1
|
Martínez D, Gómez M, De Las Salas JL, Hernández C, Flórez AZ, Muñoz M, Ramírez JD. Employing Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) for understanding the ecology and transmission dynamics of flaviviruses in mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Colombia. Acta Trop 2023:106972. [PMID: 37331645 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Studies focused on identifying the viral species of Flavivirus in vectors are scarce in Latin America and particularly in Colombia. Therefore, the frequency of infection of the Flavivirus genus and its feeding preferences were identified in the mosquito species circulating in the municipality of Puerto Carreño-Vichada, located in the Eastern Plains of Colombia. This was done by sequencing the viral NS5 and vertebrate 12S rRNA genes, respectively, using Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT). A total of 1,159 mosquitoes were captured, with the most abundant species being Aedes serratus at 73.6% (n=853). All the mosquitoes were processed in 230 pools (2-6 individuals) and 51 individuals, where 37.01% (n=104) were found to be infected with Flavivirus. In these samples, infection by arboviruses of epidemiological importance, such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), and chikungunya virus (CHIKV), was ruled out by PCR. However, through sequencing, infection by different insect-specific viruses (ISFVs) and a medically important virus, West Nile virus (WNV), were identified in a mosquito of the Culex browni species. Additionally, the feeding patterns showed that most species present a generalist behavior. Given the above, conducting entomovirological surveillance studies is crucial, especially in areas of low anthropogenic intervention, due to the high probability that potentially pathogenic viruses could generate spillover events under deforestation scenarios.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Martínez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marcela Gómez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Grupo de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas (NÚCLEO) Facultad de Ciencias e Ingeniería, Universidad de Boyacá, Tunja, Colombia
| | | | - Carolina Hernández
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia; Centro de Tecnología en Salud (CETESA), Innovaseq SAS, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Marina Muñoz
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan David Ramírez
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Biotecnología-UR (CIMBIUR), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mapping Eastern (EEE) and Venezuelan Equine Encephalitides (VEE) among Equines Using Geographical Information Systems, Colombia, 2008–2019. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030707. [PMID: 36992416 PMCID: PMC10056775 DOI: 10.3390/v15030707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) viruses are zoonotic pathogens affecting humans, particularly equines. These neuroarboviruses compromise the central nervous system and can be fatal in different hosts. Both have significantly influenced Colombia; however, few studies analyse its behaviour, and none develop maps using geographic information systems to characterise it. Objective: To describe the temporal-spatial distribution of those viruses in Colombia between 2008 and 2019. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study, based on weekly reports by municipalities of the ICA, of the surveillance of both arboviruses in equines, in Colombia, from 2008 to 2019. The data were converted into databases in Microsoft Access 365®, and multiple epidemiological maps were generated with the Kosmo RC1®3.0 software coupled to shape files of all municipalities in the country. Results: In the study period, 96 cases of EEE and 70 of VEE were reported, with 58% of EEE cases occurring in 2016 and 20% of EEV cases in 2013. The most affected municipalities for EEE corresponded to the department of Casanare: Yopal (20), Aguazul (16), and Tauramena (10). In total, 40 municipalities in the country reported ≥1 case of EEE. Conclusions: The maps allow a quick appreciation of groups of neighbouring municipalities in different departments (1° political division) and regions of the country affected by those viruses, which helps consider the expansion of the disease associated with mobility and transport of equines between other municipalities, also including international borders, such as is the case with Venezuela. In that country, especially for EEV, municipalities in the department of Cesar are bordering and at risk for that arboviral infection. there is a high risk of equine encephalitis outbreaks, especially for VEE. This poses a risk also, for municipalities in the department of Cesar, bordering with Venezuela.
Collapse
|
3
|
Host selection and forage ratio in West Nile virus-transmitting Culex mosquitoes: Challenges and knowledge gaps. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2022; 16:e0010819. [PMID: 36301825 PMCID: PMC9612463 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0010819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To date, no specific therapy or vaccination is available for West Nile virus (WNV) infections in humans; preventive strategies represent the only possibility to control transmission. To focus these strategies, detailed knowledge of the virus dynamics is of paramount importance. However, several aspects of WNV transmission are still unclear, especially regarding the role of potential vertebrate host species. Whereas mosquitoes' intrinsic characteristics cause them to favour certain hosts (host preference), absolute selection is impossible in natural settings. Conversely, the selection carried out among available hosts and influenced from hosts' availability and other ecological/environmental factors is defined as host selection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS In July 2022, we searched PubMed database for original articles exploring host selection among WNV-transmitting Culex mosquitoes, the main WNV vector. We considered only original field studies estimating and reporting forage ratio. This index results from the ratio between the proportion of blood meals taken by mosquitoes on potential host species and the hosts' relative abundance. From the originally retrieved 585 articles, 9 matched the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All but one of the included studies were conducted in the Americas, six in the United States, and one each in Mexico and Colombia. The remaining study was conducted in Italy. American Robin, Northern Cardinal, and House Finch were the most significantly preferred birds in the Americas, Common Blackbird in Italy. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Although ornithophilic, all observed WNV-transmitting mosquitoes presented opportunistic feeding behaviour. All the observed species showed potential to act as bridges for zoonotic diseases, feeding also on humans. All the observed mosquitoes presented host selection patterns and did not feed on hosts as expected by chance alone. The articles observe different species of mosquitoes in different environments. In addition, the way the relative host abundance was determined differed. Finally, this review is not systematic. Therefore, the translation of our results to different settings should be conducted cautiously.
Collapse
|
4
|
Rodrigues de Sá IL, Hutchings RSG, Hutchings RW, Sallum MAM. Revision of the Educator Group of Culex (Melanoconion) (Diptera, Culicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2022; 59:1252-1290. [PMID: 35641243 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjac051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The Educator Group of the Melanoconion Section of Culex (Melanoconion) (Diptera, Culicidae) is reviewed. Currently, the group includes the following valid species: Culex (Melanoconion) aphyllusTalaga, 2020, Culex (Melanoconion) cristovaoi Duret, 1968, Culex (Melanoconion) educatorDyar & Knab, 1906, Culex (Melanoconion) eknomiosForattini & Sallum, 1992, Culex (Melanoconion) inadmirabilisDyar, 1928, Culex (Melanoconion) rachoui Duret, 1968, Culex (Melanoconion) theobaldi (Lutz), 1904, Culex (Melanoconion) vaxusDyar, 1920, Culex (Melanoconion) angularis Sá & Sallum n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) spiniformis Sá & Hutchings n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) longistriatus Sá & Hutchings n. sp., Culex (Melanoconion) anelesDyar & Ludlow, 1922, Culex (Melanoconion) apeteticus Howard, Dyar & Ludlow, 1913, and Culex (Melanoconion) bibulusDyar, 1920. The last three species were resurrected from synonymy of either Cx. educator or Cx. vaxus. Descriptions, differential diagnoses, bionomics, and geographical data are provided for each species when available.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Luizi Rodrigues de Sá
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
| | - Rosa Sá Gomes Hutchings
- Laboratório de Bionomia e Sistemática de Culicidae, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Avenida André Araújo, 2.936, Manaus, AM, 69067-375, Brazil
| | - Roger William Hutchings
- Laboratório de Bionomia e Sistemática de Culicidae, Coordenação de Biodiversidade, Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Avenida André Araújo, 2.936, Manaus, AM, 69067-375, Brazil
| | - Maria Anice Mureb Sallum
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Doutor Arnaldo, 715, São Paulo, SP, 01246-904, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Blood feeding habits of mosquitoes: hardly a bite in South America. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1829-1852. [PMID: 35562516 PMCID: PMC9106385 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito blood feeding plays a key role in epidemiology. Despite its importance and large number of studies worldwide, less attention has been paid in South America. We summarized some general concepts and methodological issues related to the study of mosquito blood feeding habits, and compiled and analyzed all published information regarding the subject in the continent until 2020. Available literature comprised 152 scientific studies, that pursued different approaches: human landing catches (102 studies), baited trap (19), and blood meal analyses of collected specimens (38). Among the latter, 23 used serological and 15 molecular techniques. Species most frequently studied were those incriminated in malaria transmission, whereas relevant vectors such as Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus, and Haemagogus janthinomys were surprisingly neglected. Brazil was the leading country both in number of works and species studied. For over 70% of the species and three out of 13 South American countries there is no single information on mosquito blood feeding habits. Data from baited traps included 143 mosquito species, 83.9% of which were attracted to humans, either exclusively (10.5%) or in combination with other vertebrates (73.4%). Host blood identification of field collected specimens provided data on 102 mosquito species, and 60.8% of these fed on humans (55.9% combined with other vertebrates). Only 17 of the 73 species assessed by both methods yielded similar feeding patterns. Finally, supplementary tables are provided in a comprehensive summary of all information available and information gaps are highlighted for future research in the continent.
Collapse
|
6
|
Gilkey PL, Ortiz DL, Kowalo T, Troyo A, Sirot LK. Host-Feeding Patterns of the Mosquito Assemblage at Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2021; 58:2058-2066. [PMID: 34224564 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjab113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick L Gilkey
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
- School of Biological, Environmental, & Earth Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS, USA
| | - Diana L Ortiz
- Biology Program, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, USA
| | - Tia Kowalo
- Environmental Science Program, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA, USA
| | - Adriana Troyo
- Laboratorio de Investigación en Vectores (LIVE), Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET), Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Laura K Sirot
- Department of Biology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
- Departamento de Parasitología, Facultad de Microbiología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gorris ME, Bartlow AW, Temple SD, Romero-Alvarez D, Shutt DP, Fair JM, Kaufeld KA, Del Valle SY, Manore CA. Updated distribution maps of predominant Culex mosquitoes across the Americas. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:547. [PMID: 34688314 PMCID: PMC8542338 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-05051-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimates of the geographical distribution of Culex mosquitoes in the Americas have been limited to state and provincial levels in the United States and Canada and based on data from the 1980s. Since these estimates were made, there have been many more documented observations of mosquitoes and new methods have been developed for species distribution modeling. Moreover, mosquito distributions are affected by environmental conditions, which have changed since the 1980s. This calls for updated estimates of these distributions to understand the risk of emerging and re-emerging mosquito-borne diseases. METHODS We used contemporary mosquito data, environmental drivers, and a machine learning ecological niche model to create updated estimates of the geographical range of seven predominant Culex species across North America and South America: Culex erraticus, Culex nigripalpus, Culex pipiens, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex restuans, Culex salinarius, and Culex tarsalis. RESULTS We found that Culex mosquito species differ in their geographical range. Each Culex species is sensitive to both natural and human-influenced environmental factors, especially climate and land cover type. Some prefer urban environments instead of rural ones, and some are limited to tropical or humid areas. Many are found throughout the Central Plains of the USA. CONCLUSIONS Our updated contemporary Culex distribution maps may be used to assess mosquito-borne disease risk. It is critical to understand the current geographical distributions of these important disease vectors and the key environmental predictors structuring their distributions not only to assess current risk, but also to understand how they will respond to climate change. Since the environmental predictors structuring the geographical distribution of mosquito species varied, we hypothesize that each species may have a different response to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E. Gorris
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - Andrew W. Bartlow
- Biosecurity and Public Health, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - Seth D. Temple
- Statistical Sciences, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA USA
| | - Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
- Biodiversity Institute and Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS USA
- OneHealth Research Group, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de las Américas, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Deborah P. Shutt
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - Jeanne M. Fair
- Biosecurity and Public Health, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | | | - Sara Y. Del Valle
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| | - Carrie A. Manore
- Information Systems and Modeling, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hoyos J, Carrasquilla MC, León C, Montgomery JM, Salyer SJ, Komar N, González C. Host selection pattern and flavivirus screening of mosquitoes in a disturbed Colombian rainforest. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18656. [PMID: 34545162 PMCID: PMC8452662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98076-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies on the feeding behavior of hematophagous insects, particularly those of medical importance, are relevant for tracking possible pathogen transmission routes and identifying biases in the choice of vertebrates. We evaluated host selection of blood-feeding mosquitoes in a disturbed forest in the Magdalena Medio valley in Colombia from March 2017 to April 2018, after the introduction of Zika virus to the Americas from the 2015-2016 outbreak. We estimated vertebrate diversity and collected blood-engorged female mosquitoes. Genomic DNA/RNA was extracted from the mosquito's abdomen for vertebrate host identification and pathogen detection. We performed conventional PCR and sequencing, using universal primers targeting vertebrate regions of the eukaryotic mitochondrial genome to determine bloodmeal host. Additionally, we tested for the presence of flaviviruses in all mosquito samples with RT-PCR. Based on the identity and quantity of detected bloodmeals, we performed mosquito-vertebrate interaction network analysis and estimated topology metrics. In total, we collected 292 engorged female mosquitoes representing 20 different species. Bloodmeal analyses identified 26 vertebrate species, the majority of which were mammals (N = 16; 61.5%). No flaviviruses of medical importance were detected from the samples. Although feeding patterns varied, network analyses showed a high degree of specialization by mosquitoes and revealed ecological and phylogenetic relationships among the host community. We conclude that host selection or preference by mosquitoes is species specific.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Hoyos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - María Cristina Carrasquilla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Cielo León
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Joel M Montgomery
- Viral Special Pathogens Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogens and Pathology, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Stephanie J Salyer
- Global Epidemiology, Laboratory, and Surveillance Branch, Division of Global Health Protection, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nicholas Komar
- Arbovirus Diseases Branch, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Ft. Collins, CO, USA
| | - Camila González
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Research in Tropical Microbiology and Parasitology (CIMPAT), University of Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kara Fikrig
- Department of Entomology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mann JG, Washington M, Guynup T, Tarrand C, Dewey EM, Fredregill C, Duguma D, Pitts RJ. Feeding Habits of Vector Mosquitoes in Harris County, TX, 2018. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1920-1929. [PMID: 32574364 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne pathogens contribute significantly to the global burden of infectious diseases and are a continuing public health concern in the United States. Blood feeding by vector mosquitoes is a critical step in the transmission of human pathogens. Continuous surveillance of mosquito feeding patterns, especially in major population centers, is necessary for sustainable, effective control strategies. To better understand female feeding habits in Harris County, TX, we trapped mosquitoes from various locations, distributed among urban and semi-urban environments. Bloodmeal hosts were determined using a cytochrome C oxidase I DNA barcoding strategy. We identified a diverse array of vertebrate hosts with a high degree of avian host utilization, most surprisingly from anthropophilic species like Aedes aegypti (L.). We also detected sequences from two different vertebrate hosts in about half of specimens examined, suggesting that multiple bloodmeals had been acquired in the same feeding cycle by a sizable fraction of females in both urban and semi-urban locations. The high proportion of feeding on domestic chickens may indicate that a significant number of homeowners are rearing chickens within close proximity to study trap sites. As non-amplifying hosts, chickens may have a diluting effect on West Nile virus, as well as a zooprophylactic effect in their immediate vicinities. Ultimately, spatial and temporal host utilization patterns add insight into potential disease transmission dynamics, thereby informing vector control strategies in Harris County and other metropolitan areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James G Mann
- Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX
| | - Megan Washington
- Harris County Public Health, Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Houston TX
| | | | - Christopher Tarrand
- Harris County Public Health, Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Houston TX
| | | | - Chris Fredregill
- Harris County Public Health, Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Houston TX
| | - Dagne Duguma
- Harris County Public Health, Mosquito and Vector Control Division, Houston TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hess TM, Noden BH, Whiteman L, Reed M, Kard B, Hoback WW. Mosquito Community and West Nile Virus Risk on a National Guard Training Base in Oklahoma. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MOSQUITO CONTROL ASSOCIATION 2020; 36:81-88. [PMID: 33647130 DOI: 10.2987/20-6928.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Military bases are important areas for mosquito surveillance to maintain active duty combat readiness and protect training exercises. The aim of this study was to assist Camp Gruber National Guard training facility personnel to assess their mosquito community and West Nile virus (WNV) risk using biweekly sampling of 50 sites. Between May and October 2018, 10,259 adult female mosquitoes consisting of 6 genera and 26 species were collected over 662 trap-nights using 2 trap types. The most commonly collected genus was Culex (72.2% of total), followed by Psorophora (13.3%) and Aedes (10.2%). Of note, most of the medically important species were collected in the area containing troop living quarters, including 1 WNV-positive pool of Culex tarsalis. Two specimens of Aedes aegypti were collected around a vehicle storage area. While smaller in land mass size than many other active military bases in Oklahoma, the diversity of species at Camp Gruber was comparable to collections from 4 larger bases in Oklahoma. These data demonstrate the need for regular season-long mosquito monitoring of training bases to protect the health of active duty and reserve military personnel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Hess
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| | - Bruce H Noden
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| | - Liam Whiteman
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| | - Melissa Reed
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| | - Brad Kard
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| | - W Wyatt Hoback
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University, 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078-3033
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Correa-Morales F, González-Acosta C, Mejía-Zúñiga D, Huerta H, Pérez-Rentería C, Vazquez-Pichardo M, Ortega-Morales AI, Hernández-Triana LM, Salazar-Bueyes VM, Moreno-García M. Surveillance for Zika in Mexico: naturally infected mosquitoes in urban and semi-urban areas. Pathog Glob Health 2020; 113:309-314. [PMID: 31902313 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2019.1706291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika cases have been reported in 29 out of the 32 states of Mexico. Information regarding which mosquito species might be driving Zika virus transmission/maintenance in nature must be regularly updated. From January 2017 to November 2018, mosquitoes were collected indoors and outdoors using the CDC backpack aspirator in urban and semi-urban areas with evidence of mosquito-borne disease transmission. 3873 mosquito pools were tested for Zika infection using the CDC Trioplex real-time RT-PCR. For each collected specie, maximum likelihood estimator of infection rate (MLE) was estimated. Results showed 492 mosquito pools positive for Zika virus RNA. The majority of the positive pools were Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti (Linnaeus) (54.6%, MLE = 19) (males and females) and Culex (Culex) quinquefasciatus (Say) (19.5%, MLE = 16.8). For the first time, ZIKV infection was detected in Ae. (Georgecraigius) epactius (Dyar and Knab) (MLE = 17.1), Cx. (Melanoconion) erraticus (Dyar and Knab) (MLE = non-estimable), Culiseta (Culiseta) inornata (Williston) (MLE = non estimable), and Cs (Cs.) particeps (Adams) (MLE = 369.5). Other detected species were: Ae. (Stg.) albopictus (Skuse) (MLE = 90.5), Cx. (Cx.) coronator s.l. (Dyar and Knab) (MLE = 102.8) and Cx. (Cx.) tarsalis (Coquillett) (MLE = 117.2). However, our results do not allow for the incrimination of these species as vectors of ZIKV. Routine surveillance should start to consider other mosquito species across the taxonomic spectrum of the Culicidae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabián Correa-Morales
- Subdirección del Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Cassandra González-Acosta
- Coordinación de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vector y Zoonosis, Servicios de Salud de Morelos, Cuernavaca, México
| | - David Mejía-Zúñiga
- Unidad de Investigación Entomológica y Bioensayos-Servicios de Salud de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México
| | - Herón Huerta
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos 'Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Crescencio Pérez-Rentería
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos 'Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Mauricio Vazquez-Pichardo
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto de Diagnóstico y Referencia Epidemiológicos 'Dr. Manuel Martínez Báez', Ciudad de México, México
| | - Aldo I Ortega-Morales
- Departamento de Parasitología, Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna, Torreón, México
| | - Luis M Hernández-Triana
- Animal and Plant Health Agency, Virology Department, Wildlife Zoonoses and Vector-Borne Diseases Research Group, Addlestone, UK
| | - Víctor M Salazar-Bueyes
- Subdirección del Programa de Enfermedades Transmitidas por Vectores, Centro Nacional de Programas Preventivos y Control de Enfermedades, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Miguel Moreno-García
- Unidad de Investigación Entomológica y Bioensayos-Centro Regional de Control de Vectores Panchimalco-Servicios de Salud de Morelos, Jojutla, México
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ledesma NA, Kaufman PE, Xue RD, Leyen C, Macapagal MJ, Winokur OC, Harrington LC. Entomological and sociobehavioral components of heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection in two Florida communities with a high or low prevalence of dogs with heartworm infection. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2019; 254:93-103. [DOI: 10.2460/javma.254.1.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
14
|
Reeves LE, Krysko KL, Avery ML, Gillett-Kaufman JL, Kawahara AY, Connelly CR, Kaufman PE. Interactions between the invasive Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, and the local mosquito community in Florida, USA. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190633. [PMID: 29342169 PMCID: PMC5771569 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The Burmese python, Python bivittatus Kuhl, is a well-established invasive species in the greater Everglades ecosystem of southern Florida, USA. Most research on its ecological impacts focuses on its role as a predator and its trophic interactions with native vertebrate species, particularly mammals. Beyond predation, there is little known about the ecological interactions between P. bivittatus and native faunal communities. It is likely that established populations of P. bivittatus in southern Florida serve as hosts for native mosquito communities. To test this concept, we used mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I DNA barcoding to determine the hosts of blood fed mosquitoes collected at a research facility in northern Florida where captive P. bivittatus and Argentine black and white tegu, Salvator merianae (Duméril and Bibron), are maintained in outdoor enclosures, accessible to local mosquitoes. We recovered python DNA from the blood meals of three species of Culex mosquitoes: Culex erraticus (Dyar and Knab), Culex quinquefasciatus Say, and Culex pilosus (Dyar and Knab). Culex erraticus conclusively (P = 0.001; Fisher's Exact Test) took more blood meals from P. bivittatus than from any other available host. While the majority of mosquito blood meals in our sample were derived from P. bivittatus, only one was derived from S. merianae. These results demonstrate that local mosquitoes will feed on invasive P. bivittatus, a recently introduced host. If these interactions also occur in southern Florida, P. bivittatus may be involved in the transmission networks of mosquito-vectored pathogens. Our results also illustrate the potential of detecting the presence of P. bivittatus in the field through screening mosquito blood meals for their DNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence E. Reeves
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kenneth L. Krysko
- Division of Herpetology, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Michael L. Avery
- National Wildlife Research Center, United States Department of Agriculture, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Akito Y. Kawahara
- McGuire Center for Lepidoptera and Biodiversity, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - C. Roxanne Connelly
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Vero Beach, Florida, United States of America
| | - Phillip E. Kaufman
- Entomology and Nematology Department, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yan J, Gangoso L, Martínez-de la Puente J, Soriguer R, Figuerola J. Avian phenotypic traits related to feeding preferences in two Culex mosquitoes. Naturwissenschaften 2017; 104:76. [PMID: 28856384 DOI: 10.1007/s00114-017-1497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Revised: 03/30/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Host choice by mosquitoes affects the transmission dynamics of vector-borne infectious diseases. Although asymmetries in mosquito attraction to vertebrate species have been reported, the relative importance of host characteristics in mosquito blood-feeding behavior is still poorly studied. Here, we investigate the relationship between avian phenotypic traits-in particular, morphometry, plumage coloration, and nesting and roosting behavior-and the blood-feeding patterns in two common Culex mosquito species on a North American avian community. Forage ratios of the mosquito species were unrelated to the phylogenetic relationships among bird species. Culex pipiens fed preferably on birds with lighter-colored plumage and longer tarsi; furthermore, solitary roosting avian species were both bitten by Cx. pipiens and Cx. restuans more often than expected. These associations may be explained by greater mosquito attraction towards larger birds with a greater color contrast against the background. Although communally roosting birds may release more cues and attract more mosquitoes, individuals may in fact receive fewer bites due to the encounter-dilution effect. Mosquito feeding behavior is a highly complex phenomenon, and our results may improve understanding of the non-random interaction between birds and mosquitoes in natural communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayue Yan
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.
| | - Laura Gangoso
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Josué Martínez-de la Puente
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
| | - Ramón Soriguer
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain.,Department of Ethology and Biodiversity Conservation, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Seville, Spain
| | - Jordi Figuerola
- Department of Wetland Ecology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (EBD-CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio 26, 41092, Seville, Spain.,CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Seville, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Blosser EM, Stenn T, Acevedo C, Burkett-Cadena ND. Host use and seasonality of Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Diptera: Culicidae) from eastern Florida, USA. Acta Trop 2016; 164:352-359. [PMID: 27712940 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2016.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Revised: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Culex (Melanoconion) iolambdis (Dyar, 1918) is a mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) species found throughout much of tropical America, including southern Florida. Relatively few reports are available regarding the ecology of Cx. iolambdis, despite its widespread distribution and putative involvement in transmission of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. To quantify habitat and host utilization, adults of Cx. iolambdis were sampled from resting shelters at a field site in Vero Beach, Florida, over a 12-month period. Culex iolambdis (1109 males, 3072 females) constituted more than half (56.76%) of all mosquitoes sampled (24 species) and was active year-round. Unfed females and gravid females of Cx. iolambdis were significantly more abundant in mangrove habitat, while males and blood-fed females were not. PCR-based bloodmeal analysis of 305 females revealed that Cx. iolambdis has very wide host breadth, feeding on birds (37.0% overall), reptiles (26.6%), amphibians (23.3%) and mammals (13.1%). Green heron (Butorides virescens), Southern leopard frog (Lithobates sphenocephala) and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) were the most commonly fed upon hosts. Bloodmeals from different host classes varied significantly with season, suggesting that Cx. iolambdis may play a role in the amplification and epidemic transmission of zoonotic arboviruses affecting human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik M Blosser
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Tanise Stenn
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Carolina Acevedo
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA
| | - Nathan D Burkett-Cadena
- Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory, Entomology and Nematology Department, University of Florida, 200 9(th) St. SE, Vero Beach, FL 32962, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hoyos-López R, Soto SU, Rúa-Uribe G, Gallego-Gómez JC. Molecular identification of Saint Louis encephalitis virus genotype IV in Colombia. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2015; 110:719-25. [PMID: 26313538 PMCID: PMC4667573 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760280040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Saint Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a member of the Japanese-encephalitis virus
serocomplex of the genus Flavivirus. SLEV is broadly distributed in the Americas and
the Caribbean Islands, where it is usually transmitted by mosquitoes of the
genus Culex and primarily to birds and mammalian-hosts. Humans
are occasionally infected by the virus and are dead-end hosts. SLEV causes
encephalitis in temperate regions, while in tropical regions of the Americas, several
human cases and a wide biological diversity of SLEV-strains have been reported. The
phylogenetic analysis of the envelope (E) protein genes indicated eight-genotypes of
SLEV with geographic overlap. The present paper describes the genotyping of two SLEV
viruses detected in mosquito-pools collected in northern Colombia (department of
Cordoba). We used reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to amplify a
fragment of theE-gene to confirm the virus identity and
completeE-gene sequencing for phylogenetic analysis and
genotyping of the two-SLEV viruses found circulating in Córdoba. This is the first
report of SLEV genotype IV in Colombia (Córdoba) in mosquitoes from a region of human
inhabitation, implicating the risk of human disease due to SLEV infection. Physicians
should consider SLEV as a possible aetiology for undiagnosed febrile and neurologic
syndromes among their patients who report exposure to mosquito-bites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Guillermo Rúa-Uribe
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
| | | |
Collapse
|