Journal of Arthropod-Borne Diseases最新文献

Background: Fleas are blood-sucking ectoparasites with complete metamorphosis. They belong to the order Siphonaptera and can infest both humans and animals, causing dermatitis and transmitting vector-borne diseases. Despite extensive study of their classification and biology, the phylogenetic relationship between fleas in Iran is not fully understood. This research aimed to identify the flea species collected from different parts of East Azerbaijan Province in northwest Iran, using morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analysis.

Methods: From October 2019 to October 2020, we collected fleas using various methods such as hand catching for humans, brushing for dogs and cats, sticky traps for rodent burrows, light traps, and dishes with water for sheep and goats. After identifying the flea species using morphological identification keys, we extracted total genomic DNA and amplified it by targeting the ITS2 region. The PCR products were then directly sequenced to investigate the flea species.

Results: In total, 1929 flea specimens were collected, revealing three genera and four species. The breakdown of the specimens is as follows: Pulex irritans (n=1206; 62.5%), Ctenocephalides canis (n=345; 18%), Ctenocephalides felis felis (n=203; 10.5%), Ctenocephalides felis orientis (n=160; 8%), and Xenopsylla nuttalli (n=15; 1%). Phylogenetic analysis indicated low to moderate haplotype diversity (Hd: 0-0.524) across five distinct clades: P. irritans, C. canis, C. felis felis, C. felis orientis, and X. nuttalli.

Conclusion: This study represents the first in-depth analysis in East Azerbaijan Province, highlighting the significance of considering P. irritans as a major vector when assessing the risk of local disease transmission.

Background: Visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as kala-azar, and prevalent in more than 70 countries and several regions of Iran. It is one of the main diseases transmitted by sand flies. In this work, geometric morphometrics and DNA barcoding were employed as novel techniques to enhance the diagnostic tools used in this study.

Methods: Phlebotomus perfiliewi transcaucasicus, Phlebotomus major s.l., and Phlebotomus tobbi caught from three districts in the Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran. The right wings of 286 female sand flies were analyzed using geometric morphometric (GM) tools. Additionally, the COI gene was isolated from each of the three species, amplified using universal primers, and sequenced through the DNA barcoding method for classification. This sequencing data was then formatted to generate morphometric analyses.

Results: The landmarks with the most variations were found in sets 10, 12, 13, and 14, whereas the first set's landmarks at 1 and 11, along with those from the second set at positions 2, 3, and 5 exhibited the greatest variations. Analysis of the size and shape variations in the wings indicates the presence of distinct populations (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the DNA barcoding results not only confirmed the findings from the geometric morphometric analysis but also revealed both interspecific and intraspecific distances.

Conclusion: This study was the first attempt to assess whether wing geometry morphometrics, combined with DNA barcode techniques, can effectively distinguish the three mentioned species in the studied areas. Furthermore, the identification of Phlebotomus neglectus in this area prompted recommendations for additional research.

Background: One of the main global public health issues that affect several facets of the population is malaria. Ethiopia primarily uses Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and Long-lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs) as lifesaving frontline malaria vector prevention and control interventions. This study intends to assess the trend of malaria prevalence and coverage and utilization of IRS and LLINs in Itang district, western Ethiopia.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on malaria cases reported by Health Centers from 2017 to 2021. Data were gathered between July 02, 2021, and October 30, 2021, using a community-based cross-sectional household survey to evaluate the coverage and utilization of IRS and LLINs. The chi-square test was used to compare the trend of malaria prevalence among sex and age groups. Statistical significance was considered at P< 0.05.

Results: Among 4,500 patients with suspected cases of malaria, 40% of the cases had microscopically confirmed malaria. Plasmodium falciparum was more prevalent than P. vivax in the district. Only 368 (38.25%) people slept under the net yesterday night out of the 962 people who utilized it overall during the study period. 127 (63.5%) households reported no insecticide spraying in the past 12 months, while 73 (36.5%) reported their houses were sprayed.

Conclusion: The number of malaria cases reached its peak in 2019 and hit its lowest point in 2021. Results show that IRS and LLINs coverage and utilization were poor and warrant community awareness and support by all concerned bodies.

Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a viral zoonotic disease characterized by high fever, bleeding manifestations, and a high mortality rate. Most patients begin to experience bleeding 5 to 7 days after the onset of the illness, usually while hospitalized. This report highlights that even though patients may develop shock and multi-organ failure, there might be no visible signs of bleeding until shortly before death.

Methods: This case report describes a 42-year-old male patient with a confirmed diagnosis of CCHF via RT-PCR, who died despite intensive care treatment. Despite receiving intensive care treatment, he did not respond to the septic shock therapy and unfortunately passed away within a few hours. The diagnosis of the disease was made by the reference laboratory with a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for CCHF.

Results: In this case, the patient exhibited no visible signs of bleeding, such as hematemesis, melena, or gross hematuria, despite being in shock. While CCHF mortality (5-30%) typically occurs during the 3-5-day hemorrhagic phase, this patient died suddenly due to massive intra-abdominal bleeding, skipping the typical bleeding phase.

Conclusion: Clinicians should consider that individual differences may be seen in the clinical course of CCHF disease. In addition, the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was experienced worldwide when the patient applied. Given the overlapping initial symptoms of COVID-19 and CCHF, clinicians should prioritize differential diagnosis, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnostic delays may occur in the management of CCHF, particularly due to resource allocation.

Background: The German cockroach (Blattella germanica) is a pest with a global distribution that has adapted to live in human environments. Blattella germanica threatens human health by producing asthma-inducing allergens, carrying pathogenic/antibiotic-resistant microbes, and contributing to unhealthy indoor environments. Effective application of insecticides can play an important role in cockroach control programs. The purpose of this research was to develop and optimize a nanoparticle-based imidacloprid insecticide and evaluate its effectiveness against the German cockroach.

Methods: A bioassay was conducted to determine the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ of imidacloprid technical against adult German cockroaches. The appropriate initial concentration of 3mg/m² was then utilized in the synthesis of nanoencapsulated imidacloprid via the ionic gelation method. The average particle size was determined using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and the dried nanoparticles were analyzed using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values of Nano-imidacloprid were then compared with the technical grade of the insecticide.

Results: A comparison of the bioassay results for nanoencapsulated and imidacloprid technical revealed a superior insecticidal effect of the nanoencapsulated imidacloprid against the German cockroach. The LC₅₀ value for the nanoencapsulated imidacloprid decreased from 4.656 to 3.081 mg/m² and the LC₉₀ value decreased from 8.381 to 4.486 mg/m² when compared to imidacloprid technical.

Conclusion: The use of nanotechnology in insecticides can lead to increased efficacy and reduced consumption. This is because the smaller particle size of nanomaterials allows for better penetration and targeted delivery to pest organisms, reducing the overall amount needed for control.

Background: Demodex spp., a cosmopolitan mite, can exist as a commensal or parasitic organism. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Demodex spp. infestation in patients with common skin diseases and explore the potential association between demodicosis and these conditions in Urmia, northwest Iran.

Methods: A total of 246 patients attending the Skin Polyclinic of Iranian Urmia Taleghani Hospital were enrolled in the study. Samples were taken from the nose wings, cheeks, and forehead regions of the face area of the persons using the standard superficial skin biopsy method.

Results: Demodicosis was detected in 43 (16.3%) patients, with 42 cases attributed to D. folliculorum and 1 case to D. brevis infestation. The highest positivity was found in the 31-50 (21.4%) and 51-72 (22.2%) age groups. In the relationship between demodicosis and skin diseases, Demodex spp. was found in 13 (32.5%) of 40 patients who had skin disease; 6 of these patients with rosacea (42.9%) and 7 with eczema (29.2%). Mite infestation was found in 6 (37.5%) of 16 patients who had hemodialysis due to renal insufficiency. Furthermore, 46.7% of positive patients reported using common goods. The prevalence of demodicosis was similar among patients residing in villages (17.2%) and cities (17.6%).

Conclusion: This study sheds light on the potential association between Demodex infestation and common skin diseases such as rosacea and eczema in Urmia, Iran. Therefore, there is a pressing need to augment research endeavors on demodicosis.

Background: The wide distribution of phlebotomine vectors complicates the leishmaniasis situation in the world, with the risk of spreading from rural to urban areas. Our study investigates for the first time the ecology and distribution of sand fly populations in leishmaniasis focus (Djelfa, Algeria).

Methods: Sampling is performed using light traps from August 2021 to July 2022 at ten sites with different biotopes: two peri-urban stations (Ain Oussera and Hassi Bahbah), one urban station (Djelfa), and three rural stations (Ain El-Bel, Haniet Ouled Salem and Mlaga).

Results: A total of 2,866 specimens with 12 species belonging to Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia were identified with the first record of Phlebotomus langeroni female nationally, revealing a good diversity of up to 1.812 bits. The greatest richness of species was found in rural sites at Ain El Bel station, while the lowest richness was observed in the first peri-urban site of Ain Oussera station. Interestingly, the surveyed species were evenly distributed across all the study sites, in particular Phlebotomus papatasi with 57.29%. Statistical treatment revealed a strong positive relationship between temperature and species (p< 0.001, r= 0.91). Considering the other factors, there was a moderate link between species richness and altitude (p= 0.01 R²= 0.519). However, neither rainfall nor wind speed (p> 0.05) were correlated with sand fly fauna. Moreover, humidity showed a negative correlation (p< 0.001, r= -0.96).

Conclusion: The findings of this study on phlebotomine fauna in this endemic region for leishmaniasis provide valuable data to support the success of a vector control program.

Background: The main objective of this study is to review publications on the presence of Demodex spp. in patients diagnosed with blepharitis worldwide and to analyse the trends and groups in this field.

Methods: This bibliometric study was conducted to detect the presence of Demodex spp. in patients diagnosed with blepharitis worldwide between 1984 and 2023. For this purpose, 288 studies were examined as a result of searches using the keywords "Blepharitis and Demodex" in Web of Science (WOS) databases. All text data was analysed using VOSviewer software to ensure accuracy and reliability. In this study, analysis using text mining and data visualization techniques (bubble maps and graphs) helped to make the results more understandable.

Results: This study provided information on 288 articles from WOS databases. The average total number of citations is 1305 and the H-index is 41. The majority of articles (63%) were published in the field of ophthalmology. The countries that published the most articles on this topic were the USA (24%), China (13%), and Turkey (11%).

Conclusion: This study is the first bibliometric study of patients diagnosed with blepharitis due to Demodex spp. The most used keyword in blepharitis is Demodex. The most studied field of research is ophthalmology and the most studied country is the United States of America. The results of this bibliometric analysis conducted by us reveal global trends in the presence of Demodex spp. in patients diagnosed with blepharitis and provide important information for future directions of research.

Background: Water quality is usually measured using various indicators based on physical, chemical and biological parameters. By using the biological index that is based on the identification of the arthropod families, it is possible to make a logical judgment about the ecosystem condition. The aim of this study was measuring correlation coefficients between qualitative and biological Indices.

Methods: Water samples were collected 27 samples in northwest of Iran and aquatic insects' samples 54 in 2019. The NSFWQI and IRWQISC as the most important indices of physical and chemical quality of water ranged from 54.45-76.21 and from 41.32 to 77.40, respectively.

Results: A total of 2,953 aquatic insects were collected, and biological Index ranged from 6.26 to 3.38. It can be stated that increasing in the concentration of pollutants in the source and end of the river could lead to a sharp decrease in biological index. IRWQISC index, the effluent stations of fish farms can fit into 'fairly bad quality' and 'moderate quality' categories.

Conclusion: The linear regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between the Hilsenhoff biological Index and the physiochemical parameters of pH, DO (Dissolved Oxygen) and total dissolved solids. The activity of fish farms and discharging their effluents into water sources, can change the physical, chemical and biological parameters of receiving waters, therefore it is recommended that the location of these units be reviewed and also the appropriate treatment for such effluents should be considered, so that the health risks caused by them can be effectively reduced.