Journal of Medical Entomology

BackgroundAttractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs) are a promising, environmentally friendly approach for mosquito control, but the direct field application, scalability and long-term effectiveness of ATSBs across diverse mosquito species remain significant challenges. Methodology/Principal FindingsWe assessed the efficacy of a genetically engineered RNA interference (RNAi) yeast strain (Sh.463_56.10R) formulated in three sugar baits, soda (Coca-ColaTM), 10% sucrose, and a commercial mosquito bait (BaitStabTM), on Aedes, Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes. All RNAi yeast bait formulations induced significantly higher mean mortality (87-100%) compared to the control groups (0-9%; P<0.0001), but mosquitoes exhibited a higher feeding preference for RNAi yeast-soda baits, which induced mortality rates of 94-100% (P < 0.0001) recorded across all mosquito species. Additionally, to assess the competitiveness of the RNAi yeast-soda bait to other tropical sugar sources, semi-field choice assays were conducted in Trinidad, West Indies using competing flowering plants and fruits typically found in residential environments. The RNAi yeast-soda ATSB continued to perform well in the presence of competing floral and fruit sugar sources during both Aedes albopictus and Culex quiquefasciatus trials, though the presence of several fruits and flowers did reduce A. aegypti mortality, suggesting that further field testing will be necessary. The residual activity of the Sh.463_56.10R + soda formulation was retained for at least 14 months, with sustained 100% mortality in C. quinquefasciatus and 93-100% mortality in Aedes aegypti, Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles stephensi. The RNAi yeast-soda ATSB also performed well in semi-field studies performed with a prototype soda bottle feeder. Conclusions/SignificanceThis study demonstrates the potential of soda-baited RNAi yeast as a potent, long-lasting, and scalable platform for ATSB-based mosquito control as a component of integrated vector management programs. Author SummaryMosquito-borne diseases continue to affect millions of people worldwide, and current mosquito control methods face challenges such as low public uptake, insecticide resistance and environmental concerns. Here we evaluated a new and environmentally friendly approach to mosquito control using ATSBs. We tested genetically engineered species-specific yeast producing RNAi molecules capable of killing mosquitoes that feed on it. We mixed the yeast with three different sugar baits, including soda (Coca-ColaTM), 10% sucrose, and the commercial mosquito bait BaitStabTM formulation, and evaluated how well they worked against different mosquitoes. The results showed that the RNAi yeast mixed with soda was the most effective, killing up to 100% of mosquitoes in laboratory and outdoor tests. The bait remained effective in the presence of many competing natural tropical fruit and floral sugar sources. Remarkably, the bait, which can be delivered in a soda bottle feeder, stayed active for at least 14 months under simulated field conditions. These findings suggest that soda-based RNAi yeast baits could provide a practical, long-lasting and scalable tool for mosquito control and may help strengthen future strategies to reduce mosquito-borne diseases.

Tickborne diseases are a significant burden in many parts of the world. In the upper Midwestern United States, Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease. It is carried by Ixodes scapularis. This vector can also transmit the pathogens causing anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, and several more tickborne diseases in this region. There is also concern for other tick species, such as Amblyomma americanum, that are expanding their ranges northward. We launched a citizen science passive tick surveillance program in 2024 to investigate tick species ranges in the upper Midwest, as well as the pathogens carried by I. scapularis. We received over 12,000 ticks in the first two years of this program, primarily from Wisconsin. While we received submissions of adult A. americanum outside of their endemic range, we did not see evidence of establishment in our study area. We measured pathogen prevalence in adult female I. scapularis (n=707) and observed 51% positivity for Borrelia burgdorferi, 9% for Babesia microti, 9% for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, and 3% for Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis. Multiple pathogens were identified in 14% of tested specimens, and significant associations were observed between B. burgdorferi and B. microti, and B. burgdorferi and E. muris eauclairensis. Pathogen prevalences varied across time and geography. Our results can begin to inform risk assessment for tickborne diseases in our region. A non-technical version of this document with interactive maps is available here: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8008c9d710b5400599f3c6cf88b2c546 Our online data dashboard is available here: redcap.link/TICS

Background: The lifespan of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) varies widely across settings, reflecting both intrinsic product characteristics and external factors related to use, care, and environment. While the resistance to damage (RD) score captures intrinsic product durability, there is no standardized metric to quantify contextual risks. This study presents a proof of concept for the Risk Index (RI), a composite measure of site-level risk factors for ITN physical durability and survival. Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of durability monitoring data from 44 sites across 15 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, covering 14 ITN products. The RI was calculated as a weighted composite of 12 indicators spanning net handling, net care attitudes, and use environment. Associations between RI and median ITN survival were assessed using weighted linear regression and multivariable mixed-effects models adjusting for RD score, with country included as a random effect. Results: RI scores ranged from 25.1 to 83.7 across study sites. In bivariable analysis, a 10-point decrease in RI was associated with a 4.0-month increase in median ITN survival (95% CI: 1.7-6.3; p=0.001). In multivariable analysis adjusting for RD, this association remained significant but attenuated to 2.2 months (95% CI: 0.1-4.2; p=0.037). Independently, a 10-point increase in RD score was associated with a 3.5-month increase in survival (95% CI: 1.3-5.7; p=0.001). No interaction was observed between RI and RD. Predicted survival differed by approximately one year between the lowest- and highest-risk settings. Conclusion: The RI provides a standardized measure of contextual risk factors affecting ITN lifespan, independent of ITN product type. When used alongside a product's RD score, the RI enables improved interpretation of expected site-level variation in net performance. This combined framework offers a practical basis for incorporating behavioural and environmental risk into vector control planning and for tailoring ITN strategies to local conditions.

Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and malaria remain major public health challenges in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, where mosquito repellents are widely used as primary preventive tools. This study presents a comparative evaluation of commonly used repellent products, including mosquito coils, liquid vaporizers and aerosols, DEET-based creams, and natural formulations, focusing on their efficacy, protection duration, and potential health risks. Efficacy was assessed using controlled laboratory methods, including chamber-based exposure and arm-in-cage tests against Aedes aegypti (Barnard & Xue, n.d.). Safety was evaluated through in vivo toxicological analysis in a rat model, incorporating clinical observations, hematological and biochemical profiling, and histopathological examination. The results indicated an overall mean effectiveness of 85%, with DEET-based creams demonstrating the highest efficacy (95%), while natural repellents showed the lowest (70%). Mosquito coils provided the longest protection duration ([~]10 hours) but were associated with the highest health risk due to combustion-related emissions. Vaporizers and aerosols offered moderate efficacy with moderate health risk. Toxicological findings revealed that coil exposure induced significant respiratory stress, elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), increased leukocyte count, and notable lung tissue damage. Vaporizer and aerosol exposure resulted in mild physiological changes, whereas DEET-based and natural repellents showed minimal systemic toxicity. Overall, the study highlights a clear trade-off between efficacy and safety across repellent types. These findings emphasize the need for informed product selection, stronger regulatory control, and the development of safer, cost-effective, and sustainable mosquito repellent technologies for effective vector control in endemic regions.

Gastropods are a highly diverse and often overlooked taxonomic group of significant ecological and economic importance. Some terrestrial gastropods are critical pests of commercial agriculture and home gardens worldwide. Malacopathogenic nematodes offer an effective biological control method of managing pest slugs and snails as a natural enemy. Pellioditis (syn. Phasmarhabditis) hermaphrodita and Pellioditis (syn. Phasmarhabditis) californica are two species of biocontrol nematodes that have been commercialized, sold as Nemaslug(R) and Nemaslug(R) 2.0 respectively on three continents. Although there is interest in bringing Nemaslug(R) products to the US, they are currently not permitted due to limited knowledge on their North American distribution and effects on non-target and native species. In this study, we investigated the impact of P. hermaphrodita and P. californica on Ariolimax columbianus across two slug-host life stages, in laboratory infectivity assays. The objectives were to 1. determine whether P. hermaphrodita and P. californica nematodes impact survival of A. columbianus, and 2. evaluate whether there are differential effects on survival in juvenile and adult life stages of A. columbianus, in laboratory infectivity trials. We found that P. hermaphrodita caused significant mortality in A. columbianus with 100% mortality observed in both juvenile and adult slug hosts. The P. californica treatment had significant effects on the juvenile A. columbianus group only, with 80% mortality. By contrast, only 16% of unexposed control juveniles and 4% of control adult slugs died during the experiment. These results indicate that P. hermaphrodita and P. californica are lethal to the native, non-target Pacific banana slug (A. columbianus) under laboratory conditions, with mortality differing between juvenile and adult host life stages. Given the ecological importance of A. columbianus, these findings raise concerns for potential non-target effects of P. californica and P. hermaphrodita on terrestrial gastropod communities and emphasize the need for testing biocontrol agents against multiple life stages.

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.

Ectotherm insects growth and development are dictated by temperature and humidity. Conducive habitats and the availability of resources set ideal conditions for insect population growth. Mosquitoes require water, favorable temperature, and blood meal to survive. In this research, we picked a rapidly growing megacity, Ahmedabad, in western India, to explore and establish potential linkages between disease spread and meteorological conditions. Ahmedabad, with a population of over 8 million, is experiencing changes in rain and humidity patterns, pushing the city towards changing vector-borne disease dynamics. We examined dengue cases over ten years, 2012-22, and explored their connections with two prominent climatic variables, temperature and relative humidity. Our findings indicate that stable temperature (25-27.5 {degrees}C) and humidity (> 60%) interaction is a ruling factor in spikes in dengue cases in the city. While stable temperature ranges triggers the dengue cases, RH drives the explosive phases and sustainability of such episodes. Statistically significant increasing trends in temperatures, narrowing down of the day-night temperature ranges, and increasing night temperatures provide more stable temperature regimes in a warming world thereby likely to extend the dengue season beyond the usual monsoon season. Plain Language SummaryDengue incidences have been found to be associated with mosquito population outbreaks. Every year, thousands of lives are lost due to this deadly virus spread by mosquitoes. Particularly in the Indian subcontinent, a large proportion of these cases is associated with the monsoon season and rain patterns. In recent years, there have been abrupt spikes in dengue cases across Indian cities, particularly in western India. To understand this complex interaction of viral proliferation and local environmental conditions, the last ten years of dengue case patterns have been scanned in parallel to the climate data. Our findings suggest that stable temperature windows and humidity levels above certain thresholds trigger a rise in dengue cases. While stable temperature ranges trigger dengue cases, humidity drives such episodes explosive phases and sustainability. Our work pinpoints specific temperature-humidity combinations and suggests that local municipal corporations use them as warning indicators to initiate preventive measures.

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

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

Progress towards elimination of onchocerciasis transmission is evaluated using entomological and serological indicators. The latter assesses anti-Ov16 IgG4 seroprevalence in children aged <10 years. A seroprevalence of <0.1% suggests that ivermectin Mass Drug Administration (MDA) can be stopped and post-treatment surveillance initiated, according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Surveillance of populations living in close proximity to vector breeding sites and first-line villages may mask spatial transmission heterogeneity. We mapped anti-Ov16 seroprevalence within a 25-km radius around a known Simulium damnosum s.l. breeding site in Asubende, Ghana, to assess its spatial patterns and their implications for serosurveillance. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September-November 2024 in 30 settlements. Individuals aged [&ge;]3 years were recruited through convenience sampling. The Ov16 rapid diagnostic test (RDT) using dry blood spots was used to estimate overall and site-level seroprevalence. Generalized additive models were used to assess seroprevalence trends versus distance from the breeding site. Among 2,479 participants with valid RDT results, overall seroprevalence was 10.0% (95% CI: 8.9%, 11.3%) and increased with age. Seroprevalence varied across sites (0-24.4%) and declined with increasing distance from the breeding site. Among 584 children <10 years old, seroprevalence was 1.5% (95% CI: 0.7%, 2.9%). Adjusting for RDT sensitivity and specificity, seroprevalence in this age-group was 0.7%, (95% CI: 0%, 2.4%). Seropositive children were detected up to 18 km from the breeding site, but none were identified at it. The distance-related decrease in overall seroprevalence is consistent with spatial patterns in vector abundance at Asubende and implies higher cumulative exposure near the breeding site. The small number of children tested limited inference in this WHO target age-group. Detection of seropositive children away from, but not at, the breeding site highlights limitations of surveillance focused on first-line villages and supports broader spatial sampling to strengthen evidence for stop-MDA decisions. Author summaryAfter decades of onchocerciasis control using ivermectin, many countries hope to demonstrate that they have interrupted transmission of this vector-borne parasitic disease using serological surveys. It is unclear whether exposure to infection is spatially clustered around the riverine breeding sites of the blackfly vectors and therefore whether this is where serosurveillance should focus. To address this, we collected dried blood spots from 2,480 consenting participants aged 3-96 years old from 29 communities within a 25-km radius of a known blackfly breeding site in Asubende, Ghana. A rapid diagnostic test was used to test the blood spots for antibodies to the Onchocerca volvulus parasite. We found that overall seropositivity declined with increasing distance from the breeding site, which suggests that cumulative exposure is higher near the breeding site, where vector population is also high. However, seropositivity in children (3-10-year-olds, n= 584), which is indicative of recent transmission, was spatially distributed across the study area and found up to 18 km from the breeding site. These findings are relevant to serosurveillance sampling strategies intended to detect low levels of transmission, which could miss peripheral evidence of ongoing transmission if they are focussed at breeding sites and those villages closest to them.

BackgroundControl of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue and other Aedes-borne viruses, is challenged by insecticide resistance, limited efficacy of existing tools and the large and widespread epidemics. Targeted Indoor Residual Spraying (TIRS), a modification of traditional indoor residual spraying focused on Ae. aegypti resting sites, has demonstrated promising results, yet its indirect community-wide effects remain underexplored. Methodology/Principal FindingsWe conducted an entomological cluster-randomized controlled trial in Iquitos, Peru, to evaluate the direct and indirect entomological impacts of TIRS using pirimiphos-methyl. Thirty clusters were randomized to receive either TIRS (15 clusters, 898 structures) or standard Ministry of Health vector control activities (15 clusters, 1,018 structures). Aedes aegypti indoor densities were assessed in the 45 days pre-intervention and at four time points up to 255 days post-intervention using Prokopack aspiration. Generalized linear mixed models with a negative binomial link were used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and calculate efficacy (1-IRR) for houses that received TIRS (direct effect) and untreated houses in TIRS clusters (indirect effect). Direct efficacy reached 96% at 15 days post-spraying and remained significant (40%) at 255 days post-spraying. Indirect efficacy reached 69% at 15 days and declined to 7% by 255 days post-spraying. Despite only 57% household-level TIRS coverage, both direct and indirect impacts on Ae. aegypti were significant during early post-intervention surveys, and after 8 months in TIRS clusters. Conclusions/SignificanceTIRS provided substantial and sustained reductions in indoor Ae. aegypti density, including measurable indirect effects in untreated homes within intervention clusters. These findings demonstrate the entomological value of TIRS even at moderate coverage levels and highlight its potential for both preventive and reactive vector control programs and should be considered for implementation by Ministries of Health in dengue-endemic urban settings as well as by the U.S. military when deployed to tropical or subtropical locations.

BackgroundMalaria remains a major public health challenge in Uganda, particularly in rural areas where access to conventional vector control tools is limited. Communities often use locally available plants as mosquito repellents, but documentation of the specific plants used, their utilization levels, and application methods in the Rwenzori region are limited. This study aimed to identify the types of plants used locally to repel mosquitoes, assess the level of utilization of plant-based mosquito repellents, and determine the methods of application employed by communities. MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024 in the seven districts and one city of the Rwenzori region, Western Uganda. Multi-stage sampling was used to select 173 household heads. Data were collected using a pre-tested, translated (Runyoro, Rutooro, Lukonzo) KoboCollect questionnaire and analyzed descriptively with SPSS version 23. ResultsEighty-six percent of respondents reported using plant-based mosquito repellents, with 55% relying exclusively on plants. The most used plants were Cymbopogon citratus (citronella/lemon grass, 39.9%), Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary, 25.7%), and Eucalyptus spp. (24.3%). The primary application method was planting repellent plants around the house (51.4%), followed by hanging injured plant parts in windows and doorways (28.4%). Other methods included burning or crushing plant parts and applying extracts/oils. ConclusionPlant-based mosquito repellents are widely used in the Rwenzori region. This study documents community knowledge and practices that could inform future integrated vector management strategies. Further research is needed to evaluate the entomological and epidemiological effectiveness of the plant repellents that are most used plants and the methods commonly applied.

Introduction: Dengue, chikungunya, and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) are priority notifiable infections in Thailand. Whether vector-borne and contact-mediated diseases responded differently to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has not been quantified within a unified national surveillance framework over an extended period. Methods: We conducted an ecological interrupted time-series analysis using weekly province-level notifiable disease surveillance data from epidemiological week 1 of 2016 to week 53 of 2025 across all 77 Thai provinces. Incidence per 100,000 population was calculated using year-specific civil registration population denominators. Segmented quasi-Poisson regression with two Fourier harmonics for annual seasonality was fitted, with the primary pandemic onset defined as week 1 of 2020 and two alternative onset definitions prespecified for sensitivity analysis. Results: The analysis included 40,579 province-week observations across 527 epidemiological weeks, comprising 790,263 dengue, 32,265 chikungunya, and 713,822 HFMD cases nationally. Immediate incidence rate ratios at pandemic onset were 0.39, 0.54, and 0.51 for dengue, chikungunya, and HFMD, respectively. Sustained post-onset trends diverged across diseases, with declining trajectories for the two vector-borne infections and a positive post-onset slope for hand, foot, and mouth disease. Dengue rebounded above pre-pandemic levels by 2023, chikungunya remained quiescent through 2025, and HFMD exceeded its pre-pandemic baseline by approximately 26%. Conclusion: Vector-borne and contact-mediated diseases in Thailand followed sharply contrasting decadal trajectories that tracked the transmission ecologies of each pathogen. These findings support transmission-mode-specific pandemic-resilient surveillance, accelerated arboviral and enteroviral vaccine deployment, and integrated vector management.

BackgroundDengue has been a major health threat globally in recent years. In particular, dengue incidences continue to increase annually and the epidemic area has expanded primarily due to global warming. Therefore, effective case detection and surveillance strategies are crucial to tackle this global health challenge. In clinical practice, the rapid test kit detecting dengue non-structural protein 1 antigen and commonly referred as NS1, is widely employed for early diagnosis. However, real-world studies revealed that the sensitivity of the NS1 test kit ranged from approximately 61% to 95%. Since early diagnosis is really critical for disease surveillance in the early stage of a dengue epidemic, scientists have been working hard to develop novel diagnosis methods that can provide higher sensitivity levels. Methodology/Principal FindingsIn response to this challenge, in this study, we have developed a novel diagnosis procedure that integrates machine learning technologies with the NS1 test kit. Our experimental results revealed that we would be able to raise the sensitivity of the dengue diagnosis procedure to higher than 99% by incorporating machine learning based prediction models to screen the suspected patients with a negative NS1 result. Furthermore, the relative risks between the suspected patients who were predicted to be positive and those who were predicted to be negative exceeded 4.8. Conclusions/SignificanceThese results illustrate that the proposed approach provides an effective and efficient diagnosis procedure to address the global health challenge caused by spread of dengue. Author SummaryThis study has aimed to enhance surveillance of the dengue disease by integrating machine learning technologies with the rapid test kit commonly employed in early diagnosis. In clinical practice, the NS1 rapid test kit is widely employed for early diagnosis. However, real-world studies revealed that a certain percentage of the patients with a negative NS1 test result, ranging from 5% to 39%, were actually infected by dengue. Since early diagnosis is critical for disease control in the early stage of a dengue epidemic, scientists have been working hard to tackle this challenge. Based on this observation, this study was launched to investigate the effects of incorporating machine learning based prediction models to further screen those patients with a negative NS1 test result. The experimental results revealed that the proposed approach was able to identify over 99% of the patients who were infected by the dengue disease. Furthermore, the risk of the suspected patients who were predicted to be positive was 4.8 times higher than the risk of those who were predicted to be negative. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed approach provides an effective and efficient diagnosis procedure to enhance surveillance of the dengue disease.

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections are a major public health burden, and there are programmes of mass drug administration that attempt to ameliorate the harm that they cause. There has been increasing use of genomics to study STH infections and other parasitic nematodes, with particular interest in whole genome sequencing (WGS). For such studies, samples are commonly stored frozen, but in settings where these infections are endemic this can be difficult, and so there would be advantages to having ambient temperature storage methods. We investigated two ambient temperature storage methods - FTA cards and DESS buffer - for infective larvae of the rat parasites Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Strongyloides ratti, prior to DNA extraction and then WGS. Our results showed that for individual larvae stored on FTA cards or in DESS buffer, this resulted in a lower proportion of sequence reads that mapped to the reference genomes, compared to the frozen control samples. Generally, for individual larvae, DESS-storage resulted in better sequencing results than FTA-storage. However, for pools of 10 or 50 larvae, then these ambient temperature storage methods generally resulted in comparable sequence read mapping to the frozen control samples.

RDL (Resistance to dieldrin) is a GABA-gated chloride channel that was first described as target of the insecticide dieldrin. Despite dieldrin being discontinued for decades because of its environmental per-sistence and health concerns, Rdl resistance mutations (A296S, A296G) continue at high frequencies in natural populations of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae complex across Africa, suggesting a selective advantage. We have recently shown that RDL acts as a critical modulator of mosquito auditory sensitivity. Because acoustic recognition is essential for mate acquisition in An. gambiae, we hypothesized that these mutations confer a pleiotropic effect on mating success in the field, mediated through altered acoustic sensitivity, with potential consequences for sexual selection. We first provide laboratory evidence that resistance mutations enhance auditory behaviours of An. gambiae and show that the effect of environmental noise on mating success depends on the male Rdl genotype. We then conduct field collections in the city of Bangui (Central African Republic) and surrounding rural areas, revealing the presence of Rdl resistant alleles and their association with the urban environment, and within the city, with the noisiest locations. We also show decreased mating success of susceptible females with increasing noise levels, suggesting detrimental effects. Together, our findings support that Rdl resistance mutations enhance auditory function and mating success in acoustically challenging environments. We propose that this auditory advantage may contribute, together with other selective pressures such as cross-selection by other insecticides, to the persistence of these alleles in nature and may facilitate urban colonization by malaria vectors. Our study reveals, for the first time, an unintended evolutionary consequence of insecticide use, where a resistance mutation has been co-opted to enhance sensory performance and ecological adaptation, with significant implications for vector management strategies.

ABSTRACT Background Dog bite injuries are a major yet largely preventable public health concern worldwide. They contribute significantly to morbidity, healthcare burden, and economic costs, particularly in emergency department .The present study aims to analyse the demographics and injury pattern of dog bite cases presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study with dog bite injured participants attending the Causality from November 2025 to April 2026 data was collected using a structured tool including details on demographics (Age, Gender, Education) injury related characteristics , history of pure bite site of dog bite injury type, WHO bitten criteria and information to management etc. We used here non probability statistical analysis and age specific dog bite cases and independent variables were analysed using SPSS (2.0 version). Result A total of Two hundred sixteen dog bite cases were analysed in the study by period of 6 months The majority of participants were 172 (79.6%) were above 18 years and 44 (20.4) were below 18 year, 130 (60%) from rural areas and 86 (39.8%) from urban areas, 136 (63.0%) of Victims presented within a day of the bite, 61( 28.2) next day and 19 (8.8%) in after one week 66 (30.6) were bitten by own dog and 150(69.4%)were bitten by neighbour / friended dog. 124(57.4) were bitten by stray dog 92(42.6) bitten by pet dog. 117(54.2) were vaccinated dog and 99(45.8%) were not vaccinated .110(50.9) victims were injured by laceration. 26(12.0%) were injured by puncture wound.46(21.3) were injured by abrasion 10(4.6) were injured by avulsion 15(6.9%) were injured by crush injury. 156(72.2%) were had minor wound.45(20.8%) victims had moderate wound and 15(6.9%) victims had severe wound. 112(51.9%) victims were taken antibiotics.104(48%) were not taken antibiotics. 185(85.6%) victims received tetanus toxoid, 31(14.4%) were not received tetanus toxoid. CONCLUSION There is a high burden of dog bite injuries from stray dogs in India. Despite early hospital presentation in many cases gaps in first aid practices and rabies post exposure prophylaxis were evident and highlighting inadequate awareness. Key words Rabies immunoglobulin, Dog bite, WHO criteria, Anti rabies vaccine, stray Dog, wound

The black legged tick, Ixodes scapularis, is a vector of the bacterium that causes Lyme disease and several other illnesses, including anaplasmosis, babesiosis, and tick-borne encephalitis. Although high-quality genome annotations are available for I. scapularis, functional understanding of I. scapularis genes is limited. To address this, we developed a platform for genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening in I. scapularis cells. To evaluate the platform, we performed a screen to identify genes associated with cellular fitness, and screens for resistance to treatment with copper chloride, Antimycin A, or Destruxin A (DA), a cyclic hexadepsipeptide produced by the pathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae. In each case, the screens implicate specific sets of conserved and non-conserved I. scapularis genes in relevant cellular functions, providing the first experimental evidence of function for a large set of I. scapularis genes. Altogether, in this first-of-its-kind effort for the arthropod subclass Acari, we present an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout cell screening platform, related resources, and datasets that will be broadly useful to efficiently uncover cellular functions of I. scapularis genes.

Bacillus thuringiensis INTA Mo4-4 was characterized phenotypically, genomically, and for insecticidal activity against Alphitobius diaperinus. Microscopy revealed rare flat rectangular parasporal crystals, and SDS-PAGE identified a ca. 67 kDa protein, similar to B. thuringiensis serovar morrisoni strain tenebrionis DSM-2803, which was proteolytically processed to a ca. 55 kDa fragment. Genomic analysis showed a 5.99 Mb genome with 99.43% completeness, clustering phylogenetically with B. cereus and B. thuringiensis. High genomic similarity was observed with B. thuringiensis svar. morrisoni BGSC 4AA1, confirmed by MLST analysis assigning it to ST-23. The genome encodes an interesting arsenal of pesticidal proteins showing significant similarity to Cry3Aa, Mpp23Aa, Xpp37Aa, Mpp5Ab, Vpb1Ad, Vpb1Ae, Vpa2Ab, Vpa2Ba, Vpa2Bb and Spp1Aa, with demonstrated toxicity against coleopteran pests. Biosynthetic gene clusters for toyoncin, fengycin, and bacillibactin were identified. Dose-response bioassays showed that INTA Mo4-4 was nearly four times more toxic to A. diaperinus larvae (LC50 136.9 {micro}g/ml) than DSM-2803 (LC50 540.5 {micro}g/ml), with the difference being statistically significant. No teratological effects were observed on Musca domestica. These findings suggest that INTA Mo4-4 is a promising candidate for the biological control of A. diaperinus.

Malaria transmission in Nigeria is highly seasonal and climate-sensitive, yet routine surveillance and meteorological datasets remain underutilized for predictive modelling at subnational levels. This study modelled seasonal malaria incidence trends in Nasarawa State, Nigeria using routine surveillance and climatic data. A retrospective ecological time-series study was conducted using monthly confirmed malaria incidence data from all 13 Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State between 2021 and 2025. Rainfall and temperature were examined as the climatic predictors. Seasonal decomposition and cross-correlation analyses were performed to identify the temporal patterns and lag structures. Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) and Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Variables (SARIMAX) models were developed using the Box-Jenkins framework. Model performance was evaluated using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). Malaria incidence showed pronounced seasonal peaks, with the highest transmission occurring during the rainy season. Cross-correlation analysis identified rainfall at a one-month lag and contemporaneous temperature as significant predictors of malaria incidence. The SARIMAX model outperformed the univariate SARIMA model, achieving strong predictive accuracy (MAPE = 8.7%). Forecast projections indicate sustained transmission with a peak incidence expected between June and August 2026. Malaria transmission in Nasarawa follows a predictable seasonal pattern that is influenced by climatic variability. Incorporating rainfall and temperature into SARIMAX models improves the forecasting performance and provides evidence supporting climate-informed malaria surveillance and preparedness in endemic settings.