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Ebai R, Kien CA, Fombad FF, Esofi F, Ouam E, Ntuh AN, Amambo GN, Gandjui VNT, Chunda VC, Nietcho F, Nchang LC, Magha C, Cho JF, Esum ME, Enyong PI, Pfarr K, Hoerauf A, Ritter M, Wanji S. Culicoides Species of the Rain Forest Belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon: Their Incrimination in the Transmission of Mansonella perstans. Pathogens 2024; 13:146. [PMID: 38392884 PMCID: PMC10892414 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13020146] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Biting midges belonging to the genus Culicoides are tiny stout-shaped hematophagous insects and are thought to transmit the filarial nematode Mansonella perstans. Little is known about the Culicoides fauna in the rain forest belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon. This study was designed to investigate the diversity, abundance and distribution of Culicoides spp. and their role as the purported vector(s) of M. perstans. Overnight light trap collections and human landing catches (HLCs) revealed eight species of Culicoides with C. grahamii being the most abundant species followed by C. milnei. Four anthropophilic species (C. inornatipennis, C. grahamii, C. fulvithorax and C. milnei) were determined by the HLCs with a higher abundance in the 4-6 p.m. collections. The drop trap technique and Mp419 LAMP assay confirmed C. milnei to be the most efficient vector in enabling the development of the microfilarial stage to the infective larval form of M. perstans. The LAMP assay also revealed that natural transmission of this nematode is fostered by C. milnei and C. grahamii in the wild. In conclusion, C. milnei was shown to be the main vector of M. perstans in the rain forest belt of the Littoral Region of Cameroon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Ebai
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Chi Anizette Kien
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Fanny Fri Fombad
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Frederick Esofi
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Emmanuel Ouam
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Anna Ning Ntuh
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Glory Ngongeh Amambo
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Victor Narcisse Tchamatchoua Gandjui
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Valerine Chawa Chunda
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Franck Nietcho
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Lucy Cho Nchang
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Chefor Magha
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Jerome Fru Cho
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Mathias Eyong Esum
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Peter Ivo Enyong
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
| | - Kenneth Pfarr
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany (A.H.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Achim Hoerauf
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany (A.H.)
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Manuel Ritter
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), University Hospital Bonn (UKB), 53127 Bonn, Germany (A.H.)
- German-West African Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention (G-WAC), Partner Site Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Samuel Wanji
- Parasite and Vector Research Unit (PAVRU), Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon (C.A.K.); (A.N.N.); (V.N.T.G.); (V.C.C.); (C.M.)
- Research Foundation for Tropical Diseases and the Environment (REFOTDE), Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
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Rossaro B, Marziali L, Magoga G, Montagna M, Boggero A. Corrections and Additions to Descriptions of Some Species of the Subgenus Orthocladius s. str. (Diptera, Chironomidae, Orthocladiinae). Insects 2022; 13:insects13010051. [PMID: 35055894 PMCID: PMC8782044 DOI: 10.3390/insects13010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The larvae of some species of the subgenus Orthocladius s. str. (Diptera, Chironomidae) are here described for the first time with corrections and additions to the descriptions of adult males and pupal exuviae. The identification of larvae is generally not possible without association with pupal exuviae and/or adult males, so the descriptions here are based only on reared material or on pupae with the associated larval exuviae. Usually, Chironomidae larvae can be separated on the basis of morphometric characters, the most discriminant ones are: (1) the ratio between the width of median tooth of mentum (Dm) and the width of the first lateral tooth (Dl) = mental ratio (DmDl), (2) the ratio between the length of the first antennal segment (A1) and the combined length of segments 2-5 (A2-5) = antennal ratio (AR). The shape of mandible, maxilla, and other body parts are almost identical in all the species considered in this study. The larva of Orthocladius (Symposiocladius) lignicola is very characteristic and can be separated by the shape of mentum and the larvae of all the known species of Symposiocladius are characterized by the presence of large Lauterborn organs on antennae and of tufts of setae on abdominal segments. The larvae of Orthocladius (Orthocladius) oblidens and Orthocladius (Orthocladius) rhyacobius can be distinguished from other species basing on their large Dm and to each other by AR. A principal component analysis was carried out using 5 characters: (1) Dm, (2) Dl, (3) length of A1, (4) width of A1 (A1W), (5) combined length of segments 2-5 (A2-5). The most discriminant characters were Dm and A1, confirming that DmDl and AR can be used to separate species at larval stage, but the large superposition of morphometric characters in different species confirms that association with pupal exuviae is in any case needed to identify larvae. In future perspective, the development of reference DNA barcodes from specimens identified by specialists is recommended since possibly the best tool for larvae identification, but association of barcodes with morphotypes is in any case fundamental.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Rossaro
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Laura Marziali
- CNR-IRSA Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Via del Mulino 19, 20861 Brugherio, Italy;
| | - Giulia Magoga
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Matteo Montagna
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 2, 20133 Milano, Italy; (G.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Angela Boggero
- CNR-IRSA Water Research Institute, National Research Council, Corso Tonolli 50, 28922 Verbania Pallanza, Italy;
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Noronha LE, Cohnstaedt LW, Richt JA, Wilson WC. Perspectives on the Changing Landscape of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Control. Viruses 2021; 13:2268. [PMID: 34835074 DOI: 10.3390/v13112268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) is an insect-transmitted viral disease of wild and domestic ruminants. It was first described following a 1955 epizootic in North American white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), a species which is highly susceptible to the causative agent of EHD, epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV). EHDV has been detected globally across tropical and temperate regions, largely corresponding to the presence of Culicoides spp. biting midges which transmit the virus between ruminant hosts. It regularly causes high morbidity and mortality in wild and captive deer populations in endemic areas during epizootics. Although cattle historically have been less susceptible to EHDV, reports of clinical disease in cattle have increased in the past two decades. There is a pressing need to identify new methods to prevent and mitigate outbreaks and reduce the considerable impacts of EHDV on livestock and wildlife. This review discusses recent research advancements towards the control of EHDV, including the development of new investigative tools and progress in basic and applied research focused on virus detection, disease mitigation, and vector control. The potential impacts and implications of these advancements on EHD management are also discussed.
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Alkhamis MA, Fountain‐Jones NM, Aguilar‐Vega C, Sánchez‐Vizcaíno JM. Environment, vector, or host? Using machine learning to untangle the mechanisms driving arbovirus outbreaks. Ecol Appl 2021; 31:e02407. [PMID: 34245639 PMCID: PMC9286057 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Climatic, landscape, and host features are critical components in shaping outbreaks of vector-borne diseases. However, the relationship between the outbreaks of vector-borne pathogens and their environmental drivers is typically complicated, nonlinear, and may vary by taxonomic units below the species level (e.g., strain or serotype). Here, we aim to untangle how these complex forces shape the risk of outbreaks of Bluetongue virus (BTV); a vector-borne pathogen that is continuously emerging and re-emerging across Europe, with severe economic implications. We tested if the ecological predictors of BTV outbreak risk were serotype-specific by examining the most prevalent serotypes recorded in Europe (1, 4, and 8). We used a robust machine learning (ML) pipeline and 23 relevant environmental features to fit predictive models to 24,245 outbreaks reported in 25 European countries between 2000 and 2019. Our ML models demonstrated high predictive performance for all BTV serotypes (accuracies > 0.87) and revealed strong nonlinear relationships between BTV outbreak risk and environmental and host features. Serotype-specific analysis suggests, however, that each of the major serotypes (1, 4, and 8) had a unique outbreak risk profile. For example, temperature and midge abundance were as the most important characteristics shaping serotype 1, whereas for serotype 4 goat density and temperature were more important. We were also able to identify strong interactive effects between environmental and host characteristics that were also serotype specific. Our ML pipeline was able to reveal more in-depth insights into the complex epidemiology of BTVs and can guide policymakers in intervention strategies to help reduce the economic implications and social cost of this important pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moh A. Alkhamis
- Department of Epidemiology and BiostatisticsFaculty of Public HeathHealth Sciences CentreKuwait UniversityKuwait City13110Kuwait
| | - Nicholas M. Fountain‐Jones
- School of Natural SciencesUniversity of TasmaniaHobartTasmania7001Australia
- Department of Veterinary Population MedicineCollege of Veterinary MedicineUniversity of MinnesotaSt. PaulMinnesota55108USA
| | - Cecilia Aguilar‐Vega
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health DepartmentVeterinary SchoolComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
| | - José M. Sánchez‐Vizcaíno
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre and Animal Health DepartmentVeterinary SchoolComplutense University of MadridMadrid28040Spain
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Balaraman V, Drolet BS, Gaudreault NN, Wilson WC, Owens J, Bold D, Swanson DA, Jasperson DC, Noronha LE, Richt JA, Mitzel DN. Susceptibility of Midge and Mosquito Vectors to SARS-CoV-2. J Med Entomol 2021; 58:1948-1951. [PMID: 33686400 PMCID: PMC7989399 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 is a recently emerged, highly contagious virus and the cause of the current COVID-19 pandemic. It is a zoonotic virus, although its animal origin is not clear yet. Person-to-person transmission occurs by inhalation of infected droplets and aerosols, or by direct contact with contaminated fomites. Arthropods transmit numerous viral, parasitic, and bacterial diseases; however, the potential role of arthropods in SARS-CoV-2 transmission is not fully understood. Thus far, a few studies have demonstrated that SARS-CoV-2 replication is not supported in cells from certain insect species nor in certain species of mosquitoes after intrathoracic inoculation. In this study, we expanded the work of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility to biting insects after ingesting a SARS-CoV-2-infected bloodmeal. Species tested included Culicoides sonorensis (Wirth & Jones) (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges, as well as Culex tarsalis (Coquillett) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say) mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae), all known biological vectors for numerous RNA viruses. Arthropods were allowed to feed on SARS-CoV-2-spiked blood and at a time point postinfection analyzed for the presence of viral RNA and infectious virus. Additionally, cell lines derived from C. sonorensis (W8a), Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae) (C6/36), Cx. quinquefasciatus (HSU), and Cx. tarsalis (CxTrR2) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility. Our results indicate that none of the biting insects, nor the insect cell lines evaluated support SARS-CoV-2 replication, suggesting that these species are unable to be biological vectors of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velmurugan Balaraman
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Barbara S Drolet
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Natasha N Gaudreault
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - William C Wilson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Jeana Owens
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Dashzeveg Bold
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Dustin A Swanson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Dane C Jasperson
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Leela E Noronha
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
| | - Juergen A Richt
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine/Pathobiology and Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kansas State University, 1800 Denison Ave, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA
| | - Dana N Mitzel
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, 1515 College Ave, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA
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Georgaki A, Murchie A, McKeown I, Mercer D, Millington S, Thurston W, Burns K, Cunningham B, Harkin V, Menzies F. Bluetongue Disease Control in Northern Ireland During 2017 and 2018. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:456. [PMID: 31921914 PMCID: PMC6928110 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00456] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the emergence of bluetongue virus in central and northern Europe in 2006, Northern Ireland's (NI) surveillance programme has evolved to include the use of risk assessments and simulation models to monitor the risk of bluetongue incursion. Livestock production is of high economic importance to NI as it exports approximately 75% of its agricultural produce. Its surveillance programme is designed to enable effective mitigation measures to be identified to minimize disease risk, and to provide additional assurances to protect NI's export markets in the European Union (EU) and third countries. Active surveillance employs an atmospheric dispersion model to assess the likelihood of wind-borne midge transfer from Great Britain (GB) to NI and to identify high risk areas. In these areas, the number of cattle tested for bluetongue is proportionally increased. Targeted surveillance is directed to ruminants imported from restricted countries and regions at risk of bluetongue. Targeted surveillance on high risk imports assists in early detection of disease as, despite all controls and preventive measures, legally imported animals may still carry the virus. In November 2018, a bluetongue-positive heifer was imported into NI. A case specific risk assessment was commissioned to estimate the likelihood of spread of bluetongue as a result of this incursion. November is the tail end of the midges' active period and therefore there was considerable uncertainty pertaining to the survival of midges inside a cattle shed and the potential for incubation of the virus in the vectors. An evidenced-based approach was adopted where temperature and midge abundance was monitored in order to minimize uncertainty and give an accurate estimate of the likelihood of virus spread to other animals following the arrival of the positive heifer. The heifer was destroyed and the evidence indicated that the risk of successful completion of the extrinsic cycle within the local midge population was negligible. This paper describes NI's surveillance programme between January 2017 and December 2018 and the case of a positive imported animal into the country. The importance of effective surveillance in early detection of threats and the usefulness of risk assessments is highlighted through the case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Georgaki
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Archie Murchie
- Sustainable Agri-Food Sciences Division, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ignatius McKeown
- Trade, Epizootics and Official Controls Division, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - David Mercer
- Newtownards Divisional Veterinary Office, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Millington
- Atmospheric Dispersion and Air Quality, Met Office, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - William Thurston
- Atmospheric Dispersion and Air Quality, Met Office, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Burns
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Cunningham
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie Harkin
- Veterinary Sciences Division, Department of Virology, Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Fraser Menzies
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs, Belfast, United Kingdom
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Riddin MA, Venter GJ, Labuschagne K, Villet MH. Culicoides species as potential vectors of African horse sickness virus in the southern regions of South Africa. Med Vet Entomol 2019; 33:498-511. [PMID: 31172556 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12391] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
African horse sickness (AHS), a disease of equids caused by the AHS virus, is of major concern in South Africa. With mortality reaching up to 95% in susceptible horses and the apparent reoccurrence of cases in regions deemed non-endemic, most particularly the Eastern Cape, epidemiological research into factors contributing to the increase in the range of this economically important virus became imperative. The vectors, Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), are considered unable to proliferate during the unfavourable climatic conditions experienced in winter in the province, although the annual occurrence of AHS suggests that the virus has become established and that vector activity continues throughout the year. Surveillance of Culicoides within the province is sparse and little was known of the diversity of vector species or the abundance of known vectors, Culicoides imicola and Culicoides bolitinos. Surveillance was performed using light trapping methods at selected sites with varying equid species over two winter and two outbreak seasons, aiming to determine diversity, abundance and vector epidemiology of Culicoides within the province. The research provided an updated checklist of Culicoides species within the Eastern Cape, contributing to an increase in the knowledge of AHS vector epidemiology, as well as prevention and control in southern Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Riddin
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
| | - G J Venter
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - K Labuschagne
- Epidemiology, Parasites and Vectors, Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - M H Villet
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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Abstract
New Leishmania isolates form a novel group of human parasites related to Leishmania enrietti, with cases in Ghana, Thailand, and Martinique; other relatives infect Australian and South American wildlife. These parasites apparently cause both cutaneous and visceral disease, and may have evolved a novel transmission mechanism exploiting blood-feeding midges.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Cotton
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambs, CB10 1SA, UK.
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Robin M, Page P, Archer D, Baylis M. African horse sickness: The potential for an outbreak in disease-free regions and current disease control and elimination techniques. Equine Vet J 2016; 48:659-69. [PMID: 27292229 DOI: 10.1111/evj.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
African horse sickness (AHS) is an arboviral disease of equids transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. The virus is endemic in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and official AHS disease-free status can be obtained from the World Organization for Animal Health on fulfilment of a number of criteria. AHS is associated with case fatality rates of up to 95%, making an outbreak among naïve horses both a welfare and economic disaster. The worldwide distributions of similar vector-borne diseases (particularly bluetongue disease of ruminants) are changing rapidly, probably due to a combination of globalisation and climate change. There is extensive evidence that the requisite conditions for an AHS epizootic currently exist in disease-free countries. In particular, although the stringent regulations enforced upon competition horses make them extremely unlikely to redistribute the virus, there are great concerns over the effects of illegal equid movement. An outbreak of AHS in a disease free region would have catastrophic effects on equine welfare and industry, particularly for international events such as the Olympic Games. While many regions have contingency plans in place to manage an outbreak of AHS, further research is urgently required if the equine industry is to avoid or effectively contain an AHS epizootic in disease-free regions. This review describes the key aspects of AHS as a global issue and discusses the evidence supporting concerns that an epizootic may occur in AHS free countries, the planned government responses, and the roles and responsibilities of equine veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Robin
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK
| | - P Page
- Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, South Africa
| | - D Archer
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK
| | - M Baylis
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Cheshire, UK.,NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, UK
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10
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DE Regge N, DE Deken R, Fassotte C, Losson B, Deblauwe I, Madder M, Vantieghem P, Tomme M, Smeets F, Cay AB. Culicoides monitoring in Belgium in 2011: analysis of spatiotemporal abundance, species diversity and Schmallenberg virus detection. Med Vet Entomol 2015; 29:263-275. [PMID: 25761054 DOI: 10.1111/mve.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 11/29/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 12/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In 2011, Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) were collected at 16 locations covering four regions of Belgium with Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) traps and at two locations with Rothamsted suction traps (RSTs). Quantification of the collections and morphological identification showed important variations in abundance and species diversity between individual collection sites, even for sites located in the same region. However, consistently higher numbers of Culicoides midges were collected at some sites compared with others. When species abundance and diversity were analysed at regional level, between-site variation disappeared. Overall, species belonging to the subgenus Avaritia together with Culicoides pulicaris (subgenus Culicoides) were the most abundant, accounting for 80% and 96% of all midges collected with RSTs and OVI traps, respectively. Culicoides were present during most of the year, with Culicoides obsoletus complex midges found from 9 February until 27 December. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction screening for Schmallenberg virus in the heads of collected midges resulted in the first detection of the virus in August 2011 and identified C. obsoletus complex, Culicoides chiopterus and Culicoides dewulfi midges as putative vector species. At Libramont in the south of Belgium, no positive pools were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- N DE Regge
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - R DE Deken
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - C Fassotte
- Plant Protection and Ecotoxicology, Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - B Losson
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - I Deblauwe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Madder
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - P Vantieghem
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - M Tomme
- Plant Protection and Ecotoxicology, Life Science Department, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre (CRA-W), Gembloux, Belgium
| | - F Smeets
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - A B Cay
- Operational Direction Viral Diseases, Veterinary and Agrochemical Research Centre (CODA-CERVA), Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Abstract
Reemergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) occurred among lambs (n = 50) in a sheep flock in Belgium between mid-July and mid-October 2012. Bimonthly assessment by quantitative reverse transcription PCR and seroneutralization demonstrated that 100% of lambs were infected. Viremia duration may be longer in naturally infected than in experimentally infected animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Claine
- Namur Research Institute for Life Sciences, University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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12
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Prat N, Ribera C, Rieradevall M, Villamarín C, Acosta R. Distribution, Abundance and Molecular Analysis of Genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera, Chironomidae) in Tropical, High Altitude Andean Streams and Rivers. Neotrop Entomol 2013; 42:607-617. [PMID: 27193279 DOI: 10.1007/s13744-013-0161-1] [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] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of the genus Barbadocladius Cranston & Krosch (Diptera: Chironomidae), previously reported from Chile to Bolivia, has extended northwards. Larvae, pupae and pupal exuviae of this genus have been found in the high mountain tropical streams of Peru to 9°22'56″, but are restricted to very high altitude streams (altitudes over 3,278 m asl) compared to the lower altitude streams (below 1,100 m asl) in which the genus is reported in Chile and Argentina. Based on morphological studies, both described species in the genus, Barbadocladius andinus Cranston & Krosch and Barbadocladius limay Cranston & Krosch, have been found in Peru as pupae or pupal exuviae. Morphological analysis of the larvae and pupae revealed no differences between the two described species from Patagonia and Peru, which are of similar size and with a similar armament of hooklets and spines in pupal tergites and sternites. However, molecular analysis of larvae and pupae revealed that in Peru, there are at least two different evolutionary lines, one distributed widely and another restricted to one site. Phylogenetic analysis (using cox1 mitochondrial sequences) of all available sequences of Barbadocladius shows that the Chilean and Argentinean material differs from that of Peru. Therefore, a total of four molecular segregates are identified, although morphologically, neither larvae nor the pupae may be differentiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Prat
- Grupo de investigación Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.), Depto d'Ecologia, Univ de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - C Ribera
- Depto de Biologia Animal, Univ de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de Biodiversitat (IRBio), Univ de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Rieradevall
- Grupo de investigación Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.), Depto d'Ecologia, Univ de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Recerca de Biodiversitat (IRBio), Univ de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Villamarín
- Grupo de investigación Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.), Depto d'Ecologia, Univ de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - R Acosta
- Grupo de investigación Freshwater Ecology and Management (F.E.M.), Depto d'Ecologia, Univ de Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
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Epele LB, Miserendino ML, Brand C. Does nature and persistence of substrate at a mesohabitat scale matter for Chironomidae assemblages? A study of two perennial mountain streams in Patagonia, Argentina. J Insect Sci 2012; 12:68. [PMID: 22947060 PMCID: PMC3481470 DOI: 10.1673/031.012.6801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 10/14/2011] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Chironomid substrate-specific associations regarding the nature (organic-inorganic) and stability (stable-unstable) of different habitats were investigated at two low order Patagonian streams, during high and low water periods. Nant y Fall and Glyn rivers were visited twice (October 2007 and March 2008) and seven different habitat types were identified. A total of 60 samples were collected using a Surber sampler (0.09 m(-2) and 250 µm) and a set of 23 environmental descriptors including physicochemical parameters and different fractions of particulate organic matter were assessed. 35 Chironomidae taxa were recorded with Orthocladiinae (20), Chironominae (7), and Podonominae (4) being the most well-represented subfamilies. Paratrichocladius sp. 1, Parapsectrocladius sp. 2, Parametriocnemus sp. 1, Pseudochironomus sp., and Rheotanytarsus sp. were the most abundant taxa. According to the relative preference index, at least 14 taxa showed strong affinity for a particular substrate. The structurally complex macrophyte Myriophyllum quitense supported 11 taxa compared with only five taxa found on the less complex Isoetes savatieri. Generally, stable substrates (boulders, cobbles, and rooted plants) supported significantly higher chironomids richness, abundance, and diversity than unstable ones (gravel-sand). Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that detritus (leaves, seeds, and biomass), macrophyte biomass, and secondarily hydraulic variables had high explanatory power on chironomids species composition and structure. This work suggests that more complex substrates showing persistence in the temporal dimension supported a diverse array of chironomids, meaning that the maintenance of natural habitat heterogeneity is essential for the community. Land-use practices having significant effects on ecological stream attributes such as increased turbidity, sediment deposition, and runoff patterns will alter assemblages. Understanding environmental associations of the Chironomidae assemblage at the habitat scale is significant for conservation purposes and for the management of low order streams in Patagonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Beltrán Epele
- CONICET, Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ecología y Sistemática Animal (LIESA), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, Sede Esquel, Sarmiento 849, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - María Laura Miserendino
- CONICET, Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ecología y Sistemática Animal (LIESA), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, Sede Esquel, Sarmiento 849, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
| | - Cecilia Brand
- CONICET, Laboratorio de Investigaciones en Ecología y Sistemática Animal (LIESA), Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia, Sede Esquel, Sarmiento 849, 9200 Esquel, Chubut, Argentina
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