the rapid, inexpensive and reliable classification of at least six species of the Aedes genus in France.
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Abbo SR, Visser TM, Koenraadt CJM, Pijlman GP, Wang H. Effect of blood source on vector competence of Culex pipiens biotypes for Usutu virus. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:194. [PMID: 33832527 PMCID: PMC8028107 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04686-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Infectious blood meal experiments have been frequently performed with different virus-vector combinations to assess the transmission potential of arthropod-borne (arbo)viruses. A wide variety of host blood sources have been used to deliver arboviruses to their arthropod vectors in laboratory studies. The type of blood used during vector competence experiments does not always reflect the blood from the viremic vertebrate hosts in the field, but little is known about the effect of blood source on the experimental outcome of vector competence studies. Here we investigated the effect of avian versus human blood on the infection and transmission rates of the zoonotic Usutu virus (USUV) in its primary mosquito vector Culex pipiens. Methods Cx. pipiens biotypes (pipiens and molestus) were orally infected with USUV through infectious blood meals containing either chicken or human whole blood. The USUV infection and transmission rates were determined by checking mosquito bodies and saliva for USUV presence after 14 days of incubation at 28 °C. In addition, viral titers were determined for USUV-positive mosquito bodies and saliva. Results Human and chicken blood lead to similar USUV transmission rates for Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens (18% and 15%, respectively), while human blood moderately but not significantly increased the transmission rate (30%) compared to chicken blood (17%) for biotype molestus. USUV infection rates with human blood were consistently higher in both Cx. pipiens biotypes compared to chicken blood. In virus-positive mosquitoes, USUV body and saliva titers did not differ between mosquitoes taking either human or chicken blood. Importantly, biotype molestus had much lower USUV saliva titers compared to biotype pipiens, regardless of which blood was offered. Conclusions Infection of mosquitoes with human blood led to higher USUV infection rates as compared to chicken blood. However, the blood source had no effect on the vector competence for USUV. Interestingly, biotype molestus is less likely to transmit USUV compared to biotype pipiens due to very low virus titers in the saliva. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra R Abbo
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa M Visser
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Constantianus J M Koenraadt
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Gorben P Pijlman
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Haidong Wang
- Laboratory of Virology, Wageningen University & Research, Droevendaalsesteeg 1, 6708 PB, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
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Smitz N, De Wolf K, Deblauwe I, Kampen H, Schaffner F, De Witte J, Schneider A, Verlé I, Vanslembrouck A, Dekoninck W, Meganck K, Gombeer S, Vanderheyden A, De Meyer M, Backeljau T, Werner D, Müller R, Van Bortel W. Population genetic structure of the Asian bush mosquito, Aedes japonicus (Diptera, Culicidae), in Belgium suggests multiple introductions. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:179. [PMID: 33766104 PMCID: PMC7995749 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aedes japonicus japonicus has expanded beyond its native range and has established in multiple European countries, including Belgium. In addition to the population located at Natoye, Belgium, locally established since 2002, specimens were recently collected along the Belgian border. The first objective of this study was therefore to investigate the origin of these new introductions, which were assumed to be related to the expansion of the nearby population in western Germany. Also, an intensive elimination campaign was undertaken at Natoye between 2012 and 2015, after which the species was declared to be eradicated. This species was re-detected in 2017, and thus the second objective was to investigate if these specimens resulted from a new introduction event and/or from a few undetected specimens that escaped the elimination campaign. METHODS Population genetic variation at nad4 and seven microsatellite loci was surveyed in 224 and 68 specimens collected in Belgium and Germany, respectively. German samples were included as reference to investigate putative introduction source(s). At Natoye, 52 and 135 specimens were collected before and after the elimination campaign, respectively, to investigate temporal changes in the genetic composition and diversity. RESULTS At Natoye, the genotypic microsatellite make-up showed a clear difference before and after the elimination campaign. Also, the population after 2017 displayed an increased allelic richness and number of private alleles, indicative of new introduction(s). However, the Natoye population present before the elimination programme is believed to have survived at low density. At the Belgian border, clustering results suggest a relation with the western German population. Whether the introduction(s) occur via passive human-mediated ground transport or, alternatively, by natural spread cannot be determined yet from the dataset. CONCLUSION Further introductions within Belgium are expected to occur in the near future, especially along the eastern Belgian border, which is at the front of the invasion of Ae. japonicus towards the west. Our results also point to the complexity of controlling invasive species, since 4 years of intense control measures were found to be not completely successful at eliminating this exotic at Natoye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Smitz
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department), Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium.
| | - Katrien De Wolf
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Helge Kampen
- Friedrich Loeffler Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Südufer 10, 17493, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Jacobus De Witte
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Anna Schneider
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ingrid Verlé
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Adwine Vanslembrouck
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.,Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wouter Dekoninck
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kenny Meganck
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department), Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Sophie Gombeer
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ann Vanderheyden
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marc De Meyer
- Royal Museum for Central Africa (BopCo & Biology Department), Leuvensesteenweg 17, 3080, Tervuren, Belgium
| | - Thierry Backeljau
- Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (BopCo & Scientific Heritage Service), Vautierstraat 29, 1000, Brussels, Belgium.,Evolutionary Ecology Group, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Doreen Werner
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research, Eberswalder Straße 84, 15374, Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Ruth Müller
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Bortel
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium.,Outbreak Research Team, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nationalestraat 155, 2000, Antwerp, Belgium
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da Silva SJR, Pardee K, Balasuriya UBR, Pena L. Development and validation of a one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for rapid detection of ZIKV in patient samples from Brazil. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4111. [PMID: 33602985 PMCID: PMC7893177 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously developed and validated a one-step assay based on reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) for rapid detection of the Zika virus (ZIKV) from mosquito samples. Patient diagnosis of ZIKV is currently carried out in centralized laboratories using the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), which, while the gold standard molecular method, has several drawbacks for use in remote and low-resource settings, such as high cost and the need of specialized equipment. Point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms have the potential to overcome these limitations, especially in low-resource countries where ZIKV is endemic. With this in mind, here we optimized and validated our RT-LAMP assay for rapid detection of ZIKV from patient samples. We found that the assay detected ZIKV from diverse sample types (serum, urine, saliva, and semen) in as little as 20 min, without RNA extraction. The RT-LAMP assay was highly specific and up to 100 times more sensitive than RT-qPCR. We then validated the assay using 100 patient serum samples collected from suspected cases of arbovirus infection in the state of Pernambuco, which was at the epicenter of the last Zika epidemic. Analysis of the results, in comparison to RT-qPCR, found that the ZIKV RT-LAMP assay provided sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.75%, and an overall accuracy of 95.00%. Taken together, the RT-LAMP assay provides a straightforward and inexpensive alternative for the diagnosis of ZIKV from patients and has the potential to increase diagnostic capacity in ZIKV-affected areas, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Severino Jefferson Ribeiro da Silva
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil
| | - Keith Pardee
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada
| | - Udeni B R Balasuriya
- Louisiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and Department of Pathobiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
| | - Lindomar Pena
- Department of Virology, Aggeu Magalhães Institute (IAM), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Avenida Professor Moraes Rego, Recife, Pernambuco, 50670-420, Brazil.
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Abstract
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a zoonotic, vector-borne infectious disease of ruminants and camels transmitted mainly by the Aedes and Culex mosquito species. Contact with the blood or organs of infected animals may infect humans. Its etiological factor is the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) of the Phlebovirus genus and Bunyaviridae family. Sheep and goats are most susceptible to infection and newborns and young individuals endure the most severe disease course. High abortion rates and infant mortality are typical for RVF; its clinical signs are high fever, lymphadenitis, nasal and ocular secretions and vomiting. Conventional diagnosis is done by the detection of specific IgM or IgG antibodies and RVFV nucleic acids and by virus isolation. Inactivated and live-attenuated vaccines obtained from virulent RVFV isolates are available for livestock. RVF is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, but in the last two decades, it was also reported in other African regions. Seropositive animals were detected in Turkey, Tunisia and Libya. The wide distribution of competent vectors in non-endemic areas coupled with global climate change threaten to spread RVF transboundarily. The EFSA considers the movement of infected animals and vectors to be other plausible pathways of RVF introduction into Europe. A very low risk both of introduction of the virus through an infected animal or vector and of establishment of the virus, and a moderate risk of its transmission through these means was estimated for Poland. The risk of these specific modes of disease introduction into Europe is rated as very low, but surveillance and response capabilities and cooperation with the proximal endemic regions are recommended.
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Abdellahoum Z, Maurin M, Bitam I. Tularemia as a Mosquito-Borne Disease. Microorganisms 2020; 9:microorganisms9010026. [PMID: 33374861 PMCID: PMC7823759 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Francisella tularensis (Ft) is the etiological agent of tularemia, a disease known for over 100 years in the northern hemisphere. Ft includes four subspecies, of which two are the etiologic agents of tularemia: Ft subsp. tularensis (Ftt) and Ft subsp. holarctica (Fth), mainly distributed in North America and the whole northern hemisphere, respectively. Several routes of human infection with these bacteria exist, notably through bites of Ixodidae ticks. However, mosquitoes represent the main vectors of Fth in Scandinavia, where large tularemia outbreaks have occurred, usually during the warm season. The mechanisms making mosquitoes vectors of Fth are still unclear. This review covers the inventory of research work and epidemiological data linking tularemia to mosquitoes in Scandinavia and highlights the gaps in understanding mosquitoes and Ft interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zakaria Abdellahoum
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
| | - Max Maurin
- Centre National de Référence des Francisella, Institut de Biologie et de Pathologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Grenoble Alpes, 38043 Grenoble, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, TIMC-IMAG, UMR5525, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38400 Saint Martin d’Heres, France
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
| | - Idir Bitam
- Laboratoire Biodiversité et Environnement: Interaction Génome, Faculté des Sciences Biologique, Université des Sciences et de la Technologie Houari Boumediene, Alger 16111, Algeria;
- Ecole Supérieure des Sciences de l’Aliment et des Industries Alimentaires, Alger 16004, Algeria
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (I.B.); Tel.: +33-476-769-594 (M.M.); +213-559-775-322 (I.B.)
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Day CA, O'Meara GF, Pesko KN, Nishimura N, Byrd BD. Diapause influenced oviposition behavior and physical egg hatch cues of Aedes atropalpus (Diptera: Culicidae): traits that may influence successful colonization of riverine rock pools. JOURNAL OF VECTOR ECOLOGY : JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR VECTOR ECOLOGY 2020; 45:197-203. [PMID: 33207063 DOI: 10.1111/jvec.12390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes have developed specialized oviposition strategies that allow them to develop in a wide variety of aquatic habitats. Environmentally cued hatching traits may also play an important role in the successful colonization of some larval habitats, but this subject has remained largely unexplored in Culicidae. Aedes atropalpus (Coquillett) is an autogenous rock pool specialist that may maintain unique adaptations for oviposition and egg hatching. We investigated the egg-laying strategies of Ae. atropalpus exposed to standard (non-diapausing) rearing conditions and diapause-inducing conditions and tested the impact of physical agitation on egg hatch rates by exposing floating and submerged eggs to physical agitation treatments. The results of the oviposition experiment indicate that Ae. atropalpus females primarily lay non-diapausing eggs directly onto the water surface and lay diapausing eggs directly on solid surfaces. The egg-hatching experiment demonstrated that physical agitation significantly increases Ae. atropalpus hatch rates. Floating and submerged eggs responded similarly to the agitation treatment. These data suggest that oviposition behaviors based on both egg diapause status and environmentally-cued hatching strategies may be important adaptations for Ae. atropalpus in riverine rock pools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corey A Day
- Mosquito and Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Health and Human Sciences, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, U.S.A
| | - George F O'Meara
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, U.S.A
| | - Kendra N Pesko
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, U.S.A
| | - Naoya Nishimura
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, IFAS, University of Florida, Vero Beach, FL, 32962, U.S.A
| | - Brian D Byrd
- Mosquito and Vector-Borne Infectious Disease Laboratory, College of Health and Human Sciences, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC, 28723, U.S.A
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