"Detección molecular de Bartonella bacilliformis en flebótomos (Diptera: Psychodidae) en la zona fronteriza Ecuatoriana-Peruana"

Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) are the only known vectors of the bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis which causes Carrión Disease or human bartonelosis. The disease is only present in the Andean countries of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru. Hundreds of cases have been reported every year in northern Peru, however, the epidemiology, distribution of the disease and vectors incriminated at the Ecuadorian side are largely unknown. Reports from the 1950´s suggest that the disease is endemic in the southern región of Ecuador, nevertheless this contrasts with more recent data of very few cases reported in the last decades: 18 cases reported from the province of Zamora Chinchipe (Southern Ecuador) between 1995-1996, and 39 cases between 1995-2005. The objective of this study is to characterize the sandfly fauna of the area, examine for sand fly infection with Bartonella baciliformis and incriminate possible vectors. For this purpose, an entomological surveillance was conducted in the localities of Isimanchi, Pucapamba and Maniales (province of Zamora Chinchipe) through the use of CDC traps, the Mosquito Magnet trap and protected human bait. A total of 114 individuals were collected, of which 94.74% corresponded to Lutzomyia robusta, 4.38% to Lutzomyia maranonensis and 0.88% to Lutzomyia castanea. Specimens were examined by PCR and primers for the conserved regions of: (1) NADH dehydrogenase gamma subunit, (2) the 16s-23s intergenic sequence of the ITS rRNA (Internal Transcribed Spacer) and (3) Nested-PCR for the mitochondrial region of the Citrate Sintasa enzyme gene. Two and three positive samples were found using methods (1) and (2), respectively; results were further confirmed using method (3). Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed the presence of Bartonella bacilliformis DNA, with 99% identity by method (1), and two positive samples for Bartonella bacilliformis with 93% and 99% identity respectively. Furthermore, one positive sample for Bartonella bovis with 91% Identity with method (2) was found. This is the first time that the infection of Bartonella bacilliformis in Lutzomyia robusta is reported, thus contributing to the incrimination of this species as a vector of the disease. The infection of Lutzomyia robusta with Bartonella bovis is reported as well. New studies are suggested at different times of the year to study seasonality, the possible transmission dynamics of the disease and evidence of active or subclinical human cases, and to expand the investigation to explore B. bovis infection in sand flies and its possible implications to cattle.Los flebótomos (Diptera:Psychodidae) son los únicos vectores conocidos que transmiten la bacteria Bartonella bacilliformis que ocasiona la Enfermedad de Carrión o bartonelosis humana, enfermedad encontrada solamente en los países Andinos de Ecuador, Colombia y Perú. Se han reportado cientos de casos cada año en el norte de Perú; sin embargo, la epidemiología, distribución de la enfermedad y vectores incriminados al lado ecuatoriano es mayormente desconocida. Los reportes de los años 50´s sugieren que la enfermedad es endémica en la zona sur del país; sin embargo, contrasta con datos más recientes de pocos casos en las últimas décadas: 18 casos en la provincia de Zamora Chinchipe (zona sur del país) entre los años 1995-1996, y 39 casos entre 1995-2005. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la fauna de flebótomos de la zona, examinar su infección con Bartonella baciliformis e incriminar a posibles vectores. Para esto, se realizó monitoreo entomológico usando trampas de luz CDC, Mosquito Magnet y cebo humano protegido en las localidades de Isimanchi, Pucapamba y Maniales (provincia de Zamora Chinchipe). Se analizaron 114 individuos colectados de los cuales el 94.74% correspondia a Lutzomyia robusta, el 4.38% a Lutzomyia maranonensis y el 0.88% a Lutzomyia castanea. Se examinaron los especímenes mediante PCR y primers para las regiones conservadas de la (1) NADH deshidrogenasa subunidad gamma, (2) la secuencia intergénica 16s-23s del ARNr ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) y (3) Nested-PCR para la región mitocondrial del gen de la enzima Citrato Sintasa, encontrándose dos y tres muestras positivas usando los métodos (1) y (2), respectivamente; confirmando estos resultados mediante el método (3). La secuenciación reveló la presencia de ADN de Bartonella bacilliformis con el 99% de identidad mediante el método (1), y dos muestras positivas para Bartonella bacilliformis con el 93% y 99% de identidad, y una positiva para Bartonella bovis con 91% de identidad con el método (2). Este estudio reporta por primera vez, la infección de Bartonella bacilliformis en Lutzomyia robusta, aportando información para la incriminación de esta especie como vector de la enfermedad. Se reporta también la infección de Lutzomyia robusta con Bartonella bovis. Se sugieren nuevos estudios en diferentes épocas del año para estudiar estacionalidad, la posible dinámica de transmisión de la enfermedad y evidenciar casos humanos activos o subclínicos, y ampliar el estudio para explorar la infección de B.bovis en flebótomos y sus posibles implicaciones en bovinos

The Shortcomings of COVID-19 Testing in Ecuador: Time to Incentivize Research and Innovation

The COVID-19 pandemic hit Ecuador severely. The country caught the attention of international media due to its high death toll and overwhelmed healthcare system. The clinical diagnostics system was rapidly overloaded, and the import of PCR tests was delayed. The case of Ecuador illustrates how middle-income countries rely heavily on the importation of biotechnological products for their healthcare systems. The Ecuadorian experience during the COVID-19 pandemic serves as a call for the formation of policies for the development of the biotechnological industry

Establishment, Genetic Diversity, and Habitat Suitability of <i>Aedes albopictus</i> Populations from Ecuador

Aedes albopictus, also known as the tiger mosquito, is widespread worldwide across tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. This insect is associated with the transmission of several vector-borne diseases, and, as such, monitoring its distribution is highly important for public health. In Ecuador, Ae. albopictus was first reported in 2017 in Guayaquil. Since then, the vector has been identified in the Northeastern lowlands and the Amazon basin. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity of Ecuadorian populations of Ae. albopictus through the analysis of the mitochondrial gene COI and to describe the potential distribution areas of this species within the country. The genetic diversity was determined by combining phylogenetic and population genetics analyses of five localities in Ecuador. Results showed two haplotypes in the Ecuadorian populations of Ae. albopictus. Haplotype 1 (H1) was found in the coastal and Amazon individuals, while haplotype 2 (H2) was only found in the three northeastern lowlands sites. In a worldwide context, H1 is the most widespread in 21 countries with temperate and tropical habitats. In contrast, H2 distribution is limited to five countries in tropical regions, suggesting fewer adaptation traits. Our prediction model showed a suitable habitat for Ae. albopictus in all regions (coastal, Amazon basin, and Andean lowland regions and the Galápagos Islands) of Ecuador. Hence, understanding different aspects of the vector can help us implement better control strategies for surveillance and vectorial control in Ecuador

Two Haplotypes of Aedes aegypti Detected by ND4 Mitochondrial Marker in Three Regions of Ecuador

Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, is the main vector of several arboviruses. In Ecuador, dengue and chikungunya are the most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases. Hence, there is a need to understand the population dynamics and genetic structure of the vector in tropical areas for a better approach towards effective vector control programs. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti, through the analyses of the mitochondrial gene ND4, using a combination of phylogenetic and population genetic structure from 17 sites in Ecuador. Results showed two haplotypes in the Ecuadorian populations of Ae. aegypti. Haplotype 1 was closely related to Ae. aegypti reported from America, Asia, and West Africa. Haplotype 2 was only related to samples from America. The sampled vectors from the diverse localities showed low nucleotide diversity (π = 0–0.01685) and genetic differentiation (FST = 0.152). AMOVA analyses indicated that most of the variation (85–91%) occurred within populations, suggesting that geographical barriers have little effect on the genetic structure of Ecuadorian populations of Ae. aegypti. These results agree with the one main population (K = 1) detected by Structure. Vector genetic identity may be a key factor in the planning of vector control strategies

Two Haplotypes of <i>Aedes aegypti</i> Detected by ND4 Mitochondrial Marker in Three Regions of Ecuador

Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, is the main vector of several arboviruses. In Ecuador, dengue and chikungunya are the most prevalent mosquito-borne diseases. Hence, there is a need to understand the population dynamics and genetic structure of the vector in tropical areas for a better approach towards effective vector control programs. This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of Ae. aegypti, through the analyses of the mitochondrial gene ND4, using a combination of phylogenetic and population genetic structure from 17 sites in Ecuador. Results showed two haplotypes in the Ecuadorian populations of Ae. aegypti. Haplotype 1 was closely related to Ae. aegypti reported from America, Asia, and West Africa. Haplotype 2 was only related to samples from America. The sampled vectors from the diverse localities showed low nucleotide diversity (π = 0–0.01685) and genetic differentiation (FST = 0.152). AMOVA analyses indicated that most of the variation (85–91%) occurred within populations, suggesting that geographical barriers have little effect on the genetic structure of Ecuadorian populations of Ae. aegypti. These results agree with the one main population (K = 1) detected by Structure. Vector genetic identity may be a key factor in the planning of vector control strategies

Genetic Variability in the E6/E7 Region of Human Papillomavirus 16 in Women from Ecuador

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (CC). Ecuador has a high prevalence of cervical cancer, with more than 1600 new cases diagnosed annually. This study aimed to analyze oncogenes E6 and E7 of HPV16 in samples collected from women with cancerous and precancerous cervical lesions from the Ecuadorian coast. Twenty-nine women, including six with ASCUS, three with LSIL, thirteen with HSIL, and seven with Cacu, were analyzed. The most common SNPs were E6 350G or L83V (82.6%) and E6 145T/286A/289G/335T/350G or Q14H/F78Y/L83V (17.4%). Both variants are reported to be associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in worldwide studies. In contrast, all E7 genes have conserved amino-acid positions. Phylogenetic trees showed the circulation of the D (26.1%) and A (73.9) lineages. The frequency of D was higher than that reported in other comparable studies in Ecuador and Latin America, and may be related to the ethnic composition of the studied populations. This study contributes to the characterization of the potential risk factors for cervical carcinogenesis associated with Ecuadorian women infected with HPV16

Genetic Variability in the E6/E7 Region of Human Papillomavirus 16 in Women from Ecuador

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with intraepithelial neoplasia and cervical cancer (CC). Ecuador has a high prevalence of cervical cancer, with more than 1600 new cases diagnosed annually. This study aimed to analyze oncogenes E6 and E7 of HPV16 in samples collected from women with cancerous and precancerous cervical lesions from the Ecuadorian coast. Twenty-nine women, including six with ASCUS, three with LSIL, thirteen with HSIL, and seven with Cacu, were analyzed. The most common SNPs were E6 350G or L83V (82.6%) and E6 145T/286A/289G/335T/350G or Q14H/F78Y/L83V (17.4%). Both variants are reported to be associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer in worldwide studies. In contrast, all E7 genes have conserved amino-acid positions. Phylogenetic trees showed the circulation of the D (26.1%) and A (73.9) lineages. The frequency of D was higher than that reported in other comparable studies in Ecuador and Latin America, and may be related to the ethnic composition of the studied populations. This study contributes to the characterization of the potential risk factors for cervical carcinogenesis associated with Ecuadorian women infected with HPV16.Fil: Zhingre, Alicia. Universidad Católica de Cuenca; EcuadorFil: Bedoya Pilozo, César. Hospital Luis Vernaza; EcuadorFil: Gutierrez Pallo, Diana. Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”; EcuadorFil: Badano, Ines. Universidad Nacional de Misiones; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Herrera Yela, Andrés. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador; EcuadorFil: Salazar, Zoila. Universidad Católica de Cuenca; EcuadorFil: Alarcón, Damaris. Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”; EcuadorFil: Arguello Bravo, Natali. Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”; EcuadorFil: Espinoza, Maylen. No especifíca;Fil: Ponce, Patricio. Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”; EcuadorFil: Soto, Yudira. Instituto de Medicina Tropical “Pedro Kouri”; CubaFil: Carrazco Montalvo, Andrés Ricardo. Instituto Nacional de Investigación en Salud Pública “Leopoldo Izquieta Pérez”; Ecuador. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid; Españ

Omicron Sub-Lineages (BA.1.1.529 + BA.*) Current Status in Ecuador

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is the latest pandemic lineage causing COVID-19. Despite having a vaccination rate &ge;85%, Ecuador recorded a high incidence of Omicron from December 2021 to March 2022. Since Omicron emerged, it has evolved into multiple sub-lineages with distinct prevalence in different regions. In this work, we use all Omicron sequences from Ecuador available at GISAID until March 2022 and the software Nextclade and Pangolin to identify which lineages circulate in this country. We detected 12 different sub-lineages (BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.1.1.1, BA.1.1.14, BA.1.1.2, BA.1.14, BA.1.15, BA.1.16, BA.1.17, BA.1.6, BA.2, BA.2.3), which have been reported in Africa, America, Europe, and Asia, suggesting multiple introduction events. Sub-lineages BA.1 and BA.1.1 were the most prevalent. Genomic surveillance must continue to evaluate the dynamics of current sub-lineages, the early introduction of new ones and vaccine efficacy against evolving SARS-CoV-2

Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 transmission lineages in Ecuador

Characterisation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) genetic diversity through space and time can reveal trends in virus importation and domestic circulation and permit the exploration of questions regarding the early transmission dynamics. Here, we present a detailed description of SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology in Ecuador, one of the hardest hit countries during the early stages of the coronavirus-19 pandemic. We generated and analysed 160 whole genome sequences sampled from all provinces of Ecuador in 2020. Molecular clock and phylogeographic analysis of these sequences in the context of global SARS-CoV-2 diversity enable us to identify and characterise individual transmission lineages within Ecuador, explore their spatiotemporal distributions, and consider their introduction and domestic circulation. Our results reveal a pattern of multiple international importations across the country, with apparent differences between key provinces. Transmission lineages were mostly introduced before the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions, with differential degrees of persistence and national dissemination.ISSN:2057-157