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Abossie A, Demissew A, Getachew H, Tsegaye A, Degefa T, Habtamu K, Zhong D, Wang X, Lee MC, Zhou G, King CL, Kazura JW, Yan G, Yewhalaw D. Higher outdoor mosquito density and Plasmodium infection rates in and around malaria index case households in low transmission settings of Ethiopia: Implications for vector control. Parasit Vectors 2024; 17:53. [PMID: 38321572 PMCID: PMC10848356 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the clustering of infections for persistent malaria transmission is critical to determining how and where to target specific interventions. This study aimed to determine the density, blood meal sources and malaria transmission risk of anopheline vectors by targeting malaria index cases, their neighboring households and control villages in Arjo-Didessa, southwestern Ethiopia. METHODS An entomological study was conducted concurrently with a reactive case detection (RCD) study from November 2019 to October 2021 in Arjo Didessa and the surrounding vicinity, southwestern Ethiopia. Anopheline mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors in index case households and their surrounding households (neighboring households), as well as in control households, using pyrethrum spray cache (PSC) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps. Adult mosquitoes were morphologically identified, and speciation in the Anopheles gambiae complex was done by PCR. Mosquito Plasmodium infections and host blood meal sources were detected by circumsporozoite protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CSP-ELISA) and cytochrome b-based blood meal PCR, respectively. RESULTS Among the 770 anopheline mosquitoes collected, An. gambiae sensu lato (A. gambiae s.l.) was the predominant species, accounting for 87.1% (n = 671/770) of the catch, followed by the Anopheles coustani complex and Anopheles pharoensis, which accounted for 12.6% (n = 97/770) and 0.26% (n = 2/770) of the catch, respectively. From the sub-samples of An. gambiae s.l.analyzed with PCR, An. arabiensis and Anopheles amharicus were identified. The overall mean density of mosquitoes was 1.26 mosquitoes per trap per night using the CDC light traps. Outdoor mosquito density was significantly higher than indoor mosquito density in the index and neighboring households (P = 0.0001). The human blood index (HBI) and bovine blood index (BBI) of An. arabiensis were 20.8% (n = 34/168) and 24.0% (n = 41/168), respectively. The overall Plasmodium sporozoite infection rate of anophelines (An. arabiensis and An. coustani complex) was 4.4% (n = 34/770). Sporozoites were detected indoors and outdoors in captured anopheline mosquitoes. Of these CSP-positive species for Pv-210, Pv-247 and Pf, 41.1% (n = 14/34) were captured outdoors. A significantly higher proportion of sporozoite-infected mosquitoes were caught in index case households (5.6%, n = 8/141) compared to control households (1.1%, n = 2/181) (P = 0.02), and in neighboring households (5.3%, n = 24/448) compared to control households (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study indicated that malaria index cases and their neighboring households had higher outdoor mosquito densities and Plasmodium infection rates. The study also highlighted a relatively higher outdoor mosquito density, which could increase the potential risk of outdoor malaria transmission and may play a role in residual malaria transmission. Thus, it is important to strengthen the implementation of vector control interventions, such as targeted indoor residual spraying, long-lasting insecticidal nets and other supplementary vector control measures such as larval source management and community engagement approaches. Furthermore, in low transmission settings, such as the Arjo Didessa Sugarcane Plantation, providing health education to local communities, enhanced environmental management and entomological surveillance, along with case detection and management by targeting of malaria index cases and their immediate neighboring households, could be important measures to control residual malaria transmission and achieve the targeted elimination goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashenafi Abossie
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Arba Minch University, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia.
| | - Assalif Demissew
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Ethiopia
- Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Hallelujah Getachew
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Arba Minch College of Health Sciences, Arba Minch, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Arega Tsegaye
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Biology, College of Natural Science, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Degefa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Kassahun Habtamu
- Menelik II College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, College of Natural Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daibin Zhong
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ming-Chieh Lee
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Guofa Zhou
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Christopher L King
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106 OH, USA
| | - James W Kazura
- Center for Global Health & Diseases, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, 44106 OH, USA
| | - Guiyun Yan
- Program in Public Health, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Delenasaw Yewhalaw
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Tropical and Infectious Diseases Research Center (TIDRC), Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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Padonou GG, Zoungbédji DM, Sovi A, Salako AS, Konkon AK, Yovogan B, Adoha CJ, Odjo EM, Osse R, Sina H, Govoétchan R, Kpanou CD, Sagbohan HW, Baba-Moussa L, Akogbéto M. Trophic preferences of Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae): what implications for malaria vector control in Benin? JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 60:554-563. [PMID: 36939048 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The main objective of the present study is to assess the preferences in terms of vertebrate hosts of Anopheles coluzzii, the main malaria vector in the pastoral area of Malanville, Benin, where rice cultivation and livestock are the main source of income for the populations. Adult mosquitoes were collected through pyrethrum spray catch, and human landing catch in two communes in Benin: Malanville, a pastoral area, and Porto-Novo, a nonpastoral area. Molecular species identification was performed through PCR within the Anopheles gambiae complex. Blood meal origin and P. falciparum sporozoite infection were determined using ELISA blood meal and circumsporozoite protein tests, respectively. Overall, 97% of females of An. gambiae s.l. were An. coluzzii, with biting behavior more pronounced outdoors in the pastoral area. In Malanville, the main vertebrate hosts on which females An. coluzzii blood fed were goats (44%), humans (24.29%), bovines (22%), and pigs (1.4%). Our results also showed that single-host blood meals (human: 24.29% or animal: 68%) were mostly observed compared to mixed blood meals (8.58%). The human biting rate (HBR) and P. falciparum sporozoite rate (SR) of An. coluzzii were 66.25 bites/man/night and 0.77%, respectively. However, in the nonpastoral zone (Porto-novo), 93.98% of samples were An. coluzzii. The latter blood-fed mostly (86.84%) on humans, with an estimated HBR of 21.53 b/m/n and SR of 5.81%. The present study revealed an opportunistic and zoophagic behavior of An. coluzzii in the Malanville area with an overall low mean SR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germain Gil Padonou
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - David Mahouton Zoungbédji
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Arthur Sovi
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Alphonse Keller Konkon
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Boulais Yovogan
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Constantin Jesukèdè Adoha
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Esdras Mahoutin Odjo
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Razaki Osse
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- École de gestion et d'exploitation des systèmes d'élevage, Université Nationale d'Agriculture de Porto-Novo, Porto-Novo, Bénin
| | - Haziz Sina
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Renaud Govoétchan
- Faculty of Agronomy, University of Parakou, Parakou, Benin
- Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Casimir Dossou Kpanou
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Hermann W Sagbohan
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Lamine Baba-Moussa
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques de l'Université d'Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
- Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, Abomey-Calavi, Benin
| | - Martin Akogbéto
- Centre de Recherche Entomologique de Cotonou (CREC), Cotonou, Benin
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Forson AO, Hinne IA, Sraku IK, Afrane YA. Larval habitat stability and productivity in two sites in Southern Ghana. Malar J 2023; 22:74. [PMID: 36864430 PMCID: PMC9983185 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-023-04498-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mosquito larval source management (LSM) is a valuable additional tool for malaria vector control. Understanding the characteristics of mosquito larval habitats and its ecology in different land use types can give valuable insight for an effective larval control strategy. This study determined the stability and productivity of potential anopheline larval habitats in two different ecological sites: Anyakpor and Dodowa in southern Ghana. METHODS A total of 59 aquatic habitats positive for anopheline larvae were identified, and sampled every two weeks for a period of 30 weeks using a standard dipping method. Larvae were collected using standard dippers and were raised in the insectary for identification. Sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) were further identified by polymerase chain reaction. The presence of larval habitats, their stability and larvae positive habitats were compared between the two sites using Mann-Whitney U and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Factors affecting the presence of An. gambiae larvae and physicochemical properties at the sites were determined using multiple logistic regression analysis and Spearman's correlation. RESULTS Out of a total of 13,681 mosquito immatures collected, 22.6% (3095) were anophelines and 77.38% (10,586) were culicines. Out of the 3095 anophelines collected, An. gambiae s.l. was predominant (99.48%, n = 3079), followed by Anopheles rufipes (0.45%, n = 14), and Anopheles pharoensis (0.064%, n = 2). Sibling species of the An. gambiae consisted of Anopheles coluzzii (71%), followed by An. gambiae s.s. (23%), and Anopheles melas (6%). Anopheles mean larval density was highest in wells [6.44 (95% CI 5.0-8.31) larvae/dip], lowest in furrows [4.18 (95% CI 2.75-6.36) larvae/dip] and man-made ponds [1.20 (95% CI 0.671-2.131) larvae/dip].The results also revealed habitat stability was highly dependent on rainfall intensity, and Anopheles larval densities were also dependent on elevated levels of pH, conductivity and TDS. CONCLUSION The presence of larvae in the habitats was dependent on rainfall intensity and proximity to human settlements. To optimize the vector control measures of malaria interventions in southern Ghana, larval control should be focused on larval habitats that are fed by underground water, as these are more productive habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akua O Forson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac A Hinne
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kwame Sraku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw A Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana.
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Forson AO, Hinne IA, Dhikrullahi SB, Sraku IK, Mohammed AR, Attah SK, Afrane YA. The resting behavior of malaria vectors in different ecological zones of Ghana and its implications for vector control. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:246. [PMID: 35804461 PMCID: PMC9270803 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05355-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa there is widespread use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying to help control the densities of malaria vectors and decrease the incidence of malaria. This study was carried out to investigate the resting behavior, host preference and infection with Plasmodium falciparum of malaria vectors in Ghana in the context of the increasing insecticide resistance of malaria vectors in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS Indoor and outdoor resting anopheline mosquitoes were sampled during the dry and rainy seasons in five sites in three ecological zones [Sahel savannah (Kpalsogo, Pagaza, Libga); coastal savannah (Anyakpor); and forest (Konongo)]. Polymerase chain reaction-based molecular diagnostics were used to determine speciation, genotypes for knockdown resistance mutations (L1014S and L1014F) and the G119S ace1 mutation, specific host blood meal origins and sporozoite infection in the field-collected mosquitoes. RESULTS Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) predominated (89.95%, n = 1718), followed by Anopheles rufipes (8.48%, n = 162) and Anopheles funestus s.l. (1.57%, n = 30). Sibling species of the Anopheles gambiae s.l. revealed Anopheles coluzzii accounted for 63% (95% confidence interval = 57.10-68.91) and 27% (95% confidence interval = 21.66-32.55) was Anopheles gambiae s. s.. The mean resting density of An. gambiae s.l. was higher outdoors (79.63%; 1368/1718) than indoors (20.37%; 350/1718) (Wilcoxon rank sum test, Z = - 4.815, P < 0.0001). The kdr west L1014F and the ace1 mutation frequencies were higher in indoor resting An. coluzzii and An. gambiae in the Sahel savannah sites than in the forest and coastal savannah sites. Overall, the blood meal analyses revealed that a larger proportion of the malaria vectors preferred feeding on humans (70.2%) than on animals (29.8%) in all of the sites. Sporozoites were only detected in indoor resting An. coluzzii from the Sahel savannah (5.0%) and forest (2.5%) zones. CONCLUSIONS This study reports high outdoor resting densities of An. gambiae and An. coluzzii with high kdr west mutation frequencies, and the presence of malaria vectors indoors despite the use of long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying. Continuous monitoring of changes in the resting behavior of mosquitoes and the implementation of complementary malaria control interventions that target outdoor resting Anopheles mosquitoes are necessary in Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akua Obeng Forson
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac A. Hinne
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Shittu B. Dhikrullahi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Isaac Kwame Sraku
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Rahim Mohammed
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Simon K. Attah
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
| | - Yaw Asare Afrane
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Ghana Medical School, University of Ghana, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana
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Mbewe RB, Keven JB, Mzilahowa T, Mathanga D, Wilson M, Cohee L, Laufer MK, Walker ED. Blood-feeding patterns of Anopheles vectors of human malaria in Malawi: implications for malaria transmission and effectiveness of LLIN interventions. Malar J 2022; 21:67. [PMID: 35241083 PMCID: PMC8892392 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-022-04089-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Access to human hosts by Anopheles mosquitoes is a key determinant of vectorial capacity for malaria, but it can be limited by use of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs). In Malawi, pyrethroid-treated LLINs with and without the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) were distributed to control malaria. This study investigated the blood-feeding patterns of malaria vectors and whether LLINs containing pyrethroid and PBO led to a reduction of human blood feeding than those containing only pyrethroids. Methods Mosquitoes were sampled inside houses from May 2019 through April 2020 by aspiration, pyrethrum spray catch, and light trap methods in two sites. One site (Namanolo, Balaka district) had LLINs containing only pyrethroids whereas the other (Ntaja, Machinga district) had LLINs with both pyrethroids and PBO. Anopheles species, their blood-meal host, and infection with Plasmodium falciparum were determined using PCR methods. Results A total of 6585 female Anopheles were sampled in 203 houses. Of these, 633 (9.6%) were blood-fed mosquitoes comprising of 279 (44.1%) Anopheles arabiensis, 103 (16.3%) Anopheles gambiae 212 (33.5), Anopheles funestus, 2 (0.3%), Anopheles parensis and 37 (5.8%) were unidentified Anopheles spp. Blood meal hosts were successfully identified for 85.5% (n = 541) of the blood-fed mosquitoes, of which 436 (81.0%) were human blood meals, 28 (5.2%) were goats, 11 (2.0%) were dogs, 60 (11.1%) were mixed goat-human blood meals, 5 (0.9%) were dog–human, and 1 was a mixed dog-goat. Human blood index (fraction of blood meals that were humans) was significantly higher in Namanolo (0.96) than Ntaja (0.89). Even though human blood index was high, goats were over-selected than humans after accounting for relative abundance of both hosts. The number of infectious Anopheles bites per person-year was 44 in Namanolo and 22 in Ntaja. Conclusion Although LLINs with PBO PBO may have reduced human blood feeding, access to humans was extremely high despite high LLIN ownership and usage rates in both sites. This finding could explain persistently high rates of malaria infections in Malawi. However, this study had one village for each net type, thus the observed differences may have been a result of other factors present in each village. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12936-022-04089-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex B Mbewe
- Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Polytechnic, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi. .,Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - John B Keven
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Department of Public Health, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Themba Mzilahowa
- Malaria Alert Center, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Don Mathanga
- Malaria Alert Center, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Mark Wilson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Lauren Cohee
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Miriam K Laufer
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Edward D Walker
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Fikrig K, Martin E, Dang S, St Fleur K, Goldsmith H, Qu S, Rosenthal H, Pitcher S, Harrington LC. The Effects of Host Availability and Fitness on Aedes albopictus Blood Feeding Patterns in New York. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2022; 106:320-331. [PMID: 34662859 PMCID: PMC8733534 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.21-0157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aedes albopictus is a competent vector of numerous pathogens, representing a range of transmission cycles involving unique hosts. Despite the important status of this vector, variation in its feeding patterns is poorly understood. We examined the feeding patterns of Ae. albopictus utilizing resting collections in Long Island, NY, and contextualized blood meal sources with host availability measured by household interviews and camera traps. We identified 90 blood meals, including 29 humans, 22 cats, 16 horses, 12 opossums, 5 dogs, 2 goats, and 1 each of rabbit, rat, squirrel, and raccoon. This is only the third study of Ae. albopictus blood feeding biology that quantitatively assessed domestic host availability and is the first to do so with wild animals. Host feeding indices showed that cats and dogs were fed upon disproportionately often compared with humans. Forage ratios suggested a tendency to feed on cats and opossums and to avoid raccoons, squirrels, and birds. This feeding pattern was different from another published study from Baltimore, where Ae. albopictus fed more often on rats than humans. To understand whether these differences were because of host availability or mosquito population variation, we compared the fitness of New York and Baltimore Ae. albopictus after feeding on rat and human blood. In addition, we examined fitness within the New York population after feeding on human, rat, cat, horse, and opossum blood. Together, our results do not indicate major mosquito fitness differences by blood hosts, suggesting that fitness benefits do not drive Northeastern Ae. albopictus feeding patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Fikrig
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York,Address correspondence to Kara Fikrig, Entomology Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850. E-mail:
| | | | - Sharon Dang
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | | | - Sophia Qu
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | - Sylvie Pitcher
- Entomology Department, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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Fikrig K, Harrington LC. Understanding and interpreting mosquito blood feeding studies: the case of Aedes albopictus. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:959-975. [PMID: 34497032 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2021.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Blood feeding is a fundamental mosquito behavior with consequences for pathogen transmission and control. Feeding behavior can be studied through two lenses - patterns and preference. Feeding patterns are assessed via blood meal analyses, reflecting mosquito-host associations influenced by environmental and biological parameters. Bias can profoundly impact results, and we provide recommendations for mitigating these effects. We also outline design choices for host preference research, which can take many forms, and highlight their respective (dis)advantages for preference measurement. Finally, Aedes albopictus serves as a case study for how to apply these lessons to interpret data and understand feeding biology. We illustrate how assumptions and incomplete evidence can lead to inconsistent interpretations by reviewing Ae. albopictus feeding studies alongside prevalent narratives about perceived behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Fikrig
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
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Makhanthisa TI, Braack L, Lutermann H. The effect of cattle-administered ivermectin and fipronil on the mortality and fecundity of Anopheles arabiensis Patton. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:349. [PMID: 34215295 PMCID: PMC8254271 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04846-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria control primarily depends on two vector control strategies: indoor residual spraying (IRS) and long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs). Both IRS and LLIN target indoor-biting mosquitoes. However, some of the most important malaria vectors have developed resistance against the chemical compounds used in IRS and LLINs. Insecticide-induced behavioural changes in vectors, such as increased outdoor feeding on cattle and other animals, also limit the effectiveness of these strategies. Novel vector control strategies must therefore be found to complement IRS and LLINs. A promising tool is the use of cattle-applied endectocides. Endectocides are broad-spectrum systemic drugs that are effective against a range of internal nematodes parasites and blood-feeding arthropods. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two endectocide drugs, injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil, on the survival and fecundity of zoophilic Anopheles arabiensis. Methods Laboratory-reared mosquitoes were allowed to feed on cattle treated with either injectable ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg), topical fipronil (1.0 mg/kg) or saline (control) on days 0, 1, 4, 7, 13, 21 and 25 post-treatment, and mortality and egg production were recorded daily. Results Compared to controls, the mortality of An. arabiensis increased by 3.52- and 2.43-fold with injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil, respectively. The overall fecundity of mosquitoes that fed on both ivermectin- and fipronil-treated cattle was significantly reduced by up to 90 and 60%, respectively, compared to the control group. The effects of both drugs attenuated over a period of 3 weeks. Injectable ivermectin was more effective than topical fipronil and increased mosquito mortality by a risk factor of 1.51 higher than fipronil. Similarly, both drugs significantly reduced the fecundity of An. arabiensis. Conclusions This study demonstrates that injectable ivermectin and topical fipronil are able to suppress An. arabiensis density and could help to reduce outdoor malaria transmission. Data from the present study as well as from other similar studies suggest that current-generation endectocides have a limited duration of action and are expensive. However, new-generation, sustained-release formulations of ivermectin have a multi-week, high mortality impact on vector populations, thus holding promise of an effective reduction of outdoor malaria transmission. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Takalani I Makhanthisa
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Leo Braack
- UP Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.,Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Malaria Consortium, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Heike Lutermann
- Mammal Research Institute, Department of Zoology & Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
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Finney M, McKenzie BA, Rabaovola B, Sutcliffe A, Dotson E, Zohdy S. Widespread zoophagy and detection of Plasmodium spp. in Anopheles mosquitoes in southeastern Madagascar. Malar J 2021; 20:25. [PMID: 33413398 PMCID: PMC7791646 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03539-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a top cause of mortality on the island nation of Madagascar, where many rural communities rely on subsistence agriculture and livestock production. Understanding feeding behaviours of Anopheles in this landscape is crucial for optimizing malaria control and prevention strategies. Previous studies in southeastern Madagascar have shown that Anopheles mosquitoes are more frequently captured within 50 m of livestock. However, it remains unknown whether these mosquitoes preferentially feed on livestock. Here, mosquito blood meal sources and Plasmodium sporozoite rates were determined to evaluate patterns of feeding behaviour in Anopheles spp. and malaria transmission in southeastern Madagascar. METHODS Across a habitat gradient in southeastern Madagascar 7762 female Anopheles spp. mosquitoes were collected. Of the captured mosquitoes, 492 were visibly blood fed and morphologically identifiable, and a direct enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to test for swine, cattle, chicken, human, and dog blood among these specimens. Host species identification was confirmed for multiple blood meals using PCR along with Sanger sequencing. Additionally, 1,607 Anopheles spp. were screened for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax-210, and P. vivax 247 circumsporozoites (cs) by ELISA. RESULTS Cattle and swine accounted, respectively, for 51% and 41% of all blood meals, with the remaining 8% split between domesticated animals and humans. Of the 1,607 Anopheles spp. screened for Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax 210, and Plasmodium vivax 247 cs-protein, 45 tested positive, the most prevalent being P. vivax 247, followed by P. vivax 210 and P. falciparum. Both variants of P. vivax were observed in secondary vectors, including Anopheles squamosus/cydippis, Anopheles coustani, and unknown Anopheles spp. Furthermore, evidence of coinfection of P. falciparum and P. vivax 210 in Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) was found. CONCLUSIONS Here, feeding behaviour of Anopheles spp. mosquitoes in southeastern Madagascar was evaluated, in a livestock rich landscape. These findings suggest largely zoophagic feeding behaviors of Anopheles spp., including An. gambiae s.l. and presence of both P. vivax and P. falciparum sporozoites in Anopheles spp. A discordance between P. vivax reports in mosquitoes and humans exists, suggesting high prevalence of P. vivax circulating in vectors in the ecosystem despite low reports of clinical vivax malaria in humans in Madagascar. Vector surveillance of P. vivax may be relevant to malaria control and elimination efforts in Madagascar. At present, the high proportion of livestock blood meals in Madagascar may play a role in buffering (zooprophylaxis) or amplifying (zoopotentiation) the impacts of malaria. With malaria vector control efforts focused on indoor feeding behaviours, complementary approaches, such as endectocide-aided vector control in livestock may be an effective strategy for malaria reduction in Madagascar.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Finney
- College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | - Benjamin A McKenzie
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA
| | | | - Alice Sutcliffe
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ellen Dotson
- Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Entomology Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Zohdy
- School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA. .,College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, USA.
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Bellekom B, Hackett TD, Lewis OT. A Network Perspective on the Vectoring of Human Disease. Trends Parasitol 2021; 37:391-400. [PMID: 33419670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Blood-sucking insects are important vectors of disease, with biting Diptera (flies) alone transmitting diseases that cause an estimated 700 000 human deaths a year. Insect vectors also bite nonhuman hosts, linking them into host-biting networks. While the major vectors of prominent diseases, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and Zika, are intensively studied, there has been limited focus on the wider interactions of biting insects with nonhuman hosts. Drawing on network analysis and visualisation approaches from food-web ecology, we discuss the value of a network perspective for understanding host-insect-disease interactions, with a focus on Diptera vectors. Potential applications include highlighting pathways of disease transmission, highlighting reservoirs of infection, and identifying emerging and previously unrecognised vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Bellekom
- Department of Zoology, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK.
| | - Talya D Hackett
- Department of Zoology, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Owen T Lewis
- Department of Zoology, 11a Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
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Escobar D, Ascencio K, Ortiz A, Palma A, Sánchez A, Fontecha G. Blood Meal Sources of Anopheles spp. in Malaria Endemic Areas of Honduras. INSECTS 2020; 11:insects11070450. [PMID: 32708582 PMCID: PMC7412045 DOI: 10.3390/insects11070450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Malaria remains a life-threatening disease in many tropical countries. Honduras has successfully reduced malaria transmission as different control methods have been applied, focusing mainly on indoor mosquitoes. The selective pressure exerted by the use of insecticides inside the households could modify the feeding behavior of the mosquitoes, forcing them to search for available animal hosts outside the houses. These animal hosts in the peridomicile could consequently become an important factor in maintaining vector populations in endemic areas. Herein, we investigated the blood meal sources and Plasmodium spp. infection on anophelines collected outdoors in endemic areas of Honduras. Individual PCR reactions with species-specific primers were used to detect five feeding sources on 181 visibly engorged mosquitoes. In addition, a subset of these mosquitoes was chosen for pathogen analysis by a nested PCR approach. Most mosquitoes fed on multiple hosts (2 to 4), and 24.9% of mosquitoes had fed on a single host, animal or human. Chicken and bovine were the most frequent blood meal sources (29.5% and 27.5%, respectively). The average human blood index (HBI) was 22.1%. None of the mosquitoes were found to be infected with Plasmodium spp. Our results show the opportunistic and zoophilic behavior of Anopheles mosquitoes in Honduras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Escobar
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; (D.E.); (K.A.); (A.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Krisnaya Ascencio
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; (D.E.); (K.A.); (A.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Andrés Ortiz
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; (D.E.); (K.A.); (A.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Adalid Palma
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; (D.E.); (K.A.); (A.O.); (A.P.)
| | - Ana Sánchez
- Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2V 5A2, Canada;
| | - Gustavo Fontecha
- Microbiology Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras, Tegucigalpa 11101, Honduras; (D.E.); (K.A.); (A.O.); (A.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +504-33935443
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