scholarly journals Prompt and Accurate Diagnosis, A Veritable Tool in Malaria Elimination Efforts

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwudi Michael Egbuche
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Film Interpretation ◽  
Species Specific

The concept of malaria elimination is to get rid of local transmission of malaria parasites in a defined geographical area. Among the measures required for malaria elimination is prompt and accurate diagnosis. Malaria diagnostic tools currently in use: clinical diagnosis, Malaria Rapid Diagnostic Tests (mRDT) and molecular diagnosis, have limitations. Clinical diagnosis can be used as first step in making prompt malaria diagnosis, but cannot confirm cases. Malaria RDTs satisfies the need for prompt diagnosis but has low accuracy in confirming cases. Accuracy of microscopy depends on making good blood films, and accurate film interpretation. Molecular diagnosis required for species-specific diagnosis of malaria parasites, and determination of genes that confers drug resistance to Plasmodium species is not available for routine use. As part of elimination efforts, there is development of mRDT kits that utilize urine or saliva instead of blood specimen, microscopy digital image recognition and different technologies for molecular diagnosis. So far, none of these diagnostic tools has satisfied the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis. It is therefore recommended that more than one diagnostic tool is needed for malaria elimination to be achieved in a given area. This will ensure early detection and treatment of cases, as well as prevent the re-establishment of transmission.

scholarly journals Clinical Significance of Molecular Diagnostic Tools for Bacterial Bloodstream Infections: A Systematic Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Pierre Rutanga ◽  
Therese Nyirahabimana
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Antibiotic Therapy ◽  
Clinical Significance ◽  
Molecular Diagnosis ◽  
Accurate Diagnosis ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Diagnostic Tools

Bacterial bloodstream infection (bBSI) represents any form of invasiveness of the blood circulatory system caused by bacteria and can lead to death among critically ill patients. Thus, there is a need for rapid and accurate diagnosis and treatment of patients with septicemia. So far, different molecular diagnostic tools have been developed. The majority of these tools focus on amplification based techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) which allows the detection of nucleic acids (both DNA and small RNAs) that are specific to bacterial species and sequencing or nucleic acid hybridization that allows the detection of bacteria in order to reduce delay of appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, there is still a need to improve sensitivity of most molecular techniques to enhance their accuracy and allow exact and on time antibiotic therapy treatment. In this regard, we conducted a systematic review of the existing studies conducted in molecular diagnosis of bBSIs, with the main aim of reporting on clinical significance and benefits of molecular diagnosis to patients. We searched both Google Scholar and PubMed. In total, eighteen reviewed papers indicate that shift from conventional diagnostic methods to molecular tools is needed and would lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of bBSI.

scholarly journals A Case Report of Monkeypox in a 4-Year-Old Boy from the DR Congo: Challenges of Diagnosis and Management

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Anna Korsgaard Eltvedt ◽  
Michael Christiansen ◽  
Anja Poulsen
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Congo Basin ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
African Continent ◽  
Dr Congo ◽  
Diagnostic Challenge ◽  
The Past

Monkeypox (MP) is a rare zoonotic disease that most commonly transmits from bush animals to humans in the Congo Basin of Africa. However, an increase in cases of MP has been observed over the past decades with frequent outbreaks as well as export of the disease out of the African continent. MP belongs to the same genus of viruses as smallpox, the Orthopoxvirus, and vaccination against smallpox gives some protection against MP. With the eradication of smallpox in 1980, vaccination against smallpox has ceased. The resulting decrease of immunity against Orthopoxvirus is thought to be related to the increase in MP cases. Furthermore, closer contact between humans and bush animals could play a role along with the ongoing difficulties of controlling HIV in the same geographical area. MP remains a diagnostic challenge. Lack of knowledge about the disease among health personnel plays an important role, as well as access to diagnostic tools is limited. Treatment of MP is for now symptomatic. We report the case of a 4-year-old boy from the DR Congo with the clinical diagnosis of MP. This case illustrates some of the abovementioned challenges related to the management of MP in the field.

scholarly journals Detection of Four Plasmodium Species by Genus- and Species-Specific Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification for Clinical Diagnosis

2007 ◽  
Vol 45 (8) ◽  
pp. 2521-2528 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.-T. Han ◽  
R. Watanabe ◽  
J. Sattabongkot ◽  
B. Khuntirat ◽  
J. Sirichaisinthop ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Isothermal Amplification ◽  
Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification ◽  
Species Specific

scholarly journals Non-human primate and human malaria: past, present and future

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spinello Antinori ◽  
Cecilia Bonazzetti ◽  
Andrea Giacomelli ◽  
Mario Corbellino ◽  
Massimo Galli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Knowlesi ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Human Malaria ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Zoonotic Malaria ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Human Plasmodium ◽  
Human Primate

Abstract Background Studies of the malaria parasites infecting various non-human primates (NHPs) have increased our understanding of the origin, biology and pathogenesis of human Plasmodium parasites. This review considers the major discoveries concerning NHP malaria parasites, highlights their relationships with human malaria and considers the impact that this may have on attempts to eradicate the disease. Results The first description of NHP malaria parasites dates back to the early 20th century. Subsequently, experimental and fortuitous findings indicating that some NHP malaria parasites can be transmitted to humans have raised concerns about the possible impact of a zoonotic malaria reservoir on efforts to control human malaria. Advances in molecular techniques over the last 15 years have contributed greatly to our knowledge of the existence and geographical distribution of numerous Plasmodium species infecting NHPs, and extended our understanding of their close phylogenetic relationships with human malaria parasites. The clinical application of such techniques has also made it possible to document ongoing spillovers of NHP malaria parasites (Plasmodium knowlesi, P. cynomolgi, P. simium, P. brasilianum) in humans living in or near the forests of Asia and South America, thus confirming that zoonotic malaria can undermine efforts to eradicate human malaria. Conclusions Increasing molecular research supports the prophetic intuition of the pioneers of modern malariology who saw zoonotic malaria as a potential obstacle to the full success of malaria eradication programmes. It is, therefore, important to continue surveillance and research based on one-health approaches in order to improve our understanding of the complex interactions between NHPs, mosquito vectors and humans during a period of ongoing changes in the climate and the use of land, monitor the evolution of zoonotic malaria, identify the populations most at risk and implement appropriate preventive strategies.

scholarly journals Assessing Diversity, Plasmodium Infection and Blood Meal Sources in Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) from a Brazilian Zoological Park with Avian Malaria Transmission

Insects ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 215
Author(s):  
Lilian de Oliveira Guimarães ◽  
Roseli França Simões ◽  
Carolina Romeiro Fernandes Chagas ◽  
Regiane Maria Tironi de Menezes ◽  
Fabiana Santos Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Meal ◽  
Avian Malaria ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Ecological Relationships ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Avian Malaria Parasites

Avian malaria parasites are widespread parasites transmitted by Culicidae insects belonging to different genera. Even though several studies have been conducted recently, there is still a lack of information about potential vectors of Plasmodium parasites, especially in Neotropical regions. Former studies with free-living and captive animals in São Paulo Zoo showed the presence of several Plasmodium and Haemoproteus species. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted at the zoo to collect mosquitoes in order to find out (i) which species of Culicidae are present in the study area, (ii) what are their blood meal sources, and (iii) to which Plasmodium species might they be potential vectors. Mosquitoes were morphologically and molecularly identified. Blood meal source and haemosporidian DNA were identified using molecular protocols. A total of 25 Culicidae species were identified, and 6 of them were positive for Plasmodium/Haemoproteus DNA. Ten mosquito species had their source of blood meal identified, which were mainly birds, including some species that were positive for haemosporidian parasites in the former study mentioned. This study allowed us to expand the list of potential vectors of avian malaria parasites and to improve our knowledge of the evolutionary and ecological relationships between the highly diverse communities of birds, parasites, and vectors present at São Paulo Zoo.

scholarly journals G6PD deficiency among malaria-infected national groups at the western part of Myanmar with implications for primaquine use in malaria elimination

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Thwe Han ◽  
Zay Yar Han ◽  
Kyin Hla Aye ◽  
Khin Thet Wai ◽  
Aung Thi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Activity ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
G6pd Deficiency ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Asymptomatic Malaria ◽  
Radical Cure ◽  
Readiness Assessment ◽  
Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) plays a central role in readiness assessment for malaria elimination in Myanmar by 2030 that includes primaquine (PQ) use. The risk of hemolysis in G6PDd individuals hampers the widespread use of primaquine safely in malaria-infected patients. In the pre-elimination era, it is important to screen initially for asymptomatic malaria in combination with G6PD deficiency by applying more sensitive diagnostic tools. Therefore, this study examined the proportion of G6PDd and the distribution of G6PD genotypes among malaria-infected national groups in Myanmar before initiation of malaria elimination strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study in one township each with high malaria burden from two states in the western part of Myanmar, was conducted during 2016-2018, and 320 participants (164 Rakhine and 156 Chin National groups) were recruited. We used RDT and ultrasensitive polymerase chain reaction (us PCR) method to confirm malaria infection, and a G6PD RDT(CareStart) to detect G6PDd and PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method to confirm the variant of G6PDd for genotyping. G6PD enzyme activity was measured by G6PD Biosensor (CareStart). Results Malaria positivity rates detected by RDT were lower than those detected by us PCR in the combined samples [13% (42/320) vs. 21% (67/320)] as well as in the Rakhine samples [17% (28/164) vs. 25% (41/164)] and in Chin samples [9% (14/156) vs. 17% (26/156)]. G6PD deficiency rates were approximately 10% in both the combined samples and specific national groups. For G6PD enzyme activity in the combined samples, G6PDd (defined as < 30% of adjusted male median) was 10% (31/320) and severe G6PDd (< 10% of AMM) was 3% (9/320). Among malaria-infected patients with positive by both RDT and usPCR, G6PDd was less than 20% in each national group. G6PD genotyping showed that the G6PD Mahidol (G487A) was the major variant. Conclusions The varying degree of G6PDd detected among malaria-infected national groups by advanced diagnostic tools, strongly support the recommend G6PD testing by the National Malaria Control Program and the subsequent safe treatment of P. vivax by primaquine for radical cure. Establishing a field monitoring system to achieve timely malaria elimination is mandatory to observe the safety of patients after PQ treatment.

Spatiotemporal distributed lag modelling of multiple Plasmodium species in a malaria elimination setting

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-34
Author(s):  
Chawarat Rotejanaprasert ◽  
Duncan Lee ◽  
Nattwut Ekapirat ◽  
Prayuth Sudathip ◽  
Richard J Maude
Keyword(s):  
Data Streams ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Parasite Species ◽  
Climatic Factors ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Clinical Malaria ◽  
Spatiotemporal Patterns ◽  
Distributed Lag ◽  
Multiple Data

In much of the Greater Mekong Sub-region, malaria is now confined to patches and small foci of transmission. Malaria transmission is seasonal with the spatiotemporal patterns being associated with variation in environmental and climatic factors. However, the possible effect at different lag periods between meteorological variables and clinical malaria has not been well studied in the region. Thus, in this study we developed distributed lagged modelling accounting for spatiotemporal excessive zero cases in a malaria elimination setting. A multivariate framework was also extended to incorporate multiple data streams and investigate the spatiotemporal patterns from multiple parasite species via their lagged association with climatic variables. A simulation study was conducted to examine robustness of the methodology and a case study is provided of weekly data of clinical malaria cases at sub-district level in Thailand.

scholarly journals Adaptive Drug Resistance in Malaria Parasite: A Threat to Malaria Elimination Agenda?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moses Okpeku
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Disease Burden ◽  
Drug Application ◽  
African Region ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Host Development

Malaria is a global disease of importance, especially in the sub-Saharan African region, where malaria accounts for great losses economically and to life. Fight to eliminate this disease has resulted in reduced disease burden in many places where the diseases is endemic. Elimination strategies in most places is focus on the use of treated nets and drug application. Exposure of malaria parasites to anti-malaria drugs have led to the evolution of drug resistance in both parasites and host. Development of drug resistance vary but, studies on adaptive drug resistance has implications and consequences. Our knowledge of this consequences are limited but important for the pursuit of an uninterrupted malaria elimination agenda. This chapter draws our attention to this risks and recommends interventions.

scholarly journals OVERVIEW OF MALARIA PARASITE AND ITS PREVENTION IN INDIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adil Raza ◽  
Megha Chaudhary ◽  
Sonika Devi
Keyword(s):  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Malaria Parasite ◽  
Plasmodium Species ◽  
Peripheral Blood Smear ◽  
Infected Mosquito ◽  
Protozoan Parasites ◽  
Malaria Parasites ◽  
Genus Plasmodium

Background: Malaria is a systematic disease caused by a parasite called Plasmodium which is transmitted into the human blood via female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria in humans is caused by four species of protozoan parasites of the genus Plasmodium: P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae. The parasite enters the human body through a mosquito bite and travel to the very crucial organ, the liver, where they multiply and come back to the bloodstream and destroy red blood cells. Malaria causes symptoms that typically include fever, tiredness, vomiting, and headaches. In severe cases it can cause yellow skin, seizures, coma, or death. Symptoms usually begin ten to fifteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. In those who have recently survived an infection, reinfection usually causes milder symptoms. Objectives: Isolation of different species of malaria parasites. The prevalence of malaria parasite in India. Methods: The procedure follows these steps: collection of peripheral blood, staining of smear with Leishman’s stain and examination of red blood cells for malaria parasites under the microscope. Results: We observed the plasmodium species in peripheral blood smear. Conclusion: Worldwide, the number of cases of malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum, the most dangerous species of the parasite, is on the rise.

scholarly journals LATEST INFORMATION ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF FUSARIUM LANGSETHIAE, THE PRODUCER OF T-2 AND HT-2 TOXINS, IN RUSSIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 103 (3) ◽  
pp. 201-206
Author(s):  
O. P. Gavrilova ◽  
T. Yu. Gagkaeva
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Intraspecific Diversity ◽  
Specific Primers ◽  
Toxic Metabolites ◽  
Central Regions ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
High Level ◽  
Grain Contamination ◽  
Fusarium Fungi

The annual monitoring of grain contamination with Fusarium fungi and the identification of their species composition showed the widespread distribution of F. langsethiae producing dangerous T-2 and HT-2 toxins in the Northwestern and Central regions of Russia. Mycological analysis of grain samples harvested in 2018–2019 allowed revealing the new places of F. langsethiae distribution, including Urals. The top infection rate of the oats grain by F. langsethiae in 2019 reached 14 %. The identification of F. langsethiae strains was supported by PCR with species-specific primers. The analysis of toxic metabolites in F. langsethiae by the combination of high-performance liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry revealed the high level of T-2 and HT-2 toxins. The considerable total amounts of T-2 and HT-2 toxins (165–1230 μg/kg) were found in the grain samples infected with this species. Further clarification of the geographical area of F. langsethiae and the study of its intraspecific diversity are needed to understand the distribution of this toxin-producing fungus.

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