Molecular identification of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in the Philippines

Parasitology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 147 (14) ◽  
pp. 1718-1722
Author(s):  
Oyime P. Aula ◽  
Donald P. McManus ◽  
Kosala G. Weerakoon ◽  
Remigio Olveda ◽  
Allen G. Ross ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Diagnostics ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Schistosomiasis Japonica ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Ancylostoma Ceylanicum ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Health Relevance ◽  
Polymerase Chain

AbstractHookworms are some of the most widespread of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH) with an estimated 438.9 million people infected. Until relatively recently Ancylostoma ceylanicum was regarded as a rare cause of hookworm infection in humans, with little public health relevance. However, recent advances in molecular diagnostics have revealed a much higher prevalence of this zoonotic hookworm than previously thought, particularly in Asia. This study examined the prevalence of STH and A. ceylanicum in the municipalities of Palapag and Laoang in the Philippines utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on stool samples previously collected as part of a cross-sectional survey of schistosomiasis japonica. Prevalence of hookworm in humans was high with 52.8% (n = 228/432) individuals positive for any hookworm, 34.5% (n = 149/432) infected with Necator americanus, and 29.6% (n = 128/432) with Ancylostoma spp; of these, 34 were PCR-positive for A. ceylanicum. Considering dogs, 12 (n = 33) were PCR-positive for A. ceylanicum. This is the first study to utilize molecular diagnostics to identify A. ceylanicum in the Philippines with both humans and dogs infected. Control and elimination of this zoonotic hookworm will require a multifaceted approach including chemotherapy of humans, identification of animal reservoirs, improvements in health infrastructure, and health education to help prevent infection.

scholarly journals Farmer Decision-Making on the Concept of Coexistence: A Comparative Analysis between Organic and Biotech Farmers in the Philippines

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 857
Author(s):  
Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo ◽  
Wilson Jr. Florendo Aala ◽  
Keshav Lall Maharjan
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Environmental Conservation ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internal Factors ◽  
Organic Farmers ◽  
Farmer Decision Making ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Farmer Groups

Farmer perspectives are relevant for understanding agricultural issues and formulating policies. In this study, we conducted a cross-sectional survey on 70 Filipino farmers (i.e., 35 organic and 35 biotech) to understand farmers’ perspectives regarding coexisting farming methods. Internal response variables were tested to verify the type of decision-making processes being undertaken by biotech and organic farmers. Our results showed that a non-linear decision-making process, similar to the Stimulus–Organism–Response Model, was present for both farmer groups. The study also found that biotech farmers were more influenced by internal factors (e.g., consumer resources) than organic farmers, who rely more on external influences (e.g., culture and social interactions), in connection to their coexistence perspective. The presence of “maverick executives” within the organic farmers gives traction to the notion that coexistence can help empower farmers in choosing what farming method is most suitable to their needs. Our data can also provide insights to policymakers in terms of surveying farmer perspectives to balance farmer needs, primarily in yield and income security, with the national agricultural agenda centered on environmental conservation. Thus, farmer perspectives should be considered alongside ongoing studies and debates on coexistence.

scholarly journals The contribution of domestic animals to the transmission of schistosomiasis japonica in the Lindu Subdistrict of the Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 1591-1598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Novericko Ginger Budiono ◽  
Fadjar Satrija ◽  
Yusuf Ridwan ◽  
Ekowati Handharyani ◽  
Sri Murtini
Keyword(s):  
Infection Intensity ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Domestic Animal ◽  
Laboratory Method ◽  
Schistosomiasis Japonica ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Government ◽  
Central Sulawesi

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis is endemic in Indonesia and is found in three remote areas in Central Sulawesi Province. Non-human mammals serve as reservoir hosts, meaning the disease is zoonotic. The previous schistosomiasis studies in animals from the Lindu Subdistrict did not determine which domestic animal species can serve as the primary source of transmission. No animals have been treated in Indonesia to control the disease; therefore, the parasite's life cycle is not blocked entirely. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and identify the risk factors associated with, Schistosoma japonicum infection in animals, and identify animals' relative contributions to S. japonicum transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of S. japonicum infected animals was conducted in five villages of the Lindu Subdistrict. Fecal samples were collected from 134 selected animals (13 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 28 horses, 59 pigs, and 8 dogs). S. japonicum infection and infection intensity were determined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory method. Environmental contamination with schistosome eggs was measured. The data were analyzed using a Chi-square test. Results: The overall prevalence of schistosomiasis was 32.9%, with the prevalence of infection in each species of animal at 61.5% in cattle, 42.3% in buffaloes, 25.0% in horses, 35.6% in pigs, and 12.5% in dogs. Free-range pigs were 8.667 times more likely to have S. japonicum infection than pigs kept in cages. Buffaloes, cattle, and horses were the primary sources of S. japonicum egg contamination, with relative transmission indices of 59.15%, 22.80%, and 10.61%, respectively. Conclusion: Bovines and horses are the main contributors to schistosomiasis transmission in the Lindu Subdistrict. In conjunction with other schistosomiasis control programs, the government should treat infected animals living within endemic areas where there are high infection rates of S. japonicum.

scholarly journals Soil Transmitted Helminths and Plasmodium falciparum Co-infections among School Children in Bugesera District, Rwanda: Implications for National Control Programs

2021 ◽  
pp. 30-36
Author(s):  
Umwanankundi Marcelline ◽  
Mazigo D. Humphrey ◽  
Tumusiime David ◽  
Mucumbitsi Joseph ◽  
Arpita Sharma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
School Children ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Soil Transmitted Helminths ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
The Impact ◽  
National Control

Soil Transmitted Helminths and Plasmodium infections are ubiquitous with morbidity and mortality within the tropical and subtropical regions. However, the extent and consequences of STH-Plasmodium co-infection at different spatial scales are poorly understood. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of Soil Transmitted Helminths and Plasmodium coinfection, and, the impact thereof among school children in Bugesera District of Eastern Rwanda. Study Design: Cross Sectional Survey Place and Duration of Study: The survey was conducted in Bugesera district, Eastern Rwanda, between May and December 2020. Methodology: The survey was conducted among children between ages 5 and 18 years, across 21 randomly selected primary schools. Stool samples were collected and screened for soil transmitted helminths using Kato-Katz, while finger-prick blood samples were examined under the microscope to determine Plasmodium infection. Results: Overall the prevalence of A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, Hookworm and P. falciparum was 4.43%, 0.76%, 0.16% and 3.15% respectively. On the other hand, 36.15% were co-infected with A. lumbricoides and P. falciparum. Surprisingly, the coinfection was higher 41.79%, (P<0.001) in girls than the overall coinfection prevalence. Conclusion: Helminthiasis and malaria remain dominant, in spite of the continuing and tremendous national control programs. The strikingly surprising higher prevalence of A. lumbricoides-P. falciparum co-infection in girls calls for additional investigations.

scholarly journals Serological and molecular survey of Leptospira spp. infections in wild boars and red foxes from Southeastern France

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 825-828
Author(s):  
Cédric Roquelo ◽  
Angeli Kodjo ◽  
Jean-Lou Marié ◽  
Bernard Davoust
Keyword(s):  
Wild Boar ◽  
Predatory Behavior ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Wild Boars ◽  
Disease Information ◽  
Leptospira Spp ◽  
Varied Diet ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Background and Aim: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease. Information on the recent prevalence of Leptospira in hunted wild animals is limited, particularly in southeastern France. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the prevalence and diversity of Leptospira spp. among wild boars (Sus scrofa) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from two military camps in Southeastern France. Materials and Methods: Serological analyses were performed using microscopic agglutination tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to demonstrate Leptospira spp. infection from boar kidney DNA extracts. Results: According to the species, the positive sera were obtained from 18% of 358 boars and 6 % of 64 foxes tested. The prevalence rate is significantly higher (p=0.02) in boars than in foxes. In wild boar, Australis represents the most recorded serogroup (15.9%), followed by Sejroe (2.8%) and icterohaemorhagiae (2.8%). In red fox, icterohaemorhagiae represents the most recorded serogroup (6.25%), followed by Sejroe (1.57%) and Hebdomadis (1.57%). PCR-based detection of Leptospira DNA was positive in 6/62 (9.6%) of the wild boars tested. Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the importance of wild boar in the epidemiology of leptospirosis among wildlife in Southeastern France. Due to their predatory behavior and their varied diet, mainly composed of small mammals, red foxes could be considered sentinel animals of environmental contamination with leptospires.

A re-evaluation of teenage sunbed use following the introduction of banning legislation for under 18-year-olds

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 588-593
Author(s):  
S Menzies ◽  
S Daly ◽  
R O’Connor ◽  
A Kelly ◽  
M Fitzgerald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multifaceted Approach ◽  
The Public ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Education And Awareness ◽  
The Media ◽  
Sunbed Use

Abstract Background There is little information on the effectiveness of introducing age restriction legislation alone to reduce the rate of sunbed usage by teenagers. Prior to the Public Health (Sunbed) Act of 2014 prohibiting the use of sunbeds in under 18-year-olds in Ireland we reported the rate of sunbed use at 7.5%. Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the rate of sunbed usage among Irish teenagers before and after the introduction of banning legislation to determine if it had the desired effect of reducing its rate of use. Methods In a cross-sectional survey, students from the same schools as in our previous study completed an anonymous, written questionnaire pertaining to sunbed usage. Results In total, 783 questionnaires, from 13 schools across Ireland, were completed. The rate of sunbed use in the current study was 7.2%, compared to 7.5% in the pre-ban study, (P = 0.76). A higher rate of sunbed use was observed in Dublin schools and female public students. Conclusion Our study suggests that legislation alone is ineffective at reducing sunbed usage in a teenage population. A multifaceted approach is required that includes enforcement of the legislation together with targeted public education and awareness campaigns using all aspects of the media.

scholarly journals Prices, Availability and Affordability of Medicines with Value-Added Tax Exemption: A Cross-Sectional Survey in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (14) ◽  
pp. 5242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krizzia Lambojon ◽  
Jie Chang ◽  
Amna Saeed ◽  
Khezar Hayat ◽  
Pengchao Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Access To Medicines ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Unit Price ◽  
World Health ◽  
Value Added Tax ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Universal Healthcare ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Developing countries, such as the Philippines, started implementing policies to improve access to medicines, which is a vital step toward universal healthcare coverage. This study aimed to evaluate the prices, availability and affordability of prescribed medicines for diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and hypertension with the exemption of 12% value-added tax in the Philippines. Methods: The prices and availability of 50 medicines were collected in August 2019 from 36 public and 42 private medicine outlets in six regions of the Philippines, following a modified methodology developed by the World Health Organization and Health Action International. Availability is reported as the percentage of outlets in which the surveyed medicine was found at the time of visit. Medicine prices are expressed as median unit prices (MUPs) in Philippine Peso. Affordability is calculated based on the number of days’ wages required for the lowest-paid unskilled government worker to purchase a monthly treatment. Results: The mean availability of surveyed medicines was low in both public and private sectors, with 1.3% for originator brands (OBs) and 25.0% for lowest-priced generics (LPGs) in public outlets, and 34.7% and 35.4% in private outlets, respectively. The MUP of medicines were higher in private outlets, and OBs have higher unit price compared to the generic equivalents. Treatments with OBs were unaffordable, except for gliclazide, but the affordability of most LPGs is generally good. Conclusion: Access to medicines in both sectors was affected by low availability. High prices of OBs influenced the affordability of medicines even with tax exemption. A review of policies and regulations should be initiated for a better access to medicines in the Philippines.

Cross-sectional survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in colony cats from urban Florence (Italy)

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 351-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesca Mancianti ◽  
Simona Nardoni ◽  
Gaetano Ariti ◽  
Dario Parlanti ◽  
Giovanna Giuliani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Modified Agglutination Test ◽  
Faecal Samples ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

Cats are the key species in the epidemiology of Toxoplasma gondii infection, even if the proportion of subjects excreting oocysts is low. The aim of the present paper was to obtain information about seroprevalence, oocyst shedding rate and presence of T gondii DNA in faeces collected from an urban population of colony cats in Florence (Tuscany). Fifty European shorthair feral cats were examined for anti- T gondii specific antibodies by a modified agglutination test (MAT), and for oocysts by microscopic examination and for faecal protozoal DNA, by means of a nested polymerase chain reaction (n-PCR) protocol. Twenty-two out of 50 serum samples (44%) were MAT positive. T gondii oocysts were not detected in any of the examined faecal samples. Eight out of 50 faecal specimens (16%) were n-PCR positive and sequencing of the bands was specific for T gondii. Detection by combination of the two methods was higher than single techniques and enhanced the detection of T gondii up to 48%. Our results suggest that the use of MAT plus PCR in faeces may be the best choice for diagnosis of feline toxoplasmosis. Further studies to ascertain the real infectivity of the copro-PCR positive subjects are required.

scholarly journals Antimicrobial use and resistance in Escherichia coli from healthy food-producing animals in Guadeloupe

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaëlle Gruel ◽  
Arantxa Sellin ◽  
Hélène Riveiro ◽  
Matthieu Pot ◽  
Sébastien Breurec ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Antimicrobial Use ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Isolation And Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rational Use ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Field Samples ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Abstract Background Selection pressure exerted by use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is responsible for increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The objectives of this study were to better understand antimicrobial use in pigs, beef cattle, and poultry on farms on Guadeloupe, French West Indies, and to acquire data on AMR in Escherichia coli in these food-producing animals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted at 45 farms on Guadeloupe, and practical use of antimicrobials was documented in declarative interviews between March and July 2018. A total of 216 fecal samples were collected between January 2018 and May 2019, comprising 124 from pigs, 75 from beef cattle, and 17 from poultry litter. E. coli isolates were obtained for further testing by isolation and identification from field samples. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and screening for blaCTX-M, blaTEM, tetA, and tetB resistance genes by polymerase chain reaction on extracted genomic DNA were performed. Results The study showed rational use of antimicrobials, consisting of occasional use for curative treatment by veterinary prescription. Tetracycline was the most commonly used antimicrobial, but its use was not correlated to E. coli resistance. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) E. coli isolates were detected in 7.3% of pigs, 14.7% of beef cattle, and 35.3% of poultry. blaCTX-M-1 was the predominant gene found in ESBL-E. coli isolates (68.8%), followed by blaCTX-M-15 (31.3%). Conclusion Despite rational use of antimicrobials, the rate of ESBL-E. coli in food-producing animals in Guadeloupe, although moderate, is a concern. Further studies are in progress to better define the genetic background of the ESBL-E. coli isolates. Graphical abstract

Child Growth and Schistosomiasis Japonica in Northeastern Leyte, the Philippines: Cross-Sectional Results

1992 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 571-581 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen T. McGarvey ◽  
Pierre Peters ◽  
Bruce L. Daniel ◽  
Remigio Olveda ◽  
Gemiliano Aligui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Philippines ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Schistosomiasis Japonica ◽  
Cross Sectional
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