scholarly journals An outbreak report of the two autochthonous cases of airport malaria in Belgium in 2020

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim Van Bortel ◽  
Bea Van den Poel ◽  
Greet Hermans ◽  
Marleen Vanden Driessche ◽  
David Lerouge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Identical By Descent ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Missed Diagnosis ◽  
The Military ◽  
Complications And Mortality

We report an outbreak investigation of two fatal cases of autochthonous Plasmodium falciparum that occurred in Belgium in September 2020. Various hypotheses of potential source of infection were investigated. Based on the collected information, the most likely route of transmission was through an infectious exotic Anopheles mosquito that arrived via the international airport of Brussels or the Military airport Melsbroek and infected the cases who lived at five kilometres from the airports. Based on a genomic analysis of the parasites collected from the two cases, the most likely origin of the Plasmodium was Gabon or Cameroon. Further, the parasites collected from the two Belgian patients were identical-by-descent, which supports the assumption that the two infections originated from the bite of the same mosquito, during an interrupted feeding. Despite these cases, airport malaria remains a rare event. Yet, it has significant implications, particularly for the patient, as delayed or missed diagnosis of the cause of illness often results in high rates of complications and mortality. Therefore, to prevent such severe or fatal outcomes, a number of public health actions are suggested including increased awareness among health practitioners especially those working in the vicinity of airports and increased surveillance of exotic mosquito species at airports.

scholarly journals Yellow Fever Outbreak in Eastern Senegal, 2020–2021

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 1475
Author(s):  
Moussa Moïse Diagne ◽  
Marie Henriette Dior Ndione ◽  
Alioune Gaye ◽  
Mamadou Aliou Barry ◽  
Diawo Diallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Fever ◽  
Yellow Fever Virus ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Hemorrhagic Fever ◽  
Fever Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Ministry Of Health

Yellow fever virus remains a major threat in low resource countries in South America and Africa despite the existence of an effective vaccine. In Senegal and particularly in the eastern part of the country, periodic sylvatic circulation has been demonstrated with varying degrees of impact on populations in perpetual renewal. We report an outbreak that occurred from October 2020 to February 2021 in eastern Senegal, notified and managed through the synergistic effort yellow fever national surveillance implemented by the Senegalese Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the countrywide 4S network set up by the Ministry of Health, the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, and the surveillance of arboviruses and hemorrhagic fever viruses in human and vector populations implemented since mid 2020 in eastern Senegal. Virological analyses highlighted the implication of sylvatic mosquito species in virus transmission. Genomic analysis showed a close relationship between the circulating strain in eastern Senegal, 2020, and another one from the West African lineage previously detected and sequenced two years ago from an unvaccinated Dutch traveler who visited the Gambia and Senegal before developing signs after returning to Europe. Moreover, genome analysis identified a 6-nucleotide deletion in the variable domain of the 3′UTR with potential impact on the biology of the viral strain that merits further investigations. Integrated surveillance of yellow fever virus but also of other arboviruses of public health interest is crucial in an ecosystem such as eastern Senegal.

scholarly journals The Neglect and Fast Spread of Some Arboviruses: A Note for Healthcare Providers in Nigeria

Diseases ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 99
Author(s):  
Olatunji Kolawole ◽  
Adebimpe Seriki ◽  
Ahmad Irekeola ◽  
Jeremiah Ogah
Keyword(s):  
Rift Valley Fever ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
Health Burden ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Health Practitioners ◽  
Missed Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Health ◽  
Diagnosis Of Diseases

Arboviruses are distributed worldwide and constitute significant health burden globally. Outbreaks of arboviruses have been reported in Africa and beyond. In Nigeria, like in many other countries, arbovirus infections are more often than not neglected. As the early clinical features of arbovirus infections are generally nonspecific, most healthcare providers mistake them for other diseases. Outbreaks have been reported in Africa and beyond. The consequence of missed diagnosis of diseases cannot be overstated. In this review, some epidemiological data, classical syndromes, and risk factors for five human arboviruses (yellow fever YF, dengue DENV, chikungunya CHIKV, Rift Valley fever RVF, and West Nile virus WNV) found in Nigeria are presented. Health practitioners should ensure in-depth analysis rather than a superficial diagnosis of diseases before declaring a course of treatment.

scholarly journals A Bayesian implementation of the multispecies coalescent model with introgression for comparative genomic analysis

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Flouris ◽  
Xiyun Jiao ◽  
Bruce Rannala ◽  
Ziheng Yang
Keyword(s):  
Gene Flow ◽  
Genomic Sequence ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Incomplete Lineage Sorting ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Genomic Analysis ◽  
Comparative Genomic ◽  
Lineage Sorting ◽  
Multispecies Coalescent ◽  
Important Means

AbstractRecent analyses suggest that cross-species gene flow or introgression is common in nature, especially during species divergences. Genomic sequence data can be used to infer introgression events and to estimate the timing and intensity of introgression, providing an important means to advance our understanding of the role of gene flow in speciation. Here we implement the multispecies-coalescent-with-introgression (MSci) model, an extension of the multispecies-coalescent (MSC) model to incorporate introgression, in our Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) program BPP. The MSci model accommodates deep coalescence (or incomplete lineage sorting) and introgression and provides a natural framework for inference using genomic sequence data. Computer simulation confirms the good statistical properties of the method, although hundreds or thousands of loci are typically needed to estimate introgression probabilities reliably. Re-analysis of datasets from the purple cone spruce confirms the hypothesis of homoploid hybrid speciation. We estimated the introgression probability using the genomic sequence data from six mosquito species in the Anopheles gambiae species complex, which varies considerably across the genome, likely driven by differential selection against introgressed alleles.

scholarly journals MERITS AND REMUNERATION OF EMPLOYEES OF REGIONAL AND CITY DIVISIONS OF NKGB-MSS IN THE TERNOPIL REGION, 1945-1948

2020 ◽  
pp. 70-79
Author(s):  
R. Pyrozhyshyn
Keyword(s):  
Main Type ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Historical Sources ◽  
Military Operation ◽  
Security Officers ◽  
Lump Sum ◽  
The Family ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Security Agent ◽  
The Military

The author of the article investigates the merits and remuneration of employees of the regional and city depatments of the NKGB-MSS in the Ternopil region in the 1945-1948 on the basis of a considerable circle of historical sources and monographs. The author identifies the main type of remuneration for NKGB-MSS employees - gratitude announcement. The author of the article indicates the main type of remuneration for NKGB-MSS employees - the announcement of gratitude, and the main merit was the successful participation in the chekist-military operation. It was considered successful if it resulted in the killing or detention of a person or a group of people involved in a particular case. Often during such operations, various trophies were taken, such as assault rifles, guns, pistols, machine guns, grenades and ammunition. However, internal documentation of the OUN or UPA was of the greatest operational value, since the documents served as the basis for the development of new operational cases. The author notes that NKGB-MSS security officers, their families, and agents received compensation. To substantiate this thesis, the author provides two examples. After the death of a security official, the family of the deceased received a lump sum compensation of 3,000 rubles. A security agent received 2,000 rubles for the reconstruction of the house and manor buildings because during the chekist-military operation, the rebels hid in her house and set it on fire, and not only the house but also the manor buildings. The author allocates arms and money as a reward to separate unit. The author emphasizes the receipt of the prize weapon for two reasons: firstly, as a rare event, and secondly, as irresponsible act of the state security officers, since the TT combat weapon was presented to a minor schoolboy who had joined the military unit. The author of the article emphasizes that most of the cash prize was received only by fighters of fighter battalions, recruited agents and cadets of militant squadron. They earned cash prizes for successfully conducted chekist-military operations.The author of the article also notes the amount of cash prizes was from 250 to 500 rubles. The amount of remuneration often varied depending on the rank and significance of each individual operation.

scholarly journals Molecular Epidemiology of an Outbreak of Fulminant Hepatitis B

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 2975-2981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Petrosillo ◽  
Giuseppe Ippolito ◽  
Laura Solforosi ◽  
Pietro E. Varaldo ◽  
Massimo Clementi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Fulminant Hepatitis ◽  
Core Promoter ◽  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Nucleotide Substitutions ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Precore Region ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Hbsag Positive Patient

A nosocomial outbreak of hepatitis B occurred among the inpatients of a hematology unit. Nine of the 11 infected patients died from fulminant hepatitis. An investigation was conducted to identify the source of infection and the route of transmission. Two clusters of nosocomial hepatitis B were identified. The hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome from serum samples of all case patients, of one HBsAg-positive patient with acute reactivation of the infection, and of eight acutely infected, unrelated cases was identified by PCR amplification of viral DNA and was entirely sequenced. Transmission was probably associated with breaks in infection control practices, which occurred as single events from common sources or through a patient-to-patient route, likely the result of shared medications or supplies. Sequence analysis evidenced close homology among the strains from the case patients and that from the patient with reactivation, who was the likely source of infection. Molecular analysis of viral isolates evidenced an accumulation of mutations in the core promoter/precore region, as well as several nucleotide substitutions throughout the genome. The sequences of all patients were compared with published sequences from fulminant and nonfulminant HBV infections.

An outbreak of hepatitis A in Roma populations living in three prefectures in Greece

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (7) ◽  
pp. 1025-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. VANTARAKIS ◽  
A. NEARXOU ◽  
D. PAGONIDIS ◽  
F. MELEGOS ◽  
J. SERETIDIS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Hepatitis A Virus ◽  
Acute Disease ◽  
Common Source ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Sanitary Conditions ◽  
Epidemiological Information

SUMMARYAn outbreak of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection affected Roma populations living in three prefectures of northeastern Greece. Between July and November 2007, 124 cases were reported. We carried out investigations to characterize the pathogen, to identify the source of infection and the route of transmission. Using the RT–PCR technique, HAV strains of the same genotype were detected in all sera from a subset of patients with acute disease. These showed more than 99·8% identity, suggesting a common source. A questionnaire was also completed to collect clinical and epidemiological information. The outbreak affected mainly Roma children aged <10 years. An inspection of Roma settlements showed that poor sanitary conditions were associated with the HAV outbreak.

scholarly journals Exposure to Leptospira spp. and Associated Risk Factors in the Human, Cattle and Dog Populations in Bhutan

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 308
Author(s):  
Anou Dreyfus ◽  
Marie-Thérèse Ruf ◽  
Anne Mayer-Scholl ◽  
Theresa Zitzl ◽  
Nadine Loosli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bacterial Disease ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Leptospira Spp ◽  
Associated Risk Factors ◽  
The Military

Leptospirosis is a neglected worldwide zoonotic bacterial disease with a high prevalence in subtropical and tropical countries. The prevalence of Leptospira spp. in humans, cattle and dogs is unknown in Bhutan. Therefore, we sought to find out whether humans, cattle or dogs had been infected in the past with leptospires by measuring antibodies in the serum. We therefore collected blood from 864 humans ≥13 years of age, 130 bovines and 84 dogs from different rural and urban areas in Bhutan and tested the serum for antibodies specific for leptospires with a screening of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and a confirmatory microscopic agglutination test (MAT). In humans, 17.6% were seropositive by ELISA and 1.6% by MAT. The seropositivity was stronger in bovines (36.9%) and dogs (47.6%). “Having had a fever recently” (OR 5.2, p = 0.004), “working for the military” (OR 26.6, p = 0.028) and “being unemployed” (OR 12.9, p = 0.041) (reference category = housemaker) were statistically significantly associated with seropositivity when controlled for the effects of other risk factors. However, due to the small number of positive test results, the findings on risk factors should be interpreted with caution. Based on the serogroups found in the three species, dogs could be a source of infection for humans, or dogs and humans are exposed to the same environmental risk factors Clinical leptospirosis in humans and domestic animals should be investigated by testing blood and urine for the presence of leptospires by molecular methods (qPCR).

scholarly journals Solitary Cysticercosis of Temporalis Muscle: A Rare and Challenging Diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sweta Singh ◽  
Uday Shanker Singh
Keyword(s):  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Rare Event ◽  
Interesting Case ◽  
Leafy Vegetables ◽  
Stool Examination ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Temporalis Muscle ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Route Of Transmission

Taeniasis is an endemic parasitic infection of developing countries, including India. It is caused by pork (Taenia solium), beef (Taenia saginata), and Asian (Taenia asiatica) tapeworms and the route of transmission is faeco-oral. It usually occurs due to ingestion of uncooked green leafy vegetables, undercooked meat or unsafe drinking water contaminated with faeces. The mode of presentation can be severe in the form of Neurocysticercosis (brain) or Solitary Muscular Cysticercosis. Neurocysticercosis can prove to be fatal and life-threatening condition in the form of seizures and focal neurological signs. Diagnosis of cysticercosis is usually based on direct stool examination for eggs on three consecutive days or proglottids of the tapeworm, serological tests such as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and radiological imaging for confirmation. Here, a rare and very interesting case of cysticercosis was reported in temporalis muscle in a young female. The patient presented with only a solitary swelling in preauricular region. Both radiological and microbiological investigations played a very vital role in the diagnosis and the patient was finally diagnosed as a case of muscular cysticercosis. She was started on conservative treatment with albendazole and steroids for two weeks. Repeat radiological scans showed improvement in her swelling and complete resolution in about a month. Cysticercosis of temporalis muscle is in itself a very rare event and there are only a few reported cases in literature. The present case was also unique in terms of localisation of the cyst as it was inside the superficial fibers and fascia of the muscle and not intramuscularly.

scholarly journals Enlightenments of asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-114
Author(s):  
Jingbo Wang ◽  
Leishi Wang ◽  
Luping Li ◽  
Jiao Xu ◽  
Chun Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Lymphocyte Count ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
The Other ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Medical Observation ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Lung Ct

AbstractThis article reports two asymptomatic cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both cases came from Hubei Province. One was a 63-year-old male and the other was a 29-year-old female. Both were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the screening of high-risk personnel from the affected areas. During the 14-day isolation medical observation, they had no symptoms, their blood lymphocyte count and lung CT examinations were normal. An asymptomatic infection had been diagnosed, however, it was not “asymptomatic infection” state in incubation period. Due to the timely and effective isolation measures taken for the two cases, no other persons have been infected by them. Therefore, effective control of the source of infection, cutting off the route of transmission, and protecting vulnerable populations are currently effective measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus infected disease.

scholarly journals Are Dental Students Aware of and Knowledgeable about COVID-19? A Questionnaire-based Investigation

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 623-630
Author(s):  
Francesco Bennardo ◽  
Caterina Buffone ◽  
Leonzio Fortunato ◽  
Amerigo Giudice
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Dental Students ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Source Of Infection ◽  
Magna Graecia ◽  
Route Of Transmission ◽  
Global Concern ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Essential Knowledge

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major global concern. Objective:This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of dental students toward COVID-19 in a context of a health emergency. Methods:A questionnaire-based survey was drawn up in an online form, to investigate knowledge and awareness level about COVID-19 among dental students at Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy. The questionnaire contained socio-demographic questions and 12 questions about definition, contagiousness, symptoms, incubation, source of infection, routes of transmission, treatment and infection control practices related to COVID-19. Results:72 dental students responded to the questionnaire-based survey. The participants had 87.6% of the essential knowledge about COVID-19 and 56.9% of the participants had also already heard about similar respiratory diseases. However, only 50% of the responders perceived a greater risk of contagion for dentists than other health professionals. Conclusion: Italian dental students had a good level of awareness of COVID-19. The most positive attitude of participants was toward the period of incubation, route of transmission and treatment. The COVID-19 outbreak reminded us the importance of knowledge on cross-infection control. It is essential to further sensitize future dentists to not underestimate the risk of exposure to the virus in dentistry.

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