scholarly journals Microarray profiling predicts early neurological and immune phenotypic traits in advance of CNS disease during disease progression in Trypanosoma. b. brucei infected CD1 mouse brains

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. e0009892
Author(s):  
Paul Montague ◽  
Barbara Bradley ◽  
Jean Rodgers ◽  
Peter G. E. Kennedy
Keyword(s):  
Enrichment Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Interferon Response ◽  
Phenotypic Traits ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Cns Disease ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Stage 1

Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa. We hypothesised that recent findings of neurological features and parasite brain infiltration occurring at much earlier stages in HAT than previously thought could be explained by early activation of host genetic programmes controlling CNS disease. Accordingly, a transcriptomal analysis was performed on brain tissue at 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28dpi from the HAT CD1/GVR35 mouse model. Up to 21dpi, most parasites are restricted to the blood and lymphatic system. Thereafter the trypanosomes enter the brain initiating the encephalitic stage. Analysis of ten different time point Comparison pairings, revealed a dynamic transcriptome comprising four message populations. All 7dpi Comparisons had by far more differentially expressed genes compared to all others. Prior to invasion of the parenchyma, by 7dpi, ~2,000 genes were up-regulated, denoted [7dpi↑] in contrast to a down regulated population [7dpi↓] also numbering ~2,000. However, by 14dpi both patterns had returned to around the pre-infected levels. The third, [28dpi↑] featured over three hundred transcripts which had increased modestly up to14dpi, thereafter were significantly up-regulated and peaked at 28dpi. The fourth, a minor population, [7dpi↑-28dpi↑], had similar elevated levels at 7dpi and 28dpi. KEGG and GO enrichment analysis predicted a diverse phenotype by 7dpi with changes to innate and adaptive immunity, a Type I interferon response, neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, pleiotropic signalling, circadian activity and vascular permeability without disruption of the blood brain barrier. This key observation is consistent with recent rodent model neuroinvasion studies and clinical reports of Stage 1 HAT patients exhibiting CNS symptoms. Together, these findings challenge the strict Stage1/Stage2 phenotypic demarcation in HAT and show that that significant neurological, and immune changes can be detected prior to the onset of CNS disease.

scholarly journals Characterizing Permethrin and Etofenprox Resistance in Two Common Laboratory Strains of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae)

Insects ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron Gross ◽  
Jeffrey Bloomquist
Keyword(s):  
Anopheles Gambiae ◽  
Pyrethroid Resistance ◽  
Laboratory Strain ◽  
Pyrethroid Insecticide ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Cross Resistance ◽  
Type I ◽  
Mosquito Vector ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Anopheles Gambiae Giles

Anopheles gambiae Giles (Diptera: Culicidae) is the most prolific malaria vector in sub-Saharan Africa, where widespread insecticide resistance has been reported. An. gambiae laboratory strains are commonly used to study the basic biology of this important mosquito vector, and also in new insecticide discovery programs, where insecticide-susceptible and -resistant strains are often used to screen new molecules for potency and cross-resistance, respectively. This study investigated the toxicity of permethrin, a Type-I pyrethroid insecticide, and etofenprox, a non-ester containing pyrethroid insecticide, against An. gambiae at three life stages. This characterization was performed with susceptible (G3; MRA-112) and resistant (Akdr; MRA-1280) An. gambiae strains; the Akdr strain is known to contain the L1014F mutation in the voltage-sensitive sodium channel. Surprisingly, etofenprox displays a lower level of resistance than permethrin against all stages of mosquitoes, except in a headless larval paralysis assay designed to minimize penetration factors. In first-instar An. gambiae larvae, permethrin had significant resistance, determined by the resistance ratio (RR50 = 5), but etofenprox was not significantly different (RR50 = 3.4) from the wild-type strain. Fourth-instar larvae displayed the highest level of resistance for permethrin (RR50 = 108) and etofenprox (RR50 = 35). Permethrin (PC50 = 2 ppb) and etofenprox (PC50 = 9 ppb) resulted in headless larval paralysis (5-h), but resistance, albeit lower, was still present for permethrin (RR50 = 5) and etofenprox (RR50 = 6.9). In adult female mosquitoes, permethrin displayed higher resistance (RR50 = 14) compared to etofenprox (RR50 = 4.3). The level of etofenprox resistance was different from that previously reported for a similar Akron An. gambiae laboratory strain (MRA-913). The chemical synergists piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and diethyl maleate (DEM) were able to synergize permethrin, but not etofenprox in the resistant strain (Akdr). In conclusion, multiple mechanisms are likely involved in pyrethroid resistance, but resistance profiles are dependent upon selection. Etofenprox is an effective insecticide against An. gambiae in the lab but will likely suffer from resistance in the field.

scholarly journals Female Nutritional Status across the Life-Span in Sub-Saharan Africa. 2. Causes and Consequences

1997 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Joanne Leslie ◽  
Suzanne Bibi Essama ◽  
Elizabeth Ciemins
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Women ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Nutritional Deprivation ◽  
Child Bearing ◽  
Adaptive Mechanisms ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Intensive Work

This article reviews existing data concerning the causes and consequences of female malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa. As in most parts of the world, the primary cause of female malnutrition is household food insecurity compounded by low household and individual incomes. Gender-specific factors that further undermine women's nutritional status are the severe physiological burden of frequent child-bearing and the continuous long hours of energy-intensive work. Negative consequences of malnutrition among females include high rates of mortality and morbidity, impaired learning, low birthweights, and reduced energy for discretionary activities. We question the conclusion of other studies that African women have developed special “adaptive mechanisms” to compensate for nutritional deprivation, and recommend that further research investigate the hidden individual and societal costs of malnutrition among women.

Breast cancer in Sub-Saharan Africa: 1,000 patients with primary breast cancer in Addis Ababa followed for up to 5 years.

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 580-580
Author(s):  
Eva Johanna Kantelhardt ◽  
Peter Zerche ◽  
Pietro Trocchi ◽  
Assefa Mathios ◽  
Anne Reeler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Addis Ababa ◽  
Right Censoring ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Endocrine Treatment ◽  
Worst Case Analysis ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Stage 1

580 Background: There is little information on breast cancer (BC) patients (pts) receiving standardized treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study evaluates pts presenting 2005-10 at the University Radiotherapy Center in Addis Ababa, the only institution in the country offering standardized radiotherapy, systemic therapy and free endocrine treatment (ET) during that time. Methods: All pts with histologically verified BC were included. Ethical approval was obtained. Axios/AstraZenaca provided free ET. Therefore, the majority of pts underwent regular follow-up (FUP). We analyzed survival at 18 months by means of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. We assumed right-censoring to be unrelated to the risk of metastasis. In a worst case sensitivity analysis, we considered all censored pts developing metastasis. Results: Pts with primary diagnosis between July 1st, 2005 and December 31st, 2010 were included (n=1303). The majority of pts were female (95.2%), most (52.3%) postmenopausal. Mean age was 44.1yrs (20-88yrs). Stages 1-4 presented in 3/19/53/25% respectively (36% unknown). Grade 2 tumors were seen in 434 out of 574 pts (58%). Estrogen receptor was pos. in 251 out of 381 pts (66%). Most M0-pts (n=942) underwent surgery (84%), received chemotherapy (59%), and received ET (63%). Median FUP was 18.4 months, 186 events (metastases) occurred. Metastasis-free survival (MFS) was 86%. Worst case analysis on censored observations revealed that MFS declined down to 52%. Pts with early stage 1/2 showed a better MFS than pts with stage 3 disease (93 to 77%). Surgery (no surgery 78% vs surgery 87%) and ET (79% vs 89%) improved MFS. The 5-year MFS for stage 1/2 was 78% and stage 3 was 38%. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first presentation of clinical features in 1300 pts with BC in Sub-Saharan Africa. Most pts in Addis Ababa (AA) are <45yrs and present at stage 3/4. Differences to 5-year MFS from Europe stage 1/2 around 90% (AA 78%) and stage 3 around 70% (AA 38%) are smaller in pts treated with surgery and ET. This data is consistent with overall survival in a treated pt cohort from Uganda stage 1/2: 74% and stage 3/4: 39% (n=285) (Gakwaya Brit J Cancer 2008). Policies should focus on earlier presentation and access to care.

scholarly journals High infectious disease burden as a basis for the observed high frequency of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections in sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 2
Author(s):  
Kwadwo Asamoah Kusi ◽  
Augustina Frimpong ◽  
Frederica Dedo Partey ◽  
Helena Lamptey ◽  
Linda Eva Amoah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Susceptible Population ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Quality Healthcare ◽  
The World ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Health Organization

Following the coronavirus outbreaks described as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2012, the world has again been challenged by yet another corona virus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 infections were first detected in a Chinese Province in December 2019 and then declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. An infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 may result in asymptomatic, uncomplicated or fatal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Fatal disease has been linked with the uncontrolled “cytokine storm” manifesting with complications mostly in people with underlying cardiovascular and pulmonary disease conditions. The severity of COVID-19 disease and the associated mortality has been disproportionately lower in Africa and Asia in comparison to Europe and North America in terms of number of cases and deaths. While persons of colour who live in Europe and North America have been identified as a highly susceptible population due to a combination of several socioeconomic factors and poor access to quality healthcare, this has not been the case in sub-Saharan Africa where inhabitants are even more deprived concerning the said factors. On the contrary, sub-Saharan Africa has recorded the lowest levels of mortality and morbidity associated with the disease, and an overwhelming proportion of infections are asymptomatic. This review discusses the most probable reasons for the significantly fewer cases of severe COVID-19 disease and deaths in sub-Saharan Africa.

scholarly journals Systematic review protocol examining sex differences in survival among low birthweight newborns and infants in sub-Saharan Africa

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e036645
Author(s):  
Akalewold T Gebremeskel ◽  
Arone W Fantaye ◽  
Lena E Faust ◽  
Sanni Yaya
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Data Extraction ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Sub Saharan

IntroductionIn sub-Saharan African countries, low birthweight (LBW) accounts for three-quarters of under-five mortality and morbidity. However, there is no systematic evidence of sex differences in LBW survival risk. The aim of this protocol is to outline the methodological process of a systematic review that will gather qualitative and quantitative data on sex differences in survival among LBW newborns and infants in sub-Saharan Africa.MethodsThis protocol adheres to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols reporting guidelines. We will conduct a systematic review to retrieve all qualitative and quantitative studies. Electronic search strategies are being finalised on 24 February 2020 for Ovid Medline and EMBASE, and on 28 February 2020 for CINAHL, Scopus and Global Health in collaboration with a Health Sciences librarian. The primary outcome of interest is indicating sex differences in survival among LBW newborns and infants. Secondary outcomes are sex-disaggregated differences in morbidity among LBW newborns and infants. Screening, data extraction and assessments of risk of bias will be performed independently. Narrative synthesis and a meta-analysis will be conducted with studies that are compatible based on population and outcome. The systematic review is focused on the analysis of secondary data and does not require ethics approval.Ethics and disseminationAs it will be a systematic review, without human participants’ involvement, there will be no requirement for ethical approval. The systematic review will present key evidence of sex-disaggregated differences in mortality and morbidity among LBW newborns and infants in sub-Saharan Africa. Programme managers, policy-makers and researchers can use the findings to evaluate LBW health outcomes in different sexes. The final manuscript will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and scientific conferences.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42020163470

scholarly journals What do we know about maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity audits in sub-Saharan Africa? A scoping literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 192-207 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adelaide Lusambili ◽  
Joyline Jepkosgei ◽  
Jacinta Nzinga ◽  
Mike English
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Aggregated Data ◽  
Organizational Barriers ◽  
Scoping Literature Review ◽  
Sub Saharan

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a situational overview of the facility-based maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality audits (MPMMAs) in SSA, their current efficacy at reducing mortality and morbidity rates related to childbirth.Design/methodology/approachThis is a scoping literature review based on the synthesis of secondary literature.FindingsNot all countries in SSA conduct MPMMAs. Countries where MPMMAs are conducted have not instituted standard practice, MPMMAs are not done on a national scale, and there is no clear best practice for MPMMAs. In addition, auditing process of pediatrics and maternal deaths is flawed by human and organizational barriers. Thus, the aggregated data collected from MPMMAs are not adequate enough to identify and correct systemic flaws in SSA childbirth-related health care.Research limitations/implicationsThere are a few published literature on the topic in sub-Saharan Africa.Practical implicationsThis review exposes serious gaps in literature and practice. It provides a platform upon which practitioners and policy makers must begin to discuss ways of embedding mortality audits in SSA in their health systems as well as health strategies.Social implicationsThe findings of this paper can inform policy in sub-Saharan Africa that could lead toward better outcomes in health and well-being.Originality/valueThe paper is original.

The species of Acylophorus Nordmann (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae) in continental sub-Saharan Africa

Zootaxa ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 2402 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
DEREK A. LOTT
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Cote D'ivoire ◽  
Côte D’Ivoire ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Equatorial Guinea ◽  
Cote D’Ivoire ◽  
Côte D'ivoire ◽  
Species Groups ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
A Minor

Types of Acylophorus delphinus Fauvel from Madagascar and Acylophorus species found in continental sub-Saharan Africa are revised. Lectotypes are designated for the following species: A. orientalis Fauvel, A. picipennis Bernhauer, A. densipennis Bernhauer, A. antennalis Cameron, A. tenuiceps Bernhauer, A. collarti Cameron, A. congoensis Cameron, A. mareei Bernhauer, A. trigonocephalus Cameron and A. grandis Bernhauer. Type material for A. rufipennis Cameron could not be located and the name is considered to be a nomen dubium. The following new synonymies are established: A. orientalis Fauvel = A. picipennis Bernhauer syn. n., = A. marginalis Cameron syn. n.; A. antennalis Cameron = A. tenuiceps Bernhauer syn. n.; A. trigonocephalus Cameron = A. lomaensis Bordoni syn. n. Seven new species are described: A. nitens sp. n. from Sudan, A. tshuapensis sp. n. from Congo, A. makhoreae sp. n. from Ethiopia, A. micans sp. n. from Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon, A. salifi sp. n. from Burkina Faso, A. minor sp. n. from Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria, and A. setiger sp. n. from Bioko (Equatorial Guinea). A key is given to species groups defined by easily observed characters. Comparative diagnoses are given for species, their distributions mapped and their bionomics detailed where data are available. Forebodies, terminal segments of the maxillary palpi, antennae and aedeagi are figured for all species, except those represented by material with these parts missing. Mandibles and secondary sexual characters are figured for selected species.

Increase in clinical prevalence of AIDS implies increase in unsafe medical injections

2009 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 295-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Reid
Keyword(s):  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Transmission Efficiency ◽  
Mass Action ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Exposure Risks ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Advanced Hiv Disease

A mass action model developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the re-use of contaminated syringes for medical care accounted for 2.5% of HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa in 2000. The WHO's model applies the population prevalence of HIV infection rather than the clinical prevalence to calculate patients' frequency of exposure to contaminated injections. This approach underestimates iatrogenic exposure risks when progression to advanced HIV disease is widespread. This sensitivity analysis applies the clinical prevalence of HIV to the model and re-evaluates the transmission efficiency of HIV in injections. These adjustments show that no less than 12–17%, and up to 34–47%, of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa may be attributed to medical injections. The present estimates undermine persistent claims that injection safety improvements would have only a minor impact on HIV incidence in Africa.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Theileria parva and other haemoprotozoa in cattle at the edge of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 81 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S. B.A.S. Yusufmia ◽  
N. E. Collins ◽  
R. Nkuna ◽  
M. Troskie ◽  
P. Van Den Bossche ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
Babesia Bovis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Significant Finding ◽  
Theileria Parva ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Kwazulu Natal ◽  
Pcr Rflp ◽  
Sub Saharan

Theileria parva, the most important bovine theilerial species in sub-Saharan Africa, causes widespread mortality and morbidity in endemic areas. A survey was conducted using buffy-coat specimens from 60 apparently healthy adult communally herded Nguni-type cattle at the northeastern edge of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park to determine, by means of PCR and Reverse Line Blot (RLB) hybridisation, the occurrence of Theileria and Babesia species. The presence of Trypanosoma species was determined using PCR-RFLP. Results showed that 6.7 % of the specimens were positive for Theileria parva. This significant finding suggests that cattle in South Africa, and not only African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer), may be subclinical carriers of T. parva. Other species identified were T. mutans (83.3 %), T. velifera (70.0 %), Theileria sp. (sable) (46.8 %) and T. taurotragi (1.7 %). Two specimens (3.3 %) were positive for Babesia bovis and single specimens (1.7 %) positive for B. bigemina and B. rossi, respectively. Mixed infections, of up to 4 species, were common (65.0 %). Only 1 specimen was found to be positive for Trypanosoma vivax, and 2 for T. theileri, of which only the first species is pathogenic.

scholarly journals Determinants of Ownership and Utilization of Insecticide-Treated Bed Nets for Malaria Control in Eastern Ethiopia

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sibhatu Biadgilign ◽  
Ayalu Reda ◽  
Haji Kedir
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Bed Nets ◽  
Mosquito Net ◽  
Previous Night ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Insecticide Treated Bed Nets

Background. Malaria remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine ownership and utilization of ITNs among households with children under five in the previous night.Methods. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Gursum district in Eastern Ethiopia. A total of 335 households were surveyed using a pretested structured questionnaire administered though house-to-house interviews.Results. Household ownership for at least one mosquito net and use of nets were 62.4% (95% CI 57.2–67.6%) and 21.5% (95% CI 17.1–25.9%), respectively. Households who received or were told about ITN in the last 6 months were three times more likely to have used it than those who were not (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.5–7.10). Households whose heads were engaged as a farmer (adjusted OR 0.137; 95% CI: 0.04–0.50) and housewife (OR 0.26; 95% CI: 0.08–0.82) were less likely to use ITN than those of other occupations.Conclusion. The findings indicate low ITN ownership and utilization among the households. Intensive health education and community mobilization effort should be employed to increase the possession and proper utilization of insecticide treated bed nets.

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