Bites by the noble false widow spider Steatoda nobilis can induce Latrodectus-like symptoms and vector-borne bacterial infections with implications for public health: a case series

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
John P. Dunbar ◽  
Aiste Vitkauskaite ◽  
Derek T. O’Keeffe ◽  
Antoine Fort ◽  
Ronan Sulpice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Widow Spider

Epidemiology of pediatric hydrocephalus in Haiti: analysis of a surgical case series

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 568-576
Author(s):  
Michael Ragheb ◽  
Ashish H. Shah ◽  
Sarah Jernigan ◽  
Tulay Koru-Sengul ◽  
John Ragheb
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Head Circumference ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽  
Surgical Case ◽  
Operative Notes

OBJECTIVEHydrocephalus is recognized as a common disabling pediatric disease afflicting infants and children disproportionately in the developing world, where access to neurosurgical care is limited and risk of perinatal infection is high. This surgical case series describes the Project Medishare Hydrocephalus Specialty Surgery (PMHSS) program experience treating hydrocephalus in Haiti between 2008 and 2015.METHODSThe authors conducted a retrospective review of all cases involving children treated for hydrocephalus within the PMHSS program in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, from 2008 through 2015. All relevant epidemiological information of children treated were prospectively collected including relevant demographics, birth history, hydrocephalus etiology, head circumference, and operative notes. All appropriate associations and statistical tests were performed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTSAmong the 401 children treated within PMHSS, postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) accounted for 39.4% (n = 158) of cases based on clinical, radiographic, and endoscopic findings. The majority of children with hydrocephalus in Haiti were male (54.8%, n = 197), born in the rainy season (59.7%, n = 233), and born in a coastal/inland location (43.3%, n = 61). The most common surgical intervention was endoscopic third ventriculostomy with choroid plexus cauterization (ETV/CPC) (45.7%, n = 175). Multivariate logistic regression analysis yielded coastal birth location (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.16–12.18) as a statistically significant predictor of PIH. Increasing head circumference (adjusted OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.99–1.13) demonstrated a slight trend toward significance with the incidence of PIH.CONCLUSIONSThis information will provide the foundation for future clinical and public health studies to better understand hydrocephalus in Haiti. The 39.4% prevalence of PIH falls within observed rates in Africa as does the apparently higher prevalence for those born during the rainy season. Although PIH was the most frequent etiology seen in almost all birth locations, the potential relationship with geography noted in this series will be the focus of further research in an effort to understand the link between climate and PIH in Haiti. The ultimate goal will be to develop an appropriate public health strategy to reduce the burden of PIH on the children of Haiti.

scholarly journals Vector-Borne Pathogens with Veterinary and Public Health Significance in Melophagus ovinus (Sheep Ked) from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 249
Author(s):  
Qing-Xun Zhang ◽  
Ye Wang ◽  
Ying Li ◽  
Shu-Yi Han ◽  
Bo Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Molecular Characterization ◽  
Tibet Plateau ◽  
Border Disease Virus ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Melophagus Ovinus ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Qinghai Tibet Plateau

Melophagus ovinus (sheep ked) is a hematophagous ectoparasite that mainly parasitizes sheep. In addition to causing inflammation, wool loss, and skin damage to the animal hosts, M. ovinus also serves as a vector for a variety of pathogens and is highly likely to participate in the life and transmission cycle of pathogenic organisms. Herein, we investigated the presence and molecular characterization of vector-borne pathogens in M. ovinus from Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China. A total of 92 M. ovinus pools collected from the Qinghai province of China were screened for the presence of selected vector-borne pathogens. The overall positive rate of A. ovis, A. bovis, A. phagocytophilum, and T. ovis in M. ovinus was 39.1%, 17.4%, 9.8%, and 89.1%, respectively. All of the samples were negative for Border disease virus (BDV), other Anaplasma species, Babesia spp., Rickettsia spp., and Borrelia spp. Co-infection of different Anaplasma species and T. ovis occurred in 51.2% of all samples with T. ovis. The positive rates of A. ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum in different regions and altitudes of the sampling sites were significantly different. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of target genes confirmed their identity with corresponding pathogens. Our results elucidate the occurrence and molecular characterization of Anaplasma spp. and Theileria spp. in M. ovinus, which could act as potential zoonotic reservoirs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum DNA in M. ovinus. This study gives the first extensive molecular survey of vector-borne pathogens with veterinary and public health significance in M. ovinus from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China.

scholarly journals Prevalence assessment of ectoparasitic arthropods among commonly consumed wildlife in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingsley Uchenna Ozioko ◽  
Chris Ikem Okoye ◽  
Patience Obiageli Ubachukwu ◽  
Raymond Awudu Agbu ◽  
Bede Izuchukwu Ezewudo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Wild Game ◽  
Wildlife Reservoirs ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Ixodes Holocyclus ◽  
Public Health Significance ◽  
Physical Examinations ◽  
Health Significance ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Background Wildlife reservoirs not only act as a source of infection for vectors but also serve as hosts for the vectors themselves, supporting their populations. Their public health significance in developing countries is of growing importance as a result of zoonotic and enzootic diseases associated with the pathogens they transmit. Therefore, a study was carried out to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of wild game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria. Physical examinations were carried out on 143 wildlife, and laboratory identification was employed on the ectoparasites. The collected ectoparasites were identified in the laboratory using literature and with the help of a taxonomist. Results Out of the 143 game examined, 114 was infected with at least one parasite representing about 98.6% of an infestation. Among the parasites identified, Amblyomma spp. showed the highest prevalence of 24.5% at 95% confidential intervals of CI (1.45–3.19)–24.5% (p ≤ 0.05). No difference was observed in the prevalence of the ectoparasites according to sex, except for Ixodes holocyclus. Similarly, no difference was observed in prevalence with reference to age except for Rhipicephalus spp. and Polyplax spinulosa which showed differences. Conclusions The present study provides basic data about the most prevalent ectoparasitic arthropod among game in Nsukka, southeast Nigeria, which requires an evaluation of its zoonotic control measures. This work can elicit the risk of possible transmission of some zoonotic and enzootic diseases via game. Improving awareness among local people and bushmeat dealers about the risk of contracting a vector-borne disease through wildlife is crucial.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH INCREASING THE BACTERIAL CAUSING INFECTIOUS DISEASES PERFORMED BY EXPERIMENT: VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES INSECTS, TAIF, KSA

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (5) ◽  
pp. 42-53
Author(s):  
Sherifa Mostafa M. Sabra ◽  
Samar Ahamed
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Global Warming ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
The Public ◽  
Colony Forming Unit ◽  
Tapinoma Sessile ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
The Mean ◽  
The Impact

The search conducted on "The impact of global warming (GW) on the public health (PH) increasing the bacterial causing infectious diseases (IDs) performed by experiment: Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) insects, Taif, KSA", the experiment used ants (Taif Tapinoma sessile), prepared, arranged appropriate nests and adjusted the temperature at (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 45°C), for a week of each zone. It revealed the behaviour as (normal, semi-normal and ab-normal), the mean of mortality rates were between (0-53.3%). The bacterial contents measured by the turbidity indicated the presence of multiplication, were between (0.109-0.328). The bacterial growth degrees by sings were between (+ - +++++) and percent between (12-100%). Colony Forming Unit/ml (CFU/ml) confined between (1.8X102-15.0X102)/mL. Through this experiment it turned out the GW had a significant role on the PH, helped the proliferation of bacterial pathogens that caused IDS. The conclusion wiped from the experiment that the extent degrees of GW disadvantages on the PH. The PH workers must take the "Preventive Health Prophylaxis Measures" (PHPMs) to protect the individuals from IDs by eliminating the VBDs of various types, monitoring the immunological situation of individuals, provided the vaccinations of IDs and preparing for complete PHPMs against any changes in the PH.

scholarly journals Zika virus: A newly emergent vector-borne public health threat in the Americas

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sujit Pujhari ◽  
Jason L. Rasgon
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Birth Defects ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Focused Attention ◽  
New Disease ◽  
Conspiracy Theories ◽  
Transmission Cycle ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Vector Borne

Zika virus is a newly emergent mosquito-borne flavivirus. Once almost ignored epidemiologically, recent major outbreaks and links to neurological birth defects have focused attention on this neglected pathogen. We review the discovery, biology and symptomatology of Zika virus, what is known and not known about the mosquitoes that transmit the virus, conspiracy theories currently hampering control efforts, and potential avenues of Zika control. It is likely that Zika virus is here to stay in the Americas, so a thorough understanding of the complete epidemiological transmission cycle and potential effects on the human population will be critical for managing this new disease in the coming years.

scholarly journals Concern and Attitudes Toward Zika Virus in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Gregory Black ◽  
Eric Hasenkamp ◽  
Nicholas Johnson ◽  
Rosanna Ianiro ◽  
Ricardo Izurieta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Education ◽  
Dominican Republic ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Medical Provider ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Contraception Use ◽  
Vector Borne

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: The Zika virus, a member of the flavivirus genus, is an emerging threat to many tropical regions of the world. This study was designed to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes and concern in regards to the Zika virus in the community of Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, with the hopes of guiding future efforts toward public education and prevention of future public health threats. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in the rural communities of Jarabacoa during October 2016 and October 2017. Individuals completed a 14-point survey evaluating: level of concern towards Zika (1=no concern, 3=neutral, 5=extremely concerned), knowledge level of the disease, use of personal protection against the virus, how people initially heard about the disease and contraception use. RESULTS: Overall, women were more concerned than men about contracting the virus (p<.001, CI -2.510, -0.826). Of the respondents (N=138), 66% learned about Zika from the TV/news and 24.6% from their medical provider. 5% knew Zika was contracted from blood and 2% from pregnancy, and only 17% of respondents knew that it was contracted through sex. For protection from Zika, only 8% used condoms. Of the women trying to get pregnant, none knew Zika could be transmitted through sex. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that women were more concerned about the Zika virus than men and that knowledge about the virus was limited. In general, people are protecting themselves against vector borne transmission but not non-vector borne modes of transmission such as sexual intercourse. Also, public health education is lacking. Further studies are needed with more male participants, focus on contraception and social media’s effect on public health education.

Bacterial infections following non-ablative fractional laser treatment: A case series and discussion

2015 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Y. Xu ◽  
Suzanne L. Kilmer ◽  
E. Victor Ross ◽  
Mathew M. Avram
Keyword(s):  
Laser Treatment ◽  
Bacterial Infections ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Fractional Laser ◽  
Ablative Fractional Laser

Effects of climate change on the spread of zika virus: a public health threat

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hina Asad ◽  
David O. Carpenter
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Climate Change ◽  
South America ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Human Disease ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Health Concerns ◽  
Public Health Threat ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Zika is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted to humans primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The increased climate instability has contributed to the emergence of infections carried by mosquitoes like dengue, chikungunya and zika. While infection with the zika virus is not new, the recent epidemic of microcephaly in Brazil and other countries in South America resulting from the infection of pregnant women with the zika virus raise a number of serious public health concerns. These include the question of how climate change affects the range of zika vectors, what can we do to shorten the length of mosquito season, how and why the symptoms of zika infection have changed and what can be done to reduce the burden of human disease from this infection? Another important question that needs to be answered is what are the factors that caused the zika virus to leave the non-human primates and/or other mammals and invade the human population?

A look at photodynamic inactivation as a tool for pests and vector-borne diseases control

2022 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 025601
Author(s):  
Alessandra R Lima ◽  
Lucas D Dias ◽  
Matheus Garbuio ◽  
Natalia M Inada ◽  
Vanderlei S Bagnato
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reactive Oxidative Species ◽  
Photodynamic Inactivation ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Vector Borne Diseases ◽  
Control Techniques ◽  
The Past ◽  
Vector Borne ◽  
Oxidative Species

Abstract The control of pests and vector-borne diseases (VDBs) are considered public health issues Worldwide. Among the control techniques and pesticides used so far, photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has been shown as an eco-friendly, low cost, and efficient approach to eliminate pests and VDBs. PDI is characterized using a photosensitizing molecule, light and molecular oxygen (O2) resulting in production of reactive oxidative species which can promote the oxidation of biomolecules on pests and vectors. Herein, we review the past 51 years (1970–2021) regarding the use of photo pesticides, reporting the most important parameters for the protocol applied, the results obtained, and limitations. Moreover, we described the mechanism of action of the PDI, main classes of photopesticides used so far as well as the cell death mechanism resulting from the photodynamic action.

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