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    Identification of disease vectors from foreign deployment sites of the Belgian armed forces using DNA-based technologies

    Authors
    Smitz, N.
    Cochez, C.
    Wilmaerts, L.
    Gombeer, S.
    Meganck, K.
    Van Bourgonie, Y R.
    Backeljau, T.
    De Meyer, M.
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    Discipline
    Biological sciences
    Subject
    Invertebrates
    Audience
    Scientific
    Date
    2019
    Metadata
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    Description
    Background- Vector-borne diseases impact humans in almost every part of the world. Vector prevention/control measures help reduce the impact and spread of these diseases. In this framework, the Medical Component of the Belgian Armed Forces has launched a pilot project to investigate the Culicid mosquitoes (Insecta, Diptera) at foreign sites where the Belgian Army is stationed, in order to better anticipate vector-borne disease threats during deployments. Indeed, besides potentially affecting the soldiers health, diseases can compromise the mission. Surveillance of vectors on-site will allow to determine what, when, and if prevention/control measures should be implemented. Results- Adult mosquitoes were collected on military bases in Jordan, Gabon and Mali during the surveillance phase. A comprehensive list of the target taxa occurring in each of these countries was established based on the available publications and reports. DNA-sequences deposited in online reference databases (BOLD and GenBank) were evaluated for their usefulness in identifying vectors by DNA barcoding. Specimens (n = 178) were identified using DNA-based methods. Among these, Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex pipiens, Culex perexiguus, and Anopheles coluzzii, are all known as major disease vectors. Some of these species can transmit the West Nile, the yellow fever, the dengue fever and/or the Rift Valley fever viruses, while others are important vectors for the parasitic roundworm Wuchereria bancrofti. Significance- Besides providing essential information to set up vector prevention and/or control measures at deployment sites, the present results also support the importance of treating army equipment appropriately when returning to Belgium in order to avoid unintentional introductions of disease vectors.
    Citation
    Smitz, N.; Cochez, C.; Wilmaerts, L.; Gombeer, S.; Meganck, K.; Van Bourgonie, Y R.; Backeljau, T.; De Meyer, M. (2019). Identification of disease vectors from foreign deployment sites of the Belgian armed forces using DNA-based technologies. , 8th International Barcode of Life Conference,
    Identifiers
    uri: https://orfeo.belnet.be/handle/internal/12313
    Type
    Conference
    Peer-Review
    No
    Language
    eng
    Links
    NewsHelpdeskBELSPO OA Policy

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