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Silva GGD, Lopez VM, Vilarinho AC, Datto-Liberato FH, Oliveira CJF, Poulin R, Guillermo-Ferreira R. Vector species richness predicts local mortality rates from Chagas disease. Int J Parasitol 2024; 54:139-145. [PMID: 37944883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Vector species richness may drive the prevalence of vector-borne diseases by influencing pathogen transmission rates. The dilution effect hypothesis predicts that higher biodiversity reduces disease prevalence, but with inconclusive evidence. In contrast, the amplification effect hypothesis suggests that higher vector diversity may result in greater disease transmission by increasing and diversifying the transmission pathways. The relationship between vector diversity and pathogen transmission remains unclear and requires further study. Chagas disease is a vector-borne disease most prevalent in Brazil and transmitted by multiple species of insect vectors of the subfamily Triatominae, yet the drivers of spatial variation in its impact on human populations remain unresolved. We tested whether triatomine species richness, latitude, bioclimatic variables, human host population density, and socioeconomic variables predict Chagas disease mortality rates across over 5000 spatial grid cells covering all of Brazil. Results show that species richness of triatomine vectors is a good predictor of mortality rates caused by Chagas disease, which supports the amplification effect hypothesis. Vector richness and the impact of Chagas disease may also be driven by latitudinal components of climate and human socioeconomic factors. We provide evidence that vector diversity is a strong predictor of disease prevalence and give support to the amplification effect hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme Gonzaga da Silva
- Lestes Laboratory, Center of Entomology and Experimental Biology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil; Federal University of Sao Carlos - UFSCar, São Carlos, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Marques Lopez
- Lestes Laboratory, Center of Entomology and Experimental Biology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Vilarinho
- Federal University of Sao Carlos - UFSCar, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Health Sciences Institute, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe H Datto-Liberato
- Lestes Laboratory, Center of Entomology and Experimental Biology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Carlo José Freire Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine and Infectiology, Department of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil
| | - Robert Poulin
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Rhainer Guillermo-Ferreira
- Lestes Laboratory, Center of Entomology and Experimental Biology, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil; Federal University of Sao Carlos - UFSCar, São Carlos, SP, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of Sao Paulo - USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Graduate Program in Tropical Medicine and Infectiology, Department of Natural and Biological Sciences, Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro - UFTM, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.
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Vilarinho AC, Lopez VM, Tizo-Pedroso E, Freire Oliveira CJ, Guillermo Ferreira R. Scorpion envenomation in the neotropical savannah: Environmental predictors and years of lost life. Toxicon 2023; 234:107277. [PMID: 37659666 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2023.107277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion stings envenomation (SSE) is a growing medical concern in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais, which has recorded a significant number of incidents. This study aimed to investigate the potential predictors of scorpion sting incidence and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions in Minas Gerais. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) models were constructed using socioeconomic and environmental variables as predictors and scorpion sting incidence as the response variable. The analysis revealed that mean annual temperature and major land use type were significant predictors of scorpion sting incidence, while precipitation and socioeconomic variables showed no relationship with incidence. The total number of cases and annual incidence of scorpion stings overlapped with regions experiencing higher forest conversion and agricultural land use, as well as higher temperatures. The estimated Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) for scorpion sting incidents in Minas Gerais was substantial, indicating the need for effective prevention and treatment measures. The cost per DALY averted varied among municipalities, with some requiring minimal investment while others needing significant funding to address the scorpion risk. Mean annual temperature emerged as the main risk factor for scorpion stings, contributing to increased costs associated with antivenom treatment. These findings highlight the importance of considering environmental factors and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate scorpion sting incidents and reduce associated morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina Vilarinho
- Biological Sciences and Health Centre, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil; Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Vinicius Marques Lopez
- Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | - Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira
- Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil; Graduate Program in Entomology, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Leite A, Vinhas-Da-Silva A, Felício L, Vilarinho AC, Ferreira G. Aerococcus viridans urinary tract infection in a pediatric patient with secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism. Rev Argent Microbiol 2011; 42:269-70. [PMID: 21229195 DOI: 10.1590/s0325-75412010000400005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aerococcus viridans is a catalase-negative gram-positive bacterium rarely found as human pathogen. Some cases of urinary tract infection (UTI) have been described in immunocompromised adults. In this article we describe a UTI case caused by this agent in a child with severe obstructive uropathy, clinically presented with secondary pseudohypoaldosteronism (SPHA). Although A. viridans is rarely associated with child infection, it can be responsible for life threatening conditions/ situations. To our knowledge, A. viridans UTI has never been reported in pediatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Leite
- Department of Pediatrics, Centro Hospitalar Gaia/Espinho, EPE (CHVNG), Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
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