With the objective of combating malaria by reducing the populations of Plasmodium spp vectors, the larvicidal and adulticidal effects of essential oils of Corymbia citriodora (Myrtaceae) and Xylopia aetiopica (Annonaceae) on Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto Giles 1902 were determined. Biological tests were carried out using a methodology inspired by the standard WHO protocol (2005) and revealed that the essential oils tested on larvae and adults of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto Giles 1902 possess remarkable larvicidal and adulticidal properties. In stage II larvae, LC50 values (ppm) were 27.07 and 42.88 respectively for Corymbia citriodora and Xylopia aetiopica with HL50s of 1h 09min 32sec and 2h 41min 02sec respectively. In stage IV larvae, LC50 values (ppm) were 30.62 (Corymbia citriodora) and 47.85 (Xylopia aetiopica) with HL50s of 1h 40min 25sec and 3h 40min 41sec respectively. Adult LC50s (ppm) for Corymbia citriodora and Xylopia aetiopica were 32.25 and 35.13 respectively. Adult HL50s were 1h 50min 24sec and 2h 11min 46sec. Corymbia citriodora plant oil, which showed correspondingly low LC50s and HL50s, is therefore the most effective compared with Xylopia aetiopica plant oil.

Resistance to insecticides is spreading among populations of Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of important human arboviruses. The escalating insecticide resistance poses a significant threat to dengue vector control, with an expanding number of countries affected by the disease. To gain a deeper insight into the evolution of insecticide resistance, it is essential to have longitudinal surveillance results, which are currently lacking, particularly from African Ae. aegypti populations. Here we report on three-years of surveillance of Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticide resistance phenotypes and associated kdr mutations in Burkina Faso, a country with regular dengue outbreaks. Ae. aegypti susceptibility to insecticides and the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr target site mutations linked to pyrethroid insecticide resistance were monitored in Ouagadougou from 2016 to 2018. Larvae were collected from artificial containers at two sites and reared to adulthood in an insectary. Bioassays were conducted on female adults, along with a laboratory-susceptible strain, following standard WHO protocols. Allele-specific PCR genotyping assays were utilized to identify the V410L, V1016I, and F1534C kdr pyrethroid target site mutations. Bioassays revealed a high level of resistance to permethrin and deltamethrin that progressively increased over the three-year period in both localities. The 1534C mutation was nearly fixed throughout the three years at each locality, and while the closely-related 410L and 1016I mutations did not vary between localities, their frequency notably increased from 2016 to 2018. Interestingly, Ae. aegypti populations in both areas remained susceptible to bendiocarb, fenitrothion, and malathion. Modelling the mortality data further confirmed the escalating resistance trend over the years and emphasized the significant role played by the three kdr mutations in conferring resistance to pyrethroids. Mortality rates indicate that Ae. aegypti populations from Ouagadougou are becoming increasingly resistant to pyrethroid insecticides, likely due to an increase in the frequencies of the 410L and 1016I kdr mutations. Organophosphate insecticides are likely to be better alternative options for control.

To overcome the spread of high pyrethroid resistance in the main malaria vectors and malaria disease persistence, it is crucial to look for effective and better resistance management strategies. Understanding the phenotypic profile of Anopheles gambiae sl. against alternatives insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates is crucial. Anopheles larvae and pupae were collected from the breeding sites in rice fields, pineapple crop areas, and peri-urban areas. WHO susceptibility tests were conducted on unfed female mosquitoes aged 3-5 days old. Mosquitoes were exposed to malathion 5%, pirimiphos-methyl 0.25%, and bendiocarb 0.1% using the standard WHO protocol. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to detect species, kdr and Ace-1 mutations. Anopheles gambiae sl. from Sèdjè-Dénou rice field population was resistant to bendiocarb (0.1%) with a mortality rate of 72.2% whereas Anopheles gambiae sl. populations from Zinvié-Dokomey (rice field), Zè-Tozounmè (pineapple field), and Adjagbo (peri-urban area) were suspected to be resistant with mortality rates of 90%, 93.5%, 95.4% respectively. However, all of them were susceptible to organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) with a mortality rate of 100%. PCR assay revealed that 100% of the mosquitoes tested were Anopheles coluzzii. The frequencies of Ace-1R mutation in all Anopheles coluzzii populations tested were low (3-27%). Organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) have maintained their efficacy against Anopheles coluzzii populations from Sèdjè-Dénou (rice field), Zè Tozounmè (pineapple field), Zinvié Dokomey (rice field), or Adjagbo (peri-urban area). The good efficacy of these organophosphates against Anopheles coluzzii populations from the southern part of Benin are observed in the current study. The use of pirimiphos-methyl for IRS in this part of the country would be a successful alternative for malaria control in this area.

Aedes aegypti is a major vector responsible for spreading dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika viruses worldwide. These illnesses have increased globally due to climate and environmental changes. Vector control and management are the principal tactics for combating mosquitoes-borne diseases in the absence of an effective vaccine. The study aimed to ascertain bioactivities of Ageratum houstonianum leaf acetone extract ( Ah LAE) against Ae. aegypti . Bioefficacy of Ah LAE was tested against fourth instar larvae (L4) of Ae. aegypti using standard WHO protocol. The mortality, growth, and development of larvae, pupae and adults were recorded after exposure to the extract. The Ah LAE showed larvicidal activity against L4 with LC 50 and LC 90 values of 401.88 and 691.24 mg/L, respectively. The mortality of the larvae further increased on subsequent days. The Ah LAE caused a significant reduction in pupae formation and adult emergence. It also increased the larval duration of L4 and development duration of the pupa formed from the treated L4, indicating its growth-suppressing effects. The impact of the Ah LAE was dose-dependent; high concentrations caused reduction in survival and growth of L4. Consequently, the L4-pupal and L4-adult growth indexes decreased. Additionally, the Ah LAE induced developmental anomalies in the form of larva-pupa (L-P) intermediates. The study found that the Ah LAE exhibited larvicidal, growth-suppressing, and development-altering activities against Ae. aegypti . The findings suggest the potential of AhALE as a natural insecticidal agent for controlling mosquitoes.

Background To overcome the spread of high pyrethroid resistance in the main malaria vectors and malaria disease persistence, it is crucial to look for effective and better resistance management strategies. Understanding the phenotypic profile of Anopheles gambiae sl. against alternatives insecticides like organophosphates and carbamates is crucial. Methods Anopheles larvae and pupae were collected from the breeding sites in rice fields, pineapple crop areas, and peri-urban areas. WHO susceptibility tests were conducted on unfed female mosquitoes aged 3–5 days old. Mosquitoes were exposed to malathion 5%, pirimiphos-methyl 0.25%, and bendiocarb 0.1% using the standard WHO protocol. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques were used to detect species, kdr and Ace-1 mutations. Results Anopheles gambiae sl. from Sèdjè-Dénou rice field population was resistant to bendiocarb (0.1%) with a mortality rate of 72.2% whereas Anopheles gambiae sl. populations from Zinvié-Dokomey (rice field), Zè-Tozounmè (pineapple field), and Adjagbo (peri-urban area) were suspected to be resistant with mortality rates of 90%, 93.5%, 95.4% respectively. However, all of them were susceptible to organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) with a mortality rate of 100%. PCR assay revealed that 100% of the mosquitoes tested were Anopheles coluzzii. The frequencies of Ace-1R mutation in all Anopheles coluzzii populations tested were low (3–27%). Conclusions Organophosphates (malathion and pirimiphos-methyl) have maintained their efficacy against Anopheles coluzzii populations from Sèdjè-Dénou (rice field), Zè Tozounmè (pineapple field), Zinvié Dokomey (rice field), or Adjagbo (peri-urban area). The good efficacy of these organophosphates against Anopheles coluzzii populations from the southern part of Benin are observed in the current study. The use of pirimiphos-methyl for IRS in this part of the country would be a successful alternative for malaria control in this area.

Durability of PBO nets (Olyset Plus®), 12 months after their distribution in Bertoua, Cameroon

Abstract The present study was carried out for the first time in Morocco to valorise plant species of the Artemisia genus. Its aim was to evaluate the larvicidal activity of essential oils from six Artemisia plants (A. herba alba, A. absinthium, A. campestris L., A. negrei, A. pontica, and A. arborescens) against Culex pipiens mosquitoes, which are recognised as potential vectors of West Nile virus. Bioinsecticides derived from EOs have shown promise as effective mosquito control agents. The EOs were analysed using GC–MS and GC‐FID and were obtained by hydrodistillation from the aerial parts of the plants. Besides, the experiment was carried out according to the standard WHO protocol. Thujone and camphor were identified as the predominant compounds in all six Artemisia plants. A. herba alba demonstrated the highest larvicidal activity with LC50 and LC90 values of 4.85 and 15.39 μg/mL, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were employed to explore the correlation between major EO compounds and larvicidal efficacy. The results suggest that these findings could pave the way for the development of tailored biocides that specifically target important disease vectors.

Background:Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are the recommended antimalarial drugs for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria. The recent emergence of artemisinin partial resistance (ART-R) in Rwanda, Uganda and Eritrea is of great concern. In Tanzania, a nationwide molecular malaria surveillance in 2021 showed a high prevalence of the Kelch13 (K13) 561H mutation in Plasmodium falciparum from the north-western region, close to the border with Rwanda and Uganda. This study was conducted in 2022 to evaluate the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) and artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria and to confirm the presence of ART-R in Tanzania.Methods:This single-arm study evaluated the efficacy of AL and ASAQ in eligible children aged six months to 10 years at Bukangara Dispensary in Karagwe District, Kagera Region. Clinical and parasitological responses were monitored for 28 days according to standard WHO protocol. Mutations in K13 gene and extended haplotypes with these mutations were analysed using Sanger and whole genome sequencing data, respectively.Findings:176 children (88 in each AL and ASAQ group) were enrolled and all achieved the defined outcomes. PCR-corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR) was 98.3% (95% CI: 90.8–100) and 100.0% (95% CI: 95.8–100) for AL and ASAQ, respectively. Parasitaemia on day 3 was observed in 11/88 (12.5%) and 17/88 (19.3%) in the AL and ASAQ groups, respectively. The half-life of parasitaemia was significantly higher (>6.5 hrs) in patients with parasitaemia on day 3 and/or mutations in K13 gene at enrolment. Most patients with parasitaemia on day 3 (8/11 = 72.7% in the AL group and 10/17 = 58.8% in the ASAQ group) had 561H mutation at enrolment. The parasites with K13 mutations were not similar to those from south-east Asia and Rwanda, but had the same core haplotype of a new 561H haplotype reported in Kagera in 2021.Interpretation:These findings confirm the presence of ART-R in Tanzania. A context-specific strategy to respond to artemisinin partial resistance is urgently needed. Although both AL and ASAQ showed high efficacy, increased vigilance for reduced efficacy of these ACTs and detection of ART-R in other parts of the country is critical.

The Asteraceae family is well known for its toxic and repellent activity against mosquitoes. In this study, essential oils (EOs) extracted from the aerial parts of both wild and cultivated Artemisia campestris L. plants were tested for larvicidal activity against Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae), a pest mosquito widely suspected to be the vector responsible for West Nile virus transmission. The research aims at comparing the chemical composition and insecticidal activity of cultivated and wild A. campestris EOs. The EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation from the plant's aerial parts and were analyzed using GC-MS. Furthermore, the larviciding experiment was carried out following the standard WHO protocol. The result showed that wild and cultivated plant EOs differed only quantitatively, while the qualitative profile revealed a nearly identical chemical composition. Camphor (18.98%), car-3-en-5-one (11.25%), thujone (6.36%), chrysanthenone (6.24%), filifolone (4.56%), and borneol (3.56%) dominate the wild plant EO. Camphor (21.01%), car-3-en-5-one (17%), chrysanthenone (10.15%), filifolone (7.90%), borneol (3.38%), and thujone (3.08%) are the major compounds of the cultivated plant. Cultivation did not affect the EO production since the yield of the cultivated plant was 0.5 ± 0.1% and 0.6 ± 0.2% for the wild plant. The cultivated A. campestris EO had the highest insecticidal activity (LC50 = 9.79 µg/ml), and no significant difference was noticed between wild and cultivated A. campestris EO in terms of LC90. These findings could pave the way for a new method of producing biocides to control major disease vectors and offer a potential alternative for pest control.

Background: Good antenatal care helps a woman face labour in good health and optimum conditions. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and WHO guidelines suggest 15 visits in the whole pregnancy. Keeping in view the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce the exposure of pregnant ladies the number of antenatal visits was reduced to 7 milestone visits and outcome was noted. This study aimed to do a comparative study of feto-maternal outcome in antenatal cases at our centre using standard WHO protocol vs. revised antenatal protocol during COVID-19 pandemic. Subjects and Method: This was an observational study done at a tertiary care center of an Armed forces hospital with target population as pregnant ladies attending antenatal care Out patient department of the hospital during COVID19 pandemic Vs Antenatal cases in previous 1 year. A comparative analysis of pregnancy outcome, maternal variables during pregnancy and delivery along with neonatal variables was done. Results: There were lesser deliveries by 41.7% as compared to non-COVID times. There was an increase in the caesarean delivery rate and instrumental delivery rate during COVID times by 11% and 53% respectively. There was increase in Vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) by 26.6%. The incidence of fetal growth restriction, placental abruption, maternal anaemia and gestational diabetes mellitus, oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios was low. The incidence of spontaneous abortions was also low in our study. In contrast, the incidence of pre-term deliveries doubled from 7.4% to 13.4%. Neonatal morbidity and mortality indicators like Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) admissions showed a rising trend of 1.7% during the COVID (14.6% to 16.3%) with a minimal rise in early neonatal deaths by 0.2%. Conclusion: Our model doesn't show an increase in maternal, neonatal morbidity, and mortality. This model can be used as a standard of care for Antenatal patients during Pandemics. It reduces the risk exposure of the gravid mother without any significant increase in maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Keywords: antenatal care, COVID-19 pandemic, revised antenatal schedule. Correspondence: Dr Vipin Kumar Prajapati, Graded Specialist Department of Obstetrics Gynecology, AFMC, Pune. E Mail: vipinafmc@gmail.com. Contact No: 8811015130. Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2023), 08(01): 125-133 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2023.08.01.12

Актуальність. Циркуляція різних штамів вірусу кору тісно пов’язана з регіоном та рівнем захворюваності, оскільки циркулюючі штами можуть змінюватись в період епідемічних спалахів та в міжепідемічні періоди. За даними ВООЗ, найбільш поширеним під час епідемічних спалахів у всьому світі є генотип B3. Тому типування циркулюючих штамів вірусу кору, особливо під час епідемічного спалаху, є важливим процесом, у тому числі й з метою прогнозування розвитку епідемії. Метою даного дослідження була ідентифікація та визначення генотипу циркулюючих в Україні штамів вірусу кору в період 2012–2019 років. Матеріали та методи. Була використана та проаналізована звітна документація ДУ «Одеський обласний лабораторний центр» МОЗУ в Одеській області за 2012–2019 роки щодо дослідження матеріалів від хворих з підозрою на кір з використанням молекулярно-біологічних, генетичних, аналітичних та статистичних підходів. Відповідно до стандартного протоколу ВООЗ для секвенування та проведення філогенетичного аналізу від пацієнтів виділяли циркулюючі штами вірусу кору з використанням спеціальної культури клітин Vero/SLAM, а після культивування з отриманого вірус-вміщуючого матеріалу виділяли РНК вірусу кору та проводили ЗТ-ПЛР. Отриману кДНК відправляли на генотипування, яке проводилось у референс-лабораторії ВООЗ з діагностики кору та краснухи в м. Люксембурзі. Результати. За період 2012–2014 років було виділено 20 штамів вірусу кору з 45 проб (сеча та носоглоткові змиви) від хворих з діагнозом «кір». У 2015–2016 роках виділення вірусу не проводилось через одиничні випадки захворювання. У 2017 році було виділено 24 штами вірусу зі 164 проб. Висновки. Отримані в ДУ «Одеський обласний лабораторний центр» результати свідчать, що у міжепідемічний період 2012–2014 років у регіоні циркулював переважно генотип D4, а починаючи з 2017 року, коли спостерігається підвищення кількості захворілих, пов’язане з новим епідемічним спалахом, на півдні України циркулює переважно генотип В3, генетичної лінії MVs/Kabul.AFG/20.2014/3 B3. Як бачимо, ці дані цілком збігаються з даними, наведеними у літературних джерелах, щодо циркуляції генотипів, які зустрічались у певний час в Європейському регіоні залежно від кількості захворілих.

The present study was carried out to investigate the phytochemical, antioxidant and larvicidal property of different solvent extracts of leaves of Clerodendrum infortunatum and fruit peel of Citrus grandis. The antioxidant property was studied by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), 1,1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) assays. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were estimated following standard protocols. Larvicidal activity of the plant extracts were evaluated following standard WHO protocol. In a series of test doses (100 to 2000 μg/mL), 20 numbers of Aedes aegypti larvae were exposed and the mortality was recorded after 24 h and LC50 were calculated. The study showed that the C. grandis extracts have better phytochemical, antioxidant and larvicidal activity compared to C. infortunatum. Among the four solvent fractions, diethyl ether extract showed higher activity in both the plants. The present study thus showed potential larvicidal property of the plants against A. aegypti. However, further characterization and identification of active compound (s) need to be carried out to study the exact mode of action.

Aedes aegypti is the main epidemic vector of arboviruses in Africa. In Senegal, control activities are mainly limited to mitigation of epidemics, with limited information available for Ae. aegypti populations. A better understanding of the current Ae. aegypti susceptibility status to various insecticides and relevant resistance mechanisms involved is needed for the implementation of effective vector control strategies. The present study focuses on the detection of insecticide resistance and reveals the related mechanisms in Ae. aegypti populations from Senegal.Bioassays were performed on Ae. aegypti adults from nine Senegalese localities (Matam, Louga, Barkedji, Ziguinchor, Mbour, Fatick, Dakar, Kédougou and Touba). Mosquitoes were exposed to four classes of insecticides using the standard WHO protocols. Resistance mechanisms were investigated by genotyping for pyrethroid target site resistance mutations (V1016G, V1016I, F1534C and S989P) and measuring gene expression levels of key detoxification genes (CYP6BB2, CYP9J26, CYP9J28, CYP9J32, CYP9M6, CCEae3a and GSTD4).All collected populations were resistant to DDT and carbamates except for the ones in Matam (Northern region). Resistance to permethrin was uniformly detected in mosquitoes from all areas. Except for Barkédji and Touba, all populations were characterized by a susceptibility to 0.75% Permethrin. Susceptibility to type II pyrethroids was detected only in the Southern regions (Kédougou and Ziguinchor). All mosquito populations were susceptible to 5% Malathion, but only Kédougou and Matam mosquitoes were susceptible to 0.8% Malathion. All populations were resistant to 0.05% Pirimiphos-methyl, whereas those from Louga, Mbour and Barkédji, also exhibited resistance to 1% Fenitrothion. None of the known target site pyrethroid resistance mutations was present in the mosquito samples included in the genotyping analysis (performed in > 1500 samples). In contrast, a remarkably high (20-70-fold) overexpression of major detoxification genes was observed, suggesting that insecticide resistance is mostly mediated through metabolic mechanisms. These data provide important evidence to support dengue vector control in Senegal.

Mosquitoes are the most important group of insects in terms of public health importance, which transmit serious human diseases. The continuous application of synthetic insecticides to control these mosquitoes causes development of resistance in vector species, and an adverse effect on environmental quality and non-target organisms including human health. Therefore, the use of active toxic agents from plant extracts as alternative mosquito control strategy cannot be over emphasized, as these are non-toxic, easily available at affordable prices, biodegradable and show target - specific activities against different species of vector mosquitoes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the larvicidal efficacy of the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of H. suaveolens against the fourth instars larvae of Anopheles species. Standard WHO protocols was adopted for the larvicidal bioassay. Larvicidal activity was evaluated at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 mg/L. The larval mortality was observed after 24 and 48hours bioassay. The results are mean of three replicates and the mortalities recorded were subjected to chi-square test and probit analysis to determine median lethal concentrations (LC50). TheGC-MS analysis ofthe methanolic leaf extract of the plantrevealed the presence of twelve compounds on the chromatogram. Among the major compounds areOleic Acid (33.33%), Octadecanoic acid (13.52%), 1,3-Cyclohexadiene-1-methanol,alpha.,2,6,6-(10.42%), 1,3-Cyclopentanediol, trans (9.60%), n-Hexadecanoic acid (9.01%) and 4-Hepten-3-one, 4-methyl (7.0%).The phytochemical screening of the aqueous and methanol leaf extracts of the plant revealed the presence of Tannins, Terpenoids, Flavonoids, Steroids, Carbohydrates, Cardiac glycoside and resins. The LC50 values estimated were 316.22mg/Lfor methanol extract and 323.59 mg/L for aqueous extract. The differences between the two extracts were however not significantly different at P>0.05. The findings also revealed that mortality was concentration dependent and both extracts showed promising larvicidal activity against Anopheles species larvae. Therefore, the crude leaf extract of the plant is recommended to be used as alternative to synthetic larvicides and further research is needed to test the activity of the plant on non-target organisms.

Background:The great technological advancements in the field of echocardiography have led to applications of stress echocardiography (SE) in almost all diagnostic fields of cardiology, from ischemic heart disease to valvular heart disease and diastolic function. However, the assessment of the right ventricle (RV) in general, and in particular in regard to the contractile reserve of the RV, is an area that has not been previously explored. We, therefore, propose a study to investigate the potential use of SE for the assessment of RV function in adult patients.Aims and objectives:The primary aim is to evaluate the feasibility of right ventricular SE. The secondary aim is to assess right ventricular contractile reserve.Matherials and Methods:Eighty-one patients undergoing a physical or dobutamine stress echocardiogram for cardiovascular risk stratification or chest pain were the subject of the study. An exercise leg cycle using a standard WHO protocol was used to simultaneously assess the right and left ventricular global and regional function as well as acquiring Doppler data. Whereas the patient had limitations in mobility, a dobutamine SE was be performed. We evaluated the average values of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change (FAC), S-wave, systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), and right ventricle global longitudinal (free wall) strain (RVGLS) during baseline and at the peak of the effort. RV contractile reserve was defined as the change in RVGLS from rest to peak exercise. We also assessed the reproducibility of these measurements between two different expert operators (blind analysis).Results:At least 3 over 5 RV function parameters were measurable both during baseline and at the peak of the effort in 95% of patients, while all 5 parameters in 65% of our population, demonstrating an excellent feasibility. All RV-studied variables showed a statistically significant increase (P < 0.001) at peak compared to the baseline. The average percentage increases at peak were 31.1% for TAPSE, 24.8% for FAC, 50.6% for S-wave, 55.2% for PAPS, and 39.8% for RV strain. The reproducibility between operators at baseline and peak was excellent. Our study demonstrates that TAPSE, FAC, and S-wave are highly feasible at rest and at peak, while TAPSE, S-wave, and sPAP are the most reliable measurements during RV stress echo.Conclusion:RVGLS is useful in the assessment of RV contractile reserve in patients with good acoustic window. Further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of contrast echocardiography in improving RV contractile reserve assessment during SE.

The anti-rabies activity of Caspian cobra venom

Culex quinquefasciatus Say is a vector for lymphatic filariasis in human populations throughout the world. Vector control, a major strategy for eradication of filariasis mainly involves the application of chemical insecticides giving rise to resistance against insecticides. In this context, a study was conducted to find out the resistance status of Cx. quinquefasciatus populations from seven densely populated sites in Siliguri sub division, West Bengal. Larval bioassay against temephos and adult bioassay against 5% malathion, 0.05% deltamethrin and 0.05% lambdacyhalothrin was performed following the standard WHO protocol. A total of 630 larvae and 360 adults were tested from one sampling site. The activity of major insecticide detoxifying enzymes i.e., carboxylesterases and monooxygenases was also assessed through biochemical assay. The seven tested populations were found to exhibit moderate to severe resistance (27.27% - 83.33% mortality) against deltamethrin, lambdacyhalothrin and temephos. However, all of the seven populations were found to be completely susceptible to malathion. This study provides new information on the current status of insecticide resistance in Cx. quinquefasciatus from this area, which may be helpful to the concerned authorities to design an effective mosquito control strategy for efficient management of vector-borne diseases.

BackgroundArtemether–lumefantrine (AL) and dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA/PPQ) are the recommended first- and second-line treatments, respectively, for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Somalia. The studies reported here were conducted to assess the efficacy of these artemisinin-based combinations and the mutations in Plasmodium falciparum K13-propeller (Pfk13) domain and amplification in Pfplasmepsin 2 (Pfpm2) gene in Somalia.MethodsOne-arm prospective studies were conducted to assess the clinical and parasitological responses to DHA/PPQ and AL at two sites in 2016 and 2017, respectively, using the standard WHO protocol. The patterns of molecular markers associated with artemisinin and PPQ resistance were investigated for the first time in Somalia.ResultsA total of 339 patients were enrolled with 139 for AL and 200 for DHA/PPQ. With AL, no parasite recurrence was observed among patients treated at either site, corresponding to 100% clinical and parasitological responses. For DHA–PPQ, an adequate clinical and parasitological response rate > 97% was observed. All study patients on both treatments at both sites were parasite-free on day 3. Of the 138 samples with interpretable results for the polymorphism in Pfk13, only one (0.7%), from Bosaso, contained a non-synonymous mutation (R622I), which is not one of the known markers of artemisinin resistance. No Pfpm2 amplification was observed among the 135 samples with interpretable results.ConclusionsAL and DHA/PPQ were highly effective in the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria, and there was no evidence of resistance to artemisinin or PPQ. These two combinations are thus relevant in the chemotherapeutic strategy for malaria control in Somalia.Trial registration ACTRN12616001005448 (Jowhar DP study), ACTRN12616000553471 (Bosaso DP study), ACTRN12617001055392 (AL study in Bosaso and Jowhar)

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic conditions that progress slowly and are rarely completely curable .These diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, pose an increasing public health challenge in India, especially due to changes in lifestyles, behaviors and the physical and social environments in cities1.They are mainly caused by preventable behavioral risk factors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, and insufficient physical exercise3.It is well known that a lot of diseases can be prevented by altering the life style and habits of people. This study was undertaken with the objective of studying the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs in the Anna Nagar slum locality of Bhopal city, Madhya Pradesh. Material &amp; Methods: The study was conducted on the population of Anna nagar slums. The sample size was 180(calculated using the prevalence data of ICMR on NCDs) but 260 was covered. The household were selected using systematic random sampling and individuals from the houses were selected using KISH method as used in WHO STEPS approach. WHO STEPS questionnaire was used to collect data. Physical measurements were taken as per standard WHO protocol. Data were entered in MS-EXCEL and analysis was done using EPI INFO. Results: In the population, male members were 53% and females were 47% respectively. Mean age was 43.67±11.3 yrs.80% had not received any formal education.31% people had history of alcohol consumption and 16% of tobacco consumption. Only 36.2% participants had normal BMI. 35.8% were obese, 17.3% were overweight and 10.8% were underweight. Obesity was more in females as compared to males. Blood pressure was found to be elevated in 18.1% participants, HTN1 in 10.4% and HTN2 in 31.5% participants. 40% participants had normal blood pressure.Conclusion: The major population was illiterate. The risk factors like alcohol consumption and smoking was very prevalent and is largely attributed to the low awareness of people regarding risk factors

Aims: To investigate the status of susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes to the WHO-approved insecticides for indoor residual spraying in field collected samples in a malaria vector sentinel site in Nigeria and Ts to provide an update on the current status of resistance to the major insecticide classes in wild populations of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato&#x0D; Study Design: Field and laboratory –experimental design was used in this study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out at a malaria surveillance site, established by the National Malaria Elimination Programme at Oduoha-Emohua in Rivers State, between April to September, 2015.&#x0D; Methodology: Anopheles larvae were collected from stagnant pools around the malaria surveillance site. The mosquitoes were reared to adulthood in the insectary and identified using morphological keys. Two- to three-day old adult female mosquitoes were exposed to standard diagnostic doses of Deltamethrin, Lambdacyhalothrin, Alphacympermethrin, Permethrin, Bendiocarb, Propoxur, DDT and Premiphos-Methyl using standard WHO protocols, insecticide susceptibility test kits and treated papers. Knockdown every 10 min and mortality 24 h post exposure was noted. All Anopheles mosquitoes tested belonged to the Anopheles gambiae-complex.&#x0D; Results: Mortality results indicated that the vectors were susceptible to Bendiocarb and Alphacympermethrin with mortality rates of 100% and 98% respectively. There was complete resistance to Deltamethrin, Lambdacyhalothrin, Permethrin, Propoxur, DDT and Premiphos-Methyl with mortality ranges of 25%-65%.&#x0D; Conclusion: The present study shows the effectiveness of Bendiocarb and Alphacympermethrin in malaria control with indoor residual spraying. It also provides baseline information for monitoring the status of insecticide resistance in Rivers State.