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Ninsiima LR, Nyakarahuka L, Kisaka S, Atuheire CG, Mugisha L, Odoch T, Romano JS, Klein J, Mor SM, Kankya C. Knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living around bat roosts in Bundibugyo district, Uganda: implications for viral haemorrhagic fever prevention and control. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:311. [PMID: 38486158 PMCID: PMC10938820 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09162-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bats are a reservoir for many viruses causing haemorrhagic fevers. Proximity to bats is a risk factor for virus spillover to animals and humans. We conducted this study to assess knowledge, perceptions, and exposure to bats in communities living near bat roosts in Bundibugyo District, Uganda. METHODS A cross-sectional study using mixed methods with both quantitative and qualitative data was conducted between September and December 2022. Participants for the quantitative data (survey) (n = 384) resided near bat caves and/or roost sites and were selected using multistage random sampling. The survey investigated participants' prior exposure to bats, as well as knowledge and perceptions of bat exposure. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with bat exposure. Participants for the qualitative data (focus group discussions) (n = 10, 6-8 participants each) were purposely selected based on engagement in guano mining, hunting, and farming activities. Perceived risk associated with bat-related activities were identified and ranked in the focus group discussions using participatory epidemiology tools. RESULTS In total, (214/384, 55.7%) had a history of bat exposure and (208/384, 54.2%) had poor knowledge of risk factors associated with bat exposure. Increased exposure to bats was associated with being male (OR = 1.6; 95% CI: 1.0, 2.4 p-value = 0.038), staying in urban areas (OR = 1.9; p-value = 0.010), hunting (OR = 10.9; p-value = 0.024), and positive perception to bat guano being safe as fertiliser (OR = 2.5; p-value = 0.045). During the proportional piling process, a total of 7 risk factors were identified by 10 groups with hunting during an outbreak and consumption of bats being the most frequently identified. Overall, there was a strong statistical agreement in the ranking across the 10 focus groups (W = 0.52; p < 0.01; n = 10). Based on the provided data, the adjusted odds ratio of 0.7 for the good measures (p-value = 0.112), suggests a potential protective effect on the risk of bat exposure. CONCLUSION Communities living around bat roosts frequently come into contact with bats, yet there is inadequate awareness regarding the behaviors that can lead to the transmission of bat- borne diseases to humans. It is essential to undertake educational initiatives and preventive measures to minimise the risks of bat-related infections. The need for targeted health communication and education efforts to address these knowledge gaps and promote an accurate understanding of bats and disease transmission. Understanding of diseases associated with bats will minimize bat-related health risks especially in communities engaged in wildlife hunting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesley Rose Ninsiima
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Luke Nyakarahuka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Steven Kisaka
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Collins Gk Atuheire
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- Department of Livestock Industrial Resources, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Terence Odoch
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Jörn Klein
- University of South Eastern Norway, Porsgrunn, Norway
| | - Siobhan M Mor
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- International Livestock Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Clovice Kankya
- Department of Biosecurity, Ecosystems and Veterinary Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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Tumelty L, Fa JE, Coad L, Friant S, Mbane J, Kamogne CT, Tata CY, Ickowitz A. A systematic mapping review of links between handling wild meat and zoonotic diseases. One Health 2023; 17:100637. [PMID: 38024256 PMCID: PMC10665173 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2023.100637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
1.Hunting, trade, and consumption of wildlife present a serious threat to global public health as it places humans in close contact with zoonotic pathogens.2.We systematically mapped the literature on wild meat handling and zoonotic disease transmission (1996-2022) using the online database Web of Science and Google search engine and identified 6229 articles out of which 253 were finally selected for use in our mapping review; 51 of these provided specific information regarding transmission risks.3.The reviewed studies reported 43 zoonotic pathogens (17 bacteria, 15 viruses, and 11 parasites) that could pose a potential risk to human health.4.Sixteen hygienic and sanitary behaviours were described in the reviewed studies. Disease surveillance was the most frequent. Most of the surveillance studies were carried out in Europe and were less common in the tropics.5.To inform policy and practical actions effectively, it is imperative to broaden our understanding of how various mitigation behaviours can be employed to minimize the risk of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Tumelty
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), CIFOR Headquarters, Bogor 16115, Indonesia
| | - Julia E. Fa
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), CIFOR Headquarters, Bogor 16115, Indonesia
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK
| | - Lauren Coad
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), CIFOR Headquarters, Bogor 16115, Indonesia
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, 11a Mansfield Rd, Oxford OX1 3SZ, UK
| | - Sagan Friant
- Department of Anthropology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States
| | - Joseph Mbane
- Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Cedric Thibaut Kamogne
- Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Amy Ickowitz
- Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR)-World Agroforestry Center, Beit Zayit, Israel
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Rugarabamu S, Sindato C, Rumisha SF, Mwanyika GO, Misinzo G, Lim HY, Mboera LEG. Community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding zoonotic viral haemorrhagic fevers in five geo-ecological zones in Tanzania. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:360. [PMID: 37046281 PMCID: PMC10091607 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09317-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF) cause significant economic and public health impact in Sub-Saharan Africa. Community knowledge, awareness and practices regarding such outbreaks play a pivotal role in their management and prevention. This study was carried out to assess community knowledge, attitude and practices regarding VHF in five geo-ecological zones in Tanzania. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in Buhigwe, Kalambo, Kyela, Kinondoni, Kilindi, Mvomero, Kondoa and Ukerewe districts representing five geo-ecological zones in Tanzania. Study participants were selected by multistage cluster sampling design. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and information related to knowledge, attitude and practices regarding VHFs. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis. RESULTS A total of 2,965 individuals were involved in the study. Their mean age was 35 (SD ± 18.9) years. Females accounted for 58.2% while males 41.8%. Most of the respondents (70.6%; n = 2093) had never heard of VHF, and those who heard, over three quarters (79%) mentioned the radio as their primary source of information. Slightly over a quarter (29.4%) of the respondents were knowledgeable, 25% had a positive attitude, and 17.9% had unfavourable practice habits. The level of knowledge varied between occupation and education levels (P < 0.005). Most participants were likely to interact with a VHF survivor or take care of a person suffering from VHF (75%) or visit areas with known VHF (73%). There were increased odds of having poor practice among participants aged 36-45 years (AOR: 3.566, 95% CI: 1.593-7.821) and those living in Western, North-Eastern and Lake Victoria zones (AOR: 2.529, 95% CI: 1.071-6.657; AOR: 2.639, 95% CI: 1.130-7.580 AOR: 2.248, 95% CI: 1.073-3.844, respectively). CONCLUSION Overall, the knowledge on VHF among communities is low, while a large proportion of individuals in the community are involved in activities that expose them to the disease pathogens in Tanzania. These findings highlight the need for strengthening health educational and promotion efforts on VHF targeting specific populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Rugarabamu
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology & Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Calvin Sindato
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Tabora Research Centre, National Institute for Medical Research, Tabora, Tanzania
| | - Susan F Rumisha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Headquarters, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
- Malaria Atlas Project, Geospatial Health and Development, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gaspary O Mwanyika
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology & Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology & Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Hee Young Lim
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, National Institute of Health, Osong, Chungchungbukdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Leonard E G Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
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Polatoğlu I, Oncu‐Oner T, Dalman I, Ozdogan S. COVID-19 in early 2023: Structure, replication mechanism, variants of SARS-CoV-2, diagnostic tests, and vaccine & drug development studies. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e228. [PMID: 37041762 PMCID: PMC10082934 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronaviruses-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly pathogenic and transmissible coronavirus. Most cases of COVID-19 have mild to moderate symptoms, including cough, fever, myalgias, and headache. On the other hand, this coronavirus can lead to severe complications and death in some cases. Therefore, vaccination is the most effective tool to prevent and eradicate COVID-19 disease. Also, rapid and effective diagnostic tests are critical in identifying cases of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has a dynamic structure on the agenda and contains up-to-date developments. This article has comprehensively discussed the most up-to-date pandemic situation since it first appeared. For the first time, not only the structure, replication mechanism, and variants of SARS-CoV-2 (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Omicron, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Mu, Eta, Zeta, Theta, lota, Lambda) but also all the details of the pandemic, such as how it came out, how it spread, current cases, what precautions should be taken, prevention strategies, the vaccines produced, the tests developed, and the drugs used are reviewed in every aspect. Herein, the comparison of diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 in terms of procedure, accuracy, cost, and time has been presented. The mechanism, safety, efficacy, and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants have been evaluated. Drug studies, therapeutic targets, various immunomodulators, and antiviral molecules applied to patients with COVID-19 have been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilker Polatoğlu
- Department of BioengineeringManisa Celal Bayar UniversityYunusemreManisaTurkey
| | - Tulay Oncu‐Oner
- Department of BioengineeringManisa Celal Bayar UniversityYunusemreManisaTurkey
| | - Irem Dalman
- Department of BioengineeringEge UniversityBornovaIzmirTurkey
| | - Senanur Ozdogan
- Department of BioengineeringManisa Celal Bayar UniversityYunusemreManisaTurkey
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Wirsiy FS, Nkfusai CN, Bain LE. The SPIN framework to control and prevent the Marburg virus disease outbreak in Equatorial Guinea. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 44:110. [PMID: 37250680 PMCID: PMC10219832 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.44.110.39368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
A full grasp of the epidemiological factors promoting transmission is necessary for responding to highly infectious diseases, which involves their control and prevention. With the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Equatorial Guinea, we saw the need to re-shed some technical light based on our field experiences and published literature. We reviewed 15 previous MVD outbreaks globally. Coupled with core One-Health approaches, we highlighted the SPIN (socio-environmental context, possible transmission routes, informing and guiding public health action, needs in terms of control measures) framework as a guiding tool for response teams to appropriately approach this highly contagious infectious disease outbreak for collective and stronger global health security. The Central African Regional Collaborating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has a big lead role to play, most especially in coordinating the community engagement and risk communication packages of the response, which is highly needed at this point. We reiterate that this framework remains relevant, if not timely, in rethinking pandemic preparedness and response in resource-limited settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
- Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claude Ngwayu Nkfusai
- Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Malaria Consortium, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Luchuo Engelbert Bain
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, Auckland Park, South Africa
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Estimating Risk of Introduction of Ebola Virus Disease from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Tanzania: A Qualitative Assessment. EPIDEMIOLGIA (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:68-80. [PMID: 36417268 PMCID: PMC9620938 DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Between April 2018 and November 2020, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced its 11th Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak. Tanzania's cross-border interactions with DRC through regular visitors, traders, and refugees are of concern, given the potential for further spread to neighboring countries. This study aimed to estimate the risk of introducing EVD to Tanzania from DRC. National data for flights, boats, and car transport schedules from DRC to Tanzania covering the period of May 2018 to June 2019 were analyzed to describe population movement via land, port, and air travel and coupled with available surveillance data to model the risk of EVD entry. The land border crossing was considered the most frequently used means of travel and the most likely pathway of introducing EVD from DRC to Tanzania. High probabilities of introducing EVD from DRC to Tanzania through the assessed pathways were associated with the viability of the pathogen and low detection capacity at the ports of entry. This study provides important information regarding the elements contributing to the risk associated with the introduction of EBV in Tanzania. It also indicates that infected humans arriving via land are the most likely pathway of EBV entry, and therefore, mitigation strategies including land border surveillance should be strengthened.
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Wirsiy FS, Ako-Arrey DE, Nkfusai CN, Yeika EV, Bain LE. Marburg virus disease outbreak in Guinea: a SPIN framework of its transmission and control measures for an exemplary response pattern in West Africa. Pan Afr Med J 2021; 40:143. [PMID: 34925678 PMCID: PMC8654879 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2021.40.143.31709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Responding to highly infectious diseases relies on a thorough understanding of transmission epidemiology. With the recent outbreak of Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) in Guinea, we saw the need to shed some technical light based on published literature and our field experiences. We reviewed 14 previous MVD outbreaks globally. Coupled with core one - health approaches, we propose a Socio-environmental context, Possible transmission routes, Informing and guiding public health action, Needs in terms of control measures (SPIN) framework as a guiding tool for response teams to appropriately approach future infectious disease outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
- Pfizer Scholar_One Young World (OYW), London, United Kingdom.,Cameroon Society of Epidemiology (CaSE), Yaoundé, Cameroon.,IntraHealth Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Claude Ngwayu Nkfusai
- Department of Public Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban, South Africa.,Impact Santé Afrique, Yaoundé, Cameroon.,Global South Health Research and Services (GSHS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Luchuo Engelbert Bain
- Global South Health Research and Services (GSHS), Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lincoln International Institute for Rural Health (LIIRH), College of Social Science, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
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