Vectors and Vector Borne Diseases: Morphological and Molecular Diagnosis, Risk Assessment, Population Genetics and Control Strategies

Author(s):  
D. W. Ramilo ◽  
A. M. Alho ◽  
J. Gomes ◽  
M. Santos ◽  
A. S. Santos ◽  
...  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranju Ravindran Santhakumari Manoj ◽  
Maria Stefania Latrofa ◽  
Sara Epis ◽  
Domenico Otranto

Abstract Background Wolbachia is an obligate intracellular maternally transmitted, gram-negative bacterium which forms a spectrum of endosymbiotic relationships from parasitism to obligatory mutualism in a wide range of arthropods and onchocercid nematodes, respectively. In arthropods Wolbachia produces reproductive manipulations such as male killing, feminization, parthenogenesis and cytoplasmic incompatibility for its propagation and provides an additional fitness benefit for the host to protect against pathogens, whilst in onchocercid nematodes, apart from the mutual metabolic dependence, this bacterium is involved in moulting, embryogenesis, growth and survival of the host. Methods This review details the molecular data of Wolbachia and its effect on host biology, immunity, ecology and evolution, reproduction, endosymbiont-based treatment and control strategies exploited for filariasis. Relevant peer-reviewed scientic papers available in various authenticated scientific data bases were considered while writing the review. Conclusions The information presented provides an overview on Wolbachia biology and its use in the control and/or treatment of vectors, onchocercid nematodes and viral diseases of medical and veterinary importance. This offers the development of new approaches for the control of a variety of vector-borne diseases. Graphic Abstract


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Winnie Paulson ◽  
Karuppusamy Balasubramani ◽  
Rashi Dixit ◽  
Savitha Chellappan ◽  
Sujit Kumar Behera ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDengue and chikungunya (CHIKV) are the two major vector-borne diseases of serious public health concern in India. Studies on socio-economic and housing determinants of dengue and CHIKV at a pan-India level are lacking. Here, we took advantage of the recently carried out Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) carried across all the States and Union Territories of India to study the social determinants of dengue and CHIKV in India.MethodsLASI-1 (2017-2018) data on the self-reported period prevalence of dengue and CHIKV from 70,865 respondents aged ≥45 years were used for this analysis. The State-wise distribution of dengue and CHIKV was mapped. Prevalence was estimated for each study variable, and the difference was compared using the χ2 test. The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of the socio-economic and housing variables for dengue and CHIKV were calculated using a multiple logistic regression model.ResultsUrban residence is the major socio-economic determinant of dengue and CHIKV (dengue: AOR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.17-2.10; CHIKV: AOR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.20-2.02). Wealth status (richest) and less than primary schooling are associated with dengue and CHIKV prevalence. In addition to these factors, social group (scheduled and forward castes) is also associated with CHIKV prevalence. Water-source outside the dwelling (AOR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.96-1.50), pucca or semi- pucca house type are also associated with increased odds of CHIKV. ConclusionsDespite the limitation that the data is only from adults ≥ 45, this analysis provides important insights into the socio-economic and housing variables that increase the odds of dengue and CHIKV in India. Understanding these determinants may assist in the national planning of prevention and control strategies for dengue and CHIKV.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 478-493
Author(s):  
Shanker Bahadur Shrestha ◽  
Uttam Raj Pyakurel ◽  
Mukti Khanal ◽  
Murari Upadhyay ◽  
Kesara Na-Bangchang ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate epidemiology and control strategies of the four priority vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Nepal, i.e. malaria, Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), lymphatic filariasis (LF) and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever. Design/methodology/approach The study was a retrospective design to collect data during 1998–2016 from VBDs endemic districts of Nepal. All data were reviewed and epidemiological information of the four VBDs were analyzed. Findings The number of malaria cases during 1998–2016 of the 13 affected districts was declined from 8,498 to 991 cases with no record of deaths since 2012. The number of cases and deaths in the 12 kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis) affected districts in 1998 was 1,409 and 42 cases, respectively, but was dramatically decreased in 2016 to 213 and 2 cases, respectively. LF cases of the 61 affected districts in 2011, 2014 and 2016 were 28,855, 30,000 and 33,517 cases, respectively. In total, 25 districts achieved elimination target and the remaining are expected to complete the needful cycles by 2018. Dengue incidence of the 31 affected districts during 2006–2015 was under controlled with reported cases of 642, 356 and 136 cases in 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively, and only one death in 2015. Implementation of control strategies particularly disease management and community peoples’ awareness significantly reduced the cases and deaths of the target VBDs. Practical implications The results of this study clearly suggest that the current control strategies have been worked effectively. However, in particular of the VBDs, health education in communities in the endemic areas should be adopted for better community participation in the context of the primary health care approach and increase the effectiveness of disease control. Originality/value VBDs, i.e., malaria, kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), LF and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever, are major causes of morbidity and mortality in the least developed countries which include Nepal. Globalization of travel and trading, unplanned urbanization, environmental and climate change are having a significant impact on disease transmission. Therefore, the Ministry of Health of Nepal had brought some changes in strategies based on activities for disease control, vector control, preventive and preparedness for outbreak response. Consequently, the cases and deaths due to malaria, kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis), lymphatic filaiasis and dengue fever/dengue hemorrhagic fever have been brought down markedly.


2021 ◽  
pp. 26-31
Author(s):  
Cyril Caminade

Abstract This expert opinion provides an overview of mathematical models that have been used to assess the impact of climate change on ticks and tick-borne diseases, ways forward in terms of improving models for the recent context and broad guidelines for conducting future climate change risk assessment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann M. Powers

SUMMARYBeginning in 2004, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) went from an endemic pathogen limited to Africa and Asia that caused periodic outbreaks to a global pathogen. Given that outbreaks caused by CHIKV have continued and expanded, serious consideration must be given to identifying potential options for vaccines and therapeutics. Currently, there are no licensed products in this realm, and control relies completely on the use of personal protective measures and integrated vector control, which are only minimally effective. Therefore, it is prudent to urgently examine further possibilities for control. Vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against vector-borne diseases. However, as CHIKV is known to rapidly spread and generate high attack rates, therapeutics would also be highly valuable. Several candidates are currently being developed; this review describes the multiple options under consideration for future development and assesses their relative advantages and disadvantages.


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 35-48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory J. Davis

Malaria is a vector-borne illness affecting millions of lives annually and imposes a heavy financial burden felt worldwide. Moreover, there is growing concern that global climate change, in particular, rising temperature, will increase this burden. As such, policy makers are in need of tools capable of informing them about the potential strengths and weaknesses of intervention and control strategies. A previously developed agent-based model of the Anopheles gambiae mosquito is extended, one of the primary vectors of malaria, to investigate how changes in temperature influence the dynamics of malaria transmission and the effectiveness of a common malaria intervention: insecticide-treated nets (ITNs). Results from the simulations suggest two important findings. Consistent with previous studies, an increase in mosquito abundance as temperature increases is observed. However, the increase in mosquito abundance reduces the effectiveness of ITNs at a given coverage level. The implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 389-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Medone ◽  
Carlos M Hern�ndez-Su�rez

Abstract Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya arboviruses (DZC), mainly transmitted by mosquito Aedes aegypti, are global health public issues affecting 390 million people each year. In most endemic countries, vector control strategies have been focused on reducing breeding sites and adult mosquito populations. Most health communication strategies have pointed out adult mosquito as the main responsible of the transmission, persuading people to eliminate domestic containers. However, it is not clear how should people understand the relationship between adult mosquitoes and water domestic containers. So, the main goal of the present study was to assess the people understanding of this relationship. Results showed that most people associate adult mosquitoes with DZC, but only few could associate swimming larvae with mosquitoes. The unawareness of larva presence leads to an underestimation of risk perception about DZC transmission. In this context, we consider that educative interventions for health promotion, based on meaningful knowledge and social representations arise as long-term strategies to control transmission of vector-borne diseases. Here, we propose innovative health strategies focused on increase the risk perception about swimming larvae, considering social representations, which may be a key stepping stone to increase people adherence to massive campaigns and reducing DZC burden.


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