scholarly journals High prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in a desert population: results from an exploratory study around the Ounianga lakes in Chad

2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendelin Moser ◽  
Annour Adoum Batil ◽  
Rebekka Ott ◽  
Moussa Abderamane ◽  
Ruth Clements ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Sahara Desert ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Bulinus Truncatus ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Trematode Parasites

Abstract Background Researching a water-borne disease in the middle of the Sahara desert might not seem the most relevant concern. However, nomadic Sahelian pastoralists health concerns regarding their livestock and anecdotal reports about trematode infections of Fasciola spp. and Schistosoma spp. in desert-raised animals justified an exploratory study focusing on the lakes of Ounianga in Northern Chad. The aim was to test whether trematode parasites such as Schistosoma spp. occur in human populations living around the Sahara desert lakes of Ounianga Kebir and Ounianga Serir in northern Chad. Methods The study was carried out in January 2019 and comprised of three components. First, a cross sectional survey based on a random sample drawn from the population to detect infections with S. haematobium and S. mansoni; second, focus group discussions exploring disease priorities, access to health and health seeking behaviour; and third, surveying water contact sites for intermediate host snails. Samples of trematode parasites and snails were confirmed on species level by molecular genetic methods. For parasitological and malacological surveys descriptive statistics were performed. Qualitative data analysis included the full review of all transcripts, followed by a descriptive and explorative thematic analysis. Results Among 258 participants, the overall S. haematobium prevalence using urine filtration was 39.2% [95% confidence interval (CI): 33.5–45.1%], with 51.5% of the infected suffering from heavy infection. The intermediate host snail of S. haematobium (Bulinus truncatus) occurred at water contact sites near both study villages, revealing the potential for local transmission. Although a positive S. mansoni point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test result was obtained from 8.6% (95% CI 5.7–12.8%) of the samples, no intermediate host snails of S. mansoni were found, and the relevance of S. mansoni remains uncertain. Qualitative findings underline the importance of morbidity caused by urinary schistosomiasis, and the lack of access to diagnostics and treatment as a major health concern. Conclusions This research revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the population living around the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site in Chad. Despite the high public health importance of the associated morbidity expressed by the population, there is no access to diagnostics and treatment. Further work is needed to develop and test a context-adapted intervention. Graphical Abstract

High Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis in a Desert Population: Results from an Exploratory Study Around the Ounianga Lakes in Chad

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendelin Moser ◽  
Annour Aboum Batil ◽  
Rebekka Ott ◽  
Moussa Abderamane ◽  
Ruth Clements ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Exploratory Study ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Sahara Desert ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Host Snail ◽  
Bulinus Truncatus ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Trematode Parasites

Abstract Background: Researching a water-borne disease in the middle of the Sahara desert might not seem the most relevant concern. However, nomadic Sahelian pastoralist’s health concerns regarding their livestock and anecdotal reports about trematode infections of Fasciola spp and Schistosoma spp in desert-raised animals justified an exploratory study focusing on the lakes of Ounianga in Northern Chad. The aim was to test whether trematode parasites such as Schistosoma spp occur in human populations living around the Sahara desert lakes of Ounianga Kebir and Ounianga Saker in northern Chad. Methods: The study comprised of three components. First, a cross sectional survey based on a random sample drawn from the population to detect infections with S. haematobium and S. mansoni ; second, focus group discussions exploring disease priorities, access to health and health seeking behaviour; and third, searching water contact sites for intermediate host snails. Samples of trematode parasites and snails were confirmed on species level by molecular genetics methods. Results: Among 258 participants, the overall S. haematobium prevalence using urine filtration was 39.1% (95% CI 33.2% – 45.1%), with 51.5% of the infected suffering from heavy infection. The intermediate host snail of S. haematobium ( Bulinus truncatus ) occurred at water sites near both study villages, revealing the potential for local transmission. Although a positive S. mansoni POC-CCA test result was obtained from 15.2% (10.6%-19.7%) of the samples no intermediate host snails of S. mansoni were found, and the relevance of S. mansoni remains uncertain. Qualitative findings underline the importance of morbidity caused by urinary schistosomiasis, and the lack of access to diagnostics and treatment as a major health concern. Conclusion: This research revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the population living around the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara, a UNESCO world heritage site in Chad. Despite the high public health importance of the associated morbidity expressed by the population there is no access to diagnostics and treatment. Further research is needed to develop and test a context adapted intervention.

scholarly journals Use of Nicotiana tobaccum extractions as a molluscicide to the snail of Bulinus truncates

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 298-301
Author(s):  
Baghdad Science Journal
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Leaf Extracts ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Bulinus Truncatus

Nicotiana tobaccum L (Solanacea) extracts are used as a mollusciede to the snail Bulinus truncatus the intermediate host of urinary Schistosomiasis. LC50 of the extracts to the snail with 24 hour was 3.27 ml/l? 48 hour was 3.33 ml/l? 72 hour was 2.67 ml/l and 96 hour was 2.28ml/l. This study showed the ability to use the leaf extracts in the control of this type of snail.

Endemicity, focality and seasonality of transmission of human schistosomiasis in Amagunze Village, eastern Nigeria

1989 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. A. Ozumba ◽  
N. Ø. Christensen ◽  
A. B. C. Nwosu ◽  
O. C. Nwaorgu
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Intensity Of Infection ◽  
Biomphalaria Pfeifferi ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Bulinus Truncatus ◽  
Contact Sites ◽  
Human Schistosomiasis ◽  
Dry Seasons

ABSTRACTThe pattern of transmission of human schistosomiasis was studied in Amagunze Village, eastern Nigeria, during 1986–1987. The prevalence of Schistosoma haematobium in 119 schoolboys aged 5–12 years was 79%. The geometric mean of intensity of infection was 49 eggs/10 ml urine and the frequency of visible haematuria was 25·2%. No S. mansoni infections were demonstrated. A marked seasonality in population density of Bulinus truncatus, B. forskalii and Biomphalaria pfeifferi was demonstrated with reduced densities during the late rainy and early dry seasons. Schistosoma sp. infected B. truncatus were found in the late dry and early rainy seasons in 2 out of 7 major human water contact sites studied. Seasonality and focality of transmission of S. haematobium and its high endemicity in the area were thus demonstrated.

Detection and characterisation of hepatitis E virus in naturally infected swine in Croatia

2013 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 517-528 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoran Lipej ◽  
Dinko Novosel ◽  
Lea Vojta ◽  
Besi Roić ◽  
Miljenko Šimpraga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Animal Reservoir ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Swine Herds ◽  
Bile Samples

Hepatitis E is a viral zoonotic disease infecting swine worldwide. Since pigs represent a likely animal reservoir for the hepatitis E virus, the epidemiology of naturally occurring hepatitis E was investigated in Croatian swine herds. Nearly all tested animals were seropositive for antibodies against the hepatitis E virus (55/60, 91.7%). Active infection was detected in all age groups by RT-PCR of viral RNA in serum (8/60, 13.3%) and bile samples (3/37, 8.1%), which was further confirmed by histopathological findings of characteristic lesions in the livers of the infected animals. Three new strains of hepatitis E virus were isolated from Croatian pig herds. Phylogenetic analysis using median-joining networks clustered those Croatian strains with isolates from various parts of the world, indicating their likely origin in international trade. Similarity to human isolates implies a zoonotic potential of Croatian strains, which raises a public health concern, especially in the light of the high prevalence of hepatitis E in the herds studied.

scholarly journals The Effect of Trematode Parasites on the Growth of Littorina Neritoides (L.)

1941 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Rothschild
Keyword(s):  
Intermediate Host ◽  
Large Size ◽  
Size Groups ◽  
Second Intermediate Host ◽  
Upward Slope ◽  
Accelerated Growth ◽  
The Difference ◽  
First Intermediate Host ◽  
Low Rate ◽  
Trematode Parasites

If the number of infections with (a) trematode parthenitae and cercariae using Littorina neritoides as first intermediate host only, and (b) encysted metacercariae using L. neritoides as second intermediate host only, are plotted against the size of the snails, two different curves result. The first shows a low rate of infection in the small size groups, but a steep upward slope rising to 91% in the large size groups. The second shows a curve increasing uniformly to 87% infection.Possible interpretations are discussed, and it is concluded that the difference is probably due to the fact that primary infections cause accelerated growth in the host.

Urinary Schistosomiasis and Primary Evidence of Female Genital Schistosomiasis among Pupils in Nsugbe Community, Anambra State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 394-402
Author(s):  
O.B. Aribodor ◽  
C.E. Okaka ◽  
S.O. Sam-Wobo ◽  
B.C. Okpala ◽  
D.N. Aribodor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Test Strip ◽  
World Health ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
Preventive Chemotherapy ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Anambra State ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Female Genital

Urinary schistosomiasis is considered a major public health parasitic disease in African communities. Prior to this study, Nsugbe community was not considered endemic for the disease and as such was not involved in Praziquantel-Preventive Chemotherapy (PC). Longitudinal study of 281 consented pupils aged 5-16 years was carried out with aim of determining the status of urinary schistosomiasis. Urinalysis laboratory test strip, urine filtration technique and syndromic diagnosis were used for the confirmation of the presence of haematuria in urine samples, identification of Schistosoma haematobium ova and the confirmation of female genital schistosomiasis (FGS), respectively. Risk factors for urinary schistosomiasis infection were determined using pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Minitab 17 software and intensity of infection categorized following World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Of the 281 pupils, 117 (42%) were males and 164 (58%) were females with mean age of 9 years. At baseline, an overall prevalence of 0.4% (1/281) which was of light intensity was established. At follow-up, an overall prevalence of 2.1% (6/281) which was of both light (16.7%) and heavy infection (83.3%) was established. The result of the clinical examination showed eggs of S. haematobium in and around the vaginal area indicating FGS of a female pupil aged 12 years. This was treated. Identified risk factors for S. haematobium infection in the community include water-contact activities, ignorance, source of water supply among others. The study revealed the need for an all inclusive mass administration of Praziquantel-PC in the study community for effective control and possible elimination.

scholarly journals Phylogeography of Bulinus truncatus (Audouin, 1827) (Gastropoda: Planorbidae) in Selected African Countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eniola Abe ◽  
Yun-Hai Guo ◽  
Haimo Shen ◽  
Masceline Mutsaka-Makuvaza ◽  
Mohamed Habib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dna Sequences ◽  
Haplotype Diversity ◽  
Snail Host ◽  
Snail Species ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Bulinus Truncatus ◽  
High Haplotype Diversity ◽  
Gene Coi ◽  
Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase

The transmission of some schistosome parasites is dependent on the planorbid snail hosts. Bulinus truncatus is important in urinary schistosomiasis epidemiology in Africa. Hence, there is a need to define the snails’ phylogeography. This study assessed the population genetic structure of B. truncatus from Giza and Sharkia (Egypt), Barakat (Sudan) and Madziwa, Shamva District (Zimbabwe) using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1) markers. COI was sequenced from 94 B. truncatus samples including 38 (Egypt), 36 (Sudan) and 20 (Zimbabwe). However, only 51 ITS 1 sequences were identified from Egypt (28) and Sudan (23) (because of failure in either amplification or sequencing). The unique COI haplotypes of B. truncatus sequences observed were 6, 11, and 6 for Egypt, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, respectively. Also, 3 and 2 unique ITS 1 haplotypes were observed in sequences from Egypt and Sudan respectively. Mitochondrial DNA sequences from Sudan and Zimbabwe indicated high haplotype diversity with 0.768 and 0.784, respectively, while relatively low haplotype diversity was also observed for sequences from Egypt (0.334). The location of populations from Egypt and Sudan on the B. truncatus clade agrees with the location of both countries geographically. The clustering of the Zimbabwe sequences on different locations on the clade can be attributed to individuals with different genotypes within the population. No significant variation was observed within B. truncatus populations from Egypt and Sudan as indicated by the ITS 1 tree. This study investigated the genetic diversity of B. truncatus from Giza and Sharkia (Egypt), Barakat area (Sudan), and Madziwa (Zimbabwe), which is necessary for snail host surveillance in the study areas and also provided genomic data of this important snail species from the sampled countries.

Diabetes type 1 and eating disturbances among child and adolescents

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 325-325
Author(s):  
M. Marin Mayor ◽  
R.A. Codesal Julian ◽  
I. Fernandez ◽  
E. Verdura Vizcaino ◽  
N. Martinez Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Microvascular Complications ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Eating Disturbances ◽  
Psychological Outcome ◽  
Weight Control Behaviors ◽  
Disturbed Eating ◽  
High Prevalence

IntroductionDisturbed eating behaviors are a significant health concern among child and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) and are generally related to poor glycemic control, ketoacidosis, hospitalization and microvascular complications. Rates of eating problems among youths with DM1 have been reported to be as high as 38%.AimsTo review clinical characteristics, demographic profiles and risk factors for the development of eating disturbances among child and adolescents with DM1.MethodsWe performed a literature research of articles from 1980 until present, in which a Disturbed Eating Behavior appeared comorbid with DM1 in children and adolescents, using Medline database.ResultsAlmost all studies selected report a high prevalence of eating disturbances of child and adolescents with DM1 when compared with healthy pairs. This population trend to develop body image discontent and lower self-esteem. They are more likely to diet, skip meals, and omit insulin. All these practices have been associated with worsening diabetic medical complications and poorer psychological outcome.ConclusionsDue to the high prevalence and severe medical and psychological complications associated with disturbed eating behaviors among pediatric population with DM1, clinicians and school professionals may benefit from specialized training to identify the range of unhealthy weight control behaviors used by youths with DM1. Preventive programs that address disturbed eating behaviors should be provided for adolescents with DM1 in order to reduce the psychological and medical impact of this comorbid situation.

scholarly journals Sport-related concussions

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica Natuline Ianof ◽  
Fabio Rios Freire ◽  
Vanessa Tomé Gonçalves Calado ◽  
Juliana Rhein Lacerda ◽  
Fernanda Coelho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
American Football ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Biomechanical Forces ◽  
The Brain

ABSTRACT Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of lifelong disability and death worldwide. Sport-related traumatic brain injury is an important public health concern. The purpose of this review was to highlight the importance of sport-related concussions. Concussion refers to a transient alteration in consciousness induced by external biomechanical forces transmitted directly or indirectly to the brain. It is a common, although most likely underreported, condition. Contact sports such as American football, rugby, soccer, boxing, basketball and hockey are associated with a relatively high prevalence of concussion. Various factors may be associated with a greater risk of sport-related concussion, such as age, sex, sport played, level of sport played and equipment used. Physical complaints (headache, fatigue, dizziness), behavioral changes (depression, anxiety, irritability) and cognitive impairment are very common after a concussion. The risk of premature return to activities includes the prolongation of post-concussive symptoms and increased risk of concussion recurrence.

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