Bridging the gaps: prioritizing research strategies for enhanced malaria control and elimination
Malaria continues to be a significant global health challenge, with millions of cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths reported annually. To combat this disease effectively, it is imperative to identify and address significant research gaps in malaria control and elimination efforts. This review synthesizes current knowledge and highlights critical gaps in several crucial areas of malaria research. Firstly, we discuss the complexities of vector biology and control, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of vector behavior, particularly in urban settings. Secondly, the study examines the challenges posed by drug resistance and the urgent need for alternative treatment strategies and novel drug targets. Thirdly, the review explores the ongoing quest for an effective malaria vaccine, underscoring the importance of understanding immunological correlates of protection. The study also explores medication resistance genes and genomic epidemiology, highlighting the need for more investigation into potential targets for drugs and vaccine candidates. Furthermore, it addresses the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of malaria transmission, highlighting the importance of integrating multidisciplinary approaches to address transmission dynamics. The study concludes with a discussion of how malaria transmission is impacted by climate change and the necessity of research to guide adaptation measures.
Characterization of Anopheles mosquito breeding habitats for malaria vector control in Mazowe and Shamva districts, Zimbabwe
Area-specific identification and studies of Anopheles breeding habitat diversity, distribution, and productivity in different seasons are important in designing and advancing effective malaria vector control according to the local context and needs. This study identified and characterized Anopheles breeding habitats for targeted control of malaria vectors in Mazowe and Shamva districts.
Spatial analysis and mapping of malaria endemic-prone areas using environmental risk factors and spatial multi criteria decision analysis in the Northern Zone of Plateau State, Nigeria
Compressive mapping and in-depth analysis of malaria vulnerability risk foci are important tools for strategic planning, vector surveillance, implementing necessary interventions, and managing scarce resources to combat the daunting challenges of malaria infections in Nigeria.
Japanese encephalitis virus: An overview
Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), posing a substantial threat to human health and property safety. Until now, there has been a lack of specific therapeutic options for treating JEV infections. In this review article, we provide a comprehensive discussion of JEV's characteristics, diagnostic methodologies, vaccine development efforts, and potential anti-JEV pharmaceuticals to provide insights and references that could be used to inform and enhance strategies for the prevention and control of Japanese encephalitis.
Persistence of West Nile Virus circulation in North-East region of India: A prospective facility-based study spanning over a decade
To understand the distribution and presence of West Nile (WN) among the acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients, a prospective facility-based study was conducted over 13 years (2007-2019).
Assessment of larvicidal, growth-suppressing, and developmentaltering bioefficacy of Ageratum houstonianum against Aedes aegypti (L.)
Aedes aegypti is a major vector responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses worldwide. These illnesses have increased globally due to climate and environmental changes. Vector control and management are the principal tactics for combating mosquitoes-borne diseases in the absence of an effective vaccine. The study aimed to ascertain bioactivities of Ageratum houstonianum leaf acetone extract (AhLAE) against Aedes aegypti.
Serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue virus outbreaks in India between 2011 and 2017
The epidemiology of dengue has been demonstrating significant changes in recent years, with rising incidence of infection in countries with known endemicity and occurrence of fresh outbreaks in previously unaffected territories. India, which has been a traditional hotspot dengue virus (DENV) transmission in the endemic south-east Asian region, has also been affected by the sweeping changes in dengue epidemiology. Two remarkable developments characterize the alterations witnessed by India 2011-2017. Firstly, all parts of the country have witnessed abrupt replacement of existing DENV lineages with emerging novel strains. Secondly, co-circulation of multiple serotypes of DENV have been reported from all across the country 2011-2017; thereby hinting at the transition of the country towards hyper-endemicity. Considering the potential clinical implications of such epidemiological transformation in terms increasing involvement of pediatric patients and growing predisposition to serious complications, the present review provides an update on the serotypic and genotypic profile of dengue outbreaks that have been witnessed by different zones of India between 2011 and 2017. Dividing the country into northern, southern, eastern, western, central and north-eastern zones, we describe discrete zone-specific distribution patterns of DENV serotypes and genotypes and observe simultaneous circulation of different DENV strains in different parts of the country. Random shifts in the genetic characteristics of the circulating strains and the widespread co- circulation of all four serotypes underscore the need for undertaking continuous and representative molecular surveillance of the circulating DENV strains across the country for prompt identification of emerging strains and novel mutants; gain insights into the formulation of Dengue vaccines and develop a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of immune evasion, disease epidemiology and pathogenesis.
Coverage and evaluation survey of post-mass drug administration for lymphatic filariasis in four endemic districts of Uttar Pradesh: are we on the track?
There is a persistent high microfilaria rate and variable reporting of coverage of Mass Drug Administration (MDA). The study aims to estimate the coverage, effective coverage, and compliance of drugs administered under MDA and to determine the predictors affecting the effective coverage.
Serodiagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis and profiling of immunoreactive protein(s) in Schistosoma haematobium soluble egg and adult worm antigens
To achieve schistosomiasis eradication plan by 2030, the development of efficient diagnosis is crucial. This study focuses on assessing the immunodiagnostic potential of S. haematobium (Sh) soluble egg antigen (SEA) and worm antigen (SWA) for urogenital schistosomiasis.
Effect of dexamethasone therapy in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever in Giresun during 2021-2023: an analytical study
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease and significant health concern particularly in endemic regions. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy in dexamethasone treatment on clinical outcomes in CCHF patients.
Intercalating compounds alongside DNA helicase Q1 Plasmodium falciparum 3D7: Assessments of the Pharmacokinetic Properties Prediction of ADME
Quantum chemical & molecular docking practices to deliver new perceptions into how etoposide, novobiocin, nogalamycin and netropsin interact with the biological targets PF3D7_0918600 (Plasmodium falciparum 3D7). Further the pharmacokinetics of a drug candidate which influenced by a variety of factors, including P- glycoprotein (Pgp) transport, PBB (Plasma protein binding), & BBB (Blood-brain barrier) permeation help to forecast the pharmacological characteristics of acetyl-CoA reductase inhibitors (ADMEs) and their metabolites.
Accelerating the fight towards malaria elimination: bridging gaps to achieve health equity in India
Malaria continues to remain a serious threat to public health, especially in regions with socio-economic and healthcare disparities. The paper attempts to contextualise the current scenario of malaria transmission, the advancement made towards its elimination and the multi-dimensional strategies that may be required to overcome cultural and regional barriers; with a focus on India's goal to eliminate malaria by 2030.
Comprehensive evaluation on progressive development strategies in DENV surveillance and monitoring infection rate among vector population
The elevated rise in dengue infection rate has been a health burden worldwide and it will continue to impact global health for years to come. Accumulated literature holds accountable the geographical expansion of the mosquito species transmitting the dengue virus DENV. The frequency of this viral disease outbreaks has increased rapidly in the recent years, owing to various geo-climatic and anthropological activities. Due to scarcity of any effective control measures, there has been a continuous traceable rise in mortality and morbidity rates. However, it has been reported that the spate of incidences is directly related to density of the virus infected vector (mosquito) population in a given region. In such a scenario, systems capable of detecting virus infected vector population would aid in estimating prediction of outbreak, as well as provide time to deploy suitable management strategies for vector control, and to break the vector-human transmission chain. This would also help in identifying areas, where much improvement is needed for vector management. To this context, we illustrate an exhaustive overview of both gold standards and as well as emerging advents for sensitive and specific mosquito population strategized viral detection technologies. We summarize the cutting-edge technologies and the challenges faced in pioneering to field application. Regardless the proven popularity of the gold standards for detection purpose, they offer certain limitations. Thus with the surge in the infection rate globally, approaches for development of newer advancements and technique upgradation to arrest the infection escalation and for early detection as a part of vector management should be prioritized.
Dry LAMP: A point of care diagnostics for diagnosis of bovine tropical theileriosis
Theileriosis is an important tick-bome hemoprotozoan disease of cattle which causes severe economic loss due to morbidity and mortality. A diagnostic test having high sensitivity, specificity and easy application at the field level is the need of the hour. In this regard Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is proven to be a sensitive, easy and time efficient method. One of the major obstacles for the application of LAMP is the difficulty in maintaining the cold chain to preserve reagents. Thus, the challenge is to develop a LAMP kit in a ready-to-use format with dried reagents useful for quick and simple application in field conditions.
A case series of Mediterranean spotted fever and murine typhus with neurological manifestations
Severe cases with neurological manifestations of rickettsiosis have been reported. We aimed to identify the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory features of central nervous system rickettsial infections and to describe the treatment.
Lethal and sublethal effects of spinosad on dengue vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus and bancroftian filariasis vector mosquito, Culex pipiens pallens
Aedes albopictu and Culex pipiens pallens are important vectors of many viruses and have had resistance to chemical pesticide. Spinosad is a selective biological insecticide to control urban mosquito. The aim of this study was to reveal the sublethal effects of spinosad on mosquito and provide reference basis for integrated mosquito management.
Current prospects of green-metallic nanoparticles in mosquito control: A brief review
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) transmit many pathogens and parasites such as viruses, bacteria, protozoans and nematodes, which cause serious diseases such as malaria, dengue, yellow and Chikungunya fever, encephalitis or filariasis etc. Traditionally, control of these mosquitoes has relied on the use of several chemical insecticides. These insecticides have been used to control the various life stages of mosquitoes, but some of these insecticides are causing harm to the environment, human, plants and animals which in turn cause environmental pollution. Presently, NPs are thought to be used as an effective insecticide. Most of the NPs having insecticidal properties are prepared through green synthesis method, where extracts from plants, fungi, bacteria, and even dead insects have been efficaciously employed to decrease or to kill mosquito population. Biological and green synthesis method has resulted in the production of less toxic or nontoxic and sustainable NPs for further application in mosquito control. The evaluation of green chemistry or biological techniques for synthesizing metal NPs from plant extracts and other biological organisms has drawn the attention of many researchers. This review explores the usefulness of green synthesized various metal NPs on larvae, pupae and adults of mosquitoes.
Molecular identification and genetic diversity of biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in the tropical environment on Hainan Island, China
Biting midges are hematophagous arthropods responsible for zoonotic infectious diseases and have a wide distribution in temperate and tropical latitudes of the world.
A study on evaluation and correlation of serological methods and platelet count for diagnosis of dengue virus infection
Dengue is arthropod-borne, acute potentially fatal viral infection, endemic in many tropical and sub-tropical countries having public health threat globally in recent era. Effective and prompt diagnosis is very essential to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with severe form. Diagnosis by dengue-specific markers like Non-Structural protein 1 antigen or IgM/IgG antibody by serological method is the choice of investigation and the most widely used non-specific biomarker is platelet count. To evaluate and correlate results of two serological diagnostic methods (Dengue NS1 Antigen and Dengue IgM antibodies by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and with platelet count for diagnosis of Dengue infection.
Diversity of mosquito natural enemies and their feeding efficacy on Aedes vectors
Mosquito-bome diseases are a major health issue among communities in Asia, and dengue has become a serious public health concern in Sri Lanka with varying magnitude since 1960. With the realization of the failures and limitations of current vector control strategies, the authorities are moving towards simple, low- cost, and eco-friendly vector management methods. Thus, the present study was devised to evaluate the potential densities of mosquito natural enemies in natural water habitats in Galle district, Sri Lanka, and to investigate the feeding efficacy of prominent mosquito natural enemies on main dengue vectors (Aedes sp.) in a laboratory setting.
Canine leishmaniasis in Maghreb countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Leishmania infantum and transmitted by female phlebotomine sandflies. It is prevalent in the Mediterranean basin, including the Maghreb region which comprises of Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. The environmental conditions in this area provide a suitable habitat for the proliferation of the phlebotomine sandfly, making it an endemic region for CanL. In this context, we carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of canine leishmaniasis in these three Maghreb countries, identifying the risk factors for L. infantum infection. Data were collected from 27 papers published between 1973 and 2022 selected from five databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect and Scopus. Our selection criteria included both descriptive and analytical studies on canine leishmaniasis in Maghreb, as well as epidemiological studies that reported the prevalence of leishmaniasis infection. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software version 5.4.1. based on predefined inclusion criteria. A total of 11,736 dogs were included in the analysis, among which 2481 were tested Leishmania positive cases. Over the years, the highest prevalence (68.32%) was recorded in Tiaret (Algeria) and the lowest (4.3%) in Tunisia. The examination of the risk factors revealed a heightened incidence of the disease in dogs of shepherd breeds, living in rural environments, displaying no apparent symptoms, and falling within the age range of 2 to 4 years. The findings presented in this study contribute a significant value to the exploration of leishmaniasis in this region, particularly by shedding light on the associated risk factors. Ultimately, substantial endeavors are warranted to enhance prevention, treatment, and overall control of the disease.