A minimum data standard for reporting host-feeding patterns of vectors

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Host-feeding patterns provide insights about transmission cycles of vector-borne pathogens. These are investigated by the blood meal identification of engorged vector specimens collected in the field. However, publications on host-feeding patterns often do not report their methods and results in a standardized way. A lot of information is lost due to missing (e.g. GPS coordinates), incomplete (e.g. vector species) or aggregated information (e.g. sampling site and time point). This prevents systematic analysis in a broad context, e.g. in meta-analysis or comparative studies. Methods: We identified information important for the comparability and useability of host-feeding data and created a minimum standard data basis for the reporting of methods and results for studies on the host-feeding patterns of vectors. The usefulness of the proposed variables for standardization are demonstrated with the example of a previously published study on mosquito host-feeding patterns in Panama. Results: A proposed table with 18 variables in three sections allows a standardized reporting of details of vector host-feeding studies. These comprise details about the field methods (time, location and method of collection), information about the methods used to identify the vectors and the hosts, and subsequently the outcome data regarding vector species, host species and number of specimens. Discussion: With the proposed data standard we aim to facilitate the complete reporting of different host-feeding studies in the future. This will help to compare findings of different host-feeding studies allowing to understand pathogen transmission cycles and to direct further research.