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Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Giardia lamblia infection and identify associated risk factors at both individual and community levels in a pediatric population in different agroecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to December 2022. Using stratified sampling, 1026 households were recruited from nine agroecological zones. Stool samples were collected from 1026 children up to the age of five years and processed for detection of Giardia using a commercial ELISA kit. Data on potential risk factors were collected using a pre-structured questionnaire. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors associated with giardiasis. Results: The study found that the prevalence of giardiasis in the study area was 3.31%. Children aged 13–24 months were found to be at higher risk for giardiasis. Illiterate mothers and fathers attending daycare institutions/kindergartens, mothers not practicing hand washing during critical times, households with companion animals, and homes where stray dogs/cats enter were identified as predictors of giardiasis at the individual level. Children living in sub-mountain valleys use un-piped water, inadequate domestic water storage vessels, drink un-boiled or unfiltered water, live near rubbish heaps or un-paved streets/pathways, and have unimproved latrine facilities were identified as risk factors of giardiasis at the community level. Conclusions: The study highlights the need for integrated intervention approaches at both individual and community levels to reduce the incidence of giardiasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Interventions aimed at promoting behavioral change and providing safe and adequate water sources, combined with individual-level interventions such as hand washing and awareness of giardiasis prevention methods, would be critical to addressing this health concern. Inter-sectoral collaboration between the health sector and other sectors would also be necessary to achieve meaningful progress in reducing the incidence of giardiasis in resource-limited areas.

Purpose: To investigate the in vivo hypoglycemic potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii skin (EEUHS). Methods: Streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice received graded doses (100 and 200 mg/kg) of EEUHS for oral glucose tolerance and hypoglycemic test. The effects of EEUHS on body weight gain, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and hemoglobin concentration were also investigated. Result: The blood glucose concentrations of the EEUHS-treated groups were diminished (p < 0.05) relative to the diabetic control group. The urea, creatinine and cholesterol levels of the EEUHS-treated groups were lower (p < 0.05), but their hemoglobin concentrations were higher (p < 0.05) relative to the diabetic control group. Conclusion: The EEUHS elicits hypoglycemic effects and ameliorates complications of diabetes mellitus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. This suggests that EEUHS can potentially be developed for the management of diabetic patients.

The field biology of Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) was studied in Malakand division, which is an important range of its distribution in Pakistan. The abundance of the species at different altitudes was studied using both transect trails of various lengths and point counts at certain spots. The average monthly population density was estimated to be 1.448±0.466 birds/ha. The population density in August, September, and October 2020 was significantly (PDodonea viscosa, Calotropis procera and Zizyphus oxyphylla. Dry leaves of Poa annua, Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium annulatum, small twigs of bushes, and downy feathers were used as nesting materials. The average diameter of nest (n=12) was 25.43±3.4 (mean±SD) cm. Overall, the mean clutch size was 94.5±30.187 egg/nest with an incubation period of 22–24 days. The hatching success rate was 82% with 315 successfully hatched chicks, while the fledging rate was 83% (265 fledged out of 315 hatched in, n=42 nests).

Present study was carried to determine the sand fly species composition, breeding sites ecology, seasonal abundance, and spatial distribution in district Malakand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In addition, risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were also evaluated. Survey of indoor and outdoor habitats was carried out using sticky traps in 31 villages of Dargai and Batkhela tehsils of Malakand. Soil from habitats of adult and immature sand flies was analysed. Questionnaire-based household survey was also performed in these villages to assess risk factors associated with CL. Soil samples from selected CL positive households were analysed for its contents. Additionally, clinicoepidemiological data from local health centres was examined for the year 2019. Total of 3,140 sand flies belonging to 18 species were collected. Phlebotomus sergenti was the most abundant species (38.16%). Its abundance had a strong positive correlation with mean monthly relative humidity and negative correlation with average temperature. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were abundant at an elevation ranging from 320 to 1,120 m above sea level and in agricultural lands near human settlements. Flight height preference apparatus collected maximum sand flies at 30 cm (1ft) above the ground and all species associated negatively with height. Soil analysis from habitats of adult and immature flies showed that highest mean number of adults and immatures were recorded from silt loam which carried highest concentrations of K2 O, Mg, Ca, and Zn. Number of immature sand flies correlated moderately (r = .7, p 35 years), knowledge of leishmaniasis, living in a middle and upper class, preachers visit to villages, and assumption that Afghan refugees are more prone to CL were significant. CL patient's archived data from health centres showed that majority of patients had lesions on face and hands. Patient's influx was highest in February and March.

The current study aimed to examine the bionomics of dragonflies and heavy metal accumulation in their bodies and environment (sediments and water) from district Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 1683 dragonflies were collected from May to September, 2018 in 4 tehsils (administrative subdivisions) of district. Orthetrum pruinosum neglectum was the most abundant species followed by O. anceps and O. chrysostigma luzonicum. Highest abundance was observed in July and August corresponding to maximum temperature and rainfall. Dragonflies displayed preferable abundance within agricultural lands and on elevation ranging from 206 to 506 m. Heavy metal analysis of sediments and water samples from 4 tehsils showed significant differences in mean concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Abundance among districts was negatively associated with Fe levels in water while the species diversity had a significant positive relationship with Fe in sediments. Accumulation of metals in each body part significantly varied among species. N. tullia tullia and O. anceps specifically demonstrated their tolerance to high concentrations of heavy metals.

Purpose: To evaluate the in vitro antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanol extract of Uromastyx hardwickii Skin (UHSEE). Methods: The in vitro effects of UHSEE at various concentrations (10 - 250 µg/mL) on the activities of ߙ-amylase, ߙ-glucosidase and glucose uptake by yeast cells were used to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Nitric oxide (NO), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide inhibitory assay were employed to determine its antioxidant effects, while the anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assay. Results: UHSEE inhibited ߙ-amylase and ߙ-glucosidase enzymes but increased glucose uptake by yeast cells in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). It also inhibited NO, DPPH, hydrogen peroxide and HRBC hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Uromastyx hardwickii skin exhibits promising good antidiabetic, antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties in vitro. However, its true potentials in this regard needs to be evaluted in vivo.

Dragonflies (Odonata: Insecta) are bio-physical environmental indicators and limited information of this important insect group are reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, province of Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was attempted to find out the bionomics of dragonflies and heavy metals concentration in their habitats in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. During the present study total of 1400 adult dragonflies’ specimens were collected from May to October, 2018 in three tehsils of District Mardan. Orthetrum anceps (N = 209, 14.93%) was the most abundant species followed by O. pruinusum neglectum (N = 177, 12.64%) and Trithemis festiva (N = 141, 10.07%). Diversity was highest for Katlang as compared to other tehsils. Dragonflies’ peak aggregation was observed in July and August. O. pruinusum neglectum positively correlated (p

Background Sand flies are of considerable public health importance in Pakistan because these insects are vectors of leishmaniasis. The current study explores the bionomics of sand flies, their spatial distribution pattern and cutaneous leishmaniasis-associated risk factors in District Mohmand, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Methods Sand flies were collected from indoor and outdoor habitats in 69 villages of five tehsils in Mohmand during July–October 2019. Risk factor data were recorded for 829 households in 94 villages. Results In total, 2065 sand flies were captured. Phlebotomus (Paraphlebotbmus) sergenti was the most abundant species. Relative density for P. sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi was highest in Prang Ghar and lowest in Safi. Sand flies abundance peaked in August and September, corresponding to maximum relative humidity, temperature and rainfall. Relative density for P. sergenti and P. papatasi was highest in combined dwellings (indoor) and cattle corrals (outdoor). Phlebotomus sergenti and P. papatasi were abundant at an elevation of 283–1140 m on agricultural land and rangelands. Both species were recorded abundantly on Carbontites, Mesozoic and Indus suture Melange rock formations. Presence of domestic animals, ownership of pet dogs, presence of muddy dunes in the village, knowledge of sandflies and use of mosquitoes spray remained significant risk factors. Conclusions The study reports sand fly bionomics in District Mohmand. Risk identified for cutaneous leishmaniasis are significant in strategising control methods for Health authorities can allocate localized control means to high-risk areas using these findings.

Both cutaneous (zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ZCL] and anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis [ACL]) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are prevalent in Pakistan, although the cutaneous form is comparatively more widespread. The present study aimed to spatially map different forms of leishmaniasis in Pakistan. In addition, the risk for acquiring leishmaniasis was assessed in different locations of the country. Previously published literature on leishmaniasis distribution and associated risk factors in Pakistan was obtained from PubMed/NCBI and GoogleScholar using specific keywords. Further, 50 articles that focused on geographical distribution and risk factors of the disease in Pakistan were obtained and systematically reviewed. Data regarding location (used in ArcGIS for spatial analysis), number of cases, and risk factors were identified. The present study revealed a high burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the northern and western foci of Pakistan. Leishmania major, chiefly a causative agent of ZCL, was observed to be prevalent in the arid and semi-arid climatic zones of the country with elevations between 45 and 2,837 m (maximum number at low elevation). Leishmania tropica cases, associated with ACL, were recorded at elevations ranging from 551 to 2,837 m (majority cases at high elevation). Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) (reportedly caused by Leishmania infantum) was sporadically distributed in the northern areas at elevations 1,432-2,873 m. For VL, particularly, mountainous communities, farming communities, and the presence of dogs were the most commonly reported risk factors. On the other hand, poor preventive measures, migration, presence of domesticated animals, presence of cattle dung, living in mud houses, and outdoor sleeping habits were the principal risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). This investigation can guide the health experts and medical entomologists toward targeted and cost-effective surveillance and control of leishmaniasis in Pakistan.

A study on the ant fauna of north-western part comprising of the hilly colder mountains in the North to the Dry hot plains in the South of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan was conducted during 2017-2020. Area was surveyed and collection of worker ants from the area was hired by using pitfall traps, aspirator and hand picking with the help of forceps. The study revealed that three species belonging to genus Lepisiota as a major outcome of this taxonomic study. The species include L. frauenfeldi, L. simplex, L. opaca and its sub-species L. o. pulchella. Among them two species viz., L. simplex, L. opaca and a subspecies of L. opaca i.e. L. o. pulchella are reported as first distributional records from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Keys to the subfamilies of Family Formicidae and worker caste species of genus Lepisiota collected from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa along with its spatial distributional map for all species and a sub-species is provided. All the specimen are deposited at Insect Museum, Department of Zoology, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, Pakistan. From the study, it is concluded that the fauna of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is rich in ant species. Species diversity and abundance are expected more diverse collections in these and other similar areas. These findings can be strengthened by modern techniques of molecular identification.

Despite their medical importance, natural breeding sites of sand flies have been poorly explored. Detecting such sites is imperative in vector control strategies. This study aimed to identify potential breeding and resting microhabitats of sand flies and household risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis transmission in Dir districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Survey of indoor and outdoor habitats in four tehsils (subdistricts) of upper and lower Dir districts was carried out using sticky traps, flit method, and aspirator. To assess risk factors associated with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), questionnaires were administered to household heads. Mud houses and plants belonging to Cucurbitaceae family sheltered highest number of sand flies. Excessive number of flies were collected from indoor sites (common rooms used for both people and animals) compared to outdoor habitats (cattle dungs). Phlebotomus salangensis Artemiev, 1978 and Phlebotomus sergenti were the most widely distributed species, while Sergentomyia bailyi peaked in caves with high organic content in soil. Roof material and ownership of fans were associated with significant risk of CL. Findings of this study present a list of potential breeding sites for sand flies and CL risk factors that can be targeted and implemented in control programs for CL. Further studies are required to elucidate the breeding behavior and preferences of these medically important vectors.

The species composition, distribution, and bionomics of sand flies was investigated from January to December 2017 in four tehsils (20 villages) of district Bajaur (formally Bajaur agency), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In total, 4,173 adult specimens comprising of seven species of Phlebotomus (Diptera: Psychodidae) and three species of Sergentomyia (Diptera: Psychodidae) were collected by oral aspirator, insecticide spray, and sticky traps from June to October. Highest numbers of flies were collected indoors in July and August when relative humidity and temperature were highest. Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot (Diptera: Psychodidae) was the most abundant species from all the collection sites, making approximately 70% of the total capture. Combined dwellings and chicken cages harbored the highest number of adult and immature flies (unrotated external genitalia). Abundance of P. sergenti had a significant (P ≤ 0.05) positive correlation with monthly average temperature, relative humidity, and average rainfall in indoor collections. On the other hand, P. papatasi Scopoli displayed similar correlation in the indoor and nighttime collections. Both the species were apparently abundant in the elevation range ≤ 419 m above sea level and on rangelands. Phlebotomus papatasi, however, also occurred on agricultural lands. The number of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases did not significantly correlate with the abundance of sand fly vectors across the villages surveyed. The results reported herein can serve as a baseline for an all-extensive future work in Bajaur. Our investigations will benefit the public health experts and medical entomologists for improved control and surveillance vectors of leishmaniasis.

Leishmaniasis is currently prevalent in 98 countries including Pakistan, where its wide-spread. Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli and Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot are suspected vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) while P. Phlebotomus major Yakimoff and Phlebotomus hindustanicus Theodor are vectors of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province of Pakistan. The present study identifies the complexity of environmental factors affecting the distribution of these vector sand fly species in KP. Sand fly habitats in the province were characterized from relevant published sources and analyzed using geographic information system (GIS) tools. Specific spatial analysis indicated that P. sergenti and P. papatasi were ecological generalists, found in diverse ecological settings, while P. major and P. hindustanicus were less frequent and had restricted foci in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. We specifically observed a close association between elevation and existance of several sand fly species. P. sergenti primarily presented at high elevation while P. papatasi had distribution at low altitudinal ranges. P. major and P. hindustanicus were apparently limited to high altitudes in the northern areas of the province. This GIS-based spatial investigation of Phlebotomine vectors of leishmaniasis aims to provide a beneficial tools to medical entomologists, epidemiologists and public health workers for regional control of leishmaniasis. Outcomes from such spatial studies can be utilized in planning vector control initiatives so as to ensure proper allocation of funds for the region's integrated vector control program budget.

We provide a comprehensive and updated review on the effects of elevation and climatic factors on distribution of sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae) vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and visceral leishmaniasis (VL) across Pakistan. Our study was undertaken in view of the increasing risk of leishmaniasis, particularly resulting from climatic deviations and political instability in the region. Literature (published and unpublished) on suspected vectors of CL (Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot and Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli) and VL (Phlebotomus major Yakimoff and Schokhor and Phlebotomus hindustanicus Theodor) was collected, sorted, and utilized in geospatial analysis. P. papatasi and P. sergenti co-occurred in majority of the referenced localities and were generally distributed toward the western and southern parts across a wide range of elevation, whereas P. major and P. hindustanicus were limited to high elevation in cool and humid northern areas of Pakistan. Conversely P. papatasi and P. sergenti exploited diverse ecological settings across the country, being particularly abundant in warm/hot and arid regions.

In developing countries, Arsenic concentrations overhead satisfactory values for drinking water have been identified in many countries and this should, therefore, it is a global concern. The presence of arsenic in subsurface aquifers and drinking water systems is a possibly serious social health hazard. The existing population growth in Pakistan and other developing countries will have a straight bearing on the water zone for meeting the domestic, industrial and agricultural needs. Pakistan is about to exhaust its accessible water resources and is on the verge of becoming a water deficit country. Water contamination is a serious threat in Pakistan, as almost 70% of its surface waters, as well as its groundwater reserves, have contaminated by biological, organic and inorganic pollutants. In some areas of Pakistan, a number of shallow aquifers and tube wells are contaminated with arsenic at levels which are above the recommended USEPA arsenic level of 10 ppb (10 g L−1). Opposing health effects including human mortality from drinking water are well documented and can be attributed to arsenic contamination. All of the areas of Bannu district was studied. The present paper reviews appropriate and low-cost methods for the elimination of arsenic from drinking waters.

The present study reports sand flies species composition, fauna diversity and seasonal variations from four tehsils of Dir Districts, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Collection was made using sticky traps, flit method and aspiration where highest number of sand flies was captured through sticky traps. Digitalized sand flies distribution maps were produced using geographic information system ArcGIS. A total of 7292 specimens were captured between January to December 2014, comprised of 11 Sergentomyia and 9 Phlebotomus. Phlebotomus salengensis was the most abundant species followed by Phlebotomus sergenti. Overall, male to female ratio observed was 3:1 and species diversity varied among the studied tehsils. Highest abundance was recorded in July and August, whereas the flies disappeared in the colder months (November-April) of the year. Information about insect vector behaviour in natural setting is required to understand the status of disease caused by them. This study is a thorough account of biodiversity of sand flies in the region and provides a useful insight in to identifying potential breeding preferences of sand flies and recognition of active and potential vector species in the Dir districts. Further large scale studies are needed to determine the behaviour, infection rate, and the natural reservoir hosts of sand fly vectors in the region.