Herieth H Mahenge, Halfan S Ngowo, Jacques Derek Charlwood, Douglas E Norris, Isaiah Hoyer, Fredros O Okumu, Emmanuel W Kaindoa
{"title":"Aquatic predators as complementary tools for mosquito vector control: current evidence, ecological considerations, and future directions.","authors":"Herieth H Mahenge, Halfan S Ngowo, Jacques Derek Charlwood, Douglas E Norris, Isaiah Hoyer, Fredros O Okumu, Emmanuel W Kaindoa","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07598-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07598-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Insecticide-based strategies for mosquito control are increasingly constrained by insecticide resistance, sparking interest in eco-friendly alternatives, one of which is the use of aquatic predators to reduce mosquito densities. Evidence from laboratory, semi-field, and localized field studies indicates that aquatic predators can significantly reduce mosquito larval and adult densities. However, direct evidence linking these ecological effects to sustained reductions in mosquito-borne disease transmission remains limited. This review synthesizes current studies on the use of aquatic predators for mosquito control and examines their potential as a complementary biological strategy within integrated vector management programs. While aquatic predators show promise for suppressing mosquito populations through both consumptive and non-consumptive effects, further research is needed to evaluate their epidemiological impact, operational feasibility, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and long-term sustainability. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be essential for determining how predator-based approaches can be effectively integrated into existing vector control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13483675/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148795670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase mediates P450-dependent metabolic resistance to deltamethrin in Aedes albopictus.","authors":"Hui-Juan Yang, Jun-Yu Fu, Zhi-Wen Yi, Chen-Yu Han, Si-Yu Zhao, Xiang-Feng Zhu, Han-Ren Liu, Xiao-Guang Chen","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07593-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07593-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase system is a key detoxification pathway involved in insecticide metabolism in insects and plays a central role in the evolution of insecticide resistance. NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), a crucial electron transfer partner in cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification of xenobiotics, is an essential component of this system. However, its role in insecticide resistance in Aedes albopictus remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, two CPR gene isoforms in Aedes albopictus, AalCPR-X1 and AalCPR-X2, were cloned and characterized. qPCR was used to determine their expression levels and spatiotemporal expression patterns in laboratory-resistant strains. The effects of deltamethrin exposure on AalCPR expression were then examined. RNA interference (RNAi) was employed to silence the CPR gene, and the susceptibility of Aedes albopictus to deltamethrin following gene knockdown was evaluated. In addition, AalCPR-X1 and AalCPR-X2 were heterologously expressed in Sf9 cells to assess cytochrome c reductase activity, and cytotoxicity assays were performed to compare the survival of cells overexpressing the two isoforms.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sequence analysis showed that AalCPR-X1 contained all conserved domains of CPR, whereas AalCPR-X2 lacked the N-terminal membrane anchor and had a shortened FMN-binding domain. qPCR analysis indicated that both isoforms were significantly overexpressed in resistant strains. Spatiotemporal expression profiling revealed that AalCPR-X1 was highly expressed in third- and fourth-instar larvae, adults, and detoxification tissues, whereas AalCPR-X2 was predominantly expressed in adults and malpighian tubules. In addition, deltamethrin exposure significantly upregulated AalCPR-X1 mRNA levels in resistant strains. RNAi-mediated silencing of the CPR gene significantly increased the susceptibility of Aedes albopictus to deltamethrin. Heterologous expression assays confirmed that both AalCPR-X1 and AalCPR-X2 exhibited cytochrome c reductase activity, and cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that the survival rate of cells overexpressing AalCPR-X1 was significantly higher than that of cells overexpressing AalCPR-X2.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study demonstrates that AalCPR plays an important role in P450-mediated metabolic resistance in Aedes albopictus and suggests that CPR may serve as a potential candidate marker for insecticide resistance management strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13505151/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148819214","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sinval Pinto Brandão-Filho, Maria Helena Neves Lobo Silva-Filha, Filipe Dantas-Torres
{"title":"The molecular biology of disease vectors collection: celebrating the tenth workshop on genetics, molecular biology, and control of insect vectors of tropical diseases (the Entomol).","authors":"Sinval Pinto Brandão-Filho, Maria Helena Neves Lobo Silva-Filha, Filipe Dantas-Torres","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07557-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07557-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13435488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148670353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trematode recolonization in first intermediate snail hosts after large-scale stream restoration.","authors":"Annabell Hüsken, Jessica Schwelm, Bernd Sures","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07583-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07583-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Parasite recolonization and succession following disturbance are inherently linked to the recovery of free-living species, yet patterns governing parasite recolonization in freshwater ecosystems remain largely unexplored. The Emscher River in western Germany was recently restored after a century of degradation as an open sewer system. As only few aquatic organisms persisted under these conditions, free-living organisms and parasites recolonized the system following restoration, providing a unique opportunity to study early successional dynamics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Trematodes infecting first intermediate snail hosts were surveyed through seasonal samplings during the initial years following restoration. Snails and trematodes were identified using combined morphological and molecular approaches. Successional dynamics of snail and trematode communities were analyzed on temporal and spatial scales using abundance, α-diversity (within-site species richness), and β-diversity (among-site dissimilarity). Trematode recolonization potential was assessed based on life-history traits, including dispersal capacity, life cycle complexity, and phylogenetic and geographic host specificity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 1511 snails of 12 species were examined, harboring 16 trematode species at an overall prevalence of 7.8%. The onset of trematode infections coincided with the establishment of native snail hosts, particularly Ampullaceana balthica, which harbored the highest trematode richness and overall prevalence. Although snail host abundance varied with season and distance to the river mouth, recolonization did not follow distinct spatial or temporal patterns. Both snail and trematode communities showed high spatial heterogeneity with pronounced species turnover between sites. Trematode assemblages were dominated by taxa from the regional species pool distributed via mobile definitive hosts. Species with truncated life cycles were underrepresented in terms of species richness but accounted for a high share of overall prevalence. High phylogenetic host specificity toward first intermediate hosts was observed, however, several species exhibited geographic host turnover among localities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings demonstrate rapid trematode recolonization following freshwater restoration, and suggest that early trematode assemblages show high spatial heterogeneity and are primarily shaped by host dispersal capacity and the regional species pool, rather than host specificity or life cycle complexity of trematodes. Continued monitoring will be required to assess whether directional changes in infection patterns emerge as the restored habitats mature.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148606130","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ernest Chin Jia Bin, Keir Hughes, Cheryl Whitehorn, Mia White, Kayleigh Hansford, Jolyon Medlock, Ellen Knuepfer, Taane G Clark, Mojca Kristan, Susana Campino
{"title":"A recombinase polymerase amplification lateral flow assay (RPA-LF) for detection of Babesia divergens-like parasites.","authors":"Ernest Chin Jia Bin, Keir Hughes, Cheryl Whitehorn, Mia White, Kayleigh Hansford, Jolyon Medlock, Ellen Knuepfer, Taane G Clark, Mojca Kristan, Susana Campino","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07549-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-026-07549-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Babesia divergens is a tick-borne apicomplexan parasite found predominantly in Europe, causing babesiosis in livestock and occasionally in humans, with severe disease reported in immunosuppressed or asplenic individuals. As populations of Ixodes ricinus, the principal vector, expand geographically, including into urban environments, there is a growing need for rapid, sensitive, and field-deployable surveillance tools. In this study, we aim to developed a Recombinase Polymerase Amplification Lateral Flow (RPA-LF) assay for the detection of B. divergens.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>RPA assays targeting B. divergens hsp70, cox1, and 18S rRNA genes were designed and evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using serial dilutions and control samples, including other apicomplexan parasites and tick samples spiked with B. divergens DNA. To assess field performance, 279 I. ricinus ticks were collected from urban parks in Greater London and screened by qPCR and a subset also tested using the new RPA-LF assays. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was screened by qPCR but not detected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cox1 and 18S rRNA RPA-LF assays demonstrated high specificity, with detection limits of at least 10<sup>-5</sup> ng/μl and 10<sup>-3</sup> ng/μl, respectively, under isothermal conditions (39 °C for 30 min). No cross-reactivity was observed with non-target DNA. Field validation using pooled samples revealed a single sample positive for Babesia divergens by qPCR, indicating an estimated nymphal infection prevalence of 0.4-1.2%, as previously observed in UK tick studies. The 18S rRNA RPA-LF assay successfully detected this pool, whereas the cox1 RPA-LF did not. Sanger sequencing confirmed the presence of B. divergens/B. capreoli-like DNA, although species-level discrimination was limited due to high sequence similarity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We report the first successful development of an RPA-LF assay for the detection in ticks of B. divergens or the closely related species B. capreoli. The assay demonstrates high sensitivity and specificity under isothermal conditions and provides a portable and reliable tool for field-based molecular surveillance of emerging tick-borne pathogens. Field validation revealed B. divergens/B. capreoli in questing ticks from urban green spaces in London, underscoring the importance of this tool for early detection and ongoing surveillance of tick-borne parasites in expanding urban ecosystems.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13479736/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148796468","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Edward B Breitschwerdt, Cynthia Robveille, Ricardo G Maggi, Henry H Lindner, Brent T Harris, Emily Kingston
{"title":"Postmortem evidence of Babesia and Bartonella infections in chronically ill suicidal young people.","authors":"Edward B Breitschwerdt, Cynthia Robveille, Ricardo G Maggi, Henry H Lindner, Brent T Harris, Emily Kingston","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07541-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07541-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vector-borne diseases represent an emerging global threat to public health, yet the potential role of flea and tick-borne pathogens as a cause or cofactor in neuropsychiatric illnesses and suicidal ideation remains relatively uninvestigated. Co-infections with vector-borne Babesia and Bartonella spp., as well as infection with more than one Babesia species, may represent a more important cause of neurological and neuropsychiatric illnesses than is currently appreciated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Postmortem blood, tissue, and urine samples from six chronically ill youths who ended or wanted to end their lives were tested for molecular evidence of Babesia, Bartonella, and Borrelia spp. using qPCR, dPCR, and enrichment blood culture.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Infections with Babesia, Bartonella, or both genera were confirmed by DNA sequencing in five of six subjects. Three different Babesia spp. were detected in four subjects, of whom two were infected with more than one Babesia sp. All six had equivocal Bartonella spp. dPCR + or enrichment culture dPCR + results. Bartonella henselae was confirmed by DNA sequencing in two individuals. Borrelia dPCR was equivocally positive in one subject but could not be confirmed by DNA sequencing.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings support the hypothesis that persistent Bartonella and Babesia spp. infections may have a causal role in chronic illness and potentially suicidality in young people. More research is needed to determine the prevalence and role of these pathogens in patients with chronic physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms and suicidal ideation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13531744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148875431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nadja Rohdich, Rafael Chiummo, Eva Zschiesche, Marie-Kristin Raulf, Anna Schwarz, Anne McLoughlin, Manuela Schnyder, Jenny Schulte Bocholt, Kristina Merhof, Manon Mikić, Christina Strube, Lea Heinau
{"title":"Efficacy of a single oral administration of a formulation of fluralaner, moxidectin and pyrantel (BRAVECTO® TriUNO) in dogs for the treatment and prevention of angiostrongylosis.","authors":"Nadja Rohdich, Rafael Chiummo, Eva Zschiesche, Marie-Kristin Raulf, Anna Schwarz, Anne McLoughlin, Manuela Schnyder, Jenny Schulte Bocholt, Kristina Merhof, Manon Mikić, Christina Strube, Lea Heinau","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07529-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07529-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Four studies investigated the efficacy of fluralaner/moxidectin/pyrantel chewable tablets (Bravecto® TriUNO) in preventing and treating canine angiostrongylosis; one study also included a formulation of fluralaner/milbemycin oxime.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Studies included eight or 10 dogs/group. In Studies 1 and 2 (prevention), dogs inoculated with third-stage larvae of Angiostrongylus vasorum on day - 31 or - 28 were randomized to groups by sex and body weight; in Studies 3 and 4 (treatment) by faecal first-stage larvae counts at approximately 8 weeks post-inoculation (PI). All studies included an untreated control group (CG). Study 1 included three groups treated with formulations of moxidectin/fluralaner/pyrantel; minimum moxidectin doses 0.0125, 0.025 or 0.055 mg/kg. The formulation with moxidectin at 0.025 mg/kg, 99.0% effective in preventing establishment of infection, was adopted as the investigational veterinary product (IVP) for the following studies. Study 2 included a group treated with either the IVP or a combination of fluralaner (10 mg/kg) with milbemycin oxime (0.75 mg/kg) (IVP-2). In all studies, the IVP was administered once on day 0; in Study 2, IVP-2 was administered on days 0, 31, 62 and 93. In Study 1, efficacy was determined by reductions in geometric mean necropsy worm counts approximately 33 days post-treatment versus mean CG counts, in the other studies by reductions in mean faecal L1 counts. Study 2 assessed pulmonary changes via thoracic computed tomography. Respiratory signs and serological antibody responses were monitored.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In Study 1, all moxidectin doses exceeded 90% efficacy. In Study 2, IVP efficacy (one treatment) at 62 days was 100.0%; IVP-2 (four treatments) efficacy was 99.8% at 124 days. Respiratory signs were absent or lower in IVP-treated than CG dogs. In Studies 3 and 4, IVP efficacy was 100% by 3 and 4 weeks post-treatment, respectively. In all studies, lungworm count reductions in the IVP groups were statistically significant (P < 0.0001) versus the CG. Serology confirmed A. vasorum infections in all control and IVP-2-treated dogs, and absence of infections in IVP-treated dogs. Treatments were well tolerated.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A single treatment with Bravecto TriUNO is highly effective in preventing angiostrongylosis and eliminating established A. vasorum infections. Infection-related lung pathology was reduced in treated dogs.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13411127/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148606111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Oliver Chinonso Mbaoma, Stephanie Margarete Thomas, Andrew J Macdonald, Carl Beierkuhnlein
{"title":"Insight into eco-epidemiological traits of European native vector mosquitoes for disease transmission.","authors":"Oliver Chinonso Mbaoma, Stephanie Margarete Thomas, Andrew J Macdonald, Carl Beierkuhnlein","doi":"10.1186/s13071-026-07531-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13071-026-07531-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Transmission risk of emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne pathogens of major public health concern is increasing in countries at higher latitudes. Although considerable attention has been devoted to understanding how globalization and environmental change influence the epidemiology of diseases transmitted by invasive mosquito species, infections vectored by native mosquito populations have continued to increase drastically. In this Primer, we synthesize current evidence on native mosquito species identified as competent vectors of pathogens in Europe. We explore their key eco-epidemiological traits that support the introduction, establishment, and sustained transmission of pathogens under changing climatic and environmental conditions. Specifically, we provide an overview of their geographic distribution, habitat preferences, host-seeking behavior, host preferences, overwintering characteristics, and competence for disease transmission. Research advances related to changes in habitat use, the consequences of hybridization for pathogen transmission across habitat gradients, and the detection of non-endemic pathogens in field-caught secondary vector species were explored and presented. Additionally, we identify the need for improved delineation of the ecological ranges for important native mosquito vectors, better characterization of the roles of key mosquito species in the current epidemiological landscape, and an enhanced understanding of critical life traits for several important mosquito vectors native to Europe as areas with significant research gaps. Addressing these gaps is essential to ensure enhanced surveillance and improved interventions aimed at mitigating the expanding threat of mosquito-borne diseases in Europe.</p>","PeriodicalId":19793,"journal":{"name":"Parasites & Vectors","volume":"19 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2026-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13401297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148584871","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}