Coccidioidomycosis in Brazil: Historical Challenges of a Neglected Disease

Coccidioidomycosis is a deep-seated fungal infection that occurs exclusively in semiarid areas in the Americas. In Brazil, coccidioidomycosis occurs exclusively in rural areas in the northeast region and affects counties that are hit by recurrent droughts, poverty and economic stagnation. Since 1978, approximately 136 cases of the disease have been reported in Brazil, according to scientific publications. However, a lack of governmental epidemiological data as well as a similarity to tuberculosis have led scientists and experts to assume that a greater number of cases occur in the country, which are not diagnosed and/or reported. In this review, general characteristics of coccidioidomycosis are presented, followed by a description of the main clinical and epidemiological data of cases in Brazil. The purpose of this article is to discuss the inclusion of coccidioidomycosis in the list of neglected tropical diseases. We believe that the adoption of coccidioidomycosis as a neglected tropical disease will enable the creation of an effective epidemiological surveillance system and the development of feasible public health solutions for its control in vulnerable populations.

Download Full-text

Assessment of surveillance core and support functions regarding neglected tropical diseases in Kenya

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10185-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Arthur K. S. Ng’etich ◽

Kuku Voyi ◽

Clifford M. Mutero

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Qualitative Data ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

National Level ◽

World Health ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Support Functions ◽

Specimen Handling ◽

Surveillance And Response

Abstract Background Effective surveillance and response systems are vital to achievement of disease control and elimination goals. Kenya adopted the revised guidelines of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in 2012. Previous assessments of surveillance system core and support functions in Africa are limited to notifiable diseases with minimal attention given to neglected tropical diseases amenable to preventive chemotherapy (PC-NTDs). The study aimed to assess surveillance system core and support functions relating to PC-NTDs in Kenya. Methods A mixed method cross-sectional survey was adapted involving 192 health facility workers, 50 community-level health workers and 44 sub-national level health personnel. Data was collected using modified World Health Organization generic questionnaires, observation checklists and interview schedules. Descriptive summaries, tests of associations using Pearson’s Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests and mixed effects regression models were used to analyse quantitative data. Qualitative data derived from interviews with study participants were coded and analysed thematically. Results Surveillance core and support functions in relation to PC-NTDs were assessed in comparison to an indicator performance target of 80%. Optimal performance reported on specimen handling (84%; 100%), reports submission (100%; 100%) and data analysis (84%; 80%) at the sub-county and county levels respectively. Facilities achieved the threshold on reports submission (84%), reporting deadlines (88%) and feedback (80%). However, low performance reported on case definitions availability (60%), case registers (19%), functional laboratories (52%) and data analysis (58%). Having well-equipped laboratories (3.07, 95% CI: 1.36, 6.94), PC-NTDs provision in reporting forms (3.20, 95% CI: 1.44, 7.10) and surveillance training (4.15, 95% CI: 2.30, 7.48) were associated with higher odds of functional surveillance systems. Challenges facing surveillance activities implementation revealed through qualitative data were in relation to surveillance guidelines and reporting tools, data analysis, feedback, supervisory activities, training and resource provision. Conclusion There was evidence of low-performing surveillance functions regarding PC-NTDs especially at the peripheral surveillance levels. Case detection, registration and confirmation, reporting, data analysis and feedback performed sub-optimally at the facility and community levels. Additionally, support functions including standards and guidelines, supervision, training and resources were particularly weak at the sub-national level. Improved PC-NTDs surveillance performance sub-nationally requires strengthened capacities.

Download Full-text

Eliminating Neglected Tropical Diseases in Urban Areas: A Review of Challenges, Strategies and Research Directions for Successful Mass Drug Administration

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed3040122 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 122 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Alayne Adams ◽

Myriam Vuckovic ◽

Eleanor Birch ◽

Tara Brant ◽

Stephanie Bialek ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drug Administration ◽

Mass Drug Administration ◽

Rural Areas ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Monitoring And Evaluation ◽

Population Heterogeneity ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Urban Settings ◽

Context Specific

Since 1950, the global urban population grew from 746 million to almost 4 billion and is expected to reach 6.4 billion by mid-century. Almost 90% of this increase will take place in Asia and Africa and disproportionately in urban slums. In this context, concerns about the amplification of several neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are warranted and efforts towards achieving effective mass drug administration (MDA) coverage become even more important. This narrative review considers the published literature on MDA implementation for specific NTDs and in-country experiences under the ENVISION and END in Africa projects to surface features of urban settings that challenge delivery strategies known to work in rural areas. Discussed under the thematics of governance, population heterogeneity, mobility and community trust in MDA, these features include weak public health infrastructure and programs, challenges related to engaging diverse and dynamic populations and the limited accessibility of certain urban settings such as slums. Although the core components of MDA programs for NTDs in urban settings are similar to those in rural areas, their delivery may need adjustment. Effective coverage of MDA in diverse urban populations can be supported by tailored approaches informed by mapping studies, research that identifies context-specific methods to increase MDA coverage and rigorous monitoring and evaluation.

Download Full-text

Natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, State of Rondônia, Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical ◽

10.1590/s0037-86822012000300023 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 45 (3) ◽

pp. 395-398 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Dionatas Ulisses de Oliveira Meneguetti ◽

Olzeno Trevisan ◽

Luís Marcelo Aranha Camargo ◽

Renato Moreira Rosa

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Natural Infection ◽

Rhodnius Prolixus ◽

The State ◽

High Index ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Digestive Tube ◽

Vector Borne ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in Orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods). METHODS: Capture of triatomines on babassus and microscopic search for trypanosomatids in their digestive tube were carried out. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four (494) specimens were captured (Rhodnius prolixus and R.robustus), of which 35.6% of the triatomines were positive for trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS: The high index of natural infection along with the abundance of triatomines points out to the necessity to create an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor vector-borne transmission and deepen the studies on the ecology of such vectors in the Amazon.

Download Full-text

Homicide Epidemic in Cali, Colombia: A Surveillance System Data Analysis, 1993‒2018

American Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2105/ajph.2021.306254 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. e1-e8

Author(s):

Rodrigo Guerrero-Velasco ◽

Víctor Hugo Muñoz ◽

Alberto Concha-Eastman ◽

Álvaro J. Pretel-Meneses ◽

Maria I. Gutiérrez-Martínez ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Surveillance System ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Annual Percentage Change ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

Joinpoint Regression ◽

Homicide Rates ◽

System Data ◽

The Impact ◽

Age And Sex ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System

Objectives. To examine homicide rates in Cali, Colombia, during the 1993–2018 period, using information derived from an interagency surveillance system. Methods. We used homicide data from Cali’s Epidemiological Surveillance System to examine homicide trends by victim’s age and sex, time, and type of method used. We estimated trend changes and the annual percentage changes using joinpoint regression analyses. Results. Homicide rates per 100 000 inhabitants dropped from 102 in 1993 to 47.8 in 2018. We observed reductions in homicide rates across age and sex groups. Most homicide victims were men aged 20 to 39 years from poor, marginalized areas. Firearms were used in 84.9% of all cases. The average annual percentage change for the entire period was −3.6 (95% confidence interval = −6.7, −0.4). Conclusions. Fluctuations in homicide rates in Cali show a clear epidemic pattern, occurring concurrently with the “crack epidemic” in different countries. Reliable and timely information provided by an Epidemiological Surveillance System allowed opportune formulation of public policies to reduce the impact of violence in Cali. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print June 10, 2021: e1–e8. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306254 )

Download Full-text

Scientific publications on neglected tropical diseases: How was the last decade?

Annals of Tropical Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.4103/1755-6783.43077 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 33

Author(s):

Bronner PamplonaAugusto Gonçalves ◽

Brynna PamplonaAugusto Gonçalves

Keyword(s):

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Scientific Publications

Download Full-text

Profiling Cases With Nonrespiratory Symptoms and Asymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections in Mexico City

Clinical Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/cid/ciaa1288 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Omar Yaxmehen Bello-Chavolla ◽

Neftali Eduardo Antonio-Villa ◽

Arsenio Vargas-Vázquez ◽

Carlos A Fermín-Martínez ◽

Alejandro Márquez-Salinas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Mexico City ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Adverse Outcomes ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Symptom Development ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System

Abstract We profiled cases with nonrespiratory symptoms (NRS) and asymptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections assessed within Mexico City’s Epidemiological Surveillance System. Initially asymptomatic or NRS cases have decreased risk of adverse outcomes compared with cases with respiratory symptoms. Comorbidity and age influence symptom development in initially asymptomatic cases.

Download Full-text

Development of a web-based epidemiological surveillance system with health system response for improving maternal and newborn health: Field-testing in Thailand

Health Informatics Journal ◽

10.1177/1460458216628312 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 23 (2) ◽

pp. 109-123 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Tippawan Liabsuetrakul ◽

Tagoon Prappre ◽

Pakamas Pairot ◽

Nurlisa Oumudee ◽

Monir Islam

Keyword(s):

Data Analysis ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Newborn Health ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Maternal And Newborn Health ◽

Web Based ◽

Automatic Data ◽

Automatic Data Analysis ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System ◽

Maternal And Newborn

Surveillance systems are yet to be integrated with health information systems for improving the health of pregnant mothers and their newborns, particularly in developing countries. This study aimed to develop a web-based epidemiological surveillance system for maternal and newborn health with integration of action-oriented responses and automatic data analysis with results presentations and to assess the system acceptance by nurses and doctors involved in various hospitals in southern Thailand. Freeware software and scripting languages were used. The system can be run on different platforms, and it is accessible via various electronic devices. Automatic data analysis with results presentations in the forms of graphs, tables and maps was part of the system. A multi-level security system was incorporated into the program. Most doctors and nurses involved in the study felt the system was easy to use and useful. This system can be integrated into country routine reporting system for monitoring maternal and newborn health and survival.

Download Full-text

Rapid mapping of schistosomiasis and other neglected tropical diseases in the context of integrated control programmes in Africa

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182009005940 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 136 (13) ◽

pp. 1707-1718 ◽

Cited By ~ 95

Author(s):

S. BROOKER ◽

N. B. KABATEREINE ◽

J. O. GYAPONG ◽

J. R. STOTHARD ◽

J. UTZINGER

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Neglected Tropical Diseases ◽

Integrated Control ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Tropical Diseases ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Rapid Mapping ◽

Effective Manner ◽

Risk Communities

SUMMARYThere is growing interest and commitment to the control of schistosomiasis and other so-called neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Resources for control are inevitably limited, necessitating assessment methods that can rapidly and accurately identify and map high-risk communities so that interventions can be targeted in a spatially-explicit and cost-effective manner. Here, we review progress made with (1) mapping schistosomiasis across Africa using available epidemiological data and, more recently, climate-based risk prediction; (2) the development and use of morbidity questionnaires for rapid identification of high-risk communities of urinary schistosomiasis; and (3) innovative sampling-based approaches for intestinal schistosomiasis, using the lot quality assurance sampling technique. Experiences are also presented for the rapid mapping of other NTDs, including onchocerciasis, loiasis and lymphatic filariasis. Future directions for an integrated rapid mapping approach targeting multiple NTDs simultaneously are outlined, including potential challenges in developing an integrated survey tool. The lessons from the mapping of human helminth infections may also be relevant for the rapid mapping of malaria as its control efforts are intensified.

Download Full-text

Rabies in herbivores in the state of Piauí during 2007 to 2011

Acta Veterinaria Brasilica ◽

10.21708/avb.2016.10.3.5609 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 224

Author(s):

Ana Virginia Piauilino SANTOS ◽

Mikaela Lopes de CALDAS ◽

Manoel Henrique KLEIN JUNIOR ◽

Airton Leôncio Dutra da SILVA ◽

Francisco Das Chagas CARDOSO FILHO

Keyword(s):

Infectious Disease ◽

Health Education ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Viral Encephalitis ◽

Animal Health ◽

The State ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Laboratory Result ◽

Epidemiological Profile ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System

Rabies is an acute contagious infectious disease, mainly characterized by nervous symptoms that can affect all mammals. It is characterized by sometimes signs of aggression, and others by paresis, paralysis and acute viral encephalitis. This study aimed to describe, by using the basis of the data recorded in the Continental Epidemiological Surveillance System , SivCont, the epidemiological profile of rabies of herbivores in Piauí in 2007 to 2011. Durante the period there were reported 66 cases of nervous syndromes in the state of Piaui, where 35 cases were confirmed positive laboratory result for rabies in herbivores, and of this total, 94%were in cattle. Also noted is that there are areas in the state of Piaui without nerve syndromes notifications, showing the complete "epidemiological silence", suggesting situations of underreporting, even when in the vicinity there have been outbreaks of disease. Situations like this suggests the necessity of an increase in animal health protection actions, actions in health education, covering all segments of the community and intensifying surveillance activities.

Download Full-text

Epidemic Manifestations of Tuberculosis in Regions of Siberia with Various Prevalence of HIV Infection

Epidemiology and Vaccinal Prevention ◽

10.31631/2073-3046-2015-14-5-31-35 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 14 (5) ◽

pp. 31-35 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

O. A. Pasechnik ◽

V. L. Stasenko ◽

A. I. Bloh

Keyword(s):

Hiv Infection ◽

Surveillance System ◽

Federal District ◽

Incidence Rates ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance ◽

Siberian Federal District ◽

Short Term ◽

Epidemiological Surveillance System

On the territory of the Siberian Federal District 2005 - 2014 period was characterized by a moderate tendency to reduce the incidence of tuberculosis and marked increase in the incidence of HIV infection. The subjects of the Siberian Federal District, the prevalence of HIV infection in which exceeded the level of 705.0 per 100 thousand people, had significant differences in the incidence rates of tuberculosis (115.4), the prevalence of tuberculosis (278.6 per 100 thousand), disability (73.3 per 100 thousand) and deaths from TB infection (25.5 per 100 thousand). The unfavorable short-term outlook for the morbidity of HIV-associated tuberculosis requires a change in approaches to epidemiological surveillance system for HIV and TB.

Download Full-text