Journal of Vector Borne Diseases最新文献

Background objectives: The mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillett, 1898) is a significant vector for Japanese encephalitis infection, and breeds in high organic polluted water. Understanding mosquito diversity and there abundance in relation to mosquito-borne diseases is an important component for public health managers. Though the conventional methods for systematic position of mosquito species by using morphological characteristics is a classical method, but it requires perfect expertise and well preserved specimen. Conversely, the molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) serves as a gene-centric DNA barcoding approach and offers a promising alternative method for mosquito species identification.

Methods: The study at hand delves into the morphological characteristics of Armigeres subalbatus were compared with COI- gene to ensure a more dependable verification for identification of mosquito species found in Hyderabad region of Telangana.

Results: The 489 base pair amplicons were acquired and deposited into the NCBI Gene Bank nucleotide database under the accession number MG686500. The maximum likelihood tree infers that, the Hyderabad species was diverged from USA and Japan species but had ancestral relationship with Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharastra, Kerala and Goa species.

Interpretation conclusion: Mitochondrial gene (COI) based DNA barcoding is the most reliable and potential alternative technique to identify the mosquito species.

Background objectives: Although associated with conflict, epidemic typhus was endemic across Europe into the modem period. The extent of the problem it caused is uncertain as record keeping in the most affected socioeconomic groups was rare. Google Ngram Viewer details the frequency of word usage in written language over time. The objective was to examine whether use of the word typhus reflected potential patterns in epidemic typhus.

Methods: The frequency of the word 'typhus' was used in British English was studied between 1800 and 2019 and trends were examined.

Results: Clear differences in word usage were apparent; use increased throughout the 19 th century corresponding to increasing industrialization. Peaks coinciding with World Wars 1 and 2 were apparent. Strong correlations with the words "conflict", "warfare" and "industry" were seen. Mean shifts corresponded to public health legislation in the UK and the introduction of antibiotics.

Interpretation conclusion: This study illustrates how examination of word usage can illuminate aspects of disease occurrence where official data sources are lacking.

Background objectives: The battle against malaria has witnessed remarkable progress in recent years, characterized by increased funding, development of life-saving tools, and a significant reduction in disease prevalence. Yet, the formidable challenge of drug resistance persists, threatening to undo these gains.

Methods: To tackle this issue, it is imperative to identify new effective drug candidates against the malaria parasite that exhibit minimal toxicity. This study focuses on discovering such candidates by targeting PfRecQ1, also known as PfBLM, a vital protein within the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum . PfRecQ1 plays a crucial role in the parasite's life cycle and DNA repair processes, making it an attractive drug development target. The study employs advanced computational techniques, including molecular modeling, structure-based virtual screening (SBVS), ADMET profiling, molecular docking, and dynamic simulations.

Results: The study sources ligand molecules from the extensive MCULE database and utilizes strict filters to ensure that the compounds meet essential criteria. Through these techniques, the research identifies MCULE-3763806507-0-9 as a promising antimalarial drug candidate, surpassing the binding affinity of potential antimalarial drugs. However, it is essential to underscore that drug-like properties are primarily based on in silico experiments, and wet lab experiments are necessary to validate these candidates' therapeutic potential.

Interpretation conclusion: This study represents a critical step in addressing the challenge of drug resistance in the fight against malaria.

Background objectives: Malaria is one of the critical public health problems globally as well as in India. Recent times have seen an increase in the importance of the possible effects of environmental and demographic factors on the local transmission of malaria. We conducted a community-level study between urban and rural areas to find out the factors associated with malaria infection.

Methods: A community-based observational cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2020 and September 2022 among 330 households from urban areas of Chetla, Kolkata and rural areas of Singur district of West Bengal state of India. Households were selected by two stage random sampling method. Study was done by face-to-face interview, review of medical records and observation of the households. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Multivariable logistic regression (hierarchical model) was done and p-value equal to or less than 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: The prevalence of malaria infection among participants and household level risks of malaria infection were found to be 6.1%, 1.8% and 18.8%, 6.7%, respectively in the urban and rural areas. Significant predictors of malaria infection were households with ≥5 family members [AOR=2.91{CI (1.19-7.15)}], households not using any mosquito protective measures [AOR=3.71{CI (1.04-13.13)}], presence of mosquito breeding places [AOR=4.93{CI (1.53-15.93)}], absence of effective window screen [AOR=3.19{CI (1.16-8.71)}], absence of separate kitchen [AOR=2.38{CI (1.06-5.34)}], and inadequate lighting condition in the house [AOR=4.35{CI (1.78-10.64)}].

Interpretation conclusion: This study provides important insights into the epidemiology of malaria in a high and low-transmission setting in West Bengal, India. Intensified efforts strengthening community mobilization for preventing breeding places for mosquito. Policy should strengthen investment in housing programs that may complement reduction of malaria transmission. Disease reduction effects of Government and local non-governmental organizations should be directed towards those areas in order to decrease disease load.

Background objectives: Mosquito-bome diseases are increasing problems in various parts of the world, causing high mortality and morbidity for humans. This study was done to assess the vector protection measures taken by rural below poverty line (BPL) families, and to assess the awareness about vector-borne diseases along with Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) in rural BPL families.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area which won "Nirmal Gram Puraskar" Award i.e., "clean village" among 96 below BPL families for a period of three months. These families (every 5 th ) were selected by systematic random sampling until we reached a sample size. Basic socio-demographic details, status of vector protection measures, solid waste management, vector-borne diseases and total sanitation campaign details were collected from the study participants. Pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was applied to the head of the families which included sanitation status at home by house-to-house visit. Data collected was analysed using SPSS version 20 and presented as frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation.

Results: Among 96 families studied (454 adults and children), 84 (87.5%) were males and 12 (12.5%) were females. Among these, 291 (64.1%) were using one or the other mosquito protection measures, 52 (54.2%) were using bednets and 23 (23.9%) used coils. 12 families (12.5%) were not using any mosquito protection measures. In our study, 66 (68.8%) families had individual household latrine (IHHL) and 50 (52.1%) had open drainage. Even though 314 participants had an access to individual household latrine, 20 (6.36%) had practice of open air defecation compared to 127 (90.7%) who practiced open air defecation without an access to individual household latrine. When asked about the awareness regarding vector-borne diseases, 56 (58.3%) were aware about chikungunya, 47 (48.9%) about dengue, 46 (47.9%) about malaria, 14 (14.6%) and only 5 (5.2%) families were aware about Japanese encephalitis. In this study, 37 (38.5%) were aware about the total sanitation campaign and 40 (41.6%) about the government support for sanitation.

Interpretation conclusion: While there is a general awareness of vector-borne diseases, the implementation of vector protection measures is not uniform across the village. There is a need for targeted interventions to improve the effectiveness of vector protection measures and increase awareness among the community.

Background objectives: Surveillance of canine leishmaniasis in Colombia is restricted to the appearance of visceral leishmaniasis cases in humans, and is mainly performed by serological tests. This requires blood sampling by veterinarians or technicians according to Colombian laws. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of conjunctival swabs in the molecular detection of Leishmania in dogs from the municipality of Ovejas, Sucre.

Methods: The present study was cross-sectional and descriptive. The collection source of samples and information was primary. Blood samples and conjunctival swabs from 121 dogs were analysed by PCR-ITS1 to detect Leishmania spp. Positive samples were used to amplify a conserved region of the Leishmania infantum kinetoplast minicircle. Performance of both sample types was calculated by proportion of positive samples of each type and the degree of agreement between them was determined by Cohen's kappa (κ) agreement index.

Results: Leishmania infection was detected in 17.4% (21/121) of blood samples and in 16.5% (20/121) of conjunctival swabs. In total, 28.1% (34/121) of the canines were infected, of which 11.8% (4/34) were infected with L. infantum in the conjunctival swabs and 5.9 % (2/34) in the blood samples. The agreement between blood and conjunctiva was medium (κ = 0.207) by PCR-ITS1 amplification.

Interpretation conclusion: The use of conjunctival swab as a non-invasive sample could be used as an alternative method for surveillance of canine leishmaniasis.

Background objectives: Theileriosis is an important tick-bome hemoprotozoan disease of cattle which causes severe economic loss due to morbidity and mortality. A diagnostic test having high sensitivity, specificity and easy application at the field level is the need of the hour. In this regard Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is proven to be a sensitive, easy and time efficient method. One of the major obstacles for the application of LAMP is the difficulty in maintaining the cold chain to preserve reagents. Thus, the challenge is to develop a LAMP kit in a ready-to-use format with dried reagents useful for quick and simple application in field conditions.

Methods: The optimized reaction of wet LAMP was followed for the standardization of dry LAMP with certain modifications which are needful. The major modification is vitrification technology of enzyme using trehalose.

Results: LAMP assay (dry and wet LAMP) was found to be more sensitive (100%) when compared to microscopy (69.5%) and PCR (86.9%). It was observed that the dry LAMP reaction tubes at room temperature as well as refrigeration temperature provided successful amplification till 7 weeks.

Interpretation conclusion: The drying conditions of LAMP reagents were optimized, and finally managed to dry them in a single reaction tube without reducing the sensitivity. This technology enables us to transport LAMP kits to areas where the cold chain is not easily available.

Background objectives: Lyme disease is a multisystemic disease caused by the bacteria in the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato complex, which is transmitted by ticks of the Ixodes genus. Although there are seroprevalence studies and case reports of Lyme disease from various regions in Turkey, there is no widespread epidemiological research. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Lyme disease in the cases followed-up after tick contact and to examine the isolated ticks to reveal tick population from Bolu province.

Methods: In this study, cases who applied to the emergency department due to tick contact between April and September 2020 were firstly evaluated in our infectious diseases and clinical microbiology outpatient clinic on the third day of exposure and antibodies against Lyme disease were investigated with the IFA method to exclude the patients who were previously exposed to B. burgdorferi. Thereafter, patients were requested to continue outpatient visits at the 1 st and 3 rd month control. At these controls, serum samples were taken to study B.burgdorferi antibodies with the ELISA method which were stored at - 20°C until the study day.

Results: Out of 123 patients who came to first control, 69 patients continued later to at least one of the two controls (either at first or third month). Of these 69 patients, only one (1.4%) was diagnosed with Lyme borreliosis according to clinical and laboratory features. Erythema migrans did not occur in any of the cases. Serum samples were assessed by ELISA method. Asymptomatic infection was detected in 22 cases (30.5%). In addition, we could obtain 46 ticks from our cases and two genera were identified. Forty-two (91.3%) were Ixodes spp. , and two (4.3%) were Hyalomma spp.

Interpretation conclusion: In this study, which was carried out for the first time in the province of Bolu, it was concluded that the cases presenting with a history of tick contact were most frequently exposed to Ixodes spp ticks, and the probability of developing Lyme borreliosis was low (1,4%) during the three-month follow-up period. Further studies with more number of cases and more extended follow-up period are needed.

Background objectives: The human blood parasite Leishmania donovani causes visceral leishmaniasis or grayish discoloration of the skin (black fever/kala-azar). Antitumor drugs such as daunorubicin and etoposide can help to treat such diseases. The computational approach is used to find a better interaction of drugs with the active site of the protein and help to design new drugs.

Methods: In this study, we have optimized two antitumor drugs, daunorubicin and etoposide. We studied frontier molecular orbitals, electrostatic potential (MEP) maps, and the natural bond order analysis of these anticancer drugs, followed by molecular docking with Leishmania donovani protein.

Results: The three-dimensional structure of MapK from Leishmania donovani is LDBPK-331470. Our computational calculations reveal that daunorubicin and etoposide drugs can have an affinity with MapK from Leishmania donovani .

Interpretation conclusion: Our study predicted that both daunorubicin and etoposide could have a similar affinity with the protein (UvrD) Leishmania donovani .