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Cited by 37Parasitic Diseases Research and TreatmentMosquito-borne diseases and controlDiptera species taxonomy and behavior

Urbanization impact on mosquito community and the transmission potential of filarial infection in central Europe

Open access
Čabanová, Viktória, Miterpáková, Martina, Valentová, Daniela, Blažejová, Hana, Rudolf, Ivo, Stloukal, Eduard, Hurníková, Zuzana, Dzidová, Marianna·2018·Parasites & Vectors
DOI 10.1186/s13071-018-2845-1PMC PMC5937826
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite long-term research on dirofilariosis in Slovakia, little attention has thus far been paid to Dirofilaria vectors. The particular aim of the present study was molecular screening for filarioid parasites in two different habitats of Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. In addition, the effect of urbanisation on mosquito species abundance and composition, associated with the risk of mosquito-borne infections, was studied and discussed. METHODS: Mosquitoes were identified by morphological features, and molecular methods were also used for determination of selected individuals belonging to cryptic species from the Anopheles maculipennis and Culex pipiens complexes. The presence of filarioid DNA (Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis and Setaria spp.) was detected using standard PCR approaches and sequencing. RESULTS: A total of 6957 female mosquitoes were collected for the study. Overall, the most abundant mosquito species was Aedes vexans, closely followed by unidentified members of the Cx. pipiens complex and the less numerous but still plentiful Ochlerotatus sticticus species. Further investigation of mosquito material revealed 4.26% relative prevalence of Dirofilaria spp., whereby both species, D. repens and D. immitis, were identified. The majority of positive mosquito pools had their origin in a floodplain area on the outskirts of the city, with a relative prevalence of 5.32%; only two mosquito pools (1.26%) were shown to be positive in the residential zone of Bratislava. Setaria spp. DNA was not detected in mosquitoes within this study. CONCLUSIONS: The study presented herein represents initial research focused on molecular mosquito screening for filarioid parasites in urban and urban-fringe habitats of Bratislava, Slovakia. Molecular analyses within the Cx. pipiens complex identified two biotypes: Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus. To our knowledge, Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans, i.e. D. repens in Anopheles messeae and unidentified members of An. maculipennis and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens. Both dirofilarial species were found in Och. sticticus. The suitable conditions for the vectors' biology would represent the main risk factor for dirofilariosis transmission.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

In Bratislava, Slovakia, 6,957 female mosquitoes collected across urban-fringe and residential habitats showed 4.26% filarioid DNA prevalence, with Dirofilaria repens dominant and D. immitis also present. Positive pools were concentrated in the urban-fringe floodplain (5.32%) versus the residential zone (1.26%), and Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans.

Key findings

  • Of 610 mosquito pools screened, 26 (4.26%) were positive for filarioid cox1: D. repens in 22 (3.61%), D. immitis in 2 (0.33%), and mixed D. repens + D. immitis in 2 (0.33%); Setaria DNA was not detected.
  • Positive pools were 24/451 (5.32%) in the urban-fringe zone versus 2/159 (1.26%) in the residential zone. The most abundant taxa were Ae. vexans (38.7%), unidentified Cx. pipiens complex (36.5%), and Och. sticticus (6.0%); 6,279 mosquitoes were trapped in the urban-fringe zone versus 678 in the residential zone.
  • D. repens was found in Ae. vexans (9 pools), Cx. pipiens complex (7), An. messeae (4), and An. maculipennis complex (2); D. immitis was detected in Cq. richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens; both Dirofilaria species occurred in Ae. vexans and Och. sticticus.
  • Molecular identification found Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens (13) and biotype molestus (5), plus An. daciae (56) and An. messeae (61). Menhinick’s diversity index was higher in the residential zone (D = 0.50) than in the urban-fringe zone (D = 0.19).

Methods

  • Mosquitoes were collected April–October in 2015, 2016, and 2017 at three Bratislava sites: an urban-fringe garden/floodplain settlement (S1) and two residential sites, the Danube riverbank and a dog shelter (S2 + S3), using BG-Sentinel and BG-Mousquetaire traps enriched with CO2.
  • Female mosquitoes were identified morphologically; selected cryptic specimens from the Anopheles maculipennis and Culex pipiens complexes were identified by multiplex PCR and sequencing. Pools were screened for filarioid DNA using standard PCR and sequencing for D. repens, D. immitis, and Setaria spp.
  • Prevalence was calculated by positive mosquito pools by habitat and species/complex, and mosquito species richness was quantified with Menhinick’s diversity index.

Limitations

  • The authors describe the work as initial/preliminary research and state that field studies cannot specify the effectiveness of parasite transmission; they also note limited data on filarioid occurrence in cryptic mosquito groups and call for further research on pipiens/molestus hybrid potential.
  • Evident from the text: 970 damaged specimens were identified only to genus, molecular identification of An. messeae/daciae was not performed from the residential zone, and the residential sample was much smaller (678 vs 6,279 mosquitoes), limiting habitat comparisons.
  • Evident from the text: detection of filarioid DNA in mosquito pools does not establish vector competence or actual transmission to hosts, and no blood-meal or infection-status data are reported.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1186/s13071-018-2845-1

Cites

57 of 57 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 59 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Aedes vexans was the most abundant mosquito species, comprising 38.7% of the total catch.

    “Overall, the most abundant mosquito species was Aedes vexans”
    • Also stated in: § Mosquito species composition and abundance · plain
      “Overall, the most abundant mosquito species was Ae. vexans with 38.7% of the total catch”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Anopheles hyrcanus, Culiseta annulata and Ochlerotatus caspius were collected only at the Devínske Jazero sampling site (S1).

    “An. hyrcanus, Cs. annulata and Och. caspius were collected only at the Devínske Jazero sampling site (S1)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Unidentified members of the Culex pipiens complex were the second most abundant group, comprising 36.5% of the total catch.

    “closely followed by unidentified members of the Cx. pipiens complex (36.5% of the total catch)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Mixed infection of D. repens and D. immitis was confirmed in two samples (0.33%).

    “in two samples a mixed infection of D. repens and D. immitis was confirmed (0.33%)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Molecular analysis identified two Culex pipiens biotypes: Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus.

    “Molecular analyses within the Cx. pipiens complex identified two biotypes: Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and Cx. pipiens biotype molestus.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 28
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 34

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dirofilaria repens was the predominant filarioid species, detected in 22 samples (3.61%).

    “Consequential analyses showed D. repens was identified as the predominant filarioid species: it was detected in 22 samples (3.61%).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    6279 mosquitoes were trapped in the urban-fringe zone (S1), while 678 were collected in the residential zone (S2+S3).

    “Most of the studied mosquitoes, as many as 6279, were trapped in the urban-fringe zone (sampling site S1), while in the urban area (residential zone), only 678 specimens were collected during the entire sampling period.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    A 111 bp fragment of D. repens from Ae. vexans and a 211 bp fragment of D. immitis from Och. sticticus showed 100% similarity with sequences from Slovak dogs (KC985239 and KC985240).

    “a 111 bp long overlapped fragment of D. repens isolated from Ae. vexans and a 211 bp long fragment of D. immitis isolated from Och. sticticus revealed 100% similarity with the sequences obtained from Slovak dogs (KC985239 and KC985240, respectively)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    Menhinick's diversity index calculated mosquito richness was higher in the sampling sites of the residential zone than in the urban-fringe zone.

    “using Menhinick’s diversity index the calculated mosquito richness was higher in the sampling sites of a residential zone”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    A total of 6957 female mosquitoes were collected during the study.

    “A total of 6957 female mosquitoes were collected for the study.”
    • Also stated in: § Mosquito species composition and abundance · plain
      “A total of 6957 female mosquitoes were collected for this study during the sampling period.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In the residential zone, one positive pool contained only D. immitis DNA and the second contained both D. immitis and D. repens.

    “in one of them only D. immitis DNA was confirmed, and in the second both D. immitis and D. repens were detected”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Ochlerotatus sticticus was less numerous but plentiful, comprising 6.0% of the total catch.

    “the less numerous, but still plentiful Ochlerotatus sticticus species (6.0% of the total catch)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among 18 examined Culex pipiens complex individuals, 13 were identified as Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and 5 as Cx. pipiens biotype molestus.

    “From the examined mosquitoes (n = 18), 13 individuals were identified as the Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens and 5 mosquitoes as the Cx. pipiens biotype molestus.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingown data

    451 mosquito pools from the urban-fringe zone and 159 pools from the residential zone were processed for molecular screening for filarioid nematodes.

    “Four hundred and fifty-one mosquito pools from the urban-fringe zone and 159 pools from the residential zone were processed for molecular screening for filarioid nematodes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The majority of positive pools was detected among Ae. vexans and the Cx. pipiens complex, two of the most abundant mosquito taxa collected in this study.

    “The majority of positive pools was detected among the Ae. vexans and the Cx. pipiens complex, two of the most abundant mosquito taxa collected in this study.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two Ochlerotatus species were identified during this study: three specimens of Och. caspius and the more numerous Och. sticticus predominantly occurred in Devínske Jazero settlement in the urban-fringe zone.

    “Two Ochlerotatus species were identified during this study: three specimens of Och. caspius and the more numerous Och. sticticus predominantly occurred in Devínske Jazero settlement in the urban-fringe zone.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Further investigation of mosquito material revealed 4.26% relative prevalence of Dirofilaria spp., whereby both species, D. repens and D. immitis, were identified.

    “Further investigation of mosquito material revealed 4.26% relative prevalence of Dirofilaria spp., whereby both species, D. repens and D. immitis, were identified.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In Slovakia, molecular identification of the Cx. pipiens complex was performed for the first time, and two biotypes were found: pipiens and molestus.

    “To our knowledge, molecular identification of the Cx. pipiens complex in Slovakia was performed for the first time, and two biotypes were found: the ornithophilic form pipiens, which plays only a minor role as a virus vector, and the medically important anthropophilic and mammophilic form molestus, which is the main vector of West Nile virus (WNV) [2].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Two other Anopheles species, An. hyrcanus and An. plumbeus, were found in the present study, both with very low abundance.

    “Two other species of the genus Anopheles were found within the present study, An. hyrcanus and An. plumbeus, both with a very low abundance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Molecular identification of the An. maculipennis complex was carried out only at the Devínske Jazero sampling site, in an urban-fringe zone, where two species, An. daciae and An. messeae, were caught.

    “Molecular identification of the maculipennis complex was carried out only at the Devínske Jazero sampling site, in an urban-fringe zone where two species, An. daciae and An. messeae, were caught.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans, i.e. D. repens in Anopheles messeae and unidentified members of An. maculipennis and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens.

    “Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans, i.e. D. repens in Anopheles messeae and unidentified members of An. maculipennis and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Slovakia was reported to be endemic for canine dirofilariosis caused by D. repens approximately ten years ago.

    “Slovakia, located in central Europe, was reported to be endemic for canine dirofilariosis caused by D. repens approximately ten years ago [8].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [8] Miterpáková M, Antolová D, Hurníková Z, Dubinský P. Dirofilariosis in Slovakia - a new endemic area in central Europe. Helminthologia. 2008;4:20–3. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationown data

    Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans: D. repens in Anopheles messeae and unidentified members of An. maculipennis and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens.

    “To our knowledge, Dirofilaria spp. were detected for the first time in Slovakia in mosquitoes other than Ae. vexans, i.e. D. repens in Anopheles messeae and unidentified members of An. maculipennis and Cx. pipiens complexes, and D. immitis in Coquillettidia richiardii and Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Europe, dirofilariosis is currently of medical importance.

    “In Europe, dirofilariosis is currently of medical importance.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Pampiglione S, Rivasi F. Human dirofilariasis to Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens: an update of world literature from 1995–2000. In: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, editors. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat and human infections. Naples: Rolando Editore; 2007. p. 83–116.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pets such as dogs and cats are the most frequently affected with D. repens and D. immitis, while human infections are primarily caused by D. repens, which is responsible for the subcutaneous and ocular form of the disease.

    “Pets, such as dogs and cats, are the most frequently affected with D. repens and D. immitis, while human infections are primarily caused by D. repens, which is responsible for the subcutaneous and ocular form of the disease [4].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Pampiglione S, Rivasi F. Human dirofilariasis to Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens: an update of world literature from 1995–2000. In: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, editors. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat and human infections. Naples: Rolando Editore; 2007. p. 83–116.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Aedes vexans was also found to be the most abundant mosquito species in the Lower Austria Province, which has a large floodplain habitat very similar to that of Devínske Jazero settlement.

    “Aedes vexans was also found to be the most abundant mosquito species in the Lower Austria Province directly neighbouring the Bratislava region with a large floodplain habitat is very similar to that of Devínske Jazero settlement (sampling site S1 in our study) [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Zittra C, Vitecek S, Obwaller AG, Rossiter H, Eigner B, Zechmeister T, et al. Landscape structure affects distribution of potential disease vectors (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasit Vectors. 2017;10:205. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The annual average air temperature in the Bratislava area reaches 10.3 °C, with 2100 h of sunlight annually and a mean annual precipitation of 642 mm.

    “The annual average air temperature in this area reaches 10.3 °C, with 2100 h of sunlight annually and a mean annual precipitation of 642 mm [13].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Reháčková T, Lehotská B, Nevřelová M, Pauditšová E, Ružičková J. Forest fragments in built-up territory of Bratislava. Bratislava: Cicero; 2007. (In Slovak).

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The first screening for dirofilariosis in mosquitoes in 2013 showed that Aedes vexans was incorporated into both the D. repens and D. immitis life-cycles in Slovakia.

    “The first screening for dirofilariosis in mosquitoes was performed in 2013 and showed that the species Aedes vexans was incorporated into both the D. repens and the D. immitis life-cycles in Slovakia [11, 12].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [11] Bocková E, Kočišová A, Letková V. First record of Aedes albopictus in Slovakia. Acta Parasitol. 2013;58:603–6. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [12] Bocková E, Iglódyová A, Kočišová A. Potential mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vector of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis in urban areas of eastern Slovakia. Parasitol Res. 2015;114:4487–92. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The same results with Ae. vexans being the most frequent species were also reported from the Czech Republic and Hungary.

    “The same results with Ae. vexans being the most frequent species, were also reported from two other surrounding countries: the Czech Republic and Hungary [33, 34].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [33] Rudolf I, Šebesta O, Mendel J, Betášová L, Bocková E, Jedličková P, et al. Zoonotic Dirofilaria repens (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Aedes vexans mosquitoes, Czech Republic. Parasitol Res. 2014;13:4663–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [34] Kemenesi G, Kurucz K, Kepner A, Dallos B, Oldel M, Herczeg R, et al. Circulation of Dirofilaria repens, Setaria tundra, and Onchocercidae species in Hungary during the period 2011-2013. Vet Parasitol. 2015;214:108–13. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Bratislava is located in an area with the warmest and driest climate in Slovakia.

    “Bratislava is located in an area with the warmest and driest climate in Slovakia.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Hybridization of Cx. pipiens forms has been observed in areas of their co-existence, and their hybrids may serve as important bridge vectors of WNV from birds to humans.

    “The hybridization of these forms was observed in areas of their co-existence, and their hybrids may serve as important bridge vectors of WNV from birds to humans [19].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [19] Zittra C, Flechl E, Kothmayer M, Vitecek S, Rossiter H, Zechmeister T, Fuehrer HP. Ecological characterization and molecular differentiation of Culex pipiens complex taxa and Culex torrentium in eastern Austria. Parasit Vectors. 2016;9:197. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductreasoning

    Each sample was re-amplified owing to the expectation of a low concentration of parasite DNA.

    “Owing to the expectation of a low concentration of parasite DNA, each sample was re-amplified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Every single step, including mosquito identification, DNA extraction, master-mix preparation and gel electrophoresis, was performed in a separate place to prevent sample contamination.

    “Every single step, including mosquito identification, DNA extraction, master-mix preparation and gel electrophoresis, was performed in a separate place to prevent sample contamination.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    In each PCR run, a positive sample (DNA isolated from filarioid worm) and a negative control (nuclease-free water) were used.

    “In each run, a positive sample (DNA isolated from filarioid worm) and a negative control (nuclease-free water) were used.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Study design and conductown data

    Some specimens (n=970) were damaged during sampling, and their morphological identification was possible only to the genus level.

    “Some specimens (n = 970) were damaged during the sampling process, and their morphological identification was possible only to the genus level (Aedes spp., Anopheles spp. and Culex spp.).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisenone given

    Periodic flooding of the Morava creates a floodplain area of size 12 km2.

    “Periodic flooding of the Morava creates a floodplain area of size 12 km2.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductcitation

    Female mosquito individuals were identified by morphological features according to the identification key by Becker et al.

    “Female mosquito individuals were identified by morphological features under a Leica M125 stereomicroscope (Leica Microsystems GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) according to the identification key by Becker et al. [2].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Becker N, Petric D, Zgomba M, Boase C, Madon M, Dahl C, Kaiser A. Mosquitoes and their control. 2nd ed. Berlin: Springer; 2010. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The alluvial meadows are flooded in spring and then dry up over the summer.

    “the alluvial meadows are flooded in spring and then dry up over the summer [13–15].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [13] Reháčková T, Lehotská B, Nevřelová M, Pauditšová E, Ružičková J. Forest fragments in built-up territory of Bratislava. Bratislava: Cicero; 2007. (In Slovak).

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [14] Šeffer J, Stanová V. Morava River floodplain meadows - importance, restoration and management. Bratislava: DAPHNE-Centre for Applied Ecology; 1999.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [15] Natura 2000. State Nature Conservancy of the Slovak Republic. 2000. http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/Natura2000/SDF.aspx?site=SKUEV0313 . Accessed 23 Jan 2018.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens is ornithophilic and plays only a minor role as a virus vector, whereas the biotype molestus is medically important, anthropophilic and mammophilic, and is the main vector of West Nile virus.

    “the ornithophilic form pipiens, which plays only a minor role as a virus vector, and the medically important anthropophilic and mammophilic form molestus, which is the main vector of West Nile virus (WNV) [2]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [2] Becker N, Petric D, Zgomba M, Boase C, Madon M, Dahl C, Kaiser A. Mosquitoes and their control. 2nd ed. Berlin: Springer; 2010. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductown data

    Positive mosquito individuals and pools were verified to the species level by standard PCR.

    “the positive mosquito individuals and pools were verified to the species level by standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The city is located along both sides of the River Danube and several times in the past, the rising river has caused extensive floods directly in the city centre, followed by mosquito outbreaks.

    “the city is located along both sides of River Danube and several times in the past; the rising river has caused extensive floods directly in the city centre, followed by mosquito outbreaks [30, 31].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [30] Fitz O. Mosquito calamities caused by flooding activity - report. Regional Public Health Authority Bratislava. 2013:2. (In Slovak). http://www.archiv.karlovaves.sk/sites/default/files/OZNAMENIE_Regionalny_urad_verejneho_zdravotnictva.pdf . 23 Jan 2018.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [31] Tomšík K. Summary report of the flooding activity, its consequences and prevention. Magistrát hlavného mesta Slovenskej Republiky Bratislavy, Bratislava. 2013;44. (In Slovak). http://www.bratislava.sk/MsZ/Archiv/MsZ_13_09_25_26/MsZ_body_25_260913_anonym/49_Povodne_sprava.pdf . 23 Jan 2018.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    The newly generated sequences were compared with entries available in the GenBank database.

    “The newly generated sequences were compared with entries available in the GenBank database.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Several previous studies have declared genetic and morphological differences responsible for the susceptibility or resistance of various mosquito species to Dirofilaria parasites.

    “Several previous studies have declared genetic and morphological differences responsible for the susceptibility or resistance of various mosquito species to Dirofilaria parasites [56, 57]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [56] Cancrini G, Gabrielli S. Vectors of Dirofilaria nematodes: biology, behaviour and host/parasite relationships. In: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, editors. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat and human infections. Naples: Rolando Editore; 2007.

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [57] Morchón R, Bargues MD, Latorre JM, Melero-Alcíbar R, Pou-Barreto C, Mas-Coma S, Simón F. Haplotype H1 of Culex pipiens implicated as natural vector of Dirofilaria immitis in an endemic area of western Spain. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis. 2007;7:653–8. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    Although mosquito field studies are not able to specify the effectiveness of parasite transmission, some unidentified differences exist in D. immitis-vector specificity.

    “Although mosquito field studies are not able to specify the effectiveness of parasite transmission, it is clear that some unidentified differences exist in D. immitis-vector specificity [55].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [55] Morchón R, Carretón E, Gonzáles-Miquel J, Mellado-Hernández I. Heartworm disease (Dirofilaria immitis) and their vectors in Europe - new distribution trends. Front Physiol. 2012;3:196. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A previous study in the Košice region, eastern Slovakia, confirmed Ae. vexans as a vector for both D. repens and D. immitis.

    “This research based in the Košice region, in the eastern part of Slovakia, confirmed Ae. vexans as a vector for both D. repens and D. immitis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [12] Bocková E, Iglódyová A, Kočišová A. Potential mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) vector of Dirofilaria repens and Dirofilaria immitis in urban areas of eastern Slovakia. Parasitol Res. 2015;114:4487–92. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Slovakia, circulation of WNV in birds was confirmed recently.

    “In Slovakia, the circulation of WNV in birds was also confirmed recently [39]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [39] Csank T, Bhide K, Bencúrová E, Dolinská S, Dzewnioková P, Major P, et al. Detection of West Nile virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus in birds in Slovakia, using a universal primer set. Arch Virol. 2016;161:1679–83. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A majority of dogs in Slovakia were infected with D. repens.

    “This finding correlates with the results of the extensive epidemiological study provided by Miterpáková et al. [9], where a majority of dogs in Slovakia were infected with D. repens.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9] Miterpáková M, Iglódyová A, Čabanová V, Stloukal E, Miklisová D. Canine dirofilariosis endemic in Central Europe - 10 years of epidemiological study in Slovakia. Parasitol Res. 2016;11:2389–95. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    In recent years extensive floods followed by mosquito outbreaks have frequently occurred directly in the city centre of Bratislava, which creates a potential risk for increasing the abundance of dirofilariosis not only in dogs but also in humans.

    “In addition, in recent years extensive floods followed by mosquito outbreaks have frequently occurred directly in the city centre of Bratislava, which creates a potential risk for increasing the abundance of dirofilariosis not only in dogs but also in humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    An. plumbeus acts as a bridge vector of tropical malaria parasite as well as WNV.

    “Taking into account that An. plumbeus acts as a bridge vector of tropical malaria parasite as well as WNV, the observed inclination towards urban environments might represent an important public health problem in the future [46, 47].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [46] Townroe S, Callaghan A. British container breeding mosquitoes: the impact of urbanisation and climate change on community composition and phenology. PLoS One. 2014;9:95325. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [47] Schaffner F, Thiéry I, Kaufmann C, Zettor A, Lengeler C, Mathis A, Bourgouin C. Anopheles plumbeus (Diptera: Culicidae) in Europe: a mere nuisance mosquito or potential malaria vector? Malaria J. 2012;11:393. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S1 (asserted), S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    A high density of suitable definitive hosts should be related with higher abundance of dirofilariosis.

    “It has been suggested that a high density of suitable definitive hosts should be related with higher abundance of dirofilariosis [60].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [60] Trájer A, Rengei A, Farkas-Iványi K, Bede. Fazekas Á. Impacts of urbanisation level and distance from potential natural mosquito breeding habitats on the abundance of canine dirofilariosis. Acta Vet Hung. 2016;64:340–59. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Och. sticticus was highly abundant in the Lower Austria Province and showed a strongly positive relation to elevated Danube water levels and excessive periods of sunshine.

    “Ochlerotatus sticticus was also found to be highly abundant in the Lower Austria Province and showed a strongly positive relation to elevated Danube water levels and excessive periods of sunshine [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Zittra C, Vitecek S, Obwaller AG, Rossiter H, Eigner B, Zechmeister T, et al. Landscape structure affects distribution of potential disease vectors (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasit Vectors. 2017;10:205. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In Spain, D. immitis was found in the head and thorax of the Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens.

    “Recently, the same results were obtained in Spain, where D. immitis was found in the head and thorax of the pipiens biotype.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [54] Bravo-Barriga D, Parreira R, Almeida PG, Calado M, Blanco-Ciudad J, Serrano-Aguilera FJ, et al. Culex pipiens as a potential vector for transmission of Dirofilaria immitis and other unclassified Filarioidea in Southwest Spain. Vet Parasitol. 2016;15:173–80. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    An. daciae has been confirmed as a new species in Slovakia.

    “Only recently, the first comprehensive study on species distribution within the An. maculipennis complex was performed, and it confirmed An. daciae as a new species in Slovakia [21].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Blažejová H, Šebesta O, Rettich F, Mendel J, Čabanová V, Miterpáková M, et al. Cryptic species Anopheles daciae (Diptera: Culicidae) found in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Parasitol Res. 2018;117:315–21. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    An. messeae occurrence was recognised in 1955, when this species was confirmed as the main vector of malaria in Slovakia.

    “While An. daciae has been reported for Slovakia only recently, the occurrence of An. messeae was already recognised in 1955, when this species was confirmed as the main vector of malaria in this country [41].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] Okáli I, Labuda M. History of malaria in Slovakia. Entomol Probl. 1988;18:233–51. (In Slovak)

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    In neighbouring eastern Austria, Cq. richiardii was the most abundant species, with 31.4% of the total catch, and was positively associated with slightly elevated Danube water levels and negatively associated with precipitation.

    “In neighbouring eastern Austria, Cq. richiardii was the most abundant species, with 31.4% of the total catch, and was positively associated with slightly elevated Danube water levels and negatively associated with precipitation [32].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [32] Zittra C, Vitecek S, Obwaller AG, Rossiter H, Eigner B, Zechmeister T, et al. Landscape structure affects distribution of potential disease vectors (Diptera: Culicidae). Parasit Vectors. 2017;10:205. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dogs are improbable as a reservoir of WNV due to low levels of viremia, but they can serve as sentinels of the infection.

    “The role of dogs as a reservoir of WNV is improbable due to low levels of viremia, but they can serve as sentinels of the infection [38].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [38] Ratovonjato J, Rajerison M, Rahelinirina S, Boyer S. Serologic surveillance for West Nile Virus in Dogs, Africa. Emerg Infect Dis. 2014;20:1415–7. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    An. hyrcanus is considered an important potential vector for human and avian malaria.

    “today An. hyrcanus is considered an important potential vector for human and avian malaria [45]”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] Seidel B, Silbermayr K, Kolodziejek J, Indra A, Nowotny N, Allerberger F. Detection of Plasmodium sp.-infested Anopheles hyrcanus (Pallas, 1771) (Diptera: Culicidae) in Austria, 2012. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2013;125:139–43. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Little is known about interactions between both dirofilarial species when they coincide in the same mosquito host.

    “but little is known about interactions between both dirofilarial species when they coincide in the same mosquito host [6].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [6] Simón F, Gonzáles-Miguel J, Diosdado A, Gómez PJ, Morchón R, Kartashev V. The complexity of zoonotic filariasis episystem and its consequences: a multidisciplinary view. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:6436130. source

      Not checked in the free run.

53 of 53

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The dog shelter area has high animal host density.

    “The forest connects this area with the neighbouring Bratislava zoological garden, which leads to an assumption of high animal host density.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Most Dirofilaria-infected people in Slovakia come from the south-western part of the country bordering Austria and Hungary, which is also considered an endemic area for canine dirofilariosis.

    “Because most Dirofilaria-infected people in Slovakia come from the south-western part of the country bordering Austria and Hungary, which is also considered endemic area for canine dirofilariosis, we decided to conduct our initial research in this region.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Little attention has thus far been paid to Dirofilaria vectors.

    “Despite the long-term research, little attention has thus far been paid to Dirofilaria vectors.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan species, typical for floodplain areas.

    “Aedes vexans is a cosmopolitan species, typical for floodplain areas”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The occurrence of potential definitive hosts was more abundant in the urban zone than in the urban-fringe zone.

    “though the occurrence of potential definitive hosts was more abundant in the urban zone.”
5 of 5

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Anopheles species counts are reversed in Table 1

    Major

    Table 1 lists 56 An. messeae and 61 An. daciae, but the results text assigns 61 to An. messeae and 56 to An. daciae.

  • D. immitis monoinfection was not confined to the urban habitat

    Minor

    The discussion says monoinfection occurred only in the urban habitat, whereas the results report one D. immitis-only pool from the urban-fringe site and one from the residential zone.

  • Claim of a first molecular screening conflicts with a prior DNA study

    Minor

    The discussion calls this the first molecular screening for mosquito-transmitted filarioids in Slovakia, but later acknowledges an earlier Slovak study investigating mosquitoes for dirofilarial DNA.

3 of 3

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. Pampiglione S, Rivasi F. Human dirofilariasis to Dirofilaria (Nochtiella) repens: an update of world literature from 1995–2000. In: Genchi C, Rinaldi L, Cringoli G, editors. Dirofilaria immitis and D. repens in dog and cat and human infections. Naples: Rolando Editore; 2007. p. 83–116.
  2. Okáli I, Labuda M. History of malaria in Slovakia. Entomol Probl. 1988;18:233–51. (In Slovak)
  3. Halgoš J, Benková I. First record of Anopheles hyrcanus (Diptera: Culicidae) from Slovakia. Biológia. 2004;59:68.
  4. Tóth S. Mosquito fauna (Diptera: Culicidae) of Sopron and its environs. Fol Hist Nat Mus Matr. 2003;27:327–32. (In Hungarian).

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Čabanová, V., Miterpáková, M., Valentová, D., Blažejová, H., Rudolf, I., Stloukal, E., Hurníková, Z., & Dzidová, M.
Affiliations
  • Slovak Academy of Sciences (SK)
  • Czech Academy of Sciences (CZ)
  • Comenius University Bratislava (SK)
Corresponding author
Miterpáková, Martina
ORCID
Venue
Parasites & Vectors
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2018-04-24
Volume
11
Issue
1
Pages
261-261
ISSN
1756-3305 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1186/s13071-018-2845-1
PMC
PMC5937826
OpenAlex
W2802031545
Cited by
37
References
57
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 2 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 7 · 2019: 6 · 2018: 3
FWCI
3.96
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Parasites & Vectors (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • Vedecká Grantová Agentúra MŠVVaŠ SR a SAV (No. 2/0018/16)
  • Agentúra na Podporu Výskumu a Vývoja (APVV-15-0114)
  • Application Centre for the Protection of Humans, Animals and Plants against Parasites supported by the Research & Development Operational Programme funded by the ERDF (ITMS: 26220220018)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Infectious Diseases › Parasitic Diseases Research and Treatment
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Mosquito-borne diseases and control
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics › Diptera species taxonomy and behavior
Keywords
Dirofilaria repens, Dirofilaria immitis, mosquito-borne filariasis, urbanization, mosquito community composition, Culex pipiens complex, Anopheles maculipennis complex, Aedes vexans, molecular screening, Bratislava
MeSH terms
Mosquito Vectors, Animals, Anopheles, Culex, Dirofilaria immitis, Dirofilariasis, Population Dynamics, Setariasis, Urbanization, Setaria Nematode, Slovakia, Risk Assessment, Dirofilaria repens

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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