Exploring mosquito abundance and Plasmodium infection through nested-PCR: implications for disease surveillance and control.

The Plasmodium is responsible for malaria which poses a major health threat, globally. This study is based on the estimation of the relative abundance of mosquitoes, and finding out the correlations of meteorological parameters (temperature, humidity and rainfall) with the abundance of mosquitoes. In addition, this study also focused on the use of nested PCR (species-specific nucleotide sequences of 18S rRNA genes) to explore the Plasmodium spp. in female Anopheles. In the current study, the percentage relative abundance of Culex mosquitoes was 57.65% and Anopheles 42.34% among the study areas. In addition, the highest number of mosquitoes was found in March in district Mandi Bahauddin at 21 °C (Tmax = 27, Tmin = 15) average temperature, 69% average relative humidity and 131 mm rainfall, and these climatic factors were found to affect the abundance of the mosquitoes, directly or indirectly. Molecular analysis showed that overall, 41.3% of the female Anopheles pools were positive for genus Plasmodium. Among species, the prevalence of Plasmodium (P.) vivax (78.1%) was significantly higher than P. falciparum (21.9%). This study will be helpful in the estimation of future risk of mosquito-borne diseases along with population dynamic of mosquitoes to enhance the effectiveness of vector surveillance and control programs.

Comparative Molecular Virulence Typing and Antibiotic Resistance of Campylobacter Species at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface.

This study holds significant importance due to its focus on Campylobacter, the leading bacterial cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, responsible for ∼96 million cases each year. By investigating the prevalence of both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in humans, animals, and the environment, this research sheds light on the broader impact of these pathogens, which can harm both human and animal populations. Traditional microbiological methods were implemented followed by optimized multiplex polymerase chain reaction targeting 16S rDNA and virulence gene markers by using specific primers. The findings revealed that a total of 219 Campylobacter isolates were recovered from 528 collected specimens from human, animal, and environmental sources. Campylobacter species showed a prevalence of 41.5%, with C. jejuni accounting for 53% and C. coli for 47%. Antimicrobial resistance rates were high, with tetracycline at 89%, ceftriaxone at 75%, cefotaxime at 70%, erythromycin at 69%, nalidixic acid at 54%, ciprofloxacin at 39%, and gentamicin at 23%. Commonly prevalent virulence-associated genes observed in the Campylobacter were cadF at 93%, flaA at 91%, cdtB at 88%, cheY at 86%, sodB at 78%, and iamA at 32%. The study confirmed multidrug-resistant Campylobacter prevalence at the human-animal-environment interface, harboring virulence-associated genes with potential harm to humans. Data analysis showed a nonsignificant (p ≥ 0.05) correlation between virulence genes and antibiotic susceptibility. To effectively manage Campylobacter infections, a multifaceted strategy incorporating preventative interventions at different levels is required. This strategy should take into account practicability, effectiveness, and sustainability while strengthening surveillance systems and addressing the economics of disease prevention.