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Zárate-Rendón DA, Padilla DG, Carcausto SP, del Águila A, Wetzel E, Vásquez JÑ. Spatial analysis and risk mapping of Fasciola hepatica infection in dairy cattle at the Peruvian central highlands. Parasite Epidemiol Control 2023; 23:e00329. [PMID: 38125009 PMCID: PMC10731382 DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2023.e00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop maps for Fasciola hepatica infection occurrence in dairy cattle in the districts of Matahuasi and Baños in the Peruvian central highlands. For this, a model based on the correlation between environmental variables and the prevalence of infection was constructed. Flukefinder® coprological test were performed in samples from dairy cattle from 8 herds, during both the rainy and wet season. Grazing plots were geo-referenced to obtain information on environmental variables. Monthly temperature, monthly rainfall, elevation, slope, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), enhanced vegetation index (EVI), normalized difference water index (NDWI), distance to rivers, urban areas and roads were obtained by using remote sensor images and ArcGIS®. Multilayer perceptron Artificial Neural Networks modeling were applied to construct a predictive model for the occurrence of fasciolosis, based on the relationship between environmental variables and level of infection. Kappa coefficient (k > 0.6) was used to evaluate concordance between observed and forecasted risk by the model. Coprological results demonstrated an average prevalence from 20% to 100%, in Matahuasi, and between 0 and 87.5%, in Baños. A model with a high level of concordance between predicted and observed infection risk (k = 0.77) was obtained, having as major predicting variables: slope, NDWI, NDVI and EVI. Fasciolosis risk was categorized as low (p < 20%), medium (20% < p < 50%) and high (p ≥ 50%) level. Using ArcGIS 10.4.1, risk maps were developed for each risk level of fasciolosis. Maps of fasciolosis occurrence showed that 87.2% of Matahuasi area presented a high risk for bovine fasciolosis during the dry season, and 76.6% in the wet season. In contrast, 21.9% of Baños area had a high risk of infection during the dry season and 12.1% during the wet season. In conclusion, our model showed areas with high risk for fasciolosis occurrence in both districts during both dry and rainy periods. Slope, NDWI, NDVI and EVI were the major predictors for fasciolosis occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Alexis Zárate-Rendón
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento Académico de Nutrición, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - David Godoy Padilla
- Laboratorio de Parasitología, Departamento Académico de Nutrición, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Samuel Pizarro Carcausto
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Utilización de Pastizales, Departamento Académico de Producción Animal, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
| | - Alberto del Águila
- Global Health Initiative, Wabash College, 301 W Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, USA
| | - Eric Wetzel
- Global Health Initiative, Wabash College, 301 W Wabash Ave, Crawfordsville, IN 47933, USA
| | - Javier Ñaupari Vásquez
- Laboratorio de Ecología y Utilización de Pastizales, Departamento Académico de Producción Animal, Facultad de Zootecnia, Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina, Lima, Peru
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Surakat OA, Babalola AS, Adeleke MA, Adeogun AO, Idowu OA, Sam-Wobo SO. Geospatial distribution and predictive modeling of onchocerciasis in Ogun State, Nigeria. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281624. [PMID: 36857325 PMCID: PMC9977021 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Onchocerciasis caused by infection with Onchocerca volvulus is a disease of public health importance and is highly associated with disability. As Nigeria is aiming at eliminating onchocerciasis by 2030, there is a need to develop newer tools to map disease prevalence and identify environmental factors driving disease prevalence, even in places that have not been previously targeted for preventive chemotherapy. This study produced predictive risk-maps of onchocerciasis in Ogun State. Georeferenced onchocerciasis infection data obtained from a cross-sectional survey at 32 locations between March and July 2015 together with remotely-sensed environmental data were analyzed using Ecological Niche Models (ENM). A total of 107 field occurrence points for O. volvulus infection were recorded. A total of 43 positive occurrence points were used for modelling. ENMs were used to estimate the current geographic distribution of O. volvulus in Ogun State. Maximum Entropy distribution modeling (MaxEnt) was used for predicting the potential suitable habitats, using a portion of the occurrence records. A total of 19 environmental variables were used to model the potential geographical distribution area under current climatic conditions. Empirical prevalence of 9.3% was recorded in this study. The geospatial distribution of infection revealed that all communities in Odeda Local Government Area (a peri-urban LGA) showed remarkably high prevalence compared with other LGAs. The predicted high-risk areas (probability > 0.8) of O. volvulus infection were all parts of Odeda, Abeokuta South, and Abeokuta North, southern part of Imeko-Afon, a large part of Yewa North, some parts of Ewekoro and Obafemi-Owode LGAs. The estimated prevalence for these regions were >60% (between 61% and 100%). As predicted, O. volvulus occurrence showed a positive association with variables reflecting precipitation in Ogun State. Our predictive risk-maps has provided useful information for the elimination of onchocerciais, by identifying priority areas for delivery of intervention in Ogun State, Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olabanji Ahmed Surakat
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Department of Zoology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
- * E-mail:
| | - Ayodele S. Babalola
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Monsuru A. Adeleke
- Faculty of Basic and Applied Sciences, Department of Zoology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Adedapo O. Adeogun
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
| | - Olufunmilayo A. Idowu
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
| | - Sammy O. Sam-Wobo
- Department of Pure and Applied Zoology, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria
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Saran S, Singh P, Kumar V, Chauhan P. Review of Geospatial Technology for Infectious Disease Surveillance: Use Case on COVID-19. JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN SOCIETY OF REMOTE SENSING 2020; 48. [PMCID: PMC7433774 DOI: 10.1007/s12524-020-01140-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
This paper discusses on the increasing relevancy of geospatial technologies such as geographic information system (GIS) in the public health domain, particularly for the infectious disease surveillance and modelling strategies. Traditionally, the disease mapping tasks have faced many challenges—(1) authors rarely documented the evidence that were used to create map, (2) before evolution of GIS, many errors aroused in mapping tasks which were expanded extremely at global scales, and (3) there were no fidelity assessment of maps which resulted in inaccurate precision. This study on infectious diseases geo-surveillance is divided into four broad sections with emphasis on handling geographical and temporal issues to help in public health decision-making and planning policies: (1) geospatial mapping of diseases using its spatial and temporal information to understand their behaviour across geography; (2) the citizen’s involvement as volunteers in giving health and disease data to assess the critical situation for disease’s spread and prevention in neighbourhood effect; (3) scientific analysis of health-related behaviour using mathematical epidemiological and geo-statistical approaches with (4) capacity building program. To illustrate each theme, recent case studies are cited and case studies are performed on COVID-19 to demonstrate selected models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Saran
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, #4, Kalidas Road, Dehradun, 248001 India
| | - Priyanka Singh
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, #4, Kalidas Road, Dehradun, 248001 India
| | - Vishal Kumar
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, #4, Kalidas Road, Dehradun, 248001 India
| | - Prakash Chauhan
- Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Indian Space Research Organisation, #4, Kalidas Road, Dehradun, 248001 India
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Escobar LE, Carver S, Romero-Alvarez D, VandeWoude S, Crooks KR, Lappin MR, Craft ME. Inferring the Ecological Niche of Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. in Wild Felids. Front Vet Sci 2017; 4:172. [PMID: 29090215 PMCID: PMC5650989 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2017.00172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional epidemiological studies of disease in animal populations often focus on directly transmitted pathogens. One reason pathogens with complex lifecycles are understudied could be due to challenges associated with detection in vectors and the environment. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) is a methodological approach that overcomes some of the detection challenges often seen with vector or environmentally dependent pathogens. We test this approach using a unique dataset of two pathogens in wild felids across North America: Toxoplasma gondii and Bartonella spp. in bobcats (Lynx rufus) and puma (Puma concolor). We found three main patterns. First, T. gondii showed a broader use of environmental conditions than did Bartonella spp. Also, ecological niche models, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index satellite imagery, were useful even when applied to wide-ranging hosts. Finally, ENM results from one region could be applied to other regions, thus transferring information across different landscapes. With this research, we detail the uncertainty of epidemiological risk models across novel environments, thereby advancing tools available for epidemiological decision-making. We propose that ENM could be a valuable tool for enabling understanding of transmission risk, contributing to more focused prevention and control options for infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Escobar
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, United States.,Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Scott Carver
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, Australia
| | - Daniel Romero-Alvarez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, United States
| | - Sue VandeWoude
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kevin R Crooks
- Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Michael R Lappin
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Du HW, Wang Y, Zhuang DF, Jiang XS. Temporal and spatial distribution characteristics in the natural plague foci of Chinese Mongolian gerbils based on spatial autocorrelation. Infect Dis Poverty 2017; 6:124. [PMID: 28780908 PMCID: PMC5545858 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-017-0338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The nest flea index of Meriones unguiculatus is a critical indicator for the prevention and control of plague, which can be used not only to detect the spatial and temporal distributions of Meriones unguiculatus, but also to reveal its cluster rule. This research detected the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of the plague natural foci of Mongolian gerbils by body flea index from 2005 to 2014, in order to predict plague outbreaks. METHODS Global spatial autocorrelation was used to describe the entire spatial distribution pattern of the body flea index in the natural plague foci of typical Chinese Mongolian gerbils. Cluster and outlier analysis and hot spot analysis were also used to detect the intensity of clusters based on geographic information system methods. The quantity of M. unguiculatus nest fleas in the sentinel surveillance sites from 2005 to 2014 and host density data of the study area from 2005 to 2010 used in this study were provided by Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS The epidemic focus regions of the Mongolian gerbils remain the same as the hot spot regions relating to the body flea index. High clustering areas possess a similar pattern as the distribution pattern of the body flea index indicating that the transmission risk of plague is relatively high. In terms of time series, the area of the epidemic focus gradually increased from 2005 to 2007, declined rapidly in 2008 and 2009, and then decreased slowly and began trending towards stability from 2009 to 2014. For the spatial change, the epidemic focus regions began moving northward from the southwest epidemic focus of the Mongolian gerbils from 2005 to 2007, and then moved from north to south in 2007 and 2008. CONCLUSIONS The body flea index of Chinese gerbil foci reveals significant spatial and temporal aggregation characteristics through the employing of spatial autocorrelation. The diversity of temporary and spatial distribution is mainly affected by seasonal variation, the human activity and natural factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Wen Du
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information Systems, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.,College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.6 Tongwei Road, Nangjing, 210095, China
| | - Yong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information Systems, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Da-Fang Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information Systems, Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiao-San Jiang
- College of Resources and Environmental Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.6 Tongwei Road, Nangjing, 210095, China.
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Escobar LE, Craft ME. Advances and Limitations of Disease Biogeography Using Ecological Niche Modeling. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:1174. [PMID: 27547199 PMCID: PMC4974947 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mapping disease transmission risk is crucial in public and animal health for evidence based decision-making. Ecology and epidemiology are highly related disciplines that may contribute to improvements in mapping disease, which can be used to answer health related questions. Ecological niche modeling is increasingly used for understanding the biogeography of diseases in plants, animals, and humans. However, epidemiological applications of niche modeling approaches for disease mapping can fail to generate robust study designs, producing incomplete or incorrect inferences. This manuscript is an overview of the history and conceptual bases behind ecological niche modeling, specifically as applied to epidemiology and public health; it does not pretend to be an exhaustive and detailed description of ecological niche modeling literature and methods. Instead, this review includes selected state-of-the-science approaches and tools, providing a short guide to designing studies incorporating information on the type and quality of the input data (i.e., occurrences and environmental variables), identification and justification of the extent of the study area, and encourages users to explore and test diverse algorithms for more informed conclusions. We provide a friendly introduction to the field of disease biogeography presenting an updated guide for researchers looking to use ecological niche modeling for disease mapping. We anticipate that ecological niche modeling will soon be a critical tool for epidemiologists aiming to map disease transmission risk, forecast disease distribution under climate change scenarios, and identify landscape factors triggering outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Escobar
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. PaulMN, USA; Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center, University of Minnesota, St. PaulMN, USA
| | - Meggan E Craft
- Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul MN, USA
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Chang ET, Adami HO, Bailey WH, Boffetta P, Krieger RI, Moolgavkar SH, Mandel JS. Validity of geographically modeled environmental exposure estimates. Crit Rev Toxicol 2014; 44:450-66. [PMID: 24766059 DOI: 10.3109/10408444.2014.902029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Geographic modeling is increasingly being used to estimate long-term environmental exposures in epidemiologic studies of chronic disease outcomes. However, without validation against measured environmental concentrations, personal exposure levels, or biologic doses, these models cannot be assumed a priori to be accurate. This article discusses three examples of epidemiologic associations involving exposures estimated using geographic modeling, and identifies important issues that affect geographically modeled exposure assessment in these areas. In air pollution epidemiology, geographic models of fine particulate matter levels have frequently been validated against measured environmental levels, but comparisons between ambient and personal exposure levels have shown only moderate correlations. Estimating exposure to magnetic fields by using geographically modeled distances is problematic because the error is larger at short distances, where field levels can vary substantially. Geographic models of environmental exposure to pesticides, including paraquat, have seldom been validated against environmental or personal levels, and validation studies have yielded inconsistent and typically modest results. In general, the exposure misclassification resulting from geographic models of environmental exposures can be differential and can result in bias away from the null even if non-differential. Therefore, geographic exposure models must be rigorously constructed and validated if they are to be relied upon to produce credible scientific results to inform epidemiologic research. To our knowledge, such models have not yet successfully predicted an association between an environmental exposure and a chronic disease outcome that has eventually been established as causal, and may not be capable of doing so in the absence of thorough validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen T Chang
- Health Sciences Practice, Exponent, Inc. , Menlo Park, CA, Bowie, MD, and Bellevue, WA , USA
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Carroll LN, Au AP, Detwiler LT, Fu TC, Painter IS, Abernethy NF. Visualization and analytics tools for infectious disease epidemiology: a systematic review. J Biomed Inform 2014; 51:287-98. [PMID: 24747356 PMCID: PMC5734643 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbi.2014.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A myriad of new tools and algorithms have been developed to help public health professionals analyze and visualize the complex data used in infectious disease control. To better understand approaches to meet these users' information needs, we conducted a systematic literature review focused on the landscape of infectious disease visualization tools for public health professionals, with a special emphasis on geographic information systems (GIS), molecular epidemiology, and social network analysis. The objectives of this review are to: (1) identify public health user needs and preferences for infectious disease information visualization tools; (2) identify existing infectious disease information visualization tools and characterize their architecture and features; (3) identify commonalities among approaches applied to different data types; and (4) describe tool usability evaluation efforts and barriers to the adoption of such tools. METHODS We identified articles published in English from January 1, 1980 to June 30, 2013 from five bibliographic databases. Articles with a primary focus on infectious disease visualization tools, needs of public health users, or usability of information visualizations were included in the review. RESULTS A total of 88 articles met our inclusion criteria. Users were found to have diverse needs, preferences and uses for infectious disease visualization tools, and the existing tools are correspondingly diverse. The architecture of the tools was inconsistently described, and few tools in the review discussed the incorporation of usability studies or plans for dissemination. Many studies identified concerns regarding data sharing, confidentiality and quality. Existing tools offer a range of features and functions that allow users to explore, analyze, and visualize their data, but the tools are often for siloed applications. Commonly cited barriers to widespread adoption included lack of organizational support, access issues, and misconceptions about tool use. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION As the volume and complexity of infectious disease data increases, public health professionals must synthesize highly disparate data to facilitate communication with the public and inform decisions regarding measures to protect the public's health. Our review identified several themes: consideration of users' needs, preferences, and computer literacy; integration of tools into routine workflow; complications associated with understanding and use of visualizations; and the role of user trust and organizational support in the adoption of these tools. Interoperability also emerged as a prominent theme, highlighting challenges associated with the increasingly collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of infectious disease control and prevention. Future work should address methods for representing uncertainty and missing data to avoid misleading users as well as strategies to minimize cognitive overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren N Carroll
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Box 358047, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Alan P Au
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Box 358047, Seattle, WA 98109, United States.
| | - Landon Todd Detwiler
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357420, United States.
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 357236, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Ian S Painter
- Department of Health Services, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 359442, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
| | - Neil F Abernethy
- Department of Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, 850 Republican St., Box 358047, Seattle, WA 98109, United States; Department of Health Services, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Box 359442, Seattle, WA 98195, United States.
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Rooney J, Heverin M, Vajda A, Crampsie A, Tobin K, Byrne S, Staines A, Hardiman O. An exploratory spatial analysis of ALS incidence in Ireland over 17.5 years (1995-July 2013). PLoS One 2014; 9:e96556. [PMID: 24867594 PMCID: PMC4035264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0096556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction There has been much interest in spatial analysis of ALS to identify potential environmental or genetically caused clusters of disease. Results to date have been inconclusive. The Irish ALS register has been recently geocoded, presenting opportunity to perform a spatial analysis on national prospectively gathered data of incident cases over an 18-year period. Methods 1,645 cases of ALS in Ireland from January 1995 to July 2013 were identified from the Irish ALS register. 1,638 cases were successfully geocoded. Census data from four censuses: 1996, 2002, 2006 & 2011 were used to calculate an average population for the period and standardized incidence rates (SIRs) were calculated for 3,355 areas (Electoral Divisions). Bayesian conditional auto-regression was applied to produce smoothed relative risks (RR). These were then mapped for all cases, males & females separately, and those under 55 vs over 55 at diagnosis. Bayesian and linear regression were used to examine the relationship between population density and RR. Results Smoothed maps revealed no overall geographical pattern to ALS incidence in Ireland, although several areas of localized increased risk were identified. Stratified maps also suggested localized areas of increased RR, while dual analysis of the relationship between population density and RR of ALS yielded conflicting results, linear regression revealed a weak relationship. Discussion In contrast to some previous studies our analysis did not reveal any large-scale geographic patterns of incidence, yet localized areas of moderately high risk were found in both urban and rural areas. Stratified maps by age revealed a larger number of cases in younger people in the area of County Cork - possibly of genetic cause. Bayesian auto-regression of population density failed to find a significant association with risk, however weighted linear regression of post Bayesian smoothed Risk revealed an association between population density and increased ALS risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Rooney
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Mark Heverin
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Alice Vajda
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arlene Crampsie
- School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Policy, University College Dublin Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Katy Tobin
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan Byrne
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anthony Staines
- School of Nursing and Human Sciences, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orla Hardiman
- Academic Unit of Neurology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Neurology, Beaumont Hospital, Beaumont, Ireland
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Ryser-Degiorgis MP. Wildlife health investigations: needs, challenges and recommendations. BMC Vet Res 2013; 9:223. [PMID: 24188616 PMCID: PMC4228302 DOI: 10.1186/1746-6148-9-223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Accepted: 10/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
In a fast changing world with growing concerns about biodiversity loss and an increasing number of animal and human diseases emerging from wildlife, the need for effective wildlife health investigations including both surveillance and research is now widely recognized. However, procedures applicable to and knowledge acquired from studies related to domestic animal and human health can be on partly extrapolated to wildlife. This article identifies requirements and challenges inherent in wildlife health investigations, reviews important definitions and novel health investigation methods, and proposes tools and strategies for effective wildlife health surveillance programs. Impediments to wildlife health investigations are largely related to zoological, behavioral and ecological characteristics of wildlife populations and to limited access to investigation materials. These concerns should not be viewed as insurmountable but it is imperative that they are considered in study design, data analysis and result interpretation. It is particularly crucial to remember that health surveillance does not begin in the laboratory but in the fields. In this context, participatory approaches and mutual respect are essential. Furthermore, interdisciplinarity and open minds are necessary because a wide range of tools and knowledge from different fields need to be integrated in wildlife health surveillance and research. The identification of factors contributing to disease emergence requires the comparison of health and ecological data over time and among geographical regions. Finally, there is a need for the development and validation of diagnostic tests for wildlife species and for data on free-ranging population densities. Training of health professionals in wildlife diseases should also be improved. Overall, the article particularly emphasizes five needs of wildlife health investigations: communication and collaboration; use of synergies and triangulation approaches; investments for the long term; systematic collection of metadata; and harmonization of definitions and methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Pierre Ryser-Degiorgis
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Postfach 8466, CH-3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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Dijkstra A, Hak E, Janssen F. A systematic review of the application of spatial analysis in pharmacoepidemiologic research. Ann Epidemiol 2013; 23:504-14. [PMID: 23830932 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2013.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 05/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Although current reviews of the use of spatial analysis in general epidemiologic research illustrate an important and well-established role in exploring and predicting health, its application has not been reviewed in the subspecialty field of pharmacoepidemiology. METHODS We systematically reviewed the scientific literature to assess to what extent spatial analysis has been applied in pharmacoepidemiologic research and explored its potential added value. RESULTS A systematic search in PubMed and Embase/MEDLINE yielded 823 potentially relevant articles; 45 articles met our criteria for review. The studies were reviewed on study objective, applied spatial methods and units of analysis, and author-reported added value of the geographic approach used. Of the 45 included studies, 34 (76%) reported a geographic research objective. Comparative spatial methods were most often used (n = 25; 56%). Eleven studies used spatial statistics (32%); cluster analysis (n = 5) and aggregate data analysis (n = 4) being most common. Mapping was done in 15 studies (33%). The most common added value reported was to aid the planning of health policies and interventions (n = 24; 53%). A minority of pharmacoepidemiologic studies used a geographic approach and the applied methods were less advanced compared with the broader field of epidemiology. CONCLUSIONS Further advancements are needed to incorporate currently available spatial techniques to impact health care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aletta Dijkstra
- Unit of PharmacoEpidemiology & PharmacoEconomics (PE(2)), Department of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Ribeiro SHR, Costa MA. Optimal selection of the spatial scan parameters for cluster detection: A simulation study. Spat Spatiotemporal Epidemiol 2012; 3:107-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sste.2012.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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The prevalence and distribution of Alaria alata, a potential zoonotic parasite, in foxes in Ireland. Parasitol Res 2012; 111:283-90. [PMID: 22350672 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-012-2835-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
The digenean trematode Alaria alata, an intestinal parasite of wild canids is widely distributed in Europe. The recent finding of the mesocercarial life cycle stage in the paratenic wild boar host suggests that it may potentially infect humans Mohl et al. (Parasitol Res 105:1-15, 2009). Over 500 foxes were examined during a wildlife survey for zoonotic diseases in 2009 and 2010. The prevalence of A. alata ranged from 21% to 26% in 2009 and 2010, and the intensity of infection varied, with the majority of foxes having between one and ten trematodes, but a small number of animals had parasitic burdens greater than 500. The location of foxes was geo-referenced and mapped using a geographic information system. The results of the spatial analysis suggest that A. alata may have a limited distribution being confined mainly to areas of pasture especially in the central plain and north Munster. Hot spot analysis indicated a clustering and that the level of parasitism was greatest in foxes from those areas where the prevalence of infection was highest.
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Siordia C, Saenz J, Tom SE. An Introduction to Macro- Level Spatial Nonstationarity: a Geographically Weighted Regression Analysis of Diabetes and Poverty. HUMAN GEOGRAPHIES 2012; 6:5-13. [PMID: 25414731 PMCID: PMC4235967 DOI: 10.5719/hgeo.2012.62.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Type II diabetes is a growing health problem in the United States. Understanding geographic variation in diabetes prevalence will inform where resources for management and prevention should be allocated. Investigations of the correlates of diabetes prevalence have largely ignored how spatial nonstationarity might play a role in the macro-level distribution of diabetes. This paper introduces the reader to the concept of spatial nonstationarity-variance in statistical relationships as a function of geographical location. Since spatial nonstationarity means different predictors can have varying effects on model outcomes, we make use of a geographically weighed regression to calculate correlates of diabetes as a function of geographic location. By doing so, we demonstrate an exploratory example in which the diabetes-poverty macro-level statistical relationship varies as a function of location. In particular, we provide evidence that when predicting macro-level diabetes prevalence, poverty is not always positively associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Siordia
- Corresponding author: Address: 301 University Blvd., Galveston, Texas, 77555, US., Telephone: 1.409.772.5899,
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