scholarly journals A Strategy for Efficient Preparation of Genus-Specific Diagnostic Antibodies for Snakebites

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengbo Long ◽  
Feilong Wu ◽  
Qiumin Lu ◽  
Bing Xie ◽  
Chuanbin Shen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Snake Venom ◽  
Sandwich Elisa ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Tropical Disease ◽  
Spatial Accessibility ◽  
World Health ◽  
Peptide Fragments ◽  
Snake Venoms ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Species Specific

As said by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, “Snakebite is the most important tropical disease you’ve never heard of.” Listed as a priority neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization, snakebite envenoming (SBE) kills in excess of 125,000 people per year. However, due to the complexity and overlap of snake venom compositions, few reliable venom diagnostic methods for genus-/species-specific identification, which is crucial for successful SBE therapy, are available. Here, we develop a strategy to select and prepare genus-specific snake venom antibodies, which allows rapid and efficient clinical diagnosis of snakebite. Multi-omics approaches are used to choose candidate antigens from snake venoms and identify genus-specific antigenic epitope peptide fragments (GSAEPs) with ideal immunogenicity, specificity, and spatial accessibility. Double-antibody sandwich ELISA kit was established by matching a polyclonal antibody against a natural antigen and a monoclonal antibody that was prepared by natural protein as antigen and can specifically target the GSAEPs. The kit shows the ability to accurately identify venoms from similar genera of Trimeresurus and Protobothrops with a detection limit of 6.25 ng/ml on the snake venoms and a little cross-reaction, thus proving high feasibility and applicability.

scholarly journals The Search for Natural and Synthetic Inhibitors That Would Complement Antivenoms as Therapeutics for Snakebite Envenoming

Toxins ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 451
Author(s):  
José María Gutiérrez ◽  
Laura-Oana Albulescu ◽  
Rachel H. Clare ◽  
Nicholas R. Casewell ◽  
Tarek Mohamed Abd Abd El-Aziz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Snake Venom ◽  
Serine Proteinase ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Variable Chemical ◽  
Snake Venom Metalloproteinase ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Natural And Synthetic

A global strategy, under the coordination of the World Health Organization, is being unfolded to reduce the impact of snakebite envenoming. One of the pillars of this strategy is to ensure safe and effective treatments. The mainstay in the therapy of snakebite envenoming is the administration of animal-derived antivenoms. In addition, new therapeutic options are being explored, including recombinant antibodies and natural and synthetic toxin inhibitors. In this review, snake venom toxins are classified in terms of their abundance and toxicity, and priority actions are being proposed in the search for snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), three-finger toxin (3FTx), and serine proteinase (SVSP) inhibitors. Natural inhibitors include compounds isolated from plants, animal sera, and mast cells, whereas synthetic inhibitors comprise a wide range of molecules of a variable chemical nature. Some of the most promising inhibitors, especially SVMP and PLA2 inhibitors, have been developed for other diseases and are being repurposed for snakebite envenoming. In addition, the search for drugs aimed at controlling endogenous processes generated in the course of envenoming is being pursued. The present review summarizes some of the most promising developments in this field and discusses issues that need to be considered for the effective translation of this knowledge to improve therapies for tackling snakebite envenoming.

scholarly journals Colaboración entre el sector de WASH y el sector de la salud: Guía práctica para los programas de lucha contra las enfermedades tropicales desatendidas.

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Tropical Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neglected Tropical Disease ◽  
Working Together ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Buenas Prácticas

Este documento presenta un conjunto de herramientas para ayudar a los países y los programas de lucha contra la ETD, a colaborar con la comunidad relacionada con las acciones de agua, saneamiento e higiene, y guía en la creación de alianzas, en la movilización de recursos y en el diseño, la aplicación y la evaluación de las intervenciones. Más que una guía de “buenas prácticas”, se trata de un conjunto de herramientas basadas en la experiencia adquirida en la realidad de un programa. Se espera que los interesados en usar este documento puedan elegir las herramientas y adaptarlas a sus necesidades y al contexto local. Estas herramientas ayudarán a 1) crear alianzas multisectoriales con los interesados directos clave: ministerios, agencias de WASH nacionales y locales, empresas, grupos locales activos en cuestiones de salud, expertos en cambio de comportamientos y en comunicación, etc.; 2) a formar estructuras de programa inteligentes centradas en la rendición de cuentas y en los objetivos comunes; 3) a establecer un método de programación adaptativo y flexible; 4) a garantizar la sostenibilidad mediante la creación de capacidad local a todos los niveles; y 5) a brindar apoyo y complementar las intervenciones clínicas y de salud pública en la lucha contra las EID. Version oficial en Españo de la obra original en inglés: WASH and health working together: A 'how-to' guide for Neglected Tropical Disease programmes. © World Health Organization 2019. ISBN: 978-92-4-151500-9.

scholarly journals A recent update of the diagnostic methods for tuberculosis and their applicability in Indonesia: a narrative review

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 284-91
Author(s):  
Tri Nugraha Susilawati ◽  
Riska Larasati
Keyword(s):  
Delayed Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Current State ◽  
Interferon Gamma Release Assays ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
The World ◽  
Golden Standard ◽  
Tertiary Hospitals ◽  
Health Organization

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major global problem, especially with the high prevalence of HIV-TB co-infection. Delayed diagnosis and continual transmission contribute to high mortality in Indonesia, which has the third highest incidence of TB in the world, after China and India. Therefore, early diagnosis is needed to reduce the number of cases and to administer therapy to prevent the transmission of bacteria. The diagnosis of TB remains a challenge in clinical practice due to poor sensitivity and the requirement of skilled staff in microscopic tests, the slow growth Mycobacterium in culture, and the low number of bacilli present in extrapulmonary TB. Despite being the golden standard for TB diagnosis, cultures require 2–8 weeks to grow. Other methods for diagnosing TB include interferon-gamma release assays and serologic tests such as the tuberculin skin test. Recently, the World Health Organization recommended the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay for diagnosing TB. This review presents the current state of TB epidemiology and various methods for TB diagnosis. In particular, the paper provides an in-depth discussion about the GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay that has been made available recently in selected tertiary hospitals in Indonesia.

scholarly journals Investigating host-bacterial interactions among enteric pathogens

BMC Genomics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tungadri Bose ◽  
K. V. Venkatesh ◽  
Sharmila S. Mande
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiome ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Enteric Pathogens ◽  
World Health ◽  
Core Set ◽  
Pathogen Protein ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Novel Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
Gut Pathogens

Abstract Background In 2017, World Health Organization (WHO) published a catalogue of 12 families of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” that are posing the greatest threats to human health. Six of these dreaded pathogens are known to infect the human gastrointestinal system. In addition to causing gastrointestinal and systemic infections, these pathogens can also affect the composition of other microbes constituting the healthy gut microbiome. Such aberrations in gut microbiome can significantly affect human physiology and immunity. Identifying the virulence mechanisms of these enteric pathogens are likely to help in developing newer therapeutic strategies to counter them. Results Using our previously published in silico approach, we have evaluated (and compared) Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interaction (HPI) profiles of four groups of enteric pathogens, namely, different species of Escherichia, Shigella, Salmonella and Vibrio. Results indicate that in spite of genus/ species specific variations, most enteric pathogens possess a common repertoire of HPIs. This core set of HPIs are probably responsible for the survival of these pathogen in the harsh nutrient-limiting environment within the gut. Certain genus/ species specific HPIs were also observed. Conslusions The identified bacterial proteins involved in the core set of HPIs are expected to be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of these dreaded gut pathogens in greater detail. Possible role of genus/ species specific variations in the HPI profiles in the virulence of these pathogens are also discussed. The obtained results are likely to provide an opportunity for development of novel therapeutic strategies against the most dreaded gut pathogens.

scholarly journals Advances in Diagnostic Methods for Zika Virus Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Herrada ◽  
Md. Alamgir Kabir ◽  
Rommel Altamirano ◽  
Waseem Asghar
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Localized Surface Plasmon ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Health Organization

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is one of the most infamous mosquito-borne flavivirus on recent memory due to its potential association with high mortality rates in fetuses, microcephaly and neurological impairments in neonates, and autoimmune disorders. The severity of the disease, as well as its fast spread over several continents, has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare ZIKV a global health concern. In consequence, over the past couple of years, there has been a significant effort for the development of ZIKV diagnostic methods, vaccine development, and prevention strategies. This review focuses on the most recent aspects of ZIKV research which includes the outbreaks, genome structure, multiplication and propagation of the virus, and more importantly, the development of serological and molecular detection tools such as Zika IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Zika MAC-ELISA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Additionally, we discuss the limitations of currently available diagnostic methods, the potential of newly developed sensing technologies, and also provide insight into future areas of research.

scholarly journals Pediatric Bacterial Meningitis Surveillance in Nigeria From 2010 to 2016, Prior to and During the Phased Introduction of the 10-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S81-S88 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beckie N Tagbo ◽  
Rowan E Bancroft ◽  
Iretiola Fajolu ◽  
Mohammed B Abdulkadir ◽  
Muhammad F Bashir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bacterial Meningitis ◽  
Conjugate Vaccine ◽  
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine ◽  
Invasive Disease ◽  
Latex Agglutination ◽  
World Health ◽  
Vaccine Introduction ◽  
Vaccine Type ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Species Specific

Abstract Background Historically, Nigeria has experienced large bacterial meningitis outbreaks with high mortality in children. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus), and Haemophilus influenzae are major causes of this invasive disease. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, we conducted longitudinal surveillance in sentinel hospitals within Nigeria to establish the burden of pediatric bacterial meningitis (PBM). Methods From 2010 to 2016, cerebrospinal fluid was collected from children <5 years of age, admitted to 5 sentinel hospitals in 5 Nigerian states. Microbiological and latex agglutination techniques were performed to detect the presence of pneumococcus, meningococcus, and H. influenzae. Species-specific polymerase chain reaction and serotyping/grouping were conducted to determine specific causative agents of PBM. Results A total of 5134 children with suspected meningitis were enrolled at the participating hospitals; of these 153 (2.9%) were confirmed PBM cases. The mortality rate for those infected was 15.0% (23/153). The dominant pathogen was pneumococcus (46.4%: 71/153) followed by meningococcus (34.6%: 53/153) and H. influenzae (19.0%: 29/153). Nearly half the pneumococcal meningitis cases successfully serotyped (46.4%: 13/28) were caused by serotypes that are included in the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. The most prevalent meningococcal and H. influenzae strains were serogroup W and serotype b, respectively. Conclusions Vaccine-type bacterial meningitis continues to be common among children <5 years in Nigeria. Challenges with vaccine introduction and coverage may explain some of these finding. Continued surveillance is needed to determine the distribution of serotypes/groups of meningeal pathogens across Nigeria and help inform and sustain vaccination policies in the country.

scholarly journals Fear inoculation among snake experts

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos M. Coelho ◽  
Panrapee Suttiwan ◽  
Andras N. Zsido
Keyword(s):  
World Health Organization ◽  
Tropical Disease ◽  
World Health ◽  
Neglected Tropical Disease ◽  
Extreme Risk ◽  
The World ◽  
Health Organization

Prepared phobias are often seen as acquired rapidly, generalize broadly and are resistant to extinction. Nonetheless provided opportunity for innocuous contact with certain kinds of stimuli people tend to show less fear when compared with others who never or rarely deal with the same stimuli. This study finds that people who were bitten by a snake (either venomous or not) scored lower in fear of snakes, as measured by the SNAQ-12, and SPQ surveys. These fearless people also have more experience with snakes than those who were not bitten. Results suggest that people could become immunized even against highly biologically prepared fearful stimuli, such as snakes, after a certain amount of previous benign exposure. We stress that lack of fear might bring people to become unworried and develop extreme risk of snakebite envenomation, which has recently (2017) been classified by the World Health Organization as a category A neglected tropical disease.

scholarly journals Change in TB diagnostic profile after introduction of GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay in National TB Program of Armenia, 2013-2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (05.1) ◽  
pp. 022S-027S
Author(s):  
Eduard Kabasakalyan ◽  
Karapet Davtyan ◽  
Viktorya Cholakyans ◽  
Alvard Mirzoyan ◽  
Karine Kentenyants ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Analysis ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
National Tuberculosis ◽  
Diagnostic Profile ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Xpert Assay

Introduction: In 2013, the National Tuberculosis (TB) Program of Armenia introduced GeneXpert MTB/RIF (Xpert) assay to address World Health Organization (WHO) target of 80% (2020) of notified new and relapse TB cases to be tested with WHO recommended rapid diagnostic methods. This study aimed to assess the change in laboratory diagnostic profile of Mycobacterium tuberculosis after introduction of the Xpert assay from 2013 to 2017. Methodology: Retrospective cohort analysis of all presumptive TB patients’ records retrieved from the National Reference Laboratory database was performed. Results: This study showed increased trend of Xpert coverage for suspected TB cases from 25% in 2013 to 86% in 2017 which is in line with WHO TB global strategy’s target of 80% in 2020. In 4.7% cases, Xpert tested positive while microscopy showed negative results. There was also an improved detection of Rifampicin resistance with increased concordance from 99.1% to 99.4% and decreased discordance from 6.7% to 1.4% between culture and Xpert results. Conclusion: Armenia has achieved the 2020 target; in terms of utilizing the GeneXpert it is on track to achieve the End TB strategy target of 100% by 2025. The next step of this research will be assessment of the impact of GeneXpert and other TB tests utilization on the treatment outcomes in Armenia.

scholarly journals A Combined Digital and Biomarker Diagnostic Aid for Mood Disorders (the Delta Trial): Protocol for an Observational Study

10.2196/18453 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. e18453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tony Olmert ◽  
Jason D Cooper ◽  
Sung Yeon Sarah Han ◽  
Giles Barton-Owen ◽  
Lynn Farrag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mood Disorders ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Composite International Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Diagnostic Interview ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Diagnostic Aid ◽  
Health Organization

Background Mood disorders affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, imposing a substantial medical and economic burden. Existing diagnostic methods for mood disorders often result in a delay until accurate diagnosis, exacerbating the challenges of these disorders. Advances in digital tools for psychiatry and understanding the biological basis of mood disorders offer the potential for novel diagnostic methods that facilitate early and accurate diagnosis of patients. Objective The Delta Trial was launched to develop an algorithm-based diagnostic aid combining symptom data and proteomic biomarkers to reduce the misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder (BD) as a major depressive disorder (MDD) and achieve more accurate and earlier MDD diagnosis. Methods Participants for this ethically approved trial were recruited through the internet, mainly through Facebook advertising. Participants were then screened for eligibility, consented to participate, and completed an adaptive digital questionnaire that was designed and created for the trial on a purpose-built digital platform. A subset of these participants was selected to provide dried blood spot (DBS) samples and undertake a World Health Organization World Mental Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Inclusion and exclusion criteria were chosen to maximize the safety of a trial population that was both relevant to the trial objectives and generalizable. To provide statistical power and validation sets for the primary and secondary objectives, 840 participants were required to complete the digital questionnaire, submit DBS samples, and undertake a CIDI. Results The Delta Trial is now complete. More than 3200 participants completed the digital questionnaire, 924 of whom also submitted DBS samples and a CIDI, whereas a total of 1780 participants completed a 6-month follow-up questionnaire and 1542 completed a 12-month follow-up questionnaire. The analysis of the trial data is now underway. Conclusions If a diagnostic aid is able to improve the diagnosis of BD and MDD, it may enable earlier treatment for patients with mood disorders. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/18453

scholarly journals Diagnostic approach to malignant fibrous histiocytomas of soft tissue in dogs: a case report

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 621-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
JS Ko ◽  
HJ Kim ◽  
YM Choi ◽  
JW Kim ◽  
C. Park ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Microscopic Investigation ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Fibrous Histiocytomas ◽  
Malignant Fibrous Histiocytomas ◽  
Molecular Approaches ◽  
Health Organization

Malignant fibrous histiocytomas (MFHs), newly named as ‘undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas’ in 2002 by the World Health Organization, generally show an ambiguous origin. They have been described to fibroblastic or histiocytic in origin, while storiform-pleomorphic variants share a similar morphologic pattern with other sarcomas. For this reason additional diagnostic methods including immunology, ultrastructure analysis and molecular approaches are necessary for a more accurate diagnosis. We report three cases of MFH in individual dogs which presented histological characteristics of pleomorphic sarcomatoid tumours. Microscopic investigation, immunohistochemistry (vimentin, CD68, desmin, α-smooth muscle actin, and S-100) and electron microscopy were performed for diagnosis. One case was diagnosed as storiform-pleomorphic type and two were diagnosed as giant cell type MFHs. The present study demonstrates concepts of MFHs based on newly described categories and suggests useful diagnostic approaches for uncertain sarcomatoid soft tissue tumours in canines.

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