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Building a Better Mosquito: Identifying the Genes Enabling Malaria and Dengue Fever Resistance in A. gambiae and A. aegypti Mosquitoes
Published on: July 4, 2007
[Indigenous, introduced and airport malaria in Europe.]
M Danis1, M Mouchet, T Giacomini
1Entomologie Médicale, ORSTOM - F-75010 Paris et 34032 Montpellier, France.
Abstract:
Mainly due to P. vivax, the autochtonous malaria - sometimes caused by P. malaria, scarcely by P. falciparum - is spread in the whole Europe until the 18th century, decreasingly during the second part of the 19th century, while the latest documented cases were noticed in Macedonia, 1974. In France malaria spontaneously disappeared in 1943 on the mainland, and after, DDT house-spraying, in Corsica, 1959-60 (in spite of a temporarily reintroduction run in 1970). Malaria is now eradicated from Europe officially since 1975. Since 1969, approximatively 60 cases of autochtonous "airborne or airport malaria" have been officially reported from various European countries : Belgium, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Swiss, and France. Most of the 23 cases run into France were due to P. falciparum and appeared during summer. All patients were living, working or both, in the vicinity of an international airport or harbour (2 cases). Few of theses cases queerly involved a second-step carriage of Anopheles. The illness is usually severe and case fatality rate is therefore high, because of the subject's absence of premunition and no history of tropical travel, and then, the infection may be unfortunately misdiagnosed. According to the International Health Regulations, disinsection of aircrafts must be systematically done and even enhanced as soon as possible. On the other hand some of new methods for the aircraft disinsection and improved international vector control must be developped.
Insights
Autochthonous malaria, primarily from P. vivax, was once widespread in Europe. Since 1969, rare "airport malaria" cases have emerged, posing risks due to lack of immunity and potential misdiagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Infectious Diseases Epidemiology
Context:
- Malaria was historically endemic across Europe, primarily caused by Plasmodium vivax, with sporadic cases of P. malariae and P. falciparum.
- Official eradication of malaria in Europe was declared in 1975, following its decline in the 19th century and disappearance in France by 1943.
Purpose:
- To document and analyze the occurrence of autochthonous 'airport malaria' cases in Europe since 1969.
- To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing these imported malaria cases.
Summary:
- Approximately 60 cases of autochthonous 'airport malaria' have been reported in Europe since 1969, often caused by P. falciparum.
- These cases typically affect individuals near international airports or harbors, with a notable absence of prior tropical travel or premunition.
- The severity of illness and high fatality rate are attributed to delayed diagnosis in non-immune individuals.
Impact:
- Re-emphasizes the need for systematic aircraft disinsection and enhanced international vector control measures.
- Underscores the importance of considering malaria in differential diagnoses for febrile illnesses in individuals residing near international travel hubs.
- Highlights the potential for reintroduction of vector-borne diseases through global travel.
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