scholarly journals Impact of a Mobile Health System on the Suppression of Schistosoma Haematobium in Chad

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Didier Lalaye ◽  
Mirjam E. de Bruijn ◽  
Tom P. V. M. de Jong
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
Health Infrastructure ◽  
Health Area ◽  
Qualified Personnel

This study determined the contribution of a mobile health (M-health) system to the treatment of Schistosoma haematobium in a region of Chad where S. haematobium is endemic. M-health involves the use of a mobile phone for health care. The study compared the prevalence of schistosomiasis in an area with an M-health system, newly installed in 2014, with an area without an adequate health infrastructure. Data were gathered after the M-health system had been running for 3 years. We took urine samples from children age 1 to 15 years, for a total of 200 children in a village in the M-health area and 200 in a village in a non-M-health area. Urine was checked for urinary schistosomiasis by using dipsticks for microhematuria and, in cases of positive dipstick results, microscopy was used to detect eggs. Comparison between the areas allowed us to assess the effectiveness of the installed M-health system after 3 years of operation. Based on dipstick outcomes, the non-M-health area had an infection rate of 51.5% compared with 29% in the M-health area. Microscopy results in non-M-health and M-health were 27.5% and 21%, respectively. The dipstick result difference between M-health and non-M-health areas was statistically significant. Dipsticks were more reliable than microscopy for the detection of schistosomiasis, especially in areas without qualified personnel. Based on these results, M-health proved its ability to reduce the infection rate of urogenital schistosomiasis, and the implementation of M-health shows great promise in areas where this disease is endemic and where no mass drug administration is provided.

scholarly journals Molecular approach to the epidemiology of urinary schistosomiasis in France

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. e0009515
Author(s):  
Marie-Laure Gillardie ◽  
Oussama Babba ◽  
Caroline Mahinc ◽  
Maureen Duthel ◽  
Claire de Bengy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Schistosoma Mansoni ◽  
Microscopic Examination ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Screening Tool ◽  
Medical Diagnostics ◽  
Molecular Approach ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Urinary Schistosomiasis ◽  
French Speaking

Background The diagnosis of urogenital schistosomiasis is based on the complementarity of serological technique and microscopic examination (ME). Between 2015 and 2019, the number of urinary schistosomiasis tests received in our laboratory increased sharply from 300 to 900 per year. Therefore, we wanted to evaluate the reliability of urine microscopic examination (ME, reference and routine technique) from urine sample by comparing it to other techniques (antigenic technique and PCR). To this end, we optimized two real-time PCRs targeting respectively Schistosoma haematobium (Sh) and Schistosoma mansoni (Sm). Methodology/Principal findings 914 urine samples from 846 patients suspected of urogenital schistosomiasis were prescribed and analyzed by PCR and also by antigenic technique for the first 143 samples. The antigenic technique evaluated was Schisto POC-CCA, Rapid Medical Diagnostics. These results (antigenic technique and PCR) were compared to ME which was performed from all urines. The percentage of 14% (128/914) positive cases with the PCR technique and the percentage of 6.0% (54/914) positive cases with ME is significantly different (Chi 2 test, p<0.001). These 128 positive PCRs correspond to 120 different patients, 88.3% (106/120) of them were young migrants and 11.7% (14/120) were French patients returning from travel. Among these migrants, more than 75% (80/106) came from French-speaking West Africa. In addition, the Schisto POC-CCA showed a specificity of 39% (46/117), too poor to be used as a screening tool in low or non-endemic areas. Conclusion/Significance Targeted Sh and Sm PCRs in urine are reliable techniques compared to ME (reference technique). In view of our results, we decided to screen urinary schistosomiasis by direct ME always coupled by the PCR technique, which has shown better reliability criteria.

scholarly journals The impact of quarantine on Covid-19 infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (s1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pablo Marshall
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Infection Rate ◽  
District Level ◽  
Infection Model ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Lower Infection ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lower Infection Rate ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Objectives: Coronavirushas had profound effects on people’s lives and the economy of many countries, generating controversy between the need to establish quarantines and other social distancing measures to protect people’s health and the need to reactivate the economy. This study proposes and applies a modification of the SIR infection model to describe the evolution of coronavirus infections and to measure the effect of quarantine on the number of people infected. Methods: Two hypotheses, not necessarily mutually exclusive, are proposed for the impact of quarantines. According to the first hypothesis, quarantine reduces the infection rate, delaying new infections over time without modifying the total number of people infected at the end of the wave. The second hypothesis establishes that quarantine reduces the population infected in the wave. The two hypotheses are tested with data for a sample of 10 districts in Santiago, Chile. Results: The results of applying the methodology show that the proposed model describes well the evolution of infections at the district level. The data shows evidence in favor of the first hypothesis, quarantine reduces the infection rate; and not in favor of the second hypothesis, that quarantine reduces the population infected. Districts of higher socio-economic levels have a lower infection rate, and quarantine is more effective. Conclusions: Quarantine, in most districts, does not reduce the total number of people infected in the wave; it only reduces the rate at which they are infected. The reduction in the infection rate avoids peaks that may collapse the health system.

scholarly journals Urogenital Schistosomiasis—History, Pathogenesis, and Bladder Cancer

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 205
Author(s):  
Lúcio Lara Santos ◽  
Júlio Santos ◽  
Maria João Gouveia ◽  
Carina Bernardo ◽  
Carlos Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Host Parasite Interactions ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
Recent Outbreak ◽  
Host Parasite ◽  
Female Genital

Schistosomiasis is the most important helminthiasis worldwide in terms of morbidity and mortality. Most of the infections occurs in Africa, which about two thirds are caused by Schistosoma haematobium. The infection with S. haematobium is considered carcinogenic leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Additionally, it is responsible for female genital schistosomiasis leading to infertility and higher risk of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Remarkably, a recent outbreak in Corsica (France) drew attention to its potential re-mergence in Southern Europe. Thus far, little is known related to host-parasite interactions that trigger carcinogenesis. However, recent studies have opened new avenues to understand mechanisms on how the parasite infection can lead cancer and other associated pathologies. Here, we present a historical perspective of schistosomiasis, and review the infection-associated pathologies and studies on host–parasite interactions that unveil tentative mechanisms underlying schistosomiasis-associated carcinogenesis.

scholarly journals mDurance: A Novel Mobile Health System to Support Trunk Endurance Assessment

Sensors ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 13159-13183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oresti Banos ◽  
Jose Moral-Munoz ◽  
Ignacio Diaz-Reyes ◽  
Manuel Arroyo-Morales ◽  
Miguel Damas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Mobile Health

scholarly journals Impact of seven years of mass drug administration and recrudescence of Schistosoma haematobium infections after one year of treatment gap in Zanzibar: Repeated cross-sectional studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. e0009127
Author(s):  
Lydia Trippler ◽  
Shaali Makame Ame ◽  
Jan Hattendorf ◽  
Saleh Juma ◽  
Salum Abubakar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Administration ◽  
Mass Drug Administration ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Schistosoma Haematobium ◽  
Treatment Gap ◽  
Urogenital Schistosomiasis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Reagent Strips ◽  
One Year ◽  
Low Prevalence

Background Considerable progress towards the elimination of urogenital schistosomiasis was made by the Zanzibar Elimination of Schistosomiasis Transmission project from 2012 till 2016, when biannual praziquantel mass drug administration (MDA) alone or with additional snail control or behaviour change interventions were implemented. Annual MDA was continued in 2017 and 2018, but not in 2019, imposing a 16-month treatment gap. We monitored the Schistosoma haematobium prevalence from 2012 till 2020 and assessed recrudescence patterns with focus on 2020. Methodology Repeated cross-sectional surveys were conducted from 2011/12 till 2020 in 90 communities and 90 schools in Zanzibar. Annually, around 4,500 adults and up to 20,000 schoolchildren were surveyed. The S. haematobium prevalence was detected by urine filtration and reagent strips. In 2020, risk factors for infection were investigated using generalized estimated equation models. Principal findings In adults, the apparent S. haematobium prevalence was 3.9% in 2011 and 0.4% in 2020. In schoolchildren, the prevalence decreased from 6.6% in 2012 to 1.2% in 2019 with vicissitudes over the years. Prominent recrudescence of infection from 2.8% in 2019 to 9.1% (+225%) in 2020 was observed in 29 schools with historically moderate prevalences (≥10%). Compared with 2019, reinfection in 2020 was particularly striking in boys aged 9–16 years. Being male was a risk factor for infection in 2020 (adults: odds ratio (OR): 6.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.96–19.60; schoolchildren: OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.52–2.78). Living near to a natural freshwater body significantly increased the odds of infection in adults (OR: 2.90, CI: 1.12–7.54). Conclusions/Significance After 11 rounds of MDA over 7 years and a 16-month treatment gap, the urogenital schistosomiasis prevalence considerably rebounded in hotspot areas. Future elimination efforts in Zanzibar should focus on re-intensifying MDA plus additional interventions in hotspot areas. In low-prevalence areas, the strategy might be adapted from MDA to targeted surveillance-response.

scholarly journals The Feasibility of a Using a Smart Button Mobile Health System to Self-Track Medication Adherence and Deliver Tailored Short Message Service Text Message Feedback

10.2196/13558 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. e13558
Author(s):  
Rebecca J Bartlett Ellis ◽  
James H Hill ◽  
K Denise Kerley ◽  
Arjun Sinha ◽  
Aaron Ganci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medication Adherence ◽  
Health System ◽  
Mobile Health ◽  
Short Message Service ◽  
Text Message ◽  
Short Message ◽  
Message Service

scholarly journals Lightweight Sharable and Traceable Secure Mobile Health System

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Yang ◽  
Ximeng Liu ◽  
Robert H. Deng ◽  
Yingjiu Li
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Mobile Health

Ubiquitous Computing for Independent Living

2011 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Neil W. Bergmann
Keyword(s):  
Health System ◽  
Ubiquitous Computing ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Computer Interfaces ◽  
Human Computer Interfaces ◽  
Adoption Level

Ubiquitous computing technology (ICT) shows great potential in supporting the infirm elderly, and others managing complex health issues, to live independently in their own home. While these technologies have great promise, their adoption level is low in Australia. It is suggested that two concurrent strategies are needed to improve the penetration of ICT-based assistive technology in the community. Firstly, significant trials are needed to verify that such systems can provide improved health outcomes and reduce health system costs for suitably targeted patients. Secondly, research in security and privacy, open standards, human-computer interfaces and new models of care driving software specifications is needed, so that these health system benefits can be achieved at a reasonable cost, and with adequate consideration of the needs of clients and carers.

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