Composition, seasonal abundance, and public health importance of mosquito species in the regional unit of Thessaloniki, Northern Greece

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christos G. Spanoudis ◽  
Christos S. Pappas ◽  
Matilda Savopoulou-Soultani ◽  
Stefanos S. Andreadis
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Seasonal Abundance ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
Regional Unit

scholarly journals Seasonal Phenological Patterns and Flavivirus Vectorial Capacity of Medically Important Mosquito Species in a Wetland and an Urban Area of Attica, Greece

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 176
Author(s):  
Stavroula Beleri ◽  
Georgios Balatsos ◽  
Vasilios Karras ◽  
Nikolaos Tegos ◽  
Fani Sereti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Vectorial Capacity ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Surveillance Program ◽  
The South ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Usutu Virus

Seasonal patterns of mosquito population density and their vectorial capacity constitute major elements to understand the epidemiology of mosquito-borne diseases. Using adult mosquito traps, we compared the population dynamics of major mosquito species (Culex pipiens, Aedes albopictus, Anopheles spp.) in an urban and a wetland rural area of Attica Greece. Pools of the captured Cx. pipiens were analyzed to determine infection rates of the West Nile virus (WNV) and the Usutu virus (USUV). The data provided were collected under the frame of the surveillance program carried out in two regional units (RUs) of the Attica region (East Attica and South Sector of Attica), during the period 2017–2018. The entomological surveillance of adult mosquitoes was performed on a weekly basis using a network of BG-sentinel traps (BGs), baited with CO2 and BG-Lure, in selected, fixed sampling sites. A total of 46,726 adult mosquitoes were collected, with larger variety and number of species in East Attica (n = 37,810), followed by the South Sector of Attica (n = 8916). The collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified to species level and evaluated for their public health importance. Collected Cx. pipiens adults were pooled and tested for West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) presence by implementation of a targeted molecular methodology (real-time PCR). A total of 366 mosquito pools were analyzed for WNV and USUV, respectively, and 38 (10.4%) positive samples were recorded for WNV, while no positive pool was detected for USUV. The majority of positive samples for WNV were detected in the East Attica region, followed by the South Sector of Attica, respectively. The findings of the current study highlight the WNV circulation in the region of Attica and the concomitant risk for the country, rendering mosquito surveillance actions and integrated mosquito management programs as imperative public health interventions.

A Comparison of Gravid and Under-House CO2-Baited CDC Light Traps for Mosquito Species of Public Health Importance in Houston, Texas

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 1494-1497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie L. White ◽  
Michael P. Ward ◽  
Christine M. Budke ◽  
Tracy Cyr ◽  
Rudy Bueno
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Public Health Importance

scholarly journals Do tigers hunt during the day? Diel activity of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae), in urban and suburban habitats of North America

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. e0009438
Author(s):  
Isik Unlu ◽  
Ary Faraji ◽  
Nicholas Indelicato ◽  
James R. McNelly
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Aedes Albopictus ◽  
Mosquito Control ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Diel Activity ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Subtropical Climate ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Late Season ◽  
Solar Noon

Background Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) impacts human outdoor activity because of its aggressive biting behavior, and as a major vector of mosquito-borne diseases, it is also of public health importance. Although most mosquito species exhibit crepuscular activity by primarily host seeking at dawn and dusk, Ae. albopictus has been traditionally characterized as a diurnal or day-biting mosquito. With the global expansion and increased involvement of Ae. albopictus in mosquito-borne diseases, it is imperative to elucidate the diel activity of this species, particularly in newly invaded areas. Methodology and principal findings Human sweep netting and carbon dioxide-baited rotator traps were used to evaluate the diel activity of Ae. albopictus in two study sites. Both trapping methods were used in New Jersey’s Mercer County, USA (temperate/urban), while only human sweep netting was used in Florida’s Volusia County, USA (subtropical/suburban). Human sweep netting was performed to determine adult mosquito activity at Sunrise, Solar Noon, Sunset, and Lunar Midnight. Because New Jersey is in a temperate area, diel activity was investigated during the early season (3–19 July), peak season (25 July-19 September), and late season (22 September- 22 October). Aedes albopictus showed the highest activity during peak and late seasons at Solar Noon (P < 0.05). At Sunrise and Sunset during the peak season, Ae. albopictus activity was similar. Lunar Midnight activity was significantly lower than Sunrise and Solar Noon (P < 0.05) but was similar to that of Sunset. In the late season, the highest activity was observed during Solar Noon while the least activity was observed during Sunrise and Lunar Midnight (P<0.05). Bottle rotator traps used in conjunction with the human sweep net technique exhibited similar results. Seasonal activity was not differentiated in Florida due to the consistent subtropical climate. The highest adult activity was observed at Sunrise using human sweep netting, but it was not significantly different from Solar Noon and Sunset. The lowest adult activity was observed at Lunar Midnight; however, it was not significantly different from Solar Noon and Sunset. These results provide evidence that the diel activity of Ae. albopictus, contrary to the common perception of its diurnal activity, is much more varied. Conclusion/Significance Involvement of Ae. albopictus in the transmission of debilitating mosquito-borne pathogens such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus, coupled with its affinity to thrive in human peridomestic environments, substantiates that our findings have global implications in areas where Ae. albopictus populations established. It also highlights the importance of behavioral studies of vector species which will not only help mosquito control professionals plan the timing of their control efforts but also provides empirical evidence against conventional wisdoms that may unjustly persist within public health stewards.

scholarly journals Identification and characterisation of mosquitoes from different locations in Qatar in 2017–2019

Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Elmoubasher Abu Baker Abd Farag ◽  
Devendra Bansal ◽  
Khaled Mardini ◽  
Ali A. Sultan ◽  
Mohammed Hamad J. Al-Thani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Local Community ◽  
Rift Valley Fever Virus ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Adult Mosquito ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
West Nile Virus Transmission

Mosquito-borne infections have considerable consequences for public health. The mere presence of a single case of vector-borne disease (VBD) introduces a risk to the local community particularly when associated with the compatible vector, host, and suitable environmental factors. Presently, there is no well-established vector control and surveillance programme in Qatar; therefore, the likelihood of VBDs spreading is undetermined. As a result, there is a pressing need to address this gap and enable successful management of VBDs. This study presents the results of three consecutive field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2019 with the aim of defining the types and distribution of mosquitoes that are of public health importance in Qatar. The results of the adult mosquito trappings show that the southern house mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus is the most widespread and abundant mosquito species, followed by Cx. perexiguus, both species representing a risk of West Nile virus transmission. All sampling methods show that the malaria vector Anopheles stephensi is widespread including in urbanised areas, suggesting a risk of local malaria transmission. The wetland mosquito Aedes caspius is also widespread, representing a risk of Rift Valley fever virus transmission. The dengue vector Ae. aegypti was not detected and can be considered neither widespread nor abundant, suggesting a minimal risk for local transmission of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Interestingly, the study detected Culiseta longiareolata for the first time in Qatar. Regular field studies are needed to further address the knowledge gaps in terms of distribution, ecology, and biting habits of different mosquito species currently present in Qatar to accurately assess the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

scholarly journals West Nile Virus Circulation in Mosquitoes in Greece (2010–2013)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eleni Patsoula ◽  
Annita Vakali ◽  
Georgios Balatsos ◽  
Danai Pervanidou ◽  
Stavroula Beleri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
West Nile Virus ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Northern Greece ◽  
West Nile ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Regional Unit ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
The One

Background of the Study. Following a large West Nile virus (WNV) epidemic in Northern Greece in 2010, an active mosquito surveillance system was implemented, for a 3-year period (2011, 2012, and 2013).Description of the Study Site and Methodology. Using mainly CO2mosquito traps, mosquito collections were performed. Samples were pooled by date of collection, location, and species and examined for the presence of WNV.Results. Positive pools were detected in different areas of the country. In 2010, MIR and MLE values of 1.92 (95% CI: 0.00–4.57) and 2.30 (95% CI: 0.38–7.49) were calculated for the Serres Regional Unit in Central Macedonia Region. In 2011, the highest MIR value of 3.71(95% CI: 1.52–5.91) was recorded in the Regions of Central Greece and Thessaly. In 2012, MIR and MLE values for the whole country were 2.03 (95% CI: 1.73–2.33) and 2.15 (95% CI: 1.86–2.48), respectively, forCx. pipiens. In 2013, in the Regional Unit of Attica, the one outbreak epicenter, MIR and MLE values forCx. pipienswere 10.75 (95% CI: 7.52–13.99) and 15.76 (95% CI: 11.66–20.65), respectively.Significance of Results/Conclusions. The contribution of a mosquito-based surveillance system targeting WNV transmission is highlighted through the obtained data, as in most regions positive mosquito pools were detected prior to the date of symptom onset of human cases. Dissemination of the results on time to Public Health Authorities resulted in planning and application of public health interventions in local level.

An Overview of Gambling in India

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 4
Author(s):  
Sanju George ◽  
Jessy Fenn ◽  
Kripa Robonderdeep
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
The World

Gambling is a popular pastime in India, as in most cultures across the world. Although research from India is limited, there is enough evidence to suggest that it should be of public health importance. In this brief paper, we look at the evolution of gambling in India and also discuss potential ways forward to address this issue.

scholarly journals Reconciling Epidemiology’s Aspirations and Capabilities

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
David A Savitz
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Public Health Action ◽  
Action Current ◽  
Current Trends ◽  
The Face ◽  
Health Action ◽  
New Challenges ◽  
Health Applications

Abstract Interpreting the results of epidemiologic studies calls for objectivity and rigorous scrutiny, acknowledging the limitations that temper the applicability of the findings to public health action. Current trends have posed new challenges to balancing goal of scientific objectivity and validity with public health applications. The ongoing tension between epidemiology’s aspirations and capability has several sources: the need to overpromise in research proposals, compromising methodologic rigor because of public health importance, defending findings in the face of hostile critics, and appealing to core constituencies who have specific expectations from the research.

scholarly journals First molecular detection of hepatitis E virus genome in camel and pig faecal samples in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fufa Dawo Bari ◽  
Haimanot Belete Wodaje ◽  
Umer Said ◽  
Hika Waktole ◽  
Melaku Sombo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Universal Primers ◽  
Viral Gene ◽  
Public Health Importance ◽  
Faecal Samples

Abstract Background Hepatitis E is an enteric and zoonotic disease caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) that is mainly transmitted via the faecal-oral route through contaminated food or the environment. The virus is an emerging infectious agent causing acute human infection worldwide. A high seroprevalence of the disease was reported in pregnant women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, raising significant public health concern. The presence of HEV specific antibodies were also reported in dromedary camels in the country; however, the infectious virus and/or the viral genome have not been demonstrated to date in animal samples. Methods To address this gap, a total of 95 faecal samples collected from both apparently healthy pigs of uncharacterised types (50 samples) in Burayu and Addis Ababa areas and camels (Camelus dromedarius, 45 samples) in west Hararghe were screened for the presence of HEV genome using universal primers in a fully nested reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). The protocol is capable of detecting HEV in faecal samples from both pigs and camels. Results The nRT-PCR detected HEV genes in six (12%) pig faecal samples and one camel sample (2.2%). Therefore, the results indicate that HEV is circulating in both pigs and camels in Ethiopia and these animals and their products could serve as a potential source of infection for humans. Conclusion The detection of HEV in both animals could raise another concern regarding its public health importance as both animals’ meat and camel milk are consumed in the country. Further studies to determine the prevalence and distribution of the virus in different animals and their products, water bodies, food chain, and vegetables are warranted, along with viral gene sequencing for detailed genetic characterisation of the isolates circulating in the country. This information is critically important to design and institute appropriate control and/or preventive measures.

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