Projects / Programmes
Establishment of monitoring of vectors and vector-borne diseases in Slovenia
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.08.00 |
Medical sciences |
Public health (occupational safety) |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B680 |
Biomedical sciences |
Public health, epidemiology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.03 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Health sciences |
monitoring, vectors, mosquitoes, sandflies, emerging pathogens, West Nile virus, Usutu virus, phlebovirus, risk assasement
Researchers (13)
Organisations (3)
Abstract
Mosquito- and sandfly-borne viral diseases have certainly always existed in Europe when the temperatures permitted their transmission, but their identity, distribution and incidence only became known when suitable laboratory diagnostic methods were developed. In recent years, arboviral diseases 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 constantly changing environment, climate and increased mobility of both humans and animals. Climate change were also present in the past, but the rate of climate change in the past century is extraordinary. Due to the relief and climatic diversity of Slovenia, different climatic changes can be expected in specific areas, which will naturally affect the abundance of vectors and the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens. Therefore, a unified approach for the establishment of sensitive monitoring systems, which will provide knowledge of the current vector situation, as well as detect changes in the vector distribution and presence, that are likely going to happen.
In view of morbidity and mortality, mosquitoes and sand flies 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 pathogens they transmit. Among the emerging threats, arboviruses (Dengue virus, Zika virus, Yellow fever virus, West Nile virus, Chikungunya virus ...) and some parasites (leishmania, malaria ...) form a unique group of pathogens. In Slovenia in the past, research on mosquitoes and sand flies as vectors of emerging pathogens, has largely been ignored. The studies have so far 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 circulate in our country is still missing. Similar has happened in the past to sand flies, which are important vectors for phleboviruses and Leishmanias.
The aim of the project is to establish standardized procedures for monitoring mosquitoes and sandflies. We will sample both vector species in several locations, throughout the project, and determine the exact species of the diseases vectors. We will determine the prevalence of medically important pathogens in vectors with state-of-the-art molecular methods. Data on the presence/absence and distribution of the vectors and vector-borne pathogens together with environmental data, will be the basis for the risk assessment of emerging pathogen introduction of and the impact it will have on public health in Slovenia. The proposed research will significantly contribute both to the recognition of the current state, as well as to the control of the spread of emerging pathogens in Slovenia. It will provide important data on the prevalence and the density of vector populations.
The results of the proposed research will give an estimate of the prevalence of autochthonous and invasive species of mosquitoes and sandflies in Slovenia and the first data on the prevalence of emerging pathogens. The data will be the basis for continuous monitoring of vectors and emerging microorganisms in Slovenia. We will establish an early warning system for emerging pathogens in Slovenia. The collected data will not only be useful for Slovenian public health professionals, but also for other European countries, since in each country continuous monitoring of vectors and monitoring of environmental and climate changes is needed, since changes could lead to the occurrence and establishment of vectors and vector- borne pathogens in the more northern latitude. The establishment of a three-year monitoring of vectors and vector-borne pathogens will provide data on the effectiveness of such monitoring and present the current situation in Slovenia, based on which we can prepare a proposal for further
Significance for science
With the proposed research, we will define the prevalence and abundance of autochtonous and invasive species of mosquitoes and sandy flies in Slovenia, as well as acquire the data on the presence or absence of emerging viral and parasitic vector-borne pathogens. The data obtained through the research will contribute to the understanding of the epidemiological picture of the emerging pathogens in Slovenia and neighboring countries and will contribute to the development of research of interactions between vectors, pathogenic microorganisms and the environment. Understanding of enzootic cycles of pathogenic microorganisms and ecology (and behavior) of carriers enables targeted public actions. Until a few years ago, knowledge about the incidence and prevalence of carriers and pathogenic microorganisms that they were transmitted in Slovenia was based on research from the late seventies and the transfer of results from neighboring countries. Due to the relief and climatic variety of Slovenia, the results are not transferable, or the prevalence of carriers and pathogenic microorganisms varies widely in different regions of Slovenia. Additionally climate change influences the distribution of vectors, therefore it is crucial, that due to the rapid changes seen in the last years a system is in place to track any changes in the presence or appearance of new invasive species. The proposed research will thus provide key information on the prevalence of vector species and vector-borne pathogens and any changes which might appear in the next years, either due to climate changes or the influence of globalization and travel.
Significance for the country
Emerging microorganisms are newly detected pathogens or already known pathogens that appear in the new area or in new types of vectors and can cause sporadic cases or major outbreaks. The reason for the spread of emerging microorganisms is different in each country, as it depends on a complex network of intertwining factors ranging from changing the environment, global warming to an increase in the mobility of people and animals. In particular, climate change and globalization have led to a steep rise in the spread of invasive vector species to new areas and, consequently, to the unimaginable spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Nowadays emerging diseases do not occur only in limited remote areas, but they spread throughout the most populated regions around the world, thus they are becoming also an important and interesting area for the economic markets and entrepreneurs. The first step in the development of innovative antimicrobial medicines or vaccines is the detailed knowledge in the genetic variant of the emerging microorganism and the pathogenesis in humans. For that reason one of the focuses in the proposed project, we will be isolation of pathogens in cell cultures, which will provide the starting material for the further development of antimicrobials or diagnostic sets of reagents. Isolated pathogenic microorganisms represent important strategic goods of individual country, since it represent an initial contribution to the development of start-up companies. In addition, such material provides a starting point for companies investing in the development of diagnostic reagents as it can be used as positive control, antigen, vaccine vector… Companies that have access to materials from national microbial biobanks have a strategic advantage in applying for international funds and networks. The monitoring of the spread of indigenous and invasive mosquitoes and sandy flies, together with the monitoring of the incidence of endemic and non-endemic infections with emerging microorganisms, is also important for promoting innovation in detection and control methodologies, and in particular for the development of databases that allow data mining and development of algorithms for modelling of disease spread. The databases that reflect the real situation in the field are currently the most important investment in the development of small businesses, which are developing the tools for disease spread and mapping. Monitoring the invasive vectors enables timely response in vector control and spread of the disease. Detailed knowledge of the country-specific data on vectors and vector-borne diseases has a direct impact on the development of the environment and tourism, and enables Slovenia to be more competitive in the advances of preventive measures. In addition to having a direct impact on the development of the local economy, successful monitoring also has a significant impact on the competitiveness of Slovenian companies and entrepreneurs in the international field, as it provides them with access to real-time information and material.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2020
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2020
