bims-mosdis 2021-07-11 papers

bims-mosdis

Biomed News

on Mosquito distribution and disease

Issue of 2021–07–11
eightteen papers selected by
Richard Halfpenny, Staffordshire University

Entomological and Molecular Surveillance of Anopheles Mosquitoes in Freetown, Sierra Leone, 2019.
Transmission Potential of Floridian Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Dengue Virus Serotype 4: Implications for Estimating Local Dengue Risk.
Larval Diet Abundance Influences Size and Composition of the Midgut Microbiota of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes.
Host-Feeding Patterns of the Mosquito Assemblage at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Surveillance of West Nile virus infection in Kashgar Region, Xinjiang, China, 2013-2016.
The seasonal dynamics and biting behavior of potential Anopheles vectors of Plasmodium knowlesi in Palawan, Philippines.
Dengue fever and dengue virus in the People's Republic of China.
Arboviral diseases and poverty in Alabama, 2007-2017.
Keep your natural enemies close - native predators can maintain low mosquito densities in temporary ponds in a malaria expansion area in Northern Tanzania.
Larvicidal activity and in silico studies of cinnamic acid derivatives against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
Effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets in prevention of malaria among individuals visiting health centres in Ziway-Dugda District, Ethiopia: matched case-control study.
Threats to the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bednets for malaria control: thinking beyond insecticide resistance.
Asymptomatic malaria infection prevailing risks for human health and malaria elimination.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Human Populations towards Malaria Control in Four Ecoepidemiological Settings in Cameroon.
Ownership and utilization of bed nets and reasons for use or non-use of bed nets among community members at risk of malaria along the Thai-Myanmar border.
A retrospective analysis of malaria epidemiological characteristics in Yingjiang County on the China-Myanmar border.
Seroprevalence of Yellow fever, Chikungunya, and Zika virus at a community level in the Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia.
Malaria prevalence and long-lasting insecticidal net use in rural western Uganda: results of a cross-sectional survey conducted in an area of highly variable malaria transmission intensity.

Front Public Health. 2021 ;9 649672

Entomological and Molecular Surveillance of Anopheles Mosquitoes in Freetown, Sierra Leone, 2019.

Ning Zhao, Ishaq Sesay, Hong Tu, Frederick Yamba, Liang Lu, Yuhong Guo, Xiuping Song, Jun Wang, Xiaobo Liu, Yujuan Yue, Haixia Wu, Qiyong Liu.

  Background: Malaria is endemic in Sierra Leone, with stable and perennial transmission in all parts of the country. At present, the main prevention and control measures for mosquito vectors here involve insecticide treated nets (ITN) and indoor residual spraying (IRS). The most recent entomological surveillance was conducted prior to the civil war, between 1990 and 1994. Therefore, a new entomological surveillance required to support targeted malaria control strategies. Methods: Anopheles mosquitoes were collected between June and December 2019 using the light trap method. On these, we conducted species identification, analyzed seasonal fluctuation and Plasmodium infection rate, and monitored insecticide resistance. Results: Surveillance of seasonal fluctuation showed that there were two peak of Anopheles density in July (mean 13.67 mosquitoes/trap/night) and October (mean 13.00 mosquitoes/trap/night). Meanwhile, the lowest Anopheles density was seen in early September. Ninety-one representatives of Anopheles gambiae s.l. were selected and identified as An. coluzzii (n = 35) and An. gambiae s.s. (n = 56) using PCR. An. coluzzii and An. gambiae s.s. were found to be heterozygous resistant to the knockdown resistance (kdr) L1014F mutation (100%). Meanwhile, the East African mutation (kdr L1014S) was absent in the tested mosquitoes. Three mosquitoes that tested positive for the parasite, had an individual Plasmodium falciparum infection rate of 12.50, 16.67, and 14.29%. The sampling dates of positive mosquitoes were distributed in the two periods of peak Anopheles mosquito density. Conclusion: This study identified the dominant Anopheles species in Freetown as An. gambiae while the predominant species within the An. gambiae complex was An. gambiae sensu stricto. Surveillance of seasonal fluctuations and high P. falciparum infection rates in Anopheles indicate that the alternation of drought and rainy seasons from June to July, and from October to November, are the key periods for malaria control and prevention in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The high frequency of kdr allele mutations in An. gambiae calls for close monitoring of vector susceptibility to insecticides and tracing of resistance mechanisms in order to develop more effective vector control measures and strategies.

Keywords:  Anopheles gambiae; Sierra Leone; kdr; plasmodium infection rate; seasonal fluctuation

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.649672
mSphere. 2021 Jul 07. e0027121

Transmission Potential of Floridian Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes for Dengue Virus Serotype 4: Implications for Estimating Local Dengue Risk.

Caroline J Stephenson, Heather Coatsworth, Seokyoung Kang, John A Lednicky, Rhoel R Dinglasan.

  Dengue virus serotype 4 (DENV-4) circulated in Aedes aegypti in 2016 and 2017 in Florida in the absence of human index cases, compelling a full assessment of local mosquito vector competence and DENV-4 risk. To better understand DENV-4 transmission risk in Florida, we used an expanded suite of tests to measure and compare the vector competencies of both an established colony of A. aegypti (Orlando strain [ORL]) and a field-derived colony from Collier County, FL, in 2018 (COL) for a Haitian DENV-4 human field isolate and a DENV-4 laboratory strain (Philippines H241). We immediately noted that ORL saliva positivity was higher for the field than for laboratory DENV-4 strains. In a subsequent comparison with the recent COL mosquito colony, we also observed significantly higher midgut infection of COL and ORL by the Haitian DENV-4 field strain and a significantly higher saliva positivity rate for COL, although overall saliva virus titers were similar between the two. These data point to a potential midgut infection barrier for the DENV-4 laboratory strain for both mosquito colonies and indicate that the marked differences in transmission potential estimates hinge on virus-vector combinations. Our study highlights the importance of leveraging an expanded suite of testing methods with emphasis on utilizing local mosquito populations and field-relevant dengue virus serotypes and strains to accurately estimate transmission risk in a given setting. IMPORTANCE DENV-4 was found circulating in Florida (FL) A. aegypti mosquitoes in the absence of human index cases in the state (2016 to 2017). How DENV-4 was maintained locally is unclear, presenting a major gap in our understanding of DENV-4 public health risk. We determined the baseline arbovirus transmission potential of laboratory and field colonies of A. aegypti for both laboratory and field isolates of DENV-4. We observed a high transmission potential of field populations of A. aegypti and evidence of higher vertical transmission of the DENV-4 field isolate, providing clues to the possible mechanism of undetected DENV-4 maintenance in the state. Our findings also move the field forward in the development of best practices for evaluating arbovirus vector competence, with evidence that transmission potential estimates vary depending on the mosquito-virus combinations. These data emphasize the poor suitability of laboratory-established virus strains and the high relevance of field-derived mosquito populations in estimating transmission risk.

Keywords:  Aedes aegypti; Florida; dengue virus; saliva; vector competence

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1128/mSphere.00271-21
Front Microbiol. 2021 ;12 645362

Larval Diet Abundance Influences Size and Composition of the Midgut Microbiota of Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes.

Hannah J MacLeod, George Dimopoulos, Sarah M Short.

  The midgut microbiota of the yellow fever mosquito Aedes aegypti impacts pathogen susceptibility and transmission by this important vector species. However, factors influencing the composition and size of the microbiome in mosquitoes are poorly understood. We investigated the impact of larval diet abundance during development on the composition and size of the larval and adult microbiota by rearing Aedes aegypti under four larval food regimens, ranging from nutrient deprivation to nutrient excess. We assessed the persistent impacts of larval diet availability on the microbiota of the larval breeding water, larval mosquitoes, and adult mosquitoes under sugar and blood fed conditions using qPCR and high-throughput 16S amplicon sequencing to determine bacterial load and microbiota composition. Bacterial loads in breeding water increased with increasing larval diet. Larvae reared with the lowest diet abundance had significantly fewer bacteria than larvae from two higher diet treatments, but not from the highest diet abundance. Adults from the lowest diet abundance treatment had significantly fewer bacteria in their midguts compared to all higher diet abundance treatments. Larval diet amount also had a significant impact on microbiota composition, primarily within larval breeding water and larvae. Increasing diet correlated with increased relative levels of Enterobacteriaceae and Flavobacteriaceae and decreased relative levels of Sphingomonadaceae. Multiple individual OTUs were significantly impacted by diet including one mapping to the genus Cedecea, which increased with higher diet amounts. This was consistent across all sample types, including sugar fed and blood fed adults. Taken together, these data suggest that availability of diet during development can cause lasting shifts in the size and composition of the microbiota in the disease vector Aedes aegypti.

Keywords:  Aedes aegypti; diet; microbe; microbiota; mosquito; nutrition

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.645362
J Med Entomol. 2021 Jul 05. pii: tjab113. [Epub ahead of print]

Host-Feeding Patterns of the Mosquito Assemblage at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Patrick L Gilkey, Diana L Ortiz, Tia Kowalo, Adriana Troyo, Laura K Sirot.

  Mosquito-borne pathogens have spread throughout tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere causing increased burden of disease in the region. Outbreaks of dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile, and Zika have occurred over the past several years. Mosquito blood-feeding patterns need to be assayed to assist in determining which vertebrates could act as hosts of these mosquito-borne pathogens and which mosquito species could act as vectors. We conducted bloodmeal analyses of mosquitoes collected at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, a dry tropical forest reserve in Costa Rica. Mosquitoes were collected using backpack aspirators and light, gravid, and resting traps, and then identified morphologically. Blood-fed mosquitoes underwent DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing of the vertebrate cytochrome b and cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes to identify vertebrate bloodmeal hosts. Several mosquitoes known to vector pathogens were found including Culex (Melanoconion) erraticus Dyar & Knab (Diptera: Culicidae), Cx. (Mel.) pedroi Sirivanakarn & Belkin, Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus Skuse, Ae. (Ochlerotatus) scapularis Rondani, Ae. (Och.) serratus Theobald, and Ae. (Och.) taeniorhynchus Wiedemann. The most common bloodmeal hosts were basilisk lizards (Basiliscus vittatus) Wiegmann (Squamata: Corytophanidae) in Culex (Linnaeus) species and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Zimmermann (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Aedes (Meigen) species. These results show the diversity of mosquito species in a tropical dry deciduous forest and identify associations between mosquito vectors and potential pathogen reservoir hosts. Our study highlights the importance of understanding interactions between vector species and their hosts that could serve as predictors for the potential emergence or resurgence of mosquito-borne pathogens in Costa Rica.

Keywords:  ecology; feeding-behavior; molecular biology; mosquito-borne disease; tropical entomology

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjab113
Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 07. 11(1): 14010

Surveillance of West Nile virus infection in Kashgar Region, Xinjiang, China, 2013-2016.

Yanping Zhang, Wenwen Lei, Yali Wang, Haitian Sui, Bo Liu, Fan Li, Ying He, Zhaoxia Li, Shihong Fu, Lu Wang, Limin Xu, Muti Mahe, Zhenguo Gao, Tuerxun Mamutijiang, Zhi Lv, Nijuan Xiang, Lei Zhou, Daxin Ni, Guodong Liang, Qun Li, Huanyu Wang, Zijian Feng.

West Nile virus (WNV) was first isolated in mainland China from mosquitoes in Jiashi County, Kashgar Region, Xinjiang in 2011, following local outbreaks of viral meningitis and encephalitis caused by WNV. To elaborate the epidemiological characteristics of the WNV, surveillance of WNV infection in Kashgar Region, Xinjiang from 2013 to 2016 were carried out. Blood and CSF samples from surveillance human cases, blood of domestic chicken, cattle, sheep and mosquitoes in Kashgar Region were collected and detected. There were human 65 WNV Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody positive cases by ELISA screening, 6 confirmed WNV cases by the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) screening. These cases occurred mainly concentrated in August to September of each year, and most of them were males. WNV-neutralizing antibodies were detected in both chickens and sheep, and the positive rates of neutralizing antibodies were 15.5% and 1.78%, respectively. A total of 15,637 mosquitoes were collected in 2013-2016, with Culex pipiens as the dominant mosquito species. Four and 1 WNV-positive mosquito pools were detected by RT-qPCR in 2013 and 2016 respectively. From these data, we can confirm that Jiashi County may be a natural epidemic foci of WNV disease, the trend highlights the routine virology surveillance in WNV surveillance cases, mosquitoes and avian should be maintained and enhanced to provide to prediction and early warning of outbreak an epidemic of WNV in China.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93309-2
Parasit Vectors. 2021 Jul 07. 14(1): 357

The seasonal dynamics and biting behavior of potential Anopheles vectors of Plasmodium knowlesi in Palawan, Philippines.

Richard Paul B Malijan, Frank Mechan, Jessie C Braganza, Kristelle Mae R Valle, Ferdinand V Salazar, Majhalia M Torno, Wilfredo E Aure, Brian A Bacay, Fe Esperanza Espino, Stephen J Torr, Kimberly M Fornace, Chris Drakeley, Heather M Ferguson.

   BACKGROUND: A small number of human cases of the zoonotic malaria Plasmodium knowlesi have been reported in Palawan Island, the Philippines. Identification of potential vector species and their bionomics is crucial for understanding human exposure risk in this setting. Here, we combined longitudinal surveillance with a trap-evaluation study to address knowledge gaps about the ecology and potential for zoonotic spillover of this macaque malaria in Palawan Island.
METHODS: The abundance, diversity and biting behavior of human-biting Anopheles mosquitoes were assessed through monthly outdoor human landing catches (HLC) in three ecotypes representing different land use (forest edge, forest and agricultural area) across 8 months. Additionally, the host preference and biting activity of potential Anopheles vectors were assessed through comparison of their abundance and capture time in traps baited with humans (HLC, human-baited electrocuting net-HEN) or macaques (monkey-baited trap-MBT, monkey-baited electrocuting net-MEN). All female Anopheles mosquitoes were tested for the presence of Plasmodium parasites by PCR.
RESULTS: Previously incriminated vectors Anopheles balabacensis and An. flavirostris accounted for > 95% of anophelines caught in longitudinal surveillance. However, human biting densities were relatively low (An. balabacensis: 0.34-1.20 per night, An. flavirostris: 0-2 bites per night). Biting densities of An. balabacensis were highest in the forest edge, while An. flavirostris was most abundant in the agricultural area. The abundance of An. balabacensis and An. flavirostris was significantly higher in HLC than in MBT. None of the 357 female Anopheles mosquitoes tested for Plasmodium infection were positive.
CONCLUSIONS: The relatively low density and lack of malaria infection in Anopheles mosquitoes sampled here indicates that exposure to P. knowlesi in this setting is considerably lower than in neighboring countries (i.e. Malaysia), where it is now the primary cause of malaria in humans. Although anophelines had lower abundance in MBTs than in HLCs, An. balabacensis and An. flavirostris were caught by both methods, suggesting they could act as bridge vectors between humans and macaques. These species bite primarily outdoors during the early evening, confirming that insecticide-treated nets are unlikely to provide protection against P. knowlesi vectors.

Keywords:  Anopheles balabacensis; Anopheles flavirostris; Philippines; Plasmodium knowlesi; Vector behavior

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-021-04853-9
Rev Med Virol. 2021 May 19. e2245

Dengue fever and dengue virus in the People's Republic of China.

Tiantian Wu, Zhongdao Wu, Yi-Ping Li.

  Infection with dengue virus (DENV) leads to symptoms variable from dengue fever to severe dengue, which has posed a huge socioeconomic and disease burden to the world population, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. To date, four serotypes of DENV (DENV-1 to DENV-4) have been identified to sustain the transmission cycle in humans. In the past decades, dengue incidences have become more frequent, and four serotypes and various genotypes have been identified in PR China. Several large-scale dengue outbreaks and frequent local endemics occurred in the southern and coastal provinces, and the imported dengue cases accounted primarily for the initiation of the epidemics. No antiviral drug exists for dengue, and no vaccine has been approved to use in PR China, however strategies including public awareness, national reporting system of infectious diseases and public health emergencies, vector mosquito control, personal protection, and improved environmental sanitation have greatly reduced dengue prevalence. Some new technologies in vector mosquito control are emerging and being applied for dengue control. China's territory spans tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates, hence understanding the dengue status in China will be of beneficial for the global prevention and control of dengue. Here, we review the dengue status in PR China for the past decades and the strategies emerging for dengue control.

Keywords:  Aedes mosquitoes; dengue virus (DENV); epidemiology; genotype; serotype; vector control

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1002/rmv.2245
PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2021 Jul 06. 15(7): e0009535

Arboviral diseases and poverty in Alabama, 2007-2017.

Donal Bisanzio, Elisa Martello, Katherine Izenour, Kelly Stevens, Ramandeep Kaur, Benjamin A McKenzie, Moritz Kraemer, Richard Reithinger, Sarah Zohdy.

Mosquito-borne viruses cause diseases of great public health concern. Arboviral disease case distributions have complex relationships with socioeconomic and environmental factors. We combined information about socio-economic (population, and poverty rate) and environmental (precipitation, and land use) characteristics with reported human cases of arboviral disease in the counties of Alabama, USA, from 2007-2017. We used county level data on West Nile virus (WNV), dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), Zika virus (ZIKV), California serogroup virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus, and Saint Louis encephalitis virus to provide a detailed description of their spatio-temporal pattern. We found a significant spatial convergence between incidence of WNV and poverty rate clustered in the southern part of Alabama. DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV cases showed a different spatial pattern, being mostly located in the northern part, in areas of high socioeconomic status. The results of our study establish that poverty-driven inequities in arboviral risk exist in the southern USA, and should be taken into account when planning prevention and intervention strategies.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009535
Sci Total Environ. 2021 Jun 24. pii: S0048-9697(21)03678-0. [Epub ahead of print]794 148606

Keep your natural enemies close - native predators can maintain low mosquito densities in temporary ponds in a malaria expansion area in Northern Tanzania.

Gordian Rocky Mataba, Yusuph Aron Kafula, Grite Nelson Mwaijengo, Joren M Snoeks, Linus Munishi, Luc Brendonck, Bram Vanschoenwinkel.

  Mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit are a global public health threat that affects most human populations. Mosquito abundances are strongly linked to the number of suitable larval habitats available. However, it is still not well understood how different land uses impact larval habitat quality in different parts of the world. We investigated links between land use practices and abundance of mosquito larvae in temporary ponds located in different land uses in a malaria expansion zone in Tanzania. Temporary ponds are often cited as important sources of mosquitoes but are also of substantial conservation concern being home to a unique fauna and flora. Often, they also have high socio-economic importance. Overall, encountered mosquito larval abundances were very low, both for the collected Anopheles gambiae s.l. and Culex quinquefasciatus. Although temporary ponds are important mosquito larval habitats in other parts of Africa, currently they are unlikely to be an important factor affecting the prevalence of mosquito borne diseases in the Manyara study region. Larval abundances in temporary ponds were higher in agricultural areas where more eutrophic conditions were found and minimal in residential areas. Overall, even though temporary ponds are often modified as rice paddies in the rainy season, they were in a good ecological condition and hosted a diverse assemblage of aquatic predators that likely prevented larval mosquitoes from reaching high densities. Maintaining this good condition by preventing pesticide and nutrient input as much as possible, can be important to prevent pond degradation that is likely to make these habitats more suitable for mosquitoes in the future.

Keywords:  Lake Manyara Basin; Land use; Nutrients; Physico-chemical parameters

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148606
Bioorg Med Chem. 2021 Jun 28. pii: S0968-0896(21)00307-2. [Epub ahead of print]44 116299

Larvicidal activity and in silico studies of cinnamic acid derivatives against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Saraliny Bezerra França, Luana Carine Barros de Lima, Cristhyan Rychard da Silva Cunha, Daniela Santos Anunciação, Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Júnior, Maria Ester de Sá Barreto Barros, Dimas José da Paz Lima.

  Cinnamic acid derivatives (CAD's) represent a great alternative in the search for insecticides against Aedes aegypti mosquitoes since they have antimicrobial and insecticide properties. Ae. aegypti is responsible for transmitting Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika viruses, among other arboviruses associated with morbimortality, especially in developing countries. In view of this, in vitro analyses of n-substituted cinnamic acids and esters were performed upon 4th instar larvae (L4) of Ae. aegypti, as well as, molecular docking studies to propose a potential biological target towards this mosquitoes species. The larvicide assays proved that n-substituted ethyl cinnamates showed a more pronounced activity than their corresponding acids, in which p-chlorocinnamate (3j) presented a LC50 value of 8.3 µg/mL. Thusly, external morphologic alterations (rigid and elongated body, curved bowel, and translucent or darkened anal papillae) of mosquitoes' group exposed to compound 3j, were observed by microscopy. In addition, an analytical method was developed for the quantification of the most promising analog by using high-performance liquid chromatography with UV detection (HPLC-UV). Molecular docking studies suggested that the larvicide action is associated with inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. Therefore, expanding the larvicidal study with the cinnamic acid derivatives against the vector Ae. aegypti is important for finding search for more effective larvicides and with lower toxicity, since they have already shown good larvicidal properties against Ae. aegypti.

Keywords:  3-phenylacrylic acid derivatives; High-Performance Liquid Chromatography; Insecticide; Molecular Docking; Mosquitoes

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bmc.2021.116299
Malar J. 2021 Jul 03. 20(1): 301

Effectiveness of long-lasting insecticidal nets in prevention of malaria among individuals visiting health centres in Ziway-Dugda District, Ethiopia: matched case-control study.

Mesfin Kelkile Wubishet, Gebretsadik Berhe, Alefech Adissu, Mesfin Segni Tafa.

   BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major health problem in Ethiopia. Sleeping under long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) is its major control strategy. Despite high LLINs use (84%) in Ziway-Dugda District, malaria remained a public health problem, raising concern on its effectiveness. Understanding the effectiveness of malaria control interventions is vital. This study evaluated the effectiveness of LLINs and determinants of malaria in Ziway-Dugda District, Arsi Zone Ethiopia.
METHODS: A matched case-control study was conducted among 284 study participants (71 cases and 213 controls) in Ziway-Dugda District, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia from March to May, 2017. Three health centers were selected randomly, and enrolled individuals newly diagnosed for malaria proportionally. Cases and controls were individuals testing positive and negative for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests. Each case was matched to three controls using the age of (5 years), gender and village of residence. The information was collected using pre-tested structured questionnaires through face to face interviews and observation. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5, and analysed using Stata version-12. Conditional logistic regression was performed, and odds of LLINs use were compared using matched Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR), 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value of < 0.05.
RESULTS: One hundred twenty-three (61.2%) of the controls and 22 (32.8%) of cases had regularly slept under LLINs in the past two weeks. Using multivariate analysis, sleeping under LLINs for the past two weeks (AOR = 0.23, 95%CI = 0.11-0.45); living in houses sprayed with indoor residual spray (IRS) (AOR = 0.23, 95%CI: 0.10-0.52); and staying late outdoors at night in the past two-weeks (AOR = 2.99, 95%CI = 1.44-6.19) were determinant factors.
CONCLUSIONS: Sleeping under LLINs is effective for malaria prevention in the district. IRS and staying late outdoors at night were determinants of malaria. It is recommended to increase attention on strengthening LLINs use and IRS in the area.

Keywords:  Effectiveness; Ethiopia; Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets; Malaria; Matched case–control; Ziway-Dugda district

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03833-9
Lancet Glob Health. 2021 Jun 30. pii: S2214-109X(21)00216-3. [Epub ahead of print]

Threats to the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bednets for malaria control: thinking beyond insecticide resistance.

Steve W Lindsay, Matthew B Thomas, Immo Kleinschmidt.

From 2004 to 2019, insecticide-treated bednets (ITNs) have been the most effective tool for reducing malaria morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Recently, however, the decline in malaria cases and deaths has stalled. Some suggest that this inertia is due to increasing resistance in malaria vectors to the pyrethroid insecticides used for treating ITNs. However, there is presently little evidence to reach this conclusion and we therefore recommend that a broader perspective to evaluate ITN effectiveness in terms of access to nets, use of nets, bioefficacy, and durability should be taken. We argue that a single focus on insecticide resistance misses the bigger picture. To improve the effects of ITNs, net coverage should increase by increasing funding for programmes, adopting improved strategies for increasing ITN uptake, and enhancing the longevity of the active ingredients and the physical integrity of nets, while simultaneously accelerating the development and evaluation of novel vector control tools.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2214-109X(21)00216-3
Infect Genet Evol. 2021 Jun 30. pii: S1567-1348(21)00284-7. [Epub ahead of print] 104987

Asymptomatic malaria infection prevailing risks for human health and malaria elimination.

Dhaneswar Prusty, Nidhi Gupta, Arun Upadhyay, Ashraf Dar, Biswajit Naik, Navin Kumar, Vijay Kumar Prajapati.

  There has been a consistent rise in malaria cases in the last few years. The existing malaria control measures are challenged by insecticide resistance in the mosquito vector, drug résistance in parasite populations, and asymptomatic malaria (ASM) in healthy individuals. The absence of apparent malaria symptoms and the presence of low parasitemia makes ASM a hidden reservoir for malaria transmission and an impediment in malaria elimination efforts. This review focuses on ASM in malaria-endemic countries and the past and present research trends from those geographical locations. The harmful impacts of asymptomatic malaria on human health and its contribution to disease transmission are highlighted. We discuss certain crucial genetic changes in the parasite and host immune response necessary for maintaining low parasitemia leading to long-term parasite survival in the host. Since the chronic health effects and the potential roles for disease transmission of ASM remain mostly unknown to significant populations, we offer proposals for developing general awareness. We also suggest advanced technology-based diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies to eliminate ASM.

Keywords:  Antimalarial; Asymptomatic malaria; Malaria; PCR based diagnosis; Plasmodium

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2021.104987
J Trop Med. 2021 ;2021 9925135

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) of Human Populations towards Malaria Control in Four Ecoepidemiological Settings in Cameroon.

Nelly Armanda Kala Chouakeu, Laura Gilberine Ngingahi, Roland Bamou, Abdou Talipouo, Carmen Sandra Ngadjeu, Marie Paul Audrey Mayi, Edmond Kopya, Parfait Awono-Ambene, Timoléon Tchuinkam, Christophe Antonio Nkondjio.

Malaria remains a major public health problem in Cameroon. Critical steps to improve disease control include assessing human population adherence to vector control interventions, especially in areas with different cultural backgrounds. The present study seeks to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of populations towards malaria prevention in four ecoepidemiological settings in Cameroon. A cross-sectional malaria KAP survey was conducted from August to September 2019 in households of the localities of Kaélé, Tibati, Bertoua, and Santchou. A semistructured questionnaire was administered to randomly selected households in the localities. Data recorded were analysed using SPSS v. 20 and MedCalc v14.8.1. A total of 739 households were surveyed. The majority of participants had a secondary level of education (48.71%). A substantial number of participants (over 90%) in all the localities were able to make an accurate association between malaria and mosquito bites. The main sources of information for community members were television sets in Santchou and Tibati and interpersonal conversations in Bertoua and Kaélé. Mosquito nets were the most commonly used protective measure against malaria, and the majority of nets in households came from the free-of-charge mass distribution campaigns organized by the government. Participants with secondary and higher levels of education were more aware of good practices towards malaria control compared to those with a primary level of education. The study revealed that populations' KAP differed according to localities and culture. More sensitization and education need to be done to improve adherence to prevention programs.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9925135
Malar J. 2021 Jul 06. 20(1): 305

Ownership and utilization of bed nets and reasons for use or non-use of bed nets among community members at risk of malaria along the Thai-Myanmar border.

Kasama Pooseesod, Daniel M Parker, Natthani Meemon, Saranath Lawpoolsri, Pratap Singhasivanon, Jetsumon Sattabongkot, Liwang Cui, Suparat Phuanukoonnon.

   BACKGROUND: With the goal for malaria elimination in Thailand set for 2024, increased coverage and utilization of bed net, especially insecticide-treated net (ITN) or long-lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) is a key strategy. This study aims to provide the necessary information about bed net ownership and utilization among the population at risk of malaria living along the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a mixed-method approach in 331 households from 5 hamlets in the villages of the Thai-Myanmar border. The research tools included a questionnaire, bed net inspection, and semi-structured interviews. Logistic regression was used to explore the sociodemographic factors associated with bed net utilization. The qualitative analysis employed a thematic analysis approach.
RESULTS: This survey found that 98.5% of households had at least one bed net per household, and 74.3% had at least one ITN/LLIN. However, only 30.8% of households reached the standard policy set by the Minister of Public Health of one ITN/LLINs per two persons. Most residents used bed net (92.1% used in the previous night and 80.9% used every day). For those using bed nets, however, 61.9% used ITNs or LLINs the night before and 53.1% used them every day. Nonetheless, the usage rates of bed nets (any type) in the previous night among children and pregnant women were high, reaching 95.3% and 90.0%, respectively. Seven explanatory variables showed statistically significant associations with bed net use every day, including: "not staying overnight in the forest or the field", "sleeping pattern based on gender", "sufficient numbers of bed nets to cover all sleeping spaces", "preference for free bed nets", "age", "gender", and "SES score" showed statistically significant association with bed net use every day. The major reasons for the regular use of bed nets in both household and the forest were to prevent mosquito biting. The reasons for not using bednets in the household were discomfort feelings from heat, perception of unnecessity due to low mosquito density, whereas the reason for not using bed nets in the forest was inconvenience.
CONCLUSION: Despite that overall coverage and usage of bed nets was high, only one third reached the standard level specified by the policy. Overnight in the forest, the dissatisfaction with the quality of free bed nets, insufficient number of bed nets, sleeping alone, male gender, age more than 10 years, low socioeconomic status, discomfort from heat, perception of no benefits of bed nets due to low mosquito density, and inconvenience were factors influencing bed net use. Maintaining high coverage and utility rate of bed nets should be a priority for the malaria high-risk population.

Keywords:  Bed net; Forest goers; Karen ethnic; Long-lasting insecticidal net; Malaria; Thailand

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03837-5
Sci Rep. 2021 Jul 08. 11(1): 14129

A retrospective analysis of malaria epidemiological characteristics in Yingjiang County on the China-Myanmar border.

Fang Huang, Shi-Gang Li, Peng Tian, Xiang-Rui Guo, Zhi-Gui Xia, Shui-Sen Zhou, Hong-Ning Zhou, Xiao-Nong Zhou.

Yingjiang County, which is on the China-Myanmar border, is the main focus for malaria elimination in China. The epidemiological characteristics of malaria in Yingjiang County were analysed in a retrospective analysis. A total of 895 malaria cases were reported in Yingjiang County between 2013 and 2019. The majority of cases occurred in males (70.7%) and individuals aged 19-59 years (77.3%). Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (96.6%). The number of indigenous cases decreased gradually and since 2017, no indigenous cases have been reported. Malaria cases were mainly distributed in the southern and southwestern areas of the county; 55.6% of the indigenous cases were reported in Nabang Township, which also had the highest risk of imported malaria. The "1-3-7" approach has been implemented effectively, with 100% of cases reported within 24 h, 88.9% cases investigated and confirmed within 3 days and 98.5% of foci responded to within 7 days. Although malaria elimination has been achieved in Yingjiang County, sustaining elimination and preventing the re-establishment of malaria require the continued strengthening of case detection, surveillance and response systems targeting the migrant population in border areas.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-93734-3
PLoS One. 2021 ;16(7): e0253953

Seroprevalence of Yellow fever, Chikungunya, and Zika virus at a community level in the Gambella Region, South West Ethiopia.

Getahun Asebe, Daniela Michlmayr, Gezahegne Mamo, Woldaregay Erku Abegaz, Adugna Endale, Girmay Medhin, James W Larrick, Mengistu Legesse.

Yellow fever (YF), Chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika(ZIK) are among re-emerging arboviral diseases of major public health concern. Despite the proximity of the Gambella Region to South Sudan where arboviral cases have been recorded repeatedly the current epidemiological situation is unclear in this part of southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, we conducted a community-based seroprevalence survey of YF virus (YFV), CHIK virus (CHIKV), and ZIK virus (ZIKV) infections in two selected districts. A cross-sectional study was conducted in two locations of the Gambella region (Lare and Itang) to investigate the seroprevalence of these viruses' infections. Blood samples were collected from the study participants and screened for IgG antibodies specific to YFV and CHIKV infections using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). For the detection of ZIKV specific IgG antibodies, Blockade-of-binding ELISA was used. Data were analyzed using the STATA version 13.1 Softwares. A total of 150 individuals (96 males and 54 females, age ranging from 18 to 65 years, mean age ± SD = 35.92 ± 10.99) participated and provided blood samples. Among the 150 samples 135, 90, and 150 were screened for YFV, CHIKV, and ZIKV, respectively. Hence, 2.9% (95% CI: 1.1-7.7%), 15.6% (95% CI: 9.3-24.8%), and 27.3% (95% CI: 20.7-35.3%) of samples tested positive for IgG antibodies to YFV, CHIKV, and ZIKV infections, respectively. Among the individual seropositive for ZIKV, YFV and CHIKV, only six, one and three had a history of residence outside the Gambella region respectively. Agro-pastoral occupation was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of IgG against CHIKV (AOR = 14.17; 95%CI: 2.30, 87.30) and residency in the Lare district (AOR = 11; 95%CI: 3.31, 39.81) was found to be significantly associated with a higher prevalence of IgG against ZIKV. Our findings revealed the occurrence of YFV, CHIKV and ZIKV infections in the study locations.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0253953
Malar J. 2021 Jul 05. 20(1): 304

Malaria prevalence and long-lasting insecticidal net use in rural western Uganda: results of a cross-sectional survey conducted in an area of highly variable malaria transmission intensity.

Claire M Cote, Varun Goel, Rabbison Muhindo, Emmanuel Baguma, Moses Ntaro, Bonnie E Shook-Sa, Raquel Reyes, Sarah G Staedke, Edgar M Mulogo, Ross M Boyce.

   BACKGROUND: Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) remain a cornerstone of malaria control, but strategies to sustain universal coverage and high rates of use are not well-defined. A more complete understanding of context-specific factors, including transmission intensity and access to health facilities, may inform sub-district distribution approaches and tailored messaging campaigns.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2190 households was conducted in a single sub-county of western Uganda that experiences highly variable malaria transmission intensity. The survey was carried out approximately 3 years after the most recent mass distribution campaign. At each household, study staff documented reported LLIN use and source among children 2 to 10 years of age and performed a malaria rapid diagnostic test. Elevation and distance to the nearest health facility was estimated for each household. Associations between parasite prevalence and LLIN use were estimated from log binomial regression models with elevation and distance to clinic being the primary variables of interest.
RESULTS: Overall, 6.8% (148 of 2170) of children age 2-10 years of age had a positive RDT result, yielding a weighted estimate of 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.4-6.2%). There was substantial variability in the positivity rates among villages, with the highest elevation villages having lower prevalence than lowest-elevation villages (p < .001). Only 64.7% (95% CI 64.0-65.5%) of children were reported to have slept under a LLIN the previous night. Compared to those living < 1 km from a health centre, households at ≥ 2 km were less likely to report the child sleeping under a LLIN (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83-0.89, p < .001). Households located farther from a health centre received a higher proportion of LLINs from government distributions compared to households living closer to health centres.
CONCLUSIONS: LLIN use and sourcing was correlated with household elevation and estimated distance to the nearest health facility. The findings suggest that current facility-based distribution strategies are limited in their reach. More frequent mass distribution campaigns and complementary approaches are likely required to maintain universal LLIN coverage and high rates of use among children in rural Uganda.

Keywords:  Insecticide-treated bed nets; Malaria; Mosquito nets; Plasmodium; Uganda

DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1186/s12936-021-03835-7