Efficiency of MALDI-TOF MS at identifying and discriminating immature stages of cimex lectularius and cimex hemipterus bed bugs.

Over the last two decades, an increase in bed bug infestations has been observed worldwide. Although their definitive role as vectors of infectious agents has not yet been demonstrated, bed bugs have a direct effect on human health through dermatological reactions to their bites and psychological disorders linked to domestic infestations. In this study, the effectiveness of using MALDI-TOF MS to correctly identify these two bed bug species at immature stages was assessed, as well as it effectiveness as discriminating between the immature stages (IS) of C.

Identification of termites from Gabon using MALDI-TOF MS.

Termites are one of the most common pests that damage wood and other cellulosic materials Although Africa has more varieties of termite species than any other continent, few entomological studies have been conducted in Gabon. Identifying termites poses significant difficulties for entomologists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and confirm the significance of MALDI-TOF MS in identifying fresh termites collected in equatorial Africa.

Evaluation of the Performance of Rapid Diagnostic Tests for Malaria Diagnosis and Mapping of Different Species in Mali.

Background: The first-line diagnosis of malaria in Mali is based on the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) that detect the Histidin Rich Protein 2 (HRP2) antigen specific to . Our study, based on a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) gold standard, aimed to describe the distribution of the species in each administrative region of Mali and to assess the performance of RDTs.

Methods: We randomly selected 150 malaria-negative and up to 30 malaria-positive RDTs in 41 sites distributed in 9 regions of Mali.

Morphological, molecular, and MALDI-TOF MS identification of bed bugs and associated Wolbachia species from Cameroon.

After vanishing from the public eye for more than 50 years, bed bugs have resurged to become one of the most widely discussed and heavily researched insect pests in the world. This study presents the basic information of infestations of tropical bed bugs, Cimex hemipterus (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), in Cameroon. A total of 248 immature stage and adult bed bug specimens were collected from households and a travel agency in Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon.

Tick-Borne Diseases of Humans and Animals in West Africa.

Ticks are a significant group of arthropod vectors that transmit a large variety of pathogens responsible for human and animal diseases worldwide. Ticks are the second biggest transmitters of vector-borne diseases, behind mosquitoes. However, in West Africa, there is often only limited knowledge of tick-borne diseases.

Using MALDI-TOF MS to Identify Mosquitoes from Senegal and the Origin of Their Blood Meals.

Mosquitoes are arthropods that represent a real public health problem in Africa. Morphology and molecular biology techniques are usually used to identify different mosquito species. In recent years, an innovative tool, matrix-assisted desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), has been used to identify many arthropods quickly and at low cost, where equipment is available.

Soft Ticks and Associated Bacteria in Senegal.

The soft ticks, , are known as vectors of the tick-borne relapsing fever caused by spp. and have also been reported to carry other micro-organisms. The objective of this study was to collect and to identify ticks and to investigate the micro-organisms associated with them.

Survey of bed bug infestations in homeless shelters in southern France.

Bed bug has become a major public health pest worldwide. Infestation may result in numerous negative health effects. Homeless shelters are one of the most habitats that can be infested with bed bugs, a few studies have focused on bed bug infestations in these settings.

Microorganisms associated with hedgehog arthropods.

Hedgehogs are small synanthropic mammals that live in rural areas as well as in urban and suburban areas. They can be reservoirs of several microorganisms, including certain pathogenic agents that cause human and animal public health issues. Hedgehogs are often parasitized by blood-sucking arthropods, mainly hard ticks and fleas, which in turn can also carry various vector-born microorganisms of zoonotic importance.

Identification of Vietnamese Flea Species and Their Associated Microorganisms Using Morphological, Molecular, and Protein Profiling.

Fleas are obligatory blood-sucking ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. The identification of fleas and associated flea-borne microorganisms, therefore, plays an important role in controlling and managing these vectors. Recently, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has been reported as an innovative and effective approach to the identification of arthropods, including fleas.

Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction from Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests to Detect Borrelia crocidurae, the Agent of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, in Febrile Patients in Senegal.

In endemic malaria areas, Plasmodium is currently diagnosed mainly through the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). However, in Senegal, many causes of fever remain unknown. Tick-borne relapsing fever, an often-neglected public health problem, is the main cause of consultation for acute febrile illness after malaria and flu in rural areas.

MALDI-TOF MS identification of cattle ticks from Cameroon.

MALDI-TOF MS has recently been proposed as an accurate tool for arthropod identification, including ticks. In this study, we evaluate and confirm the ability of MALDI-TOF MS, to identify different tick species collected in Cameroon, considering other lines of evidence (morphology and molecular). A total of 1483 adult ticks were collected from cattle in five distinct sites in the Western Highland of Cameroon.

Pathogen Detection in Ticks and Invasive House Mice in Senegal.

() ticks are the only known vectors of , an agent of tick-borne relapsing fever (TBRF) borreliosis. Rodents serve as principal natural reservoirs for . Our research objective was to detect TBRF and other zoonotic bacterial infections in ticks and in house mice , an invasive species currently expanding in rural northern Senegal.

MALDI-TOF MS Limits for the Identification of Mediterranean Sandflies of the Subgenus , with a Special Focus on the Complex.

Leishmania infantum is the agent of visceral leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean basin. It is transmitted by sandflies of the subgenus Larroussius. Although Phlebotomus perniciosus is the most important vector in this area, an atypical Ph.

Enhanced procedures for mosquito identification by MALDI-TOF MS.

Background: In the last decade, an innovative approach has emerged for arthropod identification based on matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Increasing interest in applying the original technique for arthropod identification has led to the development of a variety of procedures for sample preparation and selection of body parts, among others. However, the absence of a consensual strategy hampers direct inter-study comparisons.

Identification of ticks from an old collection by MALDI-TOF MS.

Objective of this study is to find the optimal conditions for preparing the samples, resulting in quality, reproducible and specific MS spectra of the ticks, with a shelf life in 70% ethanol of more than ten years. Amblyomma (Am.) variegatum species which had been stored in alcohol for more than twenty years and for which numerous specimens were available were used to compare the performance of four protocols tested.

Morphological, Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS Identification of Bedbugs and Associated Wolbachia Species in Rural Senegal.

Bed bugs are known to carry several microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of bed bug infestation in two rural areas of Senegal and determine the species present in the population. A screening was conducted to detect some arthropod associated pathogenic bacteria in bed bugs and to evaluate the prevalence of endosymbiont carriage.

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identification of mosquitoes collected in Vietnam.

Background: Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a tool that has revolutionised clinical microbiology and has recently been described as an innovative and effective approach to arthropod identification.

Methods: In this study, mosquitoes were captured in Vietnam using four different methods (human landing catch, CDC light traps, BG-Sentinel traps, animal-baited net traps). A total of 4215 mosquitoes were captured and morphologically identified as belonging to three genera: Aedes, Anopheles and Culex.

Use of the proteomic tool MALDI-TOF MS in termite identification.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has proved effective for the identification of many arthropods. A total of 432 termite specimens were collected in Mali, Cote d'Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Switzerland and France. Morphologically, 22 species were identified, including Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Amitermes evuncifer, Cryptotermes brevis, Cubitermes orthognathus, Kalotermes flavicollis, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes herus, Macrotermes ivorensis, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Microcerotermes parvus, Microtermes sp.

Detection in Field-Collected Mosquitoes from Cameroon.

spp., known to be maternally inherited intracellular bacteria, are widespread among arthropods, including mosquitoes. Our study assessed the presence and prevalence of infection in wild mosquitoes collected in Cameroon, using the combination of and genes.

Microorganisms associated with the North African hedgehog Atelerix algirus and its parasitizing arthropods in Algeria.

Hedgehogs are small mammals. They are potential reservoirs of various zoonotic agents. This study was conducted in Bouira, a north-central region of Algeria.

Molecular and MALDI-TOF MS identification of swallow bugs Cimex hirundinis (Heteroptera: Cimicidae) and endosymbionts in France.

Background: The Cimicidae are obligatory blood-feeding ectoparasites of medical and veterinary importance. We aim in the current study to assess the ability of MALDI-TOF MS to identify Cimex hirundinis swallow bugs collected in house martin nests.

Methods: Swallow bugs were picked out from abandoned nests of house martin swallows and identified morphologically to the species level.