scholarly journals Detection of diarrhoea associated rotavirus and co-infection with diarrhoeagenic pathogens in the Littoral region of Cameroon using ELISA, RT-PCR and Luminex xTAG GPP assays

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rahinatou N. Ghapoutsa ◽  
Maurice Boda ◽  
Rashi Gautam ◽  
Valantine Ngum Ndze ◽  
Akongnwi E. Mugyia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Demographic Data ◽  
Laboratory Diagnosis ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Littoral Region ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Despite the global roll-out of rotavirus vaccines (RotaTeq/Rotarix / ROTAVAC/Rotasiil), mortality and morbidity due to group A rotavirus (RVA) remains high in sub-Saharan Africa, causing 104,000 deaths and 600,000 hospitalizations yearly. In Cameroon, Rotarix™ was introduced in March 2014, but, routine laboratory diagnosis of rotavirus infection is not yet a common practice, and vaccine effectiveness studies to determine the impact of vaccine introduction have not been done. Thus, studies examining RVA prevalence post vaccine introduction are needed. The study aim was to determine RVA prevalence in severe diarrhoea cases in Littoral region, Cameroon and investigate the role of other diarrheagenic pathogens in RVA-positive cases. Methods We carried out a study among hospitalized children < 5 years of age, presenting with acute gastroenteritis in selected hospitals of the Littoral region of Cameroon, from May 2015 to April 2016. Diarrheic stool samples and socio-demographic data including immunization and breastfeeding status were collected from these participating children. Samples were screened by ELISA (ProSpecT™ Rotavirus) for detection of RVA antigen and by gel-based RT-PCR for detection of the VP6 gene. Co-infection was assessed by multiplexed molecular detection of diarrheal pathogens using the Luminex xTAG GPP assay. Results The ELISA assay detected RVA antigen in 54.6% (71/130) of specimens, with 45, positive by VP6 RT-PCR and 54, positive using Luminex xTAG GPP. Luminex GPP was able to detect all 45 VP6 RT-PCR positive samples. Co-infections were found in 63.0% (34/54) of Luminex positive RVA infections, with Shigella (35.3%; 12/34) and ETEC (29.4%; 10/34) detected frequently. Of the 71 ELISA positive RVA cases, 57.8% (41/71) were fully vaccinated, receiving two doses of Rotarix. Conclusion This study provides insight on RVA prevalence in Cameroon, which could be useful for post-vaccine epidemiological studies, highlights higher than expected RVA prevalence in vaccinated children hospitalized for diarrhoea and provides the trend of RVA co-infection with other enteric pathogens. RVA genotyping is needed to determine circulating rotavirus genotypes in Cameroon, including those causing disease in vaccinated children.

scholarly journals A comprehensive review of the healthy worker effect in occupational epidemiological studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 3394
Author(s):  
Fahad Saad Algarni
Keyword(s):  
Reference Group ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Healthy Worker Effect ◽  
Confounding Bias ◽  
Comparison Groups ◽  
Consequent Reduction ◽  
Reduction Of Mortality ◽  
The Impact

The reduction of mortality and morbidity rates among occupational cohort studies may be attributed to the presence of the healthy worker effect (HWE). Occupational epidemiologic studies investigating worker’s health are prone to the risk of having the HWE phenomenon and this special form of bias has been debated over the years. Hence, it’s imperative to explore in-depth the magnitude and sources of HWE, and further, elucidate the factors that may affect HWE and strategies reducing HWE. The HWE should be considered as a mixed bias between selection and confounding bias. The validity threats due to the HWE among morbidity studies are the same as the mortality studies. The consequent reduction due to the HWE in the association between the exposure and outcome may lead to underestimating some harmful exposures in the workplace or occupational settings. Healthy hire effect and healthy worker survivor effect are the main sources of HWE. Several factors can increase or decrease the probability of HWE; therefore, the investigators should consider them among future occupational epidemiological studies. Many strategies can help in reducing the impact of HWE, but each strategy has its weaknesses and strengths. Not all strategies can be applied among all occupational epidemiological studies. Mathematical procedures still need further investigations to be validated. HWE is a consequence of inappropriate comparison groups in nature. The usage of the general population as a reference group is not an appropriate choice. By considering the HWE sources and factors and using appropriate strategies, the impact of HWE may be reduced.

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of the Rotarix™ vaccine strain and G1P[8] rotaviruses detected before and after vaccine introduction in Belgium

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e2733 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Zeller ◽  
Elisabeth Heylen ◽  
Sana Tamim ◽  
John K. McAllen ◽  
Ewen F. Kirkness ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vaccine Strain ◽  
Amino Acid Level ◽  
Nsp2 Gene ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
Human Rotavirus ◽  
Genotype Constellation ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Universal Mass Vaccination

G1P[8] rotaviruses are responsible for the majority of human rotavirus infections worldwide. The effect of universal mass vaccination with rotavirus vaccines on circulating G1P[8] rotaviruses is still poorly understood. Therefore we analyzed the complete genomes of the Rotarix™ vaccine strain, and 70 G1P[8] rotaviruses, detected between 1999 and 2010 in Belgium (36 before and 34 after vaccine introduction) to investigate the impact of rotavirus vaccine introduction on circulating G1P[8] strains. All rotaviruses possessed a complete Wa-like genotype constellation, but frequent intra-genogroup reassortments were observed as well as multiple different cluster constellations circulating in a single season. In addition, identical cluster constellations were found to circulate persistently over multiple seasons. The Rotarix™ vaccine strain possessed a unique cluster constellation that was not present in currently circulating G1P[8] strains. At the nucleotide level, the VP6, VP2 and NSP2 gene segments of Rotarix™ were relatively distantly related to any Belgian G1P[8] strain, but other gene segments of Rotarix™ were found in clusters also containing circulating Belgian strains. At the amino acid level, the genetic distance between Rotarix™ and circulating Belgian strains was considerably lower, except for NSP1. When we compared the Belgian G1P[8] strains collected before and after vaccine introduction a reduction in the proportion of strains that were found in the same cluster as the Rotarix™ vaccine strain was observed for most gene segments. The reduction in the proportion of strains belonging to the same cluster may be the result of the vaccine introduction, although natural fluctuations cannot be ruled out.

scholarly journals Rotavirus disease burden pre-vaccine introduction in young children in Rural Southern Mozambique, an area of high HIV prevalence

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249714
Author(s):  
Sozinho Acácio ◽  
Tacilta Nhampossa ◽  
Llorenç Quintò ◽  
Delfino Vubil ◽  
Marcelino Garrine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Conditional Logistic Regression ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Severe Diarrhea ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
The Impact

Background Rotavirus vaccines have been adopted in African countries since 2009, including Mozambique (2015). Disease burden data are needed to evaluate the impact of rotavirus vaccine. We report the burden of rotavirus-associated diarrhea in Mozambique from the Global Enteric Multicenter Study (GEMS) before vaccine introduction. Methods A case-control study (GEMS), was conducted in Manhiça district, recruiting children aged 0–59 months with moderate-to-severe diarrhea (MSD) and less-severe-diarrhea (LSD) between December 2007 and November 2012; including 1–3 matched (age, sex and neighborhood) healthy community controls. Clinical and epidemiological data and stool samples (for laboratory investigation) were collected. Association of rotavirus with MSD or LSD was determined by conditional logistic regression and adjusted attributable fractions (AF) calculated, and risk factors for rotavirus diarrhea assessed. Results Overall 915 cases and 1,977 controls for MSD, and 431 cases and 430 controls for LSD were enrolled. Rotavirus positivity was 44% (217/495) for cases and 15% (160/1046) of controls, with AF = 34.9% (95% CI: 32.85–37.06) and adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 6.4 p< 0.0001 in infants with MSD compared to 30% (46/155) in cases and 14% (22/154) in controls yielding AF = 18.7%, (95% CI: 12.02–25.39) and aOR = 2.8, p = 0.0011 in infants with LSD. The proportion of children with rotavirus was 32% (21/66) among HIV-positive children and 23% (128/566) among HIV-negative ones for MSD. Presence of animals in the compound (OR = 1.9; p = 0.0151) and giving stored water to the child (OR = 2.0, p = 0.0483) were risk factors for MSD; while animals in the compound (OR = 2.37, p = 0.007); not having routine access to water on a daily basis (OR = 1.53, p = 0.015) and washing hands before cooking (OR = 1.76, p = 0.0197) were risk factors for LSD. Conclusion The implementation of vaccination against rotavirus may likely result in a significant reduction of rotavirus-associated diarrhea, suggesting the need for monitoring of vaccine impact.

scholarly journals Risk-based Vaccines and the Need for Risk-based Subnational Vaccination Strategies for Introduction

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S165-S171
Author(s):  
Farzana B Muhib ◽  
Clint J Pecenka ◽  
Anthony A Marfin
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
National Level ◽  
Vaccine Strategy ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
Childhood Vaccines

Abstract Background Most vaccines in the Expanded Program on Immunization are universal childhood vaccines (eg, measles and rotavirus vaccines). Other vaccines such as typhoid conjugate (TCV) and Japanese encephalitis vaccines are risk based and only used in countries where populations are at risk of these diseases. However, strategies to introduce risk-based vaccines are becoming complex due to increasing intracountry variability in disease incidence. There is a need to assess whether subnational vaccine strategies are appropriate. Criteria, challenges, and benefits Subnational strategies consider intracountry heterogeneous risk and prioritize vaccination only in those areas that are at risk; there is no intent to introduce the vaccine nationally. The following variables should be considered to determine appropriateness of subnational strategies: disease burden, outbreak potential, treatment availability and costs, cost-effectiveness, and availability of other preventive interventions. We propose criteria for each variable and use a hypothetical country considering TCV introduction to show how criteria are applied to determine if a subnational strategy is appropriate. Challenges include granularity of disease-burden data, political challenges of vaccinating only a portion of a population, and potentially higher costs of introduction. Benefits include targeted reduction of disease burden, increased equity for marginalized populations, and progress on development goals. Conclusions In the absence of perfect information at the national level, adopting a subnational vaccine strategy can provide country decision makers with an alternative to national vaccine introduction. Given the changing nature of communicable disease burden, subnational vaccination may be a tool to effectively avert mortality and morbidity while maximizing the use of available health and financial resources.

Suicide attempts and job insecurity: a complex association

1998 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 359-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Chastang ◽  
P Rioux ◽  
I Dupont ◽  
E Baranger ◽  
V Kovess ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Suicide Attempts ◽  
Job Insecurity ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Regular Employment ◽  
Job Instability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Social And Professional Integration ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryObjective:Since Durkheim, epidemiological studies have revealed a significant, complex association between unemployment and suicidal behaviour. The aim of this study was to analyse the relationship between parasuicide and job instability, including unemployment, French social measures against unemployment and occasional work.Method:Demographic data, personal and familial characteristics were collected in 541 suicide attempters.Results:Seventy-seven per cent were socially active, with 61.5% in regular employment, and 38.5% in precarious employment. The female-to-male ratio approached 2 in the securely employed sample, and fell to 1 for those with poor social and professional integration. Depression, parasuicide, and alcohol abuse were more common in the families of repeaters in secure employment. The impact of the familial psychiatric background was no longer significant in the job insecurity group. Fostering in childhood was a risk factor for repeat suicidal behaviour in the group with job insecurity.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the Burden of HPV-Related Hospitalizations as a Useful Tool to Increase Awareness: 2007–2017 Data from the Sicilian Hospital Discharge Records

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Restivo ◽  
Claudio Costantino ◽  
Livia Amato ◽  
Stefania Candiloro ◽  
Alessandra Casuccio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Age Classes ◽  
Annual Percent Change ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Hospital Discharge Records ◽  
The Impact

In light of the implementation of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevention strategies, epidemiological studies in different geographical areas are required in order to assess the impact of HPV-related diseases. The purpose of the present study was to describe the burden of HPV-related hospitalizations in Sicily. A retrospective observational study estimated 43,531 hospitalizations attributable to HPV from 2007 to 2017. During the observed period, there was a decrease for all HPV-related conditions with a higher reduction, among neoplasms, for cervical cancer (annual percent change (APC) = −9.9%, p < 0.001). The median age for cervical cancer was 45 years old, with an increasing value from 43 to 47 years (p < 0.001). The age classes with greater decreases in hospital admissions for invasive cancers were women aged 35 years or more (APC range from −5.5 to −9.86) and 25–34 years old (APC = −11.87, p < 0.001) for women with cervical carcinoma in situ. After ten years for vaccine introduction and sixteen years for cervical cancer screening availability, a relatively large decrease in hospital admissions for cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases in Sicily was observed. Some clinical characteristics of hospitalization, such as increasing age, are suggestive clues for the impact of preventive strategies, but further research is needed to confirm this relationship.

scholarly journals The paediatric burden of rotavirus disease in Europe

2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 908-916 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccination ◽  
Medical Visits ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
Median Proportion ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
The Impact

Rotaviruses are a major cause of hospitalizations for acute gastroenteritis in developed countries. This review shows the burden of rotavirus disease in <5-year-old children in Europe. An estimated 72000–77000 hospitalizations for community-acquired rotavirus disease occur annually in the 23 million under-fives living in the European Union (EU-25), with a median cost of €1417 per case. Annual hospitalization incidence rates range from 0·3 to 11·9/1000 children <5 years old (median 3/1000). The median proportion of hospital-acquired rotavirus disease among all cases of hospitalization for rotavirus disease is estimated to be 21%. Countries of the EU-25 require information on the burden of rotavirus disease to support introduction of rotavirus vaccines. Data on cases treated at home, medical visits, and emergency wards as well as rotavirus-associated deaths are limited. To fully evaluate the impact and effectiveness of rotavirus vaccination programmes in Europe, additional epidemiological studies will be critical and desirable.

scholarly journals Whole-Genome Analyses Identifies Multiple Reassortant Rotavirus Strains in Rwanda Post-Vaccine Introduction

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 95
Author(s):  
Sebotsana Rasebotsa ◽  
Jeannine Uwimana ◽  
Milton T. Mogotsi ◽  
Kebareng Rakau ◽  
Nonkululeko B. Magagula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Genome Analysis ◽  
Evolutionary Dynamics ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Whole Genome ◽  
Whole Genome Analysis ◽  
Evolutionary Mechanisms ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Rotavirus Vaccines ◽  
The Impact

Children in low-and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, experience a greater burden of rotavirus disease relative to developed countries. Evolutionary mechanisms leading to multiple reassortant rotavirus strains have been documented over time which influence the diversity and evolutionary dynamics of novel rotaviruses. Comprehensive rotavirus whole-genome analysis was conducted on 158 rotavirus group A (RVA) samples collected pre- and post-vaccine introduction in children less than five years in Rwanda. Of these RVA positive samples, five strains with the genotype constellations G4P[4]-I1-R2-C2-M2-A2-N2-T1-E1-H2 (n = 1), G9P[4]-I1-R2-C2-M2-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 (n = 1), G12P[8]-I1-R2-C2-M1-A1-N2-T1-E2-H3 (n = 2) and G12P[8]-I1-R1-C1-M1-A2-N2-T2-E1-H1 (n = 1), with double and triple gene reassortant rotavirus strains were identified. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between the Rwandan strains and cognate human RVA strains as well as the RotaTeq® vaccine strains in the VP1, VP2, NSP2, NSP4 and NSP5 gene segments. Pairwise analyses revealed multiple differences in amino acid residues of the VP7 and VP4 antigenic regions of the RotaTeq® vaccine strain and representative Rwandan study strains. Although the impact of such amino acid changes on the effectiveness of rotavirus vaccines has not been fully explored, this analysis underlines the potential of rotavirus whole-genome analysis by enhancing knowledge and understanding of intergenogroup reassortant strains circulating in Rwanda post vaccine introduction.

Conflicts in Biafra, Katanga and Cabinda as a result of the geopolitical legacy of colonialism

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 (10-3) ◽  
pp. 238-246
Author(s):  
Olga Dzhenchakova
Keyword(s):  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Economic Factor ◽  
Colonial Period ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Post Colonial ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Republic ◽  
The Impact

The article considers the impact of the colonial past of some countries in sub-Saharan Africa and its effect on their development during the post-colonial period. The negative consequences of the geopolitical legacy of colonialism are shown on the example of three countries: Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Angola, expressed in the emergence of conflicts in these countries based on ethno-cultural, religious and socio-economic contradictions. At the same time, the focus is made on the economic factor and the consequences of the consumer policy of the former metropolises pursuing their mercantile interests were mixed.

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