scholarly journals A community approach of pathogens and their arthropod vectors (ticks and fleas) in dogs of African Sub-Sahara

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieter Heylen ◽  
Michael Day ◽  
Bettina Schunack ◽  
Josephus Fourie ◽  
Michel Labuschange ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographic Variation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Hepatozoon Canis ◽  
Consistent Difference

Abstract Background Arthropod-borne pathogens and their vectors are present throughout Africa. They have been well-studied in livestock of sub-Saharan Africa, but poorly in companion animals. Given the socio-economic importance of companion animals, the African Small Companion Animal Network (AFSCAN), as part of the WSAVA Foundation, initiated a standardized multi-country surveillance study. Methods Macro-geographic variation in ectoparasite (ticks and fleas) and pathogen communities in dogs was assessed through molecular screening of approximately 100 infested dogs in each of six countries (Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Namibia), both in rural and urban settings. The most important intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors within the subpopulation of infested dogs were evaluated. Results Despite the large macro-geographic variation in the dogs screened, there was no consistent difference between East and West Africa in terms of the diversity and numbers of ticks. The highest and lowest numbers of ticks were found in Nigeria and Namibia, respectively. Most often, there was a higher diversity of ticks in rural habitats than in urban habitats, although the highest diversity was observed in an urban Uganda setting. With the exception of Namibia, more fleas were collected in rural areas. We identified tick species (including Haemaphysalis spinulosa) as well as zoonotic pathogens (Coxiella burnetti, Trypanosoma spp.) that are not classically associated with companion animals. Rhipicephalus sanguineus was the most abundant tick, with a preference for urban areas. Exophilic ticks, such as Haemaphysalis spp., were more often found in rural areas. Several multi-host ticks occurred in urban areas. For R. sanguineus, housing conditions and additional pets were relevant factors in terms of infestation, while for a rural tick species (Haemaphysalis elliptica), free-roaming dogs were more often infested. Tick occurrence was associated to the use of endoparasiticide, but not to the use of ectoparasiticide. The most prevalent tick-borne pathogen was Hepatozoon canis followed by Ehrlichia canis. High levels of co-parasitism were observed in all countries and habitats. Conclusions As dogs share a common environment with people, they have the potential to extend the network of pathogen transmission to humans. Our study will help epidemiologists to provide recommendations for surveillance and prevention of pathogens in dogs and humans. Graphical abstract

Screening of Cercopithifilaria bainae and Hepatozoon canis in ticks collected from dogs of Northeastern Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 605-608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Antônio Bezerra Santos ◽  
Lucia Oliveira de Macedo ◽  
Domenico Otranto ◽  
Carlos Alberto do Nascimento Ramos ◽  
Ana Gabriela de Oliveira do Rêgo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
Ixodid Ticks ◽  
Domestic Dogs ◽  
Northeastern Brazil ◽  
Hepatozoon Canis ◽  
Larval Stages ◽  
Cercopithifilaria Bainae ◽  
Vector Borne

Abstract Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (s.l.) is one of the most widespread ixodid ticks and is a competent vector of several vector-borne pathogens of veterinary and medical concern. For instance, this tick species transmits nematodes of the genus Cercopithifilaria and protozoa of the genus Hepatozoon to carnivores, including dogs. Here we investigated the occurrence of Cercopithifilaria spp. and Hepatozoon spp. in a population of ticks collected from naturally infested dogs living in rural areas of Northeastern Brazil. From August 2016 to June 2017, 758 tick specimens (mean ticks per month = 68.9 ± 71.4) were sampled from 75 dogs (mean ticks per dog = 10.11 ± 5.2) and dissected under a stereomicroscope in order to visualize Cercopithifilaria spp. larvae and Hepatozoon spp. oocysts and sporocysts. R. sanguineus s.l. was the only species collected, peaking in September (n = 273) and decreasing in February 2017 (n = 39). Different larval stages of Cercopithifilaria bainae were identified in 7 out of 758 (0.93%) ticks. In addition, 4 specimens (0.53%) were positive for oocysts and free sporocysts of Hepatozoon canis. The identity of both species of parasites was molecularly confirmed. These results account for the predominance of R. sanguineus (s.l.) in domestic dogs from rural locations of the study area, as well as for the presence C. bainae and H. canis in these tick populations.

scholarly journals Importation of Ticks on Companion Animals and the Risk of Spread of Tick-Borne Diseases to Non-Endemic Regions in Europe

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Alicja Buczek ◽  
Weronika Buczek
Keyword(s):  
Tick Species ◽  
Potential Role ◽  
Human Mobility ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Rapid Spread ◽  
Risk Of Exposure ◽  
Geographic Regions

Increased human mobility elevates the risk of exposure of companion animals travelling with their owners or imported from other regions to tick attacks. In this study, we highlight the potential role of dogs and cats taken for tourist trips or imported animals in the spread of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. The Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick, which is a vector of numerous pathogens causing diseases in animals and humans, is imported most frequently from endemic areas to many European countries. Additionally, alien tick species with high epizootic and epidemiological importance can be imported on dogs from other continents. Companion animals play an even greater role in the spread of autochthonous tick species and transmission of tick pathogens to other animals and humans. Although the veterinary and medical effects of the parasitism of ticks carried by companion animals travelling with owners or imported animals are poorly assessed, these animals seem to play a role in the rapid spread of tick-borne diseases. Development of strategies for protection of the health of companion animals in different geographic regions should take into account the potential emergence of unknown animal tick-borne diseases that can be transmitted by imported ticks.

scholarly journals Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato(Ixodidae) in synantropic rodents in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-279 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Tavares Winkel ◽  
Paulo Bretanha Ribeiro ◽  
Lidiane Oliveira Antunes ◽  
Marcial Corrêa Cárcamo ◽  
Élvia Elena Silveira Vianna
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tick Species ◽  
Rattus Rattus ◽  
Rio Grande ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus ◽  
First Record ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Rio Grande Do Sul ◽  
Port Area ◽  
Rhipicephalus Sanguineus Sensu Lato

Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick, is responsible for maintaining and transmitting various pathogens, both in animals and human beings, and it is of great sanitary importance. This communication reports the first occurrence of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato parasitizing Rattus norvegicus in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and it is also the first record of this tick species parasitizing Rattus rattus in Brazil. The rodents were captured from the port area, located in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. We collected 6 larvae of this tick species from 2 male R. rattus individuals, and 3 larvae from 2 female R. norvegicus individuals; parasitized specimens of both rodent species were captured from different sites within the experimental area. This record broadens the number of Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato hosts in urban areas, indicating the need for continued monitoring on population density for both R. sanguineus and synanthropic rodents.

Strategies used to establish palliative care in rural low- and middle-income countries: an integrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (8) ◽  
pp. 1110-1129
Author(s):  
Atsede Aregay ◽  
Margaret O’Connor ◽  
Jill Stow ◽  
Nicola Ayers ◽  
Susan Lee
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Care Home ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Integrative Review ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Globally, 40 million people need palliative care; about 69% are people over 60 years of age. The highest proportion (78%) of adults are from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where palliative care still developing and is primarily limited to urban areas. This integrative review describes strategies used by LMICs to establish palliative care in rural areas. A rigorous integrative review methodology was utilized using four electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Emcare, Embase classic+Embase and CINAHL). The search terms were: ‘palliative care’, ‘hospice care’, ‘end of life care’, ‘home-based care’, ‘volunteer’, ‘rural’, ‘regional’, ‘remote’ and ‘developing countries’ identified by the United Nations (UN) as ‘Africa’, ‘Sub-Saharan Africa’, ‘low-income’ and ‘middle- income countries’. Thirty papers published in English from 1990 to 2019 were included. Papers were appraised for quality and extracted data subjected to analysis using a public health model (policy, drug availability, education and implementation) as a framework to describe strategies for establishing palliative care in rural areas. The methodological quality of the reviewed papers was low, with 7 of the 30 being simple programme descriptions. Despite the inclusion of palliative care in national health policy in some countries, implementation in the community was often reliant on advocacy and financial support from non-government organizations. Networking to coordinate care and medication availability near-patient homes were essential features of implementation. Training, role play, education and mentorship were strategies used to support health providers and volunteers. Home- and community-based palliative care services for rural LMICs communities may best be delivered using a networked service among health professionals, community volunteers, religious leaders and technology.

scholarly journals Estimation and Determinants of Multidimensional Energy Poverty among Households in Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 7332
Author(s):  
Waheed Mobolaji Ashagidigbi ◽  
Bashirat Adenike Babatunde ◽  
Adebayo Isaiah Ogunniyi ◽  
Kehinde Oluseyi Olagunju ◽  
Abiodun Olusola Omotayo
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Energy Use ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Tobit Regression ◽  
Energy Poverty ◽  
Household Energy ◽  
Poverty Status

The sustainable use of clean and safe sources of energy is indeed a global challenge. Traditional and unsafe forms of energy use is predominant among households in sub-Saharan Africa. This is not only a threat to the environment, but also constitutes health risk to the population. In the Nigeria context, this study provides the first attempt to estimate household energy poverty status and also investigate the driving factors of household energy poverty status using the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) dataset. The analytical techniques adopted in this study are based on Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index (MEPI) and Tobit regression model. Our results show that national average MEPI was 0.38, suggesting that majority of the households are energy poor. Energy poverty is however found to be higher in rural areas than in urban areas. We also found that male-headed households, age, rural sector and northeast residents are found to be the energy poverty enhancing factors, while household income and credit access are energy poverty inhibiting factors. The study concludes that income smoothening among other energy poverty reduction interventions should be prioritized, especially among rural households in order to help them exit energy poverty trap.

MIGRATION, TRANSLOCAL NETWORKS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC STRATIFICATION IN NAMIBIA

Africa ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 81 (4) ◽  
pp. 606-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clemens Greiner
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Urban Migration ◽  
Urban Networks ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Economic Stratification ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Price Differences

ABSTRACTRural–urban migration and networks are fundamental for many livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa. Remittances in cash and kind provide additional income, enhance food security and offer access to viable resources in both rural and urban areas. Migration allows the involved households to benefit from price differences between rural and urban areas. In this contribution, I demonstrate that rural–urban networks not only contribute to poverty alleviation and security, but also further socio-economic stratification. This aspect has been ignored or neglected by most scholars and development planners. Using ethnographic data from Namibia, I have adopted a translocal perspective on migration and stratification, focusing on the resulting impact in rural areas where modern urban forms of stratification, induced by education and income from wage labour, are on the increase.

scholarly journals Sexual Autonomy and Self-reported Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Sub-saharan African Women in Sexual Unions

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Collins Adu ◽  
Aliu Mohammed ◽  
Eugene Budu ◽  
James Boadu Frimpong ◽  
Justice Kannor Tetteh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexually Transmitted Infections ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Women ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Sexual Autonomy ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health challenge worldwide. Despite the importance of sexual autonomy in the prevention and control of sexual and reproductive health disorders such as STIs, there are limited studies on the possible relationship between women’s sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This study, therefore, examined the association between sexual autonomy and self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA.Methods Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) of 31 countries in SSA conducted between 2010 and 2019 were analysed. A total of 234,310 women in sexual unions were included in the study. Data were analysed using binary logistic regression models and the results were presented as crude odds ratios (cORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) at 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The prevalence of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA was 5.8%. Approximately 83.0% of the women surveyed had sexual autonomy. Women who had no sexual autonomy were less likely to have self-reported STIs (cOR=0.52, CI: 0.46-0.54), compared to those who had sexual autonomy. Additionally, higher odds of self-reported STIs were found among women aged 25-29, compared to those aged 15-19 (aOR= 1.21, CI: 1.09-1.35); those who reside in urban areas, compared to those who reside in rural areas (aOR= 1.51, CI: 1.37-1.66) and those who were cohabiting, compared to those who were married (aOR= 1.65, CI: 1.52-1.79). On the other hand, lower odds of self-reported STIs were found among women who were exposed to newspapers (aOR= 0.89, CI: 0.82-0.95), those whose partners had primary education (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.78-0.91), those who were not exposed to radio (aOR= 0.84, CI: 0.79-0.89), and working women (aOR= 0.86, CI: 0.80-0.93). Conclusion Findings from this study suggest that sexual autonomy is a significant predictor of self-reported STIs among women in sexual unions in SSA. Thus, instituting policies and programs that empower women and improve their levels of sexual autonomy may result in increased self-reporting of symptoms associated with STIs which subsequently help in minimising STI-related complications. Also, policies aimed at enhancing women’s sexual autonomy may reduce the burden of STIs in SSA, especially among women in sexual unions.

scholarly journals Clinical Features of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Sub-Saharan African Population: A 308 Study Cases in Senegal

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-28
Author(s):  
Souhaibou Ndongo ◽  
Abdoulaye Pouye ◽  
Emeric Azankpan ◽  
Mourtalla M. Ka ◽  
Thérèse Moreira Diop
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sicca Syndrome ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Early Management ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Sub Saharan

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis, formerly rare in sub-Saharan Africa, is becoming increasingly reported. The objective study determines the epidemiological, clinical and biological features of rheumatoid arthritis at diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at the rheumatology outpatient department of Aristide Le Dantec Teaching Hospital of Dakar in Senegal. Results: Three hundred eight patients with rheumatoid arthritis according, to American College of Rheumatology 1987 criteria, were included: 273 women and 35 men (ratio of 7:8). Median age was 41 years (Q1: 31; Q3: 53 years); predominant age group was 30-40 years. Ninety-three percent resided in urban areas and 7% in rural areas. Family history of chronic inflammatory arthritis was reported by 35.1% of patients. Thirty-nine percent of patients initially consulted a traditional healer. On admission, the median Disease Activity Score 28 was 6.5 (Q1: 5.5; Q3: 7.3). Rheumatoid arthritis was very active in 81.1% and a positive factor in 84% of patients. Cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies assessed in 116 patients; 95 reported positive (81.9%). Of 169 patients, at least one extra-articular manifestation was presented; the most common, anemia and sicca syndrome. Conclusion: Rheumatoid arthritis was characterized by an important delay in diagnosis, a polyarticular presentation, and a high positivity of immunological markers. Extra-articular manifestations included mainly anemia and sicca syndrome. Early management and a better understanding of rheumatoid arthritis in sub-Saharan Africa are required.

scholarly journals Challenges experienced by midwives working in rural communities in the Upper East Region of Ghana: a qualitative study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Adatara ◽  
Philemon Adoliwine Amooba ◽  
Agani Afaya ◽  
Solomon Mohammed Salia ◽  
Mabel Apaanye Avane ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Maternal Mortality Ratio ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Northern Ghana ◽  
Maternal Deaths ◽  
East Region ◽  
Upper East Region

Abstract Background In 2017, a total of 295,000 women lost their lives due to pregnancy and childbirth across the globe, with sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia accounting for approximately 86 % of all maternal deaths. The maternal mortality ratio in Ghana is exceptionally high, with approximately 308 deaths/100,000 live births in 2017. Most of these maternal deaths occur in rural areas than in urban areas. Thus, we aimed to explore and gain insights into midwives’ experiences of working and providing women-centred care in rural northern Ghana. Methods A qualitative descriptive exploratory design was used to explore the challenges midwives face in delivering women-centred midwifery care in low-resource, rural areas. A total of 30 midwives practicing in the Upper East Region of Ghana were purposefully selected. Data were collected using individual semistructured interviews and analysed through qualitative content analysis. Results Five main themes emerged from the data analysis. These themes included were: inadequate infrastructure (lack of bed and physical space), shortage of midwifery staff, logistical challenges, lack of motivation, and limited in-service training opportunities. Conclusions Midwives experience myriad challenges in providing sufficient women-centred care in rural Ghana. To overcome these challenges, measures such as providing adequate beds and physical space, making more equipment available, and increasing midwifery staff strength to reduce individual workload, coupled with motivation from facility managers, are needed.

scholarly journals Understanding the Factors That Are Associated with Motorcycle Crash Severity in Rural and Urban Areas of Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
William Agyemang ◽  
Emmanuel Kofi Adanu ◽  
Steven Jones
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Traffic Congestion ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Crash Data ◽  
Rural And Urban Areas ◽  
Rural And Urban ◽  
Run Off ◽  
Sub Saharan

Like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Ghana has witnessed an increase in the use of motorcycles for both commercial transport and private transport of people and goods. The rapid rise in commercial motorcycle activities has been attributed to the problem of urban traffic congestion and the general lack of reliable and affordable public transport in rural areas. This study investigates and compares factors that are associated with motorcycle crash injury outcomes in rural and urban areas of Ghana. This comparison is particularly important because the commercial use of motorcycles and their rapid growth in urban areas are a new phenomenon, in contrast to rural areas where people have long relied on motorcycles for their transportation needs. Preliminary analysis of the crash data revealed that more of the rural area crashes occurred under dark and unlit roadway conditions, while urban areas recorded more intersection-related crashes. Additionally, it was found that more pedestrian collisions happened in urban areas, while head-on collisions happened more in rural areas. The model estimation results show that collisions with a pedestrian, run-off-road, and collisions that occur under dark and unlit roadway conditions were more likely to result in fatal injury. Findings from this study are expected to help in crafting and targeting appropriate countermeasures to effectively reduce the occurrence and severity of motorcycle crashes throughout the country and, indeed, sub-Saharan Africa.

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