Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine,Leibniz Association

Abstract Background Mosquitoes are well known for their ability to transmit pathogens, including various arthropod-borne viruses (arboviruses) of veterinary and medical interest. In Europe, the increasing public health relevance of mosquito-borne pathogens highlights the need to understand how environmental drivers shape mosquito population dynamics relevant to transmission risk. Culex pipiens sensu stricto (s.s.) and Culex torrentium (collectively referred to here as Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium) are the primary vectors of Usutu virus and West Nile virus in Europe and are commonly found in and around human settlements. The prediction of their spatial-temporal abundance supports early assessment of arbovirus transmission risk and the planning of effective intervention methods, such as vector control. Methods A process-based model was developed to simulate the spatial-temporal occurrence of Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium in Germany, with a particular focus on depicting realistic overwintering behaviour, including, diapause induced through photoperiod and temperature in the larval stage. The model output is driven by local temperature and rainfall data provided by the European re-analysis and observations for monitoring data set and evaluated with field data from 106 sampling sites in Germany. Results A significant association between relative simulated and observed mosquito abundance was found for 75% of the sampling sites, using site-specific beta regression models. An overall beta mixed-effects model across all sites was also significant (estimate = 2.17, standard error = 0.062, Z-value = 35.03, p-value < 0.0001, marginal R 2 = 0.4). Conclusions This model offers a robust framework for the depiction of the mosquito population dynamics of Cx. pipiens s.s./Cx. torrentium under current and future climate scenarios, thereby supporting vector surveillance and control strategies across Europe. Graphical abstract

The historical evolution of the natural sciences, from natural history to specialized scientific disciplines, has fundamentally altered how we study the natural world. While scientific specialization has undoubtedly brought both depth and rigor to specific scientific fields, including primatology, it has also created methodological limitations that fragment our understanding of complex primate ecosystems. This paper outlines four core principles, once central to natural history research, that are less commonly applied in contemporary primatology. These principles include: multidisciplinarity, democratized participation, integration of subjective interpretation, and creative communication. I argue for the strategic integration and/or reintegration of these principles within primatology and provide concrete recommendations for institutional enactment. However, while the incorporation of these selected principles may make the field more inclusive, ethical, and diverse, it is critical to also acknowledge that many other aspects of natural history have been historically rooted in a colonialism, racism, and exploitation. This paper, therefore, does not call for a blind return to natural history approaches as they were once practiced, but rather for the development of a new, holistic, next-generation primatology. Rather than abandoning scientific rigor, this synthesis approach would expand primatology’s methodological toolkit to better reflect the interconnected nature of primate worlds while bridging the gap between academic and local knowledge systems. Such integration offers pathways toward more inclusive, comprehensive, and ultimately more effective primate research and conservation.

BACKGROUND:Cystic echinococcosis (CE) poses a significant medical and socio-economic burden worldwide, particularly in highly endemic, low-income regions with resource-limited settings, where control efforts are hindered by limited access to diagnostics and appropriate treatment options. In contrast, low prevalence settings, such as high-income countries, often face challenges related to low awareness of the disease, which can lead to misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatments including potentially harmful invasive procedures. Therefore, it is recommended that an interdisciplinary approach be adopted to prevent misdiagnosis and treatment failure in CE, a chronic, but mostly benign and preventable zoonosis. This review provides an updated synthesis of current research on CE, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical management, and recommended strategies for improving outcomes in diverse healthcare settings. SOURCES OF DATA:Published scientific literature in PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from the year 1980-2025. AREAS OF AGREEMENT:The World Health Organization (WHO) classification system for CE is based on ultrasound to assess cyst activity and size, thus facilitating the correct use of treatment options, including benzimidazole therapy, surgery and/or the PAIR technique.It is imperative to rule out CE before undertaking any invasive diagnostic procedures in order to prevent cystic dissemination. AREAS OF CONTROVERSY: GROWING POINTS:Given the lack of current updated guidelines this review gives a standardized overview over current recommendations for diagnosis and therapy. AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH:There is a need for more accurate, standardized diagnostic protocols and development of effective medical therapy and/or vaccines.

Abstract Background Aedes aegypti mosquitoes infected with the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia pipientis have been released as a sustainable strategy to mitigate arbovirus transmission. Among the strains successfully deployed, wMel and wAlbB have shown promising blocking effects against dengue virus (DENV). However, the strength of viral inhibition depends on Wolbachia density within mosquito tissues, the genetic backgrounds of both host and virus, and the viral dose. In this study, we aimed to investigate the vector competence for DENV-1 of Ae. aegypti with Brazilian genetic background infected with wMel or wAlbB. Methods A total of 493 wild and wMel- and wAlbB-infected mosquitoes were orally challenged with low (5 × 104 FFU/mL) and high (5 × 105) titers of DENV-1. Relative Wolbachia density was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and viral infection in mosquito bodies and saliva was assessed by qPCR with reverse transcription (RT-qPCR). Transmission potential was tested through saliva microinjection into susceptible mosquitoes. The infection prevalence and viral loads in mosquito bodies were analyzed at 7, 14, and 21 days post infection (dpi). Results Both Ae. aegypti groups infected with wMel and wAlbB had reduced (albeit distinct) DENV-1 infection and transmission relative to wild type mosquitoes. wMel-infected mosquitoes exhibited less abundant bacteria in their bodies but a greater degree of DENV-1 inhibition compared with those carrying wAlbB, indicating that DENV-1 blocking is strain specific rather than Wolbachia density-driven. Moreover, we observed that Wolbachia had a protective effect on mosquitoes by decreasing the DENV-1 loads in their bodies, but with a constant presence of virus. Viral transmission rates in the saliva were similar among wild and wMel- and wAlbB-infected mosquitoes at 7 and 14 dpi but lower in wMel and wAlbB mosquitoes at 21 dpi. Conclusions The similar DENV-1 loads in mosquito bodies over time (7, 14, and 21 dpi) infected with either the wMel or wAlbB strain, regardless of the viral titer of the infectious blood meal, suggest that Wolbachia may have a maximum pathogen-blocking capacity beyond which additional virus suppression cannot be achieved. The viral suppression only after 21 dpi in the saliva raises concerns and warrants further investigation, as females may transmit before Wolbachia blockage becomes effective. While wAlbB may exhibit comparable DENV-1 blocking to wMel, its enhanced thermal tolerance makes it epidemiologically relevant in tropical regions. Continuous monitoring of Wolbachia dynamics and DENV genomic variation in the field remains essential to evaluate long-term effectiveness and detect potential adaptive viral responses. Graphical Abstract

BackgroundSnakebite envenoming remains a neglected health issue in many countries, including Gabon, where the limited availability of snakebite-specific training, clinical guidelines, and essential resources at health facilities may lead to gaps in healthcare workers' knowledge and confidence and the use of non-recommended treatment practices. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers' knowledge of snakebite management in the Ogooué et des Lacs department of Moyen-Ogooué province in Gabon.MethodsFrom June to August 2023, we conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting all healthcare workers in Ogooué et des Lacs who may be involved in snakebite management. We collected information on prior training, self-perceived knowledge of snakebite management, symptom recognition, clinical management practices, and snake identification. Knowledge was assessed using 10 true/false symptom questions and 12 management questions, with one point assigned for each correct response. Generalised linear binomial regression modelling was used to evaluate associations between knowledge and participant characteristics.ResultsA total of 171 healthcare workers (78% of those eligible) participated. Overall, 40% (68/171) scored below 50% on symptom questions, and 66% (113/171) scored below 50% on management questions. Inappropriate practices were frequently recommended, including tourniquet use (70%, 120/171) and venom aspiration (73%, 125/171). Nurse assistants and nurses had a lower odds of correct responses than doctors (OR: 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.55-0.84, and OR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.62-0.98, respectively), while healthcare workers at secondary health facilities performed better than those at primary health facilities (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04-1.46). Venomous snakes were correctly identified as such in 74% (109/148) of responses, compared with 28% (42/148) for non-venomous snakes.ConclusionGaps in snakebite knowledge and management were identified among healthcare workers in the study region. Targeted training, national clinical guidelines, and improved access to antivenom are needed to strengthen snakebite management in Ogooué et des Lacs and potentially more broadly in Gabon.