Malaria is one of the most severe global public health problems worldwide, particularly in Africa, where Nigeria has the greatest number of malaria cases. This community-based study was designed to ...investigate the prevalence and risk factors of malaria and to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding malaria among rural Hausa communities in Kano State, Nigeria.
A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted on 551 participants from five local government areas in Kano State. Blood samples were collected and examined for the presence of Plasmodium species by rapid diagnostic test (RDT), Giemsa-stained thin and thick blood films, and PCR. Moreover, demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental information as well as KAP data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire.
A total of 334 (60.6 %) participants were found positive for Plasmodium falciparum. The prevalence differed significantly by age group (p < 0.01), but not by gender or location. A multivariate analysis showed that malaria was associated significantly with being aged 12 years or older, having a low household family income, not using insecticide treated nets (ITNs), and having no toilets in the house. Overall, 95.6 % of the respondents had prior knowledge about malaria, and 79.7, 87.6 and 95.7 % of them knew about the transmission, symptoms, and prevention of malaria, respectively. The majority (93.4 %) of the respondents considered malaria a serious disease. Although 79.5 % of the respondents had at least one ITN in their household, utilization rate of ITNs was 49.5 %. Significant associations between the respondents' knowledge concerning malaria and their age, gender, education, and household monthly income were reported.
Malaria is still highly prevalent among rural Hausa communities in Nigeria. Despite high levels of knowledge and attitudes in the study area, significant gaps persist in appropriate preventive practices, particularly the use of ITNs. Innovative and Integrated control measures to reduce the burden of malaria should be identified and implemented in these communities. Community mobilization and health education regarding the importance of using ITNs to prevent malaria and save lives should be considered.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The emergence of Plasmodium knowlesi in humans, which is in many cases misdiagnosed by microscopy as Plasmodium malariae due to the morphological similarity has contributed to the needs of detection ...and differentiation of malaria parasites. At present, nested PCR targeted on Plasmodium ssrRNA genes has been described as the most sensitive and specific method for Plasmodium detection. However, this method is costly and requires trained personnel for its implementation. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a novel nucleic acid amplification method was developed for the clinical detection of P. knowlesi. The sensitivity and specificity of LAMP was evaluated in comparison to the results obtained via microscopic examination and nested PCR.
LAMP assay was developed based on P. knowlesi genetic material targeting the apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) gene. The method uses six primers that recognize eight regions of the target DNA and it amplifies DNA within an hour under isothermal conditions (65°C) in a water-bath.
LAMP is highly sensitive with the detection limit as low as ten copies for AMA-1. LAMP detected malaria parasites in all confirm cases (n = 13) of P. knowlesi infection (sensitivity, 100%) and none of the negative samples (specificity, 100%) within an hour. LAMP demonstrated higher sensitivity compared to nested PCR by successfully detecting a sample with very low parasitaemia (< 0.01%).
With continuous efforts in the optimization of this assay, LAMP may provide a simple and reliable test for detecting P. knowlesi malaria parasites in areas where malaria is prevalent.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
A total of 227 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from Jazan region, southwestern Saudi Arabia were amplified for the P. falciparum multi-drug resistance 1 (pfmdr1) gene to detect point mutations ...11 years after the introduction of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in Saudi Arabia. The pfmdr1 86Y mutation was found in 11.5% (26/227) of the isolates while the N86 wild allele was detected in 88.5%. Moreover, 184F point mutations dominated (86.3%) the instances of pfmdr1 polymorphism while no mutation was observed at codons 1034, 1042 and 1246. Three pfmdr1 haplotypes were identified, NFSND (74.9%), NYSND (13.7%) and YFSND (11.4%). Associations of the prevalence of 86Y mutation and YFSND haplotype with participants' nationality, residency and parasitaemia level were found to be significant (P < 0.05). The findings revealed significant decline in the prevalence of the pfmdr1 86Y mutation in P. falciparum isolates from Jazan region over a decade after the implementation of ACT treatment. Moreover, the high prevalence of the NFSND haplotype might be indicative of the potential emergence of CQ-sensitive but artemether-lumefantrine-resistant P. falciparum strains since the adoption of ACT. Therefore, continuous monitoring of the molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Jazan region is highly recommended.
Objectives
To investigate the molecular epidemiology of Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections among rural communities in Yemen.
Methods
In a community‐based study, faecal ...samples were collected from 605 participants and examined by wet mount, formalin‐ether sedimentation, trichrome staining and nested multiplex PCR techniques. Demographic, socio‐economic and environmental information was collected using a pre‐tested questionnaire.
Results
Overall, 324 (53.6%) of the samples were positive for Entamoeba cysts and/or trophozoites by microscopic examination. Molecular analysis revealed that 20.2%, 15.7% and 18.2% of the samples were positive for E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed different sets of species‐specific risk factors among these communities. Educational level was identified as the significant risk factor for E. histolytica; age and gender were the significant risk factors for E. moshkovskii; and sources of drinking water and consumption of unwashed vegetables were the significant risk factors for E. dispar. Moreover, living in coastal/foothill areas and presence of other infected family members were risk factors for both E. histolytica and E. moshkovskii infections.
Conclusion
The study reveals that Entamoeba spp. infection is highly prevalent among rural communities in Yemen, with E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii differentiated for the first time. Identifying and treating infected family members, providing health education pertinent to good personal and food hygiene practices and providing clean drinking water should be considered in developing a strategy to control intestinal parasitic infections in these communities, particularly in the coastal/foothill areas of the country.
Objectifs
Investiguer l’épidémiologie moléculaire des infections à Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar et E. moshkovskii dans les communautés rurales du Yémen.
Méthodes
Dans une étude basée sur la communauté, des échantillons de selles ont été prélevés chez 605 participants et examinés par les techniques de frottis humide, de sédimentation au formol‐éther, de coloration trichrome et de PCR multiplex imbriquée. Les données démographiques, socioéconomiques et environnementales ont été recueillies à l'aide d'un questionnaire préalablement testé.
Résultats
Au total, 324 (53,6%) des échantillons étaient positifs pour des kystes et/ou trophozoïtes d’Entamoeba par l'examen microscopique. L'analyse moléculaire a révélé que 20,2%, 15,7% et 18,2% des échantillons étaient positifs pour E. histolytica, E. dispar et E. moshkovskii, respectivement. L'analyse multivariée a montré différents ensembles de facteurs de risque spécifiques à l'espèce dans ces communautés. Le niveau d’éducation a été identifié comme étant le facteur de risque significatif pour E. histolytica; l’âge et le sexe étaient les facteurs de risque significatifs pour E. moshkovskii; et les sources d'eau de boisson et la consommation de légumes non lavés étaient les facteurs de risque importants pour E. dispar. De plus, les facteurs de risque pour les infections à E. histolytica et E. moshkovskii comprenaient la résidence dans les régions côtières et la présence d'autres membres de la famille infectés.
Conclusion
L’étude révèle que l'infection à Entamoeba spp est très répandue dans les communautés rurales au Yémen, avec E. histolytica, E. dispar et E. moshkovskii différenciés pour la première fois. L'identification et le traitement des membres de la famille infectés, la fourniture d'une éducation sanitaire pertinente aux bonnes pratiques d'hygiène personnelle et alimentaire et l'approvisionnement en eau potable devraient être envisagés dans l’élaboration d'une stratégie de lutte contre les infections parasitaires intestinales dans ces communautés, en particulier dans les régions côtières et à l'orée des montagnes dans ces pays
Objetivos
Investigar la epidemiología molecular de infecciones por Entamoeba histolytica, E. dispar y E. moshkovskii en comunidades Rurales del Yemen.
Métodos
En un estudio basado en la comunidad, se recogieron muestras de 605 participantes y fueron examinadas mediante montaje húmedo, sedimentación formalina‐éter, tinción tricromo y técnicas de PCR multiplex anidada. La información demográfica, socioeconómica y ambiental se recogió utilizando un cuestionario pre‐evaluado.
Resultados
En general, 324 (53.6%) de las muestras eran positivas para Entamoeba quistes y/o trofozoitos mediante microscopía. Los análisis moleculares revelaron que 20.2%, 15.7% y 18.2% de las muestras eran positivas para E. histolytica, E. dispar y E. moshkovskii, respectivamente. Un análisis multivariado mostró diferentes conjuntos de factores de riesgo específicos de especies entre estas comunidades. El nivel de estudios se identificó como un factor de riesgo significativo para E. histolytica; la edad y el género eran factores de riesgo significativos para E. moshkovskii; y las fuentes de agua potable y el consumo de vegetales sin lavar eran un factor de riesgo significativo para E. dispar. Más aún, vivir en áreas costeras o al pie de una colina y la presencia de otros miembros de la familia infectados eran factores de riesgo tanto para infecciones por E. histolytica como para infecciones por E. moshkovskii.
Conclusión
El estudio revela que la infección por Entamoeba spp. es altamente prevalente entre comunidades rurales en Yemen, realizándose por primera vez la diferenciación entre E. histolytica, E. dispar y E. moshkovskii. Identificar y tratar a los miembros de la familia infectados, proveer una educación sanitaria pertinente y unas buenas prácticas de higiene personal y de los alimentos, y proveer agua limpia se deberían tener en cuenta dentro de la estrategia de desarrollo para el control de las infecciones parasitarias intestinales en estas comunidades, particularmente en las zonas costeras/al pie de colinas del país.
In malaria, rosetting is a phenomenon involving the cytoadherence of uninfected erythrocytes to infected erythrocytes (IRBC) harboring the late erythrocytic stage of Plasmodium spp. Recently, ...artesunate-stimulated rosetting has been demonstrated to confer a survival advantage to P. falciparum late-stage IRBC. This study investigated the rosetting response of P. falciparum and P. vivax clinical isolates to ex vivo antimalarial treatments. Brief exposure of IRBC to chloroquine, mefloquine, amodiaquine, quinine, and lumefantrine increased the rosetting rates of P. falciparum and P. vivax. Furthermore, the ex vivo combination of artesunate with mefloquine and piperaquine also resulted in increased the rosetting rates. Drug-mediated rosette-stimulation has important implications for the therapeutic failure of rapidly cleared drugs such as artesunate. However, further work is needed to establish the ramifications of increased rosetting rates by drugs with longer half-lifves, such as chloroquine, mefloquine, and piperaquine.
The World Health Organization recommends young children aged 6–59 months receive influenza vaccination (IV) annually. This study investigated the IV incidence in a 12-month follow-up period among ...24–59 month-old children and identified its predictors based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB).
A population-based random telephone survey was conducted at baseline (March–June 2011) among Chinese parents of 24–59 month-old children in Hong Kong, China, and a follow-up survey was conducted 12 months afterwards (N=440).
The IV prevalence was 63.2% at follow-up (3% increased from baseline). The IV incidence during the follow-up period for all sampled, ever-vaccinated, and never-vaccinated children was 35.6, 58.5, and 7.7 per 100 person-years, respectively. Stratified analyses of logistic regression were performed for the ever-vaccinated and never-vaccinated children. After adjusting for significant socio-demographic variable(s), parental positive attitude, norm, and behavioral intention were significant predictors of IV at follow-up among ever-vaccinated children, while intention was the only significant predictor among never-vaccinated children.
Most of the IVs received during the follow-up period were re-vaccinations rather than first-time vaccinations. Efforts should target never-vaccinated children's parents, who reported low incidence and intention. TPB also worked less well among never-vaccinated children, and thus research for other predictors of never-vaccinated children's first-time vaccination are warranted. Promotion programs should consider segmentation by children's prior vaccination status.
The initial and vital stage in the diagnosis of malaria involves extracting DNA. The efficiency of malaria testing is restricted by the multiple steps involved in commercial DNA extraction kits. We ...attempted to improve an existing loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for the detection of 'Plasmodium knowlesi' by using a simple DNA extraction approach, making it a feasible option for mass screening. We utilized a simple nucleic acid extraction method directly from whole blood for the detection of 'P. knowlesi', taking only 5 min to complete. The extracted DNA was evaluated by two fluorescent-based LAMP and one colorimetric-based LAMP assay. The detection limit for both SYTO-LAMP and SYBR green-LAMP was 0.00001% and 0.0001% parasitemia, respectively. Meanwhile, neutral red-LAMP had a detection limit of 0.01% parasitemia. Combining this simple and inexpensive DNA extraction method, SYTO-LAMP could serve as an alternative molecular diagnosis for the detection of 'P. knowlesi' and other human 'Plasmodium' spp.
The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminth eggs excreted in the faeces of stray cats, dogs and in soil samples. A total of 505 fresh samples of faeces (from 227 dogs and ...152 cats) and soil were collected. The egg stage was detected via microscopy after the application of formalin-ether concentration technique. Genomic DNA was extracted from the samples containing hookworm eggs and used for further identification to the species level using real-time polymerase chain reaction coupled with high resolution melting analysis. Microscopic observation showed that the overall prevalence of helminth eggs among stray cats and dogs was 75.7% (95% CI = 71.2%-79.9%), in which 87.7% of dogs and 57.9% of cats were infected with at least one parasite genus. Five genera of heliminth eggs were detected in the faecal samples, including hookworms (46.4%), Toxocara (11.1%), Trichuris (8.4%), Spirometra (7.4%) and Ascaris (2.4%). The prevalence of helminth infections among stray dogs was significantly higher than that among stray cats (p < 0.001). Only three genera of helminths were detected in soil samples with the prevalence of 23% (95% CI = 15.1%-31%), consisting of hookworms (16.6%), Ascaris (4%) and Toxocara (2.4%). The molecular identification of hookworm species revealed that Ancylostoma ceylanicum was dominant in both faecal and soil samples. The dog hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum, was also detected among cats, which is the first such occurrence reported in Malaysia till date. This finding indicated that there was a cross-infection of A. caninum between stray cats and dogs because of their coexistent within human communities. Taken together, these data suggest the potential role of stray cats and dogs as being the main sources of environmental contamination as well as for human infections.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
This study aimed to investigate prevalence and associated factors of influenza vaccination (IV) among children aged 12-23 months. Our cross-sectional survey interviewed 489 parents of children aged ...12-23 months anonymously at twelve maternal and child health centers in Hong Kong. Results showed that only 11.5% of the children had ever received IV (64.3% being subsidized). Adjusted for the child's age, significant factors of the children's IV included parental knowledge about governmental policy/recommendation (Adjusted odds ratio AOR = 2.64, 95%CI = 1.09,6.40), knowledge about annual IV requirement (AOR = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.21,4.38), perceived safety-related barrier (AOR≥0.14, 95%CI = 0.06,0.33), cue to action (AOR = 7.79, 95%CI = 3.45,17.58), and subjective norm (AOR = 4.59, 95%CI = 2.34,9.00). IV prevalence of children aged 12-23 months remained low despite a subsidization scheme. The higher IV prevalence of older children reported by other studies suggested that parents postponed action. Promotion campaigns should shift emphases from cost reduction and mass media approaches to dissemination of knowledge about IV policy and safety, enhancement of health professionals' advice, and creation of supportive subjective norm.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
In malaria, rosetting is described as a phenomenon where an infected erythrocyte (IRBC) is attached to uninfected erythrocytes (URBC). In some studies, rosetting has been associated with malaria ...pathogenesis. Here, we have identified a new type of rosetting. Using a step-by-step approach, we identified IGFBP7, a protein secreted by monocytes in response to parasite stimulation, as a rosette-stimulator for
- and
-IRBC. IGFBP7-mediated rosette-stimulation was rapid yet reversible. Unlike type I rosetting that involves direct interaction of rosetting ligands on IRBC and receptors on URBC, the IGFBP7-mediated, type II rosetting requires two additional serum factors, namely von Willebrand factor and thrombospondin-1. These two factors interact with IGFBP7 to mediate rosette formation by the IRBC. Importantly, the IGFBP7-induced type II rosetting hampers phagocytosis of IRBC by host phagocytes.
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