Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Dengue fever is one of the most widespread vector-borne viral infections in the world, resulting in increased socio-economic burden. WHO has reported that 2.5 billion people are infected with dengue fever across the world, resulting in high mortalities in tropical and subtropical regions. The current article endeavors to present an overview of predicting dengue outbreaks through data-based machine-learning models. This artificial intelligence model uses real world data such as dengue surveillance, climatic variables, and epidemiological data and combines big data with machine learning algorithms to forecast dengue. Monitoring and predicting dengue incidences has been significantly enhanced through innovative approaches. This involves gathering data on various climatic factors, including temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and wind speed, along with monthly records of dengue cases. The study functions as an efficient warning system, enabling the anticipation of dengue outbreaks. This early warning system not only alerts communities but also aids relevant authorities in implementing crucial preventive measures.

Background objectives: RNA viruses are complex pathogens in terms of their genetic makeup, mutation frequency, and transmission modes. They contain the RNA helicase enzyme, which plays a crucial role in the viral genome replication process. This work aims to develop and screen a potential molecule that could function as a dengue virus (DENV) RNA helicase inhibitor.

Methods: The present study was performed by taking 26 potential derivatives of gedunin phytochemicals from the PubChem database as ligands. The binding of the compounds was analyzed by in silico docking considering DENV RNA helicase enzyme as the receptor.

Results: After a thorough analysis of the docking scores, toxicity, and physicochemical properties, the compound tetrahydrogedunin was obtained as the best. Based on tetrahydrogedunin molecular structure, 100 drug-like molecules were designed using the Data Warrior tool. After screening for drug-likeness and ADMET properties, derivative number 42 was considered as promising. Further comparative docking of derivative 42 and a standard inhibitor molecule ST-610 with DENV RNA helicase enzyme showed binding affinity of 10.0 kcal/mol and -9.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The favorable interaction between DENV RNA helicase and derivative 42 was further validated by 50 nanoseconds molecular dynamics simulation and MM-GBSA analysis.

Interpretation conclusion: Since the antiviral activity of derivative 42 has not been reported till date, the compound was predicted as a novel therapeutic molecule that can act against the dengue virus (DENV) RNA helicase enzyme.

Background objectives: Scrub typhus is clinically undifferentiated from other aetiologies for acute febrile illness such as enteric fever, dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis. Rapid ELISA tests are being used as an alternative to immunofluorescence assay in tropical countries.

Methods: In this study, we compared and evaluated commercially available InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test (USA) for diagnosing human scrub typhus infection using archived and prospectively collected samples against the reference standard, InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM ELISA (USA).

Results: The data analysis of archived samples on rapid test revealed a moderate sensitivity of 53.92% and a specificity of 100%. Meanwhile, prospective serum samples demonstrated higher sensitivity and specificity of 96.4% and 94.6%, respectively.

Interpretation conclusion: The InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM rapid test can be a good point-of-care assay during surveillance, outbreak investigations, and case identification.

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Leishmania infantum and transmitted by female phlebotomine sandflies. It is prevalent in the Mediterranean basin, including the Maghreb region which comprises of Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The environmental conditions in this area provide a suitable habitat for the proliferation of the phlebotomine sandfly, making it an endemic region for CanL. In this context, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in these three Maghreb countries, identifying the risk factors for L. infantum infection. Data were collected from 27 papers published between 1973 and 2022 selected from five databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Our selection criteria included both descriptive and analytical studies on canine leishmaniasis in Maghreb, as well as epidemiological studies that reported the prevalence of leishmaniasis infection. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software version 5.4.1. based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 11,736 dogs were included in the analysis, among which 2481 were tested Leishmania positive cases. Over the years, the highest prevalence (68.32%) was recorded in Tiaret (Algeria) and the lowest (4.3%) in Tunisia. The examination of the risk factors revealed a heightened incidence of the disease in dogs of shepherd breeds, living in rural environments, displaying no apparent symptoms, and falling within the age range of 2 to 4 years. The findings presented in this study contribute a significant value to the exploration of leishmaniasis in this region, particularly by shedding light on the associated risk factors. Ultimately, substantial endeavors are warranted to enhance prevention, treatment, and overall control of the disease.

Background objectives: Despite progress, malaria remains endemic in Jazan, Saudi Arabia necessitating epidemiological research to guide elimination strategies. This study analyzed recent surveillance data to elucidate drivers of sustained transmission. A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted using malaria surveillance data from the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia over a 3-year period from January 2018 to December 2020.

Methods: Deidentified records of all confirmed malaria cases reported across Jazan during the study period were obtained from Jazan Department of Health infectious disease surveillance system. Additional meteorological data was acquired to assess climatic correlates. The final analysis included 5255 confirmed cases that met the completeness criteria for key variables. Descriptive statistics characterized cases across demographic factors and spatial and temporal distributions. Correlations and linear regression modeling identified associations between monthly cases and weather parameters mapping visualized geographic patterns.

Results: Of the 5255 confirmed cases, most were concentrated in Baish sector (50.8-72.0% annually), affected adult male foreigners (93.8-97.0%), peaked inconsistently across seasons, and were imported (85.4-94.9%). Non-Saudi nationalities had 6-fold higher incidence versus Saudi citizens in 2020 (677.6 vs 23.1 per 100,000). Monthly cases associated negatively with temperature (p=0.015) and positively with windspeed (p=0.005).

Interpretation conclusion: Malaria persistence in Jazan involves geographic and demographic hotspots driven by imported infections and climate effects on vectors. Tailored programming aligned with evolving local dynamics will be essential to sustain elimination gains. Surveillance, optimized interventions, and flexible adaptation to high-risk locations and/or populations and meteorological influences are key priorities.

From ancient times until 21st century, Malaria has remained a fatal disease. It causes death in many poor and developing countries. Excluding vector control, Antimalarial drugs are the most reliable and effective weapon to tackle this severe disease. The emergence of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium spp. becomes a barrier in Malaria elimination program as there has been no effective antimalarial vaccine till today. Apart from artemisinin, most of the antimalarial drugs have become resistant against malaria at present. Although, reduced efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) has also been reported from southeast regions of Asia. Mutation of some genes within the parasite play a vital role in this drug resistance. Therefore, malaria is still a prime threat to human death and an unsolved problem. Newly emerging approaches like, vaccine development, plants based antimalarial drugs, nanoparticles, next generation antimalarial drugs should be taken & supported. In addition to that, public awareness is much needed for understanding the fatality of the disease and for encouraging self-protection and early treatment.

Loiasis colloquially known as tropical eye worm is a neglected tropical helminthic disease that affects the rural poor population of Gabon. A systematic review of 51 documents (45 peer reviewed papers and six dissertations) over four decades has documented many knowledge gaps on loiasis and its vectors. Higher prevalence and high microfilaremia is typical wherever Chrysops vectors occur. The two main vectors were C. silacea and C. dimidiata along with the savanna species C. longicornis. The two main vectors were only caught around forested national parks at low density (<1 Chrysops per trap per day). Chrysops longicornis was trapped in the savanna zone at higher numbers at a cattle ranch in Nyanga province. Leukoconcentration and Field's stain for L. loa diagnosis performed well as diagnostic tools. However, studies on diagnostic efficacy remain scant, and no study has focused on the evolution of L. loa at the wildlife-human interface of Gabon.

Background objectives: More than 1 million people die every year from vector-borne diseases, which constitute more than 17% of all infectious diseases. This study's primary focus is on the detailed evolutionary history and expression analysis of immune genes, one of the key gene families in the immune system of vectors that play a role in the regulation and interaction of parasites in vector bodies, particularly the mosquitoes that transmit malaria and dengue, significant vector borne disease.

Methods: The vector potentiality and participation of TLR genes in vector parasite interaction in the Indian context will be explained by the differential expression study of this potential gene family in Indian populations of vector species.

Results: This knowledge is supportive undoubtedly for creating new pharmacological targets and inhibitors that can create insect-based transmission stopping techniques for many vector-borne diseases.

Interpretation conclusion: However, the genetic diversity was found to be comparatively lower in the Toll1A gene than in the NOS immune gene in the malaria vector An. minimus population samples which supports the hypothesis of positive selection in recent evolutionary time scale in malaria vectors. This is one of the novel strategies to identify transmission regulating genetic traits that are controlling the vector-parasite interaction and co-evolution in vector borne disease.

Background objectives: Aedes albopictu and Culex pipiens pallens are important vectors of many viruses and have had resistance to chemical pesticide. Spinosad is a selective biological insecticide to control urban mosquito. The aim of this study was to reveal the sublethal effects of spinosad on mosquito and provide reference basis for integrated mosquito management.

Methods: The toxicity of spinosad against Ae. albopictus and Cx. pipiens pallens were determined under laboratory conditions by exposing early third-instar larvae to different concentrations.

Results: The LC50 values of spinosad to Ae. albopictus and Cx. Pipiens pallens larvaes were 4.44×10-3 mg∙L-1 and 1.93×10-3 mg∙L-1 respectively after 72 h exposure. Spinosad at sublethal concentrations has many negative effects on Ae. albopictus and Cx. Pipiens pallens larval, pupae, adult and offspring eggs, including significantly reduced their larvae pupation rate by 51.37% and 58.47%, significantly prolonged pupae length by 21.43% and 16.18%, reduced female wing-spans by 20.19% and 14.89%, reduced male wing-spans by 3.84% and 7.54%, reduced female weight by 29.04% and 31.52%, reduced male weight by 7.47% and 9.07%, reduced female and male ratio by 51.98% and 45.21%, reduced individual egg-laying amount by 15.73% and 35.51%, in addition, offspring egg hatchability were dramatically decreased by 25.71% and 34.04%, egg periods were significantly prolonged by 14.42% and 62.82% respectively. No significant effect on larval period, pupae emergence rate, female bite rates were observed.

Interpretation conclusion: These results suggest that spinosad might affect pest population dynamics significantly and is fairly expected to be a candidate biological pesticide for mosquito control.

Background objectives: Biting midges are hematophagous arthropods responsible for zoonotic infectious diseases and have a wide distribution in temperate and tropical latitudes of the world.

Methods: The genomic DNA of midge samples was extracted using the Chelex method and the ITS1gene was amplified by PCR to identify the midge species via BLAST. The sequence characteristics and the genetic diversity were analyzed using ClustalOmega, DnaSP, Arlequin, PopART, and TCS software tool. The validity of the ITS1 gene as a DNA barcode marker was evaluated using DAMBE. The phylogenetic relationship was established in the MEGA software. The ABGD web determined the species boundary and the SDT software visualized the pairwise sequence comparisons.

Results: A total of 39 midge samples possessed the range from 364 to 429 bp of the ITS1 sequences. The midge samples were identified as Culicoides imicola, Culicoides oxystoma, Culicoides peregrinus, Culicoides jacobsoni, Forcipomyia peregrinator, and Culicoides fulvus, respectively. The ITS1 sequences had 288 conserved sites (60.25%), 167 variable sites (34.94%), 141 parsimony-informative sites (29.50%), and 26 singleton sites (5.44%), with a considerable sequence variation with a high haplotype diversity. Populations in Lingao, Haikou, Tunchang were relatively independent, with a low level of gene flow. A separate population of Forcipomyia genus in Danzhou was observed.

Interpretation conclusion: The biting midges in Hainan, a tropical island, had abundant genetic diversity. Timely surveillance is a crucial control measure for the spread of midge-borne diseases.