Acta Tropica

Introduction: Malaria, primarily transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, remains a major public health concern in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. While conventional control methods (e.g., ITNs) face challenges due to insecticide resistance and accessibility constraints, many communities rely on locally sourced natural products. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, usage patterns, and associated factors of these natural alternatives. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across three purposefully selected communities in Maiduguri (Mairi, Furi, Lagos Street). A total of 450 household heads were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, collecting data on socio-demographics, specific natural products used, method of application, frequency, and perceived efficacy. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. Results: Overall usage prevalence of natural products was high at 68.4%. The most common products identified were Neem (Azadirachta indica) extract (45.9%) and burnt Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citratus) (31.2%). Usage pattern was predominantly indoor fumigation (burning), and over 70% of users prepared the products crudely at home. Logistic regression revealed that rural residence (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.1; p<0.01) and low education level (OR: 1.8; p<0.05) were significant independent predictors of higher natural product reliance. Conclusion: Natural products constitute a widely adopted, community-driven vector control method in Borno State. The high prevalence and association with vulnerable populations suggest an urgent need to standardize the preparation and application of these products for potential integration into regional malaria control programs. Keywords: Anopheles, Adulticides, Borno State, Malaria, Natural Repellents, Vector Control, Usage Pattern.

Tunisia is considered a high-risk country for arboviral transmission, and the re-emergence of malaria. Vector control programs predominantly rely on insecticide-based interventions, however knowledge on the insecticide resistance status of local vectors is limited. Here, we determined the mosquito species composition and investigated the resistance status of disease vectors to insecticides, collected from two distinct ecological settings; urban setting and rural setting. Known insecticide resistance loci were molecularly analysed. A total of 210 mosquitoes were collected, representing three main genera: Culex (n = 119), Aedes (n = 79), and Anopheles (n = 1). Within the Culex genus, Cx. pipiens pipiens and Cx. pipiens hybrids were the predominant species in Monastir and Kairouan respectively. Amongst Aedes, Ae. albopictus was the most abundant species in Monastir, while Ae. caspius predominated in Kairouan. The knockdown (kdr) mutation L1014F was detected at both sites across the three Cx. pipiens biotypes. In contrast, Cx. perexiguus showed no kdr mutation in Kairouan and a low frequency in Monastir. Among Aedes species, kdr mutations were detected exclusively in Ae. albopictus, restricted to domain III (mutation I1532T). No mutations in the chs gene were identified in both populations. Aedes albopictus collected in Monastir exhibited a moderate copy number variation for both carboxylesterases 3 and 6. No mutations were detected in the Anopheles labranchia. Our study results indicate the suitability of diflubenzuron for Culex and Ae. albopictus control in central Tunisia, emerging pyrethroid resistance in both vector species, and possibly reduced organophosphate efficacy against Ae. albopictus.

Malaria remains one of the most pressing health problems, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Various antimalarial drugs, used to combat this debilitating illness, may directly or indirectly affect blood indices in humans. This study aims to evaluate the toxicological effects of sequential administration of Artemether-lumefantrine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in male Wistar rats. Thirty (30) mature male Albino Wistar rats weighing between 190-280g were randomly divided into five groups comprising six (6) rats each. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 received Artemether-lumefantrine (8 mg/kg/bw) for 3 days, Group 3 received sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (0.079 mg/kg/bw) for 1 day, Group 4 received a sequential dose of Artemether-Lumefantrine for 3days and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine for 1 day, while Group 5 received a sequential dose of SP for 1 day and AL for 3 days. Sequential administration of AL and SP resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) elevation of ALT, AST, ALP, serum total and direct bilirubin levels, urea, creatinine, and HDL. There was a significant (pL0.05) decrease in the serum total protein and albumin. Notably, HDL levels increased significantly in the SP [-&gt;] AL group (p < 0.05), while other lipid parameters showed sequence-specific significant changes compared to the control. Sequential administration, particularly the SP [-&gt;] AL sequence, was observed to have more pronounced effects on hepatorenal biomarkers compared to independent administration. These findings are relevant, especially in malaria-endemic regions where unregulated self-medication and drug switching are rampant.

Anthelmintic drugs are used to control soil-transmitted helminths that infect a third of the worlds human population. There is increasing concern about the development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs because of the limited number of compounds available and there is an unmet need for new resistance-busting drugs. Here we describe the presence of a previously unrecognized endogenous acetylcholine analogue, {beta}-alanine betaine, which may serve as an endogenous ligand for an alternate subfamily of nicotinic receptors (DEG-3/DES-2) that could be developed as novel drug targets because their analogues are not present in their human or animal hosts. We collected peri-enteric fluid from female Ascaris suum (a model for the human parasite, Ascaris lumbricoides) and subjected it to chromatography and MS/MS to reveal signals consistent with acetylcholine, choline, and {beta}-alanine betaine but we did not recover betaine. We injected betaine into female Ascaris suum which produced no effect. However, injection of {beta}-alanine betaine, produced characteristic pretzel coiling and injection of levamisole produced a rod-like spastic paralysis. The differences between {beta}-alanine betaine and levamisole suggested that they activate different nAChRs subfamilies. PCR showed that messages of the DEG-3 subfamily of nAChR channels, which are betaine targets and were present in the intestine and body wall of A. suum. Calcium signaling experiments showed that {beta}-alanine betaine increased intracellular calcium of the intestine enterocytes and electrophysiology of the body muscle cells demonstrated that {beta}-alanine betaine produced membrane potential depolarization. In N2 elegans, application of {beta}-alanine betaine produced gradual inhibition of motility, which was reduced in acr-20, acr-23, des-2, deg-3 and lgc-41 null-mutants. These observations suggest that, in addition to acetylcholine, {beta}-alanine betaine - an anaerobic analog of betaine - may function as an endogenous ligand in anaerobic nematodes such as A. suum. An expanded repertoire of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subfamilies in nematodes relative to mammals may reflect a corresponding need for diversification of cholinergic endogenous ligands in these organisms. This repertoire could allow their simpler neuronal system to perform more complex controls and be exploited for development of different and novel subfamily selective cholinergic anthelmintics.

BackgroundAedes albopictus is among the worlds most invasive mosquito species and an important vector of dengue, Zika, and chikungunya viruses. Its global spread has been strongly associated with human-mediated transport and international trade, particularly through commodities such as used tires and ornamental plants. However, integrative studies combining population genetics, microbial symbiosis, and trade connectivity remain limited in Latin America, constraining understanding of invasion dynamics and dispersal processes. MethodsAedes albopictus populations from five Colombian departments sampled between 2019 and 2023 were analyzed using eight microsatellite loci and a [~]1.3-kb mitochondrial COI fragment. Wolbachia infection and lineage composition (wAlbA/wAlbB) were evaluated by PCR, and arbovirus detection (DENV, CHIKV, ZIKV) was performed using multiplex RT-PCR. Nuclear and mitochondrial differentiation (FST, {Phi}ST), mito-nuclear discordance, and trade-related connectivity were evaluated in relation to geographic, national transport, and international trade variables derived from customs databases. ResultsMicrosatellite analyses revealed admixed but structured populations consistent with multiple introductions and contemporary gene flow. Colombian populations showed nuclear genetic affinities with Asian, European, and North American populations, supporting a complex invasion history involving multiple geographically distributed lineages. In contrast, mitochondrial COI data showed evidence of regional genetic structure and heterogeneous mito-nuclear discordance among several population pairs. Notably, nuclear and mitochondrial markers captured contrasting dimensions of the invasion process: nuclear differentiation was positively associated with international trade intensity, particularly shipment frequency and used tire importation, whereas mitochondrial differentiation retained stronger regional structure and showed no detectable association with trade-related variables. Wolbachia prevalence ranged from 34% to 100% across departments and showed exploratory patterns consistent with localized mitochondrial differentiation. Natural detection of DENV and CHIKV RNA in larvae provided evidence of local arbovirus circulation. ConclusionsIntegrating population genetics, trade connectivity, and Wolbachia screening supports a scenario in which the Colombian invasion of Ae. albopictus has been shaped by multiple introductions, contemporary human-mediated connectivity, and partially discordant mito-nuclear histories. These findings highlight how different genomic compartments retain complementary signatures of invasion dynamics, with contemporary trade-associated connectivity primarily reflected in nuclear structure and regional lineage persistence retained in mitochondrial variation. Author SummaryThe Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is one of the worlds most invasive mosquito vectors and continues to expand across Latin America through human transportation and trade networks. However, the processes shaping its spread in the region remain poorly understood. We combined population genetics, international trade data, Wolbachia screening, and arbovirus surveillance to investigate the invasion dynamics of Ae. albopictus in Colombia. Our results revealed evidence of multiple introductions and ongoing genetic admixture, with international trade connectivity emerging as an important predictor of contemporary nuclear genetic structure. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA retained stronger regional patterns, generating heterogeneous mito-nuclear discordance among populations. These findings suggest that different genomic compartments retain distinct signatures of the invasion process, with trade-associated connectivity reflected primarily in nuclear variation and stronger regional structure preserved in mitochondrial lineages. More broadly, our study highlights the complex invasion dynamics of Ae. albopictus in Latin America illustrates how integrating genetics and human connectivity data can improve understanding of invasive vector spread.

Mosquito-borne viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya pose increasing health risks in the United States due to the expanding range of Aedes albopictus, a highly invasive mosquito species that now has a global distribution. Aedes albopictus thrive in artificial containers associated with anthropogenic land use, allowing populations to reach high numbers in urban and suburban environments. While the global spread of Ae. albopictus has been well-characterized, the effects of heterogeneous urban landscapes on dispersal and gene flow at fine spatial scales remain unclear. This study analyzed the genetic connectivity of Aedes albopictus populations collected in Wake County, North Carolina in 2018. We used single nucleotide polymorphisms SNP data from double-digest restriction-enzyme associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq), and examined genetic connectivity through principal component analysis (PCA) and genetic network analysis. We then evaluated migration and source sink dynamics using a Bayesian approach for SNP data (BA3-SNP). We found little evidence of genetic clustering or isolated populations of Ae. albopictus in Wake County, suggesting high gene flow between sites. Migration analysis demonstrated asymmetric gene flow from rural to urban regions within Wake County, with greater gene flow occurring between and within urban regions. These findings suggest that Ae. albopictus populations demonstrate substantial gene flow within local metropolitan areas, with urban city centers serving as genetic sinks and surrounding suburban and rural regions serving as sources. This study highlights how heterogeneous landscapes shape mosquito population connectivity and migration at fine spatial scales, which is critical for informing vector control and public health intervention strategies.

Background: Dengue is a major public health problem in Brazil, and Minas Gerais is one of the states with the highest burden. In January 2019, the Brumadinho dam collapse released about 12 million cubic meters of iron ore tailings into the Paraopeba River basin, causing environmental disturbance that could plausibly affect vector habitats and dengue transmission. We evaluated the spatiotemporal dynamics of dengue in Minas Gerais from 2014 to 2023 and tested whether the disaster was associated with changes in affected municipalities. Methods: We performed an ecological spatiotemporal analysis using dengue notifications from SINAN for all municipalities in Minas Gerais (2014-2023). Municipalities were classified as Paraopeba basin, regional controls, or state controls. Temporal similarity was assessed using Pearson correlation-based hierarchical clustering and non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS). Sources of variation were examined with PERMANOVA and principal component analysis (PCA). A linear mixed-effects model with municipality as a random effect was used to test changes after 2019, with pre/post contrasts estimated from marginal means. Results: Dengue showed strong temporal synchrony across the state, with major epidemic peaks in 2015-2016, 2019, and 2023. Health region explained 31.5% of the variation in temporal incidence profiles (p = 0.001), whereas Paraopeba basin status explained no significant variation (p = 0.998). No temporal cluster was enriched for municipalities in the Paraopeba basin. PCA identified 2023, 2019, and 2016 as the main years driving variability. In the mixed model, year was significant (p < 0.001), but Paraopeba basin status and its interaction with time were not. Incidence increased significantly after 2019 in non-exposed municipalities (p < 0.001), but not in basin municipalities (p = 0.088). Conclusions: Dengue dynamics in Minas Gerais were driven mainly by regional and state-wide epidemic processes, with no significant independent effect of the Brumadinho dam collapse on notified dengue patterns.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients who underwent surgical treatment for hepatic hydatid cyst (HCC) disease and, in particular, to investigate the effect of scolicidal agent (SA) application method and the presence of cystobiliary fistula (CBF) on the development of recurrence. Materials and Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included 197 patients who underwent surgical treatment for HCC disease. Hypertonic saline was used as SA in all patients and was classified as intracystic or pericystic application according to the application method. The presence of CBF was evaluated according to intraoperative and postoperative findings. Patients were followed for 86 months, and the development of recurrence was identified by radiological methods. Comparisons were made between the groups with and without recurrence in terms of SA application method and the presence of CBF. Results: The median age of the patients was 38 years, and the median follow-up period was 86 months. SA application was performed into the cyst in 51.3% of the patients and around the cyst in 48.7%. The presence of CBF was detected in 49.7% of the patients. No statistically significant difference was found between the recurrent and non-recurrent groups in terms of SA application method (p = 0.344). Similarly, no significant relationship was found between the presence of CBF and the development of recurrence (p = 0.721). Conclusion: This study showed that the SA application method and the presence of CBF are not determinants of recurrence in HCC disease. It is thought that recurrence rates can be kept low with appropriate surgical technique and effective biliary tract management.

Larval source management (LSM) is a complementary malaria control intervention, yet evidence to guide context-specific implementation remains limited. Nigeria's recent national commitment to LSM scale-up makes the need for operational evidence particularly urgent. Informal settlements embedded within wards of differing dominant settlement archetypes may present distinct Anopheles larval habitat profiles with implications for how LSM strategies should be tailored. We evaluated Anopheles larval habitats within informal settlement areas across wards with contrasting settlement archetypes in Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria, to inform targeted larval source management. Potential breeding habitats were surveyed in dry and wet seasons within informal settlement areas across three wards -- Olopomewa, Challenge, and Agugu -- representing formal, informal, and slum settlement-dominant archetypes respectively. Habitats were characterized and assessed for Anopheles larval presence. Pareto analysis identified habitats accounting for 80% of larval abundance. Breeding habitat density per km{superscript 2} was estimated using a simulated pathway technique. Associations between mosquito dispersal scale and household malaria infections identified through Rapid Diagnostic Testing were evaluated using kernel-based distance-decay weighting. Environmental drivers of habitat suitability were modeled in MaxEnt. Of 420 potential breeding habitats identified, 31 (7.4%) contained Anopheles larvae, predominantly during the wet season (26, 83.9%). Puddles, dug wells, drainages/gutters/ditches and canals accounted for 80% of site-level larval abundance when standardized by sampling effort. Larval and breeding habitat density were highest in Agugu, the slum-dominant ward, across both seasons. Modeled mosquito dispersal scale showed best fit at 30-32m in Challenge (OR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.05-1.89) during the wet season and 16-18m in Agugu (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.04-1.60) during the dry season. Habitat suitability in Agugu was higher farther from large water bodies and in areas with higher population density and positive Normalized Difference Water Index values. In Challenge, suitability was higher in areas with lower nighttime light levels, positive Normalized Difference Water Index values, and negative Normalized Difference Moisture Index values. Further studies incorporating multiple wards across diverse urban settings are needed to determine whether differences in larval ecology between settlement archetypes provide a reliable basis for planning larval source management.

BackgroundAnopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) is the primary vector of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. Although insecticide-based vector control has been central to prevention, the widespread emergence of insecticide resistance poses a serious biological threat to control efforts. Effective resistance monitoring is essential for sustaining vector control but remains highly limited in malaria-endemic hotspots. Here, we assessed pyrethroid and DDT resistance intensity and the frequency of the L1014F knockdown resistance (kdr) mutation in Anopheles gambiae s.l. populations from Sokoto, north-western Nigeria. MethodologyResistance status and intensity to five insecticides were determined in adult Anopheles reared from larvae collected in 2021 and 2022 using the World Health Organization (WHO) tube test and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay, respectively. A subset of resistant mosquitoes was analyzed using PCR-based diagnostic assays to identify species within the Anopheles gambiae complex and to genotype for the West African kdr mutation (L1014F). ResultsHigh knockdown times (KDT) were observed, with KDT50 ranging from 38 to 91 minutes and KDT95 from 104 to 678 minutes, indicating increased resistance levels across all insecticides. In 2021, resistance was detected to DDT, lambda-cyhalothrin, and permethrin, while susceptibility to alpha-cypermethrin (98%) and suspected resistance to deltamethrin (91%) were recorded. In 2022, a general increase in resistance to all insecticides was observed, with mortality rates ranging from 41% to 81%. High resistance intensity was observed against DDT, while permethrin and alpha-cypermethrin exhibited low resistance intensity in both years, failing to reach 10x the diagnostic dose. Deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin showed low to moderate resistance intensity. The 1014F kdr mutant genotype was widely distributed (68.1%) across species and years. Allele frequencies were higher in An. gambiae s.s. (0.83) than in An. arabiensis (0.71), with significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.05), except for An. gambiae s.s. in 2021 (p = 0.7). ConclusionThese findings reveal a concerning increase in key insecticide resistance among Anopheles populations in Sokoto, underpinned by strong genetic mechanisms. This underscores the urgent need for integrated vector management strategies to sustain effective vector control efforts in the region.

BackgroundThe invasive mosquito Aedes koreicus has established populations in several European countries during the past decade, raising increasing public health concerns due to its potential role as a vector of pathogens. While species identification is primarily based on morphological characters, Ae. koreicus exhibits distinct morphological variants originating from mainland Korea and Jeju Island, which complicates surveillance and may lead to misidentification, particularly in regions where closely related species co-occur. To date, the genetic basis and population-level relevance of these morphological forms in Europe remain poorly understood. MethodsWe investigated the co-occurrence of two morphological forms of Ae. koreicus in Hungary, representing the first confirmed European location where both forms were detected sympatrically and even within the same breeding sites. Adult mosquitoes were morphologically characterised using diagnostic traits, and individuals representing both morphotypes were subjected to comprehensive genetic analyses. We sequenced multiple mitochondrial markers (COX1, COX2, COX3, ATP6, ND1, ND3) and the nuclear ITS2 region using Oxford Nanopore long-read sequencing. Phylogenetic reconstructions and haplotype network analyses were applied to assess genetic differentiation between morphotypes and to compare them with Aedes japonicus as a closely related reference species. ResultsAcross all analysed mitochondrial and nuclear markers, no genetic differentiation was detected between specimens identified as the "mainland" or "Jeju-do" morphological forms of Ae. koreicus. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analyses consistently grouped individuals independently of their morphotype, indicating a shared genetic background at the population level. In contrast, Ae. japonicus formed a clearly distinct genetic lineage, confirming the robustness of the applied markers for interspecific discrimination. ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that the observed morphological variability in Ae. koreicus populations are not underpinned by detectable genetic differentiation using commonly applied mitochondrial and genomic markers. These findings highlight the limitations of using morphology alone to infer population origin or structure and emphasise the need for heightened awareness of intraspecific variability in routine surveillance. Accurate morphological identification remains critical, particularly in citizen science-based monitoring programmes and AI-based automatization platforms, such as Mosquito Alert, to avoid confusion with morphologically similar invasive species. Further studies integrating genomic and ecological approaches are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying morphological variability in this emerging vector species.

ObjectivesTo estimate the pooled prevalence of Wolbachia infection in biting midges (Ceratopogonidae) across Southwest Asia and to evaluate ecological and biological factors associated with infection patterns. Study DesignSystematic review and meta-analysis. MethodsA comprehensive search of international and regional databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, SID, MagIran) was conducted without date restriction. Eligible studies included those using molecular techniques to detect Wolbachia in Ceratopogonidae collected from Southwest Asia. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random-effects model. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were performed to assess variations by country, species, altitude, habitat type, and sex. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using I{superscript 2}, Cochrans Q, and Eggers tests in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. ResultsTwenty-four studies comprising 14,832 midges from six countries were included. The pooled prevalence of Wolbachia infection was 32.6% (95% CI: 28.4-36.9%; I{superscript 2}=78.3%). Iran showed the highest prevalence (38.2%), and Culicoides imicola was the most frequently infected species (36.8%). Higher prevalence was associated with lower altitudes (<500 m; P=0.012), rural habitats (P=0.034), and female midges (P=0.008). Limited evidence suggested the presence of cytoplasmic incompatibility and reduced bluetongue virus competence in infected midges. ConclusionsWolbachia infection is common among Ceratopogonidae in Southwest Asia and is influenced by ecological and biological factors. These findings highlight the potential of Wolbachia as a biocontrol tool in regional vector management, underscoring the need for further experimental and strain-level studies.

Alternaria fungi produce various structurally diverse mycotoxins, several of which exhibit immunomodulatory properties. Among these, alternariol monomethyl ether (AME), alternariol (AOH), alterperylenol (ALTP), altertoxin I (ATX-I), and altersetin (AST) have been reported to suppress lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate how these selected Alternaria mycotoxins (0.1-50 M) target the NF-{kappa}B signaling pathway in THP-1 monocytes. Key components of the NF-{kappa}B cascade were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy, Western blotting and qRT-PCR. Nuclear translocation of NF-{kappa}B p65 and its phosphorylated form (p- NF-{kappa}B p65) was assessed by Western blot, while cytokine responses were determined at transcript (qRT-PCR) and protein (ELISA) levels. Moreover, in silico docking analyses were performed to investigate potential interactions of the toxins with IKK{beta}, and receptor-mediated crosstalk was studied using the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Co-treatment with RU486 attenuated the immunosuppressive effects of 1 and 5 M AOH, indicating partial involvement of GR-dependent mechanisms. AME, AOH, ALTP, ATX-I, and AST increased total I{kappa}B levels while reducing its phosphorylated form. Additionally, AST and ALTP decreased the protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), the I{kappa}B kinase (IKK) complex, NF-{kappa}B p65, and p- NF-{kappa}B p65. While AOH (5 M) and AST (25 M) reduced nuclear translocation of p65 and p-p65, ALTP (2 M) enhanced nuclear localization despite decreasing cytokine expression. Together, these findings suggest toxin-specific interference at multiple regulatory levels of NF-{kappa}B signaling and provide novel mechanistic insight into the immunomodulatory effects of Alternaria mycotoxins.

Between 2015 and 2025, Cambodia reported a 99.9% decline in the number of cases of malaria. To aid acceleration of elimination, the National Center for Parasitology, Entomology and Malaria Control (CNM) implemented a package of interventions known as the Last Mile (LM) elimination program. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the LM program on case numbers and evaluate the coverage of interventions. LM was rolled out between November 2020 and December 2023 in villages reporting a locally acquired case of Plasmodium falciparum or mixed infection with P. falciparum and P. vivax and included combinations of targeted drug administration (TDA), intermittent preventative treatment for forest goers (IPTf), active fever screening (AFS), the recruitment of a village or mobile malaria worker (VMW/MMW) and the top-up of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITN) depending on the vulnerability and receptivity of the village. A total of 103 full and 82 partial villages in seven provinces were included. Two rounds of TDA were administered, with a total of 10,678 individuals (67.6%) given during the first round and 9,678 (62.3%) during the second round. Coverage varied by province with none meeting the recommended threshold of 80%. IPTf was implemented each month among 35% (n=35) of full LM villages and 56% (n=42) of partial LM villages. A total of 11.7% (n=12) of full LM villages implemented AFS consistently on a weekly basis. Controlled interrupted time series showed no statistically significant difference in the number of malaria cases before and after the implementation of LM. Although we were unable to prove a statistically significant impact of LM, likely due to the small number of cases prior to LM, it is important to add to the limited evidence-based for Accelerator Strategies in countries approaching the elimination of malaria. Furthermore, findings from the feasibility and impact of individual interventions were used to change policy at the national level.

Background: Dirofilaria repens is a zoonotic parasite expanding unnoticed across Europe due to climate change. We hypothesised that in this process, the Carpathian Basin has a facilitating effect. Methods: Using 426 georeferenced European cases, the probability of infection occurrence was determined in relation to climatic factors, surface water availability, regional social deprivation, and stray dog population density. To analyse the potential impacts of ecological and social factors (deprivation and stray dog population density), the MaxEnt algorithm, and spatial Empirical Bayes smoothing and Bivariate Local Indicators of Spatial Association (BiLISA) index calculation were employed, respectively. Results: MaxEnt analysis revealed that the mean warmest month temperature (22.8 - 25.1 oC), winter mean minimum temperature (> -2.1 oC), and summer precipitation (28.6 - 231 mm) have the strongest impact on the probability of the parasite's occurrence in Europe. Social factors have significance in the eastern Balkans and the Carpathian Basin, but not in Western Europe. The Carpathian Basin appears to be a hotspot, similar to Mediterranean coastal areas. Furthermore, the Danube Valley acts as an ecological corridor for subtropical vector-borne parasites. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that summer warmth is the primary ecological driver of the parasite's range expansion, which is facilitated by the Carpathian Basin due to climatic and socioeconomic conditions.

O_LIRapid and ongoing anthropogenic habitat modification has the potential to alter the species composition, abundance and activity of biting insect communities, which are important disease vectors. The resulting changes in the network of interactions between biting insects and their hosts have implications for the transmission of vector-borne pathogens. C_LIO_LIWe used DNA metabarcoding of Diptera blood meals to document bipartite networks of interactions between biting flies (Diptera) and their hosts (including humans, domesticated and wild animals) across a gradient of anthropogenic habitat modification (village, agricultural and near-natural habitat) surrounding two rural villages in Ghana. C_LIO_LIWe collected 7,095 biting Diptera (of 42 species) from 30 collection sites, and generated sequencing data from 75 blood meals (from 29 species). These blood meals contained DNA from 18 vertebrate host species, dominated by humans and their livestock. C_LIO_LIHabitats with lower levels of anthropogenic modification had higher richness of biting Diptera and their host species. Species diversity and evenness did not differ significantly among habitats. Less modified habitats had higher network specificity, but connectance was highest in heavily modified habitats. C_LIO_LIHumans were highly embedded within biting Diptera-host networks, detected in 68% of blood meals. The networks reveal several potential disease transmission pathways linking competent vectors with susceptible hosts. The presence of mixed blood meals containing DNA of both human and wild animal origin highlights the potential for transmission of established and emerging zoonotic disease via bridge vectors. The high betweenness-centrality within interaction networks of the important disease vector Culex watti, combined with its high abundance across all levels of anthropogenic landscape modification, suggest that it may be a connector species, linking and facilitating disease transmission between spatially distinct communities. C_LIO_LISynthesis and applications: Our results are of epidemiological interest, as they identify the exposure of humans to pathogen transmission cycles across a gradient of anthropogenic habitat modification through the movement of opportunistic bridge vectors. We discuss the implications for the transmission of emerging and established zoonotic disease and for the targeting and implementation of initiatives to reduce disease exposure and transmission. C_LI

This brief work discusses potential superspreading events that may occur during the World Cup in Mexico. The study is particularly focused on the city of Guadalajara due to a large recent outbreak in January and February and insufficient vaccine coverage prior to 2026. Keywords: Superspreading; measles outbreak; branching process; individual reproduction number; World Cup

Nature-Based Solutions are increasingly promoted to address current urban challenges. While their potential effects on vector-borne disease risks have been documented, data on Aedes albopictus, a known arbovirus vector, remain limited in France. A previous study showed that urban vegetation moderately increases the abundance of adult mosquitoes of this species, but the monitoring period lasted only six months. Using ovitraps, we monitored Ae. albopictus egg density dynamics over multiple years (2022 to 2024) and analysed its environmental predictors in various urban environments. We included lagged meteorological variables, land cover metrics, and the cumulated egg densities recorded in the previous weeks as environmental predictors. Both parametric (GLMM) and non-parametric (Random Forest) models were fitted to weekly egg counts per trap. Our findings highlight that (i) egg density dynamics were related to how vegetation classes structured the landscape, (ii) growing degree days and cumulated number of eggs recorded in specific lagged time windows were the main contributors to egg density, and (iii) the non-parametric and parametric models performed similarly in terms of prediction accuracy.

Entomological surveillance is essential for the control of lymphatic filariasis (LF). This xenomonitoring study, conducted in 2022-2023, evaluated the effectiveness of three mosquito trapping methods to identify the most suitable tool for surveillance following the discontinuation of mass drug administration. The surveys took place in two Malian villages: Konfra (seasonal watercourse) and Siradjouba (permanent watercourse). Three techniques were compared: Pyrethrum spray catch (PSC) conducted at the end of each visit inside 30 randomly selected houses, and different collection points were chosen based on the characteristics of the study area to place the Ifakara Type C tent (Ifakara) and the gravid trap (GT). Collections were conducted simultaneously at both sites. All Anopheles gambiae and Culex spp. collected in 2022-2023 were morphologically identified and then analyzed in the laboratory for their infectious status. Data was processed using SPSS v25; Fishers exact test was used to compare proportions, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. A total of 4,732 mosquitoes were captured (95.05% in 2022). In 2022, the Anopheles were predominant in Konfra (91.38%), while Culex predominated in Siradjouba (63.41%). In 2023, Anopheles was found only in Konfra (3 specimens), while Culex was predominant in Siradjouba (64.07%). In 2022, PSC collected 90.57% of Anopheles, Ifakara 9.43%, and GT 0%. For Culex, GT collected 53.67%, PSC 36.62%, and Ifakara 9.71%. In 2023, the few Anopheles (3) came from PSC; Culex were mainly collected by the Ifakara tent (43.29%). For FL xenomonitoring, the combination of PSC and the GT appear to be effective collection methods.

Rhodnius prolixus is a primary insect vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, a neglected parasitosis endemic in Latin American countries. It has been estimated that Chagas disease affects 7-8 million people worldwide and is responsible for approximately 1000 deaths per year. Genetic and molecular studies in this species remain challenging due to its life cycle and feeding habits, thus hindering the development of new strategies to control their populations and reduce the diffusion of Chagas disease. Recently, two stable cell lines - RPE/LULS53 and RPE/LULS57 - were derived from Rhodnius embryos, which represent promising new tools to investigate the genetics of this insect vector. Here, we describe their gene expression landscapes through transcriptomic approaches. We show that 8,968 expressed genes are shared between the two cell lines, whereas 391 and 1,088 genes are uniquely expressed in RPE/LULS53 and RPE/LULS57, respectively. Although key components of primary developmental, immune and redox signaling pathways are expressed in both cell lines, some genes such as Frizzled-10-a-like and catalase show marked differences in expression. Our results strongly suggest that RPE/LULS53 and RPE/LULS57 likely represent two different cell phenotypes. Consistent with this, gene ontology analysis reveals that RPE/LULS53 is enriched for animal organ morphogenesis and stress response, while RPE/LULS57 for DNA-directed RNA polymerase activity, among others. Despite these differences, both cell lines express comparable levels of transcripts from resident transposable elements, including the highly abundant Mariner and LINE/I elements, as well as horizontally transferred transposons. Our findings shed light on the nature of the RPE/LULS53 and RPE/LULS57 embryo-derived cell lines and provide valuable transcriptomic resources for future genetic and functional studies in Rhodnius and other triatomine insect vectors. Author summaryRhodnius prolixus is a blood-feeding insect and a major vector of Chagas disease, a parasitosis endemic in Latin America and affecting millions of people worldwide. In the absence of effective drugs and vaccines, the control of the insect population represents a promising strategy to reduce the diffusion of the disease. Yet, genetic and functional studies in Rhodnius are extremely challenging due to its feeding habit and life cycle. To overcome these limitations, researchers have previously developed two stable cell lines derived from Rhodnius embryos. In this study, we provide the first characterization of the genes expressed in these cell lines. We found that, while the two cell lines share many expressed genes, each of them also has distinct gene expression patterns pointing to two different cell types with specialized functions. These differences likely affect the way they respond to stress and regulate biological processes. Our findings provide an important resource for researchers studying Rhodnius prolixus and other insect vectors, helping advance our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that control the insect development and mediate the interactions between insect vectors and the parasites they transmit