scholarly journals The Performance of Immunoassays to Measure Antibodies to the Chlamydia trachomatis Antigen Pgp3 in Different Epidemiological Settings for Trachoma

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Gwyn ◽  
Andrew W. Nute ◽  
Eshetu Sata ◽  
Zerihun Tadesse ◽  
Ambahun Chernet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Programs ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Term Monitoring ◽  
Multiplex Bead ◽  
Good Agreement

Programs to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem use prevalence of the clinical sign trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) in 1- to 9-year-olds in endemic districts to make decisions to begin or end mass drug administration with azithromycin. Trachomatous inflammation—follicular is used as a proxy for transmission of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection. Long-term monitoring of previously endemic districts for recrudescence of ocular C. trachomatis infection would benefit from a simple blood test that could be integrated with other public health programs. In this study, we evaluated multiple tests to measure antibodies against the C. trachomatis antigen Pgp3—a multiplex bead assay (MBA), an ELISA, and two versions of a lateral flow assay (LFA)—in four districts of the Amhara region of Ethiopia with varying levels of TF. Seroprevalence and seroconversion rate (SCR) results were proportional to TF prevalence by district for most tests, with the notable exception of the LFA using colloidal gold as the developing reagent. Changing the test developing reagent to black latex improved agreement between serological measures and TF prevalence and in inter-rater agreement. Seroconversion rate estimates using data derived from the LFA-gold assay were inconsistent with the shape of the age-seroprevalence curve, which did not increase in older ages. These data revealed potential complications with using SCR that will need further evaluation. Data from MBA, ELISA, and LFA with the black test line showed good agreement with each other and proportionality to TF estimates, providing further data that serology has potential utility for trachoma surveillance.

scholarly journals Comparison of platforms for testing antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis antigens in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Togo

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Gwyn ◽  
Marcel S. Awoussi ◽  
Ana Bakhtiari ◽  
Rachel N. Bronzan ◽  
Kathryn Crowley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Seroconversion Rate ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Ocular Infection ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Lateral Flow Assays ◽  
Serological Data ◽  
Multiplex Bead

AbstractTrachoma, caused by repeated ocular infection with Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), is targeted for elimination as a public health problem. Serological testing for antibodies is promising for surveillance; determining useful thresholds will require collection of serological data from settings with different prevalence of the indicator trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF). Dried blood spots were collected during trachoma mapping in two districts each of Togo and Democratic Republic of the Congo. Anti-Ct antibodies were detected by multiplex bead assay (MBA) and three different lateral flow assays (LFA) and seroprevalence and seroconversion rate (SCR) were determined. By most tests, the district with > 5% TF (the elimination threshold) had five–sixfold higher seroprevalence and tenfold higher SCR than districts with < 5% TF. The agreement between LFA and MBA was improved using a black latex developing reagent. These data show optimization of antibody tests against Ct to better differentiate districts above or below trachoma elimination thresholds.

scholarly journals Serology, infection, and clinical trachoma as tools in prevalence surveys for re-emergence of trachoma in a formerly hyperendemic district

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0009343
Author(s):  
Michelle Odonkor ◽  
Fahd Naufal ◽  
Beatriz Munoz ◽  
Harran Mkocha ◽  
Mabula Kasubi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Antibiotic Administration ◽  
Previous Survey ◽  
Survey Finding ◽  
Multiplex Bead ◽  
Clinical Determination

Background To eliminate trachoma as a public health problem, countries must achieve a district-level prevalence of trachomatous inflammation—follicular (TF) <5% in children ages 1–9 years. Re-emergence of TF could trigger additional rounds of mass drug/antibiotic administration (MDA), so accurate tools for use in surveys assessing trachoma prevalence are essential. Methodology & principal findings We surveyed 2401 children ages 1–9 years from 50 villages in Kongwa, Tanzania, 2 years post-MDA and 1.5 years after an impact survey found TF <5% in the same villages. Our survey included multiple tools: clinical determination of TF, Cepheid testing for Chlamydia trachomatis infection, and testing for anti-pgp3 antibodies via multiplex bead array. Photographs of the upper tarsal conjunctiva were taken in a subset of children to corroborate the field grades. Overall TF prevalence in 1–9 year olds was 7.1% (95% CI: 5.6%-8.9%), which decreased with age (p = <0.0001). TF prevalence by village was heterogeneous, with 19 villages having TF <5% and 16 villages having TF >10%. There was a strong correlation between field and photo grading of TF (kappa = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.60–0.78) and between TF and infection, with 21.5% of TF-positive children also testing positive for infection, as compared to only 1.6% of TF-negative children (p = 0.0010). Overall seroprevalence was 18.2% (95% CI: 14.8%-22.1%), which increased with age (p = <0.0001). Notably, 1–2 year olds, who were born after the cessation of MDA and theoretically should not have had exposure to C. trachomatis in the absence of transmission, had an average seroprevalence of 6.7%. Conclusions & significance Field TF prevalence, supported by photographic review and infection data, suggested re-emergence of trachoma in Kongwa. Moreover, seropositivity in the children born after cessation of MDA indicated exposure to C. trachomatis despite a previous survey finding of TF <5%. Examining seropositivity in specific age groups expected to have limited exposure to C. trachomatis can be used to detect re-emergence.

Tendency of Internet Search Data of Oral Neoplasms and Impact of Public Health Programs in European Union

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain LAN ◽  
Fabrice CAMPANA ◽  
Delphine TARDIVO ◽  
Jean-Hugues CATHERINE ◽  
Jean-Noel VERGNES ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Oral Cancer ◽  
Strong Association ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Internet Research ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Public Health Programs ◽  
Prevention Campaign ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tobacco Packaging

Abstract Background: Tobacco and alcohol are the main risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma, the low survival rate of which is a public health problem. European-wide health policies (prevention campaign, tobacco packaging) have been put in place to inform the population of the risks associated with their consumption. Due to the increase in smoking among women and changes in sexual practices, the incidence of this disease is still too high. The identification of data from internet research on the population could make it possible to measure the impact and better orient these preventive measures.The objective was to analyse the data on interest shown in oral cancers from several online databases, and to cross-reference them with the data on the introduction of European public health programs.Methods: A search of data from Google ©, Wikipedia © and Twitter © users in 28 European countries relating to oral cancer between 2004 and 2019 was carried out. Bibliometric analysis of press and scientific articles over the same period was also analysed. The association between these data and the introduction of public health programs in Europe has been studied.Results: Changes in tobacco packaging correlated with a significant increase in internet research on oral cancer in 7 countries. Unlike national policies and campaigns, the European awareness program Make Sense has had no influence on internet research. There was an asymmetric correlation in internet searches between publications on oral cancer from scientific articles or "traditional" media (weak association) and those from internet media such as Twitter © or Wikipedia © (strong association).Conclusion: Our work highlights 7 areas of work around which oral cancer awareness in Europe could be refocused.

scholarly journals Perchance to Dream: Pathology, Pharmacology, and Politics in a 24-Hour Economy

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 295-305
Author(s):  
IAIN BRASSINGTON
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Other ◽  
Share Price ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Health It ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Lack Of Sleep

Abstract:The lack of sleep is a significant problem in the modern world. The structure of the economy means that 24 hour working is required from some of us, sometimes because we are expected to be able to respond to share-price fluctuations on the other side of the planet, sometimes because we are expected to serve kebabs to people leaving nightclubs, and sometimes because lives depend on it. The immediate effect is that we feel groggy; but there may be much more sinister long-term effects of persistent sleep deprivation and disruption, the evidence for which is significant, and worth taking seriously. If sleeplessness has a serious impact on health, it represents a notable public health problem. In this article, I sketch that problem, and look at how exploiting the pharmacopoeia (or a possible future pharmacopoeia) might allow us to tackle it. I also suggest that using drugs to mitigate or militate against sleeplessness is potentially morally and politically fraught, with implications for social justice. Hence, whatever reasons we have to use drugs to deal with the problems of sleeplessness, we ought to be careful.

scholarly journals Reinserção social: processo que implica continuidade e cooperação

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Eliane Ganev ◽  
Wagner de Lorence Lima
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Drug Addicts ◽  
Important Public Health Problem ◽  
Drug Dependency ◽  
Important Public Health ◽  
Risk Of Relapse

O presente artigo propõe uma reflexão em torno do conceito de reinserção social de indivíduos que se tornaram dependentes de drogas, com o objetivo de oferecer uma contribuição na construção de políticas públicas sobre drogas capazes de fazer frente a este importante problema de saúde pública na contemporaneidade. Além dos aspectos conceituais da reinserção social, discutimos seus pressupostos e objetivos; seu contexto sempre atravessado pelas complexidades e singularidades características da dependência de drogas; aspectos tais como abstinência, riscos de recaídas, desconstrução e reconstrução de estilos de vida; o caráter multidisciplinar e a necessidade do trabalho continuado e metódico, no curto, médio e longo prazos, exigindo a cooperação de distintos agentes e sujeitos implicados nos desafios da reinserção social. Abstract: In this paper, we propose an analysis about the concept of social reinsertion of individuals who have become drug addicts. We want to help in planning public actions about drugs which can face this important public health problem nowadays. Apart from the conceptual aspects of social reinsertion, we hereby discuss its proposals, objectives and its context which is permanently affected by the complexities and peculiarities of drug dependency; aspects such as withdrawal, the risk of relapse, deconstruction and reconstruction of lifestyles; its multidisciplinary character and the need for continuous and methodical short-, mid- and long-term work, requiring the cooperation of those specific agents and subjects implied within the challenges of social reinsertion.

scholarly journals Armed conflict and public health: into the 21st century

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. e287-e298 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Garry ◽  
F Checchi
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Armed Conflict ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Future Generations ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Long Term Consequences

Abstract Background Many people worldwide are affected by conflict, and countries affected are less likely to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This review outlines the effects of conflict on health and focuses on areas requiring more attention. Methods We completed a search of the literature using Medline, Embase and Global Health. Results Health effects of conflict include trauma; mental health; non-communicable diseases (NCDs); child health; sexual, reproductive and maternal health; and infectious diseases. Conflict damages health directly through fighting, and indirectly through wider socioeconomic effects. Health outcomes are influenced by pre-existing population health and demographics, and access to appropriate healthcare. Vulnerable populations (the elderly, children, neonates and women) are especially at risk. Conclusion Several areas pose key challenges including: tactics of war as a public health problem; a lack of focus on neonatal care and NCDs; the long-term consequences of conflict across a life-course and into future generations; and the need to focus on wellbeing beyond standard health parameters. Clear decisions about prioritisation need to be made. The effects on civilians must be documented and recorded. Further research is required to understand chronic health needs and effects on future generations, to support fair and equitable resource prioritisation to best meet the needs of conflict-affected populations.

scholarly journals Trachoma, Anti-Pgp3 Serology, and Ocular Chlamydia trachomatis Infection in Papua New Guinea

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin K Macleod ◽  
Robert Butcher ◽  
Sarah Javati ◽  
Sarah Gwyn ◽  
Marinjho Jonduo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis ◽  
Papua New Guinea ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
New Guinea ◽  
Dried Blood Spots ◽  
Causative Organism ◽  
Ocular Infection ◽  
Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection

Abstract Background In Melanesia, the prevalence of trachomatous inflammation–follicular (TF) suggests that public health–level interventions against active trachoma are needed. However, the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis is below the threshold for elimination as a public health problem and evidence of conjunctival infection with trachoma’s causative organism (Chlamydia trachomatis [CT]) is rare. Here, we examine the prevalence of ocular infection with CT and previous exposure to CT in three evaluation units (EUs) of Papua New Guinea. Methods All individuals aged 1–9 years who were examined for clinical signs of trachoma in 3 Global Trachoma Mapping Project EUs were eligible to take part in this study (N = 3181). Conjunctival swabs were collected from 349 children with TF and tested by polymerase chain reaction to assess for ocular CT infection. Dried blood spots were collected from 2572 children and tested for anti-Pgp3 antibodies using a multiplex assay. Results The proportion of children with TF who had CT infection was low across all 3 EUs (overall 2%). Anti-Pgp3 seroprevalence was 5.2% overall and there was no association between anti-Pgp3 antibody level and presence of TF. In 2 EUs, age-specific seroprevalence did not increase significantly with increasing age in the 1- to 9-year-old population. In the third EU, there was a statistically significant change with age but the overall seroprevalence and peak age-specific seroprevalence was very low. Conclusions Based on these results, together with similar findings from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, the use of TF to guide antibiotic mass drug administration decisions in Melanesia should be reviewed.

scholarly journals Baclofen in the short-term maintenance treatment of benzodiazepine dependence

2014 ◽  
Vol 05 (S 01) ◽  
pp. S053-S054 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lekhansh Shukla ◽  
Arun Kandasamy ◽  
Muralidharan Kesavan ◽  
Vivek Benegal
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Gaba Receptor ◽  
Maintenance Treatment ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Benzodiazepine Dependence ◽  
Term Maintenance

ABSTRACTBenzodiazepine (BZD) dependence is a significant public health problem. Apart from the long-term tapering doses of BZD, no others drugs are available for the maintenance treatment of BZD dependence. Baclofen has been used in alcohol and other drug dependence as long-term anti-craving agent. Since alcohol and BZD act through the GABA receptor, we attempted to study the effect of Baclofen as maintenance treatment in a series of five cases with BZD dependence.

The Alcoholic Teacher: A Growing Concern of the Next Decade

1978 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Zimering ◽  
Marianne McCreery
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Problem ◽  
Disease Process ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Poor Performance ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Primary Condition ◽  
Drinking Problems ◽  
Appropriate Treatment

“No battle against a public health problem can gain a significant victory if it attends only to the casualties. Appropriate treatment of persons who are abusing alcohol—the primary condition that may lead to alcoholism—can intercept the development of many cases of alcoholism. Yet much of the work in the field of alcoholism has been focused on treating late-stage victims of the disorder. Programs that are exclusively therapeutic or rehabilitative will not result in long-term conquest of the problem unless ways of preventing new cases of alcoholism are developed.” [1] The concept of prevention and early intervention in alcoholism is suggested in much of today's literature. Individuals beset with drinking problems need to be identified early enough in the disease process so as to prevent the physical and social destruction that is eventually evident. The early signs and symptoms of this disorder are not easily observed. An insidious pattern of lateness, family disorders, excuses, frequent visits to the doctor, poor performance on the job and perhaps job related accidents, befall this individual.

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