Arthropod-borne diseases (ABDs) represent an ongoing threat to global public health, affecting millions annually with viral, bacterial and parasitic infections worldwide. Data on prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for ABDs were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. Based on DALYs, the nine ABDs were categorized into protozoan, helminthic, and viral diseases. Temporal trends were quantified using the average annual percentage change (AAPC) in age-standardized prevalence rates (ASPRs) and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDRs). Frontier analysis was applied to evaluate deviations from the expected disease burden according to sociodemographic index (SDI), and Bayesian age-period-cohort models were used to project future disease burdens through 2030. From 1990 to 2021, the global ASDR for ABDs declined from 1,219.26 to 884.16 per 100,000 population. Protozoiasis caused the most substantial burden (ASDR 819.83), followed by helminthiases and viral diseases. Although ASDRs declined across the three major disease categories overall, dengue fever exhibited a significant upward trend within the viral disease group (AAPC = 0.83%). Burdens remained concentrated in low and lower-middle SDI regions, though High-income Asia Pacific and Australasia experienced notable increases. Frontier analysis indicated that while parasitic burdens declined with rising SDI, viral disease patterns varied: dengue peaked at middle SDI, and Zika increased with SDI. Adolescents and young adults bore the greatest burden, with distinct sex-specific differences. Projections suggest that by 2030, ASPRs for malaria and African trypanosomiasis, as well as ASDRs for malaria, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, will increase. Protozoan infections, particularly malaria, continue to dominate the burden of arthropod-borne diseases. Although the overall burden of viral diseases declined modestly, certain arboviral infections, including dengue, showed increasing trends. The distinct geographic concentration of these infections, coupled with the rising threat of arboviral diseases, underscores the urgent need for enhanced surveillance systems, expanded vaccination coverage, and strengthened global collaboration to mitigate future risks.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disorder that is associated with reduced sleep quality and anxiety, and can cause a decrease in quality of life in these patients. Despite previous studies investigating these factors, few studies have examined their co-occurrence in these patients. To address this research gap, the present study aimed to determine the subgroups of patients with type 2 diabetes based on quality of life, sleep quality, and anxiety in the subgroups of using latent class analysis (LCA). This cross-sectional study was conducted using multistage random sampling. A total of 308 patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly selected from health centers in Ardabil. All participants completed four sets of checklists and questionnaires, (Demographic characteristics, 12-item Short Form survey, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item). Data analysis was performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), chi square and latent class analysis. Three latent classes were identified: The first class (good status) included 56.4% of the participants. Also, the second (moderate status) and third (poor status) classes described 16.5% and 27.1% of the participants, respectively. In latent class 1, the probability of having good quality of life and good sleep quality was higher. In latent class 2, the probability of having moderate quality of life and poor sleep quality was higher. However, these patients revealed no anxiety. Those with third latent class membership were more likely to have moderate quality of life, poor sleep quality, and severe anxiety. This study showed that sleep quality and anxiety is positively related to quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes. In addition, this study indicated the co-occurrence of sleep quality and anxiety in these patients. Based on these findings, effective and targeted interventions can be designed to improve the health status and quality of life of these patients, taking into account sleep quality and anxiety.
West Nile Virus (WNV) can cause severe neurological disease in humans, making public awareness crucial for prevention. The study aims to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of individuals living in Northern Cyprus regarding sources and transmission routes of this disease. In this cross-sectional study, 389 people participated. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed by researchers. The survey included questions about participants' awareness, sources of information, knowledge of WNV transmission routes, and preventive measures. It was conducted face-to-face. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests assessed p-values and significance. 80.1% of participants had never heard of zoonotic diseases. When asked about the transmission route of WNV, 59.7% correctly identified animal or insect bites as the mode of transmission. In terms of precautions, 60.7% reported taking measures such as window screens and bed nets to protect from mosquito bites, while 39.3% did not. As hypothesized, a significant association was shown between nationality and knowledge of zoonotic disease (p=0.026). In addition, gender was significantly associated with preventive measures (p=0.008), with females more likely to show protective behaviors compared to males. Results indicate a general lack of awareness about zoonotic diseases among the population of Northern Cyprus; however, a larger proportion reported taking personal precautions against mosquito bites. The Ministry of Health can organize training sessions and seminars to increase public awareness about WNV. Additionally, municipalities should take mosquito and larval control measures, particularly in summer.
The rapid spread of Aedes mosquitoes has raised global concerns about arboviral infections. Although West Azerbaijan Province holds significant ecological and geopolitical importance, it has received limited entomological research focused on the establishment and distribution of Aedes species. From March to November 2025, we conducted an extensive entomological survey at ten international points of entry across West Azerbaijan Province. Our monitoring program included ovitrap surveillance, inspections of larval habitats and collections of adult mosquitoes. For each breeding site, environmental characteristics such as vegetation type, water quality, sunlight exposure and habitat stability were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 27, applying binomial tests with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate species dominance and ecological associations. We collected a total of 1,789 mosquito specimens, of which 184 (10.3%) belonged to the genus Aedes. The majority of these were Aedes caspius s.l. (n=175), while a smaller number were Aedes flavescens (n=9). Approximately 85% of the habitats that tested positive for Aedes were natural environments and 70% of these were vegetated, typically containing clear, stagnant water. No evidence was found for the presence of Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus. The dominance of Ae. caspius s.l. highlights its ecological adaptation to vegetated natural habitats. Although urban Aedes species were absent, the occurrence of Ae. caspius s.l. underscores the importance of continued ovitrap-based monitoring and site-specific habitat management. Sustainable and integrated surveillance programs in border areas are important for early detection of vector entry, given the potential for cross-border movements.
Culex pipiens is one of the most important vectors of mosquito-borne pathogens in Iran. This study aimed to predict the distribution of this species in Golestan Province, Iran and to determine the factors affecting its distribution. Mosquito larvae were collected by using the dipping method from 56 locations across all 14 counties of the province, between April and October 2016. Species were identified morphologically, and the spatial distribution of Cx. pipiens was modeled using the maximum entropy (MaxEnt software Ver. 3.3.3) model. The results of our study show that areas located in the central part of Golestan Province are the most environmentally suitable habitat for Cx. pipiens. Jackknife test of variable importance showed that the following factors had the greatest influence on the distribution of Cx. pipiens: proximity to human settlements, precipitation of coldest quarter (mm), precipitation of wettest quarter (mm), precipitation of wettest month (mm), and mean temperature of coldest quarter (°C). This study concludes that the MaxEnt model is a very suitable model for studying the ecology of Cx. pipiens and precipitation, and temperature play a major role in the distribution of this species.
Trypanosomosis is one of the most important and deadliest diseases of canines. Usually within 3 to 4 weeks an infected dog dies in the acute form of the disease. The use of inappropriate doses of anti-trypanosomatid drugs in animals leads to the development of huge resistance in the organisms. The present study communicates the successive therapeutic management of clinical trypanosomiasis with five doses of diminazine aceturate injection. One mongrel dog came with the clinical signs of persistent fever, tachycardia, severe dehydration, pale mucous membrane, corneal opacity, prolonged recumbency, and enlargement of superficial lymph nodes. A Giemsa-stained thin blood smear revealed the presence of Trypanosoma organisms. Haematobiochemical parameters revealed lowered total leucocyte count, haemoglobin, total platelet count, serum total protein, and blood glucose levels and elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen. We observed the animal responded after the third day of post-therapy, and the clinical and haematobiochemical improvement was recorded after twenty days of post-therapy. The corneal opacity completely subsides after 28 days consequently. During our study we found that the proper significant dosing of diminazine aceturate can cure the Trypanosomosis in dogs.
Head lice infestations are a widespread health problem among school-aged children globally. Nevertheless, the importance of lice as initiators of scalp microbiome changes and as causes of secondary bacterial superinfections remains poorly understood. The paper aims to examine the PCR-based identification of head lice and to assess the epidemiological relationship between head lice infestation and scalp colonization by Staphylococcus species. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 primary school children (50 infested and 50 controls) aged between 5 and 12 years in the governorate of Nineveh (Iraq). The molecular identification of head lice was performed by amplifying the COX1 gene, and the comprehensive Staphylococcal profiling of scalp swabs was performed using culture and 16S rRNA gene amplification. Molecular analysis using COX1 gene specific amplification showed the presence of P. humanus capitis in 93.9% of the collected samples. The microbiological tests showed profound staphylococcal dysbiosis: Staphylococcus aureus was detected in 74% of infested children and absent in the control group (0%), indicating a highly significant association (χ2=58.73, p<0.001). Conversely, the commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis was found predominantly in healthy controls (66%) but significantly less frequently in infested children (26%). The pathogenic S. aureus prevails on the scalp of children with head lice with a striking shift, which illustrates a clinically significant interaction of ectoparasitic infestation with staphylococcal dysbiosis. The results also suggest that pediculosis is a risk factor for S. aureus overgrowth and emphasize the need for combined treatment strategies that address lice and bacterial complications.
Long-term follow-up data on the travel-associated burden of vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are scarce. A prospective multi-site observational study was conducted to delineate the longitudinal course, symptom patterns, physical and mental burden and factors associated with prolonged illness in travellers after four VBDs. Patients with confirmed travel-associated acute chikungunya, dengue, Zika or falciparum malaria were recruited at 15 GeoSentinel sites from 2016 to 2021. Persistent signs and symptoms were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 18 months (M) post-diagnosis, using a multi-modular study questionnaire with quality of life (QOL) evaluated by 12-item short-form health survey (SF-12). Demographic, premorbid and acute disease characteristics were tested in multivariate analyses to determine factors associated with persistence of symptoms at M3. Missing data were imputed by rules and statistical methods. Among 273 patients enrolled, 35 (13%) had chikungunya, 110 (40%) dengue, 19 (7%) Zika and 109 (40%) falciparum malaria. Median age was 38 years (interquartile range 30-49), 148/273 (54%) were men. At M3, 24/35 (69%) of chikungunya, 27/110 (25%) of dengue, 8/19 (42%) of Zika and 12/109 (11%) of malaria patients had persistent symptoms. The proportion of symptomatic chikungunya patients was 18/35 (51%) at M6, mainly due to musculoskeletal symptoms including arthritis and stiffness. In dengue patients, fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms without arthritis persisted until 1 year. Zika patients reported persisting headaches, musculoskeletal symptoms including arthritis and fatigue. One month after malaria, fatigue was the main persisting symptom, which resolved almost completely at M3. At M12, 6/35 (17%) of chikungunya, 5/110 (5%) dengue, 3/19 (16%) Zika and only 1/109 (1%) of malaria patients were still symptomatic.Impaired QOL was noted at M3 by 23/35 (66%) of patients with chikungunya, 20/110 (18%) with dengue and 6/19 (32%) with Zika but only 4/109 (4%) with malaria. Female sex, Zika, chikungunya and musculoskeletal symptoms during acute infection were associated with persistent M3 symptoms. Post-arboviral symptoms and impaired QOL persisted beyond 6 months after chikungunya, dengue and Zika. In contrast, post-malaria fatigue syndrome resolved within 3 months.
The growing concerns regarding the recent invasion of Aedes aegypti in Iran and the potential outbreak of dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika viruses in the country highlight the importance of assessing the susceptibility of this vector to different insecticides. The study assessed the resistance status of Ae. aegypti resistance to insecticides such as deltamethrin, permethrin, malathion, and temephos in Bandar Abbas City, Hormozgan Province, Iran. The research followed WHO standard testing procedures for adult mosquitoes. Adult susceptibility tests were conducted using 1X the discriminating concentrations to determine the frequency and status of insecticide resistance. Additionally, 5X and 10X the discriminating concentration were used to evaluate the intensity of resistance. Larval susceptibility to temephos was tested using concentrations of 156.25, 31.25, 6.25, 1.25, and 0.25 mg/l of temephos. Adults were resistant to all three tested insecticides at WHO-recommended diagnostic concentrations (DCs). In terms of resistance intensity, Ae. aegypti exhibited low-intensity resistance to malathion and deltamethrin, while resistance to permethrin was high-intensity. Dose-response analysis regarding the susceptibility of larvae to temephos showed LC50, LC90, and LC99 values of 0.013, 0.065, and 0.238 mg/l, respectively. These values indicate resistance when compared to the WHO diagnostic dose for temephos resistance of 0.012 mg/l. The results of this study highlight the need for an urgent strategy to manage resistance to insecticides and strengthen the integrated management program of Ae. aegypti. This fact emphasizes the importance of reducing larval sources and promoting research on alternative methods and products.
Scabies, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, is common in Iran; however, epidemiological data from Gonabad City are scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the prevalence of scabies in patients referred to the dermatology clinic of Allameh Bohlool Gonabadi Hospital in Gonabad City and to investigate its associated risk factors. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 2024 on 734 patients presenting with pruritic eruptions and itchy rashes. The diagnosis of scabies was confirmed in 98 patients by identifying S. scabiei mites, eggs, or fecal pellets through light microscopic examination of skin scrapings. Data from these confirmed cases were analyzed using SPSS v.25 to describe their characteristics. Among the 734 patients screened, 98 were confirmed to have scabies (13.4%). Analysis of these 98 cases revealed that the majority were female (64.3%, 63/98). The highest frequency of cases was observed in individuals aged 16 years and younger. Assessment of clinical presentation revealed that 55.1% (54/98) of cases presented with moderate lesions. A high proportion of cases were also among women, people with low levels of education and unemployed people. This study identified a total of 98 scabies cases among 734 patients screened in Gonabad City. The infestation was significantly associated with being female, having a lower level of education, and unemployment. These findings highlight a distinct epidemiological pattern of scabies in this underserved region and underscore the need for targeted community screening and health education, particularly among the affected demographic groups. Further analytical studies are needed to confirm true risk factors at the population level.
Algeria's extreme ecosystems, such as the Saoura region, represent unique reservoirs of rare microorganisms, inhabiting pristine and unexplored virgin territories with considerable biotechnological potential. Chitinolytic bacteria are particularly noteworthy for mosquito control due to their ability to degrade chitin, the major structural component of the insect cuticle. This study aims to: (i) identify new microbial strains adapted to extreme desert conditions, overcoming the limited efficacy of some bioinsecticides, (ii) address the spread of vector-borne diseases and mosquito resistance, (iii) reduce the environmental impacts of non-selective insecticides, and (iv) explore eco-friendly strategies and integrated biological control. Shrimp chitin was extracted to prepare selective media for the isolation and purification of chitinolytic bacteria. The entomopathogenic activity of these chitinolytic strains at concentrations of 104, 105 and 106 CFU/mL was evaluated through bioassays on Culex pipiens larvae. We isolated three chitinolytic strains from Phoenix dactylifera bark, among which Streptomyces spp. 2 (STR2) was clearly the most virulent against Cx. pipiens larvae. This strain exhibited marked dose and time-dependent toxicity (LC50-LC99: 7.9×103-3.4×107 CFU/mL; DC: 6.8×107 CFU/mL; LT50: 4.6 days). Beyond larval mortality, it also severely affected adults by reducing the proportion of flight-capable mosquitoes and increasing rates of flightlessness, post-emergence mortality, and deformity. However, an IGR-like mode of action remains speculative. This study confirms the larvicidal activity of desert-adapted chitinolytic bacteria, but further research is needed to determine their selectivity toward non-target organisms before considering their application in mosquito management.
Rosacea is a common chronic and recurrent skin disease whose etiology is not precisely clear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between rosacea and Demodex mite infestation in patients referred to the medical centers of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences during 2023. Patients' information, including age, gender, and clinical symptoms of rosacea diagnosis, was recorded. 60 out of 71 patients underwent standard superficial skin biopsy with a thickness of 5 μm from their faces, with a drop of immersion oil, and were examined under a light microscope. The mean Demodex density was 19.20 mites/cm2. Of these 60 rosacea patients, 47 (78.3%) were female and 13 (21.7%) were male. The highest Demodex mite infestation was in the 31-40 age group (38%). Out of 50 patients with positive Demodex (83.3%), 41 (68.3%) were related to D. folliculorum and 9 (15%) were related to D. brevis. Of the 41 patients infected with Demodex, 31 (out of 47, 66.0%) were women and 10 (out of 13, 76.9%) were men. The p-values for the relationships between age, gender, and mite species with mite count were all greater than 0.05. This indicates no statistically significant evidence of a direct relationship. Demodex mite density was higher in rosacea than the normal benchmark of <5 mites/cm2. This strong association suggests Demodex overpopulation plays a key role in the disease. Therefore, treatment strategies for rosacea should include acaricidal therapy targeting the mites.
Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is one of the most prevalent vector-borne diseases. The understanding of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding ZCL in Iran has not been thoroughly examined. This investigation focused on the risk factors for ZCL within an endemic region in the Mehran District of Ilam Province. This case-control study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Cases (n=372) were selected using the incident case approach from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Similarly, 372 controls were chosen through cluster random sampling from the general population. To measure exposure to various risk factors, a validated, research-developed questionnaire was utilized. Binary logistic regression modelling was employed to assess the association between the development of leishmaniasis and several risk factors. A p-value of 0.05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance. Living near rodent nests or holes (Odds Ratio: 6.51), having bathroom and toilet located outside the house (OR: 5.88), residing close to farms or gardens (OR: 8.26) or specific plants (OR: 6.22), observing a rodent near one's home (OR: 2.66), and the accumulation of building debris near residential areas (OR: 13.03) significantly increased risk of developing cutaneous leishmaniasis. In contrast, the use of insecticides (OR: 0.03) and lotions or other insect repellents (OR: 0.31) significantly decreased the risk of this disease. The development of ZCL in the Mehran district, Ilam province, southwest Iran, is hindered by inadequate health education and public awareness regarding the disease, as well as insufficient adherence to Iran's care guidelines.
Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are the most important arthropods in public health. Larval habitat features play an important role in their selection by female mosquitoes for oviposition. The purpose of this study was to determine the oviposition sites of mosquitoes in Aqqala County of Golestan Province following the flood of 2019. Two categories of larval habitats were defined: those that naturally occurred and those that were a result of flooding. Samples were collected using dippers with a 350 ml capacity. The collected larvae were preserved in lactophenol solution. Microscope slides were prepared using Berlese medium. The specimens were morphologically identified. Larval habitat characteristics were recorded according to the habitat situation (permanent/temporary, running/stagnant), vegetation situation, sunlight situation, substrate type, water situation (turbid/clear) and habitat type (natural/artificial). In total, 774 third- and fourth-instar mosquito larvae were collected from different larval habitats not affected by the flood, including seven species representing four genera. Culex pusillus was the dominant species (41.2%). The larvae of Aedes caspius, Cx. pipiens, Cx. theileri, Culiseta longiareolata and Uranotaenia unguiculata were collected only from artificial habitats, 96.9% of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus larvae from artificial habitats and 78.7% of Cx. pusillus larvae from natural habitats. No larvae were collected from the larval habitats affected by the flood. Field observations suggested that the flushing of natural larval habitats may cause such a decrease in larval population in the habitats affected by the flood. The presence of the larvivorous fish Gambusia holbrooki may also be taken into consideration.
Insecticides are essential for controlling Leishmania vectors, but their extensive use leads to adverse environmental effects, particularly on non-target species. Given the health challenges associated with synthetic insecticides and the dire need for safe and sustainable alternatives, plant-based insecticides offer a promising solution. This study explores the insecticidal potential of Salvia officinalis, Pistacia vera and Eucalyptus sp. as environmentally friendly alternatives for controlling Phlebotomus papatasi. Methanolic extracts of S. officinalis, P. vera and Eucalyptus sp. were prepared using the maceration method. The extracts were analyzed using titration methods for bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins and antioxidant properties. Susceptibility tests on Ph. papatasi were performed using WHO standard kits, with median lethal time (LT50) and median lethal dose (LD50) values calculated by probit analysis. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids in S. officinalis and Eucalyptus sp. None of the extracts contained alkaloids, but all contained tannins. Pistacia vera was the only extract containing saponins. The LD50 values after 24 hrs for S. officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. and P. vera were 0.156, 0.576 and 0.41 μg/ml, respectively. The LT50 values for S. officinalis, Eucalyptus sp. and P. vera at 1.6 μg/mL were 11.9, 12.5 and 14.4 hrs, respectively. Plant-derived insecticides are gaining attention due to their potential to mitigate the environmental and health risks posed by synthetic insecticides. The findings suggest that S. officinalis, P. vera and Eucalyptus sp. extracts may serve as effective biopesticides, contributing to integrated vector management strategies for leishmaniasis control.
Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) is an endemic disease in Varzaneh City where Leishmania major is the causative agent and the great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus, is the main reservoir host of the disease. Despite control efforts, ZCL outbreaks recur every few years. This study was conducted to revive information on the parasite/s species circulating between humans and the reservoirs in the region. Leishmania infection in patients and R. opimus was studied using direct parasitological and molecular methods during 2019-2021. Nested-PCR and DNA sequencing were used for Leishmania parasite identification. Inter and intra-species variations in the Leishmania parasites were investigated using BLAST and MEGA7 software. All suspected patients (N=34) and 14 out of 36 great gerbils tested positive for Leishmania parasites via direct parasitological method. Nested-PCR method revealed all the patients were infected with L. major (94.1%) and mixed infection of L. major and Leishmania turanica (5.9%), and great gerbil specimens were infected with either L. major (44.4%), L. turanica (5.6%), or Leishmania gerbilli (5.6%) and also with mixed infection of L. major and L. turanica (30.5%), L. major and L. gerbilli (8.3%) and mix of all the three Leishmania species (5.6%). The identical sequences of L. major in both human patients and rodents indicate that the great gerbils are the main reservoirs of L. major in Varzaneh City. The presence of L. turanica in patients would be of interest to carry out further studies to determine the role of this species in the persistence, signs, and treatment of ZCL in humans.
Global trade and travel are key factors affecting the initial introduction of vectors and VBDs (vector-borne diseases) in a country. Vectors know no borders; it is essential to establish systems for the surveillance of vectors and vector-borne diseases (VBDs). This study was conducted to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of a newly established entomological surveillance system for Aedes mosquitoes at points of entry (PoE) in West Azerbaijan Province. The Aedes surveillance system was implemented in West Azerbaijan Province from 2019 to 2023. Following national guidelines, Aedes eggs and larvae were surveyed at eight international PoEs using ovitraps and by collecting larvae from natural or artificial habitats. A specific checklist designed for this study was employed to evaluate the program. Over 9008 ovitraps were deployed, while 552 had eggs, including species from the families Phasmatidae and Psychodidae, as well as species from the genus Culex and Aedes caspius. Additionally, 506 larvae were collected during the surveillance period. The program had several key strengths, including a well-structured reporting system, robust technical support, knowledgeable personnel, designated health staff spaces at PoE, standardized surveillance tools, initiatives for environmental enhancement, the establishment of an entomology laboratory, cross-border collaborations, and public health education campaigns. Identified weaknesses comprised staff and entomologist shortages, the absence of a functional insectary, limited engagement of volunteer groups, and inadequate availability of insecticides and tools for emergency vector control. The study outcomes shed light on the challenges and suggest operational and practical solutions to address the identified shortcomings.
Entomotoxicology provides an alternative matrix for detecting drugs in decomposed human remains when conventional specimens are unavailable. This study aimed to develop and validate a quantitative method for detecting methamphetamine (MA) in different developmental stages of the blowfly Lucilia sericata. Immature stages of L. sericata (larvae, pupae, empty puparia) were reared on chicken liver spiked with MA at concentrations of 45, 90 and 180 ng/mg. Samples underwent liquid-liquid extraction, derivatization via acetylation, and analysis using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated according to international guidelines, evaluating limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), linearity, precision, accuracy and repeatability. The method showed strong linearity across the studied concentration range (R2= 0.9817-0.9934). The limit of detection and LOQ were 15 ng/mg and 45 ng/mg, respectively, with a relative standard deviation (RSD)≤ 20% at the LOQ level. Intra- and inter-day precision showed RSD values< 10%, and accuracy ranged from 98.55% to 100.73%. Methamphetamine was detected in all immature stages and empty puparia. The highest observed concentrations were detected in third-instar larvae and pupae, whereas no drug residues were detected in adult flies. Methamphetamine retention in empty puparia supports their potential forensic relevance for retrospective drug detection. This validated method demonstrated acceptable sensitivity, precision, accuracy and repeatability for quantitative entomotoxicological analysis. The detection of methamphetamine across insect developmental stages suggests the suitability of this approach as a supplementary tool for forensic investigations involving decomposed remains.
Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease influenced by a complex interplay of biological, environmental, and social factors. This study aimed to review the evidence on social determinants of health SDH associated with leishmaniasis worldwide. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search was carried out in national databases (IranMedex and Magiran), the Google Scholar search engine, as well as international databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science). The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Out of 5538 retrieved articles, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that poverty, inadequate housing conditions, residence in rural or marginalized areas, low educational attainment, and limited access to healthcare services were among the influential SDH associated with a risk of leishmaniasis. Analysis within the WHO SDH framework revealed that social determinants, particularly those at the structural level (socioeconomic status) and intermediary level (housing conditions, health behaviors, and access to services), played a critical role in shaping the incidence and spatial distribution of leishmaniasis in the studied populations. The available evidence underscores that leishmaniasis is not solely an infectious disease but also a condition deeply rooted in social and economic inequalities. Strengthening health equity policies, improving living conditions, enhancing educational opportunities, and expanding access to healthcare services can substantially contribute to the global prevention and control of leishmaniasis.
The extract of seed and leave of Ricinus communis (castor plant) is rich in glycerides and fatty acids, including ricin, oleic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid and dihydroxy-stearic. This study aimed to evaluate the repellency effect of R. communis leaf extract (castor extract, CE) on Phlebotomus papatasi sand flies and compare its effectiveness with a commercial insect repellent, 10% DEET spray (positive control), under laboratory conditions. Hydro-alcoholic extract of castor leaves was prepared, and the repellency effect and mortality rates were evaluated at different doses. The study also assessed 10% DEET (positive control) and 50 μl of 70% ethanol (negative control). The modified Wirtz method was applied using the K and D apparatus. The repellency effect of various doses of hydro-alcoholic castor extract (CE) on Ph. papatasi sand flies were evaluated. The ED50 (95% CL) was calculated as 4.17 mg/cm2, and ED90 (95% CL) as 7.9 mg/cm2 after 24 hours of exposure. At 1.6 mg/cm2, the repellency effect of hydro-alcoholic CE was greater than that of 10% DEET. However, DEET exhibited higher repellency than CE at concentrations below than 1.6 mg/cm2 (i.e. 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/cm2). Mortality among sand flies was observed only at high doses (1.6mg/cm2) of hydro-alcoholic CE, with the highest mortality rate recorded at 17.7%. This study demonstrated that 10% DEET and hydro-alcoholic castor extract exhibit strong repellency effects against Ph. papatasi sand flies, the primary vector of zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis. The findings highlight castor extract's potential as an effective sand fly repellent.