scholarly journals Home invasion of triatomines increases the risk of Chagas disease transmission in the Brazilian Amazon

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
BRUNA DANIELE LISBOA MOTA ◽  
Vera da Costa Valente ◽  
Francisco Lúzio de Paula Ramos ◽  
Sebastião Aldo da Silva Valente ◽  
Ana Yecê das Neves Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
The State ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vector Behaviour

Abstract Chagas disease is a parasitic infection with a large reemergent rates in some Amazon regions with usual features of outbreaks of the acute disease mainly by oral transmission. The main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi are hematophagous insects, the triatomines. Some of them can establish themselves in human dwellings and their annexes but others are mostly wild. In the state of Pará, few records have been made about the occurrence of those wild vectors in fortuitous contact with inhabitants in riverside regions in the Amazon. These vector behaviours have been studied by our group since 2006, trying to explain their role in transmission of the silent disease or asymptomatic infection. The objective of this study is to describe the epidemiological profile of populations exposed to random triatomine home invasion in riverside areas with this registered occurrence. This is a cross-sectional study developed in Abaetetuba city, in the state of Pará, where we conducted a seroepidemiologic survey in inhabitants that registered triatomine home invasion. The results demonstrated that triatomine invasions occur especially in the in-home environment and in the rural zone. The genus Rhodnius was the most found in residences of the municipalities. Direct contact through the vector was reported by 15.55% of the total participants, and an unusual vector behaviour were observed during the day. Despite this small casuistic, 0.47% of the enrolled inhabitants had positive serology IgG anti- T. cruzi antibodies. We confirm one occurrence of asymptomatic infection in a child and, also, favourable links to the Chagas disease transmission chain. Faced with the scarcity of information on triatomine aggression in the Amazon, the authors recommended an entomological study of greater scope in those areas. The record of unusual vector behaviour and the serological surveillance of human populations under this risk may constitute a new tool for the early detection of silent infections and reinforce the knowledges about the behaviour of invading insects. At the same time, health education can assist in strategies for the prevention of Chagas' disease.

scholarly journals Predictors of Intestinal Parasitic Infection among Food Handlers Working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Kemal Ahmed Kuti ◽  
Rameto Aman Nur ◽  
Geroma Morka Donka ◽  
Amene Abebe Kerbo ◽  
Adem Esmael Roba
Keyword(s):  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Free Food ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Food Handlers ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Inadequate Knowledge

Background. Intestinal parasitic infection is one of the major health problems globally. It is more common in developing countries including Ethiopia. So, adequate evidence is needed regarding the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. This study was aimed at determining the predictors of intestinal parasitic infection among food handlers working in Madda Walabu University, Ethiopia. Methods. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 15 May to 10 June 2017 among 198 symptom-free food handlers. Data on sociodemographic variables were collected through face-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire. Stool samples were collected immediately after the interview using labeled wide-mouthed plastic container and clean wooden applicator. Direct wet-mount method and formal-ether concentration techniques were performed to identify intestinal parasites. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics and crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. p value of <0.05 was considered to declaration level of significance. Result. The response rate was 98% (198/202). The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3% (50/198). The top three intestinal parasites found in this study were Ascaris lumbricoides 7.6% (15/198), Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 7.6% (15/198), and hookworm 5.6% (11/198). Inadequate handwashing practice (AOR: 13.876; 95% CI: 4.129, 46.632), inadequate knowledge about foodborne diseases (AOR: 3.596; 95% CI: 1.438, 8.989), lack of training on proper food handling (AOR: 5.960; 95% CI: 1.450, 24.497), and untrimmed fingernail (AOR: 2.939; 95% CI: 1.368, 6.135) were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection. Conclusion. High prevalence of intestinal parasites was observed among symptom-free food handlers who could be unobservable source of disease transmission. Inadequate handwashing, untrimmed fingernail, inadequate knowledge, and lack of training were independent predictors of intestinal parasitic infection in this study. This implies the need for timely and adequate training and enforcement of regular medical checkup system for food handlers.

scholarly journals Elevated Pediatric Chagas Disease Burden Complicated by Concomitant Intestinal Parasites and Malnutrition in El Salvador

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Melissa S. Nolan ◽  
Kristy O. Murray ◽  
Rojelio Mejia ◽  
Peter J. Hotez ◽  
Maria Jose Villar Mondragon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
El Salvador ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Number Of Children ◽  
Disease Case

The eradication of the vector Rhodnius prolixus from Central America was heralded as a victory for controlling transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. While public health officials believed this milestone achievement would effectively eliminate Chagas disease, case reports of acute vector transmission began amassing within a few years. This investigation employed a cross-sectional serosurvey of children either presenting with fever for clinical care or children living in homes with known triatomine presence in the state of Sonsonate, El Salvador. Over the 2018 calendar year, a 2.3% Chagas disease seroprevalence among children with hotspot clustering in Nahuizalco was identified. Positive serology was significantly associated with dogs in the home, older participant age, and a higher number of children in the home by multivariate regression. Concomitant intestinal parasitic infection was noted in a subset of studied children; 60% having at least one intestinal parasite and 15% having two or more concomitant infections. Concomitant parasitic infection was statistically associated with an overall higher parasitic load detected in stool by qPCR. Lastly, a four-fold higher burden of stunting was identified in the cohort compared to the national average, with four-fifths of mothers reporting severe food insecurity. This study highlights that polyparasitism is common, and a systems-based approach is warranted when treating Chagas disease seropositive children.

scholarly journals Knowledge about blood-borne pathogens and the prevalence of needle stick injuries among medical students in Serbia

2017 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vuk Marusic ◽  
Ljiljana Markovic-Denic ◽  
Olivera Djuric ◽  
Dragana Protic ◽  
Emilija Dubljanin-Raspopovic
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Disease Transmission ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Hepatitis B Vaccination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Needle Stick ◽  
Sharp Object ◽  
Needle Stick Injuries ◽  
Needle Sticks

AbstractIntroductionMedical students are mainly exposed to needle stick and sharp object injuries in the course of their clinical activities during studying. They are at high risk due to their undeveloped skills, restricted clinical experience, lack of knowledge and risk perception. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of needle stick injuries of the fourth and final year medical students, and to estimate their knowledge about blood-borne pathogens disease transmission and standard precautions.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, in February 2014. The students were invited to self-administer a questionnaire of 26 closed questions prepared for this study.ResultsThe questionnaire was filled in and returned by 637 students. The prevalence of needle sticks and sharp object injuries was 29.5%. Needle stick injuries were the most common type of accidents, more frequent among the fourth compared to the sixth year students (p=0.002). The majority of accidents occurred in patient rooms (53%) and the emergency department (15%). 54% of participants reported an accident to the responsible person. Students without accidents had a significantly better perception of risk (3.79 vs. 3.35; p<0.05). Out of the total participating students, only 16.6% (106/637) received all three doses of Hepatitis B vaccination, while 16.2% were partially vaccinated.ConclusionsThere is a need for additional theoretical and practical education of our students on blood exposure via accidents, raising the awareness of the necessity of hepatitis B vaccination, and introducing the unique/comprehensive procedure for accident reporting for students and healthcare workers in the entire country.

scholarly journals Differences in phosphatemia and frequency of consumption of dietary sources of phosphorus in hemodialysis patients in southern and northern Brazil

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Baggio Nerbass ◽  
Edcléia Regina Canzi ◽  
Renata dos Anjos Araujo ◽  
Dyane Corrêa ◽  
Rafaela Gonzaga dos Santos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Sample ◽  
Inorganic Phosphorus ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Phosphorus Sources ◽  
Northern Brazil ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pork Sausages

Abstract Introduction: Hyperphosphatemia is associated with unfavorable outcomes, and the percentage of patients presenting with this condition in hemodialysis (HD) in kidney foundation units in the state of Santa Catarina (SC) is historically higher than that of patients in the state of Tocantins (TO). Objective: To assess the frequency of consumption of the main dietary sources of phosphorus and to compare them between the two states. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out involving 123 patients, 66 of SC and 57 of TO: 52% were men, average age was 46.9 ± 15.7 years, and mean HD time 48 (57-71) months. A food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) with 33 items that are dietary sources of phosphorus was applied. A consumption score was calculated for sources of organic, inorganic, and total phosphorus, and the six-month average of phosphatemia was obtained. Results: The mean phosphatemia of SC patients was higher (6.2 ± 1.5 vs 4.7 ± 1.3 mg/dL, p <0001) than TO patients, as well as the prevalence of hyperphosphatemia (62% vs 28%; p <10001). In the total sample, the foods most frequently consumed were milk and beans. Comparing the frequency of consumption between the two states, a significant difference was found in 17 items. In TO, beef and beans were the foods most frequently consumed, and in SC, fourteen other items of the FFQ (pork, sausages, dairy products, etc.) were the most frequently consumed. Phosphatemia correlated with the frequency of consumption of inorganic phosphorus sources. Conclusion: the frequency of consumption of several items was different between the states, and this explains the differences in phosphatemia between the two regions.

scholarly journals Judicial demand of medications through the Federal Justice of the State of Paraná

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 85-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Renato Mitsunori Nisihara ◽  
Ana Carolina Possebom ◽  
Luiza de Martino Cruvinel Borges ◽  
Ana Claudia Athanasio Shwetz ◽  
Fernanda Francis Benevides Bettes
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Brand Name ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Public ◽  
Online System ◽  
Broad Variety ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Time

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the profile of lawsuits related to drug requests filled at the Federal Justice of the State of Paraná. Methods A cross-sectional study, and the data were obtained through consulting the lawsuits at the online system of the Federal Justice of Paraná. Results Out of 347 lawsuits included in the study, 55% of plaintiffs were women, with a median age of 56 years. Oncology was the field with more requests (23.6%), and the highest mean costs. A wide variety of diseases and broad variety of requested drugs were found in the lawsuits. Approximately two-thirds of them were requested by the brand name, and the most often requested drugs were palivizumab and tiotropium bromide. Only 14.5% of the requested medicines were registered in the National Medication Register. The Public Defender’s Office filled actions in 89.6% of cases and all lawsuits had an interim relief. The mean time for approval was 35 days and 70% of requests were granted. Conclusion Oncology was the field with the highest demand for medicines at the Federal Justice of Paraná in 2014. A great variety of medications was requested. The Public Defender´s Office represented most lawsuits. All demands had an interim relief, and the majority of requests were granted, within an average of 35 days.

scholarly journals Triatomine Fauna and Recent Epidemiological Dynamics of Chagas Disease in an Endemic Area of Northeast Brazil

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cláudia M. Melo ◽  
Ana Carla F. G. Cruz ◽  
Antônio Fernando V. A. Lima ◽  
Luan R. Silva ◽  
Rubens R. Madi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trypanosoma Cruzi ◽  
Disease Control ◽  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Control Program ◽  
The State ◽  
Positive Serology ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Systemic Analysis ◽  
South Central ◽  
Disease Control Program

Updated information of the dispersion dynamics of Chagas disease (CD) and a systemic analysis of these data will aid the early identification of areas that are vulnerable to transmission and enable efficient intervention. This work synthesized spatiotemporal information regarding triatomine fauna and analyzed this information in combination with the results from serological tests to elucidate the epidemiological panorama of CD in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. This is a retrospective analytical study that utilized information from the database of the National Chagas Disease Control Program. Between 2010 and 2016, 838 triatomines of eight species, namely, Panstrongylus geniculatus, which was first recorded in the state of Sergipe, Panstrongylus lutzi, P. megistus, Triatoma brasiliensis, T. pseudomaculata, T. tibiamaculata, T. melanocephala, and Rhodnius neglectus, were collected. Optical microscopy revealed that 13.2% of triatomines examined were infected by Trypanosoma cruzi-like flagellates. The distribution of triatomines exhibits an expanding south-central to northern dispersion, with a preference for semiarid and agreste areas and occasional observations in humid coastal areas due to anthropogenic actions reflected in the environment. Of the human cases analyzed from 2012 to 2016, 8.3% (191/2316) presented positive serology for Trypanosoma cruzi, and this proportion showed a gradual increase in the southern center of the state and new notifications in coastal regions. There is a need for intensification and continuity of the measures adopted by the Chagas Disease Control Program in Sergipe, identifying new priority areas for intervention and preferential ecotopes of the vectors, considering the occurrence of positive triatomines intradomicilliary and a source of new triatomines in the peridomiciles.

scholarly journals Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos relacionados ao transplante de córneas

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mayk Penze Cardoso ◽  
Marcos Antonio Ferreira Júnior ◽  
Elenilda De Andrade Pereira Gonçalves ◽  
Vanessa Giavarotti Taboza Flores ◽  
Élen Ferraz Teston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Services ◽  
Corneal Transplantation ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Distribution Patterns ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The State ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Eye Banks ◽  
Mato Grosso Do Sul

RESUMOObjetivo: caracterizar epidemiologicamente os transplantes de córneas realizados no estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Método: trata-se de estudo quantitativo, epidemiológico, de desenho transversal. Compor-se-á a amostra de estudo de forma censitária por todos os pacientes em fila de espera, os submetidos ao transplante de córneas e os doadores desse tipo de tecido no Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Realizar-se-á a coleta de dados por meio de três instrumentos elaborados para cada população distinta, com as variáveis de dados clínicos e epidemiológicos. Estabelecer-se-ão estatisticamente os padrões de distribuição e as frequências, bem como as medidas de tendência central, além da análise multivariada com aplicação de medidas de magnitude de efeito e associação, de acordo com a natureza de cada variável, a serem apresentados em forma de gráficos e tabelas. Resultados esperados: espera-se identificar as dificuldades encontradas no sistema estadual de transplante de córneas com foco no desenvolvimento de conceitos técnicos, de planejamento e organização do atendimento aos usuários em fila de espera, doadores e transplantados. Descritores: Transplante de Córnea; Doenças da Córnea; Retalhos de Tecido Biológico; Epidemiologia; Serviços de Saúde; Bancos de Olhos.ABSTRACTObjective: to make the clinical and epidemiological characterization of corneal transplants performed in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Method: this is a quantitative, epidemiological, cross-sectional study. A sample of the study will be collected in a census form for all patients in queue, those submitted to corneal transplantation and donors of this type of tissue in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. Data collection will be performed by means of three instruments elaborated for each distinct population, with the variables of clinical and epidemiological data. Distribution patterns and frequencies as well as measures of central tendency will be statistically established, as well as multivariate analysis with application of magnitude of effect and association, according to the nature of each variable, to be presented in charts and tables. Expected results: it is hoped to identify the difficulties found in the state transplant system of corneal aimed at the development of technical concepts, planning and organization of care for waiting users, donors and transplanted patients. Keywords: Corneal Transplantation; Corneal Diseases; Biological Tissue Patchwork; Epidemiology; Health services; Eye Banks. Descriptors: Corneal Transplantation; Corneal Diseases; Free Tissue Flaps; Epidemiology; Health Services; Eye Banks.RESUMENObjetivo: caracterizar epidemiológicamente los trasplantes de córneas hechos en el estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Método: trata-se de un estudio cuantitativo, epidemiológico, de diseño transversal. La muestra de estudio se compondrá de forma censal por todos los pacientes en cola de espera, los sometidos al trasplante de córneas y los donantes de ese tipo de tejido en el Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Se realizará la recolección de datos mediante tres instrumentos preparados para cada población distinta, con las variables de datos clínicos y epidemiológicos. Se establecerán estadísticamente los patrones de distribución y las frecuencias, así como las medidas de tendencia central, además del análisis multivariado con aplicación de medidas de magnitud de efecto y asociación, de acuerdo con la naturaleza de cada variable, que deberán presentarse en forma de gráficos y tablas. Resultados esperados: se espera identificar las dificultades encontradas en el sistema estatal de trasplante de córneas mirando el desarrollo de conceptos técnicos, de planificación y organización de la atención a los usuarios en cola de espera, los donantes y los trasplantados. Descriptores: Trasplante de Córnea; Enfermedades de Córnea; Colgajos Tisulares Libres; Epidemiología; Servicios de Salud; Bancos de Ojos.

scholarly journals Intestinal parasitic infections among HIV infected patients on antiretroviral therapy attending Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ermias Alemayehu ◽  
Alemu Gedefie ◽  
Aderaw Adamu ◽  
Jemal Mohammed ◽  
Brhanu Kassanew ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Hospital ◽  
Intestinal Parasites ◽  
Parasitic Infection ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Northern Ethiopia ◽  
Intestinal Parasitic Infection ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Concentration Technique

Abstract Background: Parasitic infections are known causes of morbidity among HIV infected patients with low CD4+ counts who are on antiretroviral therapy; mainly as a result of immune suppression. Thus, this study aimed to assess the extent of intestinal parasitic infection and its related risk factors among HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia.Patients and methods: A health facility based cross sectional study was conducted on a total of 383 HIV infected patients attending ART clinic of Debretabor General Hospital, Northern Ethiopia from December 2018 to March 2019. An interview based structured questionnaire were used to gather socio-demographic and risk factor data. About 5 grams of fresh stool specimen and 4 ml of venous blood sample were collected, then transported and tested in accordance with the laboratory standard operating procedures. The obtained data was entered into SPSS version 22.0; and analyzed. P-value <0.05 with 95% confidence interval was considered statistically significant.Result: The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites was 25.3%; with 18% and 23.8% by direct wet mount and formol-ether concentration technique respectively. 8 (2.1%) patients were infected by multiple parasites in concentration technique. Ascaris lumbricoides, 23(25.3%) was the most frequently identified parasite. Parasitic infection was significantly higher among illiterates (P=0.011); patients with a CD4 count of <200 cells/mm3 (P<0.001) and among patients who did not have latrine (P=0.049) than their counter parts.Conclusion: Relatively higher prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was found among HIV/AIDS patients. The distribution of intestinal parasites is greatly affected by illiteracy, reduced CD4+ counts and absence of toilet. Thus, HIV/AIDS patients with low CD4+ counts should be diagnosed consistently for intestinal parasites and routine stool examination and awareness creation should be advocated to be included as an essential component of the ART monitoring strategy for improved patient care.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Color Vision Deficiency among Medical Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zunair Aziz ◽  
Muhammad Moeez Uddin ◽  
Umar Farooque ◽  
Rizwan Farooque ◽  
Sundas Karimi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Color Vision ◽  
Medical Profession ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Color Vision Deficiency ◽  
Medical College ◽  
Eye Disorders ◽  
Color Deficiency

Introduction Color vision deficiency (CVD) constitutes one of the frequently observed eye disorders in all human populations. Color is a prominent sign utilized in the medical profession to study and identify histopathological specimens, lab instruments, and patient examination. Color deficiency affects the medical skills of students resulting in poor clinical examination and color appreciation. There is no effective screening of CVD at any level of the medical profession. Hence, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of CVD among medical students. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted from September 2019 to February 2020 over a period of six months in Karachi, Pakistan. All medical students aged 18-21 years of either gender enrolled in the first and second years of medical college were included in this study. The examination was performed during daylight. Ishihara plates were placed at a distance of 75 cm from the subject and tilted so that the plane of the paper lies perpendicular to the line of vision. Students were given five seconds to read the plate and one examiner was instructed to mark the checklist. A score of less than 12 out of 14 red/green test plates (not including the demonstration plate) was considered as a CVD. All statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Results The mean age of the medical students was 19.61&plusmn; 1.22 years. There were (n=123) 53.0% females and (n=111) 47.0% males. Most of the medical students (n=131, 56.0%) belonged to the upper-middle-class socioeconomic group. CVD was observed in (n=13) 6.0%of medical students. Age (p=0.001) and socioeconomic status (p=0.001) were the only demographic factors significantly associated with color deficiency. Conclusions Color deficiency, although an unnoticed concern, is fairly common among medical students. Medical students must be screened for CVD as this will enable them to be aware of their limitations in their future observational skills as a doctor and devise ways of overcoming them in clinical practice.

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