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Background Ticks and fleas are considered amongst the most important arthropod vectors of medical and veterinary concern due to their ability to transmit pathogens to a range of animal species including dogs, cats and humans. By sharing a common environment with humans, companion animal-associated parasitic arthropods may potentially transmit zoonotic vector-borne pathogens (VBPs). This study aimed to molecularly detect pathogens from ticks and fleas from companion dogs and cats in East and Southeast Asia. Methods A total of 392 ticks and 248 fleas were collected from 401 infested animals (i.e. 271 dogs and 130 cats) from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam, and molecularly screened for the presence of pathogens. Ticks were tested for Rickettsia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., Babesia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. while fleas were screened for the presence of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. Result Of the 392 ticks tested, 37 (9.4%) scored positive for at least one pathogen with Hepatozoon canis being the most prevalent (5.4%), followed by Ehrlichia canis (1.8%), Babesia vogeli (1%), Anaplasma platys (0.8%) and Rickettsia spp. (1%) [including Rickettsia sp. (0.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (0.3%) and Rickettsia felis (0.3%)]. Out of 248 fleas tested, 106 (42.7%) were harboring at least one pathogen with R. felis being the most common (19.4%), followed by Bartonella spp. (16.5%), Rickettsia asembonensis (10.9%) and “ Candidatus Rickettsia senegalensis” (0.4%). Furthermore, 35 Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks were subjected to phylogenetic analysis, of which 34 ticks belonged to the tropical and only one belonged to the temperate lineage ( Rh. sanguineus ( sensu stricto )). Conclusion Our data reveals the circulation of different VBPs in ticks and fleas of dogs and cats from Asia, including zoonotic agents, which may represent a potential risk to animal and human health.

Tsetse flies are the sole vectors of human African trypanosomiasis throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Both sexes of adult tsetse feed exclusively on blood and contribute to disease transmission. Notable differences between tsetse and other disease vectors include obligate microbial symbioses, viviparous reproduction, and lactation. Here, we describe the sequence and annotation of the 366-megabase Glossina morsitans morsitans genome. Analysis of the genome and the 12,308 predicted protein–encoding genes led to multiple discoveries, including chromosomal integrations of bacterial (Wolbachia) genome sequences, a family of lactation-specific proteins, reduced complement of host pathogen recognition proteins, and reduced olfaction/chemosensory associated genes. These genome data provide a foundation for research into trypanosomiasis prevention and yield important insights with broad implications for multiple aspects of tsetse biology.

Important arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus infections, are transmitted mainly by the Aedes aegypti vector. So far, controlling this vector species with current tools and strategies has not demonstrated sustainable and significant impacts. Our main objective was to evaluate whether open field release of sterile males, produced from combining the sterile insect technique using radiation with the insect incompatible technique through Wolbachia-induced incompatibility (SIT/IIT), could suppress natural populations of Ae. aegypti in semi-rural village settings in Thailand. Irradiated Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti males produced by the SIT/IIT approach were completely sterile and were able to compete with the wild fertile ones. Open field release of these sterile males was conducted in an ecologically isolated village in Chachoengsao Province, eastern Thailand. House-to-house visit and media reports resulted in community acceptance and public awareness of the technology. During intervention, approximately 100-200 sterile males were released weekly in each household. After 6 months of sterile male release, a significant reduction (p<0.05) of the mean egg hatch rate (84%) and the mean number of females per household (97.30%) was achieved in the treatment areas when compared to the control ones. Our study represents the first open field release of sterile Ae. aegypti males developed from a combined SIT/IIT approach. Entomological assessment using ovitraps, adult sticky traps, and portable vacuum aspirators confirmed the success in reducing natural populations of Ae. aegypti females in treated areas. Public awareness through media resulted in positive support for practical use of this strategy in wider areas. Further study using a systematic randomized trial is needed to determine whether this approach could have a significant impact on the diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti vector.

Vector-borne diseases account for nearly 20% of all globally recognised infectious diseases. Within the spectrum of flea-borne pathogens, Bartonella and Rickettsia bacteria are prominent, contributing to the emergence and resurgence of diseases on a global scale. This study investigates the presence of species of Bartonella and Rickettsia harboured by fleas collected from wild rodents in northwestern Argentina (NWA). A total of 28 fleas from three genera and seven species were assessed. DNA of Bartonella and Rickettsia spp. was found in 12 fleas (42.8%). Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences of gltA and rpoB genes showed the presence of Bartonella quintana in eight fleas of two species, Craneopsylla minerva minerva and Polygenis acodontis . Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences of gltA , ompA and ompB genes identified Rickettsia felis in ten fleas of five species, C. m. minerva , P. acodontis , Polygenis bohlsi bohlsi , Polygenis byturus and Tiamastus palpalis . These bacterial species mark the first report in all flea species studied. This study represents the first survey of flea-borne bacteria for NWA. The results provide information to address strategies for the control and prevention of bartonellosis and rickettsiosis that could have an impact on public health in one of the geographical areas of Argentina with the highest incidence of infections transmitted to humans by ectoparasites.

BACKGROUND : Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been wellstudied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. METHODS : Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. RESULTS : Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. CONCLUSIONS : As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans.

( , ) is an intraovarially transmitted symbiont of insects able to exert striking phenotypes, including reproductive manipulations and pathogen blocking. These phenotypes make a promising tool to combat mosquito-borne diseases. Although is present in the majority of terrestrial arthropods, including many disease vectors, it was considered absent from mosquitos, the main vectors of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2014, sequences were detected in samples collected in Burkina Faso. Subsequently, similar evidence came from collections all over Africa, revealing a high 16S rRNA sequence diversity, low abundance, and a lack of congruence between host and symbiont phylogenies. Here, we reanalyze and discuss recent evidence on the presence of sequences in We find that although detected at increasing frequencies, the unusual properties of these sequences render them insufficient to diagnose natural infections in Future studies should focus on uncovering the origin of sequence variants in and seeking sequence-independent evidence for this new symbiosis. Understanding the ecology of mosquitos and their interactions with will be key in designing successful, integrative approaches to limit malaria spread. Although the prospect of using to fight malaria is intriguing, the newly discovered strains do not bring it closer to realization. mosquitos are the main vectors of malaria, threatening around half of the world's population. The bacterial symbiont can interfere with disease transmission by other important insect vectors, but until recently, it was thought to be absent from natural populations. Here, we critically analyze the genomic, metagenomic, PCR, imaging, and phenotypic data presented in support of the presence of natural infections in We find that they are insufficient to diagnose infections and argue for the need of obtaining robust data confirming basic characteristics in this system. Determining the infection status of is critical due to its potential to influence population structure and transmission.

Insect vector microbiomes are essential for insect function, making them promising targets for controlling vector-borne diseases. Microbial isolate collections aid in identifying microbial targets, but expanding these collections must rely on coordinated efforts that are ethical and ensure equitable benefit sharing.

Background The worldwide increment of cat populations has increased the risk of ectoparasite infestation and feline vector-borne pathogen (VBP) transmission. In low-income countries, such as Ethiopia, favorable climatic conditions and the absence of preventive measures against ectoparasites contribute to broadening VBP circulation. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of protozoal (i.e., Hepatozoon , Babesia , and Cytauxzoon species) and bacterial (i.e., Anaplasma , Ehrlichia , Rickettsia , and Bartonella species) infections in owned cats and in their ectoparasites in southern Ethiopia. Methods The study was conducted in four districts of the Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Cats were sampled, and information about the animals was recorded. Blood samples were collected on Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, while ectoparasites were collected by combing and stored in 70% ethanol. Fleas were morphologically identified, and DNA was extracted from both blood samples and ectoparasites, then submitted to molecular analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and end-point PCR were used to detect pathogens. Positive samples were sequenced, and a phylogenetic analysis was performed on the obtained Hepatozoon spp. and Rickettsia spp. sequences. Results Overall, 109 cats were sampled, and 115 fleas (i.e., 28 Ctenocephalides felis and 87 Echidnophaga gallinacea ) and three ticks ( Haemaphysalis laechi ) were collected. Molecular analysis of feline blood samples revealed Hepatozoon spp. as the most common pathogen (36.7%; CI:28.3–46.1%), followed by Rickettsia spp. (5.5%; CI: 2.5–11.5%), Bartonella spp. (2.8%; CI:0.9–7.8%), and Babesia spp. (0.9%; CI:0.2–5.0%); whereas fleas harbored mostly Rickettsia spp. (52.2%; CI:43.1–61.1%), followed by Bartonella spp. (6.1%; CI: 3.0–12.0%), and Hepatozoon spp. (0.9%; CI: 0.2–4.8%). According to phylogenetic clustering, specimens of the Hepatozoon genus were classified as H. felis , H. luiperdjie, , and H. canis . Concerning the genus Rickettsia , it was not possible to reach a clear identification for the majority of the sequences, apart from some specimens ascribable to R. felis and R. asembonensis . Conclusions Vector-borne pathogens posing significant threats to animal and human health were detected in this study. Molecular analysis suggested the circulation of different and genetically variable species in the feline host. The molecular approach allowed the identification of VBPs in the cat population and their fleas, providing new data on their occurrence and prevalence in Ethiopia and, more generally, in sub-Saharan Africa. Graphical abstract

A major lack of expertise in vector biology, surveillance, and control for public health professionals has been acknowledged over the past several decades, especially in light of the introduction of West Nile and Zika viruses to the United States.To address this growing need, the Northeast Regional Center for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases (NEVBD) designed a unique educational program to cross-train students in the fundamentals of vector biology and public health. Here, we summarize the formation, evaluation, and outcomes of NEVBD's Master of Science in Entomology: Vector-Borne Disease Biology program and provide details on core competencies to enable adoption and adaptation of the program to other institutions and contexts. A discussion of major barriers to filling the nation's need for public health personnel with medical entomology training, such as financial barriers and recruitment of underrepresented students, is presented. We conclude with considerations for administering these training programs.

Several human adenovirus species D (HAdV-D) types are currently used, or under development, as viral vectors for vaccines and gene delivery. However, the unusually broad tropism observed in many HAdV-D types limits their specificity and effectiveness as targeted vectors. Since tropism is largely governed by receptor usage, and previous studies have reported conflicting findings on receptor preferences within this species, clarifying receptor usage is essential. In this study, we systematically investigated receptor usage in 18 different HAdV-D types and identified CD46 as the primary receptor. Since CD46 is widely expressed across human tissues, our findings explain the broad cellular tropism of these viruses and provide valuable insight for the rational design and refinement of HAdV-D-based vectors.