Background The recent reports of Aedes aegypti and Ae . albopictus populations in Turkey, in parallel with the territorial expansion identified in several surrounding countries, have raised concerns about the establishment and re-establishment of these invasive Aedes mosquitoes in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was performed to detect Aedes aegypti and Ae . albopictus in regions of recent incursions, and screen for viral pathogens known to be transmitted elsewhere by these species. Methodology Mosquitoes were collected at several locations in Artvin, Rize and Trabzon provinces of the Black Sea region during 2016–2017, identified morphologically, pooled and analyzed via generic or specific nucleic acid amplification assays. Viruses in positive pools were identified by product sequencing, cell culture inoculation and next generation sequencing (NGS) in selected specimens. Principal findings The study group comprised 791 specimens. Aedes albopictus was the most abundant species in all locations (89.6%), followed by Ae . aegypti (7.8%) and Culex pipiens (2.5%). Mosquitoes were screened for viruses in 65 pools where fifteen (23.1%) were reactive. The infecting strains was identified as West Nile virus (WNV) in 5 pools (7.7%) with Ae . albopictus or Cx . pipiens mosquitoes. The obtained WNV sequences phylogenetically grouped with local and global lineage 1 clade 1a viruses. In 4 (6.2%) and 6 (9.2%) pools, respectively, cell fusing agent virus (CFAV) and Aedes flavivirus (AEFV) sequences were characterized. NGS provided a near-complete AEFV genome in a pool of Ae . albopictus . The strain is provisionally called “AEFV-Turkey”, and functional analysis of the genome revealed several conserved motifs and regions associated with virus replication. Merida-like virus Turkey (MERDLVT), a recently-described novel rhabdovirus, was also co-detected in a Cx . pipiens pool also positive for WNV. Conclusions/Significance Invasive Aedes mosquitoes are established in certain locations of northeastern Turkey. Herein we conclusively show the role of these species in WNV circulation in the region. Biosurveillance is imperative to monitor the spread of these species further into Asia Minor and to detect possible introduction of pathogens.
Methods & Materials: This mixed method study extracted data from adult malaria inpatient records of the hospital from 2010-2015, and assessed drug supply at pharmacies. Physicians' practices and perspectives were explored by in-depth interviews. Compliance was assessed by severity, type of species and pregnancy status. Thematic analysis was done for the qualitative data.Results: A total of 247 case files were reviewed. Vivax malaria (41.0%) was more common than falciparum malaria (37.2%). The majority (90.8%) of cases were severe malaria. Overall compliance for use of schizonticidal drug was 73.0% in severe malaria and was only 9.5% in uncomplicated malaria. Compliance for use of gametocidal drug (primaquine) was 15.3%. Schizonticidal drugs were available in all pharmacies except the public one. Primaquine was available in only one. The main themes emerging in the thematic network analysis were physicians' misconceptions, physician-related factors, and hospital-related and drug access factors. Conclusion:The degree of compliance for severe malaria treatment was reasonably good but low for radical cure. Raising knowledge and awareness among health care providers, by using written treatment protocols and continuing medical education would improve compliance.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.