Opportunities for improved dengue control in the US territories
Dengue infection prevalence in US territories highlights need for improved control measures. Novel vector control methods and vaccine development hold promise for combating the disease.
Disease Vectors
Articles tagged with Disease Vectors
Travellers as sentinels: what are the most common vector-borne diseases among European travellers arriving from Africa?
Researchers analyzed data on European travellers arriving from Africa between 2015 and 2019, finding malaria as the most common arthropod-borne disease. The study highlights the importance of using travellers' health data to complement local surveillance systems in Africa.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023
Bite this! Mosquito feeding chamber uses fake skin, real blood
Rice University researchers have developed an innovative system to study mosquito feeding behavior using fake skin made with a 3D printer, eliminating the need for live volunteers. The system was tested on various mosquito repellents and showed promising results, suggesting it could be scaled up for future studies.
SourceRice University·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023
Parasitic mites’ biting rate may drive transmission of Deformed wing virus in honey bees
A study found that a small number of Varroa mites can infect many adult honey bees, with high-risk mites spreading pathogens through frequent host switching. This mechanism amplifies the vectorial capacity of Varroa destructor.
Researchers design educational course for Illinois practitioners to address lack of knowledge on tick-borne diseases
A recent study found that medical professionals in Illinois were relatively knowledgeable about diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease, but lacked information on other tick-borne diseases. The researchers are now designing a continuing education course to educate practitioners on current ranges of ticks and risk of disease.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalOne Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 3, 2023
Study probes how plague spreads through wild rodent populations
Researchers found that fleas with early-phase infection are insufficient to drive epizootic outbreaks but can promote a low level of enzootic plague. Early-phase transmission may help maintain the enzootic state by reducing susceptible individuals in the population.
How selfish genes succeed
A study published in PLoS Genetics reveals the mechanism by which a selfish gene in yeast, wtf4, enables its function using a poison-antidote strategy. This strategy involves the production of poison protein that can kill spores, but is countered by an antidote protein produced only by those spores that inherit the drive allele.
SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
Understanding the cryptic role fungi play in ecosystems
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalAnnual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 5, 2022
To track disease-carrying mosquitoes, researchers tag them with DNA barcodes
Researchers develop a new method to track disease-carrying mosquitoes by ingesting harmless DNA particles, providing unique fingerprints of information. This innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize mosquito-borne disease surveillance and tracking, offering insights into mosquito movement and hotspots.
Study demonstrates for the first time that ticks weaken skin's immune response
A study by MedUni Vienna's Department of Dermatology reveals that tick saliva inhibits the skin's defense function, making it easier for pathogens to multiply. Climate change increases the danger from ticks, which now pose a threat in higher-altitude regions of Austria and well into late autumn.
New zika vaccine shows promise in animal models
Researchers developed a highly effective and safe Zika vaccine technology that prevents systemic infection in pregnant mice and stimulates an immunogenic reaction. The vaccine was tested in various mouse models, proving safe and protective against the virus.
Chemical cocktail in skin summons disease-spreading mosquitoes
Researchers at University of California - Riverside discovered a chemical cocktail in human skin that summons disease-spreading mosquitoes. The combination of carbon dioxide plus two chemicals, 2-ketoglutaric and lactic acids, elicits a scent that attracts female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, vectors of Zika and other viruses.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022
Current vaccine approach not enough to eradicate measles
A new study by the University of Georgia finds that current vaccine approaches are unlikely to eradicate measles, with a basic reproduction number of 18 for measles. The researchers propose novel approaches to improve vaccine coverage equity and reevaluate cessation criteria to prevent outbreaks.
Do wind instruments disperse COVID aerosol droplets?
Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania studied wind instrument aerosol dispersion to understand how far aerosols travel and decay. Aerosols emitted by wind instruments share a similar concentration and size distribution with normal speech and respiration events, suggesting that musicians should stay 6 feet apart.
Chagas: less neglect for a neglected tropical disease
A nationwide survey in El Salvador identified areas with high Chagas disease transmission, highlighting the need for targeted vector control measures. The study suggests that continued efforts are necessary to combat this neglected tropical disease.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalInfectious Diseases of Poverty·TypeSurvey·DateAug 16, 2022
Is brain fog limited to humans?
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
Global dashboard to track invasive mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases
A new global dashboard tracks invasive mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases, combining data from three partner apps and utilizing AI-powered image recognition software. The platform has the potential to provide real-time data on disease vectors, enabling early detection and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases worldwide.
Coronavirus jumped to humans at least twice at market in Wuhan, China
Researchers found that the SARS-CoV-2 virus likely jumped from animals to humans at least twice and possibly as many as two dozen times at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China. The market's genetic diversity suggests multiple spillover events occurred, with at least two strains making successful introductions.
CDC Designates New England Center of Excellence in Vector-borne Diseases at UMass Amherst
The New England Center of Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases aims to reduce tick- and mosquito-borne diseases through research, training, and community engagement. The center will leverage applied research, public health training, and community partnerships to prevent and control vector-borne diseases.
Fighting malaria by manipulating the amount of serotonin mosquitos obtain from blood meals
Researchers found that increasing serotonin levels in mosquito blood reduces their flight speed and motivation to seek second blood meals, making them less efficient vectors of malaria parasites. This discovery provides a promising new avenue for insect-targeted interventions to prevent malaria transmission.
New CDC study details county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks
The CDC has published a new report detailing the county-level distribution of seven diseases spread by blacklegged ticks. The map highlights areas with reported infections and those without, emphasizing the need for public awareness and prevention measures.
COVID-19 vaccine impact on chest CT of pneumonia in symptomatic patients
A single-center study found lower pneumonia frequency and severity in fully vaccinated patients compared to unvaccinated patients. The study included 467 patients who underwent chest CT during hospitalization for symptomatic COVID-19, with significant reductions in pneumonia frequency and severity observed in those fully vaccinated.
SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 31, 2022
Citizen power mobilized to fight against mosquito borne diseases
A WHO-supported series has collected 13,700 new database records on mosquito-borne diseases, providing valuable resource for studying and containing infectious diseases. The data can be used to train machine-learning models for vector detection and classification, improving global human health.
Baby corals are just as susceptible as adults to deadly reef disease, study finds
Researchers found that baby corals are infected with stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) at similar severity and mortality rates as adult colonies. Growing coral recruits larger and promoting grouping before outplanting may reduce the risk of SCTLD.
SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2022
Airport malaria: Rare but with possible serious implications
Two fatal cases of airport malaria were reported in Belgium, highlighting the need for healthcare awareness near airports. The most likely route of transmission was through an imported infectious exotic Anopheles mosquito that was possibly brought via the international airport or military airport.
SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·DateApr 25, 2022
Sunlight’s healing effects help imperiled green sea turtles with tumors
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University found that increasing sun exposure in rehabilitation facilities can enhance health and recovery in green sea turtles with fibropapillomatosis. Vitamin D levels increased significantly in turtles exposed to higher UV light, leading to less tumor regrowth and improved overall health.
Study reveals how deadly tick disease spreads
A new study analyzed brown dog ticks, canine and human infections, and climatic data to understand how Rocky Mountain spotted fever spreads. The research found that the vectoring capacity of the brown dog tick may be spreading outside its known region, putting a larger portion of the country at risk.
No flight, no bite - 'Mosquito grounding' bed net nearly halves malaria infection in Tanzanian children
A novel bed net treated with chlorfenapyr has been shown to significantly reduce malaria infection in children, with a 43% decrease in the first year and 37% decrease in the second year. The study found that the bed net reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 44% over two years.
Heartland virus identified in lone star ticks in Georgia
Scientists at Emory University have identified Heartland virus in lone star ticks in central Georgia, confirming its active transmission within the state. The study reveals that the virus is evolving rapidly and may be confined to isolated areas, highlighting the need for further research on this emerging infectious disease.
SourceEmory University·JournalEmerging Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 16, 2022
Malaria parasite’s survival linked to two proteins
A team of scientists led by Karine Le Roch has identified two proteins, RAP01 and RAP21, crucial to the malaria parasite's survival. Knocking down these proteins can interrupt protein translation in the mitochondria, leading to the parasite's death.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022
Researchers discover genetic cause of sometimes deadly esophageal disorder in dogs
Researchers at Clemson University have identified a genetic variation associated with congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) in German shepherd dogs, which is often fatal if left untreated. A genetic test using melanin-concentrating hormone receptor 2 and dog's sex can predict the risk of CIM with 75% accuracy.
COVID-19 restrictions linked to nearly 750,000 fewer dengue cases in 2020
A new study found a strong association between school closures and declines in non-residential trips during COVID-19, leading to reduced risk of dengue transmission. Reduced time spent in public areas was closely associated with reduced dengue risk in countries where COVID-19 restriction measures began at the peak of dengue season.
SourceLondon School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine·JournalThe Lancet Infectious Diseases·DateMar 2, 2022
Harmless or deadly? New study examines evolution of E. coli bacteria
Research suggests that genetic material from E. coli bacteria in farm animals may contribute to the evolution of deadly pandemic strains. The study found that ColV plasmids in pigs, cattle, and chickens can increase the likelihood of antimicrobial resistance and extra-intestinal infections in humans.
SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2022
All abuzz: larvicidal flavonoids inhibit key enzyme in yellow fever mosquitoes
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that certain flavonoids inhibit an enzyme involved in the formation of a key insect hormone in the yellow fever mosquito. Flavonoids, found in plants and other organisms, also show larvicidal activity against mosquitoes.
Beset in mucus, Coronavirus particles likely travel farther than once thought
A new study suggests that small respiratory particles can remain moist and airborne for a longer time and greater distance than previously recognized. The mucus shell surrounding these particles likely reduces evaporation rates, keeping viral particles infectious for up to 30 minutes and traveling distances of up to 200 feet.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalInternational Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 15, 2022
Gene editing now possible in ticks
Researchers successfully edited the genomes of black-legged ticks using CRISPR-Cas9, overcoming technical challenges and advancing tick genetic research. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding tick-pathogen-host interactions and developing new approaches to tick-borne disease control.
Mosquitoes are seeing red: These new findings about their vision could help you hide from these disease vectors
New research reveals mosquitoes use red and orange colors to detect hosts, influenced by their sense of smell. By filtering out these colors or wearing specific attire, individuals can potentially prevent mosquito bites, reducing the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.
Two scientists awarded prestigious Scialog grants supporting new research to detect, mitigate emerging animal-borne infectious diseases
The Research Corporation for Science Advancement and USDA have awarded $1.25 million to early-career scientists to detect and mitigate emerging zoonotic diseases. Crystal Hepp and Jason Ladner of Northern Arizona University will receive funding for projects on serological approaches and genomic epidemiology.
Population of people with HIV on treatment in US projected to keep increasing through 2030
The US HIV treatment population is projected to increase by 36% by 2030, with older adults making up nearly a quarter of users. The population is expected to shift towards more older age groups, with nearly one in four people with HIV aged 65 or older by 2030.
Chemists discover faster-acting forms of insecticide imidacloprid
Scientists at New York University have developed seven new crystal forms of the insecticide imidacloprid, which work up to nine times faster than the original version. The new forms enable the control of disease-carrying mosquitoes in smaller amounts and with reduced environmental impact.
Second most common malaria parasite takes unrealized toll on human health
Chronic P. vivax infections cause significant damage to kidneys, brain, and circulatory system, affecting impoverished communities. The parasite can hide at low levels, making diagnosis difficult and treatment efforts challenging.
Aging-US: The role of age at menarche and age at menopause in Alzheimer’s disease
The study found no significant causal relationship between genetically determined age at menarche or menopause and AD risk. However, an inverse association was detected between age at menarche and body mass index. Further studies are needed to validate these findings.
New technology designed to genetically control disease-spreading mosquitoes
Researchers at UC San Diego develop precision-guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT) to control mosquito populations. The system uses CRISPR to alter genes linked to male fertility and female flight in Aedes aegypti, reducing disease transmission.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2021
Farmed carnivores may become ‘disease reservoirs’ posing human health risk
Carnivorous animals lack key genes needed to detect and respond to infection, making them asymptomatic carriers of disease-causing pathogens. This can lead to the formation of undetected disease reservoirs that can mutate and become a risk to human health.
Integrative approach by NUS biologists increases accuracy of mosquito vector surveillance
A team of researchers from NUS developed an integrative approach to boost accuracy in mosquito surveillance by including larvae and species identification using mini-barcodes. This approach improves overall diversity estimates by 38% compared to adult-only data, contributing to baseline knowledge on potential vectors in Singapore.
Zoonotic threats must be integrated into global health security planning, say experts
Global health practitioners urge integrating surveillance of zoonotic diseases into health security intelligence systems to effectively handle future pandemics. Companion, zoo, and shelter animals pose significant risks due to limited monitoring and stress levels, leading to potential transmission of animal infections to humans.
Ancient discovery could help us develop more disease resistant watermelons
Scientists have discovered the potential progenitor of the domestic watermelon, the Kordofan melon, which has more disease-resistant genes. The study could help breed more disease-resistant watermelons in the future.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 24, 2021
A plant's place in history can predict susceptibility to pathogens
A study found that a plant's evolutionary history predicts its susceptibility to powdery mildew disease. Researchers tested 126 sunflower species and found no association with common traits like biomass or trichome density.
Could catnip become the new DEET?
Researchers have discovered that catnip's active ingredient, Nepetalactone, activates the mosquito irritant receptor TRPA1, making it an effective repellent. This finding has significant implications for developing new, plant-based insect repellents.
Scientists discover a new type of brain cell that could help detect distance
Scientists at Durham University have discovered a new type of brain cell called Vector Trace cells, which can store maps of places we've been and track the distance between objects. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Risk of vine-to-vine spread of Xylella fastidiosa is greatest in July and August
Research reveals Xylella fastidiosa transmission peaks in July and August, affecting grapevine Pierce's disease in California. The study suggests late-season infections are more likely to persist, highlighting the need for regionally specific data.
Bat tick found for the first time in New Jersey
A new species of 'soft' tick associated with bats has been reported in New Jersey, raising concerns about public health risks. The tick, Carios kelleyi, was found on big brown bat larvae in Mercer and Sussex counties, highlighting the need for further research into its disease-carrying potential.
Next-generation gene drive for malaria control
Researchers have created a genetically engineered mosquito strain with a Cas9/guide RNA-based gene drive that targets the cardinal gene to prevent malaria transmission. The drive achieved an average efficiency of 96.7% in both sexes, ensuring every mosquito carries at least one copy within six generations.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
Where did the Asian longhorned ticks in the US come from?
A study by Rutgers University researchers suggests that the Asian longhorned tick in the US originated from at least three self-cloning females from northeastern Asia. The tick species has been linked to serious illnesses in other countries, but its impact on human health in the US remains unclear.
Dangerous tick-borne bacterium extremely rare in New Jersey
A recent study by Rutgers researchers found only one Rickettsia rickettsii-infected tick out of over 3,000 examined in New Jersey. This discovery brings good news as the bacterium is extremely rare in the state, but its presence highlights the need for continued surveillance and research.
Malaria mosquitoes eliminated in lab by creating all-male populations
Scientists at Imperial College London used gene drive technology to create an all-male population of malaria-carrying mosquitoes, leading to a total collapse in the population. The modified mosquitoes produce more male offspring, causing females to be born and eventually leading to no females being present.
Mosquitoes are drawn to flowers as much as people -- and now scientists know why
Researchers discover chemical cues in orchid that stimulate mosquitoes' sense of smell, attracting them like flowers. The scent contains nonanal and lilac aldehyde, which stimulate mosquito antennae and draw in multiple species.
A roadmap for adding ivermectin to the malaria toolbox
A comprehensive roadmap has been established to evaluate and implement ivermectin as a complementary vector control tool against malaria. The roadmap aims to decrease malaria transmission by targeting the vector population, bypassing challenges of insecticide resistance and residual transmission.
SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateJan 22, 2020
Evidence found in European birds of the transmission of tropical malaria
Scientists found Plasmodium PAGRI02, a parasite from Africa, in 5% of European house sparrows. The study, published in Parasites & Vectors, highlights the impact of global environmental changes on wildlife transmission.
Mated female mosquitoes are more likely to transmit malaria parasites
Research reveals that mated female mosquitoes are more susceptible to transmitting malaria parasites, highlighting the importance of targeting male mosquitoes in vector control measures. This study provides new insights into the impact of mating on mosquito susceptibility to P. falciparum.