Biting midges ( spp.) are important vectors of several insect borne arboviruses but are underrepresented in terms of availability of high-resolution genomic resources. We assembled and annotated complete mitochondrial genomes for two species, namely and which are proven vectors for Bluetongue Virus (BTV).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAccurate counting of mosquito larval populations is essential for maintaining optimal conditions and population control within rearing facilities, assessing disease transmission risks, and implementing effective vector control measures. While existing methods for counting mosquito larvae have faced challenges such as the impact on larval mortality rate, multiple parameters adjustment and limitations in availability and affordability, recent advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly in AI-driven visual analysis, hold promise for addressing these issues. Here, we introduce LarvaeCountAI, an open-source convolutional neural network (CNN)-based tool designed to automatically count Culex annulirostris mosquito larvae from videos captured in laboratory environments.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJapanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is transmitted by species of mosquitoes. In 2022, JEV belonging to a previously unrecognized lineage of genotype IV (GIV) caused a major outbreak of JE in South-eastern Australia, resulting in human cases and affecting piggeries. has previously been implicated as the major vector of JEV in northern Australia where the virus has circulated since its first detection in 1995.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMonitoring the flight behaviour of mosquitoes is crucial for assessing their fitness levels and understanding their potential role in disease transmission. Existing methods for tracking mosquito flight behaviour are challenging to implement in laboratory environments, and they also struggle with identity tracking, particularly during occlusions. Here, we introduce FlightTrackAI, a robust convolutional neural network (CNN)-based tool for automatic mosquito flight tracking.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPrevention is the most efficient and cost-effective method to combat cervical cancer for which High Risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) infection is identified as the major causative factor. HPV vaccination is for primary prevention whereas surgical ablation of precancer is for secondary prevention after HPV infection has occurred. Screening of women for early detection of Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (SILs) with Papanicolou smear (Pap smear) is a desirable pre-requisite.
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