Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases最新文献

{"title":"Larvicidal activity of Bacillus thuringiensis strains against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes","authors":"Prakai Rajchanuwong ,&nbsp;Sawaporn Peaboon ,&nbsp;Ratchadawan Ngoen-Klan ,&nbsp;Atsalek Rattanawannee ,&nbsp;Atirat Noosidum ,&nbsp;Boonhiang Promdonkoy ,&nbsp;Jariya Chanpaisaeng ,&nbsp;Theeraphap Chareonviriyaphap","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100245","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100245","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Organophosphates, carbamates and synthetic pyrethroids are commonly used in Thailand to control mosquito vectors; however, long-term use of insecticides in vector control has led to the rapid development of insecticide resistance. In this study, we screened <em>Bacillus thuringiensis</em> strains as biological control agents for potential toxins against mosquito larvae as an additional control tool. Preliminary bioassays conducted on 434 strains demonstrated that 41 strains (11.64%) and 14 strains (3.97%) achieved 100% mortality against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> larvae, respectively. Three strains (JC690, JC691, and JC699) showed toxicity to both mosquito species, compared with the reference Bti strain. Strains JC691 demonstrated the highest efficacy against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>, with an LC₅₀ value of 6.96 × 10⁴ CFU/ml and 1.16 × 10³ CFU/ml, respectively. A comparison of LC₅₀ values revealed that JC691 exhibited higher efficacy against <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em> than that by Bti (Bti LC₅₀: 8.89 × 10⁴ CFU/ml) but lower efficacy against <em>Ae. aegypti</em> (Bti LC₅₀: 1.99 × 10³ CFU/ml). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that JC690, JC691, and JC699 are rod-shaped, have oval spores, and produce bi-pyramidal crystal proteins. Protein profile analysis using SDS-PAGE demonstrated distinct differences between these Thailand strains (JC690, JC691, and JC699) and the reference Bti strain. All three Thailand strains contained <em>cry</em>1I and <em>cry</em>2A genes, and only JC691 harbored the <em>cry</em>32 gene. Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses of <em>cry</em>32 indicated that the partial sequences of <em>cry</em>32 in JC691 from Thailand were distinct from those of other <em>B. thuringiensis</em> strains from different countries. This study demonstrates the potential of JC690, JC691, and JC699 as biocontrol agents for <em>Ae. aegypti</em> and <em>Cx. quinquefasciatus</em>.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100245"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149005","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insights into the transmission cycle of cutaneous leishmaniasis from an endemic community in rural Guatemala","authors":"Yaimie Lopez ,&nbsp;Aitor Casas-Sanchez ,&nbsp;Byron Arana ,&nbsp;Nidia Rizzo ,&nbsp;Erick Duran ,&nbsp;Norma Padilla ,&nbsp;Andrea de la Vega ,&nbsp;Esteban Bustamante ,&nbsp;Álvaro Acosta-Serrano ,&nbsp;Renata Mendizabal-Cabrera","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a parasitic vector-borne disease prevalent in 90 countries. Despite its endemicity in Guatemala, key transmission factors are still unknown. To address this, we characterized sand fly populations and <em>Leishmania</em> parasites in a Guatemalan community in 2022. We visited the households of 23 patients with lesions compatible with CL, sampled for sand flies and analysed <em>Leishmania</em> spp. presence in patients’ skin scrapings and in collected sand flies. We collected 93 sand flies, predominantly females including the vector species <em>Nyssomyia ylephiletor</em>, <em>Bichromomyia olmeca</em> and <em>Lutzomyia cruciata</em>. <em>Nyssomyia ylephiletor</em> was the most abundant species indoors. Four <em>Leishmania</em> spp. were identified including <em>L. panamensis</em>, <em>L. guyanensis</em>, <em>L. braziliensis</em> and <em>L. infantum</em> in CL lesions, <em>L. guyanensis</em> complex species (<em>L. guyanensis</em> or <em>L. panamensis</em>) and <em>Leishmania</em> sp. in sand flies. Sand fly species positive for <em>Leishmania</em> spp. were <em>Ny. ylephiletor</em>, <em>Dampfomyia deleoni</em>, <em>Dampfomyia</em> sp<em>.</em> and <em>Brumptomyia</em> sp. Blood-meal analysis revealed human and pig blood in engorged <em>Ny. ylephiletor</em> collected inside and in the proximity of the households. This is the first report of <em>L. guyanensis</em> in Guatemalan patients and provides insights into CL transmission dynamics, suggesting potential indoor transmission, pending more studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100244"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143360315","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The BiteBarrier perimeter: A passive spatial device for tick control and bite prevention","authors":"Maria V. Murgia ,&nbsp;Laurie Widder ,&nbsp;Catherine A. Hill","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100246","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tick-borne diseases (TBDs) impact human and animal health on a global scale. Prevention of TBDs relies primarily on prevention of tick bites. New bite-prevention technologies are needed as an alternative to current approaches such as topical repellents and treated clothing which suffer low user compliance. To date, no passive spatial devices have been commercialized for area protection against ticks. The BiteBarrier (formerly the Personal Insect Repellent Kit, PIRK), a passive, lightweight device that emits transfluthrin, offers to fill this gap. In a previous study, we demonstrated contact toxicity of the BiteBarrier substrate to three tick species, <em>Ixodes scapularis</em>, <em>Dermacentor variabilis</em> and <em>Amblyomma americanum</em>, and reported differences in efficacy depending on species and short-range spatial efficacy against <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females. Here, we extended analyses and demonstrated modest spatial activity of the BiteBarrier substrate against <em>A. americanum</em> and <em>D. variabilis</em> adult females. Using a dual-choice behavioral assay, we showed that the three tick species preferred an area of untreated substrate. Lastly, we present a novel perimeter assay, developed to assess the efficacy of the BiteBarrier ground-based prototype against ticks. At short-range in a Peet Grady-style chamber, the BiteBarrier perimeter induced greater than 90% knockdown of <em>I. scapularis</em> adult females at 1 and 2 h post-exposure and 90% mortality at 48 h post-exposure. Taken together, study findings indicate the potential of the BiteBarrier perimeter to control ticks at near range and potentially, to protect against tick bites.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100246"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143421670","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Density-dependence and different dimensions of changing weather shape adult abundance patterns of common mosquito species (Diptera: Culicidae) in Bloomington, Indiana, USA","authors":"Aidan Patrick Simons ,&nbsp;Amanda Lenfestey ,&nbsp;Luis Fernando Chaves","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100242","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the factors driving changes in mosquito abundance are key to quantify the risk they pose as vectors of pathogens. Here, to study the impacts of weather changes and density-dependent regulation on mosquito species abundance, we used season long weekly time series of <em>Aedes japonicus</em> (Theobald), <em>Aedes triseriatus</em> (Say), <em>Aedes vexans</em> (Meigen), <em>Anopheles punctipennis</em> (Say), C<em>oquillettidia perturbans</em> (Walker), and <em>Culex pipiens</em> L., common mosquito species in the Bloomington, IN, USA, area. We use the forced Ricker model to estimate population growth and density-dependence parameters, as well as the forcing by weather variables. We found that weather factors important for the population dynamics of these species were different. We found that <em>Cx. pipiens</em> population dynamics was not associated with any weather variables, while <em>Ae. japonicus</em>, <em>Ae. triseriatus</em> and <em>Cq. perturbans</em> were forced by relative humidity, <em>Ae. vexans</em> by SD of rainfall, and <em>An. punctipennis</em> by the kurtosis of temperature. These results illustrate the diversity of ways in which mosquitoes can respond to changing weather patterns and highlight the need for a more nuanced understanding of how mosquitoes respond to climate change by coupling field studies with mathematical modeling.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100242"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143149067","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Small mammals as hosts of vector-borne pathogens in the High Tatra Mountains region in Slovakia, Central Europe","authors":"Bronislava Víchová ,&nbsp;Michal Stanko ,&nbsp;Martina Miterpáková ,&nbsp;Zuzana Hurníková ,&nbsp;Yaroslav Syrota ,&nbsp;Patrícia Schmer-Jakšová ,&nbsp;Petronela Komorová ,&nbsp;Lucia Vargová ,&nbsp;Veronika Blažeková ,&nbsp;Dana Zubriková ,&nbsp;Klaudia Mária Švirlochová ,&nbsp;Gabriela Chovancová","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100240","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100240","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rodents and insectivores are significant reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens, contributing to the transmission of diseases affecting human and animal health. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of vector-borne pathogens in small mammals within the High Tatras region of Slovakia, an area with substantial recreational activity and protected zones. A total of 156 small mammals, comprising ten species, were screened for pathogens such as <em>Bartonella</em> spp., <em>Borrelia</em> spp., <em>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</em>, and <em>Babesia</em> spp. The prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in the studied animals reached 74.35%, with <em>Bartonella</em> spp. being the most common, identified in 57.7% of the animals, particularly in <em>Apodemus flavicollis</em> and <em>Clethrionomys glareolus</em>. <em>Borrelia burgdorferi</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>) was detected in 11.5% of the rodents, with <em>Borrelia afzelii</em> identified as the predominant species. <em>Babesia microti</em> was found in <em>A. flavicollis</em> and <em>Mus musculus</em>, with a total prevalence of 3.2%. The lowest was the prevalence of <em>A. phagocytophilum</em> reaching 1.9%. This study provides evidence of the significant role of rodents as reservoirs of vector-borne pathogens in protected areas of the High Tatras region and Tatra National Park.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100240"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11751563/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143026256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"DNA-elucidated life cycle of a highly pathogenic avian nematode: Streptocara incognita (Spirurida: Acuariidae) and its morphological development from infective third-stage larva to adult","authors":"Yasen Mutafchiev ,&nbsp;Yannick Roman ,&nbsp;Kathryn Griffiths ,&nbsp;Lyubomir Kenderov ,&nbsp;Michelle L. Michalski","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100238","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100238","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Streptocara incognita</em> Gibson, 1968 is an acuariid nematode associated with lethal cases of streptocarosis of diverse aquatic birds in North America and Europe. This study reports <em>S. incognita</em> as an agent causing severe and fatal necrosis of the oesophagus and proventriculus of anatids, i.e. <em>Somateria mollissima</em> (L.), <em>Marmaronetta angustirostris</em> (Ménétriés), <em>Tadorna tadorna</em> (L.) and <em>Spatula querquedula</em> (L.), kept in open pens in the Zoological Park, Clères, France. Comparative analysis of 12S rRNA gene sequences revealed that third-stage infective nematode larvae found in the amphipod <em>Gammarus pulex pulex</em> (L.) in the river passing through the pens belong to <em>S. incognita</em> thus elucidating the life cycle of this species. A partial sequence of the <em>cox</em>1 gene was also generated. To complement the brief original description of <em>S. incognita</em>, a detailed morphological description of the adult stages is provided based on light and scanning electron microscopy. Additionally, morphological data on the developing third- and fourth-stage larvae found in the definitive host and third-stage infective nematode larvae found in <em>G. pulex pulex</em> are also provided. This is the first record of an intermediate host of <em>S. incognita. Somateria mollissima</em>, <em>M. angustirostris</em> and <em>S. querquedula</em> are new host records.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100238"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11732242/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142985861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (Panthera tigris) from Thailand","authors":"Tanasak Changbunjong ,&nbsp;Tatiyanuch Chamsai ,&nbsp;Siriporn Tangsudjai ,&nbsp;Nareerat Sangkachai ,&nbsp;Chalisa Mongkolphan ,&nbsp;Luxsana Prasittichai ,&nbsp;Tanawat Chaiphongpachara","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100249","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100249","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Haemoparasites of the genera <em>Ehrlichia</em>, <em>Hepatozoon</em>, and <em>Babesia</em>, which are known tick-borne pathogens, infect a wide variety of domestic and wild animals. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive molecular detection and characterization of haemoparasites in captive tigers (<em>Panthera tigris</em>) at a wildlife center in Thailand. From multiplex PCR results, haemoparasites were detected in the blood of 12 out of 17 tigers (70.6%), including 4 males and 8 females. Ten tigers (58.8%) were infected with <em>Ehrlichia canis</em>, one (5.9%) was co-infected with <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. and <em>E. canis</em>, and another (5.9%) was infected solely with <em>Hepatozoon</em> sp. No infection with <em>Babesia</em> spp. was found. Nucleotide sequence analyses of the VirB9 protein gene sequence of <em>E. canis</em> and the 18S rRNA gene sequences of <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp. revealed high levels of genetic similarity with GenBank reference sequences. The <em>Hepatozoon</em> spp. sequence from the co-infected tiger showed 98.1–99.9% similarity with <em>Hepatozoon canis</em>, while another sequence showed a 97.6–99.7% match with <em>Hepatozoon felis</em>. The detection of these parasites underscores the complex interactions and dynamics of disease transmission that exist within captive environments, highlighting the need for preventive measures. Therefore, appropriate steps should be taken to control ectoparasites and manage domestic animals within wildlife centers to minimize the risk of infection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100249"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143454694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Redefining Rhipicephalus sanguineus (sensu lato) species complex in Greece focusing on the mitogenome of Rhipicephalus secundus","authors":"Panagiota Ligda ,&nbsp;Jan Šlapeta ,&nbsp;Anastasios Saratsis ,&nbsp;Vaia Kantzoura ,&nbsp;Jaisy Chong ,&nbsp;Smaragda Sotiraki","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100231","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2024.100231","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Rhipicephalus sanguineus</em> species complex, referred to as <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>sensu lato</em>), is distributed globally with some species distributed in specific regions and others spread globally. In Greece, <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) in dogs, and <em>Rhipicephalus turanicus</em> and <em>Rhipicephalus bursa</em> in livestock, have been repeatedly reported however only based on morphological identification. Recently, there has been a great effort to accurately identify the species belonging to the <em>R. sanguineus</em> species complex, using modern molecular tools and describe their spatial distribution. The aim of this study was to expand the studies on the molecular characterisation of species of the <em>R. sanguineus</em> (<em>s.l.</em>) complex in the Mediterranean region, by molecularly characterising ticks collected from various locations and host species in Greece. Results confirm the presence of <em>Rhipicephalus rutilus</em>, <em>Rhipicephalus secundus</em>, <em>R. bursa</em>, and <em>R. turanicus</em>. The complete mitochondrial genome of <em>R. secundus</em> (approx. 15 kb) from sheep (<em>n</em> = 3) in Greece was sequenced and matched to sequences and morphological data from the type-material from Israel. Additionally, the mitogenome of <em>R. bursa</em> from goats (<em>n</em> = 2) in Greece was sequenced. This study provides a molecular reference for <em>R. secundus</em>, a tick species distributed in the Eastern Mediterranean region.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100231"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11696630/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142934335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Species classification of Tabanus (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Western Thailand: Integrating DNA barcoding and modern morphometrics","authors":"Tanasak Changbunjong ,&nbsp;Thekhawet Weluwanarak ,&nbsp;Sedthapong Laojun ,&nbsp;Tanawat Chaiphongpachara","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The species of <em>Tabanus</em>, commonly known as horse flies, are remarkable ectoparasites capable of transmitting various pathogens to animals and humans. Given their role in disease transmission, accurate identification of horse fly species is critical but traditionally relies on morphological characteristics, requiring significant expertise and posing a high potential for error, especially with damaged specimens. To address the limitations of traditional morphological identification, this study highlights the importance of alternative techniques, including DNA barcoding and geometric morphometrics (GM). To enhance the reliability of species identification, DNA barcoding was employed to analyze 30 cytochrome <em>c</em> oxidase subunit 1 (<em>cox</em>1) gene sequences from 15 horse fly species, which were then compared with sequences in the GenBank and BOLD databases. Most <em>cox</em>1 sequences aligned with existing data, with similarity percentages ranging from 96% to 100%. However, discrepancies were noted, including <em>Tabanus helvinus</em>, misidentified as <em>Tabanus aurilineatus</em>, and <em>Tabanus minimus</em>, whose sequences matched those of both <em>Tabanus minimus</em> and <em>Tabanus mesogaeus</em>. Besides DNA barcoding, GM analyses were conducted to enhance species classification accuracy. Our GM analyses employed the landmark-based method for the entire wing and the outline-based method for the first submarginal cell. While shape-based GM analyses demonstrated high reliability, with adjusted total accuracy scores of 97% and 96%, size-based GM analyses yielded significantly lower accuracy, with scores of only 27% and 23%, respectively. These findings provide a foundation for refining horse fly species classification by integrating DNA barcoding and GM approaches, offering valuable advances in species identification and developing targeted control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143346095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the epidemiological impact of attractive targeted sugar bait against malaria in combination with standard malaria control","authors":"Nima R. Moghaddas ,&nbsp;Mohamed M. Traore ,&nbsp;Gunter C. Müller ,&nbsp;Joseph Wagman ,&nbsp;Javan Chanda ,&nbsp;Julian Entwistle ,&nbsp;Christen M. Fornadel ,&nbsp;Thomas S. Churcher","doi":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.crpvbd.2025.100247","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Attractive targeted sugar bait (ATSB) is a potential new vector control tool that exploits the sugar-feeding behaviour of mosquitoes. Little is known about the factors which drive ATSB efficacy, either as a standalone vector control tool or in combination with existing intervention strategies. It has been suggested that the percentage of wild mosquitoes caught fed on dye-containing sugar baits without the toxin could provide an entomological correlate of the potential epidemiological benefit of ATSB. A transmission dynamics mathematical model is combined with data from wild mosquitoes to investigate the relationship between the mosquito dyed fraction, bait-feeding rate and the potential epidemiological impact of ATSB in the presence of standard malaria control. The dyed fraction in Mali varies substantially in space and time (mean 0.34, standard deviation 0.15), causing estimates of the bait-feeding rate to be highly uncertain, especially in areas with existing vector control tools. The model indicates the dyed fractions observed in field experiments were broadly predictive of the reductions in mosquitoes caught when ATSB stations were deployed at scale in Mali (<em>R</em>² = 0.90). Model projections suggest that if these bait-feeding rates were observed in all mosquitoes, then the widespread use of ATSB could substantially reduce malaria burden alone or in combinations with standard malaria control, though epidemiological impact is likely to vary substantially in different areas. For example, observing a dyed fraction of 5% would indicate a daily bait-feeding rate of 0.024 (range 0.008–0.049) which is projected to result in 0.13 clinical cases averted per person-year (range 0.051–0.22), a 39% efficacy (range 12–66%) in this particular site. Nevertheless, the uncertainty in the relationship between the observed dyed fraction and the true bait-feeding rate, and the underlying biology of mosquito sugar-feeding means that the epidemiological benefit of this new possible intervention remains unclear.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":94311,"journal":{"name":"Current research in parasitology & vector-borne diseases","volume":"7 ","pages":"Article 100247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143378485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}