Search

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have conducted a study on the susceptibility of female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to the Mayaro virus. The Mayaro virus is transmitted to humans by these mosquitoes and currently has no vaccine or treatment. The researchers found that irradiated female mosquitoes had higher infection and dissemination rates of the virus compared to non-irradiated mosquitoes. This study suggests that maintaining effective sex sorting prior to irradiation and release of mosquitoes is important. The research was funded by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and the United States Department of Defense. [Extracted from the article]

A preprint abstract from biorxiv.org discusses the development of a virus-like particle (VLP)-based vaccine targeting the Anopheles mosquito salivary protein, TRIO, in an effort to enhance immunity against malaria. The TRIO VLPs were found to induce high-titer and long-lasting antibody responses in mice, and when combined with an anti-malaria vaccine targeting the Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite protein, they were similarly immunogenic. However, in a malaria challenge mouse model, the TRIO VLPs only provided modest protection from infection and did not enhance the protection provided by the Plasmodium targeted vaccine. This research has not yet undergone peer review. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued for compositions and methods to control mosquito-borne viruses. The patent focuses on inhibiting the transmission of viruses such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya by using RNA interference (RNAi) to inhibit the expression of specific mosquito genes. The method involves administering an RNAi agent to Aedes aegypti mosquitoes or larvae, which reduces the viral load in the mosquitoes. The patent also mentions the use of Wolbachia bacteria and modified mosquitoes as potential strategies for controlling these viruses. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Sambalpur University in India highlights the significant health threat posed by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. The study emphasizes the challenges in vector control, including insecticide resistance and limited progress in vaccine development, as well as the impact of climate change and urbanization on mosquito habitats and disease transmission. The researchers conducted a literature review and identified critical gaps in understanding mosquito behavior, genetic diversity, and virus transmission patterns in different regions of India. They emphasize the need for further research in these areas to improve disease control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Valneva SE has been issued a patent for a method of producing pharmaceutical compositions comprising immunogenic chikungunya virus CHIKV-delta5NSP3. Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes fever, rash, fatigue, and severe joint pain. Currently, there are no vaccines or medications available for the prevention or treatment of chikungunya virus disease. The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition that includes live attenuated CHIKV-D5nsP3 particles, which have been altered to reduce virulence but still maintain immunogenicity. The composition aims to elicit a neutralizing immune response in a subject, providing protection against infection and disease caused by chikungunya virus. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application titled "Targeted Mass Inoculation" has been filed by inventors Mary Kathryn Reynolds and Sarah Rose Wicker. The application discusses the challenges of infectious diseases and the potential use of vaccines for disease prevention. The inventors propose systems and methods for targeted mass inoculation, which involve the use of different vectors to distribute pathogens. The patent application also describes the use of mechanical devices and computing algorithms to identify suitable hosts and track vaccination status. The inventors emphasize the need for ethical and practical solutions to ensure the informed consent of individuals receiving vaccinations. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by researchers at Jiangsu University in China explores the use of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes as a method of controlling dengue viruses. The researchers developed a two-strain vector-host model that incorporates larval competition and considers factors such as antibody-dependent enhancement and temporal cross-immunity. The study found that intensifying larval competition can help prevent the spread of dengue viruses, and increasing the release ratio of Wolbachia-carrying males can delay the peak time of infections. However, the researchers also emphasize the importance of employing other control methods, such as larvicides and insecticides, in conjunction with the release of Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) in Cambodia has developed a new serological tool to estimate human exposure to Aedes mosquitoes, which are known to transmit diseases such as dengue. The researchers used Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to identify specific proteins in the Aedes aegypti mosquito's saliva that trigger an immune response in humans. The study found that the levels of antibodies against these proteins correlated with exposure to Aedes mosquitoes, making it a potential tool for future epidemiological studies and serosurveys. This research is significant in the absence of widely available dengue vaccines and the need for targeted vector control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Leiden University Medical Center examined the effects of the age of Plasmodium falciparum malaria sporozoites (SPZ) on their infectivity and immune responses. The study found that older SPZ (17-20 days) were less infectious and had decreased immune regulatory potential compared to younger SPZ (14 days). The researchers also observed a decrease in motility and infectivity of SPZ as they aged. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the impact of mosquito residing time on P. falciparum SPZ and the potential implications for malaria vaccines. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Department of Health in Brisbane, Australia have made a significant discovery regarding Japanese Encephalitis Viruses (JEV). They found that JEV genotype four (GIV) was transmitted widely across mainland Australia in 2022, resulting in 45 human cases and seven deaths. The researchers collected mosquitoes near piggeries reporting disease or in regions linked to human cases and obtained a single isolate of JEV GIV from a pool of mixed mosquito species. This finding will be crucial for future research on JEV host interactions, evolution, disease markers, and the development of therapies, vaccines, diagnostic assays, and mosquito control strategies. [Extracted from the article]

A patent has been issued to Ending Patient Zero LLC for systems and methods for targeted mass inoculation. The patent addresses the challenge of infectious diseases and the need for efficient and effective ways to prevent their spread. The systems and methods described in the patent involve the use of different vectors, including mechanical devices and living organisms, to distribute pathogens for vaccination. The patent also addresses the issue of controlling the dosage distribution and ensuring informed consent. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information about a clinical research study that aims to assess the durability of protection provided by a specific vaccine against malaria. The study will involve two groups of participants: those who have previously been immunized and protected against malaria, and those who are malaria-naive. Participants will be infected with malaria through mosquito bites and monitored for parasite loads. The study will measure protective efficacy, time to parasitemia, and immune responses. The document includes keywords related to the study and provides information about the study's eligibility criteria and the researchers involved. [Extracted from the article]

A report from the University of Parma discusses the development of vaccines against emerging mosquito-vectored arbovirus infections, such as dengue virus, West Nile virus, and Chikungunya virus. These infections, previously common only in the tropics, now pose a major risk to global health. The report highlights the need for safe and effective vaccines to control these diseases, emphasizing the importance of a vaccine that can activate B and T cells, produce neutralizing antibodies, and create a strong immune memory. However, the development of vaccines for these infections is still unsatisfactory, and it may take many years before effective and safe vaccines are available worldwide. [Extracted from the article]

Geovax Inc. has been issued a patent for compositions and methods to generate an immune response to treat or prevent malaria. Malaria is a prevalent infection in tropical and subtropical areas, causing severe illnesses and death primarily in developing countries. The patent describes the use of a recombinant modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) viral vector to express Plasmodium antigens and generate a protective immune response against the parasite. The invention aims to develop an effective malaria vaccine by targeting different stages of the parasite's lifecycle. Currently, there are no approved vaccines for humans to prevent or treat malaria. [Extracted from the article]

A clinical trial, NCT06172686, is being conducted to evaluate transmission-blocking interventions for malaria in malaria endemic countries. The trial involves administering known numbers of malaria parasites to healthy volunteers to assess candidate vaccines and study natural immunity. The trial aims to establish an in vivo model for early-stage evaluation of interventions and will investigate factors such as immune responses, parasite dynamics, and mosquito infection rates. The study will recruit healthy male adults from a low malaria endemic area in Tanzania and evaluate the effectiveness of two antimalarial drug regimens in inducing high levels of gametocytaemia and mosquito infection rates. The goal is to identify promising vaccines before larger field trials. The trial is being conducted by the Ifakara Health Institute in collaboration with the University of Oxford, with an estimated enrollment of 24 male volunteers aged 18-45 years. Data collection is expected to be completed by February 13, 2024, and de-identified data will be shared during publication of the study results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers from the Autonomous University in Sinaloa, Mexico, explored the potential use of nonhematophagous mosquitoes as biological hosts for the isolation and replication of dengue virus (DENV). The researchers evaluated the susceptibility of Plodia interpunctella larvae to DENV-4 infection and observed an increase in viral replication without affecting the survival and development of the larvae. These findings suggest that P. interpunctella could serve as a viable biological model for studying DENV. The study was supported by the Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa and has been peer-reviewed. [Extracted from the article]

A patent application by inventors from Seattle Children's Hospital has been made available online for a method of preventing the transmission of malaria. The method involves targeting a protein in the male gametes of the malaria parasite using an immunogen, which is an immunogenic fragment of the protein coupled with an immunogenic carrier. The invention aims to block the transmission of the parasite from infected individuals and contribute to efforts to prevent and control malaria. The patent application provides detailed information on the immunogen, immunogenic composition, vector, and methods of administration. [Extracted from the article]

A transmission system for targeted mass inoculation, comprising: a first at least one pathogen; at least one host, wherein the first at least one pathogen is receivable by the at least one host via external administration, and wherein the at least one host comprises the first at least one pathogen; a second at least one pathogen; at least one vector, wherein the second at least pathogen is receivable from the at least one host by the at least one vector, and wherein the at least one vector comprises the second at least one pathogen; at least one secondary host, wherein the second at least pathogen is receivable from the at least one vector by the at least one secondary host. In some implementations, the second pathogen may inoculate a secondary host when the secondary host receives the second pathogen from the vector. The transmission system for targeted mass inoculation of claim 1, wherein the at least one vector comprises at least one computing device, wherein the at least one vector is configured to determine that the second at least one pathogen is receivable from the at least one host. [Extracted from the article]

The vaccine can be made by any known method in the art. "Also provided herein are an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen comprising the isolated peptide of the present invention and a method of treating P. falciparum malaria in a subject in need of by administering a therapeutically effective amount of such antibody to the subject. A vaccine for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria comprising a polypeptide composition comprising whole protein antigens such as proteins comprising the following amino acid sequences: SEQ ID NO: 3, 8, 11, 15, 19, 22, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 67, 70, 74, and/or 76. "Accordingly, the invention features a vaccine for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria comprising a composition that leads to inhibition of parasite egress from red blood cells or inhibits parasite egress. [Extracted from the article]

The following quote was obtained by the news editors from the background information supplied by the inventors: "Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus from the genus Alphavirus, family Togaviridae. "Vaccines against Chikungunya virus may comprise live attenuated CHIKV particles; i.e., live CHIKV particles which have been altered to reduce virulence, but still maintain immunogenicity. [Extracted from the article]

The arthropod dissection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first outlet channel has a first diameter and wherein the dissection chamber has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is 50%-75% of the second diameter. The method of claim 23, wherein moving the dissection chamber relative to the outlet channel includes rotating the dissection chamber relative to the outlet channel. The arthropod dissection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first outlet channel and the dissection chamber form the shearing interface. The arthropod dissection apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first outlet channel has a first diameter and wherein the dissection chamber has a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is 0.50 mm-1.00 mm smaller than the second diameter. [Extracted from the article]

"Dengue disease is a mosquito-borne disease caused by infection with a dengue virus. Infection with one dengue virus serotype results in life-long protection from re-infection by that serotype, but does not prevent secondary infection by one of the other three dengue virus serotypes. "One further disadvantage of the only currently approved dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia(R), is that it must only be given to people who have had a positive test result showing a previous infection with dengue virus (EPAR), i.e. individuals with known serostatus for dengue. This leaves a substantial unmet need for an effective vaccine with a good safety profile in both dengue-naive and seropositive individuals, including those dengue-naive populations living in endemic areas, younger individuals who may not have developed any seropositive response to dengue or been exposed to dengue, and travelers and individuals from non-endemic regions. [Extracted from the article]

Baltimore, State:Maryland, United States, North and Central America, Biological Products, Biological Therapy, Clinical Research, Clinical Trials and Studies, Health and Medicine, Immunization, Immunology, Mosquitoes, Peptide Vaccines, Vaccination, Vaccines Keywords: Baltimore; State:Maryland; United States; North and Central America; Biological Products; Biological Therapy; Clinical Research; Clinical Trials and Studies; Health and Medicine; Immunization; Immunology; Mosquitoes; Peptide Vaccines; Vaccination; Vaccines EN Baltimore State:Maryland United States North and Central America Biological Products Biological Therapy Clinical Research Clinical Trials and Studies Health and Medicine Immunization Immunology Mosquitoes Peptide Vaccines Vaccination Vaccines 2023 MAR 13 (NewsRx) -- By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Vaccine Weekly -- Research findings on Immunization - Peptide Vaccines are discussed in a new report. For more information on this research see: Safety and Immunogenicity of Ags-v Plus, a Mosquito Saliva Peptide Vaccine Against Arboviral Diseases: a Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Phase 1 Trial. [Extracted from the article]

"The invention also includes a vaccine for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria comprising a polypeptide composition, wherein the polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 2, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, and 46, 66 and 72 (antigenic polypeptides or protein fragments). A vaccine for preventing or reducing the severity of malaria comprising a polypeptide composition comprising whole protein antigens such as proteins comprising the following amino acid sequences: SEQ ID NO: 3, 8, 11, 15, 19, 22, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 67, 70, 74, and/or 76. The vaccine of claim 4, wherein said antibody immune response produces antibodies that bind to an antigen comprising a polypeptide having at least 70% identity with an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 or a fragment thereof. [Extracted from the article]