Insect Borne-Diseases

Insects can transmit diseases to humans through bites, stings, or contamination. Some of the most well-known diseases transmitted by insects include:

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral illness transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, and outbreaks can occur in urban and semi-urban areas. Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. The virus has four distinct serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4). Infection with one serotype provides lifelong immunity to that specific serotype but only temporary immunity to the other serotypes. Subsequent infections with different serotypes increase the risk of severe dengue (dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome).

When an Aedes mosquito bites a person infected with the dengue virus, it becomes a virus carrier. When the infected mosquito bites another person, it transmits the virus to that person through its saliva.

Dengue fever can range from mild to severe, and symptoms typically appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include sudden onset of high fever, often reaching up to 40°C, severe headache, especially behind the eyes, painful Joints and muscles, rash that can appear a few days after the fever starts, fatigue and weakness, nausea and vomiting sometimes accompanied by abdominal pain. In severe cases, dengue fever can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), both of which are characterized by more severe symptoms, bleeding, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Diagnosing dengue fever involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the virus or antibodies in the blood. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Dengue Virus infection:

Zika Virus

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the Zika virus, a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are also responsible for transmitting other viruses like dengue and chikungunya. The Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact, from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and through blood transfusions.

Many Zika virus infections are asymptomatic or cause only mild symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last for a few days to a week. Common symptoms include fever, skin rash, often with small red spots, joint pain, particularly the wrists, knees, and ankles, and conjunctivitis.

Severe complications are rare, but Zika virus infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the developing fetus, leading to birth defects like microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain) and other neurological complications.

Diagnosing Zika virus infection involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the virus or its genetic material in blood or other body fluids. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Zika Virus infection:

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral illness caused by the yellow fever virus, which is a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, notably Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Aedes albopictus. The disease can vary in severity, with many infections being asymptomatic or causing only mild flu-like symptoms. However, in more severe cases, yellow fever can lead to high fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially fatal complications, including organ failure and bleeding. The virus is endemic in tropical regions of Africa and South America, where it circulates between non-human primates and mosquitoes in sylvatic (jungle) and occasionally urban transmission cycles. The yellow fever virus is a concern for global health due to its potential to cause large outbreaks and epidemics, particularly in densely populated urban areas where it can spread rapidly through mosquito populations.

Prevention of yellow fever primarily involves vaccination. The yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting immunity and is recommended for individuals residing in or traveling to regions where the disease is endemic. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of yellow fever:

Yellow Fever Virus, Neutralizing Antibodies

Chikungunya Virus

Chikungunya virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection that belongs to the Alphavirus genus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. A sudden onset of high fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and rash characterizes chikungunya fever. While the disease is rarely fatal, it can cause debilitating and prolonged joint pain, affecting daily life and mobility.

Chikungunya virus outbreaks have occurred in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, the Indian Ocean islands, and more recently in the Americas. There is no specific antiviral treatment for chikungunya fever, and management focuses on relieving symptoms through rest, hydration, and pain medications.

Diagnosing Chikungunya virus infection involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the virus or its genetic material in blood or other body fluids. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Chikungunya Virus infection:

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne viral infection of the Flavivirus genus. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes, particularly Culex species mosquitoes. While many individuals infected with WNV experience no symptoms or only mild flu-like symptoms, the virus can also lead to severe neurological illness, particularly in older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems. West Nile virus infection symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pain, rash, and sometimes swollen lymph nodes. In more severe cases, individuals can develop West Nile encephalitis or West Nile meningitis, which can lead to inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, resulting in neurological complications such as paralysis, coma, or even death. There is no specific antiviral treatment for WNV, and supportive care is provided to manage symptoms and complications. Prevention measures include reducing mosquito exposure using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites.

West Nile virus was first identified in Uganda in 1937 and has since spread to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The virus is maintained in a cycle between mosquitoes and birds, with humans and other animals serving as incidental hosts. WNV can cause sporadic outbreaks and potentially cause more significant epidemics, particularly in areas with favorable environmental conditions for mosquito proliferation. Surveillance, mosquito control, public health education, and research into vaccines and treatments are essential to preventing and managing West Nile virus infections.

Diagnosing West Nile virus infection involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the virus or its genetic material in blood or other body fluids. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of West Nile virus infection:

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the spirochete bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bites of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks. The disease is most prevalent in North America, Europe, and Asia temperate regions. Early Lyme disease symptoms often include a characteristic circular rash known as erythema migrans, accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint aches. If left untreated, Lyme disease can progress to more severe symptoms, affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system. Late-stage Lyme disease can lead to complications like joint pain, memory problems, and neurological disorders.

Lyme disease diagnosis involves clinical assessment, patient history, and laboratory tests. Treatment typically involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, which are more effective when administered in the early stages of infection. Preventive measures include avoiding tick-infested areas, using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities.

Diagnosing Lyme disease involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the bacteria or their genetic material in blood or other body fluids. At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Lyme disease:

Typhus

Typhus refers to a group of bacterial infections caused by various species of the Rickettsia bacteria. It is typically transmitted to humans through the bites of infected fleas, lice, or ticks. Two well-known forms of typhus are epidemic typhus (caused by Rickettsia prowazekii) and murine typhus (caused by Rickettsia typhi). Typhus is characterized by sudden onset of high fever, severe headache, body aches, and a rash. In the case of epidemic typhus, which is associated with poor sanitation and overcrowding, severe cases can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, kidney failure, and central nervous system involvement. Murine typhus, often linked to rodents and fleas, tends to have milder symptoms but can still cause significant discomfort and illness. Orientia tsutsugamushi is a bacterium that causes scrub typhus, also known as Tsutsugamushi disease. Scrub typhus is a tropical disease primarily found in the Asia-Pacific region, including Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of eastern Asia. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected chiggers (larval mites), which are commonly found in rural and forested areas.

Diagnosis of typhus involves clinical evaluation, patient history, and laboratory tests to detect the presence of Rickettsia bacteria or antibodies. Treatment primarily consists of antibiotics such as doxycycline or tetracycline. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected vectors (fleas, lice, ticks), maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, using insect repellents, and eliminating rodent habitats. Due to the potential severity of complications and the risk of outbreaks in areas with poor sanitation and vector infestations, typhus remains a public health concern, particularly in regions and conditions where hygiene and living conditions are compromised.

Diagnosing typhus involves clinical assessment and laboratory tests to detect the presence of the bacteria or their genetic material in blood or other body fluids.

At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Typhus and other rickettsia diseases:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a tick-borne bacterial infection caused primarily by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. It is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks, particularly the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) and the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor Anderson). Despite its name, RMSF is not confined to the Rocky Mountain region; it occurs in various parts of the Americas, including the southeastern United States. The disease presents many symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle aches, and a distinctive spotted rash that typically starts on the wrists and ankles and spreads to the trunk. RMSF can progress rapidly and lead to severe complications, such as damage to blood vessels, organ failure, and even death if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Diagnosing RMSF involves clinical assessment, patient history, and laboratory tests to detect the presence of Rickettsia rickettsii bacteria or antibodies. Treatment primarily involves prompt administration of antibiotics, such as doxycycline, effective in treating RMSF when administered early. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing, using insect repellents, checking for ticks after outdoor activities, and avoiding tick-infested areas. Public health education, awareness campaigns, and improvements in diagnostic capabilities are essential in combating RMSF and reducing its impact on affected individuals and communities.

Malaria

Malaria is a severe mosquito-borne infectious disease caused by parasitic protozoa of the Plasmodium species. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites, with five species being the most common causes of human infections: Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and Plasmodium knowlesi. Among these, P. falciparum is the most dangerous and can lead to severe complications and death. When an infected mosquito bites a human, it injects sporozoites (the parasite's infective stage) into the bloodstream. The sporozoites travel to the liver, where they mature and multiply. They then re-enter the bloodstream as merozoites, invading red blood cells and causing the symptoms of malaria.

Symptoms of malaria can vary widely and include high fever, chills and sweats, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, anemia, and enlarged spleen and liver.

In severe cases, malaria can lead to complications such as cerebral malaria (affecting the brain), severe anemia, kidney failure, and respiratory distress. Severe malaria can be fatal, especially if not treated promptly and effectively.

At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Malaria:

Leishmaniasis

Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease caused by the Leishmania parasites, transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female sandflies. The disease occurs in three main forms: cutaneous leishmaniasis, mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, and visceral leishmaniasis (also known as kala-azar). Leishmaniasis is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe, including parts of Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The clinical manifestations of leishmaniasis can vary depending on the specific species of Leishmania involved and the immune response of the infected individual.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis typically presents as localized skin ulcers or sores at the site of the sandfly bite. The ulcers can take weeks to months to appear after infection and can be accompanied by fever. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, a more severe form, can cause disfiguring ulcers that affect the nose, mouth, and throat mucous membranes. Visceral leishmaniasis is the most severe form and affects internal organs, primarily the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. It can be fatal if left untreated and is characterized by fever, weight loss, enlarged spleen and liver, and anemia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing the progression of the disease.

At Diagnostiki Athinon, we offer the following tests for the diagnosis of Leishmaniasis:

Chagas Disease

Chagas disease, American trypanosomiasis, is a tropical parasitic infection caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. It is primarily found in the Americas, especially in rural and impoverished areas of Central and South America, where it is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected triatomine bugs, commonly known as "kissing bugs." The disease can also be transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, and from mother to child during pregnancy. Chagas disease progresses in two main stages: the acute phase and the chronic phase.

In the acute phase, which lasts for a few weeks to a few months after infection, symptoms can vary but often include fever, swelling at the bug bite site (chagoma), general malaise, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, the acute phase can be asymptomatic. If left untreated, the infection progresses to the chronic phase, lasting for years or even decades. During this phase, the parasite can damage various organs, including the heart, digestive, and nervous systems. Chronic Chagas disease can lead to severe complications such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and enlarged organs. Despite its significant impact on public health, Chagas disease often goes undiagnosed and untreated due to limited access to healthcare and a lack of awareness about the disease in endemic areas.

Trypanosoma cruzi, Molecular Detection

Prevention of Insect-Born Diseases

It's essential to take preventive measures to avoid insect bites and to control insect populations in areas where these diseases are prevalent. Using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, and eliminating breeding sites for insects can help reduce the risk of these diseases. If you suspect an insect-borne disease has infected you, seeking medical attention promptly for diagnosis and treatment is crucial.