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2 pages, 172 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Epidemiology of Vector-Borne Diseases 2.0

by Denis Sereno

Microorganisms 2022, 10(8), 1555; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10081555 - 01 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1552

Abstract

Arthropods’ vectors—those of a large variety of families, including Culicidae, Simuliidae, Psychodidae, Ixodidae, Agarsidae, Pulicidae, Glossinidae, Reduviidae, and Tabanidae [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

Research

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14 pages, 10127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Lyme Neuroborreliosis—Significant Local Variations in Incidence within a Highly Endemic Region in Sweden

by Per-Olof Nilsson and Ivar Tjernberg

Microorganisms 2023, 11(4), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11040917 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1445

Abstract

The aim of this study was to perform a detailed epidemiological overview of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) 2008–2021 in a highly Lyme borreliosis-endemic area in Sweden using a geographic information system (GIS). Diagnosis of LNB was based on clinical symptoms and analysis of cerebrospinal [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to perform a detailed epidemiological overview of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) 2008–2021 in a highly Lyme borreliosis-endemic area in Sweden using a geographic information system (GIS). Diagnosis of LNB was based on clinical symptoms and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) according to European guidelines. From laboratory databases and medical records, we detected all patients with CSF pleocytosis and intrathecal anti-Borrelia antibody production and listed clinical features. The distribution of LNB cases within Kalmar County, Sweden was investigated using GIS. In total, 272 cases of definite LNB were confirmed with an average yearly incidence of 7.8/100,000. Significant differences in incidence were noted between children 0–17 years (16/100,000) and adults 18+ years (5.8/100,000) (p < 0.001), between rural (16/100,000) and urban areas (5.8/100,000) (p < 0.001) and between selected municipalities (p < 0.001). Distinct clinical differences in presentation of LNB were also noted between children and adults. Thus, the incidence of LNB varies significantly locally and in relation to age, and clinical presentation shows differences between children and adults. Surveillance of LNB and knowledge of local epidemiological conditions may facilitate preventive measures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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13 pages, 1541 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trypanosome Infections and Anemia in Cattle Returning from Transhumance in Tsetse-Infested Areas of Cameroon

by Oumarou Farikou, Gustave Simo, Flobert Njiokou, Ginette Irma Kamé Ngassé, Martin Achiri Fru and Anne Geiger

Microorganisms 2023, 11(3), 712; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11030712 - 09 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1178

Abstract

The objective of this work was to assess the anemic status and the use of an immunological test and PCR-based methods to determine the infection rates of trypanosomes species. Transhumance aims to provide cattle with greener pastures and greater water resources than in [...] Read more.

The objective of this work was to assess the anemic status and the use of an immunological test and PCR-based methods to determine the infection rates of trypanosomes species. Transhumance aims to provide cattle with greener pastures and greater water resources than in the Djerem region during the dry season. Two criteria were used to assess the health status of the animals, the prevalence of trypanosomiasis and the level of anemia. In addition, we have evaluated the effectiveness, in trypanosomiasis detection, of the Very Diag Kit (CEVA Santé animale), a Rapid diagnosis test (RDT) based on immunological identification of T. congolense s.l. and T. vivax, responsible for AAT. Four trypanosome species (Trypanosoma congolense savannah type (Tcs), T. congolense forest type (Tcf), T. brucei s.l. (Tbr) and T. vivax (Tvx)) were identified in cattle sampled in four villages. The overall infection rate determined by PCR (68.6%) was much higher than those generally reported in cattle from the Adamawa region (35 to 50%). Infections (including mixed infections) by Tc s.l. (Tcs + Tcf) were predominant (45.7%). The infection rates were also determined using the Very Diag Kit allowing us to identify Tc s.l. and Tvx in the field in less than 20 min. This method provided, for the global infection, a higher rate (76.5%) than that determined by PCR (68.6%), although it is supposed to be less sensitive than PCR. Tc s.l. infection rate (37.8%) was similar to that (38.8%) determined by PCR (Tcs + Tcf single infections). In contrast, the prevalence of Tvx single infections measured by RDT (18%) was nearly two-fold higher than that (9.4%) measured by PCR. Thus, further comparative analyses seem to be needed in order to more accurately assess the sensitivity and specificity of the Very Diag test under our conditions of use on blood samples. The mean PCVs in trypanosome-infected as well as in uninfected cattle were below 25%, the threshold below which an animal is considered anemic. Our study shows that cattle return from transhumance in poor health. It raises questions about its real benefit, especially since the herds are themselves likely to become vectors of trypanosomiasis and possibly of other diseases. At least, effective measures have to be undertaken to treat all cattle coming back from transhumance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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23 pages, 3282 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flavonoid Derivatives as New Potent Inhibitors of Cysteine Proteases: An Important Step toward the Design of New Compounds for the Treatment of Leishmaniasis

by Estela Mariana Guimarães Lourenço, Juliana Fortes Di Iório, Fernanda da Silva, Felipe Leonardo Bley Fialho, Melquisedeque Mateus Monteiro, Adilson Beatriz, Renata Trentin Perdomo, Euzébio Guimarães Barbosa, Jean Pierre Oses, Carla Cardozo Pinto de Arruda, Wagner Alves de Souza Júdice, Jamal Rafique and Dênis Pires de Lima

Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 225; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11010225 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2693

Abstract

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting more than 350 million people globally. However, there is currently no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis, and current treatment is hampered by high cost, side-effects, and painful administration routes. It has become a United Nations goal [...] Read more.

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease, affecting more than 350 million people globally. However, there is currently no vaccine available against human leishmaniasis, and current treatment is hampered by high cost, side-effects, and painful administration routes. It has become a United Nations goal to end leishmaniasis epidemics by 2030, and multitarget drug strategy emerges as a promising alternative. Among the multitarget compounds, flavonoids are a renowned class of natural products, and a structurally diverse library can be prepared through organic synthesis, which can be tested for biological effectiveness. In this study, we synthesised 17 flavonoid analogues using a scalable, easy-to-reproduce, and inexpensive method. All synthesised compounds presented an impressive inhibition capacity against rCPB2.8, rCPB3, and rH84Y enzymes, which are highly expressed in the amastigote stage, the target form of the parasite. Compounds 3c, f12a, and f12b were found to be effective against all isoforms. Furthermore, their intermolecular interactions were also investigated through a molecular modelling study. These compounds were highly potent against the parasite and demonstrated low cytotoxic action against mammalian cells. These results are pioneering, representing an advance in the investigation of the mechanisms behind the antileishmanial action of flavonoid derivatives. Moreover, compounds have been shown to be promising leads for the design of other cysteine protease inhibitors for the treatment of leishmaniasis diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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16 pages, 6677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seasonal Patterns of Zoonotic Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Caused by L. major and Transmitted by Phlebotomus papatasi in the North Africa Region, a Systematic Review and a Meta-Analysis

by Ahmed Karmaoui, Denis Sereno, Samir El Jaafari and Lhoussain Hajji

Microorganisms 2022, 10(12), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10122391 - 02 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1528

Abstract

Background: In North African countries, zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a seasonal disease linked to Phlebotomus papatasi, Scopoli, 1786, the primary proven vector of L. major dynamics. Even if the disease is of public health importance, studies of P. papatasi seasonal dynamics [...] Read more.

Background: In North African countries, zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is a seasonal disease linked to Phlebotomus papatasi, Scopoli, 1786, the primary proven vector of L. major dynamics. Even if the disease is of public health importance, studies of P. papatasi seasonal dynamics are often local and dispersed in space and time. Therefore, a detailed picture of the biology and behavior of the vector linked with climatic factors and the framework of ZCL outbreaks is still lacking at the North African countries’ level. Our study aims to fill this gap via a systematic review and meta-analysis of the seasonal incidence of ZCL and the activity of P. papatasi in North African countries. We address the relationship between the seasonal number of declared ZCL cases, the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi, and climatic variables at the North African region scale. Methods: We selected 585 publications, dissertations, and archives data published from 1990 to July 2022. The monthly incidence data of ZCL were extracted from 15 documents and those on the seasonal dynamic of P. papatasi from 11 publications from four North African countries. Results: Our analysis disclosed that for most studied sites, the highest ZCL incidence is recorded from October to February (the hibernal season of the vector), while the P. papatasi density peaks primarily during the hot season of June to September. Overall, at the North African region scale, two to four months laps are present before the apparition of the scars reminiscent of infection by L. major. Conclusions: Such analysis is of interest to regional decision-makers for planning control of ZCL in North African countries. They can also be a rationale on which future field studies combining ZCL disease incidence, vector activity, and climatic data can be built. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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19 pages, 4713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Profiles of Multiple Antimalarial Drug Resistance Markers in Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax in the Mandalay Region, Myanmar

by Hương Giang Lê, Haung Naw, Jung-Mi Kang, Tuấn Cường Võ, Moe Kyaw Myint, Zaw Than Htun, Jinyoung Lee, Won Gi Yoo, Tong-Soo Kim, Ho-Joon Shin and Byoung-Kuk Na

Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2021; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102021 - 13 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1777

Abstract

Emergence and spreading of antimalarial drug resistant malaria parasites are great hurdles to combating malaria. Although approaches to investigate antimalarial drug resistance status in Myanmar malaria parasites have been made, more expanded studies are necessary to understand the nationwide aspect of antimalarial drug [...] Read more.

Emergence and spreading of antimalarial drug resistant malaria parasites are great hurdles to combating malaria. Although approaches to investigate antimalarial drug resistance status in Myanmar malaria parasites have been made, more expanded studies are necessary to understand the nationwide aspect of antimalarial drug resistance. In the present study, molecular epidemiological analysis for antimalarial drug resistance genes in Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax from the Mandalay region of Myanmar was performed. Blood samples were collected from patients infected with P. falciparum and P. vivax in four townships around the Mandalay region, Myanmar in 2015. Partial regions flanking major mutations in 11 antimalarial drug resistance genes, including seven genes (pfdhfr, pfdhps, pfmdr-1, pfcrt, pfk13, pfubp-1, and pfcytb) of P. falciparum and four genes (pvdhfr, pvdhps, pvmdr-1, and pvk12) of P. vivax were amplified, sequenced, and overall mutation patterns in these genes were analyzed. Substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance were detected in both P. falciparum and P. vivax isolated in Mandalay region of Myanmar. Mutations associated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance were found in pfdhfr, pfdhps, pvdhfr, and pvdhps of Myanmar P. falciparum and P. vivax with very high frequencies up to 90%. High or moderate levels of mutations were detected in genes such as pfmdr-1, pfcrt, and pvmdr-1 associated with chloroquine resistance. Meanwhile, low frequency mutations or none were found in pfk13, pfubp-1, pfcytb, and pvk12 of the parasites. Overall molecular profiles for antimalarial drug resistance genes in malaria parasites in the Mandalay region suggest that parasite populations in the region have substantial levels of mutations conferring antimalarial drug resistance. Continuous monitoring of mutations linked with antimalarial drug resistance is necessary to provide useful information for policymakers to plan for proper antimalarial drug regimens to control and eliminate malaria in the country. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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13 pages, 1188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Screening of Circulation of Usutu and West Nile Viruses: A One Health Approach in Humans, Domestic Animals and Mosquitoes in Burkina Faso, West Africa

by Bachirou Tinto, Didier Patinde Alexandre Kaboré, Thérèse Samdapawindé Kagoné, Orianne Constant, Jonathan Barthelemy, Alice Kiba-Koumaré, Philippe Van de Perre, Roch Kounbobr Dabiré, Thierry Baldet, Serafin Gutierrez, Patricia Gil, Dramane Kania and Yannick Simonin

Microorganisms 2022, 10(10), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10102016 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1962

Abstract

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are phylogenetically closely related arboviruses. These viruses mainly follow an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds, but they occasionally infect humans and other mammals, inducing neurotropic disorders. Since the discovery of USUV, only two human [...] Read more.

Usutu virus (USUV) and West Nile virus (WNV) are phylogenetically closely related arboviruses. These viruses mainly follow an enzootic cycle involving mosquitoes and birds, but they occasionally infect humans and other mammals, inducing neurotropic disorders. Since the discovery of USUV, only two human cases have been reported in Africa, including one in Burkina Faso in 2004. Since then, no studies have been conducted to measure the extent of the circulation of this virus in Burkina Faso, and no study regarding the circulation of WNV has been conducted. Our study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of USUV and WNV in blood donations and in animals (horses, dogs, chickens and pigeons) and to perform molecular screening in patients with febrile fever and in Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The prevalence of USUV and WNV was studied by serological (ELISA and microneutralization tests) and molecular analyses (RT-qPCR) of mosquito, dog, domestic bird, horse, and human samples in Burkina Faso between 2019 and 2021. We detected a very active transmission of both viruses in Burkina Faso. WNV and USUV seroprevalence is particularly high in humans (19.16% and 14.17%, respectively) and horses (17.28% and 6.17%). Molecular screening did not detect WNV or USUV in the mosquito or human samples tested. Our study shows an active spread of USUV and WNV in Burkina Faso, especially for WNV. This study highlights the value of developing surveillance programs to better prevent, detect, and alert people to USUV and WNV circulation in both primary and incidental hosts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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21 pages, 2726 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental, Climatic, and Parasite Molecular Factors Impacting the Incidence of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Due to Leishmania tropica in Three Moroccan Foci

by Othmane Daoui, Hamza Bennaid, Mouad Ait Kbaich, Idris Mhaidi, Nacer Aderdour, Hassan Rhinane, Souad Bouhout, Khadija Akarid and Meryem Lemrani

Microorganisms 2022, 10(9), 1712; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10091712 - 25 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1827

Abstract

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurring due to Leishmania tropica is a public health problem in Morocco. The distribution and incidence of this form of leishmaniasis have increased in an unusual way in the last decade, and the control measures put in place are struggling [...] Read more.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) occurring due to Leishmania tropica is a public health problem in Morocco. The distribution and incidence of this form of leishmaniasis have increased in an unusual way in the last decade, and the control measures put in place are struggling to slow down the epidemic. This study was designed to assess the impact of climatic and environmental factors on CL in L. tropica foci. The data collected included CL incidence and climatic and environmental factors across three Moroccan foci (Foum Jemaa, Imintanout, and Ouazzane) from 2000 to 2019. Statistical analyses were performed using the linear regression model. An association was found between the occurrence of CL in Imintanout and temperature and humidity (r² = 0.6076, df = (1.18), p-value = 3.09 × 10⁻⁵; r² = 0.6306, df = (1.18), p-value = 1.77 × 10⁻⁵). As a second objective of our study, we investigated the population structure of L.tropica in these three foci, using the nuclear marker internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1). Our results showed a low-to-medium level of geographic differentiation among the L.tropica populations using pairwise differentiation. Molecular diversity indices showed a high genetic diversity in Foum Jemaa and Imintanout; indeed, 29 polymorphic sites were identified, leading to the definition of 13 haplotypes. Tajima’s D and Fu’s F test statistics in all populations were not statistically significant, and consistent with a population at drift–mutation equilibrium. Further analysis, including additional DNA markers and a larger sample size, could provide a more complete perspective of L. tropica’s population structure in these three regions. In addition, further research is needed to better understand the impact of climatic conditions on the transmission cycle of Leishmania, allowing both for the development of effective control measures, and for the development of a predictive model for this parasitosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Epidemiology of Vector Born Diseases 2.0)

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