Prevalence Of Vector-borne Diseases Research Articles

Case of vector-borne coinfection in a dog

Vector-borne diseases (VBD) in dogs, such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and dirofilariasis, pose a significant threat to animal health in many regions worldwide, including Ukraine. These diseases are transmitted through the bites of ectoparasites, such as ticks and mosquitoes. With increasing urbanization, climate change, and population migration, the risk of spreading these diseases is significantly heightened. This article is dedicated to the case analysis of a dog in Ukraine diagnosed with two vector-borne diseases simultaneously, focusing on the clinical manifestations and diagnostic approaches for these conditions. Currently, the prevalence of VBD in dogs in Ukraine is insufficiently studied. There are only sporadic reports of isolated pathogens, with comprehensive information needing to be included. A case of concurrent dirofilariasis and babesiosis in a dog is presented. In the spring of 2024, an 8-year-old intact male German shepherd was brought to a veterinary clinic in Kamianets-Podilskyi due to general weakness. Clinical signs included fever, vomiting, slightly pale mucous membranes, and a mild cough. Following abdominal ultrasound and blood sample collection, anti-inflammatory and antiemetic medications were prescribed. A blood smear revealed Babesia canis and treatment with imidocarb was initiated. However, after a week, the dog's condition did not improve. A repeat blood test detected live microfilariae, and the CaniV-4 test identified antibodies to D. immitis, confirming dirofilariasis. Molecular studies corroborated the diagnosis. Follow-up echocardiography and radiography did not reveal visible adult worms in the heart. The dog was treated with melarsomine and a combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin. Two months later, follow-up blood tests showed no presence of microfilariae, and all blood and biochemical parameters were within normal ranges. The dog was under continuous veterinary supervision for the following months. Overall, there is a noticeable trend in the increase of VBD among dogs in Ukraine, necessitating heightened attention from veterinary services and pet owners. Regular preventive measures, such as ectoparasite control and health monitoring, are crucial for managing the spread of these diseases.

DESIGNING FUNCTIONAL AND AESTHETIC HOME TEXTILES FOR MOSQUITO CONTROL IN THE INDOOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT: A REVIEW OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES IN PUNJAB

Recently, there has been a lot of innovation in the design and craft of decorative interior textiles. With the advent of advanced technologies and sustainability concerns all over the world, there has been phenomenal progress in the usage of functional applications in the field of interior textile design. These functional applications offer multiple solutions to impart in interior textiles that not only provide an aesthetic appeal in the indoor environment but also furnish the need for health and vector protection. Considering the present environmental conditions and prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the indoor environment in Pakistan, this review study was conducted to assess the user acceptance, and feasibility of manufacturing such products in the mainstream of Punjab textile industry. By employing the design thinking methodology, the study sorted out the technologically feasible and economically viable. Desirability, feasibility and viability. The home textile product that can function as a mosquito repellent in the indoor space after applying a vector protective finish can offer significant benefits to the users. The products may also cater to multiple functions along with their aesthetic appeal. The research presents the needs analysis and recommendations for utilizing functional applications in home textile products.

Impacts of Changing Climate on Arthropod Vectors and Diseases Transmission

Climate change stands as a burgeoning global concern with profound implications. The present review seeks to present the projected impacts of climate change on disease vectors and their transmission of various human and animal diseases. The impact of climate on the prevalence of vector-borne diseases (VBDs), which significantly affect human and animal populations, is notable. The occurrence of VBDs, influenced by local epidemiological and ecological factors alongside specific climatic conditions, may exhibit fluctuations due to climate change. Particularly affected are exothermic arthropod vectors, responsible for transmitting most vectorborne diseases. The intricate interplay of temperature, precipitation, humidity, and other environmental factors significantly shapes the reproduction, development, behavior, and population dynamics of arthropod disease vectors. Also, climate change can alter the spread of pathogens within vectors, influence population dynamics, and impact the range of nonhuman vertebrate reservoirs for numerous vector-borne diseases. Predicting the precise impact of sustained climate change on these diseases poses a considerable challenge, necessitating comprehensive long-term research. These researches must encompass the effects of climate change while considering the contributions of other global change agents, including increased trade and travel, demographic shifts, civil unrests, alterations in land use, water availability, and related factors. The association between climate change and the emergence of specific diseases has been established. However, for certain diseases, the risk of local transmission is significant, while for others, pinpointing the exact influence remains elusive. Therefore, strategic adaptation and preparedness for the shifting distribution patterns of VBDs are imperative, especially in the context of Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

High human blood meal index of mosquitoes in Arba Minch town, southwest Ethiopia: an implication for urban mosquito-borne disease transmission

Unplanned human population shifts in urban areas are expected to increase the prevalence of vector-borne diseases. This study aimed to investigate mosquito species composition, blood meal sources, and malaria vectors in an urban area. Indoor-resting adult mosquitoes were collected using Prokopack and host-seeking mosquitoes using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention light traps in Arba Minch town. Larval collection from artificial containers was done in those houses selected for adult mosquito collection. Anopheles adults collected and emerged from larvae were identified morphologically using a taxonomic key. ELISA was used to identify blood meal sources in freshly fed Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes, and CSP of Anopheles mosquitoes. A total of 16,756 female mosquitoes were collected. Of these, 93% (15,571) were Culex, 6% (1016) were Anopheles, and 1% (169) were Aedes mosquitoes. Out of the 130 adult mosquitoes that were raised from larvae collected from the containers, 20% were An. rhodesiensis, while the remaining 80% were Aedes mosquitoes. Out of 823 mosquitoes tested for blood meal origins, 86.3% (710/823) tested positive for human blood, 2.2% (18/823) tested positive for bovine blood, and 11.5% (95/823) were negative for human and bovine antibodies. Anopheles gambiae complex had a human blood meal index (HBI) of 50% (90/180; CI 42.3–57.5%) and a bovine blood meal index (BBI) of only 0.5% (95% CI 0.01–3.1%). Culex HBI was 96.7% (620/641), and its BBI index was 2.4% (15/641). While it was low (0.8%) in Culex, the proportion of An. gambiae complex with unidentified blood meal sources was 49.5% (95 CI% 41.9–56.9%). Among the 1016 Anopheles mosquitoes tested, a single An. gambiae complex (0.1%; 1/1016) was positive for P. vivax CSP. The high HBI indicates frequent contact between humans and vectors. To reduce human exposure, personal protection tools should be implemented.

Prevalence of vector-borne diseases among reindeer (<i>Rangifer tarandus</i>) Bolshezemelskaya and Malozemelskaya tundr

The purpose of the research is to establish the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) Bolshezemelskaya and Malozemelskaya tundra.Materials and methods. The research was carried out in 2022–2023 on domesticated reindeer living in the Bolshezemelskaya and Malozemelskaya tundra of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug and the Komi Republic. Stabilized blood was obtained from animals by random sampling and PCR studies were performed for the presence of genetic material of pathogens of the genera Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria.Results and discussion. The DNA of the causative agent of anaplasmosis was isolated from 14.3% of reindeer from Malozemelskaya (family-tribal community «Vy Tu» (VTU) and «Opseda» (OPS)) and 30.6% of Bolshezemelskaya tundra (Аgricultural production cooperative «Harp» (HARP) and Collective Farm «Izhemsky olenevod and Co» (IZHM)). To a greater extent, vazhenki and calves were infected with anaplasmosis, to a lesser extent – choirs. Genetic material of Babesia pathogens was found in 53.1% of VTU and OPS deer and 36.7% of HARP and IZHM, while babesiosis was most often observed in the chorus group. Teileriosis was found in 10.2% and 4.1% of animal samples among the herds of the Malozemelskaya and Bolshezemelskaya tundra, respectively. The genetic material of the causative agent of teileriosis was isolated mainly from the blood obtained from calves. The causative agent of theileriosis was not found in the biological material of the choirs. The presence of DNA Anaplasma spp. and Babesia spp. in one sample, the proportion of deer from Malozemelskaya tundra herds was 2.4%, from Bolshezemelskaya – 26.5%. The combined course of babesiosis and teileriosis was found to be 8.2% only in VTU and OPS deer. Thus, studies have shown that vector-borne diseases is widespread among the reindeer of the studied farms of the Bolshezemelskaya and Malozemelskaya tundra.

A retrospective study of vector borne disease prevalence among anemic dogs in North Carolina.

Anemia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in dogs. Further understanding of the prevalence of vector borne diseases (VBD) in anemic dogs is needed. The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the rate of exposure to or infection with VBD among anemic dogs presented to a teaching hospital in North Carolina and to further characterize the anemia in dogs with VBD exposure. A total of 597 anemic dogs that were concurrently tested for VBD were examined at a referral veterinary hospital between January 2012 and December 2018. Retrospective descriptive study. Demographic, clinicopathologic, and VBD testing data were obtained from medical records. Of the 597 anemic dogs examined, 180 (30.15%; 95% CI: 26.49-34.01%) tested positive for one or more VBD. There was no difference in the severity of anemia or the proportion of dogs displaying a regenerative anemia between dogs testing positive and negative for VBD. A large proportion of anemic dogs from this region test positive for exposure to or infection with VBD. Our study supported the use of PCR and serology run in parallel to maximize the chance of detecting exposure to or infection with VBD compared to either serology or PCR alone. At this time, it is unknown whether infection with VBD contributed to the development of anemia in these patients. However, given the prevalence of VBD exposure in anemic dogs, testing for VBD in anemic patients from this region of the United States is warranted.

Asymptomatic and submicroscopic malaria infections in sugar cane and rice development areas of Ethiopia

BackgroundWater resource development projects, such as dams and irrigation schemes, have a positive impact on food security and poverty reduction. However, such projects could increase prevalence of vector borne disease, such as malaria. This study investigate the impact of different agroecosystems and prevalence of malaria infection in Southwest Ethiopia.MethodsTwo cross-sectional surveys were conducted in the dry and wet seasons in irrigated and non-irrigated clusters of Arjo sugarcane and Gambella rice development areas of Ethiopia in 2019. A total of 4464 and 2176 study participants from 1449 households in Arjo and 546 households in Gambella enrolled in the study and blood samples were collected, respectively. All blood samples were microscopically examined and a subset of microscopy negative blood samples (n = 2244) were analysed by qPCR. Mixed effect logistic regression and generalized estimating equation were used to determine microscopic and submicroscopic malaria infection and the associated risk factors, respectively.ResultsPrevalence by microscopy was 2.0% (88/4464) in Arjo and 6.1% (133/2176) in Gambella. In Gambella, prevalence was significantly higher in irrigated clusters (10.4% vs 3.6%) than in non-irrigated clusters (p < 0.001), but no difference was found in Arjo (2.0% vs 2.0%; p = 0.993). On the other hand, of the 1713 and 531 samples analysed by qPCR from Arjo and Gambella the presence of submicroscopic infection was 1.2% and 12.8%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, and Plasmodium ovale were identified by qPCR in both sites. Irrigation was a risk factor for submicroscopic infection in both Arjo and Gambella. Irrigation, being a migrant worker, outdoor job, < 6 months length of stay in the area were risk factors for microscopic infection in Gambella. Moreover, school-age children and length of stay in the area for 1–3 years were significant predictors for submicroscopic malaria in Gambella. However, no ITN utilization was a predictor for both submicroscopic and microscopic infection in Arjo. Season was also a risk factor for microscopic infection in Arjo.ConclusionThe study highlighted the potential importance of different irrigation practices impacting on submicroscopic malaria transmission. Moreover, microscopic and submicroscopic infections coupled with population movement may contribute to residual malaria transmission and could hinder malaria control and elimination programmes in the country. Therefore, strengthening malaria surveillance and control by using highly sensitive diagnostic tools to detect low-density parasites, screening migrant workers upon arrival and departure, ensuring adequate coverage and proper utilization of vector control tools, and health education for at-risk groups residing or working in such development corridors is needed.

Vector species richness predicts local mortality rates from Chagas disease

Vector species richness may drive the prevalence of vector-borne diseases by influencing pathogen transmission rates. The dilution effect hypothesis predicts that higher biodiversity reduces disease prevalence, but with inconclusive evidence. In contrast, the amplification effect hypothesis suggests that higher vector diversity may result in greater disease transmission by increasing and diversifying the transmission pathways. The relationship between vector diversity and pathogen transmission remains unclear and requires further study. Chagas disease is a vector-borne disease most prevalent in Brazil and transmitted by multiple species of insect vectors of the subfamily Triatominae, yet the drivers of spatial variation in its impact on human populations remain unresolved. We tested whether triatomine species richness, latitude, bioclimatic variables, human host population density, and socioeconomic variables predict Chagas disease mortality rates across over 5000 spatial grid cells covering all of Brazil. Results show that species richness of triatomine vectors is a good predictor of mortality rates caused by Chagas disease, which supports the amplification effect hypothesis. Vector richness and the impact of Chagas disease may also be driven by latitudinal components of climate and human socioeconomic factors. We provide evidence that vector diversity is a strong predictor of disease prevalence and give support to the amplification effect hypothesis.

A Health Survey Revealing Prevalence of Vector-Borne Diseases and Tuberculosis in Papua New Guinea Defence Force Personnel and Families.

The Papua New Guinean Defence Force (PNGDF) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) work and train closely. Infectious diseases pose a health threat to both forces, but recent knowledge about the risk at military bases in Papua New Guinea is limited. To improve understanding, a collaborative cross-sectional survey was conducted (March-April 2019) at Lombrum Naval base (Manus province) and Moem Army barracks (Wewak, East Sepik province) plus its Vanimo outpost (Sandaun province). Clinical data, venous blood, and sputum were collected from PNGDF personnel (DF) from the three sites, with point-of-care testing conducted for malaria (microscopy and rapid diagnostic test [RDT]), lymphatic filariasis (RDT), glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (RDT), tuberculosis (GeneXpert), and hemoglobin level. Finger prick blood collected from family members residing at the Wewak base was tested for malaria and hemoglobin level. Overall, 235 DF and 793 family members completed the survey. Microscopy revealed malaria prevalence as 0.4% Plasmodium falciparum and 3.1% Plasmodium vivax among DF and 3.5% P. falciparum, 14.3% P. vivax, and 0.3% mixed P. falciparum/P. vivax among family members. Among DF, 3.9% were G6PD deficient and none tested positive for tuberculosis or for lymphatic filariasis antigen. Anemia was present in 6.5% of DF and 47.3% of family members, predominantly females. Results suggest ongoing exposure to malaria, particularly P. vivax, at study sites, whereas infections of lymphatic filariasis and tuberculosis were not detected. Survey results will inform the PNGDF and the ADF regarding vector-borne disease risk for future sustainable health and disease control interventions.

Modeling the Effect of TV and Social Media Advertisements on the Dynamics of Vector-Borne Disease Malaria

Vector-borne disease malaria is transmitted to humans by arthropod vectors (mosquitoes) and contributes significantly to the global disease burden. TV and social media play a key role to disseminate awareness among people by broadcasting awareness programs. In this paper, a nonlinear model is formulated and analyzed in which cumulative number of advertisements through TV and social media is taken as dynamical variable that propagates awareness among people to control the prevalence of vector-borne disease. The human population is partitioned into susceptible, infected and aware classes, while the vector population is divided into susceptible and infected classes. Humans become infected and new cases arise when bitten by infected vectors (mosquitoes) and susceptible vectors get infected as they bite infected humans. The feasibility of equilibria is justified and their stability conditions are discussed. A crucial parameter, basic reproduction number, which measures the disease transmission potentiality is obtained. Bifurcation analysis is performed by varying the sensitive parameters, and it is found that the proposed system shows different kinds of bifurcations, such as transcritical bifurcation, saddle-node bifurcation and Hopf bifurcation, etc. The analysis of the model shows that reduction in vector population due to intervention of people of aware class would not efficiently reduce the infective cases, rather we have to minimize the transmission rates anyhow, to control the disease outbreak.

Using Zoos as Sentinels for Re-Emerging Arboviruses: Vector Surveillance during an Outbreak of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease at the Minnesota Zoo.

Vector-borne disease prevalence is increasing at a time when surveillance capacity in the United States is decreasing. One way to address this surveillance deficiency is to utilize established infrastructure, such as zoological parks, to investigate animal disease outbreaks and improve our epidemiological understanding of vector-borne pathogens. During fall 2020, an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) at the Minnesota Zoo resulted in morbidity and seroconversion of several collection animals. In response to this outbreak, insect surveillance was conducted, and the collected insects were tested for the presence of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) by RT-qPCR to better understand the local transmitting vector populations responsible for the outbreak. Six pools of Culicoides biting midges were positive for EHDV, including three pools of Culicoides sonorensis, two pools of Culicoides variipennis, and a pool of degraded C. variipennis complex midges. All three endemic serotypes of EHDV (1, 2, and 6) were detected in both animals and midge pools from the premises. Despite this outbreak, no EHDV cases had been reported in wild animals near the zoo. This highlights the importance and utility of using animal holding facilities, such as zoos, as sentinels to better understand the spatio-temporal dynamics of pathogen transmission.

The Medical Education Planetary Health Journey: Advancing the Agenda in the Health Professions Requires Eco-Ethical Leadership and Inclusive Collaboration

Climate change and the declining state of the planet’s ecosystems, due mainly to a global resource-driven economy and the consumptive lifestyles of the wealthy, are impacting the health and well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants. Although ‘planetary health’ was coined in 1980, it was only in the early 2000s that a call came for a paradigm shift in medical education to include the impact of ecosystem destabilization and the increasing prevalence of vector-borne diseases. The medical education response was, however, slow, with the sustainable healthcare and climate change educational agenda driven by passionate academics and clinicians. In response, from about 2016, medical students have taken action, developing much-needed learning outcomes, resources, policies, frameworks, and an institutional audit tool. While the initial medical education focus was climate change and sustainable healthcare, more recently, with wider collaboration and engagement (Indigenous voices, students, other health professions, community), there is now planetary health momentum. This chronological account of the evolution of planetary health in medical education draws on the extant literature and our (an academic, students, and recent graduates) personal experiences and interactions. Advancing this urgent educational agenda, however, requires universities to support inclusive transdisciplinary collaboration among academics, students and communities, many of whom are already champions and eco-ethical leaders, to ensure a just and sustainable future for all of Earth’s inhabitants.

Effectors from a Bacterial Vector-Borne Pathogen Exhibit Diverse Subcellular Localization, Expression Profiles, and Manipulation of Plant Defense.

Climate change is predicted to increase the prevalence of vector-borne disease due to expansion of insect populations. 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' is a phloem-limited pathogen associated with multiple economically important diseases in solanaceous crops. Little is known about the strategies and pathogenicity factors 'Ca. L. solanacearum' uses to colonize its vector and host. We determined the 'Ca. L. solanacearum' effector repertoire by predicting proteins secreted by the general secretory pathway across four different 'Ca. L. solanacearum' haplotypes, investigated effector localization in planta, and profiled effector expression in the vector and host. The localization of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' effectors in Nicotiana spp. revealed diverse eukaryotic subcellular targets. The majority of tested effectors were unable to suppress plant immune responses, indicating they possess unique activities. Expression profiling in tomato and the psyllid Bactericera cockerelli indicated 'Ca. L. solanacearum' differentially interacts with its host and vector and can switch effector expression in response to these environments. This study reveals 'Ca. L. solanacearum' effectors possess complex expression patterns, target diverse host organelles and the majority are unable to suppress host immune responses. A mechanistic understanding of 'Ca. L. solanacearum' effector function will reveal novel targets and provide insight into phloem biology. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license.

Impact on Vector-Borne Diseases in COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from a District in Jharkhand, India

The study is aimed to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) like banning mass gatherings (Lockdown) etc on vector borne diseases. This study can throw some light on the epidemiology of all vector-borne diseases under surveillance during this COVID-19 pandemic. This study is done in Dumka district, Jharkhand. Method- A cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 Blocks of Dumka District. Sampling technique used in this study was convenience sampling. Study of six month was conducted for vector-borne diseases from January 2021– June 2021.To know the epidemiology of vector-borne disease before and after COVID-19 pandemic, data from the year 2019 and 2020 was used for data analysis. Result – During the six months study period between January 2021-June 2021, maximum number of cases found in Dumka District was Kala-azar followed by Lymphatic Filariasis and then Malaria. There was sharp decrease in number of vector-borne disease cases. After data analysis between the year 2019 and 2020 reduction of cases was seen in Kala-azar (15.3%), Lymphatic Filariasis (8.9%) and maximum reduction of cases was seen Malaria (98.1%). Conclusion – A drastic reduction in reported cases of vector-borne diseases was noticed. To better understand the reason behind the changes in vector-borne disease prevalence a consistent and vigilant surveillance is required. Keywords: COVID-19, Vector-borne diseases, non-pharmaceutical interventions.

The nurse practitioner's role in addressing chronic sequelae of Lyme disease as a climate change related disease.

A major health consequence of climate change is an increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases due to changes in temperatures and the environments in which vectors can survive and carry out transmissible activity. Because of climate change, emerging health challenges related to the warming of the planet have led to an increase in vector-borne diseases in broadening geographic areas. Individuals affected with Lyme disease may present with a variety of symptoms, which highlights the importance of illness recognition to ensure that a patient can receive timely treatment and effective support. Despite the focus on early detection and treatment of acute Lyme disease, chronic health problems associated with Lyme disease are an emerging problem in the 21st century. This article focuses on the role of nurse practitioners and members of the health professional team in the recognition, clinical care, patient education, and management of increasing rates of chronic Lyme disease.

Gene drives gaining speed.

Gene drives are selfish genetic elements that are transmitted to progeny at super-Mendelian (>50%) frequencies. Recently developed CRISPR–Cas9-based gene-drive systems are highly efficient in laboratory settings, offering the potential to reduce the prevalence of vector-borne diseases, crop pests and non-native invasive species. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential unintended impacts of gene-drive systems. This Review summarizes the phenomenal progress in this field, focusing on optimal design features for full-drive elements (drives with linked Cas9 and guide RNA components) that either suppress target mosquito populations or modify them to prevent pathogen transmission, allelic drives for updating genetic elements, mitigating strategies including trans-complementing split-drives and genetic neutralizing elements, and the adaptation of drive technology to other organisms. These scientific advances, combined with ethical and social considerations, will facilitate the transparent and responsible advancement of these technologies towards field implementation.

Climate Change—An Emblematic Driver of Vector-Borne Diseases: Holistic View As A Way Forward

Vector-Borne Diseases (VBDs), including malaria, arboviruses, Lyme diseases, leishmaniasis and many others, have become an important public health threat across the globe due to rapid climate change. This is due to the alteration of the geographical distribution of vectors, which in turn amplify the spread of diseases. In this article, we highlight climate change as an emblematic driver of vector-borne diseases, as well as explicate its positive correlation with the increased prevalence of vector-borne diseases, citing relevant studies as evidence. Consequently, we recommend that researchers from different disciplines, including ecologists, metagenomics and modeling experts, climate scientists, microbiologists, wildlife experts, entomologists, public health scientists, social scientists, religious and community leaders, legal practitioners, and policy-makers, should work together under the One Health approach supported by government and political leaders to mitigate the global threat of vector-borne diseases.

Molecular Detection of Selected Pathogens with Zoonotic Potential in Deer Keds (Lipoptena fortisetosa).

Deer keds are obligatory hematophagous ectoparasites of birds and mammals. Cervids serve as specific hosts for these insects. However, ked infestations have been observed in non-specific hosts, including humans, companion animals, and livestock. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a weakly studied ectoparasite, but there is evidence to indicate that it continues to spread across Europe. The existing knowledge on deer keds’ impact on wildlife is superficial, and their veterinary importance is enigmatic. Lipoptena fortisetosa is a species with vectorial capacity, but potential pathogen transmission has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of selected pathogens in L. fortisetosa collected from cervids and host-seeking individuals in the environment. Out of 500 acquired samples, 307 (61.4%) had genetic material from at least one tested pathogen. Our research suggests that L. fortisetosa may be a potential vector of several pathogens, including A. phagocytophilum, Babesia spp., Bartonella spp., Borellia spp., Coxiella-like endosymbionts, Francisiella tularensis, Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., and Theileria spp.; however, further, more extensive investigations are required to confirm this. The results of the study indicate that keds can be used as biological markers for investigating the prevalence of vector-borne diseases in the population of free-ranging cervids.

Prevalence of vector borne diseases in Jammu Division, Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Jammu and Kashmir is bestowed upon by great climatic condition favourable for people but the vectors have utilised these conditions to gain access into the state. Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) were restricted to the spread of malaria and dengue since past two decades, but now, these diseases have widened their geographical reach and in last six years chikungunya, leishmaniasis and Japanese encephalitis have been reported from the state. These VBDs are a threat to thousands of people in the state as they cause huge mortality and morbidity under extreme cases. A hospital-based survey on the VBDs was carried out with the aim of studying the prevalence of major VBD found in the Jammu district taking into account the past records provided by the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu. The study revealed that malaria, in the past 14 years, has now shown a clear declining trend and dengue cases have shown a very uneven trend with maximum cases in 2013. Leishmaniasis was reported for the first time in the division in 2013, while it was not until 2016 when single case of chikungunya was reported from Jammu division. First outbreak of Japanese encephalitis in the region occurred during 2018 from only Doda district. The present study showed that despite having congenial environmental conditions, Jammu division faces a great threat of VBDs and the increase in the number of cases in future cannot be ruled out. Japanese encephalitis registered its presence for the first time in the division.

Epidemiology of imported infectious diseases, China, 2014-18.

BackgroundThe frequent movement of population between countries brings an increasing number of travel-related infections. This study aims to define the spectrum and dynamics of imported infections observed from international travel in the Chinese mainland.MethodsSick travellers were screened by inbound sentinel surveillance and post-travel clinic visits from 2014 to 18. The infections were classified as respiratory, gastrointestinal, vector-borne, blood/sexually transmitted and mucocutaneous. The analysed variables included the place of origin of the travellers (Chinese or foreign) and the time when travel-related infection was present (at the time of return, during travel and post-travel visits to the clinic).ResultsIn total, 58 677 cases were identified amongst 1 409 265 253 travellers, with an incidence of 41.64/million, comprising during-travel incidence of 27.44/million and a post-travel incidence of 14.20/million. Respiratory infections constituted the highest proportion of illnesses during travel (81.19%, 31 393 of 38 667), which mainly came from Asian countries and tourists; with influenza virus and rhinovirus infections being mainly diagnosed. Vector-borne diseases constituted the highest proportion of post-travel illnesses (98.14%, 19 638 of 20 010), which were mainly diagnosed from African countries and labourers; with malaria and dengue fever being mainly diagnosed. The differential infection spectrum varied in terms of the traveller’s demography, travel destination and travel purpose. As such, a higher proportion of foreign travellers had blood/sexually transmitted diseases (89.85%, 2832 of 3152), while Chinese citizens had a higher prevalence of vector-borne diseases (85.98%, 19 247 of 22 387) and gastrointestinal diseases (79.36%, 1115 of 1405). The highest incidence rate was observed amongst travellers arriving from Africa, while the lowest was observed amongst travellers arriving from Europe.ConclusionsThe findings might help in preparing recommendations for travellers and also aid in primary care or other clinics that prepare travellers before trips abroad. The findings will also help to identify locations and the associated types of infections that might require attention.