1
|
|
2
|
Romani L, Whitfeld MJ, Koroivueta J, Kama M, Wand H, Tikoduadua L, Tuicakau M, Koroi A, Ritova R, Andrews R, Kaldor JM, Steer AC. The Epidemiology of Scabies and Impetigo in Relation to Demographic and Residential Characteristics: Baseline Findings from the Skin Health Intervention Fiji Trial. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2017; 97:845-850. [PMID: 28722612 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.16-0753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Scabies and associated impetigo are under-recognized causes of morbidity in many developing countries. To strengthen the evidence base for scabies control we undertook a trial of mass treatment for scabies. We report on the occurrence and predictors of scabies and impetigo in participants at baseline. Participants were recruited in six island communities and were examined for the presence of scabies and impetigo. In addition to descriptive analyses, logistic regression models were fit to assess the association between demographic variables and outcome of interest. The study enrolled 2051 participants. Scabies prevalence was 36.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.3-38.5), highest in children 5-9 years (55.7%). Impetigo prevalence was 23.4% (95% CI 21.5-25.2) highest in children aged 10-14 (39.0%). People with scabies were 2.8× more likely to have impetigo. The population attributable risk of scabies as a cause of impetigo was 36.3% and 71.0% in children aged less than five years. Households with four or more people sharing the same room were more likely to have scabies and impetigo (odds ratios [OR] 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2 and OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.6-3.2 respectively) compared to households with rooms occupied by a single individual. This study confirms the high burden of scabies and impetigo in Fiji and the association between these two conditions, particularly in young children. Overcrowding, young age, and clinical distribution of lesion are important risk factors for scabies and impetigo. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the decline of endemic scabies would translate into a definite reduction of the burden of associated complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Margot J Whitfeld
- Department of Dermatology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Ross Andrews
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Australia
| | - John M Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew C Steer
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thomson Mangnall LJ, Sibbritt DW, Al-Sheyab N, Gallagher RD. Predictors of warfarin non-adherence in younger adults after valve replacement surgery in the South Pacific. HEART ASIA 2016; 8:18-23. [PMID: 27347009 DOI: 10.1136/heartasia-2016-010751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Revised: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Globally, mechanical valves are predominant as replacements for adolescents and younger adults with rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Mechanical valve implantation necessitates lifelong antithrombotic management (warfarin) and associated lifestyle modification, with event-free survival largely dependent on international normalised therapeutic ratios (INRs) remaining within the target therapeutic range. There is limited information on factors that may influence warfarin adherence among younger people or those in resource-limited settings. This study sought to identify predictors of warfarin adherence after valve replacement surgery for RHD in Fiji (n=127). METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used. RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 31.23 years (SD 13.34) and a mean time-since-surgery of 3.72 years (SD 3.95). Just over half were women (n=71, 56%) and almost two-thirds were indigenous (I-taukei, n=78, 61%). Most had an isolated valve procedure (n=94, 74%) and at the time of survey, they were in New York Heart Association Class I (n=97, 76%). A quarter (n=33, 26%) reported poor adherence with anticoagulation therapy and 13.38% (n=17) reported complete warfarin cessation. While younger age was significantly associated with non-adherence to warfarin therapy (p=0.008), the independent predictors of people who discontinue warfarin completely were those not understanding why warfarin was needed (OR=9.97, p=0.006); a history of forgetting to take warfarin (OR=8.64, p=0.0013) and travel time to heart clinic >1 hour (OR=5.80, p=0.039). CONCLUSIONS While medication adherence is complex and multifactorial, the consequences of warfarin non-adherence are potentially catastrophic. These results provide an important first step towards the development of country-specific and disease-specific strategies to improve warfarin adherence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Thomson Mangnall
- Cardiothoracic Medical and Surgical Telemetry Unit, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David W Sibbritt
- Faculty of Health , University of Technology , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Nihaya Al-Sheyab
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Robyn D Gallagher
- Charles Perkins Centre and Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Carapetis JR, Beaton A, Cunningham MW, Guilherme L, Karthikeyan G, Mayosi BM, Sable C, Steer A, Wilson N, Wyber R, Zühlke L. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2016; 2:15084. [PMID: 27188830 PMCID: PMC5810582 DOI: 10.1038/nrdp.2015.84] [Citation(s) in RCA: 313] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is the result of an autoimmune response to pharyngitis caused by infection with group A Streptococcus. The long-term damage to cardiac valves caused by ARF, which can result from a single severe episode or from multiple recurrent episodes of the illness, is known as rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and is a notable cause of morbidity and mortality in resource-poor settings around the world. Although our understanding of disease pathogenesis has advanced in recent years, this has not led to dramatic improvements in diagnostic approaches, which are still reliant on clinical features using the Jones Criteria, or treatment practices. Indeed, penicillin has been the mainstay of treatment for decades and there is no other treatment that has been proven to alter the likelihood or the severity of RHD after an episode of ARF. Recent advances - including the use of echocardiographic diagnosis in those with ARF and in screening for early detection of RHD, progress in developing group A streptococcal vaccines and an increased focus on the lived experience of those with RHD and the need to improve quality of life - give cause for optimism that progress will be made in coming years against this neglected disease that affects populations around the world, but is a particular issue for those living in poverty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan R Carapetis
- Telethon Kids Institute, the University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia
- Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrea Beaton
- Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Madeleine W Cunningham
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Research Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Luiza Guilherme
- Heart Institute (InCor), University of São Paulo, School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
- Institute for Immunology Investigation, National Institute for Science and Technology, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ganesan Karthikeyan
- Department of Cardiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bongani M Mayosi
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Craig Sable
- Children's National Health System, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Andrew Steer
- Department of Paediatrics, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel Wilson
- Green Lane Paediatric and Congenital Cardiac Services, Starship Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rosemary Wyber
- Telethon Kids Institute, the University of Western Australia, PO Box 855, West Perth, Western Australia 6872, Australia
| | - Liesl Zühlke
- Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rider SD, Morgan MS, Arlian LG. Draft genome of the scabies mite. Parasit Vectors 2015; 8:585. [PMID: 26555130 PMCID: PMC4641413 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-015-1198-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The disease scabies, caused by the ectoparasitic mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, causes significant morbidity in humans and other mammals worldwide. However, there is limited data available regarding the molecular basis of host specificity and host-parasite interactions. Therefore, we sought to produce a draft genome for S. scabiei and use this to identify molecular markers that will be useful for phylogenetic population studies and to identify candidate protein-coding genes that are critical to the unique biology of the parasite. Methods S. scabiei var. canis DNA was isolated from living mites and sequenced to ultra-deep coverage using paired-end technology. Sequence reads were assembled into gapped contigs using de Bruijn graph based algorithms. The assembled genome was examined for repetitive elements and gene annotation was performed using ab initio, and homology-based methods. Results The draft genome assembly was about 56.2 Mb and included a mitochondrial genome contig. The predicted proteome contained 10,644 proteins, ~67 % of which appear to have clear orthologs in other species. The genome also contained more than 140,000 simple sequence repeat loci that may be useful for population-level studies. The mitochondrial genome contained 13 protein coding loci and 20 transfer RNAs. Hundreds of candidate salivary gland protein genes were identified by comparing the scabies mite predicted proteome with sialoproteins and transcripts identified in ticks and other hematophagous arthropods. These include serpins, ferritins, reprolysins, apyrases and new members of the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) gene family. Numerous other genes coding for salivary proteins, metabolic enzymes, structural proteins, proteins that are potentially immune modulating, and vaccine candidates were identified. The genes encoding cysteine and serine protease paralogs as well as mu-type glutathione S-transferases are represented by gene clusters. S. scabiei possessed homologs for most of the 33 dust mite allergens. Conclusion The draft genome is useful for advancing our understanding of the host-parasite interaction, the biology of the mite and its phylogenetic relationship to other Acari. The identification of antigen-producing genes, candidate immune modulating proteins and pathways, and genes responsible for acaricide resistance offers opportunities for developing new methods for diagnosing, treating and preventing this disease. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1198-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Dean Rider
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| | - Marjorie S Morgan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| | - Larry G Arlian
- Department of Biological Sciences, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH, 45435, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Romani L, Koroivueta J, Steer AC, Kama M, Kaldor JM, Wand H, Hamid M, Whitfeld MJ. Scabies and impetigo prevalence and risk factors in Fiji: a national survey. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003452. [PMID: 25738499 PMCID: PMC4349858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Scabies is recognised as a major public health problem in many countries, and is responsible for significant morbidity due to secondary bacterial infection of the skin causing impetigo, abscesses and cellulitis, that can in turn lead to serious systemic complications such as septicaemia, kidney disease and, potentially, rheumatic heart disease. Despite the apparent burden of disease in many countries, there have been few large-scale surveys of scabies prevalence or risk factors. We undertook a population-based survey in Fiji of scabies and impetigo to evaluate the magnitude of the problem and inform public health strategies. Methodology/Principal Findings A total of 75 communities, including villages and settlements in both urban and rural areas, were randomly selected from 305 communities across the four administrative divisions, and all residents in each location were invited to participate in skin examination by trained personnel. The study enrolled 10,887 participants. The prevalence of scabies was 23.6%, and when adjusted for age structure and geographic location based on census data, the estimated national prevalence was 18.5%. The prevalence was highest in children aged five to nine years (43.7%), followed by children aged less than five (36.5%), and there was also an indication of prevalence increasing again in older age. The prevalence of scabies was twice as high in iTaukei (indigenous) Fijians compared to Indo-Fijians. The prevalence of impetigo was 19.6%, with a peak in children aged five to nine years (34.2%). Scabies was very strongly associated with impetigo, with an estimated 93% population attributable risk. Conclusions As far as we are aware, this is the first national survey of scabies and impetigo ever conducted. We found that scabies occurs at high levels across all age groups, ethnicities, and geographical locations. Improved strategies are urgently needed to achieve control of scabies and its complications in endemic communities. Recently added to the World Health Organization list of neglected tropical diseases, scabies is an under-recognised cause of morbidity in many developing countries, due to secondary bacterial infection of the skin that can in turn lead to serious systemic complications such as kidney disease and, potentially, rheumatic heart disease. Despite the apparent burden of disease in many countries, there have been few large-scale surveys of scabies prevalence or risk factors. We undertook a population-based survey in Fiji of scabies and impetigo to evaluate the magnitude of the problem and inform public health strategies. We examined 10,887 people across 75 communities in all four geographical divisions of Fiji, covering both urban and rural areas. The national prevalence of scabies and impetigo was 23.6% and 19.6% respectively, and highest in children aged 5–9 years. We found that scabies was very strongly associated with impetigo. Scabies was twice as high in iTaukei (indigenous) Fijians compared to Indo-Fijians. Our study shows that scabies occurs at high levels across all age groups, ethnicities, and geographical locations. Improved strategies are urgently needed to achieve control of scabies and its complications in endemic communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Romani
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Andrew C. Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - John M. Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thomson Mangnall LJ, Sibbritt DW, Fry M, Windus M, Gallagher RD. Health-related quality of life of patients after mechanical valve replacement surgery for rheumatic heart disease in a developing country. HEART ASIA 2014; 6:172-8. [PMID: 27326199 PMCID: PMC4832766 DOI: 10.1136/heartasia-2014-010562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people in Fiji (n=128) undergoing heart valve replacement (VR) surgery for rheumatic heart disease (RHD), conducted by Open Heart International. METHODS Patients who had undergone surgery from 1991 to 2009 (n=72) and patients undergoing surgery for the years 2010-2012 (n=56) were surveyed prospectively, preoperatively and/or postoperatively (the mean follow-up time 5.9 years) using the standard recall Short-Form 36, V.2 (SF-36v2) HRQoL Survey. RESULTS The sample had a mean age of 26.7 years and 56% (n=72) were women. Preoperative HRQoL is impaired but by early postoperative (1 year) there is significant improvement across all domains (p<0.05) apart from mental health (p=0.081). At mid-term (2 years), HRQoL remained substantially improved from preoperative measurement with mental health now significantly better (p=0.028). However, compared with the early follow-up outcomes, at mid-term physical function (p=0.001), role-physical (p=0.002) and role-emotional (p=0.042) domains significantly declined. By late follow-up (>2 years), all HRQoL domains, except for mental health, were significantly better than preoperative (p=0.066 ). Predictors of less improved HRQoL included having an isolated mitral valve replacement (MVR) (for six of eight health domains, p<0.05), older age (three domains; role-physical, vitality and bodily pain, p<0.05) and male gender (in the role-emotional domain, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS This first investigation of the HRQoL of people in a developing country after VR surgery for RHD found significant improvement from surgery with this improvement generally sustained. The lack of improvement in mental health requires further exploration as does the influence of an isolated MVR, age and gender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda J Thomson Mangnall
- Cardiothoracic Surgical and Medical Telemetry Unit, Sydney Adventist Hospital, Wahroonga, Australia; Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David W Sibbritt
- Faculty of Health , University of Technology , Sydney, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Margaret Fry
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; University of Technology, Sydney, Broadway, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melanie Windus
- Flow Manager; Open Heart International Coordinator (Fiji), Sydney Adventist Hospital , Wahroonga, New South Wales , Australia
| | - Robyn D Gallagher
- Charles Perkins Centre and Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney , Camperdown, New South Wales , Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Short- and long-term outcomes after valve replacement surgery for rheumatic heart disease in the South Pacific, conducted by a fly-in/fly-out humanitarian surgical team: a 20-year retrospective study for the years 1991 to 2011. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2014; 148:1996-2003. [PMID: 24629223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2014.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Fiji has one of the highest rates of rheumatic heart disease in the world. Humanitarian fly-in/fly-out surgical teams, including Open Heart International, have been conducting valve replacement surgery in Fiji since 1991. We sought to determine the short- and long-term outcomes of valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease. METHODS The Open Heart International team performed surgery on 167 patients from 1991 to 2011. Complete follow-up data to death or last evaluation on 149 patients (89.2%) and morbidity data for 152 patients (91%) were extracted from medical records. RESULTS Patients' average age at the time of surgery was 26.1 years, with the majority being female (63.5%). Valves replaced were isolated mitral valves (52%), isolated aortic valves (19%), and multiple valves (29%). The cumulative mortality rate at 30, 60, and 90 days and at 1, 5, and 10 years was 2.4%, 6.0%, 8.4%, 12.0%, 19.8%, and 23.9%, respectively. Major adverse valve-related events-free survival was 10.1 years (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.32-11.94). After adjusting for confounders, female patients were 3.03 times more likely to die postoperatively than male patients (odds ratio [OR], 3.03; 95% CI, 1.23-7.69). Patients undergoing isolated valve replacement were less likely to have a morbidity event than those undergoing multiple valve replacement (isolated mitral 67% less likely [OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.12-0.93] and isolated aortic 76% less likely [OR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.06-0.96]). CONCLUSIONS The majority of people undergoing valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease have good outcomes. Mortality and morbidity rates at 1 and 5 years, particularly for female patients, are cause for concern and indicate a need for evaluation of resources toward systematic long-term postoperative surveillance and medical management.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hofer A, Woodland S, Carole R. Mortality due to rheumatic heart disease in the Kimberley 2001-2010. Aust N Z J Public Health 2013; 38:139-41. [DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.12112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Hofer
- Kimberley Population Health Unit, Western Australia Country Health Service
| | - Sarah Woodland
- Kimberley Population Health Unit, Western Australia Country Health Service
| | - Reeve Carole
- Kimberley Population Health Unit, Western Australia Country Health Service
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
The Importance of Awareness and Education in Prevention and Control of RHD. Glob Heart 2013; 8:235-9. [PMID: 25690501 DOI: 10.1016/j.gheart.2013.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are diseases of poverty, low socioeconomic status, and inadequate access to health care. These preventable diseases remain largely ignored by the developed world while they continue to cause significant mortality and morbidity in the developing world. In the face of no existing cure, we need to focus on prevention and control methods. To this end, creating awareness of the disease and its effects on millions of people in the world is critically important. In this review, we will outline the importance of these efforts, discuss the barriers to awareness and education, and highlight some important models in this arena. We strongly support awareness-raising and health promotion strategies as an integral part of a rheumatic heart disease prevention and control program.
Collapse
|
11
|
Seckeler MD, Hoke TR. The worldwide epidemiology of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. Clin Epidemiol 2011; 3:67-84. [PMID: 21386976 PMCID: PMC3046187 DOI: 10.2147/clep.s12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 263] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD) are significant public health concerns around the world. Despite decreasing incidence, there is still a significant disease burden, especially in developing nations. This review provides background on the history of ARF, its pathology and treatment, and the current reported worldwide incidence of ARF and prevalence of RHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Seckeler
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cardiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Smeesters PR, McMillan DJ, Sriprakash KS, Georgousakis MM. Differences among group A streptococcus epidemiological landscapes: consequences for M protein-based vaccines? Expert Rev Vaccines 2010; 8:1705-20. [PMID: 19905872 DOI: 10.1586/erv.09.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a bacterial pathogen responsible for a wide array of disease pathologies in humans. GAS surface M protein plays multiple key roles in pathogenesis, and serves as a target for typing and vaccine development. In this review, we have compiled GAS epidemiological studies from several countries around the world to highlight the consequences on the theoretical efficacy of two different M protein-based vaccine strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre R Smeesters
- Bacterial Pathogenesis Laboratory, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Steer AC, Jenney AWJ, Kado J, Batzloff MR, La Vincente S, Waqatakirewa L, Mulholland EK, Carapetis JR. High burden of impetigo and scabies in a tropical country. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2009; 3:e467. [PMID: 19547749 PMCID: PMC2694270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Impetigo and scabies are endemic diseases in many tropical countries; however the epidemiology of these diseases is poorly understood in many areas, particularly in the Pacific. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted three epidemiological studies in 2006 and 2007 to determine the burden of disease due to impetigo and scabies in children in Fiji using simple and easily reproducible methodology. Two studies were performed in primary school children (one study was a cross-sectional study and the other a prospective cohort study over ten months) and one study was performed in infants (cross-sectional). The prevalence of active impetigo was 25.6% (95% CI 24.1–27.1) in primary school children and 12.2% (95% CI 9.3–15.6) in infants. The prevalence of scabies was 18.5% (95% CI 17.2–19.8) in primary school children and 14.0% (95% CI 10.8–17.2) in infants. The incidence density of active impetigo, group A streptococcal (GAS) impetigo, Staphylococcus aureus impetigo and scabies was 122, 80, 64 and 51 cases per 100 child-years respectively. Impetigo was strongly associated with scabies infestation (odds ratio, OR, 2.4, 95% CI 1.6–3.7) and was more common in Indigenous Fijian children when compared with children of other ethnicities (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.7–4.7). The majority of cases of active impetigo in the children in our study were caused by GAS. S. aureus was also a common cause (57.4% in school aged children and 69% in infants). Conclusions/Significance These data suggest that the impetigo and scabies disease burden in children in Fiji has been underestimated, and possibly other tropical developing countries in the Pacific. These diseases are more than benign nuisance diseases and consideration needs to be given to expanded public health initiatives to improve their control. Scabies and impetigo are often thought of as nuisance diseases, but have the potential to cause a great deal of morbidity and even mortality if infection becomes complicated. Accurate assessments of these diseases are lacking, particularly in tropical developing countries. We performed a series of studies in infants and primary school children in Fiji, a tropical developing country in the South Pacific. Impetigo was very common: more than a quarter of school-aged children and 12% of infants had active impetigo. Scabies was also very common affecting 18% of school children and 14% of infants. The group A streptococcus was the most common infective organism followed by Staphylococcus aureus. The size of the problem has been underestimated, particularly in the Pacific. It is time for more concerted public health efforts in controlling impetigo and scabies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew C Steer
- Centre for International Child Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Current World Literature. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2009; 21:85-92. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0b013e32832355a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
15
|
Normal ranges of streptococcal antibody titers are similar whether streptococci are endemic to the setting or not. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2008; 16:172-5. [PMID: 19052157 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.00291-08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Group A streptococcal (GAS) serology is used for the diagnosis of post-streptococcal diseases, such as acute rheumatic fever, and occasionally for the diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis. Experts recommend that the upper limits of normal for streptococcal serology be determined for individual populations because of differences in the epidemiology of GAS between populations. Therefore, we performed a study to determine the values of the upper limit of normal for anti-streptolysin O (ASO) and anti-DNase B (ADB) titers in Fiji. Participants with a history of GAS disease, including pharyngitis or impetigo, were excluded. A total of 424 serum samples from people of all ages (with a sample enriched for school-aged children) were tested for their ASO and ADB titers. Reference values, including titers that were 80% of the upper limit of normal, were obtained by regression analysis by use of a curve-fitting method instead of the traditional nonparametric approach. Normal values for both the ASO titer and the ADB titer rose sharply during early childhood and then declined gradually with age. The estimated titers that were 80% of the upper limit or normal at age 10 years were 276 IU/ml for ASO and 499 IU/ml for ADB. Data from our study are similar to those found in countries with temperate climates, suggesting that a uniform upper limit of normal for streptococcal serology may be able to be applied globally.
Collapse
|