scholarly journals Anopheline Mosquitoes and the Malaria Scourge

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 31-40
Author(s):  
Ozioma Forstinus Nwabor
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Anopheline Mosquito ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Dreaded Disease ◽  
And Control ◽  
Anopheline Mosquitoes ◽  
New Strategies

The high prevalence of malaria in Africa has defiled many strategies aimed at its eradication. Researchers from various fields have tried without success in this fight against mosquito and its malaria disease. Annually billions of dollars are spent in the design of programs which are aimed at combating this dreaded disease. However all this spending seems to go down the drain as malaria and its vector mosquitoes celebrate their unflinching victory. Current control measures focusing on ways of preventing the disease vis-a-vis, protect man from the vectors “anopheline mosquito” are the mainstay of malaria prevention and control. Many of these control measures are operational with each contributing in its little way. The use of Long Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITN) and Indoor Residual Sprays (IRS) are well established strategies with global recognition and currently ongoing in Africa. However, as a result of shortcomings in these major control measures, new strategies with hopes of blissful success are been sought after. Larviciding (abortion of metamorphosis) and constant and adequate environmental sanitation seems to be the next option available for use. This article therefore takes a look at the vector-anopheline mosquito, its ecology, productivity and distribution. It also considers malaria and the various control and preventive measures currently targeted at its eradication.

scholarly journals Forest work and its implications for malaria elimination: a qualitative study

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nou Sanann ◽  
Thomas J. Peto ◽  
Rupam Tripura ◽  
James J. Callery ◽  
Chea Nguon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Malaria Incidence ◽  
Artemisinin Resistance ◽  
Forest Products ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Presumptive Treatment ◽  
Perceptions Of Risk ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Over the last 20 years, malaria incidence has decreased across the Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) and the emergence of artemisinin resistance has stimulated efforts to accelerate regional elimination. In the GMS, the malaria transmission is focused increasingly in forested zones. This article describes forest-going activities and examines forest workers’ attitudes to and experiences of malaria prevention and control in north-eastern Cambodia. Methods In Stung Treng Province, Cambodia, 19 in-depth interviews were conducted in villages with participants recently diagnosed with uncomplicated falciparum malaria who reported working in forests. Two focus group discussions with respondents’ forest-working peers were held. Interviews and focus groups were audio-recorded transcribed, and translated for thematic analysis. Results Forest work is an essential source of income for respondents. Many combine it with farming, which influences the timing and duration of forest visits. Forest activities include logging and collecting other forest products, particularly malva nuts. Men log year-round, whereas gathering forest products is seasonal and can involve entire families. Forest workers sleep chiefly in unimpregnated hammock nets in make-shift encampments. Respondents are concerned about symptomatic malaria, but unfamiliar with the concept of asymptomatic infection. They view the forest as an area of potential malaria infection and seek to protect themselves from mosquito bites through wearing long-sleeved clothes, using repellents, and lighting fires. Forest workers express a willingness to self-test and self-administer anti-malarials. Conclusions Forest workers’ behaviour and perceptions of risk indicate that improvements are needed to current control measures. There is potential to: better target distribution of impregnated hammock nets; offer curative or presumptive treatment while in forests; and expand access to screening. Establishing the efficacy and feasibility of prophylaxis for forest workers in the GMS is a priority.

scholarly journals Impact of dams and irrigation schemes in Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) bionomics and malaria epidemiology

2012 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 179-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordi Sanchez-Ribas ◽  
Gabriel Parra-Henao ◽  
Anthony Érico Guimarães
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Irrigation Scheme ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Malaria Epidemiology ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
And Control ◽  
Anopheline Mosquitoes

Irrigation schemes and dams have posed a great concern on public health systems of several countries, mainly in the tropics. The focus of the present review is to elucidate the different ways how these human interventions may have an effect on population dynamics of anopheline mosquitoes and hence, how local malaria transmission patterns may be changed. We discuss different studies within the three main tropical and sub-tropical regions (namely Africa, Asia and the Pacific and the Americas). Factors such as pre-human impact malaria epidemiological patterns, control measures, demographic movements, human behaviour and local Anopheles bionomics would determine if the implementation of an irrigation scheme or a dam will have negative effects on human health. Some examples of successful implementation of control measures in such settings are presented. The use of Geographic Information System as a powerful tool to assist on the study and control of malaria in these scenarios is also highlighted.

scholarly journals Serological Investigations of Brucellosis in Cattle, Farmers and Veterinarians in the Kars District of Turkey

2008 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 117-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Otlu ◽  
M. Sahin ◽  
H. I. Atabay ◽  
A. Unver
Keyword(s):  
Control Measures ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
History Of ◽  
And Control

The prevalence of brucellosis was investigated in cattle, farmers and veterinarians in the Kars district of Turkey between 2004 - 2006. In order to achieve this, a total of 407 serum samples of cattle from 27 herds having history of abortions were examined for Brucella antibodies by RBPT and SAT. In addition, the sera collected from 246 farmers (130 males and 116 females) and 28 veterinarians in the same district were analysed serologically by RBPT, SAT and ELISA. Of the cattle sera analysed, 134 (32.92%) and 141 (34.64%) were determined as positive by RBPT and SAT, respectively. Thirty-two (13%), 35 (14.22%) and 44 (17.88%) of the farmers' sera were found positive for brucellosis by RBPT, SAT and ELISA, respectively. There was no significant difference between sexes for Brucella seropositivity. Of the 28 sera from veterinarians, 13 (46.42%) were positive by the three serological tests. The high prevalence of brucellosis both in cattle and humans suggests that brucellosis is common in this area. Preventive and control measures should be implemented and pursued more strictly to reduce and/or eradicate brucellosis from the area.

scholarly journals Reproductive-Age Women’s Knowledge and Care Seeking for Malaria Prevention and Control in Ghana: Analysis of the 2016 Malaria Indicator Survey

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Martin Amogre Ayanore ◽  
John Tetteh ◽  
Asiwome Ameko ◽  
Wisdom Kudzo Axame ◽  
Robert Kaba Alhassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Educational Status ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Malaria Indicator Survey ◽  
And Control ◽  
Women's Knowledge ◽  
Women’S Knowledge

Introduction. Malaria is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring individual and environmental level controls to prevent its adverse morbidity effects. This study examined reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria prevention and control in Ghana. Methods. The 2016 Ghana Malaria Indicator Survey data for reproductive-age women was analysed (n=5,150). Multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with reproductive-aged women’s knowledge and care-seeking practices for malaria. Results. 62.3%, 81.3%, and 64.6% knowledge levels on causes, signs/symptoms, and prevention of malaria were found, respectively, among respondents. Age, wealth and educational status, religion, region, and place of residence (rural) were found to significantly influence respondents’ knowledge of causes, signs/symptoms, and care-seeking practices for malaria. A 15% differential among Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) awareness and use was found. Increasing age (≥35 years) was associated with increasing knowledge of malaria. Regional variations were observed to significantly influence knowledge of malaria treatment. Conclusion. Though ownership of ITNs and knowledge of malaria prevention were high, it did not necessarily translate into use of ITNs. Thus, there is a need to intensify education on the importance and the role of ITNs use in the prevention of malaria.

scholarly journals Is this Evidence of Success in Malaria Prevention and Control Measures?

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 001-010
Author(s):  
Omotayo O. Ebong ◽  
◽  
Ijeoma H. Ogbuehi ◽  
Chijioke A. Nwauche ◽  
Ruth E. Umoh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Prevention And Control Measures ◽  
And Control

scholarly journals Comparing insecticide-treated nets access-use based on universal household and population indicators vis-a-vis measures adapted to sleeping spaces in Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohannes Kebede ◽  
Morankar Sudhakar ◽  
Guda Alemayehu ◽  
Lakew Abebe ◽  
Zewdie Birhanu
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Population Based ◽  
P Value ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Previous Night ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
And Control

Abstract Background Insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) access-use has been pivotal monitoring indicator for malaria prevention and control, particularly in resource limited settings. The objective of the study was to compare ITN access-use based on universal household and population indicators and measures adapted to sleeping spaces. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in five districts of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia, March, 2019. 762 HHs were sampled for the survey. Multi-stage followed by simple random sampling used. Monitoring and evaluation reference group’s (MERG’s) indicators were used for measuring ITN access-use. MERG’s indicators are each adapted ITN access-use to sleeping spaces. Household (ownership, saturation and sufficiency) and population access and household members’ status of last night sleeping under ITN compared based on the two models. Differences of estimates of ITN access-use based on the two methods reported as magnitude of over/under estimations, at p-value < 0.05. Results Based on MERG’s approach, the study revealed household (HH) based indicators as such: HH ownership of at least 1 ITN (92.6%), sufficiency of ITN for every two people in HH (50.3%), and saturation of ITN for every 2 people in HHs with any ITN (54.6%). Moreover, population based indicators were: population with ITN access (P3 = 78.6%), people who slept under ITN previous night (63.0%), people who slept under ITN among who accessed it (73.1%), ITN use-gap (26.9%). Equivalent indicators of HH ownership, sufficiency, saturation, and people accessed at where they actually slept, and people slept under ITN among those accessed at where they slept estimated at 71.3%, 49.4%, 69.3%, 66.3%, and 92.1%, respectively. MERG’s approach over-estimated ownership, people’s access, and behaviour-failures by 21.3%, 12.3%, 19.0%, respectively. Over-estimation occurred for reasons such as many sleeping spaces lack ITN and > 2 people actually slept per sleeping space. Conclusions MERG’s universal indicators over estimated households and populations ITN access-use as a result of absence of measures capturing access-use values at spaces where people actually slept. Consequently, measures adapted to sleeping contexts revealed potential misdistributions practiced when the existing indicators are in use. Insertion of sleeping spaces into existing approach will be worthwhile and needs to be promoted as it improves curiosity in ITN distribution, produces closer estimates and prevents malaria prevention and control programmes from overlooking access-use challenges.

MALARIA-RELATED HEALTH-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AND CHALLENGES FOR CARE PROVIDERS IN RURAL ETHIOPIA: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTROL

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-135 ◽  
Author(s):  
WAKGARI DERESSA ◽  
AHMED ALI ◽  
DAMEN HAILEMARIAM
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Malaria Prevention ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Seeking Behaviour ◽  
Insecticide Treated Nets ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
And Control

SummaryA range of activities are currently underway to improve access to malaria prevention and control interventions. As disease control strategies change over time, it is crucial to understand the health-seeking behaviour and the local socio-cultural context in which the changes in interventions operate. This paper reflects on how people in an area of seasonal malaria perceive the causes and transmission of the disease, and what prevention and treatment measures they practise to cope with the disease. It also highlights some of the challenges of malaria treatment for health care providers. The study was undertaken in 2003 in Adami Tulu District in south-central Ethiopia, where malaria is a major health problem. Pre-tested structured questionnaires and focus group discussions were conducted among men and women. Malaria, locally known as busa, was perceived as the most important cause of ill health in the area. Respondent’s perception and knowledge about the cause and transmission of the disease were relatively high. The newly introduced insecticide-treated nets were not popular in the area, and only 6·4% of households possessed at least one. The results showed that patients use multiple sources of health care for malaria treatment. Public health facilities, private clinics and community health workers were the main providers of malaria treatment. Despite higher treatment costs, people preferred to use private health care providers for malaria treatment due to the higher perceived quality of care they offer. In conclusion, effort in the prevention and control of malaria should be intensified through addressing not only public facilities, but also the private sector and community-based control interventions. Appropriate and relevant information on malaria should be disseminated to the local community. The authors propose the provision of effective antimalarial drugs and malaria prevention tools such as subsidized or free insecticide-treated nets.

Rabies epidemiology and control in Turkey: past and present

2009 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 305-312 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. JOHNSON ◽  
H. UN ◽  
A. R. FOOKS ◽  
C. FREULING ◽  
T. MÜLLER ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Wildlife Reservoirs ◽  
Current State ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
And Control

SUMMARYTurkey is the only country in Europe where urban dog-mediated rabies persists. Control measures in recent decades have reduced the burden of rabies to relatively low levels but foci of disease still persist, particularly in urban areas. Occasional human cases result from this persistence although the source of these appears to be both dog and wildlife reservoirs. This review considers the current state of rabies in Turkey including current control measures, the varying epidemiology of the disease throughout this country and the prospects for rabies elimination.

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 Some epidemiological and serological studies on schistosomiasis in Najran area, Saudi Arabia

2016 ◽  
Vol 53 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-179
Author(s):  
I. S. El-Shahawy ◽  
M. I. Khalil ◽  
A. S. Adail
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Schistosomiasis Control ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Serological Studies ◽  
One Year ◽  
Ig G

SummarySchistosomiasis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality and has been estimated to infect over 200 million people. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis by detection of specific antibodies is likely to be more sensitive than the traditional method of diagnosis by detection of eggs in stool or urine. Therefore the present study was the first attempt to highlight the seroepidemiology of schistosomiasis among the general population of Najran City, southern of Saudi Arabia, as well as to achieve the performance of the diagnostic tests used. A total of 180 participants attending King Khaled hospital in Najran Province, Saudi Arabia, over a one year period, from September 2013 to September 2014 were screened for the presence of Schistosoma antibody in their blood serum using an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). Specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibody was evaluated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Out of the 180 samples of sera tested using IHA, 32 (20 %) were found to be positive with a titer ranging from 1:160 to 1:1280, while 42(23.2 %) revealed Schistosoma IgG. A positive relationship was found between the seroprevalence of schistosomiasis and age of tested participants, especially in the age group of 20-40 years old. Additionally, prevalence of infection was more in males (36 %) than females (7.5 %), and showed statistical significance (P < 0.001). Similarly, there was significant association between the presence of Schistosoma antibodies and the nationality of residence, and education of participants (P < 0.05). The current investigation reveals an alarmingly high prevalence of schistosomiasis among participants in Najran, southern region of Saudi Arabia and this supports an urgent need to re-evaluate the current control measures and implement an integrated, targeted and effective schistosomiasis control measures.

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