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2. Detection and characterization of Sindbis virus genotype IV in mosquitoes from SloveniaPatricija Pozvek, Miša Korva, Samo Zakotnik, Tea Knapič, Katja Adam, Katarina Resman Rus, Gašper Grubelnik, Tomi Trilar, Vladimir Ivović, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Nataša Knap, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Mosquitoes play a crucial role as vectors of disease pathogens and are among the most socioeconomically important animals in the world. Medically important arboviruses include the Sindbis virus (SINV), which causes chills, skin rashes, and joint pain. Endemic in northern Europe, SINV has been increasingly detected in central Europe. The main objectives of this study were to monitor and screen mosquitoes for the presence of SINV. We included samples of mosquitoes collected throughout the years at different locations in Slovenia. The mosquitoes were first identified and then pooled according to species, sex, date of sampling, and location. Nucleic acid (NA) was isolated from these pools, and the target segment of the SINV genome was amplified using molecular methods. We performed detailed phylogenetic analyses of the SINV-positive mosquito pools. From 2020 to 2024, we monitored mosquitoes at 226 locations in Slovenia and collected 112,001 samples, which were identified and grouped into 11,595 pools. Using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), we found SINV RNA in five pools of Culex modestus mosquitoes collected in two regions of northeastern Slovenia in August 2022 and in July, August, and September 2024. The SINV discovered in Slovenia (SINV-SLO) was classified as Genotype IV. We designed a primer scheme for the whole-genome amplification of SINV based on the alignment of the available SINV-IV sequences and performed molecular characterization of the sequences. Our findings revealed that SINV-SLO is closely related to the SINV strains identified in Russia, Azerbaijan, and China. In Europe, it is Genotype I that is most frequently detected and causes epidemics, whereas Genotype IV, which was detected in Slovenia, has not yet been associated with disease outbreaks.
Ključne besede: arboviruses, Genotype IV, mosquitoes, NGS, phylogenetic analysis, Sindbis virus
Objavljeno v RUP: 03.02.2026; Ogledov: 366; Prenosov: 2
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3. Tracking pyrethroid resistance in arbovirus mosquito vectors : mutations I1532T and F1534C in Aedes albopictus across EuropeVerena Pichler, Vera Valadas, Mustafa M. Akiner, Georgios Balatsos, Carlos Barceló, Maria-Louise Borg, Jeremy Bouyer, Daniel Bravo-Barriga, Ruben Bueno, Beniamino Caputo, Katja Adam, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background With the worldwide spread of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, the number of autochtho‑ nous cases of exotic arboviral diseases, such as dengue or chikungunya, is increasing in temperate regions. In Europe, pyrethroids are the only insecticides allowed for the abatement of adult mosquitoes and are thus crucial for limiting ongoing arbovirus transmission. Despite this and the report of resistance rising in vector populations worldwide, information on the pyrethroid resistance status of vector populations and knowledge on resistance mechanisms is widely lacking. Genotyping of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations situated within the target site of pyrethroids, i.e., the voltage‑gated sodium channel (VGSC), and associated with pyrethroid resistance, is a cost‑effective approach to investigate the spread of resistance in a population. Herein, we describe the European‑wide distribution of two kdr mutations, i.e., I1532T and F1534C, in Ae. albopictus and evaluate their co‑occurrence with another well‑characterized kdr mutation, V1016G. Methods Genotyping of the kdr mutation F1534C was performed by allele‑specific PCR for 1732 Ae. albopictus specimens sampled in 19 European countries; for a subset of 419 specimens mutation I1532T was also genotyped by sequencing. For all samples, information on mutation V1016G was available, allowing evaluation of the co‑occur‑ rence of kdr alleles. Results Mutation 1534C was detected in nine sites from six countries at an overall frequency close to 5%. High‑ est frequencies per site were detected in Cyprus (84%) and Greece (45%). Allele 1532 T was identified in 11 sites from 7 countries at frequencies ranging from 4% to 25% per site. Co‑occurrence of different kdr alleles (1534C, 1532 T and 1016G) was observed in nine sampling sites from seven countries. Conclusions The present study offers the first map of the occurrence of the major Ae. albopictus kdr alleles across Europe and highlights a differential distribution of the two alleles most strongly associated with pyrethroid resistance, 1016G and 1534C. Our findings also point to the need for enhancing resistance monitoring in the East‑ ern Mediterranean region, where the two mutations are shown to exist in geographically close areas, with the risk of emergence of highly resistant double mutants.
Ključne besede: mosquito, Aedes albopictus, insecticide resistance, Kdr, arbovirus vector, vector control, Europe
Objavljeno v RUP: 05.01.2026; Ogledov: 418; Prenosov: 3
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5. Understanding and predicting the geographic distributions of phlebotomine sand flies in and around EuropeDanyang Wang, Anouschka R. Hof, Kevin D. Matson, Frank van Langevelde, Edwin Kniha, Vít Dvořák, Ognyan Mikov, Ivelina Katerinova, Simona Tchakarova, Maria Antoniou, Jorian Prodhomme, Denis Sereno, Vladimir Ivović, Katja Adam, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Climate and land-use changes influence the transmission of vector-borne diseases by affecting the distribution and survival of disease vectors. Numerous diseases are transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), including leishmaniasis. Several major sand fly-borne diseases are responsible for high global disease burdens and high socio-economic costs. In Europe, over 20 known sand fly vector species are largely confined to the Mediterranean Basin, yet records of sand fly presence further north increase. Global warming is predicted to drive the spread of sand flies to large areas of Europe in the 21th century, an effect likely to be exacerbated by anthropogenic factors. However, the constraints to the geographic distributions of sand flies are not well understood. This study aims to increase the understanding of the drivers of the geographic distributions of sand flies, using species distribution modelling to systematically test links between sand fly occurrences and climatic, land-use, lithological, biodiversity and human population variables in Europe and adjacent Mediterranean regions. We found that moisture is the most important environmental variable both in explaining and in predicting sand fly occurrences. The projected suitable habitats are larger than the current known sand fly distributions, and these habitats are expected to expand due to changes in climate and land-use.
Ključne besede: climate change, land-use, moisture, phlebotomine sand fly, species distribution modelling, suitable habitat
Objavljeno v RUP: 06.11.2025; Ogledov: 522; Prenosov: 8
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6. The genetic trail of the invasive mosquito species Aedes koreicus from the east to the west of Northern ItalyLaura Soresinetti, Giovanni Naro, Irene Arnoldi, Andrea Mosca, Katja Adam, Heung Chul Kim, Terry A. Klein, Francesco Gradoni, Fabrizio Montarsi, Claudio Bandi, Sara Epis, Paolo Gabrieli, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background Aedes koreicus is native to Far East Asia and recorded in Europe since 2008. In Italy, Ae. koreicus is widespread throughout the Northern part of the peninsula, highlighting its invasive potential and spread. However, no clear clues about the dispersal patterns of the species have been collected so far. Methodology/Principal findings Population genetic analyses were performed to assess the genetic structure of populations of Ae. koreicus and to make hypotheses about its dispersal patterns in Northern Italy. Ten microsatellite markers specific for Ae. koreicus were used to genotype 414 individuals from 13 populations in the pre-alpine area of Italy, and neighboring Slovenia. Basic and Bayesian population genetic analyses were performed to evaluate patterns of genetic variation, genetic structure, and demography of selected mosquito populations. While presenting a certain degree of structuring, the Italian and Slovenian populations of Ae. koreicus were poorly differentiated. Moreover, demographic analysis supports the expansion of a single population propagule of Ae. koreicus in Italy and Slovenia and provides evidence of the presence of overwintering populations in the studied area. Conclusions/Significance Our results highlight a common origin, and stable colonization of Northern Italy and Slovenia, as a probable consequence of the expansion of a unique population. This stresses out the importance of continuous monitoring of Ae. koreicus, to finally uncover the geographic origins and entrance pathways of invasive populations and to prevent or limit further introductions.
Ključne besede: Aedes koreicus, Italy, genetics
Objavljeno v RUP: 26.09.2025; Ogledov: 581; Prenosov: 6
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8. First molecular evidence of Leishmania parasites in sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) from SloveniaGioia Bongiorno, Katja Adam, Ilaria Bernardini, Claudia Mangiapelo, Eleonora Fiorentino, Trentina Di Muccio, Vladimir Ivović, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background Sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are vectors of Leishmania spp., protozoan parasites that cause leish- maniasis, a zoonosis endemic in the Mediterranean region. Although Slovenia is not considered endemic, its proximity to affected areas and the presence of competent vectors underscore the importance of entomological surveillance. As part of the CLIMOS project, we investigated sand fly species composition, seasonal abundance, and the presence of Leishmania parasites at two sites in southwestern Slovenia: Cetore and Velike Žablje. Methods From May to October 2023, adult sand flies were collected using Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC) miniature light traps. Specimens were morphologically identified and screened for Leishmania spp. DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeted kinetoplast DNA, followed by species confirmation with ITS-1 nested PCR and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. Results A total of 274 sand flies were collected, predominantly Phlebotomus neglectus, P. perniciosus, and P. mascittii. Abundance peaked in July in Cetore and August in Velike Žablje, likely reflecting local climatic differences. Among 25 pools of female sand flies analyzed, Leishmania DNA was detected in three pools (12.0%), specifically in P. neglectus and P. mascittii. The cycle threshold values (Ct 35–37) indicated low parasite DNA loads. ITS-1 amplification was unsuc- cessful, likely due to low DNA concentration. Conclusions This study provides the first molecular evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies from Slovenia. The detection of Leishmania in P. mascittii, a species with uncertain vector competence, is particularly noteworthy and warrants further investigation. Although species identification of the parasite was not possible, the findings suggest potential for autochthonous transmission and highlight the need for continued surveillance and research in the region.
Ključne besede: sand flies, Leishmania, Slovenia, vector surveillance, seasonality
Objavljeno v RUP: 28.08.2025; Ogledov: 716; Prenosov: 5
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9. Monitoring of sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and pathogen screening in Slovenia with habitat suitability modelingVladimir Ivović, Peter Glasnović, Sara Zupan, Tea Knapič, Tomi Trilar, Miša Korva, Nataša Knap, Urška Glinšek Biškup, Tatjana Avšič-Županc, Katja Adam, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) are important vectors of pathogens, including Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses, but their distribution and seasonal activity in Slovenia have not been sufficiently studied. This study presents a comprehensive three-year (2020–2022) surveillance programme aimed at assessing the diversity of sandfly species, their distribution, seasonal dynamics and potential role as vectors of pathogens. A total of 1,240 sandflies were collected at 43 sampling sites across Slovenia, identifying Phlebotomus papatasi, P. neglectus, P. perniciosus and P. mascittii. The highest abundance and species diversity were observed in the Mediterranean and Karst regions. Seasonal activity peaked in July, with population fluctuations influenced by climatic conditions. Molecular analyses for Leishmania parasites and phleboviruses showed no positive results, indicating a low prevalence of pathogens in the sampled populations. Predictive habitat models indicate that environmental factors, particularly temperature and precipitation, play a decisive role in the spread of sandflies. While P. mascittii has the largest ecological range, its vector competence remains uncertain. The results provide important insights into the ecology of sandflies in Slovenia and emphasize the need for continuous surveillance in the context of climate change and emerging vector-borne disease risks.
Ključne besede: sandflies, monitoring, distribution, modeling, Slovenia
Objavljeno v RUP: 04.08.2025; Ogledov: 762; Prenosov: 7
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