scholarly journals Immune trypanolysis test as a promising bioassay to monitor the elimination of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis

Parasite ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilie Dama ◽  
Oumou Camara ◽  
Dramane Kaba ◽  
Mathurin Koffi ◽  
Mamadou Camara ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the goal of gambiense-Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) elimination as a public health problem for 2020 and interruption of transmission in humans for 2030. In this context, it is crucial to monitor progress towards these targets using accurate tools to assess the level of transmission in a given area. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of the immune trypanolysis test (TL) as a population-based bioassay to evaluate Trypanosoma brucei gambiense transmission in various epidemiological contexts. Significant correlations were observed between HAT endemicity levels and the percentage of TL-positive individuals in the population. TL therefore appears to be a suitable population-based biomarker of the intensity of transmission. In addition to being used as a tool to assess the HAT status at an individual level, assessing the proportion of TL positive individuals in the population appears as a promising and easy alternative to monitor the elimination of gambiense HAT in a given area.

scholarly journals Trypanosoma brucei gambiense-iELISA: A Promising New Test for the Post-Elimination Monitoring of Human African Trypanosomiasis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manon Geerts ◽  
Nick Van Reet ◽  
Sander Leyten ◽  
Raf Berghmans ◽  
Kat S Rock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Blood Spots ◽  
Inhibition Elisa ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity

Abstract Background The World Health Organization targeted Trypanosoma brucei gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT) for elimination as a public health problem and for elimination of transmission. To measure gHAT elimination success with prevalences close to zero, highly specific diagnostics are necessary. Such a test exists in the form of an antibody-mediated complement lysis test, the trypanolysis test, but biosafety issues and technological requirements prevent its large-scale use. We developed an inhibition ELISA with high specificity and sensitivity that is applicable in regional laboratories in gHAT endemic countries. Methods The T. b. gambiense inhibition ELISA (g-iELISA) is based on the principle that binding of monoclonal antibodies to specific epitopes of T. b. gambiense surface glycoproteins can be inhibited by circulating antibodies of gHAT patients directed against the same epitopes. Using trypanolysis as reference test, the diagnostic accuracy of the g-iELISA was evaluated on plasma samples from 739 gHAT patients and 619 endemic controls and on dried blood spots prepared with plasma of 95 gHAT and 37 endemic controls. Results Overall sensitivity and specificity on plasma were, respectively, 98.0% (95% CI 96.7–98.9) and 99.5% (95% CI 98.6–99.9). With dried blood spots, sensitivity was 92.6% (95% CI 85.4–97.0), and specificity was 100% (95% CI 90.5–100.0). The g-iELISA is stable for at least 8 months when stored at 2–8°C. Conclusion The g-iELISA might largely replace trypanolysis for monitoring gHAT elimination and for postelimination surveillance. The g-iELISA kit is available for evaluation in reference laboratories in endemic countries.

scholarly journals The journey towards elimination of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis: not far, nor easy

Parasitology ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 141 (6) ◽  
pp. 748-760 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. R. FRANCO ◽  
P. P. SIMARRO ◽  
A. DIARRA ◽  
J. A. RUIZ-POSTIGO ◽  
J. G. JANNIN
Keyword(s):  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Adequate Funding ◽  
Current State ◽  
Control Programmes ◽  
Achievable Goal ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
User Friendly

SUMMARYConsidering the epidemic situation of gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) at the end of the twentieth century, the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners strengthened disease control and surveillance. Over the last 15 years, the activities implemented through the National Control Programmes have brought gambiense HAT under control and now its elimination is deemed as an achievable goal. In 2012, WHO targeted gambiense HAT for elimination as a public health problem by 2020. The final goal will be the sustainable disease elimination by 2030, defined as the interruption of the transmission of gambiense HAT. The elimination is considered feasible, because of the epidemiological vulnerability of the disease, the current state of control, the availability of strategies and tools and international commitment and political will. Integration of activities in the health system is needed to ensure the sustainability of the elimination. The development of user-friendly diagnostic and treatment tools will facilitate the integration process. Adequate funding is needed to implement activities, but also to support research that will make the elimination sustainable. A long-term commitment by donors is needed and ownership of the process by endemic countries is critical.

scholarly journals Trajectories and Determinants of Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-Based Study of Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals in The Netherlands

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 3832
Author(s):  
Amy Hofman ◽  
Marlou A. M. Limpens ◽  
Tosca O. E. de Crom ◽  
Mohammad Arfan Ikram ◽  
Annemarie I. Luik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Latent Class ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Population Based ◽  
World Health ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Health Organization

Physical inactivity is a major public health problem, and there are concerns this might have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to identify distinct trajectories of physical activity over a 6-week period after the first restrictive measures and to explore determinants of these trajectories in a population-based cohort of middle-aged and elderly in the Netherlands (n = 5777). We observed that at least 59% of participants did not meet the World Health Organization recommendations for physical activity. Using latent class trajectory analyses over three time points, we identified five distinct trajectories, including four steady trajectories at different levels (very low, low, medium and high) and one increasing trajectory. Using multinomial logistic regression analyses, we observed that, compared to the ‘steadily high’ trajectory, participants in the ‘steadily very low’ trajectory were more often older, lower educated, reporting poorer physical health, more depressive symptoms, consuming a less healthy diet, smoking, and lower alcohol use, and were less often retired. A similar pattern of determinants was seen for those in the increasing trajectory, albeit with smaller effect sizes. Concluding, we observed low levels of physical activity that generally remained during the pandemic. The determinants we described can help identify groups that require additional preventive interventions.

scholarly journals Incidence of Acute Ischemic Stroke With Visible Arterial Occlusion

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (7) ◽  
pp. 2122-2130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gauthier Duloquin ◽  
Mathilde Graber ◽  
Lucie Garnier ◽  
Valentin Crespy ◽  
Pierre-Olivier Comby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Arterial Occlusion ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Annual Incidence ◽  
World Health ◽  
Annual Incidence Rate ◽  
Anterior Circulation ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Proximal Occlusion ◽  
Population Based Registry

Background and Purpose: Because of several methodological limitations, previous studies focusing on the prevalence of large vessel occlusion in ischemic stroke (IS) patients provided conflicting results. We evaluated the incidence of IS with a visible arterial occlusion using a comprehensive population-based registry. Methods: Patients with acute IS were prospectively identified among residents of Dijon, France, using a population-based registry (2013–2017). All arterial imaging exams were reviewed to assess arterial occlusion. Annual incidence rates of IS (first-ever and recurrent events) and IS with a visible occlusion were calculated. Results: One thousand sixty cases of IS were recorded (mean age: 76.0±15.8 years, 53.9% women). Information about arterial imaging was available in 971 (91.6%) of them, and only preexisting dementia was independently associated with having missing information (odds ratio=0.34 [95% CI, 0.18–0.65], P =0.001). Among these patients, 284 (29.2%) had a visible arterial occlusion. Occlusion site was the anterior circulation in 226 patients (23.3% of overall patients with available data) and the posterior circulation in 58 patients (6.0%). A proximal occlusion of the anterior circulation was observed in 167 patients (17.2%). The crude annual incidence rate of total IS per 100 000 was 138 (95% CI, 129–146). Corresponding standardized rates were 66 (95% CI, 50–82) to the World Health Organization and 141 (95% CI, 118–164) to the 2013 European populations. The crude annual incidence rate of IS with a visible arterial occlusion per 100 000 was 37 (95% CI, 33–41) and that of IS with a proximal occlusion of the anterior circulation was 22 (95% CI, 18–25). Corresponding standardized rates were 18 (95% CI, 10–26) and 10 (95% CI, 8–13) to the World Health Organization population, and 38 (95% CI, 26–50) and 23 (95% CI, 19–26) to the 2013 European population, respectively. Conclusions: These results will be helpful to plan the need for thrombectomy-capable stroke center resources.

scholarly journals New Drugs for Human African Trypanosomiasis: A Twenty First Century Success Story

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A. Dickie ◽  
Federica Giordani ◽  
Matthew K. Gould ◽  
Pascal Mäser ◽  
Christian Burri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Therapy ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
First Century ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
World Health ◽  
African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Twenty First Century ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Stage 1 ◽  
Competing Priorities

The twentieth century ended with human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) epidemics raging across many parts of Africa. Resistance to existing drugs was emerging, and many programs aiming to contain the disease had ground to a halt, given previous success against HAT and the competing priorities associated with other medical crises ravaging the continent. A series of dedicated interventions and the introduction of innovative routes to develop drugs, involving Product Development Partnerships, has led to a dramatic turnaround in the fight against HAT caused by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense. The World Health Organization have been able to optimize the use of existing tools to monitor and intervene in the disease. A promising new oral medication for stage 1 HAT, pafuramidine maleate, ultimately failed due to unforeseen toxicity issues. However, the clinical trials for this compound demonstrated the possibility of conducting such trials in the resource-poor settings of rural Africa. The Drugs for Neglected Disease initiative (DNDi), founded in 2003, has developed the first all oral therapy for both stage 1 and stage 2 HAT in fexinidazole. DNDi has also brought forward another oral therapy, acoziborole, potentially capable of curing both stage 1 and stage 2 disease in a single dosing. In this review article, we describe the remarkable successes in combating HAT through the twenty first century, bringing the prospect of the elimination of this disease into sight.

scholarly journals A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey of Trachoma among Migrant School Aged Children in Shanghai, China

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenwen Xue ◽  
Lina Lu ◽  
Jianfeng Zhu ◽  
Xiangui He ◽  
Jiangnan He ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Migrant Children ◽  
World Health ◽  
Close Attention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gender Comparison ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Population Based Survey

We investigated the prevalence of clinical trachoma in 154,265 children aged 6 to 16 years in 206 Shanghai migrant schools. Clean water availability in school, each child’s facial cleanliness, eyelids, corneas, and the presenting distance visual acuities were examined. Trachoma was clinically diagnosed in accordance with the World Health Organization simplified classification. Eyes diagnosed with trachoma were swabbed to test for ocularChlamydia trachomatisinfections (OCTI) with a rapid latex immunochromatographic test. Among 153,977 students, no blindness was found related to trachoma. Trachoma was diagnosed in 8029 children (5.2%). In 87 schools clinical trachoma prevalence was higher than 5%. OCTI was confirmed in 2073 of 6823 trachoma diagnosed children (30.4%). Clinical trachoma prevalence was higher among females than males (p<0.001), but gender comparison showed no statistical difference in the prevalence of OCTI (p=0.077). Age and clinical trachoma (r=-0.014;p<0.001) or OCTI (r=-0.026;p=0.031) prevalence were negatively correlated. Clinical trachoma was different in different districts and counties (p<0.001). Trachoma warrants close attention in Shanghai migrant children because the condition remains endemic in some schools.

scholarly journals Host age and time of exposure in Trypanosoma brucei gambiense Human African Trypanosomiasis

2002 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 429-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Garcia ◽  
V. Jamonneau ◽  
B. Sane ◽  
F. Fournet ◽  
P. N'Guessan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Brucei ◽  
Human African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Host Age ◽  
African Trypanosomiasis ◽  
Trypanosoma Brucei Gambiense

Suicide and Attempted Suicide in Pakistan

Crisis ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 172-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Murad Moosa Khan
Keyword(s):  
Attempted Suicide ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Suicide Mortality ◽  
Mortality Statistics ◽  
Current State ◽  
Criminal Offenses ◽  
The World ◽  
Islamic Countries ◽  
Health Organization

Suicide and attempted suicide are understudied subjects in Pakistan, an Islamic country where they are considered criminal offenses. National suicide statistics are not compiled nor are suicide mortality statistics reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although there are strong religious sanctions against suicide, there are no clear principles against attempted suicide in Islam. Despite this, Pakistan, like many other Islamic countries, has punitive laws against attempted suicide. This has led to both suicide and attempted suicide being underdiagnosed and underreported. Data on suicide and attempted suicide are also difficult to obtain. This article gives an overview of the current state of suicide and attempted suicide in Pakistan, in the context of existing religious and legal factors, highlighting the main findings of the few studies carried out over the last 50 years. It is important that researchers in Islamic countries like Pakistan not be deterred by the apparent low rates of suicide in these countries, but conduct further research in this important yet neglected public-health problem.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document