Global genetic diversity of Aedes aegypti.

Mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, are becoming important models for studying invasion biology. We characterized genetic variation at 12 microsatellite loci in 79 populations of Ae. aegypti from 30 countries in six continents, and used them to infer historical and modern patterns of invasion. Our results support the two subspecies Ae. aegypti formosus and Ae. aegypti aegypti as genetically distinct units. Ae. aegypti aegypti populations outside Africa are derived from ancestral African populations and are monophyletic. The two subspecies co-occur in both East Africa (Kenya) and West Africa (Senegal). In rural/forest settings (Rabai District of Kenya), the two subspecies remain genetically distinct, whereas in urban settings, they introgress freely. Populations outside Africa are highly genetically structured likely due to a combination of recent founder effects, discrete discontinuous habitats and low migration rates. Ancestral populations in sub-Saharan Africa are less genetically structured, as are the populations in Asia. Introduction of Ae. aegypti to the New World coinciding with trans-Atlantic shipping in the 16th to 18th centuries was followed by its introduction to Asia in the late 19th century from the New World or from now extinct populations in the Mediterranean Basin. Aedes mascarensis is a genetically distinct sister species to Ae. aegypti s.l. This study provides a reference database of genetic diversity that can be used to determine the likely origin of new introductions that occur regularly for this invasive species. The genetic uniqueness of many populations and regions has important implications for attempts to control Ae. aegypti, especially for the methods using genetic modification of populations.

An Exploration of the Viral Coverage of Mosquito Viromes Using Meta-Viromic Sequencing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this review was to delve into the extent of mosquito virome coverage (proportion of viral reads) via meta-viromic sequencing and uncover potential factors of heterogeneity that could impact this coverage. Data sources were PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, Science-Direct, Google Scholar, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure. Pooled coverage was estimated using random-effects modeling, and subgroup analyses further reveal potential heterogeneous factors. Within the three mosquito genera studied, Culex exhibited the highest pooled viral coverage of mosquito viromes at 7.09% (95% CI: 3.44-11.91%), followed by Anopheles at 5.28% (95% CI: 0.45-14.93%), and Aedes at 2.11% (95% CI: 0.58-7.66%). Subgroup analyses showed that multiple processing methods significantly affected the viral coverage of mosquito viromes, especially pre-treatment of mosquito samples with saline buffer/medium and antibiotics prior to DNase/RNase treatment and removal of the host genome prior to RNA library construction. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the viral coverage of mosquito viromes varies between mosquito genera and that pre-treatment of mosquito samples with saline buffer/medium and antibiotics before DNase/RNase treatment and removing host genomes prior to RNA library construction are critical for the detection of RNA viruses in mosquito vectors using meta-viromic sequencing.

Epidemiology of Mosquito-Borne Viruses in Egypt: A Systematic Review.

There are at least five common mosquito-borne viruses (MBVs) recorded in Egypt, including dengue virus (DENV), Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), West Nile virus (WNV), Chikungunya virus, and Sindbis virus. Unexpected outbreaks caused by MBVs reflect the deficiencies of the MBV surveillance system in Egypt. This systematic review characterized the epidemiology of MBV prevalence in Egypt. Human, animal, and vector prevalence studies on MBVs in Egypt were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, and Bing Scholar, and 33 eligible studies were included for further analyses. The monophyletic characterization of the RVFV and WNV strains found in Egypt, which spans about half a century, suggests that both RVFV and WNV are widely transmitted in this nation. Moreover, the seropositive rates of DENV and WNV in hosts were on the rise in recent years, and spillover events of DENV and WNV to other countries from Egypt have been recorded. The common drawback for surveillance of MBVs in Egypt is the lack of seroprevalence studies on MBVs, especially in this century. It is necessary to evaluate endemic transmission risk, establish an early warning system for MBVs, and develop a sound joint system for medical care and public health for managing MBVs in Egypt.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Population Genetics of the Dengue Vector Aedes aegypti From the Arabian Peninsula.

Aedes aegypti mosquito is the principal dengue vector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA); however, no study has addressed its ecology and population structure yet. Therefore, we report on Ae. aegypti phylo- and population genetics using three DNA markers: COI, ND4, and rDNA-ITS2. Sampling the immature stages of Ae. aegypti revealed that water storage tanks (34.3% of habitats) were the most productive and contained 33% of immatures stages. Other important habitats included containers for wastewater drainage (including air-conditioning and water cooler trays) and containers associated with ornamentation. Shallow water leakage spots (2.7% of habitats, 8% of immatures) can be considered rare-but-epidemiologically-important containers. Neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic analysis of Ae. aegypti identified 8, 14, and 9 haplotypes of COI, ND4, and ITS2, respectively, and revealed high levels of genetic variation in Ae. aegypti populations of KSA. Global distribution of haplotypes also indicated multiple gene introductions into these populations, with high levels of intra-population genetic variation and continuous gene exchange. The neutrality values indicated a deficiency of alleles and suggested that the KSA Ae. aegypti loci tested did not follow a neutral model of molecular evolution. Fst values and AMOVA indicated that most of the genetic variation in the KSA Ae. aegypti populations is due to intra- rather than inter-population differences. This is the first comprehensive report on the phylo- and population genetics of Ae. aegypti from the Arabian Peninsula. This information expands our understanding of the ecology and population dynamics of this important arboviral vector for informed control efforts.

Molecular Analysis of Targeted Insecticide Resistance Gene Mutations in Field-Caught Mosquitos of Medical Importance From Saudi Arabia.

Gene mutations on target sites can be a valuable indicator of the status of insecticide resistance. Jeddah, a global commercial and major port-of-entry city, is bearing the brunt of dengue disease burden in Saudi Arabia. In the current study, six genotypes of three codon combinations (989, 1016, and 1534) were observed on voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene in Jeddah's Aedes aegypti population, with PGF/PGC as the dominant one. Two types of introns between exon 20 and 21 on VGSC have been identified for the first time in Ae. aegypti in Saudi Arabia. Statistical and phylogenetic analyses showed that the intron type was significantly associated with the 1016 allele and may reflect the history of insecticide treatment in different continents. In addition, fixation of the L1014F allele on VGSC and G119S on acetylcholinesterase 1 gene was detected in local Culex quinquefasciatus populations, with frequencies of 95.24 and 100%, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of resistant-associated mutations in field-caught Cx. quinquefasciatus in Saudi Arabia. The high prevalence of insecticide resistance gene mutations in local primary mosquito vector species highlights the urgent need to carry out comprehensive insecticide resistance surveillance in Saudi Arabia.

Detection of DENV-2 and Insect-Specific Flaviviruses in Mosquitoes Collected From Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases are rapidly spreading due to increasing international travel and trade. Routine mosquito surveillance and screening for mosquito-borne pathogens can be early indicators for local disease transmission and outbreaks. However, arbovirus detection in mosquito vectors has rarely been reported in Saudi Arabia. Methods: A total of 769,541 Aedes and Culex mosquitoes were collected by Black Hole traps during routine mosquito surveillance in the first half of 2016. Culex. quinquefasciatus and Ae. aegypti were the most prevalent species observed. Twenty-five and 24 randomly selected pools of Ae. aegypti and Cx. quinquefasciatus, respectively, were screened for arboviruses by RT-PCR. Results: Dengue 2 (DENV-2) and four strains of insect-specific flaviviruses, including one of cell-fusing agent virus (CFAV) and three of Phlebotomus-associated flavivirus (PAFV) were detected in pools of Ae. aegypti. We also detected 10 strains of Culex flavivirus (CxFV) in pools of Cx. quinquefasciatus. Phylogenetic analysis using whole genome sequences placed the DENV strain into the cosmopolitan 1 sub-DENV-2 genotype, and the CxFVs into the African/Caribbean/Latin American genotype. These analyses also showed that the DENV-2 strain detected in the present study was closely related to strains detected in China in 2014 and in Japan in 2018, which suggests frequent movement of DENV-2 strains among these countries. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis suggested at least five introductions of DENV-2 into Saudi Arabia from 2014 through 2018, most probably from India. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study reports the first detection of four arboviruses DENV, CFAV, PAFV, and CxFV in mosquitoes in Saudi Arabia, which shows that they are co-circulating in Jeddah. Our findings show a need for widespread mosquito-based arbovirus surveillance programs in Saudi Arabia, which will improve our understanding of the transmission dynamics of the mosquito-borne arboviruses within the country and help early predict and mitigate the risk of human infections and outbreaks.

Feasibility of routine ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of native arteriovenous fistula dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Stenosis is the main cause of arteriovenous fistula failure and is due to neointimal hyperplasia. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is the gold standard for patients with vascular access stenosis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty in the treatment of native arteriovenous fistula venous stenosis. METHODS: The need for intervention was determined by physical examination and duplex ultrasound in 162 patients. All patients with failing or not maturing arteriovenous fistula were treated in the outpatient setting under ultrasound guidance. Procedural success was assessed with repeated post-procedural ultrasound examinations. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia by a single nephrologist and were performed in a single vascular laboratory, while follow-up ultrasound was performed in the dialysis unit of destination. RESULTS: Early technical success was obtained in 95.6% of cases (154 of 162). Complications occurred in 22 patients (13.5%) with no major complication requiring surgical or fluoroscopic endovascular intervention. Primary patency at 6 and 12 months was 84% and 69.8%, respectively. Risk factors for arteriovenous fistula failure/secondary percutaneous transluminal angioplasty were vascular access low blood flow rate and vintage, as well as the need for thrombolysis during the first percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is a valuable tool to treat vascular access stenosis.

Multicenter Review of Glomerular Diseases in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi: Six Years' Experience.

Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a rising paramount renal disease that varies in etiology from inherited or acquired factors. Its severity can range from asymptomatic depictions to end-stage renal disease. The aim of this study was to study the patterns of biopsy-proven GN based on the data from a multicenter in Abu Dhabi. Included kidney biopsies were from all patients above the age of 18 years, over a six-year period from 2010 to 2015, who had diagnosis of glomerular disease other than diabetes mellitus. The number of reviewed biopsies was 416. The most common type of GN among the study sample was IgA GN (22.8%) followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (20.4%) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (19.7%). The least common types were pauciimmune (1.7%). There was female preponderance in lupus nephritis and pauciimmune GN. The nationality comparison did not reveal a predominate GN among Emirati nationals. The age relationship to GN types showed that majority (82.9%) of SLE patients, MCD (74.55%), and noncategorized (71.4%) patients are young aged between 18 and 39 years. On the other hand, 57.1%, 25%, and 16.7% of patients with pauciimmune, other GN types, and membranoproliferative GN, respectively, are 60 years and older. This study shows the histopathological variety of glomerular disease in Abu Dhabi. It could be a driving point to help understand GN better in the region.

Enhanced surveillance and response approaches for pilgrims and local Saudi populations against emerging Nipah, Zika and Ebola viral diseases outbreaks threats.

Increasing emergence and spread of Nipah, ZIKV and Ebola case and potential outbreaks threats have been reported in several regions around the globe. Yet, emerging Nipah, Ebola and Zika viral diseases outbreaks have been indirectly linked to substantially globalization of trade and travel, climate change and intense urbanization impact, healthcare and socioeconomic inequities as well in affected community settings. Although no case has been documented in Saudi Arabia, there is a great risk of sudden emergence of any of these viruses and others via introducing among pilgrims coming from endemic regions during ritual ceremonies of mass gatherings. Consequently, promoting and investing on new and sensitive proven effective and innovative surveillance and monitoring approaches, including enhanced risk communication, improved integrated vectors surveillance in addition to improved sustainable highly pathogens surveillance control programs to human motility and environmental sanitation strategies all represent 'One Health' approach implementation strategic core. Initiation, development and implementation leaded by Saudi government and international stakeholders' of new partnership, coordinated response leadership and resource mobilization for multidisciplinary and intersectorial advocacy on emerging viral disease outbreaks, accompanied with R&D roadmap and taskforce is crucial. More efforts in epidemiological and laboratory early screening and surveillance of highly pathogenic germs/microbes, and confirmation of asymptomatic and syndromic cases amongst suspected Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, local vulnerable populations and expatriate workers is vital in generating reliable data and data sharing platform for timely risk communication and tourist information update, appropriate immunization campaigns or safe and efficacious care delivery implementation. Moreover, increase Hajj/Umrah mass gathering emergency outbreak preparedness, pilgrims health education and engagement outreach, pre-, during and post programs coverage and effectiveness is needed through One Health approach integration in attaining pilgrims and local population health safety and security, in advancing Saudi sustainable health development goals.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of anopheline (Anophelinae: Culicidae) mosquitoes of the Oriental and Afrotropical Zoogeographic zones in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a diverse fauna due to its peculiar position bordering the Afrotropical, Oriental and Palaearctic zoogeographic zones. The present study reports the phylogenetics of five mosquito species belonging to five series of Anopheles (Cellia) . We collected mosquito larvae from eastern, western and southwestern regions of KSA. The sampled mosquitoes were morphologically identified using the pictorial keys of mosquitoes and characterized by using single and multi-locus analysis of -internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region and cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI). Based on the morphological and molecular data, five species were recognized, like An. stephensi (Neocellia) (Oriental), An. arabiensis (Pyretophorus) (Afrotropical), An. dthali (Myzomyia) (Oriental and Palaearctic), An. cinereus (Paramyzomyia) and An. rhodesiensis rupicola (Neomyzomyia) (Oriental and Palaearctic). The phylogenetic analysis showed that An. stephensi is a monophyletic species with different ecotypes found in different geographic regions. Comprehensive phylogenetics and population genetics studies are crucial for a better understanding of the role of these five mosquito species in malarial transmission across various zoogeographic zones of different ecological and demographic characteristics.

A malaria membrane skeletal protein is essential for normal morphogenesis, motility, and infectivity of sporozoites.

Membrane skeletons are structural elements that provide mechanical support to the plasma membrane and define cell shape. Here, we identify and characterize a putative protein component of the membrane skeleton of the malaria parasite. The protein, named PbIMC1a, is the structural orthologue of the Toxoplasma gondii inner membrane complex protein 1 (TgIMC1), a component of the membrane skeleton in tachyzoites. Using targeted gene disruption in the rodent malaria species Plasmodium berghei, we show that PbIMC1a is involved in sporozoite development, is necessary for providing normal sporozoite cell shape and mechanical stability, and is essential for sporozoite infectivity in insect and vertebrate hosts. Knockout of PbIMC1a protein expression reduces, but does not abolish, sporozoite gliding locomotion. We identify a family of proteins related to PbIMC1a in Plasmodium and other apicomplexan parasites. These results provide new functional insight in the role of membrane skeletons in apicomplexan parasite biology.

Semi-Field Evaluation of Modified 00ZZZero® Traps with Sticky Paper to Increase the Collection Efficacy of Gravid Aedes aegypti.

The 00ZZZero® trap (0Z) is a small black plastic container with permethrin and pyriproxyfen, designed and marketed to both attract and kill gravid Aedes mosquitoes (unmodified trap ([UMT] or modified trap [MT]). The 0Z trap without the insecticide was modified with addition of a sticky paper, coated with an adhesive glue (MT) and evaluated for collection efficacy of released gravid mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.) in outdoor screened enclosures in St. Augustine, in northeastern Florida. The mean numbers (±SE) of mosquitoes caught by MTs were 130.67 ± 23.95 (40.22 ± 5.78 mosquito/trap), compared with 2.33 ± 0.88 (0.79 ± 0.29 mosquito/trap) mosquitoes caught by UMTs. The MTs collected significantly more mosquitoes, 44.16% (F = 4.495, P < 0.05) of the released mosquitoes, than those captured in UMTs (0.83%). The number of immature mosquitoes (larvae and pupae) hatched from eggs laid in the MTs and UMTs were 79.3 ± 23.1 and 19.3 ± 6.8, respectively. The mean numbers (±SE) of adults emerging in MTs and UMTs were 34.0 ± 22.3 and 14.0 ± 6.8, respectively. These results show the potential of the sticky paper modified 0Z traps to be used both to increase the efficacy of collection and as a sticky autocidal tool against gravid Ae. aegypti.

Innovative Preventive and Resilience Approaches Against Aedes-linked Vector-borne Arboviral Diseases Threat and Epidemics Burden in Gulf Council Countries.

Facing the local and imported borderless Aedes-linked vector-borne viral diseases threat and epidemics burden, the Health Committee of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including the Saudi Arabian government, announced that all Gulf countries are still free from the threat of a Zika virus epidemic. This article provides a vision of integrated eco-friendly and sustainable behavioral communication change (BCC), biological control preparedness and resilience approaches, and innovations implementation in Saudi Arabia and GCC for the purpose of controlling the threat of Aedes-linked vector-borne viral diseases. Implementing innovative Aedes-linked arboviral preventive and resilient control measures is pivotal in improving community-based surveillance-response systems, BCC multidisciplinary and empowerment methods, and in enhancing community social mobilization and risk communication strategies. Moreover, boosting social, cultural and ecological preparedness, and prompt management approaches are necessary against the threat of local and global zoonotic epidemics and pandemics. Nurturing evidence and proven tick or mosquito vector populations' reduction, planned urbanization, climate change and waste management systems, and implementing data sharing and tailored mitigation solutions are crucial against the persisting Aedes competence and the public health threat of dengue, MERS-CoV, and influenza outbreaks. Sustained investment and ample financial allocation are needed to improve Muslim pilgrimage (Hajj and Umrah mass gathering) including point of entry screening and treatment, community-based education and awareness campaigns, and increasing mosquito vector viral pathogens surveillance interventions. Increasing evidence-based population participation and resilient emergency community preparedness and rapid response programs integration are critical to reduce mosquito breeding sites, dengue, and other arboviral infections.

Diel activity patterns of adult female mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) determined by a novel rotated trap in northeastern Florida, U.S.A.

A novel rotator trap was evaluated to determine the diel activity patterns and physiological state of adult female mosquitoes in St. Augustine, FL, U.S.A. Culex nigripalpus were most active from 19:00-21:00, followed by 1:00-3:00, based on collections from the novel rotator trap. Furthermore, analysis of the physiological state of female mosquitoes collected by the novel rotator trap suggested that non-parous (nulliparous) host-seeking mosquitoes were more frequently active in the 21:00-23:00 and 09:00-19:00 time frames. Parous host-seeking mosquitoes were more frequently collected from 19:00-21:00 and 1:00-3:00. A low abundance of gravid females was collected by the rotator trap, so analysis of their activity periods was inconclusive. These results indicate that the novel rotated trap could be used to detect the diel activity patterns of adult mosquitoes in mosquito control programs and more testing should be conducted in the future.

Ethical, legal and societal considerations on Zika virus epidemics complications in scaling-up prevention and control strategies.

Much of the fear and uncertainty around Zika epidemics stem from potential association between Zika virus (ZIKV) complications on infected pregnant women and risk of their babies being born with microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities. However, much remains unknown about its mode of transmission, diagnosis and long-term pathogenesis. Worries of these unknowns necessitate the need for effective and efficient psychosocial programs and medical-legal strategies to alleviate and mitigate ZIKV related burdens. In this light, local and global efforts in maintaining fundamental health principles of moral, medical and legal decision-making policies, and interventions to preserve and promote individual and collectiveHuman Rights, autonomy, protection of the most vulnerable, equity, dignity, integrity and beneficence that should not be confused and relegated by compassionate humanitarian assistance and support. This paper explores the potential medical and ethical-legal implications of ZIKV epidemics emergency response packages and strategies alongside optimizing reproductive and mental health policies, programs and best practice measures. Further long-term cross-borders operational research is required in elucidating Zika-related population-based epidemiology, ethical-medical and societal implications in guiding evidence-based local and global ZIKV maternal-child health complications related approaches and interventions. Core programs and interventions including future Zika safe and effective vaccines for global Zika immunization program in most vulnerable and affected countries and worldwide should be prioritized.

Addressing knowledge gaps in molecular, sero-surveillance and monitoring approaches on Zika epidemics and other arbovirus co-infections: A structured review.

Globalization, with consequent increased travel and trade, rapid urbanization and growing weather variation events due to climate change has contributed to the recent unprecedented Zika virus (ZIKV) pandemic. This has emphasized the pressing need for local, national, regional and global community collaborative proactiveness, leadership and financial investment resilience in research and development. This paper addresses the potential knowledge gaps and impact of early detection and monitoring approaches on ZIKV epidemics and related arboviral infections steered towards effective prevention and smart response strategies. We advocate for the development and validation of robust field and point of care diagnostic tools that are more sensitive, specific and cost effective for use in ZIKV epidemics and routine pathophysiology surveillance and monitoring systems as an imperative avenue in understanding Zika-related and other arbovirus trends and apply genomic and proteomic characterisation approaches in guiding annotation efforts in order to design and implement public health burden mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Deciphering emerging Zika and dengue viral epidemics: Implications for global maternal-child health burden.

Since its discovery in 1947 in Uganda and control and eradication efforts have aimed at its vectors (Aedes mosquitoes) in Latin America in the 1950s, an absolute neglect of Zika programs and interventions has been documented in Aedes endemic and epidemic-prone countries. The current unprecedented Zika viral epidemics and rapid spread in the Western hemisphere pose a substantial global threat, with associated anxiety and consequences. The lack of safe and effective drugs and vaccines against Zika or dengue epidemics further buttresses the realization from the West Africa Ebola outbreak that most emerging disease-prone countries are still poorly prepared for an emergency response. This paper examines knowledge gaps in both emerging and neglected arthropod-borne flavivirus infectious diseases associated with poverty and their implications for fostering local, national and regional emerging disease preparedness, effective and robust surveillance-response systems, sustained control and eventual elimination. Strengthening the regional and Global Health Flavivirus Surveillance-Response Network (GHFV-SRN) with other models of socio-economic, climatic, environmental and ecological mitigation and adaptation strategies will be necessary to improve evidence-based national and global maternal-child health agenda and action plans.

Outwitting dengue threat and epidemics resurgence in Asia-Pacific countries: strengthening integrated dengue surveillance, monitoring and response systems.

Dengue is still a substantial vector-borne viral disease threat and burden of public health importance worldwide. This situation is complicated by dengue virus unprecedented resurgence and persistence of varied serotypes in endemic-prone areas, and man-made and natural activities consequences that promote vector emergence, transmission dynamics and spread across the Asia-Pacific region. There is an urgent need to strengthen operational and contextual surveillance-response research in improving early detection of active reservoir detection, novel drug in case management and quality evidence-based response including the deployment of dengue mass vaccination. Moreover, sustained mapping and watching of dengue risk factors or determinants, performance and outcome indicators of control or elimination programs effectiveness in defining minimum effective data towards community knowledge-based decision-making policy and effective response packages is imperative. Moreover, implementation of a robust, integrated dengue early warning surveillance, monitoring and response systems metrics is required for evidence-based, timely and cost-effective contextual mitigation strategies, and innovative interventions.

Nobel prize for the artemisinin and ivermectin discoveries: a great boost towards elimination of the global infectious diseases of poverty.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) made a marked transformation for neglected and vulnerable communities in the developing countries from the start, but infectious diseases of poverty (IDoPs) continue to inflict a disproportionate global public health burden with associated consequences, thereby contributing to the vicious cycle of poverty and inequity. However, the effectiveness and large-scale coverage of artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) have revolutionized malaria treatment just as the control of lymphatic filariasis (LF) and onchocerciasis have benefitted from harnessing the broad-spectrum effect of avermectin-based derivatives. The paradigm shift in therapeutic approach, effected by these two drugs and their impact on community-based interventions of parasitic diseases plaguing the endemic low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs), led to the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2015. However, the story would not be complete without mentioning praziquantel. The huge contribution of this drug in modernizing the control of schistosomiasis and also some intestinal helminth infections had already shifted the focus from control to potential elimination of this disease. Together, these new drugs have provided humankind with powerful new tools for the alleviation of infectious diseases that humans have lived with since time immemorial. These drugs all have broad-spectrum effects, yet they are very safe and can even be packaged together in various combinations. The strong effect on so many of the great infectious scourges in the developing countries has not only had a remarkable influence on many endemic diseases, but also contributed to improving the cost structure of healthcare. Significant benefits include improved quality of preventive and curative medicine, promotion of community-based interventions, universal health coverage and the fostering of global partnerships. The laudable progress and benefits achieved are indispensable in championing, strengthening and moving forward elimination of the IDoPs. However, there is an urgent need for further innovative, contextual and integrated approaches along with the advent of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), replacing the MDGs in ensuring global health security, well-being and economic prosperity for all.