Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.4
Journals
IJERPH
Special Issues
Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens...
ijerph-logo
Submit to IJERPH Review for IJERPH Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2020) | Viewed by 48569

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annapaola Rizzoli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, 38098 San Michele all'Adige, TN, Italy
Interests: ecology; epidemiology; risk assessment; sustainable control of emerging wildlife and vector borne diseases
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Alessandra della Torre

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: bionomics; genomics; monitoring and control of mosquito disease vectors
Dr. Mattia Manica

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research and Innovation Centre - Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
Interests: data analysis and statistics; eco-epidemiological modelling; vector-borne disease dynamics; statistical methods for spatial-temporal data
Dr. Giovanni Marini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Research and Innovation Centre - Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all'Adige (TN), Italy
Interests: eco-epidemiological modelling; data management and analysis; population models; vector-borne disease dynamics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Vector-borne pathogens are recognized as one of the greatest burdens for public health at a global scale, accounting for more than 17% of all infectious diseases and causing more than 700,000 deaths annually according to WHO statistics.

Although vector-borne infections are more common in tropical and subtropical areas, some are now emerging in temperate regions, as in the case of tick-borne, mosquito-borne, and phlebotomine-bore infections. Anthropogenic changes, favoring the expansion of the range of vectors including invasion by IAS (invasive alien species), and the increase in global travel and trade, which is favoring the importation of exotic pathogens, co-interact in enhancing the risk in temperate regions. Evidence-based guidance for monitoring and controlling endemic and invasive vectors and their transmitted pathogens is thus also becoming increasingly relevant in temperate regions.

This Special Issue focuses on innovative approaches for risk assessment and control for vectors and their transmitted pathogens in those areas and welcomes articles dealing with all such aspects.

Dr. Annapaola P. Rizzoli
Prof. Alessandra della Torre
Dr. Mattia Manica
Dr. Giovanni Marini
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Vector and vector-borne pathogens surveillance
  • Vector and vector-borne pathogens control
  • Mosquito-borne pathogens
  • Tick-borne pathogens
  • Phlebotomine-borne pathogens
  • Innovative control strategies
  • Temperate areas

Published Papers (15 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Other

16 pages, 1315 KiB  
Article
Exploring Vector-Borne Disease Surveillance and Response Systems in Beijing, China: A Qualitative Study from the Health System Perspective
by Jerome Lock-Wah-Hoon, Yang Zheng, Marieta Braks, Liselotte van Asten, Qiyong Liu, Preeti Sushama, Simone Doreleijers, Thomas Krafft, Wim van der Hoek, Ewout Fanoy, Quanyi Wang and Eva Pilot
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8512; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228512 - 17 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2901
Abstract
Background: Climate change may contribute to higher incidence and wider geographic spread of vector borne diseases (VBDs). Effective monitoring and surveillance of VBDs is of paramount importance for the prevention of and timely response to outbreaks. Although international regulations exist to support this, [...] Read more.
Background: Climate change may contribute to higher incidence and wider geographic spread of vector borne diseases (VBDs). Effective monitoring and surveillance of VBDs is of paramount importance for the prevention of and timely response to outbreaks. Although international regulations exist to support this, barriers and operational challenges within countries hamper efficient monitoring. As a first step to optimise VBD surveillance and monitoring, it is important to gain a deeper understanding of system characteristics and experiences in to date non-endemic regions at risk of becoming endemic in the future. Therefore, this study qualitatively analyses the nature and flexibility of VBD surveillance and response in Beijing. Methods: In this qualitative study, eleven experts working in Beijing’s vector-borne diseases surveillance and response system were interviewed about vector-borne disease surveillance, early warning, response, and strengths and weaknesses of the current approach. Results: Vector-borne disease surveillance occurs using passive syndromic surveillance and separate vector surveillance. Public health authorities use internet reporting networks to determine vector-borne disease risk across Beijing. Response toward a vector-borne disease outbreak is uncommon in this setting due to the currently low occurrence of outbreaks. Conclusions: A robust network of centralised institutions provides the continuity and flexibility needed to adapt and manage possible vector-borne disease threats. Opportunities exist for population-based health promotion and the integration of environment and climate monitoring in vector-borne disease surveillance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1710 KiB  
Article
Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Aedes Albopictus and Culex Pipiens along an Urban-Natural Gradient in the Ventotene Island, Italy
by Mattia Manica, Sara Riello, Carolina Scagnolari and Beniamino Caputo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8300; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17228300 - 10 Nov 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1688
Abstract
The distribution of mosquitos and their corresponding hosts is critical in public health to determine the risk of transmission for vector-borne diseases. In this pilot study conducted in the small Mediterranean island of Ventotene, a known stopover site for migratory birds, the spatio-temporal [...] Read more.
The distribution of mosquitos and their corresponding hosts is critical in public health to determine the risk of transmission for vector-borne diseases. In this pilot study conducted in the small Mediterranean island of Ventotene, a known stopover site for migratory birds, the spatio-temporal distribution of two major mosquito vectors is analyzed from the natural to urban environment. The results show that Aedes albopictus aggregates mostly near areas with a human presence and the urban landscape, while Culex pipiens is more spatio-temporally spread, as it can also be found in wilder and less anthropized areas where the availability of human hosts is limited. Culex pipiens is also active earlier in the year. From a microgeographical perspective, our results confirm the anthropophilic spatial distribution of Ae. Albopictus, while suggesting that the circulation of bird zoonosis, such as West Nile, could be favored by the Cx. pipiens distribution. The results highlight the different ecology of the vectors and the interplay with their hosts, even at a small scale. The current evidence may help in forecasting the risk of pathogen transmission and surveillance planning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 6426 KiB  
Article
Human West Nile Meningo-Encephalitis in a Highly Endemic Country: A Complex Epidemiological Analysis on Biotic and Abiotic Risk Factors
by Mircea Coroian, Mina Petrić, Adriana Pistol, Anca Sirbu, Cristian Domșa and Andrei Daniel Mihalca
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8250; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17218250 - 08 Nov 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2721
Abstract
West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most prevalent mosquito-borne viruses. Although the infection in humans is mostly asymptomatic, 15–20% of cases show flu-like symptoms with fever. In 1% of infections, humans develop severe nervous symptoms and even die, a condition known [...] Read more.
West Nile virus (WNV) is one of the most prevalent mosquito-borne viruses. Although the infection in humans is mostly asymptomatic, 15–20% of cases show flu-like symptoms with fever. In 1% of infections, humans develop severe nervous symptoms and even die, a condition known as West Nile neuroinvasive disease (WNND). The aim of our study was to analyze the influence of abiotic and biotic factors with the human WNND cases during the period 2015–2019. A database containing all the localities in Romania was developed. Abiotic and biotic predictors were included for each locality: geographic variables, climatic data, and biotic factors. Spatial distribution of the WNND infections was analyzed using directional distribution (DD). The Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was employed to assess the strength of association between the WNND infections and predictors. A model was generated using the random forest ensemble learning method. A total number of 535 human WNND cases were confirmed in 308 localities. The DD showed a south-eastern geographical distribution. Weak correlation was observed between the number of human WNND cases for each year and the predictors. The highest predicted probability was around urbanized patches in the south and southeast. Increased surveillance and control measures of vectors in risk areas should be implemented and educational campaigns should be made available for the general public in order to raise awareness of the disease and inform the population about prophylactic measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

37 pages, 1192 KiB  
Article
The Unexpected Holiday Souvenir: The Public Health Risk to UK Travellers from Ticks Acquired Overseas
by Emma L. Gillingham, Benjamin Cull, Maaike E. Pietzsch, L. Paul Phipps, Jolyon M. Medlock and Kayleigh Hansford
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7957; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17217957 - 29 Oct 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3463
Abstract
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers’ exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated [...] Read more.
Overseas travel to regions where ticks are found can increase travellers’ exposure to ticks and pathogens that may be unfamiliar to medical professionals in their home countries. Previous studies have detailed non-native tick species removed from recently returned travellers, occasionally leading to travel-associated human cases of exotic tick-borne disease. There are 20 species of tick endemic to the UK, yet UK travellers can be exposed to many other non-native species whilst overseas. Here, we report ticks received by Public Health England’s Tick Surveillance Scheme from humans with recent travel history between January 2006 and December 2018. Altogether, 16 tick species were received from people who had recently travelled overseas. Confirmed imports (acquired outside of the UK) were received from people who recently travelled to 22 countries. Possible imports (acquired abroad or within the UK) were received from people who had recently travelled to eight European countries. Species-specific literature reviews highlighted nine of the sixteen tick species are known to vector at least one tick-borne pathogen to humans in the country of acquisition, suggesting travellers exposed to ticks may be at risk of being bitten by a species that is a known vector, with implications for novel tick-borne disease transmission to travellers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 3913 KiB  
Article
ZanzaMapp: A Scalable Citizen Science Tool to Monitor Perception of Mosquito Abundance and Nuisance in Italy and Beyond
by Beniamino Caputo, Mattia Manica, Federico Filipponi, Marta Blangiardo, Pietro Cobre, Luca Delucchi, Carlo Maria De Marco, Luca Iesu, Paola Morano, Valeria Petrella, Marco Salvemini, Cesare Bianchi and Alessandra della Torre
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 7872; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17217872 - 27 Oct 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3885
Abstract
Mosquitoes represent a considerable nuisance and are actual/potential vectors of human diseases in Europe. Costly and labour-intensive entomological monitoring is needed to correct planning of interventions aimed at reducing nuisance and the risk of pathogen transmission. The widespread availability of mobile phones and [...] Read more.
Mosquitoes represent a considerable nuisance and are actual/potential vectors of human diseases in Europe. Costly and labour-intensive entomological monitoring is needed to correct planning of interventions aimed at reducing nuisance and the risk of pathogen transmission. The widespread availability of mobile phones and of massive Internet connections opens the way to the contribution of citizen in complementing entomological monitoring. ZanzaMapp is the first mobile “mosquito” application for smartphones specifically designed to assess citizens’ perception of mosquito abundance and nuisance in Italy. Differently from other applications targeting mosquitoes, ZanzaMapp prioritizes the number of records over their scientific authentication by requesting users to answer four simple questions on perceived mosquito presence/abundance/nuisance and geo-localizing the records. The paper analyses 36,867 ZanzaMapp records sent by 13,669 devices from 2016 to 2018 and discusses the results with reference to either citizens’ exploitation and appreciation of the app and to the consistency of the results obtained with the known biology of main mosquito species in Italy. In addition, we provide a first small-scale validation of ZanzaMapp data as predictors of Aedes albopictus biting females and examples of spatial analyses and maps which could be exploited by public institutions and administrations involved in mosquito and mosquito-borne pathogen monitoring and control. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1869 KiB  
Article
Seasonal Dynamics and Spatial Distribution of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in a Temperate Region in Europe, Southern Portugal
by Hugo C. Osório, Jorge Rocha, Rita Roquette, Nélia M. Guerreiro, Líbia Zé-Zé, Fátima Amaro, Manuel Silva and Maria João Alves
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7083; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17197083 - 27 Sep 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3206
Abstract
Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito that has colonized several European countries as well as Portugal, where it was detected for the first time in 2017. To increase the knowledge of Ae. albopictus population dynamics, a survey was carried out in the municipality [...] Read more.
Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito that has colonized several European countries as well as Portugal, where it was detected for the first time in 2017. To increase the knowledge of Ae. albopictus population dynamics, a survey was carried out in the municipality of Loulé, Algarve, a Southern temperate region of Portugal, throughout 2019, with Biogents Sentinel traps (BGS traps) and ovitraps. More than 19,000 eggs and 400 adults were identified from May 9 (week 19) and December 16 (week 50). A positive correlation between the number of females captured in the BGS traps and the number of eggs collected in ovitraps was found. The start of activity of A. albopictus in May corresponded to an average minimum temperature above 13.0 °C and an average maximum temperature of 26.2 °C. The abundance peak of this A. albopictus population was identified from September to November. The positive effect of temperature on the seasonal activity of the adult population observed highlight the importance of climate change in affecting the occurrence, abundance, and distribution patterns of this species. The continuously monitoring activities currently ongoing point to an established population of A. albopictus in Loulé, Algarve, in a dispersion process to other regions of Portugal and raises concern for future outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases associated with this invasive mosquito species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2250 KiB  
Article
Mapping the Potential Distribution of Major Tick Species in China
by Xin Yang, Zheng Gao, Tianli Zhou, Jian Zhang, Luqi Wang, Lingjun Xiao, Hongjuan Wu and Sen Li
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5145; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17145145 - 16 Jul 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4014
Abstract
Ticks are known as the vectors of various zoonotic diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Though their occurrences are increasingly reported in some parts of China, our understanding of the pattern and determinants of ticks’ potential distribution over the country remain [...] Read more.
Ticks are known as the vectors of various zoonotic diseases such as Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis. Though their occurrences are increasingly reported in some parts of China, our understanding of the pattern and determinants of ticks’ potential distribution over the country remain limited. In this study, we took advantage of the recently compiled spatial dataset of distribution and diversity of ticks in China, analyzed the environmental determinants of ten frequently reported tick species and mapped the spatial distribution of these species over the country using the MaxEnt model. We found that presence of urban fabric, cropland, and forest in a place are key determents of tick occurrence, suggesting ticks were likely inhabited close to where people live. Besides, precipitation in the driest month was found to have a relatively high contribution in mapping tick distribution. The model projected that theses ticks could be widely distributed in the Northwest, Central North, Northeast, and South China. Our results added new evidence on the potential distribution of a variety of major tick species in China and pinpointed areas with a high potential risk of tick bites and tick-borne diseases for raising public health awareness and prevention responses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

18 pages, 1359 KiB  
Article
Breeding Habitat Preferences of Major Culicoides Species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Germany
by Doreen Werner, Sarah Groschupp, Christian Bauer and Helge Kampen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5000; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17145000 - 11 Jul 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2822
Abstract
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopognidae) are demonstrably or putatively involved in the transmission of both bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV) in Central Europe. Although these insects are ubiquitous in Europe, relatively little is known about their requirements in terms [...] Read more.
Biting midges of the genus Culicoides (Diptera, Ceratopognidae) are demonstrably or putatively involved in the transmission of both bluetongue (BTV) and Schmallenberg viruses (SBV) in Central Europe. Although these insects are ubiquitous in Europe, relatively little is known about their requirements in terms of breeding habitats and substrates. Culicoides species composition and relative abundance in potential breeding habitats were therefore studied at various locations in Northeastern Germany and one location in Western Germany by emergence trap collections. Forty-three potential breeding sites were analyzed in ten landscape structures, with 28,091 adult biting midges emerging from them. Among these, 2116 specimens belonged to the genus Culicoides. Species of the culicoid subgenus Avaritia were most abundant (70.6% of all specimens) and widespread (91.6% of all sites), while the subgenus Culicoides accounted for 15.6% of the specimens registered but emerged from 70.8% of all sites sampled. Culicoides species of other subgenera were collected in 75.0% of all studied sites, with a relative abundance of 8.7%. The results indicate that various types of dung, but probably also some landscape habitats, offer suitable substrates for the development of potential Culicoides vector species. Adaptations in dung management on farms and landscape design and use might therefore be appropriate approaches to reduce the risk of BTV or SBV transmission. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1382 KiB  
Article
Consolidation of Aedes albopictus Surveillance Program in the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, Spain
by Francisco Collantes, Manuel José Méndez, Caridad Soto-Castejón and Eva María Muelas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 4173; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17114173 - 11 Jun 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2507
Abstract
Background: Due to the Spanish legal framework, the national program for vector-borne diseases results from the agreement between national and regional governments, and it is the basis for the development of the regional programs, which should include the regional entomological surveillance program. Aedes [...] Read more.
Background: Due to the Spanish legal framework, the national program for vector-borne diseases results from the agreement between national and regional governments, and it is the basis for the development of the regional programs, which should include the regional entomological surveillance program. Aedes albopictus was recorded for the first time in the Region of Murcia, in 2011. It gave rise to a new epidemiological scenario due to the presence of a competent vector of several arboviruses, which resulted in autochthonous cases of dengue in 2018. Methods: 40 out of 45 municipalities participated in the regional entomological surveillance program, and 266 sampling points were established, with two ovitraps at each site as pseudo-replications. The study period was from April 16th to November 26th, with bi-weekly sample collections: 16 regional samplings were carried out. Results: Regional participation was high, and data loss was low (1.26%). Ae. albopictus was detected in 4.9% of samples and 89.4% of points, located in 39 of the 40 municipalities. The intensity of the presence of Ae. albopictus was estimated by a positivity index, that is, the percentage of positive samples over time. The vector phenology was obtained at a regional level, using the number of eggs as estimation of population density and the positivity values of points and municipalities. Every two weeks, real-time results were provided to the municipalities, which could use them as a vector management tool. Conclusion: The regional entomological surveillance program for Ae. albopictus in the Region of Murcia was consolidated in 2019, with standardized and comparable methods. Almost all the municipalities of the region have observed the presence of Ae. albopictus, although intensity and spatial and temporal cover vary among them. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 1503 KiB  
Article
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices towards the Tiger Mosquito Aedes Albopictus. A Questionnaire Based Survey in Lazio Region (Italy) before the 2017 Chikungunya Outbreak
by Beniamino Caputo, Mattia Manica, Gianluca Russo and Angelo Solimini
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(11), 3960; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17113960 - 03 Jun 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2559
Abstract
The invasion of Aedes albopictus has played a major role in the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases in Italy, generating the two largest chikungunya outbreaks in Europe (2007, 2017). Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) are important in order to prevent Aedes-borne disease transmission, [...] Read more.
The invasion of Aedes albopictus has played a major role in the resurgence of mosquito-borne diseases in Italy, generating the two largest chikungunya outbreaks in Europe (2007, 2017). Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) are important in order to prevent Aedes-borne disease transmission, yet so far they have not been assessed. To this scope we used multivariate logistic regression to investigate KAP of citizen-to-Aedes ecology and transmitted diseases. Data were collated by a structured questionnaire (18 questions) in 2016. Participants were selected in the Lazio region from members of native populations and two resident communities (RC) originating from the Indian subcontinent where Aedes-transmitted diseases are endemic. Results showed that compared to Italians, RC respondents had a higher knowledge and concern of Aedes-transmitted diseases (Odds Ratio = 2.61 (95%CI: 1.03–6.05); OR = 3.13 (2.15–4.65)) as well as their life cycles (OR = 2.49 (1.75–3.56); OR = 9.04 (6.22–13.66)). In contrast, they perceived a lower nuisance due to the presence of Ae. albopictus (OR = 0.2 (0.13–0.32); OR = 0.55 (0.38–0.78). These findings suggest that citizens in the Lazio region are not prepared to face a potential outbreak of arboviruses and further efforts should be made to increase knowledge, awareness and best practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 3640 KiB  
Article
Surveillance of a Pest Through a Public Health Information System: The Case of the Blackfly (Simulium erythrocephalum) in Zaragoza (Spain) during 2009–2015
by Ignacio Ruiz-Arrondo, José A. Oteo, Javier Lucientes, Ana Muniesa and Ignacio de Blas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3734; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17103734 - 25 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2701
Abstract
Background: Animals and people in many Spanish regions are increasingly being affected by blackfly bites in the last decade. Because of blackflies, the city of Zaragoza has become in recent years a paradigm of discomfort in Europe, with thousands of citizens affected. [...] Read more.
Background: Animals and people in many Spanish regions are increasingly being affected by blackfly bites in the last decade. Because of blackflies, the city of Zaragoza has become in recent years a paradigm of discomfort in Europe, with thousands of citizens affected. The OMI-AP system (Stacks, Barcelona, Spain) implemented by the Government of Aragón, a software that manages the electronic medical history of all patients, has been evaluated in order to document the increase of insect bite recorded by the primary care consultations in Zaragoza after the first outbreak of blackflies occurred in 2011. Methods: An observational, ecological and longitudinal study of insect bites recorded at the primary care consultations was carried out in primary care during the period 2009–2015. Results: The incidence of medical consultations by insect bites in Basic Health Areas (BHA) near to rivers is higher than the furthest BHA. Rural BHA are more affected by insect bites than the urban ones. The increase of medical assistance due to insect bites in Zaragoza since 2011 is correlated with the blackflies bites. Conclusions: This tool was very useful to describe the initial stage of this public health problem. It could be used for guiding public health responses in terms of surveillance and management of this pest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 1231 KiB  
Article
Detection of Exotic Mosquito Species (Diptera: Culicidae) at International Airports in Europe
by Adolfo Ibáñez-Justicia, Nathalie Smitz, Wietse den Hartog, Bart van de Vossenberg, Katrien De Wolf, Isra Deblauwe, Wim Van Bortel, Frans Jacobs, Alexander G. C. Vaux, Jolyon M. Medlock and Arjan Stroo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3450; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17103450 - 15 May 2020
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4911
Abstract
In Europe, the air-borne accidental introduction of exotic mosquito species (EMS) has been demonstrated using mosquito surveillance schemes at Schiphol International Airport (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Based upon these findings and given the increasing volume of air transport movements per year, the establishment of [...] Read more.
In Europe, the air-borne accidental introduction of exotic mosquito species (EMS) has been demonstrated using mosquito surveillance schemes at Schiphol International Airport (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Based upon these findings and given the increasing volume of air transport movements per year, the establishment of EMS after introduction via aircraft is being considered a potential risk. Here we present the airport surveillance results performed by the Centre for Monitoring of Vectors of the Netherlands, by the Monitoring of Exotic Mosquitoes (MEMO) project in Belgium, and by the Public Health England project on invasive mosquito surveillance. The findings of our study demonstrate the aircraft mediated transport of EMS into Europe from a wide range of possible areas in the world. Results show accidental introductions of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, as well as exotic Anopheles and Mansonia specimens. The findings of Ae. albopictus at Schiphol airport are the first evidence of accidental introduction of the species using this pathway in Europe. Furthermore, our results stress the importance of the use of molecular tools to validate the morphology-based species identifications. We recommend monitoring of EMS at airports with special attention to locations with a high movement of cargo and passengers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1082 KiB  
Article
Dynamics and Distribution of the Invasive Mosquito Aedes koreicus in a Temperate European City
by Kornélia Kurucz, Mattia Manica, Luca Delucchi, Gábor Kemenesi and Giovanni Marini
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(8), 2728; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17082728 - 15 Apr 2020
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2667
Abstract
Aedes koreicus is a mosquito species native to Asia that has recently successfully invaded new areas in several European countries. Here, we provide important data on Ae. koreicus establishment in Pécs (Southern Hungary). Mosquito surveillance was carried out weekly between 2016 and 2019 [...] Read more.
Aedes koreicus is a mosquito species native to Asia that has recently successfully invaded new areas in several European countries. Here, we provide important data on Ae. koreicus establishment in Pécs (Southern Hungary). Mosquito surveillance was carried out weekly between 2016 and 2019 at 10 different sites located throughout the city from May to September. We conducted a statistical analysis to evaluate the most important abiotic factors driving Ae. koreicus abundance. We then calibrated a previously developed temperature-dependent mathematical model to the recorded captures to evaluate mosquito abundance in the study area. We found that too high summer temperatures negatively affect mosquito abundance. The model accurately replicated the observed capture patterns, providing an estimate of Ae. koreicus density for each breeding season, which we interpolated to map Ae. koreicus abundance throughout Pécs. We found a negative correlation between mosquito captures and human density, suggesting that Ae. koreicus does not necessarily require humans for its blood meals. Our study provides a successful application of a previously published mathematical model to investigate Ae. koreicus population dynamics, proving its suitability for future studies, also within an epidemiological framework. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 789 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Weather Variables on Mosquito Activity: A Snapshot of the Main Point of Entry of Cyprus
by Katerina Drakou, Thessalia Nikolaou, Marlen Vasquez, Dusan Petric, Antonios Michaelakis, Apostolos Kapranas, Athina Papatheodoulou and Maria Koliou
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(4), 1403; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph17041403 - 21 Feb 2020
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4063
Abstract
Mosquitoes are vectors of pathogens, causing human and animal diseases. Their ability to adapt and expand worldwide increases spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Climate changes contribute in enhancing these “epidemic conditions”. Understanding the effect of weather variables on mosquito seasonality and host searching activity [...] Read more.
Mosquitoes are vectors of pathogens, causing human and animal diseases. Their ability to adapt and expand worldwide increases spread of mosquito-borne diseases. Climate changes contribute in enhancing these “epidemic conditions”. Understanding the effect of weather variables on mosquito seasonality and host searching activity contributes towards risk control of the mosquito-borne disease outbreaks. To enable early detection of Aedes invasive species we developed a surveillance network for both invasive and native mosquitoes at the main point of entry for the first time in Cyprus. Mosquito sampling was carried out for one year (May 2017–June 2018), at bimonthly intervals around Limassol port. Morphological and molecular identification confirmed the presence of 5 species in the study region: Culex. pipiens, Aedes detritus, Ae. caspius, Culiseta longiareolata and Cs. annulata. No invasive Aedes mosquito species were detected. The Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression were used to compare number of sampled mosquitoes and weather variables for three most numerous species (Cx. pipiens, Ae. detritus and Ae. caspius). The population densities of the most numerous species were highest from February to April. Number of Cx. pipiens (−0.48), Ae. detritus (−0.40) and Ae. caspius (−0.38) specimens sampled was negatively correlated with average daily temperature. Monthly relative humidity showed positive correlation with the numbers of the species sampled, Cx. pipiens (0.66) Ae. detritus (0.68), and Ae. caspius (0.71). Mosquito abundance of Cx. pipiens (0.97) and Ae. detritus (0.98) was strongly correlated to seasonal precipitation as well. Our work is a stepping stone to further stimulate implementation of International Health Regulations and implementation of early warning surveillance system for detection of invasive Aedes mosquitoes, native mosquitoes and arboviruses they may transmit. A network for the surveillance of both invasive and native mosquito species at the main point of entry for the first time in Cyprus was developed. Number of mosquitoes sampled was correlated with weather factors to identify parameters that might predict mosquito activity and species distribution to the prevention of international spread of vector mosquitoes and vector-borne diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research

12 pages, 797 KiB  
Perspective
A Case for Systematic Quality Management in Mosquito Control Programmes in Europe
by Antonios Michaelakis, Fabrizio Balestrino, Norbert Becker, Romeo Bellini, Beniamino Caputo, Alessandra della Torre, Jordi Figuerola, Gregory L’Ambert, Dusan Petric, Vincent Robert, David Roiz, Anastasios Saratsis, Carla A. Sousa, William G. R. Wint and Nikos T. Papadopoulos
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(7), 3478; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18073478 - 27 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3285
Abstract
The recent spread of invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus and the seasonal sporadic transmission of autochthonous cases of arboviral diseases (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, Zika) in temperate areas, such as Europe and North America, highlight the importance of effective mosquito-control interventions to [...] Read more.
The recent spread of invasive mosquito species, such as Aedes albopictus and the seasonal sporadic transmission of autochthonous cases of arboviral diseases (e.g., dengue, chikungunya, Zika) in temperate areas, such as Europe and North America, highlight the importance of effective mosquito-control interventions to reduce not only nuisance, but also major threats for public health. Local, regional, and even national mosquito control programs have been established in many countries and are executed on a seasonal basis by either public or private bodies. In order for these interventions to be worthwhile, funding authorities should ensure that mosquito control is (a) planned by competent scientific institutions addressing the local demands, (b) executed following the plan that is based on recommended and effective methods and strategies, (c) monitored regularly by checking the efficacy of the implemented actions, (d) evaluated against the set of targets, and (e) regularly improved according to the results of the monitoring. Adherence to these conditions can only be assured if a formal quality management system is adopted and enforced that ensures the transparency of effectiveness of the control operation. The current paper aims at defining the two components of this quality management system, quality assurance and quality control for mosquito control programs with special emphasis on Europe, but applicable over temperate areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecology, Epidemiology, Surveillance, and Control of Vectors and Vector-Borne Pathogens in Temperate Regions)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-15
Back to TopTop