Pub Date : 2024-03-19DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1369077
Slavica Vaselek
During their whole life insects are exposed to the impact of different microbes from various sources. The role of microbes in the life of insects is of immense importance, and there is an ample of evidence showing that microbes can affect different aspects of insect physiology, behaviors as well as their potential and capacity to transmit pathogens. Sandflies are main vectors of Leishmania parasites – causative agent of leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a difficult, disfiguring and if not treated deadly disease ranked among the top 10 neglected tropical diseases. In comparison to other medically and veterinary important insect vectors where microbial investigations already progressed toward field studies and practical application of paratransgenic approach, in the field of sandflies and leishmaniasis control microbial investigations are at their beginning. This mini review provides a summary of the key moments in the overall microbial studies in sandflies and highlights the urgency of detailed microbial investigations to progress toward the development of paratransgenic approach.
{"title":"Overview of microbial studies in sandflies and their progress toward development of paratransgenic approach for the control of Leishmania sp.","authors":"Slavica Vaselek","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1369077","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1369077","url":null,"abstract":"During their whole life insects are exposed to the impact of different microbes from various sources. The role of microbes in the life of insects is of immense importance, and there is an ample of evidence showing that microbes can affect different aspects of insect physiology, behaviors as well as their potential and capacity to transmit pathogens. Sandflies are main vectors of Leishmania parasites – causative agent of leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a difficult, disfiguring and if not treated deadly disease ranked among the top 10 neglected tropical diseases. In comparison to other medically and veterinary important insect vectors where microbial investigations already progressed toward field studies and practical application of paratransgenic approach, in the field of sandflies and leishmaniasis control microbial investigations are at their beginning. This mini review provides a summary of the key moments in the overall microbial studies in sandflies and highlights the urgency of detailed microbial investigations to progress toward the development of paratransgenic approach.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"41 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140228719","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-18DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1359774
T. Milugo, B. Torto, D. Tchouassi
Previously, we documented that the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae responds to volatile emissions from the root exudate water of the invasive plant, Parthenium hysterophorus. However, the origin of the volatiles remains to be investigated. Here, we isolated bacteria from the root exudate water of the plant, test the influence of their volatiles in gravid An. gambiae oviposition, and examined relationships between volatile profiles and oviposition.Bacteria from root exudate water of P. hysterophorus were isolated using culture on Luria Bertani medium and identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Cultures of individual isolates were evaluated for egg laying response by gravid An. gambiae and number of eggs laid compared using generalized linear models relative to those in crude bacteria-mixture. Headspace volatile emissions of the bacterial isolates were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and relationships between volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles and gravid mosquito oviposition examined using Random Forest Analysis. Proximate analysis was performed to assess the difference in volatile chemistry among the different isolates.Three isolates were identified as Gram-negative bacteria belonging to two families: Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter sp. and Enterobacter mori) and Alcaligenaceae (Alcaligens aquatilis). An. gambiae laid 3-fold more eggs in cultures of A. aquatilis than in those of Enterobacter sp. In turn, approx. 4-fold more eggs were laid in cultures of E. mori than A. aquatilis. Overall, 16 VOCs were identified in the headspace of the isolates belonging to the chemical classes benzenoids, pyrazines, aldehydes, terpenes, alcohols, alkanes, and indoles. Random Forest Analysis identified 10 compounds contributing the most to the attraction of odors of the bacteria isolates to oviposition. Specifically, dodecane and indole were emitted in higher amounts in odors of Enterobacter sp than the other two species. Proximate analysis revealed differential attraction of the isolates on the gravid mosquito to be associated with their volatile profiles.Our results provide first report of E. mori or A. aquatilis mediating attractive oviposition responses in An. gambiae in support of the important role microbes play in insect oviposition. The potential use of the microbes and associated volatiles in malaria vector management needs further investigation.
{"title":"Bacteria associated with Parthenium hysterophorus root exudate influence olfactory oviposition responses of Anopheles gambiae","authors":"T. Milugo, B. Torto, D. Tchouassi","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1359774","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1359774","url":null,"abstract":"Previously, we documented that the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae responds to volatile emissions from the root exudate water of the invasive plant, Parthenium hysterophorus. However, the origin of the volatiles remains to be investigated. Here, we isolated bacteria from the root exudate water of the plant, test the influence of their volatiles in gravid An. gambiae oviposition, and examined relationships between volatile profiles and oviposition.Bacteria from root exudate water of P. hysterophorus were isolated using culture on Luria Bertani medium and identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. Cultures of individual isolates were evaluated for egg laying response by gravid An. gambiae and number of eggs laid compared using generalized linear models relative to those in crude bacteria-mixture. Headspace volatile emissions of the bacterial isolates were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and relationships between volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles and gravid mosquito oviposition examined using Random Forest Analysis. Proximate analysis was performed to assess the difference in volatile chemistry among the different isolates.Three isolates were identified as Gram-negative bacteria belonging to two families: Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter sp. and Enterobacter mori) and Alcaligenaceae (Alcaligens aquatilis). An. gambiae laid 3-fold more eggs in cultures of A. aquatilis than in those of Enterobacter sp. In turn, approx. 4-fold more eggs were laid in cultures of E. mori than A. aquatilis. Overall, 16 VOCs were identified in the headspace of the isolates belonging to the chemical classes benzenoids, pyrazines, aldehydes, terpenes, alcohols, alkanes, and indoles. Random Forest Analysis identified 10 compounds contributing the most to the attraction of odors of the bacteria isolates to oviposition. Specifically, dodecane and indole were emitted in higher amounts in odors of Enterobacter sp than the other two species. Proximate analysis revealed differential attraction of the isolates on the gravid mosquito to be associated with their volatile profiles.Our results provide first report of E. mori or A. aquatilis mediating attractive oviposition responses in An. gambiae in support of the important role microbes play in insect oviposition. The potential use of the microbes and associated volatiles in malaria vector management needs further investigation.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"43 20","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140231500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-13DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1235146
P. Nwane, Michael Piameu, Yannick Niamsi Emalio, W. Ekoko, S. Mandeng, L. R. Mbakop, Salomon Patchoké, J. Toto, L. D. Alenou, Elisabeth Ngo Bikoi, Hugues Onguina, Narcisse Nvondo, R. Mimpfoundi, R. Tabue, J. Bigoga, E. Fondjo, P. Awono-ambene, J. Etang
Many sampling methods are used for entomological surveillance of vector borne diseases. This paper, evaluated the performance of five methods with regard to various ecosystems encountered in Cameroon. Two entomological databases generated during two study periods were examined: 2011-2014 in the North Region, and 2018-2019 in the Centre Region. Mosquitoes were collected using the (Human Landing Catches) (HLC) and four alternative methods including Clay Pots (CPs), Pyrethroid Spray Catches (PSCs), Window Exit Traps (WETs) and Centers for Disease Control-Light Traps (CDC-LTs) for which the performance was assessed in this study.A total of 29 anopheline species were identified from samples collected during the two study periods. All these anopheline species were found in North Region, with 5 species being the most abundant and prévalent, i.e. An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. rufipes, An. paludis and An. pharoensis. In the Centre Region, only five species including An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni and An. paludis were recorded. Among these, An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant and prevalent species. Data confirmed HLC as the best in sampling outdoor and indoor mosquitoes in the surveyed HDs. The alternative methods showed variable records regarding the species richness. Based on the number of mosquitoes collected, CP was an alternative to HLC for outdoor collections in Garoua and Pitoa HDs, while WET was an alternative in Mayo Oulo HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative to HLC for indoor collections in Ekié and Nkolbisson HDs, while PSC proved to be the best alternative in Nkolondom HD. Regarding the species richness WET appeared as an alternative to HLC in sampling outdoor mosquitoes in Garoua and Mayo Oulo HDs, while CP was the best alternative in Pitoa HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative for outdoor and indoor collections in Nkolbisson HD, and the best alternative for outdoor collections in Ekie HD. The current study revealed variable performance of the five tested adult mosquito collection methods across the prospected HDs in North and Centre Regions of Cameroon. Further investigations will be conducted on other collection methods, e.g., aspiration, mosquito electrocuting grid trap, ovitraps and human-baited double net trap.
{"title":"Assessing the performance of five adult mosquito sampling methods for malaria vector surveillance in various ecosystems in Cameroon","authors":"P. Nwane, Michael Piameu, Yannick Niamsi Emalio, W. Ekoko, S. Mandeng, L. R. Mbakop, Salomon Patchoké, J. Toto, L. D. Alenou, Elisabeth Ngo Bikoi, Hugues Onguina, Narcisse Nvondo, R. Mimpfoundi, R. Tabue, J. Bigoga, E. Fondjo, P. Awono-ambene, J. Etang","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1235146","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1235146","url":null,"abstract":"Many sampling methods are used for entomological surveillance of vector borne diseases. This paper, evaluated the performance of five methods with regard to various ecosystems encountered in Cameroon. Two entomological databases generated during two study periods were examined: 2011-2014 in the North Region, and 2018-2019 in the Centre Region. Mosquitoes were collected using the (Human Landing Catches) (HLC) and four alternative methods including Clay Pots (CPs), Pyrethroid Spray Catches (PSCs), Window Exit Traps (WETs) and Centers for Disease Control-Light Traps (CDC-LTs) for which the performance was assessed in this study.A total of 29 anopheline species were identified from samples collected during the two study periods. All these anopheline species were found in North Region, with 5 species being the most abundant and prévalent, i.e. An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. rufipes, An. paludis and An. pharoensis. In the Centre Region, only five species including An. gambiae s.l, An. funestus, An. coustani, An. ziemanni and An. paludis were recorded. Among these, An. gambiae s.l was the most abundant and prevalent species. Data confirmed HLC as the best in sampling outdoor and indoor mosquitoes in the surveyed HDs. The alternative methods showed variable records regarding the species richness. Based on the number of mosquitoes collected, CP was an alternative to HLC for outdoor collections in Garoua and Pitoa HDs, while WET was an alternative in Mayo Oulo HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative to HLC for indoor collections in Ekié and Nkolbisson HDs, while PSC proved to be the best alternative in Nkolondom HD. Regarding the species richness WET appeared as an alternative to HLC in sampling outdoor mosquitoes in Garoua and Mayo Oulo HDs, while CP was the best alternative in Pitoa HD. In the Centre Region, CDC-LT was an alternative for outdoor and indoor collections in Nkolbisson HD, and the best alternative for outdoor collections in Ekie HD. The current study revealed variable performance of the five tested adult mosquito collection methods across the prospected HDs in North and Centre Regions of Cameroon. Further investigations will be conducted on other collection methods, e.g., aspiration, mosquito electrocuting grid trap, ovitraps and human-baited double net trap.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"30 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140245471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-13DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1326512
M. Saboyá-Díaz, A. N. S. Maia-Elkhoury, A. Luciañez, Samantha Y. O. B. Valadas, Ronaldo Guilherme Carvaho-Scholte, R. Nicholls, Marco A Vigilato, Luis Gerardo Castellanos, Marcos A. Espinal
Neglected infectious diseases (NID) are a diverse group of conditions including more than 20 parasitic, bacterial, and fungal diseases, and envenoming by poisonous animals. Their risk factors include poverty, income inequality, lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, and barriers to education and health services, among other social determinants of health. They impose a large burden on marginalized populations globally and in the region of the Americas, including women and ethnic minorities. The region of the Americas has a track record of elimination of communicable diseases and countries have made significant progress in the elimination of NID in recent years. Between 2011 and 2020, one country eliminated trachoma, four eliminated onchocerciasis, one eliminated human rabies transmitted by dogs, and three were declared free of lymphatic filariasis. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the continuity of actions to eliminate NID and there are challenges in controlling and eliminating NID, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations with issues in accessing health services. There are still difficulties in the coordination between health and other sectors to work together on the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of NID. Forwarding the elimination of NID in the Americas involves continuous advocacy and resource mobilization at various levels (international, regional, national, and subnational), ensuring sufficient allocation of human and financial resources, access to essential health supplies, and implementing people-centered services. It also entails engaging and empowering civil society, communities, local governments, and public-private partnerships, while collaborating with stakeholders and donors for effective action.
{"title":"Neglected infectious diseases in the Americas: current situation and perspectives for the control and elimination by 2030","authors":"M. Saboyá-Díaz, A. N. S. Maia-Elkhoury, A. Luciañez, Samantha Y. O. B. Valadas, Ronaldo Guilherme Carvaho-Scholte, R. Nicholls, Marco A Vigilato, Luis Gerardo Castellanos, Marcos A. Espinal","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1326512","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1326512","url":null,"abstract":"Neglected infectious diseases (NID) are a diverse group of conditions including more than 20 parasitic, bacterial, and fungal diseases, and envenoming by poisonous animals. Their risk factors include poverty, income inequality, lack of access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation, and barriers to education and health services, among other social determinants of health. They impose a large burden on marginalized populations globally and in the region of the Americas, including women and ethnic minorities. The region of the Americas has a track record of elimination of communicable diseases and countries have made significant progress in the elimination of NID in recent years. Between 2011 and 2020, one country eliminated trachoma, four eliminated onchocerciasis, one eliminated human rabies transmitted by dogs, and three were declared free of lymphatic filariasis. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the continuity of actions to eliminate NID and there are challenges in controlling and eliminating NID, particularly in vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations with issues in accessing health services. There are still difficulties in the coordination between health and other sectors to work together on the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of NID. Forwarding the elimination of NID in the Americas involves continuous advocacy and resource mobilization at various levels (international, regional, national, and subnational), ensuring sufficient allocation of human and financial resources, access to essential health supplies, and implementing people-centered services. It also entails engaging and empowering civil society, communities, local governments, and public-private partnerships, while collaborating with stakeholders and donors for effective action.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"18 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140247537","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-08DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1366462
Ram Das, K. Vashisht, Lokesh Kori, Kuldeep Singh, Gaurav Kumar, Izazul Hasan, Jugal Gam, K. Pandey
The diagnosis of infectious reservoirs in malaria (gametocytes) is necessary, especially in low-density infections and asymptomatic malaria patients. The gametocyte stage is a surrogate marker for infection of P. falciparum malaria in healthy individuals. The early detection of infectious gametocytes and treatment will strengthen our efforts in curbing transmission. The nested PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methods have been demonstrated for the diagnosis of infectious gametocyte reservoirs. In this study, RDT, blood smear microscopy, and nested-PCR were used for the detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, and compared with RT-qPCR detection of Pfg27 gametocyte biomarker gene.In the present cross-sectional study, 356 human blood samples were collected from endemic areas of Kokrajhar Assam (asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria patients) for malaria diagnosis.A total of 8.42%(30/356) incidence of malaria was observed. Malaria patients were observed to be both symptomatic, 80%(24/30; 13Pf+11Pv), and asymptomatic, 20%(6 (4Pf +2Pv)). More than 64%(11/17) of Pf and 92.3%(12/13) of Pv infections were observed in children and the adolescent population (age <20 years) by RDT, microscopy, nested PCR, and RT-qPCR methods. The prevalence of Pf infection was 4.77%(17/356) by RT-qPCR method. Of 16 the Pf positive samples 81.25%(13/16) were symptomatic and 18.75%(3/16) were asymptomatic. One asymptomatic individual was found positive for Pf infection by the RT-qPCR method.The findings from this research study revealed that the routine microscopy and RDT methods are insufficient for detecting all asymptomatic malaria and gametocyte infectious reservoirs. The early detection of infectious P. falciparum gametocytes and the treatment of patients will be helpful in preventing the transmission of malaria.
{"title":"Detection of the infective Plasmodium falciparum gametocytes by RT-qPCR assay from a malaria-endemic region of Northeastern India","authors":"Ram Das, K. Vashisht, Lokesh Kori, Kuldeep Singh, Gaurav Kumar, Izazul Hasan, Jugal Gam, K. Pandey","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1366462","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1366462","url":null,"abstract":"The diagnosis of infectious reservoirs in malaria (gametocytes) is necessary, especially in low-density infections and asymptomatic malaria patients. The gametocyte stage is a surrogate marker for infection of P. falciparum malaria in healthy individuals. The early detection of infectious gametocytes and treatment will strengthen our efforts in curbing transmission. The nested PCR and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) methods have been demonstrated for the diagnosis of infectious gametocyte reservoirs. In this study, RDT, blood smear microscopy, and nested-PCR were used for the detection of P. falciparum and P. vivax, and compared with RT-qPCR detection of Pfg27 gametocyte biomarker gene.In the present cross-sectional study, 356 human blood samples were collected from endemic areas of Kokrajhar Assam (asymptomatic and symptomatic malaria patients) for malaria diagnosis.A total of 8.42%(30/356) incidence of malaria was observed. Malaria patients were observed to be both symptomatic, 80%(24/30; 13Pf+11Pv), and asymptomatic, 20%(6 (4Pf +2Pv)). More than 64%(11/17) of Pf and 92.3%(12/13) of Pv infections were observed in children and the adolescent population (age <20 years) by RDT, microscopy, nested PCR, and RT-qPCR methods. The prevalence of Pf infection was 4.77%(17/356) by RT-qPCR method. Of 16 the Pf positive samples 81.25%(13/16) were symptomatic and 18.75%(3/16) were asymptomatic. One asymptomatic individual was found positive for Pf infection by the RT-qPCR method.The findings from this research study revealed that the routine microscopy and RDT methods are insufficient for detecting all asymptomatic malaria and gametocyte infectious reservoirs. The early detection of infectious P. falciparum gametocytes and the treatment of patients will be helpful in preventing the transmission of malaria.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"13 16","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140258152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-06DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1358514
H. Midzi, T. Naicker, A. Vengesai, Emilia T. Choto, Petros Muchesa, Maritha Kasambala, T. Mduluza-Jokonya, Victor Muleya, Elliot Nyagumbo, Donald Tafirenyika Kapanga, Lucy Mabaya, F. Mutapi, T. Mduluza
Metabolomics approaches are indispensable tools in infection biomarker discovery efforts as they shed light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of disease. In this study, we analysed plasma metabolites that can be used as biomarkers of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school aged children below the age of five.A case-control study was conducted involving 82 pre-school aged children that were age- and sex-matched. Urine samples were collected for three consecutive days to detect S. haematobium infection using urine filtration. Blood samples were also collected and processed to obtain plasma. Beckman Coulter AU480 chemistry analyser and commercial metabolite kits were used for profiling biomarkers in plasma samples. Descriptive statistics and MetaboAnalyst tool, were used for metabolite analysis. For the determination of diagnostic efficiency of plasma biomarkers, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from receiver operating characteristic curves at 95% CI.Succinic acid, glucose-6-phosphate, phosphatidylcholine, alanine and creatinine levels in plasma were significantly associated with urogenital schistosomiasis (p<0.005) at the population level. Significant increase in concentration at 1.5-fold change (FC) threshold was highest for glucose-6-phosphate with FC value of 2.02 followed by creatinine, albumin and phosphatidylcholine. Creatinine was significantly downregulated with a FC value of 1.98. Of the six dysregulated metabolic pathways, glucose and sucrose metabolism were predominantly affected. Glucose-6-phosphate had the highest AUC (0.81), sensitivity (88.85%) and specificity (90.37%). Phosphatidylcholine and succinic acid also had AUC values greater than 0.7.Urogenital schistosomiasis affects the energy-related metabolic pathways in pre-school aged children. Glucose-6-phosphate was identified as a potential indicator of infection at the population level. Furthermore, we recommend intensive validation of schistosome metabolite biomarkers.
{"title":"Plasma metabolite profiling for S. haematobium biomarkers of infection in pre-school aged children in Shamva District, Zimbabwe","authors":"H. Midzi, T. Naicker, A. Vengesai, Emilia T. Choto, Petros Muchesa, Maritha Kasambala, T. Mduluza-Jokonya, Victor Muleya, Elliot Nyagumbo, Donald Tafirenyika Kapanga, Lucy Mabaya, F. Mutapi, T. Mduluza","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1358514","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1358514","url":null,"abstract":"Metabolomics approaches are indispensable tools in infection biomarker discovery efforts as they shed light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of disease. In this study, we analysed plasma metabolites that can be used as biomarkers of urogenital schistosomiasis in pre-school aged children below the age of five.A case-control study was conducted involving 82 pre-school aged children that were age- and sex-matched. Urine samples were collected for three consecutive days to detect S. haematobium infection using urine filtration. Blood samples were also collected and processed to obtain plasma. Beckman Coulter AU480 chemistry analyser and commercial metabolite kits were used for profiling biomarkers in plasma samples. Descriptive statistics and MetaboAnalyst tool, were used for metabolite analysis. For the determination of diagnostic efficiency of plasma biomarkers, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated from receiver operating characteristic curves at 95% CI.Succinic acid, glucose-6-phosphate, phosphatidylcholine, alanine and creatinine levels in plasma were significantly associated with urogenital schistosomiasis (p<0.005) at the population level. Significant increase in concentration at 1.5-fold change (FC) threshold was highest for glucose-6-phosphate with FC value of 2.02 followed by creatinine, albumin and phosphatidylcholine. Creatinine was significantly downregulated with a FC value of 1.98. Of the six dysregulated metabolic pathways, glucose and sucrose metabolism were predominantly affected. Glucose-6-phosphate had the highest AUC (0.81), sensitivity (88.85%) and specificity (90.37%). Phosphatidylcholine and succinic acid also had AUC values greater than 0.7.Urogenital schistosomiasis affects the energy-related metabolic pathways in pre-school aged children. Glucose-6-phosphate was identified as a potential indicator of infection at the population level. Furthermore, we recommend intensive validation of schistosome metabolite biomarkers.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140262259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-06DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1346368
Kibur Engdawork, G. Tadele, P. Nahar, Gail Davey, Shahaduz Zaman
Understanding contextual factors that influence the implementation and outcome of interventions is crucial to improving them. Outcome and process evaluation studies have to date focused on the successes and limitations of interventions with little consideration of external factors that could either facilitate or impede them. Guided by the Context and Implementation of Complex Intervention (CICI) framework, we evaluated the effect of contextual factors on a health intervention implemented against the neglected tropical disease (NTD) podoconiosis in Ethiopia.We purposefully selected a health intervention jointly implemented by two NGOs in podoconiosis-endemic districts in Northwestern Ethiopia. We employed an exploratory mixed methods approach, and data were collected between April and July 2022. We first conducted document analysis, observations, 4 focus group discussions, 32 in-depth interviews and 19 key informant interviews. Subsequently, we administered a survey to 369 rural residents, of whom 42 were affected by podoconiosis. The qualitative data were managed with NVivo version 12 software. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 15 software.Most project activities were implemented as per the initial plan and the intervention reached patients that never had access to treatment services before. Contextual factors (geographical, epidemiological, socio-economic, socio-cultural, ethical, legal and political) and lived experience of patients influenced the implementation and outcome of the intervention. Most of the contextual factors pose constraints on implementation and affected the acceptability and sustainability of project activities. On the other hand, political context such the commitment of the government to rollout national programs and set up NTD structures at district level positively influenced the implementation of the intervention.Health intervention implementors should be aware of the interactive effects of contextual factors wherein interventions are put into practice. Minimizing the constraining effects of these contextual factors while utilizing opportunities presented by them might help implement optimal strategies to improve the lives of individuals affected by podoconiosis and similar NTDs.
{"title":"The effect of contextual factors on a health intervention against podoconiosis in Ethiopia","authors":"Kibur Engdawork, G. Tadele, P. Nahar, Gail Davey, Shahaduz Zaman","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1346368","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1346368","url":null,"abstract":"Understanding contextual factors that influence the implementation and outcome of interventions is crucial to improving them. Outcome and process evaluation studies have to date focused on the successes and limitations of interventions with little consideration of external factors that could either facilitate or impede them. Guided by the Context and Implementation of Complex Intervention (CICI) framework, we evaluated the effect of contextual factors on a health intervention implemented against the neglected tropical disease (NTD) podoconiosis in Ethiopia.We purposefully selected a health intervention jointly implemented by two NGOs in podoconiosis-endemic districts in Northwestern Ethiopia. We employed an exploratory mixed methods approach, and data were collected between April and July 2022. We first conducted document analysis, observations, 4 focus group discussions, 32 in-depth interviews and 19 key informant interviews. Subsequently, we administered a survey to 369 rural residents, of whom 42 were affected by podoconiosis. The qualitative data were managed with NVivo version 12 software. The quantitative data were analyzed using Stata version 15 software.Most project activities were implemented as per the initial plan and the intervention reached patients that never had access to treatment services before. Contextual factors (geographical, epidemiological, socio-economic, socio-cultural, ethical, legal and political) and lived experience of patients influenced the implementation and outcome of the intervention. Most of the contextual factors pose constraints on implementation and affected the acceptability and sustainability of project activities. On the other hand, political context such the commitment of the government to rollout national programs and set up NTD structures at district level positively influenced the implementation of the intervention.Health intervention implementors should be aware of the interactive effects of contextual factors wherein interventions are put into practice. Minimizing the constraining effects of these contextual factors while utilizing opportunities presented by them might help implement optimal strategies to improve the lives of individuals affected by podoconiosis and similar NTDs.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"16 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140263224","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-06DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1355778
G. P. Manouana, E. Sarah-Matio, Fanny Hellhammer, J. Zahouli, Aurélien Sery Bahi Tapé, Yasmine Nandy Biré, Jean-Denis Kacou Dibo, Guiéno Edwige Houriaaidji, G. Maganga, J. Koumba, Jeannot F Zinsou, Grace Cherile Ongouta-Mafia, Terence S. Boussougou-Sambe, Luc S. Djogbénou, Adandé A Medjigbodo, Oswald Y Djihinto, J. Mavoungou, R. Mintsa-Nguema, A. A. Adegnika, Steffen Borrmann, Stefanie C. Becker
Mosquito-borne arboviral zoonoses are an increasingly (re-)emerging threat for millions of people in endemic countries of Africa. Aedes-transmitted yellow fever (YF), dengue (DEN), chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika (ZIK) viruses, as well as Aedes- and Culex transmitted Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infections often go undiagnosed and as a result, accurate clinical reports for these viral diseases are lacking. The absence of evidence-based risk maps for arbovirus infections hinders the implementation of more suitable prevention/surveillance and control strategies in both non-endemic and endemic African countries. The vectorial capacity of arbovirus-transmitting vectors is highly complex mainly due to the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors that vary in time and space, explaining the differential patterns of arbovirus diseases between countries. Mapping the influential factors of arbovirus transmission, such as vector ecology, behavior, and biology in countries with different outcomes of arboviral diseases, will strongly help improve our understanding of local epidemiology and circulation of these diseases. Herein, we review up-to-date data on the distribution of arboviruses and their respective vectors from three sub-Saharan African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon) presenting different patterns of arbovirus diseases. We pinpointed major knowledge gaps and potential research interests to increase knowledge of the distribution of arboviral diseases and their vectors through African countries to improve the strategies to successfully prevent, monitor, and control the disease outbreak.
{"title":"Ecology of arboviruses and their potential mosquito vectors in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon: a mini review","authors":"G. P. Manouana, E. Sarah-Matio, Fanny Hellhammer, J. Zahouli, Aurélien Sery Bahi Tapé, Yasmine Nandy Biré, Jean-Denis Kacou Dibo, Guiéno Edwige Houriaaidji, G. Maganga, J. Koumba, Jeannot F Zinsou, Grace Cherile Ongouta-Mafia, Terence S. Boussougou-Sambe, Luc S. Djogbénou, Adandé A Medjigbodo, Oswald Y Djihinto, J. Mavoungou, R. Mintsa-Nguema, A. A. Adegnika, Steffen Borrmann, Stefanie C. Becker","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1355778","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1355778","url":null,"abstract":"Mosquito-borne arboviral zoonoses are an increasingly (re-)emerging threat for millions of people in endemic countries of Africa. Aedes-transmitted yellow fever (YF), dengue (DEN), chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika (ZIK) viruses, as well as Aedes- and Culex transmitted Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) infections often go undiagnosed and as a result, accurate clinical reports for these viral diseases are lacking. The absence of evidence-based risk maps for arbovirus infections hinders the implementation of more suitable prevention/surveillance and control strategies in both non-endemic and endemic African countries. The vectorial capacity of arbovirus-transmitting vectors is highly complex mainly due to the interplay between biotic and abiotic factors that vary in time and space, explaining the differential patterns of arbovirus diseases between countries. Mapping the influential factors of arbovirus transmission, such as vector ecology, behavior, and biology in countries with different outcomes of arboviral diseases, will strongly help improve our understanding of local epidemiology and circulation of these diseases. Herein, we review up-to-date data on the distribution of arboviruses and their respective vectors from three sub-Saharan African countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gabon) presenting different patterns of arbovirus diseases. We pinpointed major knowledge gaps and potential research interests to increase knowledge of the distribution of arboviral diseases and their vectors through African countries to improve the strategies to successfully prevent, monitor, and control the disease outbreak.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"140 19","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140078434","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-03-05DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2024.1321687
Lara Ferrero Gómez, H. D. R. Rocha, Ignacio Gil Torró, Irene Serafín Pérez, Deinilson Conselheiro Mendes, Keily Silva, D. Monteiro, Jailson P. Tavares Dos Reis, Silvânia Veiga Leal, Luis F. Vitória Soulé, Jailton C. Fortes, Maria da Luz Lima Mendonça, Eva Caballero Mendez, Basilio Valladares Hernández
Cabo Verde, an island country in West Africa, has been affected since human colonization by epidemics of vector-borne diseases with major epidemics of dengue and zika in recent years. Although there is a national program for integrated vector control, innovative strategies that reinforce routine activities and strengthen vector control are necessary to prevent the emergence or reemergence of arboviruses and new epidemics of dengue and zika. Insecticide paints are evidenced as new technologies for the formulation of insecticides in a more residual and safe way. The TINTAEDES project aimed to assess the efficacy, acceptability, and operational deployment of an insecticide paint for Aedes control.Laboratory and small-scale field trials were conducted, assessing mortality through World Health Organization cone bioassays. A community-based intervention study in the neighborhoods of Várzea and Tira Chapéu in the city of Praia, Cabo Verde, was developed. The intervention is a paint self-application model by homeowners and neighborhood volunteers. The intervention was evaluated based on entomological indicators and the responses given by the residents of the painted houses to a questionnaire on the knowledge, satisfaction, and safety of insecticidal paints. A transfluthrin-based insecticide paint was effective against wild Ae. aegypti for one year in the laboratory and semi-field conditions. Residents largely perceived a reduction in mosquito presence in the treated houses (98%).Insecticide paints are presented as an effective innovation strategy for mosquito control, which could be implemented as a reinforcement of the measures carried out by the vector control program in the city of Praia and throughout the country.
{"title":"Insecticide paints: a new community strategy for controlling dengue and zika mosquito vectors in Cabo Verde","authors":"Lara Ferrero Gómez, H. D. R. Rocha, Ignacio Gil Torró, Irene Serafín Pérez, Deinilson Conselheiro Mendes, Keily Silva, D. Monteiro, Jailson P. Tavares Dos Reis, Silvânia Veiga Leal, Luis F. Vitória Soulé, Jailton C. Fortes, Maria da Luz Lima Mendonça, Eva Caballero Mendez, Basilio Valladares Hernández","doi":"10.3389/fitd.2024.1321687","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fitd.2024.1321687","url":null,"abstract":"Cabo Verde, an island country in West Africa, has been affected since human colonization by epidemics of vector-borne diseases with major epidemics of dengue and zika in recent years. Although there is a national program for integrated vector control, innovative strategies that reinforce routine activities and strengthen vector control are necessary to prevent the emergence or reemergence of arboviruses and new epidemics of dengue and zika. Insecticide paints are evidenced as new technologies for the formulation of insecticides in a more residual and safe way. The TINTAEDES project aimed to assess the efficacy, acceptability, and operational deployment of an insecticide paint for Aedes control.Laboratory and small-scale field trials were conducted, assessing mortality through World Health Organization cone bioassays. A community-based intervention study in the neighborhoods of Várzea and Tira Chapéu in the city of Praia, Cabo Verde, was developed. The intervention is a paint self-application model by homeowners and neighborhood volunteers. The intervention was evaluated based on entomological indicators and the responses given by the residents of the painted houses to a questionnaire on the knowledge, satisfaction, and safety of insecticidal paints. A transfluthrin-based insecticide paint was effective against wild Ae. aegypti for one year in the laboratory and semi-field conditions. Residents largely perceived a reduction in mosquito presence in the treated houses (98%).Insecticide paints are presented as an effective innovation strategy for mosquito control, which could be implemented as a reinforcement of the measures carried out by the vector control program in the city of Praia and throughout the country.","PeriodicalId":73112,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in tropical diseases","volume":"129 36","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140078985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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