Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a prevalent and serious ailment impacting millions worldwide, including India. The disease has been recognized since the 6th century B.C. and well documented since the 18th century, and it is regarded as one of the most concerning vector-borne diseases. India accounts for nearly 40% of the worldwide burden of LF.

Methods: A comprehensive review was conducted using online and offline databases, focusing on studies related to different aspects of LF in India.

Results: Literature suggests that in India, about 98% of infections are produced by Wuchereria bancrofti , and in more than 99% of cases, Culex quinquefasciatus is the primary vector. Review reveals that the disease is gender- and age-specific; in most areas of India, rural and male populations are more affected than females, while middle- or working-age people are more affected. Filarial hydrocele is the leading cause of the higher prevalence in males (sometimes >10%), while adeno-lymphangitis, lymphodema, and elephantiasis are often more common in females. Acute and chronic filarial morbidities impose physical, social, marital, psychological, and economic consequences on the patients, their families, society, and the government. In India, it was estimated that about 2 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), US$811 million in annual wages, and up to 8% of the potential labour participation were lost due to LF.

Interpretation conclusion: Although the current situation has improved from the past, hundreds of Indian districts still require special attention from the mass drug administration program, along with sustainable vector management, morbidity management, public awareness, etc., as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Background objectives: Mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and filariasis pose a significant public health threat in India, especially in regions like Uttar Pradesh. Despite national programs, community participation and preventive practices remain inadequate. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices (KAP) related to mosquito-borne diseases among the study population; examine the association between sociodemographic factors (education, age, occupation, housing type) and KAP levels; and evaluate the relationship between knowledge levels and observed or self-reported mosquito-preventive practices.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 adult participants, selected through two-stage random sampling from 300 households (one participant per household) across six villages in Raebareli district, Uttar Pradesh. Data were gathered using structured questionnaire and direct observations. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed using Jamovi software.

Results: The study found high illiteracy (34%) and unskilled occupation rates (65%) among the study population. Poor knowledge, attitude, and practices were reported in 53.3%, 12%, and 41.7% of respondents, respectively. Significant associations were found between education, age, occupation, and housing type with KAP components (p < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that education up to 10th or 12th grade significantly predicted better knowledge (AOR: 2.38, 2.48). Older age was linked to improved attitude and practices. Knowledge was significantly associated with observed waste disposal behavior (p < 0.001) but not with self-reported practices.

Interpretation conclusion: Higher education and older age were strong predictors of improved KAP. Targeted health education interventions and community-based vector control strategies are needed in rural Uttar Pradesh.

Background objectives: Diagnostically refractory mutations/deletions in P. falciparum pose significant obstacles to malaria diagnosis and treatment. This study aims to enhance the understanding and management of efforts towards sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) treatments in the north eastern regions of India.

Methods: A total of eighty-seven samples collected retrospectively from the years 2018-2019 in four north east states: Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura were studied. The extracted genomic DNA was subjected to intactness analysis using the msp 1,2, and glurp genes, genotyping for diagnostic refractory gene deletions in ( Pfhrp 2/ Pfhrp 3) and drug resistance gene mutations ( Pfdhfr and Pfdhps ). Sequence analysis was performed to evaluate single, double, triple and quadruple mutations in the genes Pfdhfr and Pfdhps .

Results: Out of 87 samples, 50 (57%) samples were found with Pfhrp 2and/or Pfhrp 3 gene deletions (partial/complete). Out of these 50 samples, 47showed the Pfhrp 2 gene deletion, 29 showed Pfhrp 3 gene deletion and 26 samples showed deletions in both the genes. The presence of drug resistant with single, double, triple, quadruple mutations including mixed Pfdhfr and Pfdhps gene was seen in 75 (86%) samples. Out of 75 samples, 10 samples observed with sharing double (2) and triple (8) mutation in both Pfdhfr and Pfdhps genes. These samples were from Assam (one), Meghalaya (two), Mizoram (six) and Tripura (one). Interestingly four of these ten samples, one each from Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura, had Pfhrp 2-exon2 gene deletions showing resistance to diagnosis.

Interpretation conclusion: These findings show evidence regarding the simultaneous presence of diagnostic refractory and drug resistant P. falciparum parasites in North-East India. Further assessments of the mutations and deletions in these genes will help in understanding the positive selection pressures on such mutated P. falciparum parasites.

Dengue continues to escalate as a major global health challenge, driven by rapid urbanization, ecological change, and the expanding distribution of Aedes aegypti . Conventional surveillance systems, dominated by larval indices, provide limited predictive value and fail to capture the real-time transmission risk posed by infective adult females the sole vectors of dengue virus. This review re-examines dengue surveillance by emphasizing the epidemiological and operational significance of adult mosquito monitoring. Existing traps such as BG-Sentinel, CDC light and gravid traps, and gravid Aedes -specific devices are critically evaluated for their sensitivity, adaptability, and diagnostic utility. Metrics like threshold vector density and minimum infection rate (MIR) are identified as reliable indicators of transmission potential. The paper advocates for the development and large-scale deployment of next-generation adult traps that combine dual-attractant systems, power-free operation, and compatibility with molecular and digital diagnostic tools. Such innovations can transform dengue surveillance from reactive control to predictive, evidence-based intervention, offering a pathway toward sustainable, anticipatory vector management.

Background objectives: Malaria during pregnancy remains a significant public health concern, contributing to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of malaria and its associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at Maraki Health Center, Northwest Ethiopia, 2025.

Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 271 pregnant women using structured interviews and laboratory testing (RDT and microscopy) for malaria diagnosis. Socio-demographic, clinical, behavioral, and environmental data were collected. Binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with malaria infection.

Results: The prevalence of malaria among the participants was 13.4%. Factors independently associated with malaria infection included not using insecticide-treated nets(ITN), (AOR=3.2; 95% CI: 1.4-7.5), not receiving Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP), (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1-6.9), attending fewer than four ANC visits (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: 1.9-11.2), living near stagnant water (AOR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.1-5.8), and attending Antenatal care during the rainy season (AOR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.7).

Interpretation conclusion: The prevalence of malaria among pregnant women in the study area was considerable. Behavioral and environmental factors significantly contributed to malaria risk. Strengthening Insecticide-Treated Net (ITN) distribution, ensuring Intermittent Preventive Treatment in Pregnancy with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP uptake), promoting regular ANC attendance, improving environmental sanitation, and increasing malaria prevention education, particularly during the rainy season, are recommended to reduce the burden of malaria in pregnancy.

Chikungunya is a viral fever caused by a single stranded RNA virus of the genus alpha virus of the family Togaviridae and transmitted to human by the bite of Aedes Aegypti mosquito. The incubation time frame of this virus is short, enduring about 2- 4 days. Chikungunya virus disease is typically self-constrained, non-lethal, with fever settling inside a couple of days. A number of conventional methods such as ELISA, RT-PCR and PCR are available for determination of chikungunya virus. Besides the advantages of being highly sensitive and selective, these methods have some drawbacks like time-consuming, requirement of sample pre-treatment, high cost instrumental set-up and skilled persons to operate. The sensors/biosensors overcome these drawbacks, as these are fast, easy, cost effective and highly sensitive. During the past five decades, biosensors have consolidated their impact in several fields, including clinical diagnosis, due to advantages such as high selectivity and sensitivity, potential for miniaturization, portability, low cost and rapid response. The chikungunya sensors/biosensors reported so far, have worked ideally within 10s, at a working potential -0.6-10.4 V, at the optimum pH, 7.0 and optimum temperature 35°C and linear range, 0.1-100μM, with the detection limits between 0.1 to 3.4nM. These biosensors measure chikungunya virus 2 in DNA of serum and had maximum storage stability of 540 days. The future perspective for further improvement and commercialization of chikungunya biosensors are discussed.

Background and objectives: Psychological well-being among dengue patients has often been rather unnoticed, despite evidence showing a notable proportion experience psychological distress during illness and the post-infectious period. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress one month after hospital discharge among adults with dengue fever in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted in 2019 among 480 patients discharged after Dengue treatment. Participants were selected using systematic sampling and followed up one month after fever onset. Prevalence of stress was assessed using the validated Depression, Anxiety and Stress - 21. Selected correlates were assessed using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire. Binomial multiple logistic regression was used for analysis.

Results: Of the 480 participants, 406 responded (response rate: 84.58). The majority were males (n = 244, 60.15%) and aged 18-35 years (n = 281, 69.2%). The prevalence of stress at one month post-infection was 7.9% (95% CI = 5.5 - 10.9). Significant correlates of stress included female gender (AOR = 3.24; 95% CI: 1.45-7.26), presence of headache (AOR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.39-7.61), and myalgia (AOR = 4.16; 95% CI: 1.74-9.92) during the post-infection period.

Interpretation conclusion: Approximately one in twelve adults experienced stress one month after Dengue infection. Post-infection symptoms such as headache and myalgia were significant predictors of stress. These findings highlight the need for routine psychological screening and targeted interventions during follow-up care for Dengue patients.

Background objectives: With 13,924 dengue cases reported in Rajasthan (2023), understanding community knowledge gaps is crucial for vector control. This study assessed dengue awareness among rural patients through structured interviews to identify intervention priorities.

Methods: Fifty outpatient department patients (aged ≥21 years) from a rural Community Health Centre were interviewed using mixed-method approach. Structured questionnaires assessed 15 knowledge domains, supplemented by qualitative exploration of beliefs and practices.

Results: Overall knowledge score was 61.8% (9.28±2.07/15). Critical gaps included disease identification (18% correct), symptom awareness (42%), and vector behavior understanding (18%). However, 90% identified mosquitoes as vectors and 82% recognized disease severity. Qualitative analysis revealed person-to-person transmission misconceptions (42%) and strong traditional remedy reliance (70%).

Interpretation conclusion: Rural communities demonstrate significant dengue knowledge deficits, particularly regarding vector biting behavior and disease recognition. Interview methodology revealed cultural beliefs that quantitative surveys miss. Targeted health education focusing on Aedes mosquito behavior and culturally appropriate messaging is urgently needed.

Background objectives: Aedes (Neomelaniconion) contains two important arbovirus vectors, Ae. lineatopennis and Ae. mcintoshi for transmission of Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, and Bunyaviridae families. Aedes lineatopennis invaded the Oriental and Australasian regions and closely resembles Ae. mcintoshi in morphology is causing confusion and misidentification among researchers. The present study delineates Ae. lineatopennis from Ae. mcintoshi using integrated taxonomic approaches.

Methods: Morphological features and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene analyses were used to establish species delineation in Ae. lineatopennis. Sound attributes for adult males and females were also generated.

Results: Aedes lineatopennis was confirmed with the morphological features, i.e., thoracic broad lateral longitudinal yellow scale stripes, tergite basal pale bands, subcostal white scales, dark and white scales on various veins, and longer vein R2 (1.5X) than vein R2+3. Genetically, this population was closer to the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Thai in comparison to African populations. Sound fundamental frequency was 598.54 ± 3.1 Hz for males and 429.9 ± 2.8 Hz for females, with four harmonic bands and harmonic convergence at M2 + F3 and M3 + F4 between males and females.

Interpretation conclusion: The combined morphological, molecular, and acoustic evidence confirms that the specimens previously identified as Ae. mcintoshi in India is in fact Ae. lineatopennis. Therefore, the study recommends the retraction of Ae. mcintoshi from Indian mosquito records6. This study emphasises the need for accurate species identification using integrated approaches to assess proper biodiversity and other studies.

Background objectives: The Rajasthan state is one of the arid and semi-arid regions of India, characterized by extreme climatic conditions. In recent years, rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have created favourable conditions for the proliferation of mosquito vectors and contribute to the upsurge and sustained transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. The vector control largely depends on chemical insecticides, but their prolonged use can hinder effectiveness due to the emergence of resistance. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the efficacy of pyrethroids and resistance status in Aedes aegypti populations of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

Methods: Adults and larvae of Ae. aegypti were collected from nine localities across Jaipur. Diagnostic doses and adult susceptibility for field-collected (F0) and laboratory-reared (F5) strains of Ae. aegypti were evaluated according to WHO and CDC protocols.

Results: Diagnostic doses for deltamethrin, permethrin, and lambda-cyhalothrin were determined 0.005 μg/ml, 0.01 μg/ml, and 0.05 μg/ml, respectively. Aedes mosquitoes showed 100% mortality against all determined diagnostic doses. Lethal concentrations (μg/ml) values indicated a clear susceptibility hierarchy, with deltamethrin showed the highest effectiveness (0.000152-0.000169), followed by lambda-cyhalothrin (0.00066-0.00070) and permethrin (0.00133-0.00155). However, Sanganer (3.66-4.32), Shastri Nagar (3.67-4.52) and Shyam Nagar (3.8-4.52) exhibited the higher levels of resistance ratios against tested pyrethroids.

Interpretation conclusion: Pyrethroids are still effective in vector management, although some locations were observed emerging resistance. It highlights the necessity of continuous monitoring of insecticide resistance patterns in Aedes populations to ensure the long-term success of vector control programs.