Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: Malaria remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, with the Anopheles gambiae complex, comprising An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, and An. arabiensis, as the principal vectors. These sibling species exhibit diverse ecological and behavioural traits that significantly influence malaria transmission dynamics. Understanding their host preferences, blood-meal sources, and gonotrophic cycles is vital for designing effective vector control strategies. This study investigated the feeding behaviour, blood meal sources, and exophilic tendencies of An. gambiae complex mosquitoes in Igbo-Ora and Idere communities, southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: Indoor-resting mosquitoes were collected using pyrethroid spray collections (PSC) during the rainy season of 2022 over three months. Specimens were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly. Data on abdominal conditions, feeding behaviour, gonotrophic cycles, and blood-meal sources were analysed. Human blood index (HBI) and exophily degree (DE) were calculated using standard protocols.

Results: A total of 298 An. gambiae complex mosquitoes were examined. Fully fed mosquitoes accounted for 77.2%, while 12.4% were gravid, and 5.4% were half-gravid. An. coluzzii in Idere exhibited the highest feeding rate (84.6%), followed by An. arabiensis in Igbo-Ora (77.8%). The gonotrophic cycle was longer in Idere (5-6 days) compared to Igbo-Ora (3-4 days). Blood-meal analysis of 421 specimens identified humans as the predominant host (45.8%), with mixed blood meals indicating opportunistic feeding. The highest HBI was recorded in An. gambiae (0.69) in Idere and An. arabiensis (0.96) in Igbo-Ora.

Interpretation conclusion: The findings reveal significant ecological and behavioural variability within the An. gambiae complex, including their strong anthropophilic tendencies and opportunistic feeding behaviour. These characteristics underscore the species' pivotal role in malaria transmission and highlight the need for localized, species-specific vector control interventions targeting feeding and reproductive behaviours.

Background objectives: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection often results in persistent sequelae, including chronic pain and functional limitations, significantly impacting quality of life. Physical exercise is a potential intervention, but its efficacy remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of physical exercises on chikungunya sequelae, focusing on pain reduction and functional restoration.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) for last 10 years. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies assessing the effects of physical exercise interventions on pain and functional outcomes in individuals with chikungunya sequelae were included. Data extraction encompassed study characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures.

Results: A total of 8 studies, involving 307 participants with mean age of 46.17±11.27 years met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed that physical exercise interventions significantly reduced pain levels compared to control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, physical exercise demonstrated a significant improvement in functional outcomes (p < 0.05). Subgroup analyses indicated potential variations in effect sizes based on exercise type, duration, and intensity.

Interpretation conclusion: Physical exercise interventions are effective in reducing pain and improving functional outcomes in individuals with chikungunya sequelae. These findings support the integration of structured exercise programs into the rehabilitation management of CHIKV-related chronic conditions. Further research is warranted to optimize exercise protocols for specific patient populations and long-term benefits.

Schistosomiasis is one of the most overlooked parasitic diseases worldwide. The new roadmap for neglected tropical diseases (2021-2030), adopted by the World Health Assembly, sets global goals for combating these diseases. eliminating Schistosomiasis. Current treatment options for Schistosomiasis, such as Praziquantel, are limited. Nanoparticle-based treatments and vaccines have shown promise in overcoming the limitations of Praziquantel therapy by offering targeted and sustained drug delivery. We advocate prioritizing and enhancing funding and collaboration for nanoparticle research targeting Schistosomiasis. By investing in these innovative solutions in regions most impacted by Schistosomiasis, we have the potential to alleviate the treatment burden and enhance patient adherence. This review paper explores nanotechnological solutions, current trends, and long-term outcomes.

Background objectives: Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is one of the important pillars of eliminating lymphatic filariasis. The present study aimed to determine the pooled coverage and compliance of the MDA and its determinants in the Southeast Asian Regional countries.

Methods: This proposal was registered in PROSPERO. The study focused on four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central) and articles published between January 2019 and March 2025. The setting was taken from studies performed across the Southeast Asian Region. Stata Version 17 was used for meta-analysis of the selected studies. The overall and subgroup-wise analysis was computed using the DerSimonian-Laird method for the random-effects model in Forest plots. A funnel plot was done to find out the publication bias.

Results: Altogether, 34 articles were analysed. Of the 34 articles, 28 (82.3%) and 4 (11.8%) articles were published in India and Indonesia, respectively. The pooled coverage and compliance of MDA were found to be 80.16% (95% CI: 74.68-85.64%) and 67.25% (95% CI: 60.17-74.33%), respectively. Subgroup-wise, both coverage and compliance decreased in studies conducted in 2020 or afterwards. Side effects of the drugs, non-diseased status, suffering from some other diseases, too many drugs, bad taste of the drugs were some of the common barriers to successful MDA implementation.

Interpretation conclusion: Thus, the time has come to develop strategies to improve MDA coverage and compliance at the community level. The strategy would be bilateral, involving both providers and beneficiaries, who need to be engaged in the proper implementation of MDA administration at the grassroots level.

Background objectives: Brucellosis, a bacterial zoonotic disease, is caused by various species of Brucella, predominantly affecting livestock. In India, human brucellosis is a significant public health concern due to the proximity between humans and animals. Moreover, the under-reporting of cases and misdiagnosis of human brucellosis make it difficult to assess the problem and develop effective public health interventions. Therefore, the study's objectives were to estimate the prevalence, geographic spread, and seasonal patterns of human brucellosis in India; identify affected age groups and occupations, and examine risk factors contributing to its spread.

Methods: 'PubMed, Embase, and Scopus' databases were explored for literature until September 3, 2024. Terms included in the search strategy were 'Human Brucellosis' AND 'Prevalence,' 'Risk factors,' 'India.' Manual searches were also conducted on 'Google Scholar,' and relevant articles were selected.

Results: Final review included twenty-nine articles. According to the 'JOANNA BRIGGS INSTITUTE (JBI) CHECKLIST,' 4 studies have a low 'risk of bias' and 15 studies have moderate 'risk of bias.' Brucellosis affects individuals across all age groups, from children to older adults, with the highest number of cases occurring in the 20-40-year age group. Men are most affected, and IgG ELISA has the highest seropositive cases in all the studies.

Interpretation conclusion: This review highlights that human brucellosis constitutes a major public health issue in India, with higher prevalence in rural areas and among individuals with occupational exposure to livestock or animal products. Males are most affected; however, findings on gender susceptibility remain inconsistent, warranting further investigation.

Background objectives: Quantum chemical and molecular docking practices deliver new perceptions into how etoposide, novobiocin, nogalamycin and netropsin interact with the biological targets PF3D7_0918600 ( Plasmodium falciparum 3D7). Further, pharmacokinetics of a drug candidate which is influenced by a variety of factors, including P-glycoprotein (Pgp) transport, PBB (Plasma protein binding), and BBB (Blood-brain barrier) permeation, help to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitors (ADMEs) and their metabolites.

Methods: We have elevated four compounds, etoposide, novobiocin, nogalamycin and netropsin. We have studied molecular docking against target protein of Plasmodium falciparum (PF3D7_0918600) through AutoDock Vina platform and AutoDock-Tools (ADT) and pharmacokinetic properties were carried out using ADMET 2.0.

Results: The relative results of molecular docking recommended a greater binding affinity of novobiocin with the selected receptors among other compounds. In silico ADME screening is a computational approach utilised to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitors (ADMEs) and their metabolites.

Interpretation conclusion: The ADMEs are based on adsorption-desorption kinetics and pharmacopoeia. Adsorption and distribution analysis is used to assess the potential of a drug candidate. In vitro ADME is exploited to expect the effect of Pgp transport on the drug candidates. ADME has been used to predict CYP1A2 inhibitors and to predict PPB and BBB penetration. This work summarizes the current knowledge on molecular docking, ADME and identifies potential drug candidates for ADME in vitro and in vivo .

Background objectives: Lyme disease is a multisystem illness caused by the spirochaetes bacteria belonging to the genus Borrelia . It is a tick-borne disease that poses serious health concerns in major parts of the world including India. This review aims to comprehend the disease in depth encompassing its pathogen biology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, treatment strategies, epidemiology in India, and preventive measures against it.

Methods: Peer-reviewed articles, reviews, meta-analyses and clinical studies relating to the topic were searched across reliable electronic databases like PubMed, and ScienceDirect, without imposing any time restriction for up-to-date information with a focus on sources indexed in the Science Citation Index (SCI).

Results: The pathogen is a gram-negative bacterium namely Borrelia burgdorferi infesting ticks mainly belonging to the genus Ixodes . Clinical presentations vary from single Erethema Chronicum Migrans (ECM) to neurological complexities, cardiac disorders, and severe arthritic conditions. A two-tiered test recommended by Centre for Disease Control is currently employed to diagnose the disease. Fifteen out of 28 states in India have reports of Lyme disease; most of these states also have Ixodes ticks. However, the exact vector is not confirmed in India.

Interpretation conclusion: Thirteen of the 15 states where Lyme disease cases have been reported have also had ticks belonging to the genus Ixodes . Thus, it can be assumed that vectors of Lyme disease in India are Ixodes sp. More studies are required to confirm and validate this assumption, and find the exact species of the vector tick. As an ignored vector-borne disease in India, Lyme disease warrants more research and surveillance.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus are the main vectors of arboviruses such as dengue, Zika virus, and chikungunya. Ae. aegypti is a widely spread mosquito in tropical and subtropical regions, whereas Ae. albopictus is a culicid of Asian origin that shows exophilic behavior and can be found in subtropical and temperate areas. Climatic factors could influence the distribution of both species, making them use genetic and environmental resources to adapt to the environment, activating survival mechanisms (embryonic dormancy) that increase the developmental period and keep their offspring in the environment. This review aimed to compare the different physiological mechanisms of embryonic dormancy between Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus and their impact on the development and environmental adaptability of these two species. A total of 62 articles were identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases corresponding to the period from 1981 to 2021. In diapause, the results mentioned above are indirectly linked to temperature and directly linked to photoperiod variations. With regard to quiescence, temperature and humidity are directly related to the activation of this mechanism. In conclusion, it is essential to highlight the expansion of arboviruses such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika virus and their relationship with embryonic dormancy, diapause and quiescence which are extremely important strategies for Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus to keep their offspring in the environment under adverse conditions.

Background objectives: Dengue is now endemic in over 100 countries, with Asia bearing over 70% of the global burden. In Malaysia, dengue cases have increased dramatically, particularly in Pulau Pinang, where cases rose from 1621 in 2022 to 7343 in 2023. This study aimed to examine factors associated with dengue outbreaks in Pulau Pinang in 2023 by comparing outbreak cases with single cases.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using eDengue database, the Malaysian National Dengue Registry.

Results: The study included 1106 confirmed dengue cases, with 553 categorised as outbreak cases and 553 as single cases. Significant associations were found between dengue outbreaks and Priority Locality 1 (areas with Uncontrolled Outbreaks/ Hotspots/ Recurrent Outbreaks/ Dengue Deaths in the previous year) (aOR: 0.15, 95% CI: 0.06,0.37, p<0.001), Aedes Index ≥1% (aOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02,1.77, p=0.031), patients initially visiting government clinics (aOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.10,2.43, p=0.015), hospitalized dengue patients (aOR: 0.70. 95%CI: 0.52,0.96, p=0.029), the time taken from notification to source reduction (aOR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.50,0.66, p<0.001) and time taken from notification to investigation (aOR: 2.40 95%CI: 1.77,3.24, p<0.001).

Interpretation conclusion: This study identifies key factors associated with dengue outbreaks in Pulau Pinang such as Aedes Index, Priority Locality 1 areas and initial visits to government clinics. These findings underscore the need for targeted vector control and early intervention in high-risk areas to reduce outbreak risk. Early healthcare seeking behavior and timely intervention are critical in managing the spread of dengue. Further research is needed to explore additional factors and improve public health strategies.

Background objectives: Salivary gland proteins but not glycoconjugates have been previously studied in mosquito vectors of human diseases. Glycoconjugates from salivary gland-derived proteins from human-feeding tick vectors can elicit hypersensitivity reactions which may also occur with mosquito bites. Protein glycoconjugate in salivary glands of the principal arboviral vector Aedes aegypti and the rapidly spreading malaria vector Anopheles stephensi were investigated.

Methods: Forty different lectins in a microarray were used to analyse glycoconjugates in salivary gland proteins from both mosquito species.

Results: Salivary gland glycoproteins of both mosquitoes possessed similar lectin-binding specificities. Lectin-binding profiles in both mosquitoes showed the significant presence of oligomannose N-linked glycans, O-linked glycans, a limited presence of glycan structures capped with terminal GalNAc, GlcNAc, β-linked Gal, αl-6 linked fucose, and no detectable sialic acids or terminal α-linked Gal in salivary gland glycoproteins.

Interpretation conclusion: Aedes aegypti and An. stephensi possess similar salivary gland protein glycoconjugates to mosquito larval tissues. They differ from arachnid ticks in lacking detectable α-gal epitopes that are responsible for red meat allergy caused by tick bites.