Journal of Vector Borne Diseases
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Item Socioeconomic determinants of malaria prevalence among under five children in Uganda: Evidence from 2018-19 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Kooko, Ronald; Wafula, Solomon T; Orishaba, PhillipBackground & objectives: Malaria remains a significant public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, affecting mainly children and pregnant women. In Uganda, little is known about the underlying socioeconomic correlates of malaria prevalence in children under five years of age. This study investigated the link between malaria infection among children under five and the socio-economic factors in Uganda. Methods: We estimated the prevalence of malaria among under-five children using secondary data from the 2019 Uganda Malaria Indicator Survey. Malaria infection status was ascertained using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). Multivariable logistic regression was employed to explore the socioeconomic correlates of malaria prevalence. Svyset command in STATA 16.0 was used to control for survey design. Results: Overall, 6503 children were enrolled in the study. Of these, 1516 children tested positive for malaria, leading to an observed malaria prevalence of 23.3%. Older children (OR 1.01, 95%CI 1.01–1.01), and those from rural areas (OR 1.8, 95%CI 1.09–2.84) had higher odds of malaria infection. Children belonging to the highest wealth quintile had lower odds of malaria (OR 0.2, 95%CI 0.08–0.44). Indoor residual spray (OR 0.2, 95%CI 0.10–0.51) and use of treated bed nets (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.69–0.99) were associated with reduced odds of malaria in children Interpretation & conclusion: Despite the significant increase in malaria preventive interventions in the last two decades, malaria remains highly prevalent in Ugandan under-five children. Indoor residual spraying and treated bed nets need to be promoted countrywide to reach malaria control targets. It is also imperative that appropriate education on proper and consistent use of mosquito bed-nets should be emphasized alongside embracing living habits that reduce the chances of mosquito bites like staying indoors.Item Use of dry blots for serotyping and genotyping of dengue viruses: A pilot study(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Bishwal, Subasa; Minj, Pooja; Godbole, Subash1; Sahare, Lalit; Ukey, Mahendra; Kumar, Rakesh; Barde, PradipBackground & objectives: Dengue (DEN) is a result of infection by one or multiple types of four dengue viruses known as Dengue virus (DENV) 1-4. Identifying circulating serotype and genotype is epidemiologically important, however, it is challenging in resource limited areas. Moreover, transporting samples from the collation site to the laboratory in appropriate condition is an exigent task. To overcome this, we evaluated the usefulness of dry blots of serum for DENV diagnosis, serotyping and genotyping. Methods: Serum samples received for diagnosis were divided into parts; one was used for providing the diagnosis. Remaining sample was distributed in three parts (100 µl each), one part was used for molecular testing and two parts were mixed with RNAlater reagent® in equal volumes and was blotted on Whatman filter paper no 3. The blots were dried and stored at 4°C and 28°C and tested for presence of dengue RNA, serotypes and genotypes after 7 days of incubation. Results: The diagnosis and serotyping results of serum sample and dry serum blots were in concordance. Out of 20 positive samples, 13 (65%) gave satisfactory sequencing results. Genotype III of DENV-1, Genotype IV of DENV 2 and Genotype I of DENV-4 were detected. Interpretation & conclusion: The results demonstrate that serum mixed with RNA protective solution and blotted on Whatman filter paper no 3 can be effectively used for diagnosis, serotyping and genotyping of DENVs. This will help in easy transportation, diagnosis and effective data generation in resource limited settings.Item Chemical constituents and strong larvicidal activity of Solanum xanthocarpum among selected plants extracts against the malaria, filaria, and dengue vectors(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Kumar, Pawan; Kumar, Vikram; Singh, Himmat; Kumar, Dinesh; Chauhan, RPS; Shakya, RashmiBackground & objectives: The role of mosquitoes is instrumental in the transmission of various diseases. Mosquitoeborne diseases account for a significant share of the global burden of total infectious diseases. Vector control is the principal method for the control of these mosquito-borne diseases. Plant-derived insecticides serve as an effective alternative to chemical insecticides. The present study has been undertaken to assess the larvicidal potential of methanol and petroleum ether extracts of leaves of Solanum xanthocarpum, Parthenium hysterophorus, Manihot esculenta, and Chamaecyparis obtusa. Methods: Larvicidal activity was tested against the early four-stage instar larvae of laboratory-reared susceptible strains of the malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, dengue fever vector, Aedes aegypti, and the lymphatic filariasis vector, Culex quinquefasciatus at 20 to 120 ppm concentrations. Further, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analyses were carried out to identify the bioactive compounds present in the methanolic leaf extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum for designing a larvicidal product in future. Results: After 72 h of exposure high larvicidal activities were observed in methanolic and petroleum ether leaves extract of S. xanthocarpum against An. stephensi, Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus. The larvicidal activities for methanol and petroleum ether leaf extract of S. xanthocarpum with LC50 = 09.201 and 12.435 ppm and LC90 = 21.578 and 27.418 ppm for An. stephensi; LC50 = 11.450 and 10.026 ppm and LC90 = 26.328 and 22.632 ppm for Ae. aegypti and LC50 = 12.962 and 13.325 ppm and LC90 = 26.731 and 30.409 ppm for Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively, were found to be most effective. GC-MS analysis revealed 43 compounds, amongst these phytol (13.09%), 3-allyl-2- methoxy phenol (9.55%), (9Z, 12Z)-9, 12-octadecadienoyl chloride (7.93%), linoleic acid (5.45%), alpha-tocospiro B (5.08%) and hexadecanoic acid (4.35%) were identified as major compounds. Interpretation & conclusion: Present work showed that leaf extracts of S. xanthocarpum are a source of potential natural candidate that possess several phytochemicals which can be explored further for the development of ecologically safer mosquito control products.Item Current status of insecticide resistance and its underlying mechanisms in Aedes aegypti (L.) in Punjab, Pakistan(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Ramzan, Hania; Manzoor, Farkhanda; Oneeb, MuhammadAedes aegypti (Linnaeus) plays an important role as a vector of different deadly diseases particularly dengue fever. Insecticides are used as a primary tool to control Ae. aegypti. However, due to the excessive use of insecticides on agricultural, public health, and industrial levels, mosquitoes have developed resistance. In this study, the current susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes against different insecticides (Temephos, DDT, dieldrin, Malathion, Bendiocarb, Permethrin, Cypermethrin, and Lambda-cyhalothrin) was evaluated in district Lahore and district Muzaffargarh of Punjab, Pakistan. For this purpose, WHO bioassays and biochemical assays were performed on Ae. aegypti population from Lahore (APLa) and Aedes population from Muzaffargarh (APMg). Results of APLa and APMg showed high levels of resistance against the larvicide Temephos. Resistance against all adulticides was also observed in APLa and APMg (% mortality < 98%). The biochemical assays indicated statistically significant elevated levels of detoxification enzymes in APLa and APMg. APLa showed slightly higher levels as compared to APMg. Mosquitoes were also screened for the presence of kdr mutations. The results revealed no mutation in domain II while the presence of mutation F1534C in domain III was found in both field populations. The results showed the presence of moderate to high grade resistance against all insecticides in Ae. aegypti in district Lahore and district Muzaffargarh of Punjab, PakistanItem The relationship between MMP-2 rs243865, MMP-9 rs398242 and CXCL-12 rs1801157 gene polymorphisms with Japanese encephalitis disease and disease outcome in North Indian population(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Tiwari, Rashmi; Ghildiyal, Sneha; Gaur, Pooja; Fatima, Tanzeem; Dhole, Tapan N; Srivastva, Janmejai K; Upadhyay, Shivbrat; Atam, VirendraBackground & objectives: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is one of the most important causes of acute and uncontrolled inflammatory disease in Asia. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and chemokines play a detrimental role in the host response to JE disease, aetiology, and disease outcome. Evidently, MMPs are widely circulated in the brain and regulate various process including microglial activation, inflammation, blood-brain barrier disruption as well as affects central nervous system (CNS). The present study was to assess the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms of MMP-2, MMP-9 and chemokine (CXCL-12/SDF1-3’) in the north Indian population. Methods: We performed case-control study comprising of 125 patients and 125 healthy controls in north Indian population. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and gene polymorphism have been determined by PCR-RFLP method. Results: MMP-2, MMP-9 and CXCL-12 gene was not significantly associated with JE disease, but homozygous (T/T) genotype of MMP-2 was statically associated with disease outcome (p=0.05, OR=0.110). A/G and G/G genotype of CXCL-12 was significantly associated with severity of disease. (p=0.032, OR=5.500, p=0.037, OR= 9.167). The serum level of MMP-2 was observed significantly increased in JE patients with homozygous (T/T) genotype whereas increased MMP-9 level was associated with heterozygous genotype. Interpretation & conclusion: MMP-2, MMP-9 and CXCL-12 gene polymorphism were not associated with JE susceptibility, but MMP-2 may be contributed to disease protection. CXCL-12 was associated with disease severity. In our concern this is the first report from northern India.Item Loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the rapid detection of Anaplasma marginale in cattle based on major surface protein 5 gene(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Ganguly, Nabanita; Kumar, Niranjan; Solanki, Jayesh B; Kalyani, I H; Thakuria, Nabanita; Patel, Dharmesh CBackground & objectives: Timely intervention is needed to minimize the economic losses of vector-borne bovine anaplasmosis which can be possible by the isothermal amplification assay. Methods: Anaplasma marginale in the cattle of south Gujarat, India was detected in the PCR and LAMP by amplifying the fragment of msp5 gene. The PCR product was digested with EcoRI, and sequenced to confirm its pathogen specific detection. Results: Species specific PCR observed a band of 457 bp of msp5 DNA following 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. Positive LAMP reaction turned into yellow colour while negative sample depicted original pink colour. A detection limit of PCR and LAMP was up to 10-6 and 10-8 of the original genomic DNA of A. marginale, respectively. A single cut site of EcoRI was observed in the PCR product. Current msp5 DNA sequences of A. marginale (MW538962 and MW538961) showed 100% homology with the published sequences. Monophyletic lineage type relationship was observed with high bootstrap proportion among the msp5 DNA sequences of A. marginale in the phylogram. Prevalence rate of A. marginale was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the PCR [43/280 (15.36%)] and LAMP [62/280 (22.14%)] than the microscopic technique [17/280 (6.07%)]. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values at 95% CI for LAMP assay with respect to PCR were 93.02%, 90.72%, 64.52% and 98.62%, respectively. Interpretation & conclusion: Thus LAMP can be a practical alternative to the PCR for the diagnosis of A. marginale infection in the cattle even in field conditionItem Expression profile in Leishmania major exposed to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Bafghi, Ali Fattahi; Eslami, Gilda; Ajamein, Vahid; Barzegar, Kazem; Vakili, MahmoudBackground & objectives: The interaction of Leishmania spp. with microbiota inside the midgut vector has significant output in pathogenesis. This study aimed to identify the profile of Leishmania major gene expression of LACK, gp63, and hsp70 after exposure to Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic Streptococci (GABHS). Methods: Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) promastigotes were exposed with S. aureus, with GABHS, and with both GABHS and S. aureus at 25°C for 72 h. The gene expression analysis of Lmgp63, Lmhsp70, and LmLACK was assessed using SYBR Green real-time PCR by ??Ct. All experiments were repeated in triplicate. Statistical analysis was done using two-way ANOVA. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Lmgp63 was expressed in the group exposed to GABHS with 1.75-fold lower than the control group (p=0.000). The LmLACK had expression in both groups exposed with GABHS and GABHS with S. aureus with 2.8 and 1.33-fold more than the control group, respectively (p=0.000). The Lmhsp70 gene expression was reported in the group exposed with GABHS with relative quantification of 5.7-fold more than the control group. Interpretation & conclusion: This study showed that the important genes encoding LACK, gp63, and hsp70 changed their expression after exposure to the S. aureus and GABHS.Item Dried blood spots: a robust tool for malaria surveillance in countries targeting elimination(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Nain, Minu; Sinha, Abhinav; Sharma, AmitWith the advancements in analytical and molecular techniques, Dried Blood Spots (DBS) are re-emerging as attractive and cost-effective alternatives for global health surveillance. The use of DBS has been well-characterized in the neonatal screening of metabolic diseases, therapeutic screening as well as in epidemiological studies for biomonitoring. Malaria is one such infectious disease where DBS use can expedite molecular surveillance for assessing drug resistance and for refining drug usage policies. In India, malaria cases have reduced significantly over the past decade but to achieve malaria elimination by 2030, country-wide DBS-based screening should be conducted to identify the presence of molecular markers of artemisinin resistance and to study parasite reservoirs in asymptomatic populations. DBS has wide applications in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomic studies concerning both host and pathogen factors. Hence, it is a comprehensive tool for malaria surveillance that can capture both host and parasite information. In this review, we elucidate the current and prospective role of DBS in malaria surveillance and its applications in studies ranging from genetic epidemiology, parasite and vector surveillance, drug development and polymorphisms to ultimately how they can pave the roadmap for countries aiming malaria eliminationItem Investigation of Chikungunya virus genotype at tertiary care center in Western Maharashtra, India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Suryavanshi, Kalpana Tikaram; Chakraborty, AnkanaBackground & objectives: Chikungunya is a reemerging arbovirus infection. Laboratory diagnosis can be done by Classical test involving Rapid Immunochromatography, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent assay and Molecular methods. The present study was undertaken to know the genotype of the Chikungunya virus (CHICKV) among patients suspected of CHICKV and investigated by virus culture, partial sequencing, Rapid Immunochromatography, and Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To understand different techniques used in Chikungunya diagnosis viz., virus culture, partial sequencing along with Immunochromatography and ELISA. Methods: This is a prospective, laboratory-based study at a tertiary care center. Lateral flow chromatography and ELISA was carried out on serum samples. All 50 samples were cultured and indirect Immunofluorescence was performed on positive samples at Interactive Research School for Health Affairs (IRSHA), Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Pune, Maharashtra, India. Virus isolates were subjected to partial sequencing for identification of genotype after confirmation by PCR. Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0 software was used to calculate the Receiver operating curve (ROC) for different tests. Results: Out of 50 samples, 20 were positive by Immunochromatography, 23 by ELISA, and 3 by culture, PCR confirmed CHIKV isolates and sequencing identified genotypes as East Central South African type. Interpretation & conclusion: CHIKV culture isolates of East Central South African type lineage were predominantly found in the present study. These are also common genotypes present in Asia including India.Item Characteristic features and comparative analysis of essential oil composition of selected genus of Ocimum sanctum L. through GC-MS(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Sharma, Prerna; Upadhyaya, KumudBackground & objectives: The main aim of this research is to provide literature on the Ocimum plant, and to know the significance of the Ocimum species carried out by pharmacognostic study and experimental design for GC-MS. Ocimum genus are very important for their therapeutic potential among the most important aromatic herbs. Methods: Extreme attention has been put on literature reports in which the utilization of tulsi and their pharmacognostic study has been done by performing morphological and microscopic leaf experimental design and by using essential oil through the GC-MS instrumentation method. Results:The utilization of these characteristics would be important for the drug discovery scientist to develop a specific formulation of the crude drug, which will be a magical therapeutic agent in the future, with many advantages. GC-MS chromatogram of Ocimum sanctum, Ocimum canum, and Ocimum gratissimum oil showed major peaks and has been identified after comparison of the mass spectra with the NIST library, indicating the presence of three phytocomponents. From the results, the GC-MS study suggested that anethole which is well reported antimicrobial compound is more in O. canum (2.66%) in comparison to O. sanctum (1,28%) but absent in O. gratissimum. The results indicated that the antimicrobial activity is more in O. canum due to the presence ofa high amount of anethole in comparison to O. gratissimum and O. sanctum. Interpretation & conclusion: The result revealed that O. canum has a microscopic character that can be identified by the characteristic GC MS analysis of extracts to distinguish between different species of the ocimum plant.Item The first serological detection of West Nile virus infection among residents living in northern Turkey(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Taskin, Mehmet Hakan; Tamer, Cuneyt; Muftuoglu, Bahadir; Ozan, Emre; Kilic, Suleyman Sirri; Akkoyunlu, Gokce Kubra; Kurucay, Hanne Nur; Albayrak, Harun; Gumusova, Semra; Yazici, Zafer; Igde, Mahir; Mesquita, Joäo R; Elhag, Ahmed EisaBackground & objectives: West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by a mosquito-borne virus whose natural reservoir is birds. Humans and horses are considered accidental hosts. Even if the vast majority of WNV infections in humans have asymptomatic or mild disease settings, serious neurological disorders with lethal outcomes can also be observed in around 1% of the cases. We aimed to serologically investigate the presence of WNV in humans living in Black sea of Turkey, and to obtain epidemiological data that will contribute to the implementation of public health policies to control and prevent potentially other life-threatening arboviral infections. Methods: In the current study, a total of 416 human sera were collected from native patients of Samsun and its boroughs attending Samsun Training and Research Hospital; these sera were tested for WNV with pooling method, using anti-IgM and IgG ELISA commercial kits. All pools that were found positive for both IgM and IgG were individually retested for the detection of positive WNV sera. After that, all positive samples were tested using realtime PCR to detect the presence of WNV-RNA particles. Results: Total seropositivity rates of WNV in terms of IgM and IgG were found as 0.96% and 0.72%, respectively. No presence of WNV-RNA could be detected in positive samples. Interpretation & conclusion: According to the data, further studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiological dynamics of WNV in Turkey. It is recommended that other antigenically related flaviviruses which can give cross-reaction with WNV should also be investigated.Item Current status of mites and mite-borne diseases in India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Govindarajan, R; Rajamannar, V; Samuel, Philip P; Kumar, AshwaniMites act as the vectors of zoonotic vector-borne disease scrub typhus caused by the rickettsial pathogen Orientia tsutsugamushi. In India, scrub typhus is transmitted by the mite Leptotrombidium deliense. Rodents are the reservoirs and support the spread of this disease. Sarcoptes scabiei or the itch mite is causing scabies which is a common skin infection in India. Dermatitis, trombiculosis, and mite dust allergy are common mite-borne diseases transmitted by Pyemotidae family. D. brevis folliculorum and Demodex brevis are two major mite species found on humans also causing a disease; “Demodicosis”, common in India. Dermanyssus gallinae, fowl mite causes pruritis in poultry birds, transmits infections to poultry workers when they come into contact with birds. There is a re-emergence of mite-borne diseases, especially scrub typhus, in many parts of India requiring urgent attention for its control. This review is aimed to update the available information on mites and mite transmitted diseases prevalent in India to highlight the importance of rodent and chigger mite vector control to prevent forthcoming mite-borne diseases in India.Item A rare case of complicated malaria presenting as warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Sharma, Geetika; Choudhary, Sonu; More, Shilpi; Sharma, Nimisha; Raychaudhuri, Sujata; Chatterjee, TathagataAutoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) has been rarely reported worldwide or from India as the underlying cause of anemia in malaria. We hereby present a case of complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria with concomitant warm AIHA in a 31-year-old male. Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT) was positive and elution studies showed pan-agglutination reaction. Clinico-hematological and serological follow-up of the patient was done post artesunate treatment until day 9. We suggest that it is important to establish the immune basis of anemia in malaria patients for guiding the treatment plan for the clinicians and providing packed red blood cell transfusion if required.Item Potential larvicidal bioefficacy of copper sulfide-based hybrid nanoemulsions of eucalyptus oil against Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus)(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Sandhu, Komalpreet Kaur; Vashishat, Nisha; Kocher, Devinder KaurBackground & objectives: Nanotechnology, an emerging field, has acquired considerable attention for the control of vectors. The present study aimed to synthesize, characterize copper sulfide- and eucalyptus oil-based hybrid nanoemulsions and investigate their larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti by studying larvicidal bioassay, morphological aberrations, histopathological alterations, biochemical analysis and evaluation of risk assessment in non-target organisms. Methods: Hybrid nanoemulsions were prepared by mixing aqueous copper sulfide nanoparticles (CuSNPs) with non-polar eucalyptus oil in five ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and 1:5) by sonication, screened and characterized using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Larvicidal activity was recorded and toxicity values were calculated by log-probit method. Morphological, histological and biochemical changes were examined in Aedes aegypti larvae after treatment. Nanohybrids were also tested under simulated conditions and against non-target organism. Results: The nanohybrid ratio of 1:5 was found to be stable after thermodynamic stability tests. TEM studies revealed average size of 90±7.90 nm with globular shape. LC50 and LC90 toxicity values of prepared CuSNPs were calculated out to be 5.00 and 5.81ppm after 24 hours treatment. Effective concentration of prepared nanohybrid (6.5ppm) tested under simulated conditions showed maximum larvicidal mortality after 48 hours of exposure. No toxicity towards the Mesocyclops spp. was observed after treatment of these nanohybrids even up to 21 days. Interpretation & conclusion: Copper sulfide based hybrid nanoemulsions were found to show efficient larvicidal property which can be used for the formulation of ecofriendly bio-larvicide against Aedes aegypti.Item Molecular Identification and phylogenetic analysis of mosquito vectors from Mananthavady Taluk, Wayanad, Kerala, India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2023-01) Thankachan, Maiby; Surya, P; Sebastian, Chempakassery DevasiaBackground & objectives: Every year more than one billion people are infected and about one million people die from vector-borne diseases; of which mosquito-borne diseases remain as the world’s most severe insect-borne diseases with excessive rates of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to examine the mosquito vectors and the possible diseases transmitted by them in the Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad, Kerala. Methods: The area selected for the present study was Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad district, Kerala, during 2019–2021. The collected specimen were subjected for morphological identification using taxonomic keys and were confirmed by DNA barcoding. Molecular phylogeny assessment was done for the collected species of vector mosquitoes. Results: A total of 17 mosquito species belonging to 5 genera, Anopheles, Aedes, Culex, Mansonia and Armigeres were identified. The mitochondrial COI gene sequences generated for molecular identification of these species were submitted to NCBI GenBank. Interpretation & conclusion: Overall, this study extends our understanding of the molecular evolution of mosquito vectors of medical and veterinary concern, which could aid in developing biotechnological approaches used in Culicidae control programs.Item The case report of a non-resident Indian with Plasmodium ovale curtisi from Kerala, India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2022-10) Sharma, Supriya; Meenakshy, V; Sasi, MS; Ahmed, Naseem; Eapen, Alex; Shini, KK; Sharma, Amit; Srivastava, BinaIndia’s target of malaria elimination by 2030 may not be achieved solely by detecting Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax, the two common Plasmodium species causing infections in humans. Sporadic reports have been documented on other Plasmodium species in the country, associated mostly with travel history. A febrile patient of Indian origin (Non-resident Indian (NRI)) was diagnosed with an infection of Plasmodium ovale curtisi malaria on his arrival from Sudan. A case report from Kerala was published in December 2020 and this is second report. Due to the inaccessibility of molecular techniques for routine diagnosis, this neglected non-falciparum malaria goes undetected. For an accurate diagnosis, suspected malaria cases should be tested using PCR and other advanced methods.Item An investigation of the efficacy of di fferent statistical mod els in malaria forecasting in the semi-arid regions of Gujarat, India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2022-10) Yadav, Chander Prakash; Baharia, Rajendra; Ranjha, Ritesh; Hussain, Syed Shah Areeb; Singh, Kuldeep; Faizi, Nafis; Sharma, AmitBackground & objectives: Robust forecasting of malaria cases is desirable as we are approaching towards malaria elimination in India. Methods enabling robust forecasting and timely case detection in unstable transmission areas are the need of the hour. Methods: Forecasting efficacy of the eight most prominent statistical models that are based on three statistical methods: Generalized linear model (Model A and Model B), Smoothing method (Model C), and SARIMA (Model D to model H) were compared using last twelve years (2008–19) monthly malaria data of two districts (Kheda and Anand) of Gujarat state of India. Results: The SARIMA Model F was found the most appropriate when forecasted for 2017 and 2018 using modelbuilding data sets 1 and 2, respectively, for both the districts: Kheda and Anand. Model H followed by model C were the two models found appropriate in terms of point estimates for 2019. Still, we regretted these two because confidence intervals from these models are wider that they do not have any forecasting utility. Model F is the third one in terms of point prediction but gives a relatively better confidence interval. Therefore, model F was considered the most appropriate for the year 2019 for both districts. Interpretation & conclusion: Model F was found relatively more appropriate than others and can be used to forecast malaria cases in both districts.Item Vector and rodent surveillance for Orientia tsutsugamushi in north India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2022-10) Kaura, Taruna; Kaur, Jasleen; Bisht, Kamlesh; Goel, Shriya; Lakshmi, PVM; Grover, Gagandeep Singh; Mewara, Abhishek; Biswal, ManishaBackground & objectives: Scrub typhus or chigger borne typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi is an emerging vector-borne disease as large numbers of cases have been reported in various tropical countries. It is transmitted to humans through bites of infected chiggers (larval mites). The knowledge about the vector, its distribution, density and habitat are important so as to understand the epidemiology of scrub typhus in a given area. To control rickettsial infections, regular rodent-vector surveillance should be planned in areas where the disease transmission is occurring and it will also help to strengthen the existing entomological data related to the vector of scrub typhus in northern India. Methods: In the present study, rodent-vector surveillance was planned for one whole year, covering both mite active and non-active seasons (October 2019–December 2020) in selected areas of Chandigarh and Punjab in north India. Rodent tissues and mites were also examined for the presence of O. tsutsugamushi by nested PCR for 56 kDa gene and real-time PCR for 47 kDa outer membrane protein gene. 18S gene PCR was performed for molecular identification of mites. Results: In the surveillance, three types of ectoparasite, viz. mites, fleas and ticks were obtained in rodents. All mites found were of Laelapidae family. None of the pooled rodent tissue samples as well as mite samples were found positive for O. tsutsugamushi by nested PCR for rickettsial DNA. Interpretation & conclusion: In the present study, we did not get any evidence of carriage of O. tsutsugamushi in either mites or rodents collected and sampled in selected regions in Chandigarh and Punjab. We need to strengthen the entomological surveillance over a broader region and increase the frequency of trapping rodents to increase clarity on vector-reservoir dynamics in this geographical region.Item Molecular epidemiology of Japanese encephalitis in pigs and risk factors associated with causing Japanese encephalitis in pigs of Lakhimpur, the first case reported in the district of North East India(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2022-10) Rajkhowa, U; Barua, AG; Malakar, DBackground & objectives: Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a major public health problem in India. The first outbreaks of JE have been reported from the North-eastern regions of Assam, particularly from the Lakhimpur district of Assam between July–August 1989. In Assam every year many people died due to JE. This study was performed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of JE in pigs in Lakhimpur district of Assam and the risk factors associated with causing Japanese encephalitis in pigs. This study will help to map out the endemic regions and to know where and when to apply the most control strategies towards the prevention and control of the disease. Methods: A total of 342 serum samples from pigs were collected from 10 organized and 20 unorganized farms from 9 blocks and recorded to age, sex and breed and tested by RT-PCR. Pig farms and the surrounding environment were studied for assessment of farm-level risk factors responsible for JEV infection in pigs. Results: Out of 342 samples tested for detection of the E gene of JEV, 14 samples were found to be positive with a prevalence rate of 4.09%. Age, sex and breed-wise higher cases were found in at the age group above 12 months, sex wise female and breed-wise local pigs. Pig farms less than 500 meters from risk factors like rice field, stagnant water source, wild bird exposure to farm and mosquito exposure at farm/ bite to pigs, found to be more numbers of JE cases. Interpretation & conclusion: Molecular epidemiology of JE in pigs, and humans; positive at Lakhimpur recommend the need for uninterrupted surveillance of this virus in pigs specially those areas where pig population is more and all risk factors are present.Item In silico design of a multi-epitope Chimera from Aedes aegypti salivary proteins OBP 22 and OBP 10: A promising candidate vaccine(Wolters Kluwer – Medknow, 2022-10) Sankar, SathishBackground & objectives: The emergence and re-emergence of arboviruses such as dengue, Chikungunya and Zika viruses causing morbidity and mortality around the globe are of serious concern. A safe and effective vaccine is essential to control viral transmission. The salivary proteins of the mosquito that aid in blood probing, feeding and development are immunogenic. We aimed to report a multi-epitope candidate vaccine chimera from Aedes aegyptii mosquito salivary proteins OBP 22 and OBP 10 that could confer protection against all pathogens transmitted by the vector. Methods: Linear and conformation B-cell epitopes and MHC class-I and class-II binding T- cell epitopes were predicted using bioinformatic tools. Selected B- and T-cell epitopes were chosen for designing a multiepitope vaccine construct. The chimeric construct was analyzed for its immunogenicity, TAP and proteasomal cleavage, allergenicity, and structural validation for its suitability to be used as a candidate vaccine. Molecular docking was carried out to analyze the binding interactions with TLRs molecules. Results: A chimeric multiepitope vaccine was designed with the best-selected combination of immunogenic B-cell epitope, cytotoxic and helper T-cell and gamma interferon inducing epitopes with suitable adjuvant and linkers. The interacting residues between the candidate vaccine and the TLR molecules have been identified. Interpretation & conclusion: The proposed multiepitope candidate vaccine was designed from the mosquito salivary protein OBP 22 and OBP 10. The candidate vaccine was found promising for the protection against arboviruses. Further clinical validation is warranted to prove its efficacy, safety and immunogenicity for its potential use.