scholarly journals Biosurveillance study of Schmallenberg disease in Azerbaijan in 2012-2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalala Zeynalova

ObjectiveSchmallenberg virus (SBV) is an orthobunyavirus that primarily infects domestic and wild ruminants and causes symptoms such as transient fever, diarrhea, reduced milk production, congenital malformations and abortion. The first virus was identified in 2011 at the onset of a major outbreak in Europe (Germany, Hungary, and France).IntroductionIn 2012 - 2017 in Azerbaijan there was an unexpected increase of abortions in cattle and sheep that was unrelated to brucellosis or chlamydia infection. The first confirmed case of Schmallenberg disease was received from Beylagan district of Azerbaijan in October 2012. The import of cattle from Europe to Azerbaijan has commenced in 2012. Therefore, the surveillance study was launched to determine spread of infection among cattle and sheep and to monitor the situation in the country.MethodsState Veterinary Control Service notified 42 Regional Veterinary Offices of Azerbaijan to commence the monitoring of Schmallenberg disease. Blood samples were collected from sheep, and cattle and biopsies of heads or necks from aborted fetuses were sampled too.. The collected samples were tested in the Republican Veterinary Laboratory. ELISA was used to investigate the presence of specific antibodies against Schmallenberg virus in the blood samples using IDEXX Schmallenberg Ab Test Kit. The commercially available real-time PCR kits (VetMAX™ Schmallenberg Virus Kit) were applied to test the biopsy samples. Both tests were recommended by the World Organization for Animal Health.ResultsTotal, 40,257 blood samples were collected from suspicious cattle and sheep. 671 biopsies samples were taken from fetuses. 4,281 cattle and 999 sheep with antibodies against SBVwere detected. The PCR results showed that the 77 biopsies samples were positive for SBV. The highest numbers of seropositive animals were found in Ganja, Aghdash, Barda, and Baku.ConclusionsThis biosurveillance study determined SBV in the samples of cattle and sheep in Azerbaijan, therefore, it is important to carry out annual seromonitoring and start the vaccination program. It is essential to check the passport of imported cattle, which has the disease history and seroprevalence of SBV.ReferencesLaloy, E., Breard, E., Sailleau, C., Viarouge, C., Desprat, A., Zientara, S., Klein, F., Hars, J., Rossi, S., 2014. Schmallenberg virus infection among red deer, France, 2010-2012. Emerg. Infect. Dis. 20, 131–134. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2001.130411Larska, M., Krzysiak, M.K., Kesik-Maliszewska, J., Rola, J., 2014. Cross-sectional study of Schmallenberg virus seroprevalence in wild ruminants in Poland at the end of the vector season of 2013. BMC Vet. Res. 10, 967. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-014-0307-3 

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 206-213
Author(s):  
G.Y. Benjamin ◽  
H.I. Inabo ◽  
M.H.I. Doko ◽  
B.O. Olayinka

Malaria is a disease of public health concern in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. It is caused by intracellular parasites of the genus Plasmodium. The aim of this study was to detect genetic markers associated with Plasmodium falciparum drug resistance among malaria patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The study was a cross-sectional study that lasted from May 2018 to October 2018. Three hundred blood samples were collected from consenting individuals attending selected hospitals, in the three senatorial districts of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire were used to obtain relevant data from study participants. The blood samples were screened for malaria parasites using microscopy and rapid diagnostic test kit. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for detection of the drug resistance genes. Pfcrt, pfmdr1, pfdhfr, pfdhps and pfatpase6 genes were detected at expected amplicon sizes from the malaria positive samples. The pfatpase6 PCR amplicons were sequenced and a phylogenetic tree was created to determine their relatedness. Result showed that Pfcrt (80%) had the highest prevalence, followed by pfdhfr (60%), pfmdr1 (36%) and pfdhps (8%). Pfatpase6 was also detected in 73.3% of the samples, and a phylogenetic tree showed relatedness between the pfatpase6  sequences in this study and those deposited in the GenBank. In conclusion, the study detected that Plasmodium falciparum genes were associated with drug resistance to commonly used antimalarials.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Getu Abeje ◽  
Woyneshet Gelaye ◽  
Getaneh Alemu

Abstract Background Both capillary and venous blood samples have been interchangeably used for the diagnosis of malaria in Ethiopia. However, Plasmodium parasites are thought to be more concentrated in capillary than in venous blood. Hence, selecting a sample source where parasites are more concentrated is indispensable approach in order to maximize the accuracy of blood film microscopy. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the detection rate and the parasitemia level of Plasmodium species from conventional capillary and venous blood films, and buffy coat preparations. Methods A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from Feburary to March 2020 among 210 febrile patients attending Hamusite health center, northwest Ethiopia. Capillary and venous blood samples were collected and buffy coat was prepared from each sample. Thin and thick blood films were prepared, stained, and examined microscopically following standard protocol. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software version 20 and Med-Calc software version 19.3. Results Capillary blood buffy coat (61/210, 29.0%) had significantly higher detection rate as compared to capillary (48/210, 22.9%) and venous (42/210, 20.0%) blood films (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between capillary and venous blood films (p = 0.070) in detecting Plasmodium species. The highest and the lowest mean asexual stage parasite counts were found in capillary blood buffy coat (4692.88) and venous blood (631.43) films, respectively showing significant variations (p < 0.001). Mean gametocyte count was also highest in capillary blood buffy coat (3958.44). As compared to capillary blood buffy coat, the sensitivity of venous blood buffy coat, capillary blood film and venous blood film were 73.8, 78.7, 68.9%, respectively. Conclusion Capillary blood buffy coat samples showed the highest sensitivity in detecting and quantitating malaria parasites that its use should be promoted in clinical settings. However, conventional capillary and venous blood films could be used interchangeably.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingsi Gao ◽  
Yu-Ligh Liou ◽  
Yang Yu ◽  
Lingxiao Zou ◽  
Waixing Li ◽  
...  

AbstractThis cross-sectional study investigated the characteristics of cervical HPV infection in Changsha area and explored the influence of Candida vaginitis on this infection. From 11 August 2017 to 11 September 2018, 12,628 outpatient participants ranged from 19 to 84 years old were enrolled and analyzed. HPV DNA was amplified and tested by HPV GenoArray Test Kit. The vaginal ecology was detected by microscopic and biochemistry examinations. The diagnosis of Candida vaginitis was based on microscopic examination (spores, and/or hypha) and biochemical testing (galactosidase) for vaginal discharge by experts. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS 9.4. Continuous and categorical variables were analyzed by t-tests and by Chi-square tests, respectively. HPV infection risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Of the total number of participants, 1753 were infected with HPV (13.88%). Females aged ≥ 40 to < 50 years constituted the largest population of HPV-infected females (31.26%). The top 5 HPV subtypes affecting this population of 1753 infected females were the following: HPV-52 (28.01%), HPV-58 (14.83%), CP8304 (11.47%), HPV-53 (10.84%), and HPV-39 (9.64%). Age (OR 1.01; 95% CI 1–1.01; P < 0.05) and alcohol consumption (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.09–1.56; P < 0.01) were found to be risk factors for HPV infection. However, the presence of Candida in the vaginal flora was found to be a protective factor against HPV infection (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.48–0.8; P < 0.001). Comparing with our previous study of 2016, we conclude that the subtype distribution of HPV infection is relatively constant in Changsha. Our data suggest a negative correlation between vaginal Candida and HPV, however, more radical HPV management is required in this area for perimenopausal women and those who regularly consume alcohol.


Author(s):  
Salah Tofik Jalal Balaky ◽  
Saeed Ghulam Hussain ◽  
Amer Ali Khaleel ◽  
Furat Tahseen Sabeer ◽  
Ahang Hasan Mawlood

Background & objectives: Introducing a nucleic acid test program is aimed to diagnose and reduces the risk of viral infection or transmission. DNA assay for HBV can detect infection in the windows period, chronic occult infection and can discriminate between active and inactive HBV infection. This cross-sectional study designed to diagnose, analyze HBV infection and to differentiate active from inactive infection based on viral DNA detection. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 256 patients previously diagnosed on the clinical ground as hepatitis B seropositive in Erbil Central Lab. The viral nucleic acid quantitative assessment was done for the collected samples using RT-PCR. Q-square was performed for statistical analysis. Results: Out of 256 collected blood samples 93 (36.3%) showed HBV-DNA positive titers above 50 IU/ml. Among positive subjects, 67 (72.04%) was categorized as inactive carriers (˂ 2000-20.000 IU/ml HBV-DNA titers). Conclusions: The data produced from this study confirmed the importance of the RT-PCR technique in sensitivity and reliability as a superior diagnostics tool specifically in differentiating active from inactive HBV carriers.


2021 ◽  
pp. 074823372110427
Author(s):  
Ali Ghaffarian-Bahraman ◽  
Alireza Taherifard ◽  
Abbas Esmaeili ◽  
Hassan Ahmadinia ◽  
Mohsen Rezaeian

Exposure to lead-based paints is a major threat to the health of painters. This study aimed to evaluate the blood concentration of lead (Pb) in painters of buildings and cars. The present study was a cross-sectional study in which a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the socio-demographic information. Lead concentration in blood samples was determined using the atomic absorption spectrometry method. A total of 32 male painters were selected based on inclusion criteria. The mean blood lead level (BLL) in the painters was 8.1 ± 4.93 μg/dL. Pb levels in car and building painters were 9.42 ± 5.5 μg/dL and 6.7 ± 1.85 μg/dL, respectively. Pb concentration in none of the blood samples was more than 30 μg/dL. The prevalence of BLL ≥ 5 μg/dL and BLL ≥ 10 μg/dL was 97% and 19%, respectively. According to the findings, the rate of BLL among car painters was higher than building painters. Considering the presence of Pb in all blood samples, it seems necessary to increase the awareness of painters about the adverse effects of lead exposure even in low concentrations. However, the sample size in this study was small and more investigations are required in this regard.


2018 ◽  
Vol 68 ◽  
pp. 01024
Author(s):  
Masayu Gemala Rabiah ◽  
Rini Mutahar ◽  
Rico Januar Sitorus

Chlamydia infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Based on data of IBBS 2015 in Indonesia, the highest prevalence of chlamydia occurred in direct female sex worker group (32.21%). This study a STIs to determine the risk factors for chlamydia infection in direct sex workers. This research uses Cross-Sectional study design. The population of this study were all direct female sex workers as many as 3,789 people with samples in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria as many as 3.114 people. The prevalence of direct female sex workers with chlamydia infection was 1.018 (32.4%). The result of the analysis showed that there was a relationship between age (PR: 0.541 95% CI: 0.456-0.643) and length of work as FDSW (PR: 1,.60, 95% CI: 1.087-1.512) chlamydia infection in female sex workers in Indonesia. most dominant variable has an effect on the incidence of chlamydia infection that is long working as FDSW after controlled by age (PR 1.282 95% CI: 1.087-1,.12). It is expected for the government to improve the implementation of prevention program of chlamydia not only among female sex worker but also proactive to customer.


2020 ◽  
Vol 187 (8) ◽  
pp. e64-e64
Author(s):  
Rebecca Marie Southwell ◽  
Kenneth Sherlock ◽  
Matthew Baylis

BackgroundSchmallenberg virus (SBV) is an orthobunyavirus, carried by Culicoides biting midges, that causes reproductive problems in adult ruminants when infected during their gestation period. SBV was first detected in ruminants in the UK in 2011/2012 and then again in 2016. The reason behind the 2016 re-emergence of SBV is unknown, but one possibility is that it can be maintained in wildlife, such as deer. SBV has been detected at high seroprevalence in deer in a number of European countries, but only once in the UK in a single region.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to survey wild deer across Great Britain for recent evidence of SBV. Deer hunters were recruited for the purpose of providing postmortem blood samples to be tested for SBV antibodies.ResultsThe seroprevalence of SBV in the British wild deer population was 13.8 per cent; found in red, roe, muntjac and fallow deer species, with more in deer further south.ConclusionThese results support the growing concern that SBV is now endemic in Great Britain and highlight the need to know the role of wildlife in SBV transmission.


2006 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 779-784 ◽  
Author(s):  
A Waldmann ◽  
B Dörr ◽  
JW Koschizke ◽  
C Leitzmann ◽  
A Hahn

AbstractObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the dietary vitamin B6 intake and determine the vitamin B6 concentration in blood samples of German vegans.Design and settingCross-sectional study with 33 examination sites all over Germany.SubjectsNinety-three vegans (50 females) with a mean (±standard deviation (SD)) age of 43.7 ± 15.7 years who took no vitamin supplements.MethodsDietary intake was assed using a semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Erythrocyte aspartate aminotransferase activity coefficient (EAST-AC) was calculated as the ratio of stimulated (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate added) to unstimulated activity in blood samples that were provided after an overnight fast.ResultsMean ± SD vitamin B6 intake was 2.83 ± 0.98 mg day−1 and mean ± SD protein intake was 56.6 ± 21.7 g day−1. Of the participants 4% showed vitamin B6 intakes lower than daily recommended intakes for Germany, 16% showed EAST-AC > 1.85, and a further 58% showed EAST-AC of 1.5–1-85. Moderate vegans were affected to a lesser extent than strict vegans. None of the established confounders was a significant predictor of EAST-AC. In logistic regression analyses the contribution of nutriments and cereals to pyridoxine intake was the only predictor of EAST-AC classified as < 1.85 and ≥ 1.85, respectively.ConclusionsIn spite of the high total intake of vitamin B6, an adequate concentration in blood samples could not be realised for a majority of the participants. Due to the health implications of a marginal pyridoxine status, vegans should be encouraged to include foods with a high bioavailability of pyridoxine, such as beans, lentils and bananas, in the daily diet.


2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (11) ◽  
pp. 1140-1145
Author(s):  
Suchitra Chandrasekaran ◽  
Darcy Barry ◽  
Susan Melhorn ◽  
Thomas Easterling ◽  
Hilary Gammill ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective We sought to evaluate associations between postpartum plasma adipokine concentrations among women with a history of preeclampsia (PE) without severe features (MPE), PE with severe features (SPE), and no PE (NPE). We also investigated relationships between adipokines and computed tomography (CT)-quantified measures of visceral fat (VF) area (VFA) and subcutaneous fat area (SCFA). Study Design We performed a secondary analysis of data collected as part of a previously performed cross-sectional study at our institution. Women with and without a history of PE were recruited in 10 years after delivery. VFA and SCFA measures were performed by CT scan. Anthropometric data and peripheral blood samples from subjects were collected concurrently. Results Plasma adiponectin concentrations (µg/mL) were significantly lower among MPE (18.5 ± 7.1) compared with NPE (27.3 ± 13.8) and SPE (25.7 ± 9.6). Leptin (p = 0.32) and resistin (p = 0.93) concentrations were similar among the groups. Adiponectin concentrations more closely aligned with VFA (β = −0.001, p = 0.03), while resistin concentrations trended toward correlating with SCFA (β = 0.02, p = 0.05). Leptin was not preferential to VFA or SCFA. Conclusion VF distribution may contribute to the variation in PE phenotype. Adiponectin specifically may be a promising marker representing VFA.


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