bims-mosdis 2022-03-27 papers

bims-mosdis

Biomed News

on Mosquito distribution and disease

Issue of 2022–03–27
25 papers selected by
Richard Halfpenny, Staffordshire University

Citywide Integrated Aedes aegypti Mosquito Surveillance as Early Warning System for Arbovirus Transmission, Brazil.
An inventory of human night-biting mosquitoes and their bionomics in Sumba, Indonesia.
Aquatain® causes anti-oviposition, egg retention and oocyte melanization and triggers female death in Aedes aegypti.
Temperature impacts the environmental suitability for malaria transmission by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi.
Japanese Encephalitis Virus Interaction with Mosquitoes: A Review of Vector Competence, Vector Capacity and Mosquito Immunity.
Meta-Analysis of the Relative Abundance of Nuisance and Vector Mosquitoes in Urban and Blue-Green Spaces.
Temporal Correlation Between Urban Microclimate, Vector Mosquito Abundance, and Dengue Cases.
Predators as Control Agents of Mosquito Larvae in Micro-Reservoirs (Review).
Durability of three types of dual active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal net compared to a pyrethroid-only LLIN in Tanzania: methodology for a prospective cohort study nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Behavioural response of Culex pipiens biotype molestus to oviposition pheromone.
Rapid age-grading and species identification of natural mosquitoes for malaria surveillance.
The ecdysone receptor regulates several key physiological factors in Anopheles funestus.
An evidence synthesis approach for combining different data sources illustrated using entomological efficacy of insecticides for indoor residual spraying.
Virological Surveillance of Aedes aegypti Vectors Identifies All Four Dengue Serotypes in a Hyperendemic Region.
Sympatric Populations of the Anopheles gambiae Complex in Southwest Burkina Faso Evolve Multiple Diverse Resistance Mechanisms in Response to Intense Selection Pressure with Pyrethroids.
Factors associated with a malaria outbreak at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, 2021: a case-control study.
Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) and Odorant Receptors (ORs) of Anopheles stephensi: Identification and comparative insights.
Establishment, Genetic Diversity, and Habitat Suitability of Aedes albopictus Populations from Ecuador.
Risk-Based Mapping Tools for Surveillance and Control of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Switzerland.
Mapping the Risk for West Nile Virus Transmission, Africa.
Adaptive evolution of West Nile virus facilitated increased transmissibility and prevalence in New York State.
Environmental determinants predicting population vulnerability to high yellow fever incidence.
Global prevalence of dengue and chikungunya coinfection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43,341 participants.
Seroprevalence of Zika Virus in Amphawa District, Thailand, after the 2016 Pandemic.
The Phylodynamic and Spread of the Invasive Asian Malaria Vectors, Anopheles stephensi, in Sudan.

Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Apr;28(4): 701-706

Citywide Integrated Aedes aegypti Mosquito Surveillance as Early Warning System for Arbovirus Transmission, Brazil.

André S Leandro, Wagner A Chiba de Castro, Renata D Lopes, Robson M Delai, Daniel A M Villela, Rafael Maciel de-Freitas.

  Arbovirus epidemiology lacks efficient and timely surveillance systems with accurate outbreak alert signals. We devised a citywide integrated surveillance system combining entomologic, epidemiologic, and entomo-virologic data gathered during 2017-2020 in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil. We installed 3,476 adult mosquito traps across the city and inspected traps every 2 months. We compared 5 entomologic indices: traditional house and Breteau indices for larval surveys and trap positivity, adult density, and mosquitoes per inhabitant indices for adult trapping. We screened for dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses in live adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected from traps. Indices based on adult mosquito sampling had higher outbreak predictive values than larval indices, and we were able to build choropleth maps of infestation levels <36 h after each round of trap inspection. Locating naturally infected vectors provides a timely support tool for local public health managers to prioritize areas for intervention response to prevent virus outbreaks.

Keywords:  Aedes aegypti; Brazil; Zika; arbovirus; chikungunya; dengue; disease transmission; entomologic surveillance; epidemiology; mosquitoes; vector control; vector-borne infections; vectorial capacity; viruses; zoonoses

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2804.211547
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2022 Mar 21. 16(3): e0010316

An inventory of human night-biting mosquitoes and their bionomics in Sumba, Indonesia.

Lepa Syahrani, Dendi H Permana, Din Syafruddin, Siti Zubaidah, Puji B S Asih, Ismail E Rozi, Anggi P N Hidayati, Sully Kosasih, Farahana K Dewayanti, Nia Rachmawati, Rifqi Risandi, Michael J Bangs, Claus Bøgh, Jenna Davidson, Allison Hendershot, Timothy Burton, John P Grieco, Nicole L Achee, Neil F Lobo.

Mosquitoes are important vectors that transmit pathogens to human and other vertebrates. Each mosquito species has specific ecological requirements and bionomic traits that impact human exposure to mosquito bites, and hence disease transmission and vector control. A study of human biting mosquitoes and their bionomic characteristics was conducted in West Sumba and Southwest Sumba Districts, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, Indonesia from May 2015 to April 2018. Biweekly human landing catches (HLC) of night biting mosquitoes both indoors and outdoors caught a total of 73,507 mosquito specimens (59.7% non-Anopheles, 40.3% Anopheles). A minimum of 22 Culicinae species belonging to four genera (Aedes, Armigeres, Culex, Mansonia), and 13 Anophelinae species were identified. Culex quinquefasciatus was the dominant Culicinae species, Anopheles aconitus was the principal Anopheles species inland, while An. sundaicus was dominant closer to the coast. The overall human biting rate (HBR) was 10.548 bites per person per night (bpn) indoors and 10.551 bpn outdoors. Mosquitoes biting rates were slightly higher indoors for all genera with the exception of Anopheles, where biting rates were slightly higher outdoors. Diurnal and crepuscular Aedes and Armigeres demonstrated declining biting rates throughout the night while Culex and Anopheles biting rates peaked before midnight and then declined. Both anopheline and non-anopheline populations did not have a significant association with temperature (p = 0.3 and 0.88 respectively), or rainfall (p = 0.13 and 0.57 respectively). The point distribution of HBR and seasonal variables did not have a linear correlation. Data demonstrated similar mosquito-human interactions occurring outdoors and indoors and during early parts of the night implying both indoor and outdoor disease transmission potential in the area-pointing to the need for interventions in both spaces. Integrated vector analysis frameworks may enable better surveillance, monitoring and evaluation strategies for multiple diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0010316
Parasit Vectors. 2022 Mar 22. 15(1): 100

Aquatain® causes anti-oviposition, egg retention and oocyte melanization and triggers female death in Aedes aegypti.

Hamady Dieng, Storm McLean, Holly Stradling, Cole Morgan, Malik Gordon, Whitney Ebanks, Zoila Ebanks, Alan Wheeler.

   BACKGROUND: In arboviral disease systems where the virus can be transmitted from male to female vectors and from one generation to the next, targeting the female (especially when she is gravid) can help alter the persistence of the virus in nature and its transmission. A typical example is Aedes aegypti, which has become unmanageable due to the development of insecticide resistance. Despite evidence that monomolecular surface films prevent the selection of genetic resistance, their potential in Aedes vector control remains largely unexplored.
METHODS: We examined the oviposition, egg retention, oocyte melanization, and female mortality of the Cayman Islands strain of Ae. aegypti, using choice (balanced and unbalanced) and no-choice bioassays involving Aquatain® Mosquito Formulation (AMF; Aquatain Products Pty Ltd.), a polydimethylsiloxane-based liquid used for mosquito control.
RESULTS: When presented with similar opportunities to oviposit in two sites treated with AMF and two other sites with untreated water (control), egg deposition rates were significantly higher in the untreated water sites than in the AMF-treated sites (P < 0.05). We also observed a matching pattern of egg deposition preference in environments with more options in terms of AMF-treated sites. Females laid significantly more eggs when water was the only available medium than when all sites were treated with AMF (P < 0.05). Also, significantly more mature eggs were withheld in the AMF no-choice environment than in the no-choice test involving only water (P < 0.05). Internal oocyte melanization was not observed in females from the oviposition arenas with the lowest AMF presence (equal-choice and water-based no-choice); in contrast, this physiological response intensified as the number of AMF-treated sites increased. Female death occurred at high rates in AMF-treated environments, and this response increased with the increasing presence of such egg deposition sites.
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that AMF acted as a deterrent signal to ovipositing Ae. aegypti and as an indirect adulticide. These results suggest that AMF may be a promising control tool against the dengue vector, and this warrants further evaluation under field settings.

Keywords:  Aedes aegypti; Aquatain®; Egg retention; Female death; Melanization; Oviposition

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-022-05202-0
Ecology. 2022 Mar 22. e3685

Temperature impacts the environmental suitability for malaria transmission by Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi.

Oswaldo C Villena, Sadie J Ryan, Courtney C Murdock, Leah R Johnson.

  Extrinsic environmental factors influence the spatio-temporal dynamics of many organisms, including insects that transmit the pathogens responsible for vector-borne diseases (VBDs). Temperature is an especially important constraint on the fitness of a wide variety of ectothermic insects. A mechanistic understanding of how temperature impacts traits of ectotherms and thus the distribution of ectotherms and vector-borne infections is key to predicting the consequences of climate change on transmission of VBDs like malaria. However, the response of transmission to temperature and other drivers is complex, as thermal traits of ectotherms are typically non-linear, and they interact to determine transmission constraints. In this study, we assess and compare the effect of temperature on the transmission of two malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax, by two malaria vector species, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi. We model the non-linear responses of temperature dependent mosquito and parasite traits (mosquito development rate, bite rate, fecundity, proportion of eggs surviving to adulthood, vector competence, mortality rate, and parasite development rate) and incorporate these traits into a suitability metric based on a model for the basic reproductive number across temperatures. Our model predicts that the optimum temperature for transmission suitability is similar for the four mosquito-parasite combinations assessed in this study, but may differ at the thermal limits. More specifically, we found significant differences in the upper thermal limit between parasites spread by the same mosquito (An. stephensi) and between mosquitoes carrying P. falciparum. In contrast, at the lower thermal limit the significant differences were primarily between the mosquito species that both carried the same pathogen (e.g., An. stephensi and An. gambiae both with P. falciparum). Using prevalence data, we show that the transmission suitability metric S(T) calculated from our mechanistic model is consistent with observed P. falciparum prevalence in Africa and Asia but is equivocal for P. vivax prevalence in Asia, and inconsistent with P. vivax prevalence in Africa. We mapped risk to illustrate the number of months various areas in Africa and Asia predicted to be suitable for malaria transmission based on this suitability metric. This mapping provides spatially explicit predictions for suitability and transmission risk.

Keywords:  Africa; Asia; Plasmodium falciparum; Plasmodium vivax; basic reproductive number; malaria; mosquito life history; thermal performance curve; vector-borne diseases

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.3685
Pathogens. 2022 Mar 03. pii: 317. [Epub ahead of print]11(3):

Japanese Encephalitis Virus Interaction with Mosquitoes: A Review of Vector Competence, Vector Capacity and Mosquito Immunity.

Claudia Van den Eynde, Charlotte Sohier, Severine Matthijs, Nick De Regge.

  Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic flavivirus and a major cause of human viral encephalitis in Asia. We provide an overview of the knowledge on vector competence, vector capacity, and immunity of mosquitoes in relation to JEV. JEV has so far been detected in more than 30 mosquito species. This does not necessarily mean that these species contribute to JEV transmission under field conditions. Therefore, vector capacity, which considers vector competence, as well as environmental, behavioral, cellular, and biochemical variables, needs to be taken into account. Currently, 17 species can be considered as confirmed vectors for JEV and 10 other species as potential vectors. Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex annulirostris are considered primary JEV vectors in endemic regions. Culex pipiens and Aedes japonicus could be considered as potentially important vectors in the case of JEV introduction in new regions. Vector competence is determined by various factors, including vector immunity. The available knowledge on physical and physiological barriers, molecular pathways, antimicrobial peptides, and microbiome is discussed in detail. This review highlights that much remains to be studied about vector immunity against JEV in order to identify novel strategies to reduce JEV transmission by mosquitoes.

Keywords:  Japanese encephalitis virus; arboviruses; vector capacity; vector competence; vector immunity; virus–vector interactions

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11030317
Insects. 2022 Mar 10. pii: 271. [Epub ahead of print]13(3):

Meta-Analysis of the Relative Abundance of Nuisance and Vector Mosquitoes in Urban and Blue-Green Spaces.

Charlotte G Rhodes, Nicole A Scavo, Micaela Finney, Juan P Fimbres-Macias, Macey T Lively, Brandon H Strauss, Gabriel L Hamer.

  Blue-green spaces (BGSs), urban areas characterized by the presence of vegetation and or water, and infrastructure form a potential solution for public health threats from increasing urbanization. We conducted a meta-analysis to test the hypothesis that blue-green spaces increase the abundance of nuisance and vector mosquito species compared to non-greened urban areas. After screening 7306 studies published since 1992, we identified 18 studies containing sufficient data from both traditional urban areas and BGSs. We found no significant difference in mean abundance of all mosquito taxa in three genera (Aedes, Culex, Anopheles) when comparing blue-green spaces and non-greened urban spaces. Similarly, a separate analysis of each individual genera found no significant differences. An analysis of the taxa by larval habitat guilds found no differences for container-breeding mosquitoes. Flood-water species tended to be more abundant in blue-green spaces, but the differences were not significant. The individual taxa of Aedes albopictus and the Culex pipiens complex showed no differences between blue-green and urban spaces, while the abundance of Aedes aegypti was significantly higher in traditional urban spaces. Due to the variety existing between and among the several types of blue-green spaces, further studies comparing each unique type of blue-green space or infrastructure will be necessary to draw conclusions regarding the influence of each structure on for urban mosquito communities.

Keywords:  abundance; blue space; green space; mosquito; urban

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030271
J Med Entomol. 2022 Mar 19. pii: tjac005. [Epub ahead of print]

Temporal Correlation Between Urban Microclimate, Vector Mosquito Abundance, and Dengue Cases.

Lia Faridah, Nisa Fauziah, Dwi Agustian, I Gede Nyoman Mindra Jaya, Ramadhani Eka Putra, Savira Ekawardhani, Nurrachman Hidayath, Imam Damar Djati, Thaddeus M Carvajal, Wulan Mayasari, Fedri Ruluwedrata Rinawan, Kozo Watanabe.

  Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a major mosquito-borne viral disease. Studies have reported a strong correlation between weather, the abundance of Aedes aegypti, the vector of DHF virus, and dengue incidence. However, this conclusion has been based on the general climate pattern of wide regions. In general, however, the human population, level of infrastructure, and land-use change in rural and urban areas often produce localized climate patterns that may influence the interaction between climate, vector abundance, and dengue incidence. Thoroughly understanding this correlation will allow the development of a customized and precise local early warning system. To achieve this purpose, we conducted a cohort study, during January-December 2017, in 16 districts in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. In the selected areas, local weather stations and modified light mosquito traps were set up to obtain data regarding daily weather and the abundance of adult female Ae. aegypti. A generalized linear model was applied to analyze the effect of local weather and female adult Ae. aegypti on the number of dengue cases. The result showed a significant non-linear correlation among mosquito abundance, maximum temperature, and dengue cases. Using our model, the data showed that the addition of a single adult Ae. aegypti mosquito increased the risk of dengue infection by 1.8%, while increasing the maximum temperature by one degree decreased the risk by 17%. This finding suggests specific actionable insights needed to supplement existing mosquito eradication programs.

Keywords:   Ae. aegypti ; Bandung; dengue; weather

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjac005
Inland Water Biol. 2022 ;15(1): 39-53

Predators as Control Agents of Mosquito Larvae in Micro-Reservoirs (Review).

D D Vinogradov, A Y Sinev, A V Tiunov.

  The article reviews predators that are able to control populations of mosquito larvae (Culicidae) in phytotelmata and their anthropogenic analogs. The spectrum of mosquito larva consumers in micro-reservoirs is listed. It includes flatworms, crustaceans, arachnids, insects, vertebrates, and carnivorous plants. The biology and practical use of the two most effective biological control agents, predatory mosquitoes Toxorhynchites and copepods, are considered in more detail. Prospects of invertebrate predators as controlling agents for the mosquito larvae in micro-reservoirs in temperate climate zones are briefly discussed.
Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1134/S1995082922010138.

Keywords:  Aedes; Toxorhynchites; biological control; container habitat; copepods; micro-reservoirs; phytotelmata

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1134/S1995082922010138
Malar J. 2022 Mar 19. 21(1): 96

Durability of three types of dual active ingredient long-lasting insecticidal net compared to a pyrethroid-only LLIN in Tanzania: methodology for a prospective cohort study nested in a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Jackline L Martin, Louisa A Messenger, Franklin W Mosha, Eliud Lukole, Jacklin F Mosha, Manisha Kulkarni, Thomas S Churcher, Ellie Sherrard-Smith, Alphaxard Manjurano, Natacha Protopopoff, Mark Rowland.

   BACKGROUND: Progress achieved by long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) against malaria is threatened by widespread selection of pyrethroid resistance among vector populations. LLINs with non-pyrethroid insecticides are urgently needed. This study aims to assess the insecticide and textile durability of three classes of dual-active ingredient (A.I.) LLINs using techniques derived from established WHO LLIN testing methods to set new standards of evaluation.
METHODS: A WHO Phase 3 active ingredients and textile durability study will be carried out within a cluster randomized controlled trial in 40 clusters in Misungwi district, Tanzania. The following treatments will be evaluated: (1) Interceptor®G2 combining chlorfenapyr and the pyrethroid alpha-cypermethrin, (2) Royal Guard® treated with pyriproxyfen and alpha-cypermethrin, (3) Olyset™ Plus which incorporates a synergist piperonyl butoxide and the pyrethroid permethrin, and (4) a reference standard alpha-cypermethrin only LLIN (Interceptor®). 750 nets will be followed in 5 clusters per intervention arm at 6, 12, 24 and 36 months post distribution for survivorship and hole index assessment. A second cohort of 1950 nets per net type will be identified in 10 clusters, of which 30 LLINs will be withdrawn for bio-efficacy and chemical analysis every 6 months up to 36 months and another 30 collected for experimental hut trials every year. Bio-efficacy will be assessed using cone bioassays and tunnel tests against susceptible and resistant laboratory strains of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto. Efficacy of field-collected nets will be compared in six experimental huts. The main outcomes will be Anopheles mortality up to 72 h post exposure, blood feeding and egg maturation using ovary dissection to assess impact on fecundity.
CONCLUSIONS: Study findings will help develop bio-efficacy and physical durability criteria for partner A.I., in relation to the cRCT epidemiological and entomological outcomes, and refine preferred product characteristics of each class of LLIN. If suitable, the bioassay and hut outcomes will be fitted to transmission models to estimate correlation with cRCT outcomes.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03554616.

Keywords:  Bio-efficacy; Chlorfenapyr; Experimental hut trial; Insecticide resistance; Interceptor; Interceptor G2; Long-lasting insecticidal net; Malaria vectors; Olyset plus; Piperonyl butoxide; Pyriproxyfen; Royal Guard; Tanzania; Textile durability

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04119-4
J Insect Physiol. 2022 Mar 18. pii: S0022-1910(22)00029-4. [Epub ahead of print]138 104383

Behavioural response of Culex pipiens biotype molestus to oviposition pheromone.

Anastasia Fytrou, Dimitrios P Papachristos, Panagiotis G Milonas, Athanasios Giatropoulos, Spyros E Zographos, Antonios Michaelakis.

  Insect behaviour relies on an olfactory sensory system that controls a range of activities, from food choice and mating to oviposition, where pheromones play a central role. In Culex mosquitoes, egg-laying is accompanied by the release of mosquito oviposition pheromone (MOP), which has been shown to affect the oviposition behaviour of conspecifics. Here, we investigated for the first time the effect of MOP on the oviposition rate of Culex pipiens biotype molestus, examining separately males and females, before and after mating and oviposition. Our results demonstrate that MOP is more likely to act as an oviposition stimulant rather than an attractant, since more gravid females laid eggs in its presence, while the number of male or female mosquitoes (virgin or mated) captured on pheromone-treated pots was similar to those treated with control water.

Keywords:  Culex pipiens biotype molestus; Mosquito oviposition pheromone; Mosquitoes

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinsphys.2022.104383
Nat Commun. 2022 Mar 21. 13(1): 1501

Rapid age-grading and species identification of natural mosquitoes for malaria surveillance.

Doreen J Siria, Roger Sanou, Joshua Mitton, Emmanuel P Mwanga, Abdoulaye Niang, Issiaka Sare, Paul C D Johnson, Geraldine M Foster, Adrien M G Belem, Klaas Wynne, Roderick Murray-Smith, Heather M Ferguson, Mario González-Jiménez, Simon A Babayan, Abdoulaye Diabaté, Fredros O Okumu, Francesco Baldini.

The malaria parasite, which is transmitted by several Anopheles mosquito species, requires more time to reach its human-transmissible stage than the average lifespan of mosquito vectors. Monitoring the species-specific age structure of mosquito populations is critical to evaluating the impact of vector control interventions on malaria risk. We present a rapid, cost-effective surveillance method based on deep learning of mid-infrared spectra of mosquito cuticle that simultaneously identifies the species and age class of three main malaria vectors in natural populations. Using spectra from over 40, 000 ecologically and genetically diverse An. gambiae, An. arabiensis, and An. coluzzii females, we develop a deep transfer learning model that learns and predicts the age of new wild populations in Tanzania and Burkina Faso with minimal sampling effort. Additionally, the model is able to detect the impact of simulated control interventions on mosquito populations, measured as a shift in their age structures. In the future, we anticipate our method can be applied to other arthropod vector-borne diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-022-28980-8
Malar J. 2022 Mar 19. 21(1): 97

The ecdysone receptor regulates several key physiological factors in Anopheles funestus.

Surina Maharaj, Elodie Ekoka, Erica Erlank, Luisa Nardini, Janette Reader, Lyn-Marie Birkholtz, Lizette L Koekemoer.

   BACKGROUND: Malaria is a devastating disease, transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes infected with Plasmodium parasites. Current insecticide-based strategies exist to control the spread of malaria by targeting vectors. However, the increase in insecticide resistance in vector populations hinder the efficacy of these methods. It is, therefore, essential to develop novel vector control methods that efficiently target transmission reducing factors such as vector density and competence. A possible vector control candidate gene, the ecdysone receptor, regulates longevity, reproduction, immunity and other physiological processes in several insects, including malaria vectors. Anopheles funestus is a prominent vector in sub-Saharan Africa, however, the function of the ecdysone receptor in this mosquito has not previously been studied. This study aimed to determine if the ecdysone receptor depletion impacts An. funestus longevity, reproduction and susceptibility to Plasmodium falciparum infection.
METHODS: RNA interference was used to reduce ecdysone receptor expression levels in An. funestus females and investigate how the above-mentioned phenotypes are influenced. Additionally, the expression levels of the ecdysone receptor, and reproduction genes lipophorin and vitellogenin receptor as well as the immune gene, leucine rich immune molecule 9 were determined in ecdysone receptor-depleted mosquitoes using quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
RESULTS: Ecdysone receptor-depleted mosquitoes had a shorter lifespan, impaired oogenesis, were less fertile, and had reduced P. falciparum infection intensity.
CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study provides the first experimental evidence that supports ecdysone receptor as a potential target in the development of vector control measures targeting An. funestus.

Keywords:  20E-signaling; African malaria vector; Plasmodium falciparum; RNA interference

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04123-8
PLoS One. 2022 ;17(3): e0263446

An evidence synthesis approach for combining different data sources illustrated using entomological efficacy of insecticides for indoor residual spraying.

Nathan Green, Fiacre Agossa, Boulais Yovogan, Richard Oxborough, Jovin Kitau, Pie Müller, Edi Constant, Mark Rowland, Emile F S Tchacaya, Koudou G Benjamin, Thomas S Churcher, Michael Betancourt, Ellie Sherrard-Smith.

BACKGROUND: Prospective malaria public health interventions are initially tested for entomological impact using standardised experimental hut trials. In some cases, data are collated as aggregated counts of potential outcomes from mosquito feeding attempts given the presence of an insecticidal intervention. Comprehensive data i.e. full breakdowns of probable outcomes of mosquito feeding attempts, are more rarely available. Bayesian evidence synthesis is a framework that explicitly combines data sources to enable the joint estimation of parameters and their uncertainties. The aggregated and comprehensive data can be combined using an evidence synthesis approach to enhance our inference about the potential impact of vector control products across different settings over time.
METHODS: Aggregated and comprehensive data from a meta-analysis of the impact of Pirimiphos-methyl, an indoor residual spray (IRS) product active ingredient, used on wall surfaces to kill mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission, were analysed using a series of statistical models to understand the benefits and limitations of each.
RESULTS: Many more data are available in aggregated format (N = 23 datasets, 4 studies) relative to comprehensive format (N = 2 datasets, 1 study). The evidence synthesis model had the smallest uncertainty at predicting the probability of mosquitoes dying or surviving and blood-feeding. Generating odds ratios from the correlated Bernoulli random sample indicates that when mortality and blood-feeding are positively correlated, as exhibited in our data, the number of successfully fed mosquitoes will be under-estimated. Analysis of either dataset alone is problematic because aggregated data require an assumption of independence and there are few and variable data in the comprehensive format.
CONCLUSIONS: We developed an approach to combine sources from trials to maximise the inference that can be made from such data and that is applicable to other systems. Bayesian evidence synthesis enables inference from multiple datasets simultaneously to give a more informative result and highlight conflicts between sources. Advantages and limitations of these models are discussed.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0263446
Ecohealth. 2022 Mar 22.

Virological Surveillance of Aedes aegypti Vectors Identifies All Four Dengue Serotypes in a Hyperendemic Region.

Elisa Helena Paz Andrade, Leandra Barcelos Figueiredo, Ana Paula Pessoa Vilela, Júlio César Câmara Rosa, Hassan Melo Zibaoui, Erna Geessien Kroon.

  Dengue virus (DENV) 1-4 is the etiological agent of dengue, the most important viral infection transmitted by Aedes spp mosquitoes to humans. Our goal was to identify the circulating DENV in Aedes aegypti collected in an area of Brazil where all four DENV serotypes had already been detected in humans, understand the epidemiology better, and to test the vector as a virological surveillance tool. Twenty-eight larvae pools and 174 females of Aedes aegypti were screened by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction and semi-nested PCR assays. PCR products were sequenced, and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Nine larvae pools (32.1%) were positive for DENV, four (44.4%) with DENV-3, and five (55.6%) with more than one serotype. Fifteen females (8.6%) were positive for any DENV serotype. DENV-1 isolates belong to genotype V, DENV-2 to American-Asian genotype, DENV-3 to genotypes I and III, and DENV-4 to genotypes I and II. We demonstrate for the first time the co-circulation of all four DENV serotypes in larvae pools and adult Aedes aegypti in a hyperendemic area. This scenario represents a challenge for disease control and reinforces the importance of virological surveillance in the vector as a tool for predicting circulating DENV serotypes in humans.

Keywords:  Aedes aegypti; dengue; genotype; hyperendemic region; surveillance

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10393-022-01583-x
Insects. 2022 Feb 28. pii: 247. [Epub ahead of print]13(3):

Sympatric Populations of the Anopheles gambiae Complex in Southwest Burkina Faso Evolve Multiple Diverse Resistance Mechanisms in Response to Intense Selection Pressure with Pyrethroids.

Jessica Williams, Victoria A Ingham, Marion Morris, Kobié Hyacinthe Toé, Aristide S Hien, John C Morgan, Roch K Dabiré, Wamdagogo Moussa Guelbéogo, N'Falé Sagnon, Hilary Ranson.

  Pyrethroid resistance in the Anopheles vectors of malaria is driving an urgent search for new insecticides that can be used in proven vector control tools such as insecticide treated nets (ITNs). Screening for potential new insecticides requires access to stable colonies of the predominant vector species that contain the major pyrethroid resistance mechanisms circulating in wild populations. Southwest Burkina Faso is an apparent hotspot for the emergence of pyrethroid resistance in species of the Anopheles gambiae complex. We established stable colonies from larval collections across this region and characterised the resistance phenotype and underpinning genetic mechanisms. Three additional colonies were successfully established (1 An. coluzzii, 1 An. gambiae and 1 An. arabiensis) to add to the 2 An. coluzzii colonies already established from this region; all 5 strains are highly resistant to pyrethroids. Synergism assays found that piperonyl butoxide (PBO) exposure was unable to fully restore susceptibility although exposure to a commercial ITN containing PBO resulted in 100% mortality. All colonies contained resistant alleles of the voltage gated sodium channel but with differing proportions of alternative resistant haplotypes. RNAseq data confirmed the role of P450s, with CYP6P3 and CYP6Z2 elevated in all 5 strains, and identified many other resistance mechanisms, some found across strains, others unique to a particular species. These strains represent an important resource for insecticide discovery and provide further insights into the complex genetic changes driving pyrethroid resistance.

Keywords:  cuticular resistance; cytochrome P450s; insecticide resistance; insecticide treated nets; kdr; malaria vector

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030247
Malar J. 2022 Mar 19. 21(1): 94

Factors associated with a malaria outbreak at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe, 2021: a case-control study.

Kudzai Patience Takarinda, Simon Nyadundu, Emmanuel Govha, Notion Tafara Gombe, Addmore Chadambuka, Tsitsi Juru, Mufuta Tshimanga.

   BACKGROUND: Malaria is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among forcibly displaced populations, including refugees, approximately two-thirds of whom reside in malaria endemic regions. Data from the rapid disease notification system (RDNS) reports for Manicaland Province in Zimbabwe showed that despite implementation of malaria control initiatives, there was an increase in number of malaria cases above action thresholds at Tongogara refugee camp in Chipinge district during weeks 12-14 of 2021. An investigation that described the outbreak by person, place and time was conducted. Malaria emergency preparedness, response, and appropriateness of case management were assessed. The factors associated with contracting malaria were determined to enable the formulation of appropriate interventions, establish control, and prevent future malaria outbreaks among this vulnerable population.
METHODS: A 1:1 unmatched case-control study involving 80 cases and 80 controls was conducted using interviewer-administered questionnaires at household level. Data was entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and quantitative analysis was done using Epi Info™ version 7.2.2.6 to generate medians, proportions, odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals.
RESULTS: Malaria cases were distributed throughout the 10 residential sections within Tongogara refugee camp, the majority being from section 7, 28 (35%). Despite constituting 11% of the total population, Mozambican nationals accounted for 36 (45%) cases. Males constituted 47 (59%) among cases which was comparable to controls 43 (54%), p = 0.524. The median age for cases was 15 years [Interquartile range (IQR), 9-26] comparable to controls, which was 17 years (IQR, 10-30) (p = 0.755). Several natural and man-made potential vector breeding sites were observed around the camp. Risk factors associated with contracting malaria were engaging in outdoor activities at night [AOR = 2.74 (95% CI 1.04-7.22), wearing clothes that do not cover the whole body during outdoor activities [AOR 4.26 (95% CI, 1.43-12.68)], while residing in a refugee housing unit reduced the risk of contracting malaria [AOR = 0.18 (CI, 0.06-0.55)].
CONCLUSIONS: The malaria outbreak at Tongogara refugee camp reemphasizes the role of behavioural factors in malaria transmission. Intensified health education to address human behaviours that expose residents to malaria, habitat modification, and larviciding to eliminate mosquito breeding sites were recommended.

Keywords:  Malaria outbreak; Refugee housing unit (RHU); Tongogara refugee camp; Zimbabwe

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-022-04106-9
PLoS One. 2022 ;17(3): e0265896

Odorant Binding Proteins (OBPs) and Odorant Receptors (ORs) of Anopheles stephensi: Identification and comparative insights.

Zeeshan Zafar, Sidra Fatima, Muhammad Faraz Bhatti, Farooq A Shah, Zack Saud, Tariq M Butt.

Anopheles stephensi is an important vector of malaria in the South Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Africa. The olfactory system of An. stephensi plays an important role in host-seeking, oviposition, and feeding. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are globular proteins that play a pivotal role in insect olfaction by transporting semiochemicals through the sensillum lymph to odorant receptors (ORs). Custom motifs designed from annotated OBPs of Aedes aegypti, Drosophila melanogaster, and Anopheles gambiae were used for the identification of putative OBPs from protein sequences of the An. stephensi Indian strain. Further, BLASTp was also performed to identify missing OBPs and ORs. Subsequently, the presence of domains common to OBPs was confirmed. Identified OBPs were further classified into three sub-classes. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses were carried out to find homology, and thus the evolutionary relationship between An. stephensi OBPs and ORs with those of An. gambiae, Ae. aegypti and D. melanogaster. Gene structure and physicochemical properties of the OBPs and ORs were also predicted. A total of 44 OBPs and 45 ORs were predicted from the protein sequences of An. stephensi. OBPs were further classified into the classic (27), atypical (10) and plus-C (7) OBP subclasses. The phylogeny revealed close relationship of An. stephensi OBPs and ORs with An. gambiae homologs whereas only five OBPs and two ORs of An. stephensi were related to Ae. aegypti OBPs and ORs, respectively. However, D. melanogaster OBPs and ORs were distantly rooted. Synteny analyses showed the presence of collinear block between the OBPs and ORs of An. stephensi and An. gambiae as well as Ae. aegypti's. No homology was found with D. melanogaster OBPs and ORs. As an important component of the olfactory system, correctly identifying a species' OBPs and ORs provide a valuable resource for downstream translational research that will ultimately aim to better control the malaria vector An. stephensi.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0265896
Insects. 2022 Mar 19. pii: 305. [Epub ahead of print]13(3):

Establishment, Genetic Diversity, and Habitat Suitability of Aedes albopictus Populations from Ecuador.

Andrés Carrazco-Montalvo, Patricio Ponce, Stephany D Villota, Emmanuelle Quentin, Sofía Muñoz-Tobar, Josefina Coloma, Varsovia Cevallos.

  Aedes albopictus, also known as the tiger mosquito, is widespread worldwide across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. This insect is associated with the transmission of several vector-borne diseases, and, as such, monitoring its distribution is highly important for public health. In Ecuador, Ae. albopictus was first reported in 2017 in Guayaquil. Since then, the vector has been identified in the Northeastern lowlands and the Amazon basin. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity of Ecuadorian populations of Ae. albopictus through the analysis of the mitochondrial gene COI and to describe the potential distribution areas of this species within the country. The genetic diversity was determined by combining phylogenetic and population genetics analyses of five localities in Ecuador. Results showed two haplotypes in the Ecuadorian populations of Ae. albopictus. Haplotype 1 (H1) was found in the coastal and Amazon individuals, while haplotype 2 (H2) was only found in the three northeastern lowlands sites. In a worldwide context, H1 is the most widespread in 21 countries with temperate and tropical habitats. In contrast, H2 distribution is limited to five countries in tropical regions, suggesting fewer adaptation traits. Our prediction model showed a suitable habitat for Ae. albopictus in all regions (coastal, Amazon basin, and Andean lowland regions and the Galápagos Islands) of Ecuador. Hence, understanding different aspects of the vector can help us implement better control strategies for surveillance and vectorial control in Ecuador.

Keywords:  Aedes albopictus; COI; Ecuador; haplotype

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/insects13030305
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 09. pii: 3220. [Epub ahead of print]19(6):

Risk-Based Mapping Tools for Surveillance and Control of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Switzerland.

Damiana Ravasi, Francesca Mangili, David Huber, Laura Azzimonti, Lukas Engeler, Nicola Vermes, Giacomo Del Rio, Valeria Guidi, Mauro Tonolla, Eleonora Flacio.

   BACKGROUND: In Switzerland, Aedes albopictus is well established in Ticino, south of the Alps, where surveillance and control are implemented. The mosquito has also been observed in Swiss cities north of the Alps. Decision-making tools are urgently needed by the local authorities in order to optimize surveillance and control.
METHODS: A regularized logistic regression was used to link the long-term dataset of Ae. albopictus occurrence in Ticino with socioenvironmental predictors. The probability of establishment of Ae. albopictus was extrapolated to Switzerland and more finely to the cities of Basel and Zurich.
RESULTS: The model performed well, with an AUC of 0.86. Ten socio-environmental predictors were selected as informative, including the road-based distance in minutes of travel by car from the nearest cell established in the previous year. The risk maps showed high suitability for Ae. albopictus establishment in the Central Plateau, the area of Basel, and the lower Rhone Valley in the Canton of Valais.
CONCLUSIONS: The areas identified as suitable for Ae. albopictus establishment are consistent with the actual current findings of tiger mosquito. Our approach provides a useful tool to prompt authorities' intervention in the areas where there is higher risk of introduction and establishment of Ae. albopictus.

Keywords:  Aedes albopictus; ecological niche model; environmental factors; ovitrap; regularized logistic regression; surveillance

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063220
Emerg Infect Dis. 2022 Apr;28(4): 777-785

Mapping the Risk for West Nile Virus Transmission, Africa.

José-María García-Carrasco, Antonio-Román Muñoz, Jesús Olivero, Marina Segura, Raimundo Real.

  West Nile virus (WNV) is an emergent arthropodborne virus that is transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. Spillover events occur when infected mosquitoes bite mammals. We created a geopositioned database of WNV presence in Africa and considered reports of the virus in all animal components: reservoirs, vectors, and nonhuman dead-end hosts. We built various biogeographic models to determine which drivers explain the distribution of WNV throughout Africa. Wetlands of international importance for birds accounted for the detection of WNV in all animal components, whereas human-related drivers played a key role in the epizootic cases. We combined these models to obtain an integrative and large-scale perspective of the areas at risk for WNV spillover. Understanding which areas pose the highest risk would enable us to address the management of this spreading disease and to comprehend the translocation of WNV outside Africa through avian migration routes.

Keywords:  Africa; West Nile virus; arbovirus; epidemic; epizootic; infectious disease; pathogeography; vector-borne infections; viruses; zoonoses

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2804.211103
Emerg Microbes Infect. 2022 Mar 23. 1-32

Adaptive evolution of West Nile virus facilitated increased transmissibility and prevalence in New York State.

Sean M Bialosuknia, Alan P Dupuis, Steven D Zink, Cheri A Koetzner, Joseph G Maffei, Jennifer C Owen, Hannah Landwerlen, Laura D Kramer, Alexander T Ciota.

AUTHOR SUMMARY: Previous assessment of WNV evolution in NYS revealed mutations in the WNV genome with evidence of positive selection that emerged coincident with increasing WNV activity, indicating potential for an adaptive advantage. To examine whether the increase in WNV activity in NYS could be driven by NY10 mutations, we assessed the ability of distinct NY10 strains to infect and be transmitted by Culex pipiens, the primary vector of WNV in the Northeast US.
RESULTS: indicate that NY10 strains are more infectious and transmissible than the ancestral WN02 genotype strain at the same dose. Additionally, we experimentally infected American robins to assess differences in viral replication in vivo. Modeling the increased infectivity and transmissibility of the NY10 genotype demonstrates a mechanistic basis for selection that has likely contributed to the increased prevalence of WNV in NYS.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/22221751.2022.2056521
R Soc Open Sci. 2022 Mar;9(3): 220086

Environmental determinants predicting population vulnerability to high yellow fever incidence.

Joseph L Servadio, Claudia Muñoz-Zanzi, Matteo Convertino.

  Yellow fever (YF) is an endemic mosquito-borne disease in Brazil, though many locations have not observed cases in recent decades. Some locations with low disease burden may resemble locations with higher disease burden through environmental and ecohydrological characteristics, which are known to impact YF burden, motivating increased or continued prevention measures such as vaccination, mosquito control or surveillance. This study aimed to use environmental characteristics to estimate vulnerability to observing high YF burden among all Brazilian municipalities. Vulnerability was defined in three categories based on yearly incidence between 2000 and 2017: minimal, low and high vulnerability. A cumulative logit model was fit to these categories using environmental and ecohydrological predictors, selecting those that provided the most accurate model fit. Per cent of days with precipitation, mean temperature, biome, population density, elevation, vegetation and nearby disease occurrence were included in best-fitting models. Model results were applied to estimate vulnerability nationwide. Municipalities with highest probability of observing high vulnerability was found in the North and Central-West (2000-2016) as well as the Southeast (2017) regions. Results of this study serve to identify specific locations to prioritize new or ongoing surveillance and prevention of YF based on underlying ecohydrological conditions.

Keywords:  cumulative logit model; environment; vulnerability; yellow fever

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220086
Acta Trop. 2022 Mar 16. pii: S0001-706X(22)00106-1. [Epub ahead of print] 106408

Global prevalence of dengue and chikungunya coinfection: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 43,341 participants.

Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola, E A R Engku Nur Syafirah, Md Asiful Islam, Rafidah Hanim Shueb.

  Dengue and chikungunya virus are important arboviruses of public health concern. In the past decades, they have accounted for numerous outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in different parts of the world. Several cases of concurrent infection of dengue and chikungunya have been documented. However, the true burden of this concurrent infection is unknown. Here, a systematic review and meta-analysis of published data on the prevalence of dengue and chikungunya coinfection in the human population was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Six electronic databases (Web of science, Embase, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched without year or language restrictions for relevant studies. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020175344). Eighty-three studies involving a total of 43,341 participants were included. The random-effects model was employed to calculate the summary estimates. A pooled global prevalence of 2.5% (95% CI: 1.8-3.4) was obtained for dengue and chikungunya coinfection. Males and females appear to be coinfected at a fairly similar rate. Among the regions, Asia accounted for the highest prevalence (3.3%, 95% CI: 2.3-4.6) while North America was the least (0.8%, 95% CI: 0.3-2.4). The prevalence estimates varied across different countries. A much higher prevalence rates were obtained for Colombia (37.4%, 95% CI: 9.1-78.1), Madagascar (18.2%, 95% CI: 10.1-30.6), Laos (12.5%, 95% CI: 5.3-26.7), Maldives (4.5%, 95% CI: 1.5-13.0) and Thailand (3.7%, 95% CI: 0.4-26.3). This first extensive systematic review and meta-analysis reveals dengue and chikungunya coinfection as a global problem worthy of consideration. It is therefore pertinent that both infections be assessed during diagnosis, mosquito vector control practices be implemented, and vaccine development strides be supported globally.

Keywords:  Dengue; burden; chikungunya; coinfection; prevalence

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106408
Viruses. 2022 Feb 25. pii: 476. [Epub ahead of print]14(3):

Seroprevalence of Zika Virus in Amphawa District, Thailand, after the 2016 Pandemic.

Salin Sirinam, Supawat Chatchen, Watcharee Arunsodsai, Suriya Guharat, Kriengsak Limkittikul.

  In 2016, Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was declared a public health emergency of international concern because of the neurological consequences in babies born to infected people. Because of the mild and nonspecific symptoms, serological tests are essential in epidemiological studies. However, cross-reactive antibodies between other Flaviviridae members may complicate the interpretation of results of these tests. This study investigated the seroprevalence of ZIKV infection in Samut Songkhram in central Thailand which was affected by the Zika outbreak of 2016. Three hundred and fifty volunteers aged 5-50 years in Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram, were enrolled between April 2017 and April 2018. ZIKV nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) immunoglobulin G enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to screen serum samples collected on the first day of enrollment and after 6 and 12 months. The seroprevalence and seroconversion of ZIKV were assessed. Cases of ZIKV seroconversion were verified as evidence of ZIKV infection by NS1 blockade-of-binding ELISA and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT50). ZIKV seroprevalence in Amphawa was 15.1-17.8% with no significant change over the year. The total seroconversion rate throughout the year was 7/100 person-years. The ratio of asymptomatic to symptomatic infections was 4.5:1. The cases in our study confirmed the occurrence of occult ZIKV infections in the community. These undetected infections might promote the spread of ZIKV in vulnerable groups of the community.

Keywords:  ELISA; PRNT; Thailand; Zika virus; epidemiology; flavivirus

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/v14030476
Biology (Basel). 2022 Mar 07. pii: 409. [Epub ahead of print]11(3):

The Phylodynamic and Spread of the Invasive Asian Malaria Vectors, Anopheles stephensi, in Sudan.

Mustafa Abubakr, Hamza Sami, Isam Mahdi, Omnia Altahir, Hanadi Abdelbagi, Nouh Saad Mohamed, Ayman Ahmed.

  Anopheles stephensi is an invasive Asian malaria vector that initially emerged in Africa in 2012 and was reported in Sudan in 2019. We investigated the distribution and population structure of An. stephensi throughout Sudan by using sequencing and molecular tools. We confirmed the presence of An. stephensi in eight border-states, identifying both natural and human-made breeding sites. Our analysis revealed the presence of 20 haplotypes with different distributions per state. This study revealed a countrywide spread of An. stephensi in Sudan, with confirmed presence in borders states with Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, Republic of Central Africa, and South Sudan. Detection of An. stephensi at points of entry with these countries, particularly Chad, Libya, and South Sudan, indicates the rapid previously undetected spread of this invasive vector. Our phylogenetic and haplotype analysis suggested local establishment and evolutionary adaptation of the vector to different ecological and environmental conditions in Sudan. Urgent engagement of the global community is essential to control and prevent further spread into Africa.

Keywords:  Africa; Anopheles stephensi; International Health Regulations; climate change; haplotypes analysis; invasive disease vector; malaria epidemics; phylogenetic analysis; vector control and surveillance

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3390/biology11030409