scholarly journals Environmental DNA for improved detection and environmental surveillance of schistosomiasis

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (18) ◽  
pp. 8931-8940 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mita E. Sengupta ◽  
Micaela Hellström ◽  
Henry C. Kariuki ◽  
Annette Olsen ◽  
Philip F. Thomsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Guideline Development ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Parasite Life Cycle ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
Promising Tool ◽  
Transmission Interruption

Schistosomiasis is a water-based, infectious disease with high morbidity and significant economic burdens affecting >250 million people globally. Disease control has, with notable success, for decades focused on drug treatment of infected human populations, but a recent paradigm shift now entails moving from control to elimination. To achieve this ambitious goal, more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed to monitor progress toward transmission interruption in the environment, especially in low-intensity infection areas. We report on the development of an environmental DNA (eDNA)-based tool to efficiently detect DNA traces of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni directly in the aquatic environment, where the nonhuman part of the parasite life cycle occurs. This is a report of the successful detection of S. mansoni in freshwater samples by using aquatic eDNA. True eDNA was detected in as few as 10 cercariae per liter of water in laboratory experiments. The field applicability of the method was tested at known transmission sites in Kenya, where comparison of schistosome detection by conventional snail surveys (snail collection and cercariae shedding) with eDNA (water samples) showed 71% agreement between the methods. The eDNA method furthermore detected schistosome presence at two additional sites where snail shedding failed, demonstrating a higher sensitivity of eDNA sampling. We conclude that eDNA provides a promising tool to substantially improve the environmental surveillance of S. mansoni. Given the proper method and guideline development, eDNA could become an essential future component of the schistosomiasis control tool box needed to achieve the goal of elimination.

scholarly journals Using environmental DNA for the detection of Schistosoma mansoni: toward improved environmental surveillance of schistosomiasis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mita Eva Sengupta ◽  
Micaela Hellström ◽  
Henry Curtis Kariuki ◽  
Annette Olsen ◽  
Philip Francis Thomsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Environmental Surveillance ◽  
Parasite Life Cycle ◽  
Transmission Interruption ◽  
Higher Sensitivity

AbstractSchistosomiasis is a waterborne, infectious disease with high morbidity and significant economic burdens affecting more than 250 million people globally. Disease control has, with notable success, for decades focused on drug treatment of infected human populations, but a recent paradigm shift now entails moving from control to elimination. To achieve this ambitious goal more sensitive diagnostic tools are needed to monitor progress towards transmission interruption in the environment, especially in low-intensity infection areas. We report on the development of an environmental DNA (eDNA) based tool to efficiently detect DNA traces of the parasite Schistosoma mansoni directly in the aquatic environment, where the non-human part of the parasite life cycle occurs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the successful detection of S. mansoni in freshwater samples using aquatic eDNA. True eDNA was detected in as few as 10 cercariae/L water in laboratory experiments. The field applicability of the method was tested at known transmission sites in Kenya, where comparison of schistosome detection by conventional snail surveys (snail collection and cercariae shedding) with eDNA (water samples) showed 71% agreement between the methods. The eDNA method furthermore detected schistosome presence at two additional sites where snail shedding failed, demonstrating a higher sensitivity of eDNA sampling. We conclude that eDNA provides a promising new tool to significantly improve the environmental surveillance of S. mansoni. Given the proper method and guideline development, eDNA could become an essential future component of the schistosomiasis control tool box needed to achieve the goal of elimination.SignificanceAccurate detection and delineation of schistosomiasis transmission sites will be vital in on-going efforts to control and ultimately eliminate one of the most neglected tropical parasitic diseases affecting more than 250 million people worldwide. Conventional methods to detect parasites in the environment are cumbersome and have low sensitivity. We therefore developed an environmental DNA (eDNA) based method for schistosome detection in aquatic environments. Aquatic eDNA showed higher sensitivity than conventional snail surveys. We conclude that eDNA is a promising non-invasive and sensitive tool for environmental surveillance of schistosomiasis transmission. As the efforts and aims to control the disease are transitioning towards complete transmission interruption, this could be the robust and cost-effective surveillance tool needed in the “end game” of schistosomiasis.

Clinico-bacteriological Profile and Outcome of Empyema Thoracis in Children at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Central Nepal

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Atanu Pan ◽  
Debarshi Jana
Keyword(s):  
Ct Scan ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Chest Tube ◽  
Chest Tube Drainage ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Empyema Thoracis ◽  
First Line ◽  
Tube Drainage

Background: Empyema thoracis (ET) is a serious infection of the pleural space. Despite the availability of broad spectrum antibacterial, improved vaccination coverage and better diagnostic tools, Empyema Thoracis remains associated with high morbidity worldwide. Delay   in   early   diagnosis,   failure   to institute   appropriate   antimicrobial   therapy,   multidrug resistant   organisms,   malnutrition,   comorbidities,   poor health  seeking  behaviour  and  high treatment  cost  burden contribute  to  increased  morbidity  in  children. The available  treatment  options  include  intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics  either  alone  or  in  combination  with surgical  procedure  (thoracocentesis,  chest  tube  drainage, fibrinolytic  therapy,  decortications  with  video  assistedthoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and open drainage. Methods: Fifty Children between 1 month to 16 years admitted in the Pediatrics Ward, PICU of College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur,Nepal. Data analysis was done by SPSS 24.0. Results: Present study found that according to blood culture, 3(6.0%) patients had enterococcus, 40(80.0%) patients had no growth, 2(4.0%) patients had pseudomonas, 4(8.0%) patients had staphylococcus and 1(2.0%) patients had streptococcus. We found that 20(40.0%) patients had done CT scan thorax, 30(60.0%) patients had not done CT scan thorax and 32(64.0%) patients had Amoxiclav first line antibiotic and 18(36.0%) patients had Ceftriaxone first line antibiotic. Conclusions: Suitable antibiotics and prompt chest tube drainage is an effective method of treatment of childhood empyema, especially in resource-poor settings. Majority of the patients progress on this conservative management and have good recovery on follow up.  

Targeting Lyme

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 360-365 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Birnbaum
Keyword(s):  
Lyme Disease ◽  
Development Process ◽  
Conflicts Of Interest ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Medical Community ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Guideline Development Process ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
The Usa

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe recent passage of a private member's bill that can put Canada on a different path from the USA in attempting to resolve conflict that arose over how an influential clinical practice guideline for Lyme disease was developed. Design/methodology/approach – Narrative review. Findings – Critical appraisal of pertinent scientific literature is fundamental to the production of evidence-based practice guidelines. Perception of fairness and transparency in a guideline development process is fundamental to wide acceptance. Allegations of conflicts of interest and excluding opposing views in development of Lyme disease guidelines led to legislative interventions after insurers started basing denial of claims and licensing boards started responding to complaints against physicians whose treatment regimens were inconsistent with guideline statements on chronic Lyme disease. Opposing sides are both faced with limitations in available research evidence. Claims and counterclaims about availability of impartial subject matter experts free of vested interests arose; however, this has been compounded by failures in communication channels. Perhaps most importantly, and the focus of this viewpoint, wide perception among those afflicted of a flawed guideline development process makes it unlikely that all sides can reach agreement on this path. Canada, unlike the USA, is taking steps to include all stakeholders (including representatives of the medical community and of patients’ groups) in a review meeting to develop a comprehensive national framework. Research limitations/implications – This situation provides a noteworthy example of defining best practice in the difficult situations where stakes are high, diagnostic tools are flawed, some of those identified as experts have vested interests, and patients with unmet needs feel excluded. Originality/value – The next steps in Canada bear watching, both in terms of potentially resolving key conflicts around the one guideline document in question, and also as a potential model for a more successful guideline development process.

scholarly journals Estimation accuracy of species abundance based on environmental DNA with relation to its production source, state, and assay methodology suggested by meta-analyses

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshiaki Jo ◽  
Hiroki Yamanaka
Keyword(s):  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Species Abundance ◽  
Environmental Dna ◽  
Efficient Estimation ◽  
Estimation Accuracy ◽  
Accurate Estimation ◽  
Abundance Estimation ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Promising Tool

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis is a promising tool for non-disruptive and cost-efficient estimation of species abundance. However, its practical applicability in natural environments is limited because it is unclear whether eDNA concentrations actually represent species abundance in the field. Although the importance of accounting for eDNA dynamics, such as transport and degradation, has been discussed, the influences of eDNA characteristics, including production source and state, and methodology, including collection and quantification strategy and abundance metrics, on the accuracy of eDNA-based abundance estimation were entirely overlooked. We conducted a meta-analysis using 56 previous eDNA literature and investigated the relationships between the accuracy (R2) of eDNA-based abundance estimation and eDNA characteristics and methodology. Our meta-regression analysis found that R2 values were significantly lower for crustaceans than fish, suggesting that less frequent eDNA production owing to their external morphology and physiology may impede accurate estimation of their abundance via eDNA. Moreover, R2 values were positively associated with filter pore size, indicating that selective collection of larger-sized eDNA, which is typically fresher, could improve the estimation accuracy of species abundance. Furthermore, R2 values were significantly lower for natural than laboratory conditions, while there was no difference in the estimation accuracy among natural environments. Our findings shed a new light on the importance of what characteristics of eDNA should be targeted for more accurate estimation of species abundance. Further empirical studies are required to validate our findings and fully elucidate the relationship between eDNA characteristics and eDNA-based abundance estimation.

scholarly journals Frequency and Pattern of Bronchiectasis in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Presenting in a Tertiary Care Hospital

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 54-57
Author(s):  
Asifa Karamat
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Lower Lobe ◽  
The United States ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a high burden respiratory issue all over the world. It has high morbidity and mortality in the United States. Bronchiectasis is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is under diagnosed as diagnostic tools like HRCT though easily available but an expensive test in developing countries like Pakistan. We aim to establish the frequency and patterns of bronchiectasis in patients of COPD. Aims and Objectives: To establish the frequency and pattern of bronchiectasis in COPD in our population so that we can improve patient care and quality of life of these patients. Place and duration of study: We did a cross sectional survey in Department of Pulmonology, Gulab Devi Hospital, Lahore. Study was completed from 1st September 2017 to 28th February 2018. Material & Methods: After taking an informed consent 150 already diagnosed COPD patients were included. Bronchiectasis was seen on high resolution CT scan (HRCT). Data was collected on a structured proforma and analyzed on SPSS version 20. Results: Bronchiectasis was observed in 76 (50.6%) patients of COPD while 74 patients had no bronchiectasis. Out of 76, cylindrical bronchiectasis was seen in 82%. Lower lobe and bilateral involvement was more common. Means of age, gender, exacerbations of COPD, and history of pulmonary tuberculosis were not related to bronchiectasis while pack years of smoking, duration of illness and Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) Dyspnea Scale were significantly related to bronchiectasis. Conclusion: This is observed that bronchiectasisis quite common (50.6%) in patients of COPD in our population.

scholarly journals Blood Aspergillus PCR: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Matthias Egger ◽  
Jeffrey D. Jenks ◽  
Martin Hoenigl ◽  
Juergen Prattes
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Potential Candidate ◽  
Diagnostic Quality ◽  
Invasive Fungal Diseases ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Additional Value

Invasive Aspergillosis (IA) is one of the most common invasive fungal diseases and is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality. In order to maximize patient outcomes and survival, early and rapid diagnosis has been shown to be pivotal. Hence, diagnostic tools aiding and improving the diagnostic process are ambitiously searched for. In this context, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may represent a potential candidate. Its additional value and benefits in diagnosis have been demonstrated and are scientifically established. Nevertheless, standardized and widespread usage is sparse because several factors influence diagnostic quality and need to be considered in order to optimize diagnostic performance and outcome. In the following review, the current role of PCR in the diagnosis of IA is explored, with special focus on the strengths and limitations of PCR in different settings.

INFLUENCE OF ASYMPTOMATIC PEOPLE ON MALARIA TRANSMISSION: A MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR A LOW-TRANSMISSION AREA CASE

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (01) ◽  
pp. 167-182
Author(s):  
IULIA MARTINA BULAI ◽  
STÉPHANIE DEPICKÈRE ◽  
VITOR HIRATA SANCHES
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Malaria Transmission ◽  
Equilibrium Points ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Low Transmission ◽  
Transmission Area ◽  
Using Data

Malaria remains a primary parasitic disease in the tropical world, generating high morbidity and mortality in human populations. Recently, community surveys showed a high proportion of asymptomatic cases, which are characterized by a low parasitemia and a lack of malaria symptoms. Until now, the asymptomatic population is not treated for malaria and thus remains infective for a long time. In this paper, we introduce a four-dimensional mathematical model to study the influence of asymptomatic people on malaria transmission in low-transmission areas, specifically using data from Brazil. The equilibrium points of the system are calculated, and their stability is analyzed. Via numerical simulations, more in-depth analyzes of the space of some crucial parameters on the asymptomatic population are done, such as the per capita recovery rates of symptomatic and asymptomatic people, the ratio of the density of mosquitoes to that of humans, the mortality rate of mosquitoes and the probability of undergoing asymptomatic infection upon an infectious mosquito bite. Our results indicate that the disease-free equilibrium is inside the stability region if asymptomatic people are treated and/or the ratio of the density of mosquitoes to that of humans is decreased and/or the mortality rate of mosquitoes is increased.

scholarly journals Diagnosis of leishmaniasis

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (08) ◽  
pp. 961-972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy ◽  
Antonio Sampedro Martinez ◽  
Javier Rodriguez-Granger ◽  
Yannick Hoyos-Mallecot ◽  
Ahamd Agil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Status ◽  
Serological Test ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Laboratory Methods ◽  
Current State ◽  
Visceral Infection ◽  
Genus Leishmania

Leishmaniasis is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome caused by intracellular protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania. The clinical spectrum of leishmaniasis encompasses subclinical ( not apparent), localized (skin lesion), and disseminated (cutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral) infection. This spectrum of manifestations depends on the immune status of the host, on the parasite, and on immunoinflammatory responses. Visceral leishmaniasis causes high morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Reliable laboratory methods become mandatory for accurate diagnosis, especially in immunocompromised patients such as those infected with HIV. In this article, we review the current state of the diagnostic tools for leishmaniasis, especially  the serological test.

scholarly journals Detecting Antibody-Labeled BCG MNPs Using a Magnetoresistive Biosensor and Magnetic Labeling Technique

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 ◽  
pp. 92-103
Author(s):  
Teresa R.G. Barroso ◽  
Verónica C. Martins ◽  
Filipe Cardoso ◽  
Susana Cardoso ◽  
Jorge Pedrosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Particles ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Spin Valve ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Fringe Field ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Magnetic Capture ◽  
And Control ◽  
Slow Growing

Tuberculosis is still a major global health concern, causing the estimated death of 1.5 million people per year and being associated with high morbidity. The development of point-of-care diagnostic tools for tuberculosis is mandatory, especially because the fast and accurate detection of the slow-growing Mycobacterium tuberculosis by the conventional diagnostic tests is difficult.The objective of this work was to develop the first steps to achieve a portable method for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, by a sandwich-immunoassay combined with magnetoresistive biochip technology.With the purpose of conjugating 250 nm streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles with anti- M.tuberculosis biotinylated antibodies, Mycobacteriumbovis Bacillus Calmette-Guérin was used as a surrogate for M. tuberculosis bacteria. After magnetic capture, target bacteria were brought in contact with the surface of the magnetoresistive biochip previously functionalized with a secondary anti-M. tuberculosis antibody. Magnetically labeled cells were detected by an array of spin-valve sensors, which change their electrical resistance in the presence of the fringe field of the magnetic particles. Optimization studies on the efficiency of the magnetic capture and further recognition of the bacteria by the secondary antibody on the biochip surface were conducted. The results on the magnetoresistive biochip showed a clear difference in the signal between specific and control (non-specific) sensors, suggesting the usefulness of this technique as a potential biorecognition tool for the development of a point-of-care diagnostic method for tuberculosis.

scholarly journals Cost-effectiveness Analysis of the Integrated Control Strategy for Schistosomiasis Japonica in Lake Region of China: a Jiangling Case Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ling-Ling Wu ◽  
He-Hua Hu ◽  
Xia Zhang ◽  
Xiao-Nong Zhou ◽  
Tie-Wu Jia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Effectiveness ◽  
Incremental Cost ◽  
Control Strategy ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
Morbidity Control ◽  
Transmission Interruption ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background: Under the condition of low epidemic level and limited funding, it is urgent to carry out health economic evaluation on the integrated schistosomiasis control strategy currently implemented in lake region in order to rationally allocate and utilize health resources and maximize benefits. The objective of this study is to provide reference for understanding the effectiveness of the integrated control strategy and adjusting prevention and control strategies or measures. Methods: The investment in schistosomiasis control and disability adjusted life years （DALYs）caused by schistosomiasis were calculated. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was conducted through calculating the incremental cost of every additional case averted, the incremental cost of every additional DALY averted through implementation of the integrated schistosomiasis control at different control stages in Jiangling County. Results: The total expenditure for schistosomiasis control in Jiangling County from 2009 to 2019 was 607 million Chinese yuan (CNY). The average annual costs for schistosomiasis prevention and control in stages of morbidity control (2009-2012), transmission control (2013-2016), and transmission interruption (2017-2019) were 41.98 million CNY，90.19 million CNY and 26.06 million CNY respectively. The overall disease burden caused by schistosomiasis presented a downward trend. Meanwhile, the disease burden of advanced cases showed an upward trend with the DALY increased from 943.72 to1031.59 person-years. Most disease burden occurred in the age group over 45 years old (especially the elderly over 60 years old). Taking the morbidity control stage as an analysis control, incremental cost-effectiveness analysis (ICEA) showed that the cost increased by 8505.5 CNY and decreased by 2217.6 CNY respectively to avert one additional case in transmission control stage and transmission interruption stage respectively in Jiangling County. Correspondingly, to avert one additional DALY, the cost increased by 73937.6 CNY and decreased by 21508.6 CNY respectively. Conclusions: As the epidemic declines, the integrated prevention and control strategy is more cost-effective. Surveillance and management on elder population should be strengthened to avert higher diseases burden.

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