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Studentsky L, Orshan L, Akad F, Ben Avi I, Diaz D, Elbaz S, Sagi O, Zagron G, Valinsky L, Davidovich-Cohen M, Baneth G. Leishmania donovani Transmission Cycle Associated with Human Infection, Phlebotomus alexandri Sand Flies, and Hare Blood Meals, Israel 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2023; 29:945-955. [PMID: 37080961 PMCID: PMC10124660 DOI: 10.3201/eid2905.221657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania major or L. tropica and visceral leishmaniasis caused by L. infantum have been reported in Israel. We collected Phlebotomus spp. sand flies in the Negev desert of southern Israel to identify circulating Leishmania spp. Of 22,636 trapped sand flies, 80% were P. alexandri. We sequenced Leishmania-specific internal transcribed spacer 1 fragments and K26 genes. Of 5,019 Phlebotomus female sand flies, 2.5% were Leishmania DNA-positive; 92% of infections were L. donovani. Phylogenetic analyses showed separate clustering of L. donovani and L. infantum. P. alexandri flies positive for L. donovani harbored blood meals from European hares. Leishmania DNA isolated from a patient with cutaneous leishmaniasis who lived in the survey area was identical to L. donovani from P. alexandri flies. We report circulation of L. donovani, a cause of visceral leishmaniasis, in southern Israel. Prompt diagnosis and Leishmania spp. identification are critical to prevent leishmaniasis progression.
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Abbasi I, Akad F, Studentsky L, Avi IB, Orshan L, Warburg A. A next-generation (DNA) sequencing (NGS)-based method for identifying the sources of sugar meals in mosquito vectors of West Nile virus in Israel. J Vector Ecol 2022; 47:109-116. [PMID: 36629362 DOI: 10.52707/1081-1710-47.1.109] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes of the genus Culex comprise important vectors of pathogenic arboviruses in our region, including West Nile and Rift Valley Fever viruses. To improve our understanding of the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of arboviruses, we need to study the behavior and ecology of their vectors. The feeding patterns of the vector mosquitoes can be very useful in determining how and where to focus control efforts. For example, determining the preferred blood hosts of the females can assist in the implementation of potentially efficacious strategies for focused control of mosquito females. Determining the plants from which both sexes derive their sugar meals can comprise the initial step towards the formulation of efficient lures for trapping mosquitoes. In the past, plant meal identification was based mainly on chemical detection of fructose and microscopical observations of cellulose particles in mosquito guts. More recent studies have utilized DNA barcoding capable of identifying plant food sources. In the current study, we identify multiple plant species from which large numbers of mosquitoes obtained their sugar meals in one experimental procedure. We employed next generation DNA sequencing to sequence the chloroplast specific plant genes atpB and rbcL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Abbasi
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel,
| | - Fouad Akad
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories Jerusalem, Ministry of Health, Israel
| | - Liora Studentsky
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories Jerusalem, Ministry of Health, Israel
| | - Irina Ben Avi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories Jerusalem, Ministry of Health, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories Jerusalem, Ministry of Health, Israel
| | - Alon Warburg
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Kuvin Centre for the Study of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Israel
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Lustig Y, Gosinov R, Zuckerman N, Glazer Y, Orshan L, Sofer D, Schwartz E, Schvartz G, Farnoushi Y, Lublin A, Erster O, Shalom U, Yeger T, Mor O, Anis E, Mendelson E. Epidemiologic and phylogenetic analysis of the 2018 West Nile virus (WNV) outbreak in Israel demonstrates human infection of WNV lineage I. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 24. [PMID: 30621816 PMCID: PMC6325669 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2019.24.1.1800662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
As at 12 November 2018, an outbreak of West Nile virus (WNV) was responsible for 139 WNV infection cases in Israel. Here, we characterise the epidemiology of the outbreak and demonstrate that only WNV lineage I was circulating in mosquitoes and responsible for WNV infection in humans. This suggests that the concurrence of the outbreak in Israel with WNV outbreaks in several European countries is not due to a common, more virulent WNV genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ruslan Gosinov
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Danit Sofer
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Eli Schwartz
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Institute of Tropical and Travel Medicine, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Oran Erster
- Kimron Veterinary Institute, Beit Dagan, Israel
| | - Uri Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Tamar Yeger
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Orna Mor
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University and Hadassah, Israel.,Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.,Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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4
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Baneth G, Nachum-Biala Y, Zuberi A, Zipori-Barki N, Orshan L, Kleinerman G, Shmueli-Goldin A, Bellaiche M, Leszkowicz-Mazuz M, Salant H, Yasur-Landau D. Leishmania infection in cats and dogs housed together in an animal shelter reveals a higher parasite load in infected dogs despite a greater seroprevalence among cats. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:115. [PMID: 32192533 PMCID: PMC7083040 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-3989-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An outbreak of leishmaniosis was studied in cats and dogs housed together with no separation in an animal shelter in Israel. Methods The study included recording of clinical signs, serology for Leishmania infection by ELISA, PCR of blood for Leishmania DNA by ITS1 HRM and kDNA PCR, parasite quantification, and trapping of sand flies around the shelter. Results Thirty-seven % (22/60) of the dogs and 75% (50/67) of the cats were seropositive to L. infantum with a significantly higher seropositivity rate in the cat population (χ2 = 42.160, P < 0.0001). Twenty-five percent (15/60) of the dogs were positive for Leishmania by blood PCR, 12% by the Leishmania ITS1 HRM PCR and 22% by kDNA PCR. Of the cats, 16% (11/67) were positive by kDNA PCR and none by ITS1 HRM PCR. All the PCR-positive animals were infected by L. infantum verified by DNA sequencing and there was no significant difference between the PCR-positivity in the dog and cat populations. Altogether, 43% (26/60) of the dogs and 79% (53/67) of the cats were positive by serology or PCR for L. infantum. The average Leishmania parasite load in the blood of PCR-positive dogs (42,967 parasites/ml) was significantly higher than in PCR-positive cats (1259 parasites/ml) (t(12) = 2.33, P = 0.037). Dogs that were positive by the Leishmania ITS1 HRM PCR and kDNA PCR had significantly higher parasite loads than dogs positive only by the kDNA PCR (t(11) = − 3.186580, P < 0.009). No significant effect was found for FIV seropositivity on Leishmania infection in the cats (χ2 = 0.506, P = 0.777). A higher percentage of Leishmania-positive dogs showed clinical signs compatible with leishmaniosis compared to Leishmania-positive cats (100 vs 52.8%, χ2 =15.242, P < 0.0001). Phlebotomus perfiliewi, a proven vector of L. infantum, comprised 92% of trapped sand flies. Conclusions Comparisons of populations of cats and dogs exposed to sand flies and L. infantum under the same conditions indicated that although a high rate of exposure was detected in cats as manifested by a significantly greater degree of seropositivity, dogs had significantly higher blood parasite loads, and were likely to be more infectious to sand flies than cats.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Gad Baneth
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel.
| | - Yaarit Nachum-Biala
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Adam Zuberi
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Nirit Zipori-Barki
- The Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Central Laboratories Jerusalem, The Israeli Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Gabriela Kleinerman
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Ayelet Shmueli-Goldin
- The Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Michel Bellaiche
- The Israeli Veterinary Services and Animal Health, Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | | | - Harold Salant
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
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5
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Avizov N, Zuckerman N, Orshan L, Shalom U, Yeger T, Vapalahti O, Israely T, Paran N, Melamed S, Mendelson E, Lustig Y. High Endemicity and Distinct Phylogenetic Characteristics of Sindbis Virus in Israel. J Infect Dis 2019; 218:1500-1506. [PMID: 30184090 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sindbis virus (SINV) is a mosquito-borne Alphavirus responsible for outbreaks of SINV disease, mainly in north Europe. SINV has been isolated from mosquitoes in Israel since the 1980s but SINV disease outbreaks have never been recorded. To gain better understanding of the kinetics of SINV circulation in Israel, 3008 mosquito pools, collected 2004-2006 and 2013-2015, were tested for SINV and phylogenetic analysis was conducted on partially sequenced SINV-positive pools. Results indicate possible expansion of SINV circulation across Israel in 2013-2015 compared to 2004-2006 with 6.35% (191 pools) of total pools positive for SINV RNA. Phylogenetic analysis showed all sequenced Israeli SINV strains belong to genotype I and form, together with SINV sequences from Saudi Arabia, a distinct Middle Eastern cluster. With high endemicity of SINV and as a major crossroads for bird migration between Africa and Eurasia, Israel provides valuable information on SINV dynamics and pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Avizov
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Neta Zuckerman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem
| | - Uri Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem
| | - Tamar Yeger
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Jerusalem
| | - Olli Vapalahti
- University of Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Finland
| | - Tomer Israely
- Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona
| | - Nir Paran
- Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness-Ziona
| | | | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer
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6
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Roth A, Akad F, Zonstein I, King R, Orshan L, Erster O. Molecular characterization of six Hyalomma species using mitochondrial markers. Ticks Tick Borne Dis 2019; 10:911-917. [PMID: 31054919 DOI: 10.1016/j.ttbdis.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Hyalomma species (Acari: Ixodidae) are vectors of several human and animal pathogens. However, due to their similar morphological properties, classification of related Hyalomma species is often challenging. Here we describe a combined approach for molecular characterization of six Hyalomma species: H. aegyptium, H. dromedarii, H. excavatum, H. impeltatum, H. marginatum and H. turanicum. This procedure was developed using a combination of PCR amplification of four molecular markers, followed by sequencing and species-specific restriction analysis. Segments from the following genes were used as markers: 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 (COX1), and Cytochrome B (CytB). Phylogenetic analysis based on the amplified sequences was consistent with the morphology-based classification. It revealed relative close proximity of H. excavatum, H. marginatum and H. turanicum, and close proximity of H. aegyptium and H. dromedarii to each other. H. impeltatum was examined using the COX1 and CytB markers, and in both cases was located on a separate clade from the other five species. Digestion of the amplified products using specific restriction enzymes enabled clear distinction between the six species. This report is the first to describe CytB marker sequences of the studied species, and the first to describe COX1 marker sequences of H. aegyptium, H. excavatum, H. impeltatum and H. turanicum. The information obtained in this study may therefore be useful for future combined morphological-molecular Hyalomma characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asael Roth
- Division of Parasitology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Fouad Akad
- Entomology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Irina Zonstein
- Entomology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roni King
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Entomology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Oran Erster
- Division of Virology, Kimron Veterinary Institute, Bet Dagan, Israel.
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7
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Abstract
We identified Usutu virus (USUV) RNA in 6 pools of mosquitoes trapped in northern Israel during 2014–2015. These Israeli strains were most similar to strains identified in Senegal and Germany, which further elucidates common ancestry and evolutionary dynamics of USUV. Our findings suggest that human infection with USUV might occur in Israel.
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Lustig Y, Kaufman Z, Mendelson E, Orshan L, Anis E, Glazer Y, Cohen D, Shohat T, Bassal R. Spatial distribution of West Nile virus in humans and mosquitoes in Israel, 2000-2014. Int J Infect Dis 2017; 64:20-26. [PMID: 28882664 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Israel has a long history of West Nile virus (WNV) morbidity, and the rate of detection of WNV in mosquitoes has been high since 2000. The aim of this study was to integrate several WNV datasets in order to gain an insight into the geographical distribution of WNV in Israel. METHODS Three choropleth maps were generated showing WNV human morbidity, WNV prevalence in mosquitoes, and the results of a nationwide serological survey, based on the division of Israel into 15 sub-districts. RESULTS The maps show a high endemicity of WNV in Israel. In respect to the morbidity map, the population residing in the central part of the country and in Arava Region is at higher risk of developing the disease than the population of the rest of Israel. Interestingly, high prevalence rates of both WNV serology and WNV-infected mosquitoes were detected in Arava Region, but lower prevalence rates were detected in most areas of the coastal region, suggesting that other factors might also be important in the development of symptomatic WNV infections. CONCLUSIONS These results underline the high prevalence of WNV in Israel and point to specific risk areas for WNV infections across the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Zalman Kaufman
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Emilia Anis
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yael Glazer
- Division of Epidemiology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Public Health, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Daniel Cohen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Tamy Shohat
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ravit Bassal
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
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9
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Lustig Y, Kaufman Z, Mannasse B, Koren R, Katz-Likvornik S, Orshan L, Glatman-Freedman A, Mendelson E. West Nile virus outbreak in Israel in 2015: phylogenetic and geographic characterization in humans and mosquitoes. Clin Microbiol Infect 2017; 23:986-993. [PMID: 28487165 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2017.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES West Nile Virus (WNV) is endemic in Israel and was responsible for several outbreaks in the past 16 years. The aim of the present study was to investigate the spatial distribution of WNV acute infections from an outbreak that occurred in 2015 in Israel and report the molecular and geographic characterization of WNV isolates from human cases and mosquito pools obtained during this outbreak. METHODS Using a geographical layer comprising 51 continuous areas of Israel, the number of WNV infection cases per 100 000 people in each area and the locations of WNV-infected mosquitoes in 2015 were analysed. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses followed by geographic localization were performed on 13 WNV human isolates and 19 WNV-infected mosquito pools. RESULTS Substantial geographical variation in the prevalence of acute WNV in patients in Israel was found and an overall correlation with WNV-infected mosquitoes. All human patients sequenced were infected only with the Mediterranean subtype of WNV Lineage 1 and resided primarily in the coastal regions in central Israel. In contrast, mosquitoes were infected with both the Mediterranean and Eastern European subtypes of WNV lineage 1; however, only the Mediterranean subtype was found in mosquitoes from the coastal region in central Israel. CONCLUSION These results demonstrate differential geographic dispersion in Israel of the two WNV subtypes and may also point to a differential pattern of human infections. As a geographical bridge between Europe, Asia and Africa, analysis of WNV circulation in humans and mosquitoes in Israel provides information relevant to WNV infections in Eurasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel.
| | - Z Kaufman
- Israel Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - B Mannasse
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - R Koren
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - S Katz-Likvornik
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - L Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A Glatman-Freedman
- Israel Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat-Gan, Israel; School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel; New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - E Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Centre, Ramat Gan, Israel; School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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10
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Orshan L, Elbaz S, Ben-Ari Y, Akad F, Afik O, Ben-Avi I, Dias D, Ish-Shalom D, Studentsky L, Zonstein I. Distribution and Dispersal of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Focus, the Northern Negev, Israel. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004819. [PMID: 27427959 PMCID: PMC4948823 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis has long been endemic in Israel. In recent years reported incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis increased and endemic transmission is being observed in a growing number of communities in regions previously considered free of the disease. Here we report the results of an intensive sand fly study carried out in a new endemic focus of Leishmania major. The main objective was to establish a method and to generate a data set to determine the exposure risk, sand fly populations' dynamics and evaluate the efficacy of an attempt to create "cordon sanitaire" devoid of active jird burrows around the residential area. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Sand flies were trapped in three fixed reference sites and an additional 52 varying sites. To mark sand flies in the field, sugar solutions containing different food dyes were sprayed on vegetation in five sites. The catch was counted, identified, Leishmania DNA was detected in pooled female samples and the presence of marked specimens was noted. Phlebotomus papatasi, the vector of L. major in the region was the sole Phlebotomus species in the catch. Leishmania major DNA was detected in ~10% of the pooled samples and the highest risk of transmission was in September. Only a few specimens were collected in the residential area while sand fly numbers often exceeded 1,000 per catch in the agricultural fields. The maximal travel distance recorded was 1.91km for females and 1.51km for males. The calculated mean distance traveled (MDT) was 0.75km. CONCLUSIONS The overall results indicate the presence of dense and mobile sand fly populations in the study area. There seem to be numerous scattered sand fly microsites suitable for development and resting in the agricultural fields. Sand flies apparently moved in all directions, and reached the residential area from the surrounding agricultural fields. The travel distance noted in the current work, supported previous findings that P. papatasi like P. ariasi, can have a relatively long flight range and does not always stay near breeding sites. Following the results, the width of the "cordon sanitaire" in which actions against the reservoir rodents were planned, was extended into the depth of the agricultural fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail:
| | - Shirly Elbaz
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yossi Ben-Ari
- Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Fouad Akad
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ohad Afik
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ira Ben-Avi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Debora Dias
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dan Ish-Shalom
- Ministry of Environmental Protection, Southern District, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | | | - Irina Zonstein
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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11
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Lustig Y, Hindiyeh M, Orshan L, Weiss L, Koren R, Katz-Likvornik S, Zadka H, Glatman-Freedman A, Mendelson E, Shulman LM. Mosquito Surveillance for 15 Years Reveals High Genetic Diversity Among West Nile Viruses in Israel. J Infect Dis 2015; 213:1107-14. [PMID: 26597260 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiv556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
West Nile Virus (WNV) is endemic in Israel and has been the cause of several outbreaks in recent years. In 2000, a countrywide mosquito survey was established to monitor WNV activity and characterize viral genotypes in Israel. We analyzed data from 7135 pools containing 277 186 mosquitoes collected over the past 15 years and, here, report partial sequences of WNV genomes obtained from 102 of the 336 positive mosquito pools. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that cluster 4 and the Mediterranean and Eastern European subtypes of cluster 2 within WNV lineage 1 circulated in Israel, as did WNV lineage 2, highlighting a high genetic diversity of WNV genotypes in our region. As a major crossroads for bird migration between Africa and Eurasia and with a long history of human infection, Israel serves as a resource hub for WNV in Africa and Eurasia and provides valuable information on WNV circulation in these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaniv Lustig
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Musa Hindiyeh
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem
| | - Leah Weiss
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Ravit Koren
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Shiri Katz-Likvornik
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Hila Zadka
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer
| | - Aharona Glatman-Freedman
- Israel Center for Disease Control, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Lester M Shulman
- Central Virology Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical center, Tel-Hashomer Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
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Berger R, Wasserberg G, Warburg A, Orshan L, Kotler BP. Zoonotic disease in a peripheral population: persistence and transmission of Leishmania major in a putative sink-source system in the Negev Highlands, Israel. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2015; 14:592-600. [PMID: 25072990 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2013.1535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Populations at the edge of their geographic distributions are referred to as peripheral populations. Very little attention has been given to this topic in the context of persistence of infectious disease in natural populations. In this study, we examined this question using zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) caused by Leishmania major in the Negev Desert of Israel as a model system. Here, we suggest that the regional persistence of Phlebotomus papatasi populations and L. major transmission in the Sede Boqer region could be explained through processes akin to sink-source and/or mainland-island metapopulation dynamics. Given its potentially enzootically superior ecological conditions, we hypothesize that the Zin Valley ecotope constitutes the "mainland" or the "source" patch for the Sede Boqer area where L. major transmission is persistent and resistant to local extinctions (die-outs) whereas the local sand fly populations on the Zin Plateau ("island patch" or "sink patch") are more prone to local extinctions. Between 2007 and 2008, we trapped sand flies and sand rats in the two areas and compared sand fly abundance and L. major infection prevalence in both. In both 2007 and 2008, sand fly abundance was high and continuous in the Zin Wadi but low and discontinuous in the Zin Plateau. Infection prevalence of sand rats was significantly higher in the Wadi (13%) compared with the Zin Plateau (3%). Minimum infection rate in sand flies did not differ significantly between the two areas. Overall, our results are consistent with the premise that the Zin Valley population is relatively robust in terms of L. major transmission, whereas transmission is potentially more tenuous in the plateau. Understanding the biotic and abiotic processes enabling the persistence of L. major and other vector-borne diseases in peripheral disease foci is important for predicting the effect of anthropogenic land use and climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruti Berger
- 1 Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev , Midreshet Ben-Gurion, Israel
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Valinsky L, Ettinger G, Bar-Gal GK, Orshan L. Molecular identification of bloodmeals from sand flies and mosquitoes collected in Israel. J Med Entomol 2014; 51:678-685. [PMID: 24897862 DOI: 10.1603/me13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In Israel, sand flies are the vectors of Leishmania Ross and mosquitoes are the vectors of West Nile Virus. In the Judean Desert and Tiberias, the sand fly Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot is the vector of Leishmania tropica (Wright) and the rock hyrax (Procavia capensis Pallas) is considered the main reservoir animal. The main vectors of West Nile Virus are Culex pipiens L. and Culex perexiguus Theobald. Bloodmeals of engorged field-caught female sand flies and mosquitoes are an important source for defining host preferences. Recent progress in DNA molecular techniques has enabled the accurate identification of blood sources within the arthropod gut. In this study, we applied molecular approach for species-specific identification based on polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequence analysis of polymorphic regions along two mitochondrial genes, 12S and 16S rRNA. The research was carried out on 261 engorged female sand flies collected in the Judean Desert and Tiberias and 50 engorged female mosquitoes collected in Tel-Aviv and Arava. Species identification of bloodmeals was successful in 92% of the samples. Rock hyrax was the most abundant host in bloodmeals of P. sergenti, while human blood was found in only seven (3%) females. L. tropica DNA was detected in three P. sergenti females from Tiberias that contained rock hyrax blood. Avian sequences were detected in 67% (10 of 15) of the identified bloodmeals from Cx. perexiguus and in 10% (3 of 29) of the identified meals from Cx. pipiens. Human sequences were found in 14% of the identified bloodmeals from Cx. pipiens. The successful analysis of the majority of the bloodmeals performed on wild sand flies and mosquitoes suggests that bloodmeal identification can be applied as one of the routine procedures in vector surveillance programs.
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Anis E, Grotto I, Mendelson E, Bin H, Orshan L, Gandacu D, Warshavsky B, Shinar E, Slater PE, Lev B. West Nile fever in Israel: the reemergence of an endemic disease. J Infect 2013; 68:170-5. [PMID: 24183889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2013.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a crossroads for bird migration between Africa and Eurasia and with its long history of human infection, Israel has been a major focus of attention during the continuing global spread of West Nile fever (WNF). This article reviews the background and reemergence of WNF in Israel; the recent epidemiology of WNF among Israelis; and the disease-control strategies being used to combat the disease. METHODS Employing the comprehensive base of case data that are reported to the Ministry of Health, an epidemiological record was constructed that details the incidence and distribution of WNF cases in Israel in recent years. RESULTS After decades of small, intermittent outbreaks, nearly 1400 cases of WNF were reported in Israel between 2000 and 2012. Incidence was consistently highest in the coastal cities, among elderly patients, and in the late summer months and early autumn. A broad range of control measures to prevent human infection has been implemented, and attention has been given to issues such as the protection of the national blood bank and the occurrence of long-term sequelae. CONCLUSIONS The reemergence of WNF in Israel is likely the result of a combination of factors including past immunity to the virus among the human population, a marked increase in awareness of WNF among physicians, and more frequent requests for the laboratory testing of suspected cases. In the absence of effective vaccine to protect humans from WNF, the best disease-control strategies include intensive vector-control measures, the continued development of techniques to forecast outbreaks, and effective public education programs that are targeted toward the high-risk elderly population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Anis
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Itamar Grotto
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hanna Bin
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Central Virology Laboratory, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Laboratory of Entomology, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Paul E Slater
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel; Hebrew University and Hadassah, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Boaz Lev
- Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Kolodziejek J, Pachler K, Bin H, Mendelson E, Shulman L, Orshan L, Nowotny N. Barkedji virus, a novel mosquito-borne flavivirus identified in Culex perexiguus mosquitoes, Israel, 2011. J Gen Virol 2013; 94:2449-2457. [PMID: 23939978 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.056200-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Barkedji virus, named after the area of its first identification in Senegal, is a newly discovered flavivirus (FV), for which we propose the abbreviation BJV. In the present study, we report the first-time detection of BJV in Culex perexiguus mosquitoes in Israel in 2011 and determination of its almost complete polyprotein gene sequence. We characterized the BJV genome and defined putative mature proteins, conserved structural elements and potential enzyme motifs along the polyprotein precursor. By comparing polyproteins and individual proteins of BJV with several other FVs, a distant relationship of BJV to Nounane virus (NOUV), a recently described African FV, is demonstrated. Phylogenetic analysis of 55 selected flaviviral polyprotein gene sequences exhibits two major clusters, one made up of the classical three clades of FVs: mosquito-borne, tick-borne and those without known vectors. The other cluster exclusively contains so-called 'insect-specific' FVs, which do not replicate in vertebrate cells. Based on our phylogenetic analysis, BJV is related to other members of the mosquito-borne clade with yet unknown vertebrate hosts, such as NOUV, Donggang virus, Chaoyang virus and Lammi virus. However, with a maximum identity of only 54 % to NOUV, BJV represents a distinct new virus species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Kolodziejek
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karin Pachler
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanna Bin
- National Center for Zoonotic Viruses, Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ella Mendelson
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,National Center for Zoonotic Viruses, Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Lester Shulman
- School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,National Center for Zoonotic Viruses, Central Virology Laboratory, Public Health Services, Ministry of Health, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Norbert Nowotny
- Viral Zoonoses, Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections Group, Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Monitoring sand flies in the cutaneous leishmaniasis foci Kfar Adummim and Ma'ale Adummim from May to October generally yielded several hundred specimens per CO(2) baited trap. In the summer of 2009, a sharp rise in the number of sand flies trapped was recorded in Kfar Adummim, while numbers were similar to previous years in Ma'ale Adummim; approximately 4,000 specimens compared to about 400, with maximal catches of about 16,500 specimens in Kfar Adummim. We postulate that the sharp increase in sand fly numbers is directly related to the intensive construction conducted which enhanced sand fly breeding habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Israel
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Zollner G, Orshan L. Evaluation of a metofluthrin fan vaporizer device against phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a cutaneous leishmaniasis focus in the Judean Desert, Israel. J Vector Ecol 2011; 36 Suppl 1:S157-S165. [PMID: 21366769 DOI: 10.1111/j.1948-7134.2011.00126.x] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The OFF! Clip-On fan vaporizer device releasing metofluthrin was evaluated against phletobomine sand flies in the Judean Desert, Israel, in October, 2009. A total of 76,400 sand flies was collected, with male flies representing 98.3%Phlebotomus sergenti and 1.7%P. papatasi. Females comprised 43.0% of the total catch and included 6.7% blood-fed females. Similar proportions of flies were collected in both suction and sticky traps. In trials with unbaited suction traps, similar numbers of sand flies were collected in traps with a metofluthrin device, blank device, or no device (i.e., suction only). In suction traps baited with CO(2) , higher numbers of P. sergenti males and blood-fed females were collected in traps with a blank device compared to traps with a metofluthrin device. In sticky traps baited with CO(2) , there were no significant differences between catches in traps with a metofluthrin device, blank device, or no device. The results suggest metofluthrin from the device is not repellent against sand flies in a field environment despite showing insecticidal activity against flies collected in suction traps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Zollner
- Division of Entomology, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD, U.S.A
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Orshan L, Wilamowski A, Pener H. [Personal protection measures against blood-sucking insects and ticks]. Harefuah 2010; 149:592-618. [PMID: 21302476] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Blood-sucking arthropods are major vectors of various pathogens like viruses, bacteria, protozoa and nematodes. Preventing exposure to the vector is imperative especially when vaccine and prophylactic treatments are not available. Personal protection measures (PPM) are essential and often the only means available when dealing with blood-sucking disease transmitting arthropods. Awareness of the risk in the specific areas of travel is the first step to be taken before and while traveling. PPM include preventive personal behavior, suitable clothing, application of insect repellents to the skin, the use of space repellents, impregnation of clothing, camping gear and bed nets and, when necessary, ground spraying of insecticides. The registered and recommended active ingredients for skin application are Deet, picaridin (icaridin), p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) and IR3535. Volatile pyrethrins are used as space repellents while pyrethroids, especially permethrin, are employed for impregnation and for ground spraying. It is recommended to purchase only products registered in Israel or other developed countries. These products should have a detailed label specifying the concentration of the active ingredient, application instructions and the duration of protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem.
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Orshan L, Szekely D, Khalfa Z, Bitton S. Distribution and seasonality of Phlebotomus sand flies in cutaneous leishmaniasis foci, Judean Desert, Israel. J Med Entomol 2010; 47:319-328. [PMID: 20496578 DOI: 10.1603/me09096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The ecology of Phlebotomus sand flies in cutaneous leishmaniasis foci as a result of Leishmania tropica in the Judean Desert was studied. Between 2005 and 2007, >265,000 specimens were trapped outdoors and 1,233 specimens were collected indoors. The catches included Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli), Phlebotomus syriacus Adler & Theodor, and Phlebotomus tobbi Adler & Theodor. P. sergenti, the local vector of Leishmania tropica, comprised 90% of outdoor catches, and relatively few were caught indoors. Conversely, P. papatasi were > 90% of the indoor collections, and only a few were caught outdoors. The efficiency of trapping methods varied, but species composition and sex ratio remained constant irrespective of method. Sand flies were abundant on slopes facing east where wind velocity was low, and scarce on slopes facing west and residential areas. Large numbers and high proportion of males that occur near breeding sites were found in man-made rock walls and in rock crevices on slopes of uncultivated hills. Population increase began in April, was more intensive between May and November, peaked in August-September, and significantly decreased in December. Indoors, most of the P. sergenti (< 80%) were collected from September to November. A few sand flies were found between January and March. The effects of climatic factors and human activities on sand fly populations and the risk of Leishmania infections are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 34410, Jerusalem 91342, Israel.
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Abstract
West Nile fever (WNF) is endemic in Israel. In 1999, country-wide adult mosquito surveys were initiated and intensified after the 2000 country-wide outbreak of WNF in humans. In 8 consecutive yr, groups of male and female specimens of different species and from different locations were tested for infection with West Nile virus (WNV). Three species made up >87% of the total catch: Culex pipiens L. (52%), with an infection rate (IR) of 0.5; Cx. perexiguus Theobald (20%), with an IR of 2.7; and Aedes caspius Pallas (15%), with an IR of 0.6. The geographical and temporal distribution of WNV-infected mosquitoes was similar but was not parallel to the seasonal abundance of the populations. The seasonal occurrence of human cases is in correlation with the finding of WNV-positive mosquito specimens reaching a peak 1 mo later than the mosquito peak. The relative importance of the mosquito species in the epidemiology of WNF is discussed. Cx. perexiguus is considered the major vector of WNF in Israel.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Central Laboratories, Ministry of Health, Yaakov Eliav St., 9 Jerusalem 94467, P.O. Box 34410, Jerusalem 91342, Israel.
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Impoinvil DE, Ahmad S, Troyo A, Keating J, Githeko AK, Mbogo CM, Kibe L, Githure JI, Gad AM, Hassan AN, Orshan L, Warburg A, Calderón-Arguedas O, Sánchez-Loría VM, Velit-Suarez R, Chadee DD, Novak RJ, Beier JC. Comparison of mosquito control programs in seven urban sites in Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Health Policy 2007; 83:196-212. [PMID: 17316882 PMCID: PMC2048658 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2007.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2006] [Revised: 01/12/2007] [Accepted: 01/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito control programs at seven urban sites in Kenya, Egypt, Israel, Costa Rica, and Trinidad are described and compared. Site-specific urban and disease characteristics, organizational diagrams, and strengths, weaknesses, obstacles and threats (SWOT) analysis tools are used to provide a descriptive assessment of each mosquito control program, and provide a comparison of the factors affecting mosquito abatement. The information for SWOT analysis is collected from surveys, focus-group discussions, and personal communication. SWOT analysis identified various issues affecting the efficiency and sustainability of mosquito control operations. The main outcome of our work was the description and comparison of mosquito control operations within the context of each study site's biological, social, political, management, and economic conditions. The issues identified in this study ranged from lack of inter-sector collaboration to operational issues of mosquito control efforts. A lack of sustainable funding for mosquito control was a common problem for most sites. Many unique problems were also identified, which included lack of mosquito surveillance, lack of law enforcement, and negative consequences of human behavior. Identifying common virtues and shortcomings of mosquito control operations is useful in identifying "best practices" for mosquito control operations, thus leading to better control of mosquito biting and mosquito-borne disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel E Impoinvil
- Global Public Health Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.
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Orshan L, Szekely D, Schnur H, Wilamowski A, Galer Y, Bitton S, Schlein Y. Attempts to control sand flies by insecticide-sprayed strips along the periphery of a village. J Vector Ecol 2006; 31:113-7. [PMID: 16859098 DOI: 10.3376/1081-1710(2006)31[113:atcsfb]2.0.co;2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The customary method for controlling leishmaniasis and sand fly bites in Israel is the spraying of large quantities of residual insecticides on walls of houses and neighboring surfaces. However, the high summer temperatures, strong radiation, and dust limit the efficacy of the method. The sand fly vectors of Leishmania appeared to come uphill to the village of Kfar Adumim. Therefore, to block their path and improve control, beta-cyfluthrine or DDT were repeatedly sprayed on a strip of cloth that was stretched on the ground along and near the peripheral houses. The efficacy of the treatments was examined by comparing the proportions of sand flies that had been caught before and after the treatments, below and above the belt. The capture near the houses of sand flies that had been marked by colored sugar baits below the protective belt indicated that they were moving uphill and crossing the strip. The catches showed a gradual uphill decrease, up to the houses, in the number of sand flies. However, the proportions of sand flies caught in the different sites were similar before and after insecticide treatments showing that the belt was ineffective. Laboratory tests of pieces of the sprayed strip and exposure of sand flies to similar pieces indicated that the lack of effect was not caused by deficiency of insecticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, P.O. Box 34410, Jerusalem 91342, Israel
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Orshan L, Kelbert M, Pener H. Patterns of insecticide resistance in larval Culex pipiens populations in Israel: dynamics and trends. J Vector Ecol 2005; 30:289-94. [PMID: 16599165] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Resistance to insecticides of larval Culex pipiens populations in Israel has been monitored for ten years and the results were used for control planning. The insecticides tested were the organophosphates chlorpyrifos, fenthion, and temephos and the pyrethroids permethrin and cypermethrin. Over the years the relative resistance (R/R) values to chlorpyrifos in most populations tested were between 200-400, with records of up to 700 R/R. Practically no susceptible populations were found and the compound has been withdrawn from use, resulting in a decrease in the relative resistance values. In 1996 when fenthion was reintroduced, no resistant populations were found, but in the following years significant resistance appeared in an increasing number of populations with values lower than recorded for chlorpyrifos but still high (up to 100 R/R). All populations tested were found to be susceptible to temephos and accordingly the compound was reintroduced in 2002. Over the ten years, no significant resistance to cypermethrin was found in the majority of the populations tested, while a trend of increased resistance to permethrin was noted with a few records of >1000 R/R. The results demonstrate the importance of continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance for efficient mosquito control. Alternative insecticides and methods of control are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laor Orshan
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Kitron U, Pener H, Costin C, Orshan L, Greenberg Z, Shalom U. Geographic information system in malaria surveillance: mosquito breeding and imported cases in Israel, 1992. Am J Trop Med Hyg 1994; 50:550-6. [PMID: 8203702 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.1994.50.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although a significant resurgence of malaria in Israel is unlikely at present, the risk for a localized outbreak of malaria cases due to infection of local anopheline mosquitoes by imported cases does exist. A national computerized surveillance system of breeding sites of Anopheles mosquitoes and imported malaria cases was established in 1992 using a geographic information system (GIS). Distances between population centers and breeding sites were calculated, and maps associating epidemiologic and entomologic data were generated. Risk of malaria transmission was assessed with consideration of vectorial capacity and flight range of each Anopheles species. The GIS-based surveillance system ensures that if a localized outbreak does occur, it will be associated rapidly with a likely breeding site, a specific Anopheles vector, and a probable human source, so that prompt control measures can be most efficiently targeted. This cost-effective GIS-based surveillance system can be expanded and adapted for countries with indigenous malaria transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Kitron
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana
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Pener H, Orshan L, Kitron U, Shalom U. The unexpected presence of four malaria vectors in southern Israel. Isr J Med Sci 1994; 30:287-8. [PMID: 8175331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- H Pener
- Laboratory of Entomology, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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