scholarly journals Neglected malaria parasites in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha, India: implications in elimination programme

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhusmita Bal ◽  
Ramakanta Rana ◽  
Arundhuti Das ◽  
Hemant Kumar Khuntia ◽  
Nilam Somalkar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Rapid Decline ◽  
Plasmodium Ovale ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ghat ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Elimination Programme ◽  
Plateau Central ◽  
Blood Specimens

Abstract Background Information on the foci of Plasmodium species infections is essential for any country heading towards elimination. Odisha, one of the malaria-endemic states of India is targeting elimination of malaria by 2030. To support decision-making regarding targeted intervention, the distribution of Plasmodium species infections was investigated in hard-to-reach areas where a special malaria elimination drive, namely Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) began in 2017. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2228 households during July to November 2019 in six districts, to evaluate the occurrence of Plasmodium species. The species were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing, in case of Plasmodium ovale. Results Of the 3557 blood specimens tested, malaria infection was detected in 282 (7.8%) specimens by PCR. Of the total positive samples, 14.1% were P. ovale spp. and 10.3% were Plasmodium malariae infections. The majority of P. ovale spp. (75.8%) infections were mixed with either Plasmodium falciparum and/or Plasmodium vivax and found to be distributed in three geophysical regions (Northern-plateau, Central Tableland and Eastern Ghat) of the State, while P. malariae has been found in Northern-plateau and Eastern Ghat regions. Speciation revealed occurrence of both Plasmodium ovale curtisi (classic type) and Plasmodium ovale wallikeri (variant type). Conclusions In the present study a considerable number of P. ovale spp. and P. malariae were detected in a wide geographical areas of Odisha State, which contributes around 40% of the country’s total malaria burden. For successful elimination of malaria within the framework of national programme, P. ovale spp. along with P. malariae needs to be incorporated in surveillance system, especially when P. falciparum and P. vivax spp. are in rapid decline.

scholarly journals Malaria serology data from the Guiana shield: first insight in IgG antibody responses to Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae antigens in Suriname

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mergiory Y. Labadie-Bracho ◽  
Farah T. van Genderen ◽  
Malti R. Adhin
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Plasmodium Vivax ◽  
Reference Population ◽  
Plasmodium Malariae ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Igg Antibody ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Seroprevalence Data

Abstract Background Suriname has accomplished a steep decline in malaria burden, even reaching elimination levels. Plasmodium serology data are not available for Suriname and even extremely scarce within the region, therefore malaria serology testing was introduced, country customized cut-off values were determined and a study was performed to explore the antibody status for Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between July 2017 and March 2018 in two areas of the interior with different malaria settings: Stoelmanseiland, representing Maroon villages and Benzdorp, a gold mining area, with mostly Brazilian miners. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected (n = 197) and antibody presence against seven Plasmodium antigens was detected using a multiplex bead-based, IgG antibody assay. Demographic information was gathered through a questionnaire. Country customized cut-off values were generated from a Surinamese malaria-naïve reference population (n = 50). Results Serological analysis for the reference population revealed cut-off values ranging from 14 MFI for LSA-1 to 177 MFI for PmMSP-119. Seroprevalence against any of the three MSP-119 antibodies was similar in both regions and surpassed 75%. Single seropositivity against PfMSP-119 antibodies was higher in Stoelmanseiland (27.0%) than Benzdorp (9.3%), in line with the historical malaria burden of Stoelmanseiland, while the reverse was observed for PvMSP-119 antibodies. Despite sporadic reports of P. malariae infections, PmMSP-119 antibody presence was 39.6%. A more detailed examination of P. falciparum serology data displayed a higher seroprevalence in villagers (90.7%) than in Brazilians (64.6%) and a highly diverse antigenic response with 22 distinct antibody combinations. Conclusions The results on the malaria antibody signature of Maroon villagers and Brazilian miners living in Suriname displayed a high Plasmodium seroprevalence, especially for P. falciparum in villagers, still reflecting the historical malaria burden. The seroprevalence data for both regions and the observed combinations of P. falciparum antibodies provided a valuable dataset from a historically important region to the international malaria serology knowledge. First insight in malaria serology data for Suriname indicated that the use of other target groups and assessment of age-dependent seroprevalence are required to successfully use malaria serology as tool in the national elimination strategy.

scholarly journals Nitrite Inhalants Use and HIV Infection among Men Who Have Sex with Men in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dongliang Li ◽  
Xueying Yang ◽  
Zheng Zhang ◽  
Xiao Qi ◽  
Yuhua Ruan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infection ◽  
Casual Sex ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Logistic Analysis ◽  
Independent Association ◽  
Blood Specimens ◽  
Sex With Men

Objective. This is the first study in China to examine the use of nitrite inhalants and its correlates among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing, China.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2012. Structured interviews collected data on demographics, sexual and drug use behaviors, and the use of HIV services. Blood specimens were collected and tested for HIV and syphilis.Results. A total of 400 MSM eligible for the study were between 19 and 63 years of age and overall HIV prevalence was 6.0% (9.0% among nitrite inhalant users and 3.3% among nonusers). Nearly half (47.3%) of them reported ever using nitrite inhalants and 42.3% admitted using nitrite inhalants in the past year. Multivariable logistic analysis revealed that ever using nitrite inhalants in the past was independently associated with being aged≤25years, having higher education attainment, seeking sex via Internet, having casual partners in the past three months, and being HIV positive.Conclusion. The use of nitrite inhalants was alarmingly prevalent among MSM in Beijing. The independent association of the nitrite inhalant use with more casual sex partners and HIV infection underscored the need for intervention and prevention of nitrite inhalant use.

scholarly journals Prevalence of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and hepatitis; in a prison of Balochistan: a cross-sectional survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad Wali ◽  
Dawood Khan ◽  
Nauman Safdar ◽  
Zeenat Shawani ◽  
Razia Fatima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Blood Specimens ◽  
Hiv Seropositive

Abstract Background Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis, and Tuberculosis (TB) are three primary communicable infections have the likely potential to cause severe morbidity in prison settings. The prison has the most favorable environment for the transmission of infections. We conducted this survey to determine the prevalence and feasibility of rapid diagnostic tests in an active screening of these infectious diseases in prison. Methods This cross-sectional survey conducted in central Jail Gaddani, one of the largest prisons in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. All prisoners, jail staffs, and staff’s family members participated. Informed consent obtained from each participant before the screening. Van equipped with digital X-ray linked with Computer-Aided Detection for TB (CAD4TB) software used for testing. Sputum samples tested on Xpert for MTB/RIF assay and blood specimens collected for HIV and hepatitis serology. Diagnosed TB patients enrolled for treatment at Basic Management Unit (BMU), reactive on hepatitis Rapid Diagnostic Tools (RDTs) were referred for further testing and management, while HIV reactive referred to Anti Retro Viral (ARV) center for Anti Retro Viral Treatment (ART). Results A total of 567 participants offered screening, 63% (356) prisoners, 23% (129) staff’s family members, and 14% (82) jail staffs. Among tested 10.3% (58/562) were hepatitis seropositive (Hepatitis-C 41 [7.29%] Hepatitis-B, 16 [2.84%] Hepatitis B&C both, 01 [0.17%]). In reactive participants, 49 were prisoners, 08 were jail staffs, and 01 was the staff’s family member. HIV seropositive was 4% (24/566), and all were prisoners. Almost 99% (565/567) screened by digital X-ray, 172 (30%) were with abnormal CAD4TB suggestion (score > 50), out of them sputum of 26% (148) tested on Xpert, and 2% (03) found Mycobacterium tuberculosis Positive (MTB+). A total of five TB patients were detected; out of two were diagnosed clinically. Co-morbidities observed in 15 patients, (01 TB/HIV co-infected, 12 HIV/HCV, 01 HIV/HBV, and 01 HBV/HCV). Conclusion The high frequency of infectious diseases in prison is alarming. For limiting the transmission of infections among prison and community, immediate steps are needed to be taken for improvement of prisons condition by application of recommended screening protocols at the time of the first entry of prisoners in prisons.

scholarly journals Predictive markers of transmission in areas with different malaria endemicity in north-eastern Tanzania based on seroprevalence of antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Diotrephes Kaaya ◽  
Debora C Kajeguka ◽  
Johnson J Matowo ◽  
Arnold J Ndaro ◽  
Franklin W Mosha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Malaria Prevalence ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Chi Squared

Abstract BackgroundDue to the scale-up of different interventions, Malaria burden declined significantly in many African countries between 2000 and 2015. As a result, some areas have become suitable for malaria elimination, and in such a situation, Due to the insensitivity of most commonly used methods, malaria transmission assessment is difficult. In north-eastern Tanzania, we tested for Plasmodium falciparum exposure by using serological markers.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in Bondo, Tanga and Hai, Kilimanjaro between June and December 2014. A total of 788 participants were enrolled and screened for malaria and IgG antibodies against PfAMA-1 and PfMSP-119 antigens using Enzyme-Linked Immuno-Sorbent Assay (ELISA). Malaria parasites were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the Antibody levels between two independent groups (i.e. positive versus negative). The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used for comparisons between more than two age groups. Pearson's Chi-squared (χ2) test was used to compare proportions.ResultsGenerally, malaria prevalence by PCR in two sites was 20.4% (161), with Bondo having a higher prevalence of 28.1% (n= 154) as compared to Hai 2.9%, (n= 7), χ2=64.64, p<0.01. Anti-PfAMA-1 and anti-PfMSP-119 antibody concentrations were higher in malaria positive than malaria negative individuals, Mann-Whitney U test, p=0.07 and p=0.003 respectively. Antibody response against PfAMA-1 was significantly different between the three age groups (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001).ConclusionPlasmodium falciparum exposure immunological indicators have proven useful for explaining the dynamics of transmission, especially in low transmission environments like Hai.

scholarly journals National approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and surgeon audit in trachoma-endemic countries in Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2019-315777
Author(s):  
Grace Mwangi ◽  
Paul Courtright ◽  
Anthony W Solomon
Keyword(s):  
Outcome Assessment ◽  
Surgical Outcomes ◽  
Surgical Outcome ◽  
National Policy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
National Programmes ◽  
Elimination Programme ◽  
Poor Outcomes

BackgroundPoor outcomes of trichiasis surgery, including postoperative trichiasis, are common in many trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. To improve outcomes, WHO recommends regular follow-up and outcome assessment of surgical cases plus audit of trichiasis surgeons.AimsTo assess national approaches to trichiasis surgical follow-up, outcome assessment and audit, and identify national targets for good surgical outcome (defined as the percentage of patients undergoing surgery for trichiasis remaining free of post-operative trichiasis for a defined interval after surgery).MethodsA cross-sectional survey was carried out between May and July 2018, involving all 29 known-trachoma-endemic countries in Africa. An emailed questionnaire was used to collect information on national targets for surgical outcomes, policies, monitoring and strategies to address underperformance by surgeons.ResultsAll national programmes provided information; 2 of the 29 had not yet implemented trichiasis surgery as part of their trachoma elimination programme. Findings from 27 countries are therefore reported. Only four countries reported having a national policy for trichiasis surgery follow-up and outcome assessment and only two had a national policy for conducting audits of trichiasis surgeons. Only 9 of the 27 countries had a cut-off point at which poorly performing surgeons would be instructed to discontinue surgery until retraining or other interventions had been undertaken.DiscussionTo address the challenge of post-operative trichiasis and other poor outcomes, national trachoma programmes should create and implement policies and systems to follow up patients, assess surgical outcomes and monitor the performance of individual surgeons through post-surgical audits.

scholarly journals Factors associated with utilization of LLINs among women of child-bearing age in Igabi, Kaduna State, Nigeria

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Obafemi J. Babalola ◽  
Mohammed N. Sambo ◽  
Suleiman H. Idris ◽  
Ike-Oluwapo O. Ajayi ◽  
Olufemi Ajumobi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Formal Education ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Preventive Strategy ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Malaria Burden ◽  
Malaria Indicator Survey ◽  
Child Bearing

Abstract Background The long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) are effective against prevention of malaria and its utilization has been proven to save lives. Despite the mass distribution of LLIN, Nigeria remains the country with the highest malaria burden in Africa. The awareness of LLIN in Nigeria is high, but the utilization is low. The aim of this work is to describe factors associated with the utilization of LLIN among women of child-bearing age (WCBA) in Igabi, Kaduna, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 630 WCBA selected using a multi-stage sampling at 63 randomly selected villages in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Trained female data collectors administered pre-tested structured questionnaires adapted from the Malaria Indicator Survey. Information collected were demographic profile, knowledge of LLIN as a preventive strategy for malaria, and LLIN ownership and utilization. LLIN utilization was assessed by identifying household members that slept under the hanged LLIN the night before the survey. Questions on the awareness of LLIN, ability to define what it is, use of LLIN, what differentiates LLIN from other bed nets, and duration of use before replacement, were scored and categorized as good, average and poor knowledge of LLIN. Results A total of 629 WCBA was sampled, their mean age (± SD) was 29.3 (± 6.2) years, 22.0% were pregnant, 40.5% had no formal education, 41.1% were employed, and 47.7% lived in rural communities. Awareness and good knowledge about LLINs for the prevention of malaria was 96.0% and 24.0%, respectively. The proportion of women who slept under a LLIN the night before the survey (utilization) was 70.0% and slightly higher (74.0%) among pregnant WCBA. Women who lived in rural communities were more likely to utilize LLINs compared to their urban counterparts (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.3–4.9). Younger women (aged < 30 years) were less likely to utilize LLINs compared to the older women (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–0.9). Conclusions The knowledge of LLIN among WCBA was poor, but LLIN utilization was moderate. Living in rural communities and older WCBA were significant characteristics associated with LLIN utilization. Strategies that will improve the utilization of LLIN among the young and urban WCBA should be the focus of the Malaria Elimination Programme (MEP).

Testing the Strain Theory of Suicide – The Moderating Role of Social Support

Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 82-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bob Lew ◽  
Ksenia Chistopolskaya ◽  
Yanzheng Liu ◽  
Mansor Abu Talib ◽  
Olga Mitina ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Suicidal Behavior ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Strain Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychological Strains ◽  
Moderating Role

Abstract. Background: According to the strain theory of suicide, strains, resulting from conflicting and competing pressures in an individual's life, are hypothesized to precede suicide. But social support is an important factor that can mitigate strains and lessen their input in suicidal behavior. Aims: This study was designed to assess the moderating role of social support in the relation between strain and suicidality. Methods: A sample of 1,051 employees were recruited in Beijing, the capital of China, through an online survey. Moderation analysis was performed using SPSS PROCESS Macro. Social support was measured with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and strains were assessed with the Psychological Strains Scale. Results: Psychological strains are a good predictor of suicidality, and social support, a basic need for each human being, moderates and decreases the effects of psychological strains on suicidality. Limitations: The cross-sectional survey limited the extent to which conclusions about causal relationships can be drawn. Furthermore, the results may not be generalized to the whole of China because of its diversity. Conclusion: Social support has a tendency to mitigate the effects of psychological strains on suicidality.

Fit and Congruency

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-156
Author(s):  
Mary Hogue ◽  
Lee Fox-Cardamone ◽  
Deborah Erdos Knapp
Keyword(s):  
Role Theory ◽  
Social Role ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Job Fit ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Working Adults ◽  
Role Congruity ◽  
Self Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Abstract. Applicant job pursuit intentions impact the composition of an organization’s applicant pool, thereby influencing selection outcomes. An example is the self-selection of women and men into gender-congruent jobs. Such self-selection contributes to a lack of gender diversity across a variety of occupations. We use person-job fit and the role congruity perspective of social role theory to explore job pursuit intentions. We present research from two cross-sectional survey studies (520 students, 174 working adults) indicating that at different points in their careers women and men choose to pursue gender-congruent jobs. For students, the choice was mediated by value placed on the job’s associated gender-congruent outcomes, but for working adults it was not. We offer suggestions for practitioners and researchers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document