scholarly journals Brucellosis Reemergence after a Decade of Quiescence in Palestine, 2015-2017: a Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bessan Aljanazreh ◽  
Khaled Alzatari ◽  
Asmaa Tamimi ◽  
Mohammad Alsaafeen ◽  
Waheed Hassouneh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Rpob Gene ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rifampicin Resistance ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Health Organization

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in many developing countries and ranked by the World Health Organization among the top seven “neglected zoonoses”. Although a Palestinian brucellosis control program was launched in 1998, the disease reemerged after 2012. Interestingly, a similar reemerging pattern was reported in the neighboring Israeli regions. The aim of this work was to characterize the reemerging strains and delineate their genetic relatedness. During 2015-2017, blood samples from 1324 suspected patients were analyzed using two serological tests. Seropositive samples were cultured, and their DNAs were analyzed by different genetic markers to determine the involved Brucella species and rule out any possible involvement of the Rev.1 vaccine strain. The rpoB gene was sequenced from 9 isolates to screen for rifampicin-resistance mutations. Multi Locus VNTR Analysis (MLVA-16) was used for genotyping the isolates. The molecular analysis showed that all isolates were B. melitensis strains unrelated to the Rev.1 vaccine. The rpoB gene sequences showed four single nucleotide variations (SNVs) not associated with rifampicin resistance. MLVA-16 analysis clustered the isolates into 22 unique genotypes that belong to the East Mediterranean lineage. Altogether, our findings show that the reemergence of brucellosis was due to B. melitensis strains of local origin, the Palestinian and Israeli control programs’ weaknesses could be a major factor behind the reemergence of the disease. However, other socioeconomic and environmental factors must be investigated. Moreover, strengthening brucellosis control programs and enhancing cooperation between all stakeholders is essential to ensure long-term program outcomes to fight brucellosis.

scholarly journals Brucellosis Reemergence after a Decade of Quiescence in Palestine, 2015-2017: a Seroprevalence and Molecular Characterization Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yaqoub Ashhab ◽  
Bessan Aljanazreh ◽  
Khaled Alzatari ◽  
Asmaa Tamimi ◽  
Mohammad Alsaafeen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Control Program ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rifampicin Resistance ◽  
Resistance Mutations ◽  
Program Outcomes ◽  
Serological Tests ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Characterization Study ◽  
Health Organization

Brucellosis is an endemic disease in many developing countries and ranked by the World Health Organization among the top seven “neglected zoonoses”. Although a Palestinian brucellosis control program was launched in 1998, the disease reemerged after 2012. Interestingly, a similar reemerging pattern was reported in the neighboring Israeli regions. The aim of this work was to characterize the reemerging strains and delineate their genetic relatedness. During 2015-2017, blood samples from 1324 suspected patients were analyzed using two serological tests. Seropositive samples were cultured, and their DNAs were analyzed by different genetic markers to determine the involved Brucella species and rule out any possible involvement of the Rev.1 vaccine strain. The rpoB gene was sequenced from 9 isolates to screen for rifampicin resistance mutations. Multi Locus VNTR Analysis (MLVA-16) was used for genotyping the isolates. The molecular analysis showed that all isolates were B. melitensis strains unrelated to the Rev.1 vaccine. The rpoB gene sequences showed four single nucleotide variations (SNVs) not associated with rifampicin resistance. MLVA-16 analysis clustered the isolates into 22 unique genotypes that belong to the East Mediterranean lineage. Altogether, our findings show that the reemergence of brucellosis was due to B. melitensis strains of local origin, the Palestinian and Israeli control programs’ weaknesses could be a major factor behind the reemergence of the disease. However, other socioeconomic and environmental factors must be investigated. Moreover, strengthening brucellosis control programs and enhancing cooperation between all stakeholders is essential to ensure long-term program outcomes to fight brucellosis.

scholarly journals Impact of External Quality Assurance on the Quality of Xpert MTB/RIF Testing in Viet Nam

2018 ◽  
Vol 57 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vidyanidhi Gumma ◽  
Kyle DeGruy ◽  
Davara Bennett ◽  
Thanh Nguyen Thi Kim ◽  
Heidi Albert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Control Program ◽  
External Quality Assurance ◽  
World Health ◽  
External Quality ◽  
National Tuberculosis ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization

ABSTRACT Following the endorsement of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, Viet Nam’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) began using GeneXpert instruments in NTP laboratories. In 2013, Viet Nam’s NTP implemented an Xpert MTB/RIF external quality assurance (EQA) program in collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND). Proficiency-testing (PT) panels comprising five dried tube specimens (DTS) were sent to participating sites approximately twice a year from October 2013 to July 2016. The number of enrolled laboratories increased from 22 to 39 during the study period. Testing accuracy was assessed by comparing reported and expected results; percentage scores were assigned; and feedback reports were provided to sites. On-site evaluation (OSE) was conducted for underperforming laboratories. The results from the first five rounds demonstrate the positive impact of PT and targeted OSE visits on testing quality. On average, for every additional round of feedback, the odds of achieving PT scores of ≥80% increased 2.04-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.39- to 3.00-fold). Future work will include scaling up PT to all sites and maintaining the performance of participating laboratories while developing local panel production capacity.

scholarly journals Market penetration of Xpert MTB/RIF in high tuberculosis burden countries: A trend analysis from 2014 - 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Cazabon ◽  
Tripti Pande ◽  
Sandra Kik ◽  
Wayne Van Gemert ◽  
Hojoon Sohn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sputum Smear ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Market Penetration ◽  
The Public ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Full Capacity ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Roll Out

Background: Xpert® MTB/RIF, a rapid tuberculosis (TB) molecular test, was endorsed by the World Health Organization in 2010. Since then, 34.4 million cartridges have been procured under concessional pricing. Although the roll out of this diagnostic is promising, previous studies showed low market penetration. Methods: To assess 3-year trends of market penetration of Xpert MTB/RIF in the public sector, smear and Xpert MTB/RIF volumes for the year 2016 were assessed and policies from 2014-2016 within 22 high-burden countries (HBCs) were studied. A structured questionnaire was sent to representatives of 22 HBCs. The questionnaires assessed the total smear and Xpert MTB/RIF volumes, number of modules and days of operation of GeneXpert machines in National TB Programs (NTPs). Data regarding the use of NTP GeneXpert machines for other diseases and GeneXpert procurement by other disease control programs were collected. Market penetration was estimated by the ratio of total sputum smear volume for initial diagnosis divided by the number of Xpert MTB/RIF tests procured in the public sector. Results: The survey response rate was 21/22 (95%). Smear/Xpert ratios decreased in 17/21 countries and increased in four countries, since 2014. The median ratio decreased from 32.6 (Q1:14.3, Q3: 58.9) in 2014 to 6.0 (Q1: 1.6, Q3: 17.0) in 2016. Nineteen countries (19/19; 100%) were not using GeneXpert machines to their full capacity, however seven countries (7/19; 37%) were running tests for other diseases on their NTP-procured GeneXpert systems in 2017, such as HIV, hepatitis-C virus (HCV), Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Five (5/15; 33%) countries reported GeneXpert procurement by HIV or HCV programs in 2016 and/or 2017. Conclusions: Our results show a positive trend for Xpert MTB/RIF market penetration in 21 HBC public sectors. However, GeneXpert machines were under-utilized for TB, and inadequately exploited as a multi disease technology.

scholarly journals Assessing Insecticide Resistance in Adult Mosquitoes: Perspectives on Current Methods

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117863022095279
Author(s):  
Stephanie L Richards ◽  
Brian D Byrd ◽  
Michael H Reiskind ◽  
Avian V White
Keyword(s):  
Insecticide Resistance ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Global Issue ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Level Training

Mosquito insecticide resistance (IR) is a growing global issue that must be addressed to protect public health. Vector control programs (VCPs) should regularly monitor local mosquito populations for IR and plan control measures accordingly. In some cases, state/federal resources financially support this testing with expertise and/or training programs. Standardization of methods (eg, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention bottle bioassay, World Health Organization tube testing, dose-mortality bioassay) for monitoring IR must be prioritized. One solution is regional hubs of IR monitoring at the state or other level. Training programs on methodology and interpretation of results should be developed and routinely offered to local VCPs conducting IR testing in mosquitoes. Here, current methods for assessing mosquito IR are discussed and insights into a variety of questions from VCPs are considered. It is critical that methods for IR monitoring and data interpretation are standardized through routine training, with the goal of evidence-driven decision making to improve control of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease.

scholarly journals 2-Methyl-pentanoyl-carnitine (2-MPC): a urine biomarker for patent Ascaris lumbricoides infection

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ole Lagatie ◽  
Ann Verheyen ◽  
Stijn Van Asten ◽  
Maurice R. Odiere ◽  
Yenny Djuardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ascaris Lumbricoides ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Infection Intensity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Metabolome Analysis ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Urine Biomarker ◽  
Intestinal Worms ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Infections with intestinal worms, such as Ascaris lumbricoides, affect hundreds of millions of people in all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Through large-scale deworming programs, World Health Organization aims to reduce moderate-to-heavy intensity infections below 1%. Current diagnosis and monitoring of these control programs are solely based on the detection of worm eggs in stool. Here we describe how metabolome analysis was used to identify the A. lumbricoides-specific urine biomarker 2-methyl pentanoyl carnitine (2-MPC). This biomarker was found to be 85.7% accurate in determining infection and 90.5% accurate in determining a moderate-to-heavy infection. Our results also demonstrate that there is a correlation between 2-MPC levels in urine and A. lumbricoides DNA detected in stool. Furthermore, the levels of 2-MPC in urine were shown to rapidly and strongly decrease upon administration of a standard treatment (single oral dose of 400 mg albendazole). In an Ascaris suum infection model in pigs, it was found that, although 2-MPC levels were much lower compared to humans, there was a significant association between urinary 2-MPC levels and both worm counts (p = 0.023) and the number of eggs per gram (epg) counts (p < 0.001). This report demonstrates that urinary 2-MPC can be considered an A. lumbricoides-specific biomarker that can be used to monitor infection intensity.

scholarly journals The Invention of Geospatial Decision Support System for Malaysian Tuberculosis Surveillance Data Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (SI3) ◽  
pp. 269-274
Author(s):  
Abdul Rauf Abdul Rasam ◽  
Noresah Mohd Shariff ◽  
JilorisF Dony
Keyword(s):  
Publishing House ◽  
Control Program ◽  
World Health ◽  
Present System ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Tb Control ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
National Tuberculosis ◽  
Health Organization

The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the capabilities of a health information tool for disease preparedness and emergency responses. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been using MyTB system to support the national tuberculosis (TB) control program through data decision-making management. However, this present system does not seem to be considering geospatial element which is one of the important factors affecting TB control. Integrating the MyTB system with geospatial functions would enhance the explicit cognitive and behavior analyses of TB by proposing a MyGeoTBIS© to assist the local health authorities in exploring TB dynamics and multi-level infection control. Keywords: Geospatial, GIS, MyGeoTBIS, MyTB, tuberculosis disease eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2564

scholarly journals Prevalence of Anemia, Iron Deficiency during the Second Trimester of Gestation in Pregnant Women: A Comparative Study of Walled and New Lahore City Population

2021 ◽  
pp. 310-318
Author(s):  
Shafia Arshad ◽  
Amina Arif ◽  
Nessar Ahmed ◽  
Javed Iqbal Wattoo
Keyword(s):  
Iron Deficiency ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
World Health ◽  
Second Trimester ◽  
Female Population ◽  
Control Programs ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background: Anemia during pregnancy is common worldwide, and it is also reported in Lahore, Pakistan, but it is not well documented in women residing in the Walled City of Lahore (WC). The study was designed to compare the pregnant female population of walled and new Lahore (NC) city for the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency. Methods: All the females were within the second trimester of pregnancy with World Health Organization (WHO) criteria of age between 18-45 years. 446 venous blood samples were drawn, out of which 180 belong to WC and 266 to NC. After informed consent, demographic information, including age, gravidity, education, and socioeconomic status, was collected. A complete blood count test was performed to get results for hemoglobin, MCV, and MCH. Total iron-binding capacity, ferritin, and hepcidin levels were checked on ELISA 96-wells plates. Results: The prevalence of anemia in WC samples is 58.3%, and in NC samples, it is 42.4%. A decrease in hepcidin is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with age and gravidity in both populations. Conclusion: It is concluded that anemia control programs should focus on WC women with extra efforts as anemia and iron deficiency are more prevalent. Making intelligent and focused efforts about this public health worry, Pakistan may succeed in achieving Sustainable Development Goals 2025 about eradicating anemia.

scholarly journals Community Based Chagas Control Program

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Chagas Disease ◽  
Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
World Health ◽  
Tropical Diseases ◽  
Social Instability ◽  
Main Determinants ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Effective Transmission

In 2012, World Health Organization published the first ever Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Roadmap, entitled “Accelerating Work to Overcome the Global Impact of Neglected Tropical Diseases: A Roadmap for Implementation.” This report brought international attention to Chagas and other NTDs and provided a framework to guide implementation of policies and strategies set out in the Global Plan to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases 2008-2015. Chagas disease, endemic to Bolivia, is considered the third most common parasitic disease globally, after malaria and schistosomiasis. It is estimated that six to seven million persons are infected worldwide. [1] Bolivia has the highest rate of endemic Chagas disease in the Americas. Chagas disease is both a disease of poverty and, like other neglected tropical diseases, poverty promoting. [2] Chagas disease is associated with multiple social and environmental determinants in communities marked by poverty. Salient among the main determinants are poor-quality dwellings, social instability, the combined presence of certain environmental factors, such as the Chagas vectors, mammals that serve as reservoirs of the disease and human exposure, creating the conditions for perpetuating the effective transmission of the infection and its endemicity. These challenges put pregnant women, young children and children with disabilities at especially high risk for contracting Chagas disease. Left untreated, Chagas disease can lead to serious heart, digestive and neurological conditions.

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