Host Distribution Research Articles

Spatial Evaluation of Salurnis marginella Occurrence According to Climate Change Using Multiple Species Distribution Models

Salurnis marginella causes agricultural and forest damage in various Asian environments. However, considering the environmental adaptability of pests and the active international trade, it may invade other regions in the future. As the damage to local communities caused by pests becomes difficult to control after invasion, it is essential to establish measures to minimize losses through pre-emptive monitoring and identification of high-risk areas, which can be achieved through model-based predictions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential distribution of S. marginella by developing multiple species distribution modeling (SDM) algorithms. Specifically, we developed the CLIMEX model and three machine learning-based models (MaxEnt, random forest, and multi-layer perceptron), integrated them to conservatively assess pest occurrence under current and future climates, and overlaid the host distribution with climatically suitable areas of S. marginella to identify high-risk areas vulnerable to the spread and invasion of the pest. The developed model, demonstrating a true skill statistic >0.8, predicted the potential continuous distribution of the species across the southeastern United States, South America, and Central Africa. This distribution currently covers approximately 9.53% of the global land area; however, the model predicted this distribution would decrease to 6.85%. Possible areas of spread were identified in Asia and the southwestern United States, considering the host distribution. This study provides data for the proactive monitoring of pests by identifying areas where S. marginella can spread.

Deeper Insights into Species Diversity and Ecological Characterisation of the Macrosporum Group of the Genus Tuber

Tuber is a rare edible and medicinal fungus with a global distribution. The Macrosporum lineage within Tuber is a relatively small and infrequent clade, which has been receiving increasing attention due to the presence of an endangered species, T. gigantosporum. However, the species diversity, phylogenetic relationships, geographic distribution, and ecological characteristics of the Macrosporum group remain poorly understood. Through extensive sampling and combining the accurate and available global specimen and mycorrhizal data, 19 Tuber specimens from Southwest China were studied based on morphology, molecular systematics, and ecology. The specimens were identified as T. calosporum, T. glabrum, and T. sinomacrosporum within the Macrosporum group, with detailed descriptions provided, particularly supplementing the taxonomic features of T. glabrum. A classification key for the Macrosporum group species is also provided. The geographic distribution of specimens and diverse hosts suggest that the Macrosporum clade displays wider ecological adaptability. This study is important to better understand the diversity and conservation measures of Tuber resources throughout the world.

Deciphering carbon–sulfur rotational distribution in a crystalline host for enhanced red persistent organic phosphorescence

Deciphering carbon–sulfur rotational distribution in a crystalline host for enhanced red persistent organic phosphorescence

Population structure of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) with new data on haplotype diversity of flukes from Slovakia and Italy.

The fluke Clinostomum complanatum, a parasite of piscivorous birds, but also reptiles and rarely mammals, has established several foci in the western Palaearctic regions. Previous studies pointed out the complicated taxonomy of the genus, but broader population genetic analysis of C. complanatum has not yet been carried out. The aim of this study was to determine the structure, intraspecific variability, and diversity of mitochondrial cox1 haplotypes of C. complanatum from different localities in Slovakia (Danube floodplain forests) and Italy (Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany), as well as to evaluate the interrelationships among populations from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The genetic structure of C. complanatum from Slovakia and Italy was represented by a great number of haplotypes, showing stable populations with high intraspecific diversity. The haplotypes of samples from other localities (Romania, Turkey, Egypt, and Iran) showed possible gene flow among the populations from Central Europe down to the Mediterranean region, North Africa, and the Middle East. The genetic homogeneity of these samples can be linked to the distribution and migratory routes of the definitive hosts, aquatic piscivorous birds, mainly herons and cormorants, that spread parasite eggs among the continents.

Europe-wide distribution and bat-host specific lineages in the malarial parasite Polychromophilus murinus revealed through genetic screening of bat flies.

Malaria parasites of the genus Polychromophilus commonly infect vespertilionid and miniopterid bats, and are transmitted by bat flies (Nycteribiidae). While Polychromophilus murinus has been recorded sporadically in Europe, its host range, distribution and phylogeographic structure have not been explored. Here we investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of P. murinus infections in 1131 bat flies collected from seven European bat species, focusing on Basilia nana, collected from its primary host, the Bechstein's bat throughout its distribution. Additionally, we explore the temporal dynamics of P. murinus in two regions in Germany where bat flies were repeatedly collected over at least five years. Bat flies were screened for Polychromophilus infection via PCR of a fragment of cytochrome b, and fragments of three additional genes were sequenced for positive samples. Overall, P. murinus infections were detected in 287 of 1131 screened bat flies of four different species, collected from seven bat species, across 13 countries. The 269 recovered cytb sequences represented 21 distinct haplotypes, clustered based on the bat species from which the infected flies were collected. Repeated sampling over multiple years revealed a consistent presence of P. murinus in both investigated populations, without substantial variation in prevalence between years. The results suggest an endemic long-term presence of Polychromophilus within European bat populations, and the presence of host-specific associations between P. murinus lineages and its various bat hosts. We posit that exposure to P. murinus appears to be a near certainty in several European bat species, and its potential costs should be further investigated.

Paranthrene diaphana: a new clearwing moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) species in Romania and its preliminary response to sex attractants

The genus Paranthrene includes diurnal clearwing moths mimicking Hymenoptera and known for their impact in forestry. In Europe, it comprises three species: Paranthrene tabaniformis, P. diaphana, and P. insolitus, which are morphologically similar but distinct in host plant preferences and distribution. P. tabaniformis is widespread and a pest of Populus, while P. diaphana occurs patchily in southeastern Europe and feeds on Salix. This study reports the first records of P. diaphana in Romania, expanding the known distribution of this species in Europe. Field surveys in Romania recorded this species in the regions of Banat, Oltenia, and Muntenia, while surveys conducted in Buzău County with sex attractant lures between 2013 and 2024 revealed the presence of P. diaphana alongside P. tabaniformis, a common species in the country. P. diaphana shows an apparent distribution primarily in southern Romania. In all the habitats where P. diaphana was recorded the habitat includes willows, poplars, and agricultural fields. The findings contribute to the understanding of Paranthrene species and confirms presence of P. diaphana in Romania, expanding its known range and highlighting the need for further research, particularly into P. insolitus. Thanks to citizen science contributions the species is recorded also in Dobrodja region

Density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids resulting from density-independent dispersal rules: implications for host–parasitoid interactions and population dynamics

BackgroundThe distribution of hosts and parasitoids across patches is a key factor determining the dynamics of host-parasitoid populations. To connect behavioral rules with population dynamics, it is essential to comprehend how individual-level dispersal behavior influences the distribution of individuals. Typically, a simple deterministic model has been used to describe this connection. This study explicitly derived the relationship between individual-level dispersal behavior and the distribution of individuals across patches, contrasting it with the conventional deterministic model.MethodsA stochastic individual-based model was developed from a widely used deterministic host–parasitoid population model. Individual-level dispersal rules were simulated in the stochastic model without assuming the resulting distributions. The models assume that the dispersal of hosts and parasitoids is independent of conspecific density. The deterministic model can be seen as an approximation of the stochastic model, describing the outcomes of stochastic processes as their expected patterns. In addition to describing the relationship between dispersal behavior and distribution across patches, its consequences for population dynamics were also examined.ResultsThe stochastic model revealed that the distribution of individuals among patches varies with the number of dispersing conspecifics, whereas the deterministic model assumes independence from conspecific density, indicating that the deterministic model fails to capture the outcomes of stochastic dispersal. The resulting density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids lead to other density-dependent interactions between them, such as density-dependent parasitism risk for hosts and density-dependent searching efficiency for parasitoids, ultimately affecting population dynamics. For instance, while aggregation of parasitoids is stabilizing in the deterministic model, it can be both stabilizing and destabilizing in the stochastic model.ConclusionsThe stochastic model revealed that density-dependent distributions of hosts and parasitoids emerge when individuals disperse in a density-independent manner, significantly impacting existing host-parasitoid theory, which assumes density-independent distributions. To address this, the implications of emerging density dependencies for well-known results, such as the pseudointerference of parasitoids and the CV2 > 1 rule, were discussed. Explicitly considering individual-level dispersal behavior is essential for understanding host–parasitoid interactions and population dynamics.

Influence of Host and Landscape-Associated Factors in the Infection and Transmission of Pathogens: The Case of Directly Transmitted Virus in Mammals.

Among pathogens associated with mammals, numerous viruses with a direct transmission route impact human, domestic and wild species health. Host and landscape factors affect viral infection and transmission dynamics of these viruses, along with barriers to host dispersal and gene exchange. However, studies show biases toward certain locations, hosts and detected pathogens, with regional variations in similar host-virus associations. Using a systematic review, in two electronic repositories for articles published until December 2022, we analysed the available information on host- and landscape-associated factors influencing the infection and transmission of directly transmitted viruses in mammals. In the analysis, about 50% of papers examined either host traits, landscape composition or configuration measures, while approximately 24% combined host and landscape-associated factors. Additionally, approximately 17% of the articles included climatic data and 30% integrated factors related to anthropogenic impact, as these variables have a role in host density, distribution and virus persistence. The most significant and frequent host traits used as predictor variables were sex, age, body weight, host density and species identity. Land cover was the most evaluated landscape attribute, while some explored configuration variables like edge density and fragmentation indexes. Finally, temperature, precipitation and features such as human population density and human footprint index were also typically measured and found impactful. Given the many contributions host- and landscape-related factors have in pathogen dynamics, this systematic study contributes to a better knowledge of host-virus dynamics and the identification of variables and gaps that can be used for disease prevention.

Increase of niche filling with increase of host richness for plant-infecting mastreviruses

Abstract Now that it has been realized that viruses are ubiquitous, questions have been raised on factors influencing their diversity and distribution. For phytoviruses, understanding the interplay between plant diversity and virus species richness and prevalence remains cardinal. As both the amplification and the dilution of viral species richness due to increasing host diversity have been theorized and observed, a deeper understanding of how plants and viruses interact in natural environments is needed to explore how host availability conditions viral diversity and distributions. From a unique dataset, this study explores interactions of Mastrevirus species (family Geminiviridae) with Poales order hosts across 10 sites from three contrasting ecosystems on La Réunion. Among 273 plant pools, representing 61 Poales species, 15 Mastrevirus species were characterized from 22 hosts. The analysis revealed a strong association of mastreviruses with hosts from agroecosystems, the rare presence of viruses in coastal grasslands, and the absence of mastreviruses in subalpine areas, areas dominated by native plants. This suggests that detected mastreviruses were introduced through anthropogenic activities, emphasizing the role of humans in shaping the global pathobiome. By reconstructing the realized host–virus infection network, besides revealing a pattern of increasing viral richness with increasing host richness, we observed increasing viral niche occupancies with increasing host species richness, implying that virus realized richness at any given site is conditioned on the global capacity of the plant populations to host diverse mastreviruses. Whether this tendency is driven by synergy between viruses or by an interplay between vector population and plant richness remains to be established.

Host distribution, size and habitat as determinants of population density and group size in a coral reef sea whip goby

Coral reefs are complex habitats that support a diversity of fish species, some of which live in specialised relationships with particular coral taxa. The ecology and social organisation of these habitat specialists can be shaped by characteristics of their host coral. Here, we quantified the distribution, density, size, dispersion and health of the gorgonian sea whip Junceella fragilis and examined their influence on population density and group size of the sea whip goby Bryaninops amplus. Visual surveys of sea whips and resident gobies were conducted in 30 m × 4 m belt transects at 16 fringing reef sites in the Palm Island Group, Queensland, Australia, across 3 depths (5, 10 and 15 m) and 4 replicates. To examine if distributions of J. fragilis and their goby inhabitants were related to current speed, a current meter was deployed at each site and depth for a 6 d period. The spatial distribution and density of B. amplus positively related to that of sea whips, and group size positively related to sea whip surface area. B. amplus density positively related to current speed, and group sizes were highest on solitary sea whips in sandy habitats. Surprisingly, group sizes were not affected by sea whip condition, with large groups found on sea whips with high proportions of damaged tissue. Host distribution, configuration and size are clearly major determinants of sea whip goby density and group size. While goby populations may ultimately be threatened by the loss of their host, they do appear to be resilient to the early stages of degradation.

The distribution of galactic neighbours of X-ray-selected active galactic nuclei

ABSTRACT We combine X-ray data from the X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission 12th data release (4XMM DR12) and the extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) Final Equatorial-Depth Survey (eFEDS) early data release catalogues with the Galaxy and Mass Assembly spectroscopic galaxy survey to form a sample of 526 local ($0.05\le z \le 0.3$), moderately luminous active galactic nuclei (AGNs; $L_{\rm X} \ge 10^{42}$ erg s-1). We compare the distribution of AGN hosts with that of the general galaxy population, finding no evidence of AGNs being preferentially hosted within over/underdense environments at a 7-Mpc scale. Next, we compare the distances to nearest-neighbour galaxies and find that AGN host galaxies are separated from their neighbours by the same distance as galaxies in a matched non-AGN sample. Finally, we consider mid-IR colour, provided by the All-WISE survey, the $L_{\rm X}/L_{6\, \mu \mathrm{m}}$ ratio, and X-ray hardness as tracers of AGN obscuration, to explore whether there is a change in the galaxy environment for obscured AGNs. We find no evidence of increasing AGN obscuration with decreasing separation in close galaxy pairs. We conclude that close galaxy–galaxy interactions may not be sufficiently disruptive to cause any observable increase in AGN activity.

The association between the genetic structures of commonly incompatible plasmids in Gram-negative bacteria, their distribution and the resistance genes.

Incompatible plasmids play a crucial role in the horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance in bacteria, particularly in Gram-negative bacteria, and have thus attracted considerable attention in the field of microbiological research. In the 1970s, these plasmids, housing an array of resistance genes and genetic elements, were predominantly discovered. They exhibit a broad presence in diverse host bacteria, showcasing diversity in geographic distribution and the spectrum of antibiotic resistance genes. The complex genetic structure of plasmids further accelerates the accumulation of resistance genes in Gram-negative bacteria. This article offers a comprehensive review encompassing the discovery process, host distribution, geographic prevalence, carried resistance genes, and the genetic structure of different types incompatible plasmids, including IncA, IncC, IncF, IncL, IncM, IncH, and IncP. It serves as a valuable reference for enhancing our understanding of the role of these different types of plasmids in bacterial evolution and the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.

New fungal taxa of Ascomycota from China

ABSTRACT Freshwater fungi exhibit a remarkable diversity and are commonly found on submerged wood, freshwater insects, herbaceous materials, sediments, leaves, foam, and living plants. Sordariomycetes in the Ascomycota is the most frequently reported group in freshwater environments. Three samples of submerged decaying wood and twigs samples were collected and examined during in this study from freshwater habitats in Yunnan and Sichuan provinces in China. Detailed morphological studies, complemented by phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, SSU, RPB2 and TEF1-α sequence data, revealed them to be three hitherto known species, namely Acrogenospora thailandica, Cancellidium cinereum and Chloridium humicola. Of these, Acrogenospora thailandica is a new geographical record for China. Chloridium humicola is also reported for the first time in China which enhances the geographical and host distribution of this species, providing new insights into its ecological preferences. Cancellidium cinereum is reported as an additional provincial record from China, contributing to our knowledge of its regional distribution. All three species, reported in their asexual state, are illustrated with detailed morphological descriptions and phylogenetic analyses. In addition, we also provide a new host record of the saprobic species Isthmolongispora quadricellularia in hyphomycetous asexual state on decaying wood for the first time in a terrestrial habitat.

Host and geographically related genetic variation in species of Cloacina (Nematoda: Strongyloidea) from western and eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus and M. giganteus (Marsupialia: Macropodidae).

Specimens of Cloacina artemis, C. expansa, C. hera, C. hermes, C. hestia, C. magnipapillata, C. obtusa and C. selene, which occur in both of the closely related species of grey kangaroos, Macropus fuliginosus and M. giganteus, were found to differ genetically based on sequence data derived from the internal transcribed spacers (ITS-1, ITS-2) of ribosomal DNA. The extent of differences varied from a single base pair in C. expansa, to 32 in C. hestia. In the case of C. hera, C. hestia and C. magnipapillata, separate genotypes were found in M. fuliginosus and M. giganteus. With C. artemis, C. expansa, C. obtusa and C. selene, nematode genotypes did not correspond with host distributions. In C. hermes, two genotypes were detected but they were not related phylogenetically. The data provide evidence suggestive of genetic differentiation in most of the nematode species potentially associated with host speciation, but with differing degrees of genetic differentiation and different associations with the two host species possibly related to changes in the geographical distribution of the hosts over time.

Catalytically Active Site Mapping Realized through Energy Transfer Modeling

AbstractThe demands of a sustainable chemical industry are a driving force for the development of heterogeneous catalytic platforms exhibiting facile catalyst recovery, recycling, and resilience to diverse reaction conditions. Homogeneous‐to‐heterogeneous catalyst transitions can be realized through the integration of efficient homogeneous catalysts within porous matrices. Herein, we offer a versatile approach to understanding how guest distribution and evolution impact the catalytic performance of heterogeneous host–guest catalytic platforms by implementing the resonance energy transfer (RET) concept using fluorescent model systems mimicking the steric constraints of targeted catalysts. Using the RET‐based methodology, we mapped condition‐dependent guest (re)distribution within a porous support on the example of modular matrices such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Furthermore, we correlate RET results performed on the model systems with the catalytic performance of two MOF‐encapsulated catalysts used to promote CO2 hydrogenation and ring‐closing metathesis. Guests are incorporated using aperture‐opening encapsulation, and catalyst redistribution is not observed under practical reaction conditions, showcasing a pathway to advance catalyst recyclability in the case of host–guest platforms. These studies represent the first generalizable approach for mapping the guest distribution in heterogeneous host–guest catalytic systems, providing a foundation for predicting and tailoring the performance of catalysts integrated into various porous supports.

Grading Habitats for Ticks by Mapping a Suitability Index based on Remotely Sensed Data and Meta® population dataset in Aosta Valley, NW Italy.

Ticks represent a reservoir of zoonotic pathogens, and their numbers are increasing largely in wildlife. This work is aimed at producing maps of suitable habitats for ticks in Aosta Valley, Italy based on multitemporal EO data and veterinary datasets (tick species and distribution in wild hosts). EO data were processed in Google Earth Engine considering the following inputs: A) Growing Degree Ticks (GDT), B) NDVI from MOD09GA, C) NDVI entropy, D) distance from water bodies, E) topography, F) rainfalls from CHIRPS as monthly composites along the 2020, 2021 and 2022 years. Ticks were collected from hunted, injured, and found-dead wild animals ( Sus scrofa, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Cervus elaphus); they were labeled at species level using taxonomic keys. Between September 2020 and December 2022, a total of 90 ticks were collected from 89 wild animals. Ixodes ricinus was the most prevalent tick species, followed by Dermacentor marginatusand Dermacentor spp. Molecular analyses demonstrated the presence of Anaplasma spp., B. burgdorferi sensu lato and Rickettsia spp. pathogens in infected ticks. To assess human population potential exposure to tick Meta® population dataset was used. In conclusion this study shows the potentialities of Remote sensing improving the technological transfer to the veterinarian sector.

Melanaphis sorghi : A review and synthesis of its control options 10 years post detection of a new invasive haplotype in the United States of America

Abstract Melanaphis sorghi is a serious invasive insect pest of grain, sweet and forage sorghum in the southern USA. Ten years post invasion by this aphid, the authors reviewed the literature on the host range, distribution, impact and available management options. Since the detection of M. sorghi in Texas in 2013, this pest rapidly spread into 25 states that accounted for over 98% of the nationwide sorghum production. At high densities and infestations, feeding by M. sorghi causes direct injury and reduces plant quality leading to significant yield reductions and severe economic losses. Multiple management methods aimed at suppressing aphid populations and reducing yield and economic losses have been developed and are available to growers. These methods include the use of in-furrow and foliar insecticide applications, resistant sorghum cultivars, cultural methods like late planting, and conservation of natural enemies (predators and parasitoids) in sorghum production. A comprehensive review of the literature indicated that utilizing a combination of management methods was more efficient in suppressing aphid populations and improving yield across a range of locations. Research focused on integrated pest management of M. sorghi is still needed to refine IPM strategies in sorghum production.

The M•–σe relation for local type 1 AGNs and quasars

We analyzed Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer observations of 42 local z ≲ 0.1 type 1 active galactic nucleus (AGN) host galaxies taken from the Palomar-Green quasar sample and the close AGN reference survey. Our goal was to study the relation between the black hole mass (M•) and bulge stellar velocity dispersion (σe) for type 1 active galaxies. The sample spans black hole masses of 106.0 − 109.2 M⊙, bolometric luminosities of 1042.9 − 1046.0 erg s−1, and Eddington ratios of 0.006 − 1.2. We avoided AGN emission by extracting the spectra over annular apertures. We modeled the calcium triplet stellar features and measured stellar velocity dispersions of σ* = 60 − 230 km s−1 for the host galaxies. We find stellar velocity dispersion values in agreement with previous measurements for local (z ≲ 0.1) AGN host galaxies, but slightly lower compared with those reported for nearby X-ray-selected type 2 quasars. Using a novel annular aperture correction recipe to estimate σe from σ* that considers the bulge morphology and observation beam-smearing, we estimate flux-weighted σe = 60 − 250 km s−1. If we consider the bulge type when estimating M•, we find no statistical difference between the distributions of AGN hosts and the inactive galaxies on the M•–σe plane for M• ≲ 108 M⊙. Conversely, if we do not consider the bulge type when computing M•, we find that both distributions disagree. We find no correlation between the degree of offset from the M•–σe relation and Eddington ratio for M• ≲ 108 M⊙. The current statistics preclude firm conclusions from being drawn for the high-mass range. We argue these observations support notions that a significant fraction of the local type 1 AGNs and quasars have undermassive black holes compared with their host galaxy bulge properties.

5.C. Scientific session: Strengthen resilience against emerging vector-borne diseases through the ECDC Fellowship Programmes

Abstract Over the past decade, climate change has impacted the transmission of a wide range of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Europe, where locally transmitted outbreaks have occurred. It has been implicated in the observed expansion of competent disease vectors in Europe such as Aedes albopictus, which transmits diseases such as Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya. Climate may influence the life cycle of vectors, and the reproduction rate of viral particles inside vectors and human hosts, which means that upsurges in temperature can reduce the incubation period of these pathogens and the life cycle of vectors, thus boosting transmission risk through elevated vector populations. Moreover, globalization and international air travel contribute to pathogen and vector dispersion internationally. Risk mapping suggests further expansion of the species in northern Europe due to climate change. The above underscores the necessity for more proactive measures, such as developing an effective vector control program by monitoring the density and distribution of hosts and pathogens at urban, national, and cross-border levels. Additionally, establishing early warning systems based on integrated human and zoonotic and entomological surveillance is crucial to detect alerts promptly and comprehend where and when infections may emerge or spread. Furthermore, cross-border collaboration and harmonization of vector-borne surveillance systems across European countries may improve preparedness, control and response to mosquito-borne diseases. Preparedness and response require significant efforts from EU Member States and neighbouring countries. Only through a multidisciplinary approach, involving multiple sectors, can we truly prepare to address public health threats. To contribute to strengthening resilience against cross-border public health and emerging health threats in EU Member States and neighbouring countries, the European Centre of Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has established three fellowship training programmes. These programmes aim to create and maintain a network of highly qualified epidemiologists, microbiologists and public health professionals and strengthen the public health epidemiology workforce at EU and neighbor countries. This workshop will offer attendees a comprehensive overview of the ECDC’s fellowship programmes, describe how they function and explain their role in preparing for health threats. It will provide examples of three projects carried out by fellows on the implementation of preparedness, response and control measures for emerging vector-borne diseases in European countries at local, national and multinational levels. Those will set the scene for an in-depth analysis of the key challenges faced and can help promote awareness that integrated, multidisciplinary interventions are both feasible and effective in reducing the threat of vector-borne infectious diseases spreading in Europe and neighboring countries. Key messages • ECDC fellowship programmes aim to strengthen resilience against emerging public health threats in EU Member States and neighboring countries. • Fellows are engaged in national and cross-border integrated and multidisciplinary interventions to strengthen preparedness and mitigate the spread of emerging vector-borne diseases.

Leishmaniasis in Humans and Animals: A One Health Approach for Surveillance, Prevention and Control in a Changing World.

Leishmaniasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease (NTD), caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania, which are transmitted to humans and other animals through the bite of infected female phlebotomine sandflies. There are three forms of the disease: cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) manifested by ulcers and scars; systemic or visceral leishmaniasis (VL), which can lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated; and mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL), which can destroy the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth and throat. Human leishmaniasis is endemic in many countries across Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central and South America. The interconnection of environmental, animal and human health underlies the spread of the Leishmania parasite. Environmental disruptions, such as climate change, deforestation or urbanisation, but also globalisation and migration, significantly affect the distribution and abundance of sand fly vectors and reservoir hosts. Climate change alters the breeding patterns of sandflies and expands their geographic range; deforestation and misuse of large areas disrupt ecosystems, leading to increased human-vector contact; and urbanisation increases the potential for contact between parties, particularly in densely populated areas. Migration of humans and animals, either through natural migration or, for example, the pet trade and breeding, can facilitate the spread of Leishmania parasites. In addition, socio-economic factors, including poverty and lack of access to healthcare, increase the burden of leishmaniasis in vulnerable populations. Due to this multitude of reasons, the geographic distribution of sandflies has expanded to higher latitudes and altitudes in recent years, with a consequent increase in disease burden. Indeed, despite ongoing challenges in the surveillance systems, data from the last available year have shown an increase in many cases in both humans and dogs. This perspective explores the interconnected factors influencing the spread of leishmaniasis worldwide and the epidemiology of the disease. In addition, it illustrates the importance of integrated strategies in a One Health approach: surveillance, prevention and control of vectors, animals and humans.