Infected Females Research Articles

Lassa virus persistence with high viral titers following experimental infection in its natural reservoir host, Mastomys natalensis

Lassa virus (LASV) outbreaks in West Africa pose a significant public health threat. We investigated the infection phenotype and transmission (horizontal and vertical) of LASV strain Ba366 in its natural host, Mastomys natalensis. Here we analyze viral RNA levels in body fluids, virus titers in organs and antibody presence in blood. In adults and 2-week-old animals, LASV causes transient infections with subsequent seroconversion. However, mice younger than two weeks exhibit persistent infections lasting up to 16 months despite antibody presence. LASV can be detected in various body fluids, organs, and cell types, primarily in lung, kidney, and gonadal epithelial cells. Despite the systemic virus presence, no pathological alterations in organs are observed. Infected animals efficiently transmit the virus throughout their lives. Our findings underscore the crucial role of persistently infected individuals, particularly infected females and their progeny, in LASV dissemination within the host population.

The efficacy of attractive targeted sugar baits in reducing malaria vector abundance in low-endemicity settings of northwest Mali

BackgroundAttractive targeted sugar baits (ATSBs) have the potential to significantly reduce infective female Anopheles mosquitoes in arid areas, such as in Northern Mali. Malaria is epidemic in the north due to the limited viability of Anopheles species in the desert climate.The goal of this study was to determine of the effect of ATSB on the number of older female An. gambiae and on the number of sporozoite-positive females in villages in northern Mali.MethodsVillages were located in the north of Mali. In this study, 5677 ATSB stations were deployed, two on each home, in ten villages during late July and early August 2019. Ten villages served as controls. After a pre-treatment monitoring period in July, An. gambiae populations were monitored again from August to December using CDC-UV light traps, pyrethrum spray catches (PSC), and human landing catches (HLC). Mosquitoes were dissected to estimate their age, while ELISA detected sporozoite positivity. The monthly entomological inoculation rates (EIRs) were calculated for HLC indoors and outdoors. Data from villages were compared using t-tests, while bait station weighted density versus amount of collected females was checked with a Pearson’s correlation.ResultsA total of 2703 female An. gambiae were caught from treated villages, 4582 from control villages, a 41.0% difference. Dissection of 1759 females showed that ATSB significantly reduced the number of older females. The proportion of older females in treated villages was 0.93% compared to 9.4% in control villages. ELISA analysis of 7285 females showed that bait stations reduced the number of sporozoite-positive females. The infective females in treated villages was 0.30% compared to 2.73% in the controls. The greater the density of bait stations deployed, the fewer the older, infective females (P < 0.05).EIRs were low in control villages except in months when An. gambiae populations were high. EIRs in ATSB placement villages remained zero. Significant reductions (P < 0.0001) in An. gambiae males were observed.ConclusionsBait stations reduced all measures of vector populations in this study. In a low-transmission setting, ATSB has the potential to greatly reduce malaria.

Mating receptivity mediated by endosymbiont interactions in a haplodiploid thrips species.

Many arthropods carry maternally inherited endosymbionts that cause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), manifested as embryonic mortality in matings of infected males with uninfected females. Infected females, however, do not suffer this cost. Therefore, in populations with mixed endosymbiont infections, selection is expected to favour mechanisms that enable hosts to avoid or mitigate CI. This may include changes in mating behaviour, such as reduced female receptivity to mating and/or remating when approached by incompatible males. Here, we investigated mating behavioural traits in haplodiploid thrips naturally associated with two CI-inducing endosymbionts, Cardinium and Wolbachia. Compared with females with both endosymbionts, those with only Cardinium showed reduced receptivity to males carrying both. However, surprisingly, females without endosymbionts were not less receptive to incompatible males. Furthermore, in contrast to females without endosymbionts, females with Cardinium were far less likely to remate with incompatible than compatible males irrespective of the compatibility type of the first mating. Our results suggest that endosymbiont-specific sexual selection processes occur, whereby females carrying only Cardinium recognize Wolbachia in coinfected males to avoid CI. This may hinder a CI-driven Wolbachia spread. Endosymbiont-mediated mating behaviours may be crucial for the dynamics of CI-inducing endosymbionts and their application in pest management strategies.

Do Sex Ratio Distorting Microbes Inhibit the Evolution of Pesticide Resistance? An Experimental Test.

We are still largely reliant on pesticides for the suppression of arthropod pests which threaten human health and food production, but the recent rise of evolved resistance among important pest species has reduced pesticide efficacy. Despite this, our understanding of strategies that effectively limit the evolution of resistance remains weak. Male-killing sex ratio distorting microbes (SRDMs), such as Wolbachia and Spiroplasma, are common among arthropod species. Previous theoretical work has suggested that they could limit adaptive potential in two ways: first, because by distorting sex ratios they reduce the effective population size, and second, because infected females produce no male offspring which restricts gene flow. Here we present the results of a novel experiment in which we test the extent by which these two mechanisms limit the adaptive response of arthropods to pesticide. Using a fully factorial design, we manipulated the adult sex ratio of laboratory populations of Drosophila melanogaster, both in the presence and absence of SRDMs, and exposed these populations to six generations of pesticide poisoning. This design allows the effects of SRDMs on sex ratio and their effects on gene flow to be estimated separately. After six generations, individuals from populations with even sex ratios displayed a higher resistance to pesticide relative to individuals from female-biased populations. By contrast, we found no effect of the presence of SRDMs in host populations on pesticide resistance independent of sex ratio. In addition, males were more susceptible to pesticide than females-this was true of flies from both naïve and previously exposed populations. These findings provide the first empirical proof of concept that sex ratio distortion arising from SRDMs can limit adaptation to pesticides, but cast doubt on the theoretical effect of male-killers limiting adaptation by disrupting gene flow.

Warm temperature inhibits cytoplasmic incompatibility induced by endosymbiotic Rickettsiella in spider hosts.

Bacterial endosymbionts manipulate reproduction in arthropods to increase their prevalence in the host population. One such manipulation is cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI), wherein the bacteria sabotage sperm in infected males to reduce the hatch rate when mated with uninfected females, but zygotes are 'rescued' when that male mates with an infected female. In the spider Mermessus fradeorum (Linyphiidae), Rickettsiella symbionts cause variable levels of CI. We hypothesised that temperature affects the strength of CI and its rescue in M. fradeorum, potentially mediated by bacterial titre. We reared Rickettsiella-infected spiders in two temperature conditions (26°C vs. 20°C) and tested CI induction in males and rescue in females. In incompatible crosses between infected males and uninfected females, the hatch rate from warm males was doubled (mean ± standard error = 0.687 ± 0.052) relative to cool males (0.348 ± 0.046), indicating that CI induction is weaker in warm males. In rescue crosses between infected females and infected males, female rearing temperature had a marginal effect on CI rescue, but the hatch rate remained high for both warm (0.960 ± 0.023) and cool females (0.994 ± 0.004). Bacterial titre, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, was lower in warm than cool spiders, particularly in females, suggesting that bacterial titre may play a role in causing the temperature-mediated changes in CI.

Reproductive consequences of the interaction Trypanosoma cruzi − Triatoma infestans and its trade-off with survival

Relative little is known about fitness effects and life history trade-off of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease in Argentina. Previous studies revealed some costs related to development, excretion, and toxicology or their possible trade-offs, but none address effects on reproduction. To study the effect of T. cruzi infection on reproductive efficiency and survival of T. infestans we set up four treatments: both genders uninfected, both genders infected, female infected – males uninfected and female uninfected − males infected. The infection was induced during the third, fourth, and fifth nymphal instars. Reproductive efficiency and longevity variables were recorded. Our results showed that the infection by T. cruzi increased reproductive efficiency and reduced survival of T. infestans. Pairs where one or both individuals were infected presented a greater percentage copulation, of egg-laying females, the onset of copulation and oviposition occurred earlier, and age-specific fecundity was notably higher. Regarding fertility, infected females displayed higher rates irrespective of the infective status of the male counterpart. A reduction in longevity was observed in infected males and females. These findings highlighted that the infection significantly alters the trade-off reproductive efficiency-survival of T. infestans, with the impact differing according to the infection status of each gender, suggesting a complex interplay rather than a simple additive effect. This response corresponds to the reproductive compensation hypothesis.

Wolbachia affect female mate preference and offspring fitness in a parasitoid wasp.

Wolbachia are widespread intracellular bacteria in insects that often have high rates of spread due to their impact on insect reproduction. These bacteria may also affect the mating behavior of their host with impacts on the fitness of host progeny. In this study, we investigated the impact of Wolbachia on a preference for mating with young or old males in the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor. Our results showed that uninfected females from a tetracycline-treated line preferred to mate with young males, whereas Wolbachia-infected females had no preference. Time to mating was relatively shorter in the infected lines. Regardless of Wolbachia infection status, progeny resulting from matings with young males showed higher fitness than those from crosses with old males, and infected females crossed with infected young males showed the highest performance. These results suggest an impact of Wolbachia on female mate preference and offspring fitness although it is unclear how this phenomenon increases Wolbachia transmission of infected wasps. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Leishmania infantum detection in Nyssomyia neivai and dogs in Southern Brazil

BackgroundThe sand fly Nyssomyia neivai is one of the most abundant species in Southern Brazil. It is frequently found in areas that are foci of visceral leishmaniasis in the state of Santa Catarina, caused by Leishmania infantum. In this region, the main vector of L. infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, has not been detected. In the absence of L. longipalpis, this study aimed to identify the sand fly fauna and diagnose any potential Leishmania spp. infection in sand flies and in dogs in a region of Southern Brazil that experienced a recent canine visceral leishmaniasis outbreak.MethodsThis report includes a survey of the sand fly fauna at the Zoonosis Control Center of the Municipality of Tubarão (Santa Catarina, Brazil). Molecular tests were conducted to investigate Leishmania spp. natural infection in sand flies using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In positive females, in addition to morphological identification, molecular analysis through DNA barcoding was performed to determine the sand fly species. Additionally, the dogs were tested for the presence of Leishmania spp. using a non-invasive technique for the collection of biological material, to be assessed by PCR.ResultsA total of 3419 sand flies, belonging to five genera, were collected. Nyssomyia neivai was the most abundant species (85.8%), followed by Migonemyia migonei (13.3%), Pintomyia fischeri (0.8%), Evandromyia edwardsi (< 0.1%), and species of the genus Brumptomyia. (0.1%). Out of the 509 non-engorged females analyzed by PCR, two (0.4%) carried L. infantum DNA. The naturally infected females were identified as Ny. neivai, in both morphological and molecular analysis. In addition, two out of 47 conjunctival swabs from dogs tested positive for L. infantum, yielding an infection rate of 4.2%.ConclusionsThese results confirm the presence of Ny. neivai naturally infected with L. infantum in an area where dogs were also infected by the parasite, suggesting its potential role as a vector in Southern Brazil.Graphical

Lack of impact of Wolbachia on foraging behavior and morphological characteristics of the parasitoid wasp, Habrobracon hebetor (Braconidae)

Wolbachia are the most widespread intracellular alphaproteobacteria in insects with a variety of phenoptypic effects on the fitness and reproduction of their host, but much less is known about how these bacteria affect host behavior. In this study, we asked whether Wolbachia affects the foraging behavior of the parasitoid wasp Habrobracon hebetor (Hym.: Braconidae), an important biological control agent of many lepidopteran larvae. To test this, we analyzed the functional and numerical responses of Wolbachia-infected and uninfected (tetracycline cured) wasps, as well as morphological parameters. Functional response analysis showed Holling type II responses in both the Wolbachia-infected and uninfected females. The handling time and searching efficiency of Wolbachia-infected and uninfected females were similar, although the estimated maximum parasitism rate was shorter in infected females. Regardless of Wolbachia infection status, there was a negative non-linear relationship between the number of larvae parasitized by a female and an increase in the host density, reflecting a decrease in the total number of eggs laid. Our results also showed that Wolbachia had no effect on morphological traits of the parasitoid wasp. Together, these results suggest that Wolbachia which are prevalent in H. hebetor have limited impact on foraging behavior and morphology.

Incompatible insect technique: insights on potential outcomes of releasing contaminant females: a proof of concept under semi-field conditions.

Releasing large numbers of Aedes albopictus males, carrying the artificially introduced Wolbachia 'wPip' strain, results in a decrease in the reproductive capacity of wild females due to a phenomenon known as cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI). This vector control strategy is referred to as the incompatible insect technique (IIT). However, its widespread implementation faces various challenges, including the complexity of removing fertile females from the males intended for release. Here, we present the results of semi-field experiments comparing the impact of minimal female co-release on two IIT modes: unidirectional CI-based (UnCI IIT) and bidirectional CI-based (BiCI IIT), specifically targeting Ae. albopictus. The contamination of 'wPip' infected females (2%) during male releases significantly weakened the overall effectiveness of IIT, emphasizing the need for thorough sex separation. Specifically, with UnCI IIT, despite the low rate of co-released females, there was a gradual rise in 'wPip' infection frequency, resulting in more compatible mating and subsequently higher rates of egg hatching. Conversely, this pattern was effectively mitigated in BiCI IIT owing to the reciprocal sterility between the wild-type and the 'wPip' infected populations. Through an experimental approach, conducted in a semi-field setting, we have contributed to advancing scientific understanding regarding the potential outcomes of implementing the IIT strategy in the absence of a complete sexing system. The results suggest that safety measures for mitigating the potential impacts of co-released females can be tailored according to the specific type of IIT being utilized. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Evaluating serum electrolyte and trace element variations between Babesia ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep

Babesiosis caused by Babesia ovis is a major threat to the livestock industry worldwide. In Pakistan, the Lohi sheep breed is an important economic resource, but limited information is available on the impact of B. ovis infection on this breed. This study aimed to investigate the serum electrolyte and trace element variations between B. ovis-infected and uninfected Lohi sheep from Pakistan. A total of 97 Lohi sheep was stratified based on the geographical distribution of Multan district, employing a multistage cluster sampling method. Blood and serum samples were collected from randomly selected sheep, and DNA extraction and PCR amplification were performed to detect B. ovis infection. Serum electrolyte and trace element levels were analyzed in infected (n=67) and uninfected (n=30) groups, stratified by age and gender. The study revealed a 69.07% overall infection rate of B. ovis in Lohi sheep. Infected sheep showed significantly elevated serum copper levels (p&lt;0.0001), with no substantial differences observed in serum iron, sodium, potassium, and chloride levels. However, age-wise variance analysis revealed statistically significant variations in sodium and potassium levels (p&lt;0.0001 and p&lt;0.05, respectively). Notably, serum chloride levels differed between infected and uninfected females in individuals younger than two years (p&lt;0.05). Serum iron levels remained consistent across different age groups. Comparative analysis indicated a higher prevalence of electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremia, and hypoferremia, in infected sheep compared to normal reference ranges, while instances of hypernatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and hyperferremia were less frequent. In conclusion, our study suggests that B. ovis infections could lead to alterations in serum electrolyte and trace element levels in Lohi sheep, emphasizing the importance of further research into the specific mechanisms driving these alterations to enhance disease management strategies tailored to this breed.

Molecular Detection and Genetic Variability of Hepatozoon canis in Golden Jackals (Canis aureus L. 1758) in Serbia.

Hepatozoon canis is a protozoan tick-borne parasite infecting domestic and wild canids, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. It is mainly found in dogs but has also been detected in several wild carnivores, including foxes, wolves, and jackals. Host transmission primarily occurs through the ingestion of infected ticks, typically Rhipicephalus sanguineus, with documented instances of transplacental transmission from infected females to cubs. In Serbia, the golden jackal is common throughout the country, and its population has increased in recent years. Previous research has documented the presence of several vector-borne pathogens in the jackal population in Serbia, so we conducted this study to determine the presence, prevalence, and genetic variability of H. canis. Over eleven years (2010-2020), 114 animal samples were collected from 23 localities in Serbia. A total of 90/114 (78.95%) jackals were positive for H. canis, and they came from 22 localities. Among 15 juveniles, almost half (6/15 (40%)) tested positive for H. canis. In addition to the high prevalence, high genetic variability of the pathogen was also found. According to the mutated positions, four sequence types (S4-S7) of H. canis were determined. Based on our earlier research on the grey wolf and on this study, it can be observed that various sequence types of H. canis circulate within wild canid populations in Serbia. The prevalence of H. canis infection in wild carnivores raises significant concerns for wildlife conservation and animal health. Infected animals may act as reservoirs for the disease, posing a potential risk to domestic animals by acting as a source of infection.

Infestation of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros (Epialtidae: Brachyura) from the Egyptian Red Sea coasts by Parasacculina pilosella (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia

The results of this study showed that out of 287 individuals (135 males and 152 females) of the spider crab Menaethius monoceros collected from the Red Sea and the Gulfs of Suez and Aqaba, 15 individuals (6 males and 9 females) were infected with Parasacculina pilosella (Van Kampen & Boschma, 1925) (Polyascidae: Rhizocephala: Cirripedia: Crustacea). A total of 20 externae were recorded, including 11 singles, three doubles, and only one triple on the infected crab abdomens. The overall infection rate was 5.23% for the combined sexes at all sites, declined to 4.44% in males, but increased to 5.92% in females, reaching a higher rate of 16.07% in the populations of Marsa Alam and Shalateen sectors during summer. The examined externae have variable colors, sizes, and shapes based on their sexual maturity, which has been classified into four stages: immature or virgin, early mature, maturing, and late (spent externae). The largest number of externae was eight extruded on the 3rd abdominal segment, while it decreased to six, two, and one on the 4th, 2nd and 5th segments, respectively. The size of externae varied from 1.3 × 1.0 × 1.0 to 6.3 × 4.5 × 2.5 mm (Breadth × Height × Thickness). These results showed changes in the external secondary sexual characters of the infected males, represented by the remarkable broadness of the abdomen fringed with marginal setae and invagination of the sternum, but were limited in infected females.

Impact of Experimental Tuberculosis on Fertility of Female BALB/c Mice.

The study revealed no effects of pregnancy and childbirth on the course of tuberculosis in female BALB/c mice after aerosol infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, we demonstrated a negative effect of tuberculosis infection on the fertility of infected females, which manifested in a longer period from mating to pregnancy and in a smaller litter size. Impaired reproductive function in response to the effect of the systemic infectious process was accompanied by the development of immunosuppression confirmed by an immunological test (delayed-type hypersensitivity to tuberculin) and the formation of genital tract dysbiosis during pregnancy and postpartum period.

Onchocerciasis in the Cameroon–Chad border area after more than 20 years of annual mass ivermectin distribution

BackgroundThe main vectors of onchocerciasis in Africa are Simulium damnosum sensu lato, which transmit the causative agent Onchocerca volvulus. The force of transmission is driven by the vector density, hence influencing the disease prevalence and intensity. Onchocerciasis is currently targeted for elimination using mass drug administration (MDA) of ivermectin, a potent microfilaricide. MDA in Cameroon began in 1987 in the Vina Valley, an endemic cross-border area with Chad, known for high vector densities and precontrol endemicity. Evaluations in 2008–2010 in this area showed ongoing transmission, while border areas in Chad were close to interrupting transmission. This study aimed to evaluate transmission in this area after several rounds of MDA since the last evaluation surveys.MethodsBlack flies were collected by human landing catches at seven border sites in Cameroon, twice a week, from August 2021 to March 2022. A fraction of the flies was dissected for parity assessment and identification of Onchocerca larval stages. The transmission indices were estimated. Black fly larvae were also collected from the breeding sites at the fly catching sites and identified to species level by cytotaxonomy.ResultsA total of 14,303 female flies were collected, and 6918 were dissected. Of these, 4421 (64.0%) were parous. The total biting rates were high, reaching up to 16,407 bites/person/study period, and transmission potential (third-stage larvae (L3) from head/all L3) were 367/702, 146/506, 51/55, 20/32, 0/3, 0/0, and 0/0 infective larvae/person, respectively, for Mbere-Tchad, Babidan, Hajam/V5, Gor, Djeing, Touboro, and Koinderi. Infectivity rates (L3 from head) were 16.00, 12.75, 5.15, and 4.07 infective females (L3H)/1000 parous flies for Haijam, Mbere-Tchad, Babidan, and Gor, respectively. These values exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) thresholds of ≤ 20 annual transmission potential (ATP) or < 1 infective female/1000 parous females. The major vectors identified were Simulium damnosum sensu stricto, S. squamosum, and for the first time in the area, S. yahense.ConclusionsMore than 20 years of MDA has not eliminated onchocerciasis in the study area; hence, this area is a potential source of reintroduction of onchocerciasis in Chad and would require alternative treatment strategies. Many factors such as MDA efficiency, effectiveness of ivermectin, and cytospecies composition may be contributing to transmission persistence.Graphical

The mechanism of cytoplasmic incompatibility is conserved in Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes deployed for arbovirus control.

The rising interest and success in deploying inherited microorganisms and cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) for vector control strategies necessitate an explanation of the CI mechanism. Wolbachia-induced CI manifests in the form of embryonic lethality when sperm from Wolbachia-bearing testes fertilize eggs from uninfected females. Embryos from infected females however survive to sustain the maternally inherited symbiont. Previously in Drosophila melanogaster flies, we demonstrated that CI modifies chromatin integrity in developing sperm to bestow the embryonic lethality. Here, we validate these findings using wMel-transinfected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes released to control vector-borne diseases. Once again, the prophage WO CI proteins, CifA and CifB, target male gametic nuclei to modify chromatin integrity via an aberrant histone-to-protamine transition. Cifs are not detected in the embryo, and thus elicit CI via the nucleoprotein modifications established pre-fertilization. The rescue protein CifA in oogenesis localizes to stem cell, nurse cell, and oocyte nuclei, as well as embryonic DNA during embryogenesis. Discovery of the nuclear targeting Cifs and altered histone-to-protamine transition in both Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and D. melanogaster flies affirm the Host Modification Model of CI is conserved across these host species. The study also newly uncovers the cell biology of Cif proteins in the ovaries, CifA localization in the embryos, and an impaired histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis of any mosquito species. Overall, these sperm modification findings may enable future optimization of CI efficacy in vectors or pests that are refractory to Wolbachia transinfections.

Infection‐related sexual conflict in mating behaviors of wolf spiders

AbstractResistance to mating by females has been hypothesized as a tactic to assess potential mates and avoid undesirable ones. Previous studies show infection with the pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, triggers a costly immune response and negatively impacts fitness in the wolf spider Schizocosa ocreata (Hentz 1844). Studies also show that infection can be transmitted during copulation, suggesting that there are potential fitness costs associated with mating with an infected individual. We examined impacts of infection on mating interactions of male and female S. ocreata. As studies show infection can be detected through chemical cues, we tested whether males or females avoid mating with infected individuals when given the opportunity. We paired infected and uninfected (control) males and females and recorded their behavior. We found that mating outcome was independent of infection for males and females. While higher male courtship rates and more frequent female receptivity displays were associated with successful mating, we saw no direct effect of infection status on mating outcome. However, among spider pairs that did not mate, females were found to be significantly more resistant and aggressive toward infected males than control males. Male aggression, on the other hand, was greater in pairs that did result in mating. These results suggest that sexual conflict in mating can be related to infection status, and that females can recognize infected males and alter their behavior in response.

Psychopathology of latent toxoplasmosis in infected individuals: roles of age, duration of infection, and sex

Background. The present study examined the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and mental disorders. Methods. The sample included 117 toxoplasma-positive volunteers on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Data were collected online using the 71-item abbreviated form of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). Results. According to the results, a) the psychological profile of latent toxoplasmosis patients in the eight clinical scales of MMPI was within the normal range; b) in the male group, ‘duration of infection’ significantly predicted the scores for the four clinical scales of depression, psychopathic deviate, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia; also, ‘age’ predicted the scores for hypochondriasis and schizophrenia in men; c) in the female group, only ‘age’ was able to predict the scores for the scales of hysteria, paranoia, mental weakness, and social deviance; and d) there was no significant difference between male and female groups in any of the clinical scales. Conclusion. Duration of infection with latent toxoplasmosis was associated with depression, psychopathtic deviation, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia in infected males, but this was not the case for the infected females in any of the clinical scales of the 71-item abbreviated form of MMPI. Practical Implications. In mental health screening of individuals with latent toxoplasmosis, males should be screened on the scales of depression, psychopathtic deviation, psychasthenia, and schizophrenia according to the increase in the duration of infection.

Assessment of severity and feto-maternal outcomes among COVID-19 infected pregnant females hospitalized at tertiary care center in western Nepal

Objective: There is a paucity of data assessing the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and feto-maternal outcomes in pregnant women in Nepal, especially during the third wave of the pandemic with the Delta variant. This study aimed to severity as well as maternal-fetal outcomes among pregnant women with COVID-19 infection. Methods: In this cross-sectional study carried out amongst COVID-19 positive pregnant women visiting our institution for 6 months from January through June 2022, data surrounding COVID-19 severity and fetal outcomes were collected in a structured questionnaire. Disease severity was categorized based on the NIH (National Institutes of Health) severity classification. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the outcomes. Results: A total of 105 pregnant females infected with COVID-19 during the third wave were included in our study. The participants ranged from 16 through 40 years, mean gestational age being 36.6 weeks. Most of the women (40.55%) belonged to Brahmin and Chhetri ethnic backgrounds. About half (48.55%) of females were asymptomatic and four patients had severe disease requiring intensive care management. Only 13 pregnant females underwent vaccination. Of the 91 females that underwent delivery at our center, 77 (84.62%) were term. The rate of cesarean delivery was slightly higher (51.65%) than normal delivery. None of the babies born to COVID-positive pregnant females tested positive for COVID-19 and there were no stillbirths or any congenital anomalies. The majority of babies (68.14%) had normal fetal weight. Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 infection and adverse maternal-fetal outcomes during the third wave of COVID-19 infection with the Delta variant in Nepal were less than in other regions of the world despite low rates of vaccination.

Idiosyncratic effects of bacterial infection on female fecundity in Drosophila melanogaster

Existing theories make different predictions regarding the effect of a pathogenic infection on the host capacity to reproduce. Terminal investment theory suggests that due to the increased risk of mortality, and the associated risk of losing future opportunity to reproduce, infected individuals would increase their investment towards reproduction. Life-history theory posits that due to energetic and resource costs associated with mounting an immune defense, hosts would decrease their investment towards reproduction, and reallocate resources towards defense and survival. Additionally, Somatic damage incurred by the host due to the infection is also expected to compromise the host capacity to reproduce. We explored these possibilities in Drosophila melanogaster females experimentally infected with pathogenic bacteria. We tested if the effect of infection on female fecundity is pathogen specific, determined by infection outcome, and variable between individual infected females. We observed that the mean, population level change in post-infection female fecundity was pathogen specific, but not correlated with mortality risk. Furthermore, infection outcome, i.e., if the infected female died or survived the infection, had no effect on fecundity at this level. At individual resolution, females that died after infection exhibited greater variation in fecundity compared to ones that survived the infection. This increased variation was bidirectional, with some females reproducing in excess while others reproducing less compared to the controls. Altogether, our results suggest that post-infection female fecundity is unlikely to be driven by risk of mortality and is probably determined by the precise physiological changes that an infected female undergoes when infected by a specific pathogen.