scholarly journals VACCINATION AGAINST MALARIA: REALITY AND PERSPECTIVES

2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-156
Author(s):  
S. K Litvinov ◽  
A. M Bronshteyn ◽  
E. N Morozov
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Control ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
European Medicines Agency ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Protein Vaccine ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
African Countries

Malaria continues to be a major international public health problem. However a significant reduction in the morbidity rate has been achieved over the past decade. The effective vaccine against malaria, caused by P. falciparun, could contribute significantly to the prevention and control of the disease, as tropical malaria is most widely distributed in the world. Nowadays there is the only RTS,S/AS01 vaccine had passed the accomplished phase 3 of clinical trial and received endorsement of certain bodies of World Health Organization and European Medicines Agency. RTS,S/AS01 is a pre-erythrocytic hybrid recombinant protein vaccine. Both immunogenicity and effectiveness of this vaccine particularly in children aged of 5-12 months were demonstrated by the trial at the time for first vaccination. Vaccine should be administered 3 times as the initial series of inoculation with 4 weeks interval and then the 4th dose should be given 15-18 months later. Since there is still a number of issues required certain clarifications, the decision has been taken to undertake another relatively large pilot project in African countries, prior to final recommendations on the vaccine use could be developed and proposed to countries. The implementation of this new trial will definitely take appropriate time. The contribution of vaccine to malaria control might be significant only if used simultaneously with other proved malaria control measures, such as the use of insecticide-treated nets, detection of malaria cases with the use of rapid diagnostic tests and subsequent its treatment, chemoprevention when appropriate and, of course vector control. The consideration of the vaccine use as the mechanism, which should allow achieve the eradication of the disease is not appropriate in principle.

scholarly journals Malaria: Knowledge and prevention practices among school adolescents in a coastal community in Calabar, Nigeria

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndifreke E. Udonwa ◽  
Abraham N. Gyuse ◽  
Aniekan J. Etokidem
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Schools ◽  
School Children ◽  
Malaria Control ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Coastal Community

Background: Malaria prevention and treatment constitute an unbearable economic burden to most African countries, especially south of the Sahara, where about 500 million cases occur annually. The problem of malaria among adolescents has largely been overshadowed by the huge burden of the disease among young children. Attention to malaria among adolescents has also been diverted by the huge burden of HIV/AIDS among adolescents. Some surveys reveal a lack of knowledge and many misconceptions about the transmission and treatment of malaria, which could adversely affect malaria control measures and antimalarial therapy. Such a knowledge gap could have an adverse effect on school children, who could be used as change agents and as role models for their siblings and peers in the malaria control strategy.Objectives: To determine the malaria prevention practices of school adolescents in the coastal community of Calabar, Nigeria.Method: This was a cross-sectional survey involving secondary schools in southern Calabar. Four hundred adolescents were randomly selected from the 4565 learners in 5 out of 17 secondary schools in southern Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria. A self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the respondents.Results: Most respondents (77.5%) were aware that the vector transmits the malaria parasite through biting. Fewer respondents would prevent malaria attacks by clearing the vegetation in the peri-domestic environment (13.5%), filling up potholes (16.9%), opening up drainage (11%), using insecticide-treated nets (25.7%) or using antimalarial drugs (11.2%). Less than one-tenth (8%) would use various other methods such as not accepting unscreened blood, while only 11% obtained the information from their teachers.Conclusion: The study identified knowledge gaps among school children. There is a need to empower teachers with information about the cause of malaria and prevention strategies.

scholarly journals Genes de resistencia en bacilos Gram negativos: Impacto en la salud pública en Colombia

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Diana Paola López Velandia ◽  
María Inés Torres Caycedo ◽  
Carlos Fernando Prada Quiroga
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Antimicrobial Resistance ◽  
Resistance Genes ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Gram Negative ◽  
The Cochrane Library

ResumenIntroducción: La resistencia antimicrobiana es un grave problema de salud pública que se encuentra en aumento. Entre los factores más importantes relacionados con la diseminación de bacterias multirresistentes está el uso inapropiado de antibióticos y la aplicación insuficiente de las medidas de prevención y control. Adicionalmente, las bacterias tienen la capacidad de mutar o generar mecanismos de transferencia de genes de resistencia mediante plásmidos, transposones e integrones. Materiales y métodos: Se hizo una revisión crítica de la literatura sobre los principales genes de resistencia Gram negativos y su impacto en la salud pública. Fueron utilizadas las bases de datos de Medline, Embase, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, the Cochrane Library y Lilacs. Resultados: Se presenta una revisión de literatura que describe y analiza los principales genes de resistencia a antibióticos presentes en bacilos gram negativos, su origen, evolución y diseminación a microorganismos mediante la transferencia horizontal de genes; justificando la importancia de realizar una vigilancia epidemiológica del tránsito de clones con diferentes perfiles de resistencia y principales enzimas. Conclusiones: El seguimiento de la resistencia antimicrobiana desde el punto de vista de la epidemiología molecular forma parte transcendental de la vigilancia antibiótica como lo recomienda la Organización Mundial de la Salud; pues representa el futuro del monitoreo de la resistencia.AbstractIntroduction: Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health problem that is increasing. Among the most important factors related to the spread of multi-resistant bacteria are the inappropriate use of antibiotics and the insufficient  implementation of prevention and control measures. Additionally, bacteria have the ability to mutate or create mechanisms for transfer of resistance genes via plasmids, transposons and integrons. Materials and methods: A critical review of the literature on major resistance genes in Gram negative bacteria and its impact on public health was conducted. Data have been collected from Medline, Embase, Lilacs, ScienceDirect, Scopus, SciELO, the Cochrane Library and Lilacs. Results: A review of literature that describes and analyzes the main antibiotic resistance genes present in gram-negative bacilli is presented, as well as their origin, evolution, and subsequent spread to hundreds of species of microorganisms by Horizontal gene transfer which justifies the importance of conducting an epidemiological surveillance on transit of clones with different resistance profiles and major enzymes. Conclusions: The control of antimicrobial resistance from the point of view of molecular epidemiology is part of the antibiotic surveillance control as recommended by the World Health Organization; as it represents the future of the surveillance of resistance.

scholarly journals Potential contribution of climate conditions on COVID-19 pandemic transmission over West and North African countries

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahima Diouf ◽  
Souleymane Sy ◽  
Habib Senghor ◽  
Papa Fall ◽  
Diarra Diouf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Specific Humidity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Gulf Of Guinea ◽  
The European Union ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
The World ◽  
And Control

AbstractThe COVID-19 disease, caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a very contagious disease that has killed many people around the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data, the spread of the disease appears to be slower in Africa. Although a number of studies have been published on the relationship between meteorological parameters and COVID-19 transmission, the effects of climate conditions on COVID-19 remain largely unexplored and without consensus following the main research finding over Africa (often based on a single country or city). Here, using available epidemiological data over 275 days (i.e., from March 1 to November 30, 2020) taken from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control of the European Union database and daily data of surface air temperature and humidity from the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP), this paper investigates the potential contributions of climate conditions on COVID-19 transmission over 16 countries selected from three bioclimatic regions of Africa (i.e., Sahel, Maghreb and Gulf of Guinea). On average, our main findings highlight statistically significant inverse correlations between COVID-19 cases and temperature over the Maghreb and the Gulf of Guinea regions, whereas positive correlations are found in the Sahel, especially over the central part including Niger and Mali. Correlations with specific humidity and water vapor parameters display significant and positive values over the Sahelian and the Gulf of Guinean countries and negative values over the Maghreb countries. In other word, results imply that the COVID-19 pandemic transmission is influenced differently across the three bioclimatic regions: i) cold and dry environmental conditions over the Maghreb; ii) warm and humid conditions over the Sahel iii) cold and humid conditions over the Gulf of Guinea. These findings could be useful for decision-makers who plan public health and control measures in affected African countries and would have substantial implications for directing respiratory disease surveillance activities.

scholarly journals A community-level investigation following a yellow fever virus outbreak in South Omo Zone, South-West Ethiopia

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e6466 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ranya Mulchandani ◽  
Fekadu Massebo ◽  
Fekadu Bocho ◽  
Claire L. Jeffries ◽  
Thomas Walker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Yellow Fever ◽  
Yellow Fever Virus ◽  
Case Fatality ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Fever Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Study Results ◽  
South Omo

Background Despite the availability of a highly effective vaccine, yellow fever virus (YFV) remains an important public health problem across Africa and South America due to its high case-fatality rate. This study investigated the historical epidemiology and contemporary entomological and social determinants of a YFV outbreak in South Omo Zone (SOZ), Ethiopia. Methods A YFV outbreak occurred in SOZ, Ethiopia in 2012–2014. Historical epidemiological data were retrieved from the SOZ Health Department and analyzed. Entomological sampling was undertaken in 2017, including mosquito species identification and molecular screening for arboviruses to understand mosquito habitat distribution, and finally current knowledge, attitudes and preventative practices within the affected communities were assessed. Results From October 2012 to March 2014, 165 suspected cases and 62 deaths were reported, principally in rural areas of South Ari region (83.6%). The majority of patients were 15–44 years old (75.8%) and most case deaths were males (76%). Between June and August 2017, 688 containers were sampled across 180 households to identify key breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Ensete ventricosum (“false banana”) and clay pots outside the home were the most productive natural and artificial breeding sites, respectively. Entomological risk indices classified most sites as “high risk” for future outbreaks under current World Health Organization criteria. Adult mosquitoes in houses were identified as members of the Aedes simpsoni complex but no YFV or other arboviruses were detected by PCR. The majority of community members had heard of YFV, however few activities were undertaken to actively reduce mosquito breeding sites. Discussion Study results highlight the potential role vector control could play in mitigating local disease transmission and emphasize the urgent need to strengthen disease surveillance systems and in-country laboratory capacity to facilitate more rapid responses to future YFV outbreaks.

scholarly journals Gastrointestinal tract imaging findings in confirmed COVID-19 patients: a non-comparative observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohsen Ahmed Abdelmohsen ◽  
Buthaina M. Alkandari ◽  
Vikash K. Gupta ◽  
Nermeen Elsebaie
Keyword(s):  
Gastrointestinal Tract ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Systemic Disease ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Thoracic Imaging ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic—as declared by the World Health Organization—is a major threatening public health problem. At the time of writing, more than 60,000,000 patients and more than 1,500,000 deaths were recorded worldwide. Besides the classical chest symptoms, gastrointestinal tract-related symptoms were noted, like diarrhea, abdominal distention, and hematochezia, adding more difficulties in the diagnosis of the disease. Although there are many publications evaluated, the thoracic imaging signs and complications of COVID-19, there are few articles—to the best of our knowledge—that evaluated the gastrointestinal tract imaging features and complications related to COVID-19. Results In this retrospective study, positive COVID-19 patients who underwent diagnostic computed tomography (CT) for abdominal complaints along a 3-month duration in a large isolation hospital were evaluated. Strict infection control measures were taken during the CT examinations. The data were reviewed on picture archiving and communications systems with clinical data and laboratory result correlation. Thirty patients (30%) showed gastrointestinal (GI) findings, and 70 patients showed unremarkable or non-related GI findings. The 30 patients were classified into four groups: the ischemic group including 10 patients (10/30: 33.33%), the bleeding group included six patients (6/30: 20%), the inflammatory group included nine patients (9/30: 30%), and fluid-filled bowel group included five patients (5/30: 16.6%). Conclusions COVID-19 should be evaluated as a systemic disease with extra pulmonary highlights. GI imaging should be considered for COVID-19 patients with related suspicious symptoms. Ischemic GI complications were the most common GI findings.

scholarly journals Awareness regarding COVID-19 among auxiliary dental staff in a tertiary dental care centre in Kerala- A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-156
Author(s):  
Sherin Ann Thomas ◽  
Asish R ◽  
Vinimol C ◽  
Bindu V Bhaskar ◽  
Jesmith Elsa Jacob
Keyword(s):  
Dental Care ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
P Value ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Care Centre ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dental Staff

Corona virus disease officially called as COVID-19, declared a “pandemic” by the World Health Organization; became a major public health problem causing worldwide morbidity and mortality, despite various control measures. Extraordinary measures are taken universally to fight the spread of the ongoing outbreak. In such a scenario, people’s adherence to preventive measures is largely influenced by their knowledge and perception of the disease. Since dental care professionals are having high chances of infectivity, which in turn has serious implications, it is essential that the auxiliary dental staff must be educated, empowered and provided appropriate and relevant knowledge of the disease.To assess the level of awareness regarding COVID-19 among auxiliary dental staff in a Tertiary Dental Care Centre in Kerala. A cross sectional survey was conducted among all the auxillary staff in a tertiary dental care centre by an online questionnaire through google forms. Details regarding demographic data, knowledge about the spread, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and safety practices related to COVID-19 were obtained after getting an online informed consent. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were done. Associations and differences were considered significant when the p value was less than 0.05.The initial sample size was 50. Forty two participants completed the study. Out of the participants 36% (n=15) were below 40 years and were males. About 40.5% (n=17) had experience less than 5 years. Around 69% (n=23) of the participants had good knowledge regarding COVID 19. Statistically significant results were seen with mode of transmission of Covid 19 and age of the respondents (p value=.006);current treatment of Covid 19 and years of experience of the respondents (p value=.011).The study concluded that there is overall good awareness level among the participants of the study.

scholarly journals Autres orbivirus : Mise à jour des informations sur la peste équine africaine et la maladie hémorragique épizootique en Europe et dans le bassin méditerranéen

2009 ◽  
Vol 62 (2-4) ◽  
pp. 92
Author(s):  
M. Martinez ◽  
B. Rodriguez ◽  
J. M. Sanchez-Vizcaino
Keyword(s):  
Animal Health ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Bassin Méditerranéen ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Educational Campaigns ◽  
And Control

Orbiviruses are vector-borne pathogens that can cause notifi­able diseases in animals, such as bluetongue (BT) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer (EHD) in ruminants, or African horse sickness (AHS) in equines. The relatively recent expansion of BT in Europe to higher latitudes than expected has evidenced the need to explore the ways of introduction and exposure of other orbiviruses in Europe and in the Mediterranean Basin. AHS was successfully eradicated from Europe since the 1990s but continues to be endemic in many African countries. Of the nine AHS serotypes, two have been present in Mediterranean coun­tries: AHS-9 (1966) and AHS-4 (1987-1990). The last outbreaks (up to 2008) of AHS in Africa classified by serotype occurred in Senegal (AHS-9), Kenya (AHS-4), and Nigeria, Senegal and Ethiopia (AHS-2). EHD is caused by 10 serotypes and is notifi­able to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) since 2008. It is present in America, Australia, Asia and Africa and is known to affect wild ruminants as well as cattle. EHD has been present in cattle in North Africa (EHD-9) and the Middle East (EHD-7) since 2006. Transport of infected Culicoides from Northern Africa to Southern Europe by wind is a proved way of orbivirus introduction. Import of infected asymptomatic animals from an endemic country also happened the first time AHS was introduced in Spain. Then, certain environmental conditions such as warm temperatures can favour perpetuation of the dis­ease in animals exposed to infected vectors. The frequent con­sideration of horses as expensive leisure animals can worsen the economic and social consequences of a possible outbreak. However, nowadays there are good diagnostic techniques for AHS. Eradication can be achieved with the available polyvalent live vaccines and control measures. This is not the case for EHD, because an effective vaccine is urgently needed and there have been cross-reactions in the diagnoses between BT and EHD. European countries can prepare against other orbivirus outbreaks by prevention through educational campaigns and inactivated vaccine banks for AHS, and by further research on the possible vectors, the overwintering capacity of certain orbiviruses, the infectivity in all affected species, the identification of other pos­sible reservoirs, and the development of risk assessments and modelling.

scholarly journals The doubtful effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-157
Author(s):  
Diogo José Horst ◽  
Charles Adriano Duvoisin
Keyword(s):  
Assessment Process ◽  
World Health ◽  
European Medicines Agency ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Vaccine Production ◽  
The Status ◽  
Gates Foundation ◽  
Well Data ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Group Serum

A COVID-19 pandemic has erupted around the world. World Health Organization (WHO) and allies are racing to create and deploy safe and effective vaccines as they work together to monitor the pandemic, advise on crucial measures, and distribute essential medical resources to those in need. Vaccines save millions of lives, by training the body's natural defenses, the immune system, to identify and combat the viruses and bacteria they are intended to combat. This review article presents the status of COVID-19 vaccines evaluated by the WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) assessment process and those liberated as well. Data was obtained from the WHO, Gavi – The Vaccine Alliance from Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Oxford Vaccine Group, Serum Institute of India, AstraZeneca, European Medicines Agency EMA among others. As can be seen, there is still no totally effective vaccine, and many clinical trials are still needed, and even immunized citizens are still at risk of recontagion. Virus mutation is a recurring problem and different vaccine production methodologies are still being studied.

scholarly journals Insights from quantitative and mathematical modelling on the proposed WHO 2030 goal for schistosomiasis

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 1517 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Guidelines ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Current Guidelines

Schistosomiasis remains one of the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) impacting millions of people around the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently proposed a goal of elimination as a public health problem (EPHP) for schistosomiasis to be reached by 2030. Current WHO treatment guidelines for achieving EPHP focus on targeting school-aged children. The NTD Modelling Consortium has developed mathematical models to study schistosomiasis transmission dynamics and the impact of control measures. Our modelling insights on Schistosoma mansoni have shown that EPHP is likely to be attainable in low to moderate prevalence settings using the current guidelines. However, as prevalence rises within higher settings, EPHP is less likely to be achieved unless both school-aged children and adults are treated (with coverage levels increasing with the adult burden of infection). We highlight the challenges that are faced by treatment programmes, such as non-adherence to treatment and resurgence, which can hinder progress towards achieving and maintaining EPHP. Additionally, even though EPHP may be reached, prevalence can still be high due to persisting infections. Therefore, without elimination of transmission, treatment will likely have to continue to maintain EPHP. Further modelling work is being carried out, including extending our results to S. haematobium. By providing these modelling insights, we aim to inform discussions on the goals and treatment guidelines for schistosomiasis.

scholarly journals SARS CoV-2. The New Pandemic: Review of Present Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-10
Author(s):  
Sri Sandhya K
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Symptomatic Treatment ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Effective Vaccine ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Corona Virus ◽  
Infectivity Rate ◽  
Health Organization

A novel Corona virus discovered during a pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan city, China has raised a global public health concern. This virus spread across the world affecting various countries and was declared a pandemic by World Health Organization(WHO). The outbreak started in December 2019 and by first week of April 2020, 212 countries were affected with more than 1million confirmed cases with a death roll of 79,235 worldwide. This disease was named as COVID-19 and the causative agent was named as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus -2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to its genetic similarity with SARS virus. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by respiratory droplets and by contact. Clinical symptoms include high fever, sore throat, cough, breathlessness, progress to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and multisystem dysfunction. Infectivity rate is high with SARSCoV2 , as a result many countries are affected. Control measures like are quarantine, lockdown, regular handwashing, social distancing have been indicated by WHO and being followed by various countries. Due unavailability of an effective vaccine and specific antiviral medication against the virus, only symptomatic treatment along with the isolation of the patient is being done

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