Today, I share with you some of the recent papers that have caught my  attention.

For fun, there is a  wordsearch at the end - Srimathy :)

Challenges to vector control in the face of resistance

A study looking at the metabolic resistance mechanisms of Anopheles coluzzii (a major malaria vector in Benin) revealed resistance to pyrethroids (deltamethrin and permethrin) and suspected resistance to the carbamate bendiocarb.

Sand flies in Singapore

The presence of phlebotomine sand flies in Singapore has been documented for the first time. This study identified eight species, including four newly described ones that are closely related to Phlebotomus argentipes (sand flies that are linked to leishmaniasis).

When incompatibility works

Releasing ‘lab-grown’ sterile male Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in a method called Incompatible Insect Technique has proven to be an effective and safe way to control the wild Ae. albopictus population on an island in China. The method didn’t affect other mosquito species or change female mating behaviour.

Seabirds as sentinels

A survey on the  presence and genetic diversity of Toxoplasma gondii in seabirds from Brazil’s southern coast found brain cysts in 16 birds. The study suggests seabirds may acquire infection through environmental exposure or consumption of contaminated marine organisms. Seabirds could consequently play an important role in the One Health of marine ecosystems by becoming disease/ contamination sentinels.

Flame on!

A paper in the journal Trials describes the FLAME study, a three-year cluster randomized controlled trial in Loreto, Peru, which is designed to evaluate the impact and safety of focal mass drug administration in reducing Plasmodium vivax malaria transmission.

The trial is needed because, despite existing control measures, subclinical infections sustain transmission in the region. The intervention includes chloroquine combined with tafenoquine or primaquine administered in three cycles over two years. The primary outcome the trial hopes to achieve is the reduction in symptomatic P. vivax incidence, with  secondary outcomes relating to improved safety, cost-effectiveness, and infection prevalence.

 Cover Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay