Projects / Programmes
Vector surveillance of emerging microorganisms in Slovenia
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.01.00 |
Medical sciences |
Microbiology and immunology |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B230 |
Biomedical sciences |
Microbiology, bacteriology, virology, mycology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
Surveillance, vectors, mosquitoes, sand flies, emerging pathogens, Flaviviruses, Phleboviruses, Togaviruses, Bunyaviruses, Leishmania, Slovenia
Researchers (13)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Mosquito- and sandfly-borne diseases have always existed in Europe, when the temperatures permitted their transmission, but their identity, distribution and incidence only became known when outbreaks occurred. In recent years, emerging pathogens have shown an increased ability to spread beyond the areas, previously considered to be their established geographic ranges. The reason for the emergence of microorganisms can be found in a complex network of factors, resulting from a constantly changing environment, climate and increased mobility of both humans and animals. A unified approach in identifying the causes and establishing a sensitive surveillance systems is therefore essential. In view of morbidity and mortality, mosquitoes and phlebotomine sandflies present the most dangerous group of vectors for humans, since nearly half of the world's population is threatened by the possibility of infection with the pathogens they transmit. Among the emerging threats, arboviruses (Dengue virus, Zika virus, Yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus...) and some parasites (Leishmania sp., Plasmodium sp. ...) form a unique group of pathogens. In Slovenia the research on native and invasive mosquitos’ species as vectors of emerging pathogens, has largely been ignored in the past. Few studies done so far have only focused on the distribution and seasonal activity of invasive mosquitoes, while native species were not studied. Thus, a complete list of mosquito species that are present in our country is still missing. Similarly, phlebotomine sandflies are an important vectors of leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin, but only little is known about the endemicity and emergence of viruses they transmit. Within the project we will establish a standardized approach for field sampling of both vector groups. The samples will be collected for three years and identified to the species level. A state-of-the-art molecular methodology will be used to detect pathogens of medical importance. The collected data on vector and pathogen presence and absence, together with environmental data, will serve as a basis for mapping and modelling of the risk they present. The proposed research will contribute significantly to the overview of the current situation as well as to the control of the potential spread of vector-borne pathogens onto the Slovenian territory. Additionally, it will present data on the distribution and density of investigated vectors’ populations in the area. The results of the proposed research will give an estimate of the prevalence of native and invasive mosquitoes and phlebotomine sandflies in Slovenia, and an assessment of the prevalence of the pathogens, they transmit. Finally, an early warning control system for the introduction of new emerging pathogens into Slovenia will be established. Also, the collected data will not be beneficial only for Slovenian public health experts and policy makers, but also for the other European countries, since a constant vigilance in each country is needed to monitor for any change in environmental or ecological conditions that would allow for the introduction and persistence of vectors and/or pathogens also in northerly latitudes.
Significance for science
The proposed research will provide the so far unknown data on the prevalence of native and invasive species of mosquitoes and phlebotomine sandflies in Slovenia, and data on the presence or absence of emerging viral and parasitic pathogens they transmit. Data gathered in the proposed research will, together with GIS modeling, offer a key contribution to the understanding of the epidemiological situation of emerging pathogens in Slovenia and its surroundings and will contribute greatly to the developments in the field of vector-pathogen-environment interactions research. We will also lay the foundations for effective monitoring of the aforementioned vectors, assess the risk they pose for the transmission of emerging vector-borne microorganisms and establish an early warning control system for the appearance of new emerging pathogens in Slovenia.
Significance for the country
With the research done within the project we will improve data on the prevalence and emergence of vector-borne pathogens in Slovenia, as well as on distribution of vectors. Since the potential pathogen distribution will be recognized, this will enable the implementation of up-to-date diagnostics for humans. The research will enable evaluation of the individual risk assessment for specific pathogens. A focused public awareness campaign will be supported and early warning systems will be facilitated. The project has a significant input for public health, since currently no knowledge exists on the distribution of mosquito- and sand-fly- transmitted diseases in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Interim report,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Interim report,
final report
