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Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Vector-borne haemoprotozoan diseases comprise diverse group of single celled organism transmitted by haematophagus invertebrates. The current study was aimed at the...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Vector-borne haemoprotozoan diseases comprise diverse group of single celled organism transmitted by haematophagus invertebrates. The current study was aimed at the identification of major haemoprotozoan (Babesia, Theileria and Trypanosoma) in dromedary camel of North Gujarat region in India using microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
METHODS
A total of 234 blood samples were screened by the microscopic and molecular detection assays. Molecular prevalence studies of Theileria, Trypanosoma spp and Babesia was undertaken using 18s ribosomal DNA, RoTat 1.2 and SS rRNA gene respectively. The data relating to microscopic and molecular prevalence along with associated risk factors were analysed by statistical methods.
RESULTS
The overall prevalence of hamoprotozoan disease based on microscopic and molecular investigation was 23.50%. The sensitivity and specificity (95% Confidence Interval) of PCR assay was 100% in comparison to microscopy (45.45 % sensitive and 100 % specific). The kappa coefficient between PCR and microscopy indicated good level of agreement with a value of 0.704 and SE of 0.159.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
Despite holding much significance to the animal sector, little work has been undertaken in regional parts of India regarding camel parasites. The present study offers first preliminary research data investigating haemoprotozoan disease using parasitological and molecular methods in camels in the region.
Topics: Animals; Camelus; India; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Microscopy; Trypanosoma; Theileria; Babesia; Theileriasis; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S; DNA, Protozoan; Babesiosis; Prevalence; Male; Sensitivity and Specificity; Trypanosomiasis; Female; Vector Borne Diseases; DNA, Ribosomal
PubMed: 38922661
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_105_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Vector-borne infectious diseases contribute significantly to global mortality, with over 700,000 annual deaths, and malaria alone accounts for more than 400,000 of these...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Vector-borne infectious diseases contribute significantly to global mortality, with over 700,000 annual deaths, and malaria alone accounts for more than 400,000 of these fatalities. Anopheles gambiae, a prominent mosquito species, serves as a primary vector for transmitting malaria to humans. To address this issue, researchers have identified the D1-like dopamine receptor (DAR), specifically DOP2, as a promising target for developing new insecticides.
METHODS
The three-dimensional structure of DOP2 from A. gambiae was unavailable; in-silico approach was used to model and validate DOP2 structure. The Discovery Studio 2021 program was used to identify potential binding sites on DOP2. Virtual screening of 235 anti-parasitic compounds was performed against DOP2 using PyRx 0.8.
RESULTS
The screening demonstrated strong binding and interactions with active site residues of DOP2 for five compounds: Diclazuril, Kaempferol, Deracoxib, Clindamycin, and Diaveridine. These compounds exhibited higher binding affinity values compared to the control (Asenapine). In addition, the predicted physiochemical properties for these compounds were within acceptable ranges and there were no violations in drug-likeness properties.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
These compounds show promise as potential new insecticides targeting A. gambiae mosquito by inhibiting the DOP2 protein. However, additional experimental validation is required to optimize their efficacy as DOP2 inhibitors.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Insecticides; Malaria; Mosquito Vectors; Molecular Docking Simulation; Receptors, Dopamine D2; Humans; Binding Sites
PubMed: 38922660
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_158_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Sandflies are vector insects associated with terrestrial forest ecosystems; in the Ecuadorian Andes, they participate in the transmission of human cutaneous...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Sandflies are vector insects associated with terrestrial forest ecosystems; in the Ecuadorian Andes, they participate in the transmission of human cutaneous leishmaniasis. This geographical area represents an opportunity to evaluate the role of sandflies as bioindicators of the degree of intervention of tropical humid forest ecosystems (THF) associated with changes in the ecology of the local landscape.
METHODS
CDC-light traps were used for collecting adult sandflies in February 2020 in a humid tropical forest within the Chocó Biosphere Reserve. All species were identified using morphological keys. Analysis data about abundance, richness, species accumulation, diversity index, species composition communities, species sex proportion, spatial sandflies environmental, Renyi's Diversity Profile were performed to compare six spatial habitats in Mashpi locality, Ecuador.
RESULTS
Sandflies were collected (n-1435); the main species are represented by Trichophoromyia reburra, Nyssomyia trapidoi, Psathyromyia aclydifera, Psychodopygus panamensis and Lutzomyia hartmanni. Only Th. reburra is associated with not intervened forest, while the other three species are associated with intervened forest within Mashpi in the Choco Biosphere Reserve. The secondary forest has major sandflies' richness, while the primary forest exhibits major abundance.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
Th. reburra is a sandfly restricted to the Andean Forest and is a bioindicator of the high environmental health quality of the forest, while Ny. trapidoi and Pa. aclydifera are bioindicators of environmental disturbances in the forest. Additionally, Ps. panamensis, Lu. hartmanni and Ny. trapidoi are bioindicators of human impact and the risk of leishmaniasis.
Topics: Animals; Psychodidae; Forests; Insect Vectors; Ecuador; Ecosystem; Male; Female; Leishmaniasis, Cutaneous; Biodiversity; Humans
PubMed: 38922658
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_52_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria species, is now known to infect humans. Due to disadvantages in the current diagnosis methods, many efforts have been placed into...
Detection of Plasmodium knowlesi in whole blood samples with sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using rhoptry-associated protein 1 specific polyclonal antibodies.
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Plasmodium knowlesi, a simian malaria species, is now known to infect humans. Due to disadvantages in the current diagnosis methods, many efforts have been placed into developing new methods to diagnose the disease. This study assessed the ability of the PkRAP-1 sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) to detect P knowlesi antigens in whole blood specimens.
METHODS
Western blot assay was conducted to evaluate the ability of raised mouse and rabbit anti-PkRAP-1 polyclonal antibodies to bind to the native proteins in P. knowlesi lysate. The polyclonal antibodies were then used in sandwich ELISA to detect P. knowlesi. In the sandwich ELISA, mouse and rabbit polyclonal antibodies were used as the capture and detection antibodies, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) of the assay was determined using P. knowlesi A1H1 culture and purified recombinant PkRAP-1.
RESULTS
Western blot results showed positive reactions towards the proteins in P. knowlesi lysate. The LOD of the assay from three technical replicates was 0.068% parasitaemia. The assay performance in detecting P. knowlesi was 83% sensitivity and 70% specificity with positive and negative predictive values of 74% and 80%, respectively. The anti-PkRAP-1 polyclonal antibodies did not cross-react with P. falciparum and healthy samples, but P. vivax by detecting all 12 samples.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
PkRAP-1 has the potential as a biomarker for the development of a new diagnostic tool for P. knowlesi detection. Further studies need to be conducted to establish the full potential of the usage of anti-PkRAP-1 antibodies for P. knowlesi detection.
Topics: Plasmodium knowlesi; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Animals; Malaria; Antibodies, Protozoan; Rabbits; Sensitivity and Specificity; Mice; Protozoan Proteins; Humans; Antigens, Protozoan; Blotting, Western; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 38922654
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_55_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Lice infestation is considered as a reemerging problem as well as a health challenge. Based on Protection Motivation Theory, the present study was conducted to...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Lice infestation is considered as a reemerging problem as well as a health challenge. Based on Protection Motivation Theory, the present study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of training mothers in regard to pediculosis preventive behavior among school students.
METHODS
In a critical trial, 180 mothers of primary school daughters were assessed in two study groups in the Iranian city of Qom in 2021. They received training intervention in a course of four ninety-minute sessions during four weeks. After six months, the post-test questionnaire and the checklist were completed by them. The data were gathered using a valid and reliable questionnaire. Finally, data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.
RESULTS
After the training intervention, a significant difference was observed within the intervention group in scores of the prevention motivation constructs (P<0.001). Besides, there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the preventive behavior of the mothers and daughters in the intervention group before the training intervention and six months after it (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was seen before and after the intervention in the control group (P>0.05). Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the intervention and control groups (P<0.001) in terms of comparing the mean score differences of all the constructs of protection motivation theory, the mothers' behavior and the daughters' behavior checklist.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
The results indicate the effectiveness of training mothers based on Protection Motivation Theory in regard to pediculosis. Therefore, it seems that in developing training programs, utilizing this theory could prove useful to bring about changes in the individuals' behavior regarding the prevention of pediculosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Mothers; Motivation; Students; Iran; Lice Infestations; Child; Surveys and Questionnaires; Animals; Schools; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Adult; Adolescent
PubMed: 38922653
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_146_22 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Following World Health Organization (WHO) plans for thirty-five malaria-endemic countries, Indonesia will eliminate malaria by 2030. As one of the Indonesian provinces,...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Following World Health Organization (WHO) plans for thirty-five malaria-endemic countries, Indonesia will eliminate malaria by 2030. As one of the Indonesian provinces, West Java targeted subnational malaria elimination in 2022. This article aims to describe malaria surveillance data and elimination programs, including weaknesses in sustaining the program.
METHODS
This study used secondary data from malaria surveillance information system regencies/cities' case reports for 2019-2022 and achievement data of sub-national malaria elimination certification from each regency/city from 2014-2022. The data was confirmed from the evaluation study document, analysis of reported cases, and interviews.
RESULTS
Most cases were confirmed by microscopic examination (84.1% in 2021 and 94.4% in 2022) and rapid diagnostic tests (57% in 2019 and 58.1% in 2020). Malaria is more prevalent among men (93% in 2019, 95% in 2020, 96% in 2021, and 95.9% in 2022) and productive ages of 15-64 years (98.8% in 2019, 100% in 2020, 99.2% in 2021, and 98.8% in 2022), frequently occurs in the military (56.3% in 2019, 75.7% in 2020, 45.2% in 2021) and police (40.5% in 2022), often uses passive case detection for identifying cases (97.9% in 2019 and 2020, 95.2% in 2021, and 97.6% in 2022), and the majority undergo inpatient treatment (86.4% in 2019, 81.7% in 2021, and 82.6% in 2022). Most positive cases originated from imported cases, and last indigenous cases were still found in 2019. Plasmodium vivax dominated malaria cases and and relapses were high (55.0% in 2020, and 47.3% in 2022).
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
All regencies/cities have obtained sub-national malaria elimination certification in 2022. West Java has the potential to be verified for Java-Bali sub-national malaria elimination targeted in 2023, albeit cases of imported malaria still occur. It is imperative to address the issue of imported cases transitioning into locally transmitted cases (introduced) by effective coordination across all regencies/cities and inter-provincial efforts.
Topics: Indonesia; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Male; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Disease Eradication; Female; Child; Child, Preschool; Malaria; Infant; Malaria, Vivax; Prevalence; Aged; Infant, Newborn
PubMed: 38922652
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_113_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and the vector (Anopheles species) can only be controlled effectively by having good knowledge of its...
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Malaria remains a major public health concern in Nigeria and the vector (Anopheles species) can only be controlled effectively by having good knowledge of its composition and potential for disease transmission. This work aimed at surveying indoor malaria vectors and, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) in relation to disease transmission in Toro LGA, Bauchi State, Nigeria.
METHODS
Mosquitoes were collected by Pyrethrum Spray Catch (PSC) between October and December 2019 and were morphologically identified using standard keys. Blood samples were collected from individuals who slept in the rooms where PSC was conducted. Thick and thin blood smears were made for malaria parasite examination. Questionnaires were administered to 120 participants for the KAP studies.
RESULTS
Ninety-seven Anopheles mosquitoes were collected and identified as Anopheles gambiae 76 (78.35%), An. funestus 20 (20.62%) and An. coustani 1(1.03%). The overall malaria prevalence was 15.8%. KAP studies revealed that measures and treatment-seeking behaviours against malaria varied significantly (P<0.05) among the respondents. Sleeping under a net 55 (45.8%) and use of insecticides 24 (20.0%) were some of the preventive measures highlighted while the treatment-seeking behaviours included visit to a pharmacy 74 (61.7%) and use of local herbs 11 (9.2%).
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
This work revealed that An. gambiae and An. funestus are predominant malaria vectors in the area. The KAP information demonstrated fair knowledge about the disease by the respondents. Therefore, public enlightenment about malaria prevention, control and treatment is recommended to address the few but highly negative impact knowledge gaps about malaria.
Topics: Nigeria; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Animals; Humans; Malaria; Anopheles; Mosquito Vectors; Female; Male; Adult; Young Adult; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mosquito Control; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Prevalence
PubMed: 38922651
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_66_23 -
Journal of Vector Borne Diseases Apr 2024Despite significant progress in malaria control throughout India, Chhattisgarh state continues to be a significant contributor to both malaria morbidity and mortality.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES
Despite significant progress in malaria control throughout India, Chhattisgarh state continues to be a significant contributor to both malaria morbidity and mortality. This study aims to identify key factors associated with malaria endemicity, with a goal of focusing on these factors for malaria elimination by 2030.
METHODS
We employed an analysis and narrative review methodology to summarize the existing evidence on malaria epidemiology in Chhattisgarh. Data encompassing environmental conditions, dominant malaria vectors and their distribution, and the impact of previous interventions on malaria control, were extracted from published literature using PubMed and Google Scholar. This information was subsequently correlated with malaria incidence data using appropriate statistical and geographical methods.
RESULTS
Much of the malaria burden in Chhattisgarh state is concentrated in a few specific districts. The primary malaria vectors in these regions are Anopheles culicifacies and An. fluviatilis. High transmission areas are found in tribal belts which are challenging to access and are characterized by densely forested areas that provide a conducive habitat for malaria vectors.
INTERPRETATION CONCLUSION
Conducive environmental conditions characterized by high forest cover, community behavior, and insurgency, contribute to high malaria endemicity in the area. Challenges include insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and asymptomatic malaria. Allocating additional resources to high-endemic districts is crucial. Innovative and focused malaria control programs of the country, such as DAMAN and Malaria Mukt Abhiyan, hold immense importance.
Topics: India; Humans; Malaria; Animals; Anopheles; Mosquito Vectors; Mosquito Control; Disease Eradication; Incidence; Insecticide Resistance
PubMed: 38922649
DOI: 10.4103/jvbd.jvbd_167_23 -
JMIR Public Health and Surveillance Jun 2024A challenge in achieving the malaria-elimination target in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Thailand, is the predominance of Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
A challenge in achieving the malaria-elimination target in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Thailand, is the predominance of Plasmodium vivax malaria, which has shown extreme resilience to control measures.
OBJECTIVE
This proof-of-concept study aimed to provide evidence for implementing primaquine mass drug administration (pMDA) as a strategy for P. vivax elimination in low-endemicity settings.
METHODS
The study employed a mixed-methods trial to thoroughly evaluate the effectiveness, safety, acceptability, and community engagement of pMDA. The quantitative part was designed as a 2-period cluster-crossover randomized controlled trial. The intervention was pMDA augmented to the national prevention and control standards with directly observed treatment (DOT) by village health volunteers. The qualitative part employed in-depth interviews and brainstorming discussions. The study involved 7 clusters in 2 districts of 2 southern provinces in Thailand with persistently low P. vivax transmission. In the quantitative part, 5 cross-sectional blood surveys were conducted in both the pMDA and control groups before and 3 months after pMDA. The effectiveness of pMDA was determined by comparing the proportions of P. vivax infections per 1000 population between the 2 groups, with a multilevel zero-inflated negative binomial model adjusted for cluster and time as covariates and the interaction. The safety data comprised adverse events after drug administration. Thematic content analysis was used to assess the acceptability and engagement of stakeholders.
RESULTS
In the pre-pMDA period, the proportions of P. vivax infections in the pMDA (n=1536) and control (n=1577) groups were 13.0 (95% CI 8.2-20.4) and 12.0 (95% CI 7.5-19.1), respectively. At month 3 post-pMDA, these proportions in the pMDA (n=1430) and control (n=1420) groups were 8.4 (95% CI 4.6-15.1) and 5.6 (95% CI 2.6-11.5), respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups. The number of malaria cases reduced in all clusters in both groups, and thus, the impact of pMDA was inconclusive. There were no major safety concerns. Acceptance among the study participants and public health care providers at local and national levels was high, and they believed that pMDA had boosted awareness in the community.
CONCLUSIONS
pMDA was associated with high adherence, safety, and tolerability, but it may not significantly impact P. vivax transmission. As this was a proof-of-concept study, we decided not to scale up the intervention with larger clusters and samples. An alternative approach involving a targeted primaquine treatment strategy with primaquine and DOT is currently being implemented. We experienced success regarding effective health care workforces at point-of-care centers, effective collaborations in the community, and commitment from authorities at local and national levels. Our efforts boosted the acceptability of the malaria-elimination initiative. Community engagement is recommended to achieve elimination targets.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Thai Clinical Trials Registry TCTR20190806004; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20190806004.
Topics: Humans; Primaquine; Thailand; Mass Drug Administration; Male; Female; Adult; Adolescent; Malaria, Vivax; Antimalarials; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Proof of Concept Study; Child; Cross-Over Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Patient Acceptance of Health Care
PubMed: 38922648
DOI: 10.2196/51993 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2024Disorders of gastrointestinal motility are the major physiologic problem in chagasic megacolon. The contraction mechanism is complex and controlled by different cell...
Disorders of gastrointestinal motility are the major physiologic problem in chagasic megacolon. The contraction mechanism is complex and controlled by different cell types such as enteric neurons, smooth muscle, telocytes, and an important pacemaker of the intestine, the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs). The role of ICCs in the progression of acute and chronic Chagas disease remains unclear. In the present work, we investigate the aspects of ICCs in a long-term model of Chagas disease that mimics the pathological aspects of human megacolon. Different subsets of ICCs isolated from Auerbach's myenteric plexuses and muscle layers of control and Trypanosoma cruzi infected animals were determined by analysis of CD117, CD44, and CD34 expression by flow cytometer. Compared with the respective controls, the results showed a reduced frequency of mature ICCs in the acute phase and three months after infection. These results demonstrate for the first time the phenotypic distribution of ICCs associated with functional dysfunction in a murine model of chagasic megacolon. This murine model proved valuable for studying the profile of ICCs as an integrative system in the gut and as a platform for understanding the mechanism of chagasic megacolon development.
Topics: Animals; Interstitial Cells of Cajal; Disease Models, Animal; Chagas Disease; Megacolon; Mice; Flow Cytometry; Male; Trypanosoma cruzi
PubMed: 38922281
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420231337