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Kenyeres Z. Drivers of autochthonous malaria cases over time: could the Central European present the African future? Malar J 2024; 23:181. [PMID: 38858778 PMCID: PMC11163750 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-024-05004-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Results of spatial and temporal comparison of malaria hotspots and coldspots could improve the health measures of malaria control and eradication strategies. The study aimed to reveal the spatially and temporally independent correlations between the potentially most effective background variables and the number of autochthonous malaria cases. METHODS Relationships between malaria cases and background variables were studied in 2 km × 2 km sized quadrates (10 Central European and 10 African). In addition to the current habitat structure of the African sites, annual precipitation, and annual mean temperature, data of the above parameters detected in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and currently in the Central European sites were included in the analyses (n = 40). Mann-Whitney tests, Principal Component Analysis, and Generalized Linear Models were used for the examinations. RESULTS In addition to the apparent significant positive correlation of malaria cases with annual rainfall and mean temperature, several correlations were found for habitat parameters. The cover of marshlands in the 19th-century habitat structure of Central European quadrates was considerably the same as in the recent African ones. The extent of rural residential areas was significantly smaller in the 19th-century habitat structure of Central European quadrats than in present-day African ones. According to the revealed correlations, the surface cover of rural residential areas is the main driver of the number of autochthonous malaria cases that we can directly impact. CONCLUSIONS The study confirmed with historical comparison that not only the annual rainfall and mean temperature, the cover of marshlands and other habitats with breeding sites, but also the elements of the rural human environment play a significant role in the high number of autochthonous malaria cases, probably through the concentration and enhancing sites for vector mosquitoes. The latter confirms that a rapid urbanization process could reduce malaria cases in the most infected areas of Africa. Until the latter happens, extensive biological control of Anopheles larvae and chemical control (both outdoor and indoor) of their imagoes, further mosquito nets, repellents, and carbon dioxide traps will need to be applied more widely in the most heavily infested areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltán Kenyeres
- Acrida Conservational Research L.P., Deák F. St. 7., Tapolca, 8300, Hungary.
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Abdelkrim O, Said Z, Souad L. Anopheles mosquitoes in Morocco: implication for public health and underlined challenges for malaria re-establishment prevention under current and future climate conditions. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2024; 80:2085-2095. [PMID: 38127359 DOI: 10.1002/ps.7943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The potential reappearance and/or expansion of vector-borne diseases is one of the terrifying issues awaiting humanity in the context of climate change. The presence of competent Anopheles vectors, as well as suitable environmental circumstances, may result in the re-emergence of autochthonous Malaria, after years of absence. In Morocco, international travel and migration movements from Malaria-endemic areas have recently increased the number of imported cases, raising awareness of Malaria's possible reintroduction. Using machine learning we developed model predictions, under current and future (2050) climate, for the prospective distribution of Anopheles claviger, Anopheles labranchiae, Anopheles multicolor, and Anopheles sergentii implicated or incriminated in Malaria transmission. RESULTS All modelled species are expected to find suitable habitats and have the potential to become established in the northern and central parts of the country, under present-day conditions. Distinct changes in the distributions of the four mosquitoes are to be expected under climate change. Even under the most optimistic scenario, all investigated species are likely to acquire new habitats that are now unsuitable, placing further populations in danger. We also observed a northward and altitudinal shift in their distribution towards higher altitudes. CONCLUSION Climate change is expected to expand the potential range of malaria vectors in Morocco. Our maps and predictions offer a way to intelligently focus efforts on surveillance and control programmes. To reduce the threat of human infection, it is crucial for public health authorities, entomological surveillance teams, and control initiatives to collaborate and intensify their actions, continuously monitoring areas at risk. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Outammassine Abdelkrim
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Zouhair Said
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- Laboratory of Bacteriology-Virology, Avicienne Hospital Military, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - Loqman Souad
- Laboratoire de Lutte contre les Maladies Infectieuses, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cadi Ayyad University, Marrakech, Morocco
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie-Virologie de l'Hôpital Ar-Razi, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Mohammed VI, Marrakech, Morocco
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Mertens JE. A History of Malaria and Conflict. Parasitol Res 2024; 123:165. [PMID: 38504009 PMCID: PMC10951023 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-024-08167-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
It is supposed that in all armed conflicts until World War II more humans died of infectious diseases than of the actual violence. Especially malaria left a crucial imprint on wars throughout history. The disease aggravates wartime conditions, is thus responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in conflict zones, and is at the same time more commonly found in these areas. Malaria has halted many military campaigns in the past, with prominent examples ranging from antiquity through the medieval period and into the modern era. The parasitosis still continues to play an important role in the outcome of warfare and follow-up events today and is of special public health importance in areas of the Global South, where most of its endemicity and some of the most brutal conflicts of our time are located. Vice versa, wars and ensuing population movements increase malaria transmission and morbidity as well as impede control efforts. Awareness of this and the development of strategies to overcome both malaria and wars will massively improve the well-being of the population affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas E Mertens
- Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development (IIRVD), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Sun D, Jiang H, Wang G, Hu X, Wang S, Chen Y. Factors Contributing to the Pre-Elimination of Malaria from Hainan Island, China, 1986-2009. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2023; 109:1063-1071. [PMID: 37918006 PMCID: PMC10622475 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.23-0303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria was endemic in Hainan Island, China, for a lengthy period before its elimination. Here, we aim to gain a better understanding of malaria elimination by assessing and quantifying the relative effects of longitudinal changes in specific antimalarial interventions, socioeconomic development approaches, and malaria vectors on malaria prevalence in Hainan during the 1986-2009 pre-elimination period. Annual data were collected on the incidence of malaria, the number of residents protected by drugs (RPD), the number of residents protected by vector control, the presence of Anopheles minimus and Anopheles dirus, the annual per capita income of rural residents, major cash crop (rubber plantation) areas, the literacy rate of adult rural residents, and the rate of reinforced concrete house construction in rural areas. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression models were developed to identify the factors associated with the annual malaria incidence (AMI). The AMI declined from 20.3 to 0.8 per 10,000 population from 1986 to 2009; this decrease was significantly associated with an increase in the number of RPD and improved literacy rate among rural adults. The results of this study implied that the sustained distribution of antimalarial drugs and increase in education levels in risk areas significantly impacted the reduction and elimination of malaria infection in Hainan. We suggest that these findings could be applicable to malaria-endemic areas in Southeast Asia with similar natural and socioeconomic environments to Hainan and where malaria incidence has decreased to a low level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingwei Sun
- Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, China
| | - Hongwei Jiang
- Graduate School of Humanities, Osaka University, Toyonaka City, Japan
- Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Guangze Wang
- Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, China
| | - Ximin Hu
- Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, China
| | - Shanqing Wang
- Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Hainan Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Haikou, China
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Touray M, Bakirci S, Ulug D, Gulsen SH, Cimen H, Yavasoglu SI, Simsek FM, Ertabaklar H, Ozbel Y, Hazir S. Arthropod vectors of disease agents: their role in public and veterinary health in Turkiye and their control measures. Acta Trop 2023; 243:106893. [PMID: 37004805 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2023.106893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Mosquitoes, sandflies, and ticks are hematophagous arthropods that pose a huge threat to public and veterinary health. They are capable of serving as vectors of disease agents that can and have caused explosive epidemics affecting millions of people and animals. Several factors like climate change, urbanization, and international travel contribute substantially to the persistence and dispersal of these vectors from their established areas to newly invaded areas. Once established in their new home, they can serve as vectors for disease transmission or increase the risk of disease emergence. Turkiye is vulnerable to climate change and has experienced upward trends in annual temperatures and rising sea levels, and greater fluctuations in precipitation rates. It is a potential hotspot for important vector species because the climate in various regions is conducive for several insect and acari species and serves as a conduit for refugees and immigrants fleeing areas troubled with armed conflicts and natural disasters, which have increased substantially in recent years. These people may serve as carriers of the vectors or be infected by disease agents that require arthropod vectors for transmission. Although it cannot be supposed that every arthropod species is a competent vector, this review aims to (1)illustrate the factors that contribute to the persistence and dispersal of arthropod vectors, (2)determine the status of the established arthropod vector species in Turkiye and their capability of serving as vectors of disease agents, and (3)assess the role of newly-introduced arthropod vectors into Turkiye and how they were introduced into the country. We also provide information on important disease incidence (if there's any) and control measures applied by public health officials from different provinces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Touray
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey.
| | - Serkan Bakirci
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Derya Ulug
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Sebnem H Gulsen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Harun Cimen
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | | | - Fatih M Simsek
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ertabaklar
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey
| | - Yusuf Ozbel
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Ege University, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Hazir
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Turkey; Department of Biotechnology, Saveetha School of Engineering, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai 602105, Tamil Nadu India
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6
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Rahimi-Ardabili H, Magrabi F, Coiera E. Digital health for climate change mitigation and response: a scoping review. J Am Med Inform Assoc 2022; 29:2140-2152. [PMID: 35960171 PMCID: PMC9667157 DOI: 10.1093/jamia/ocac134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Climate change poses a major threat to the operation of global health systems, triggering large scale health events, and disrupting normal system operation. Digital health may have a role in the management of such challenges and in greenhouse gas emission reduction. This scoping review explores recent work on digital health responses and mitigation approaches to climate change. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched Medline up to February 11, 2022, using terms for digital health and climate change. Included articles were categorized into 3 application domains (mitigation, infectious disease, or environmental health risk management), and 6 technical tasks (data sensing, monitoring, electronic data capture, modeling, decision support, and communication). The review was PRISMA-ScR compliant. RESULTS The 142 included publications reported a wide variety of research designs. Publication numbers have grown substantially in recent years, but few come from low- and middle-income countries. Digital health has the potential to reduce health system greenhouse gas emissions, for example by shifting to virtual services. It can assist in managing changing patterns of infectious diseases as well as environmental health events by timely detection, reducing exposure to risk factors, and facilitating the delivery of care to under-resourced areas. DISCUSSION While digital health has real potential to help in managing climate change, research remains preliminary with little real-world evaluation. CONCLUSION Significant acceleration in the quality and quantity of digital health climate change research is urgently needed, given the enormity of the global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Farah Magrabi
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
| | - Enrico Coiera
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW, Australia
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Spatial Analysis of Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Europe: A Scoping Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14158975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Mosquito-borne infections are increasing in endemic areas and previously unaffected regions. In 2020, the notification rate for Dengue was 0.5 cases per 100,000 population, and for Chikungunya <0.1/100,000. In 2019, the rate for Malaria was 1.3/100,000, and for West Nile Virus, 0.1/100,000. Spatial analysis is increasingly used in surveillance and epidemiological investigation, but reviews about their use in this research topic are scarce. We identify and describe the methodological approaches used to investigate the distribution and ecological determinants of mosquito-borne infections in Europe. Relevant literature was extracted from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception until October 2021 and analysed according to PRISMA-ScR protocol. We identified 110 studies. Most used geographical correlation analysis (n = 50), mainly applying generalised linear models, and the remaining used spatial cluster detection (n = 30) and disease mapping (n = 30), mainly conducted using frequentist approaches. The most studied infections were Dengue (n = 32), Malaria (n = 26), Chikungunya (n = 26), and West Nile Virus (n = 24), and the most studied ecological determinants were temperature (n = 39), precipitation (n = 24), water bodies (n = 14), and vegetation (n = 11). Results from this review may support public health programs for mosquito-borne disease prevention and may help guide future research, as we recommended various good practices for spatial epidemiological studies.
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Tizifa TA, Gowelo S, Kabaghe AN, McCann RS, Malenga T, Nkhata RM, Kadama A, Chapeta Y, Takken W, Phiri KS, van Vugt M, van den Berg H, Manda-Taylor L. Community-based house improvement for malaria control in southern Malawi: Stakeholder perceptions, experiences, and acceptability. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000627. [PMID: 36962454 PMCID: PMC10021647 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
House improvement (HI) refers to the full screening or closing of openings such as windows, doors, and eaves, as well as the installation of ceilings, to reduce mosquito-human contact indoors. HI is a viable supplementary intervention that reduces malaria transmission further than the existing strategies alone. In Malawi, HI has not been widely implemented and evaluated for malaria control. Concerns about lack of local evidence, durability in different epidemiological and cultural settings, and the cost of large-scale implementation are among the reasons the strategy is not utilised in many low-income countries. This study assessed community perceptions, experiences, and acceptability of community-led HI in Chikwawa district, southern Malawi. This was a qualitative study where separate focus group discussions were conducted with members from the general community (n = 3); health animators (n = 3); and HI committee members (n = 3). In-depth interviews were conducted with community members (n = 20), and key-informant interviews were conducted with health surveillance assistants and chiefs (n = 23). All interviews were transcribed and coded before performing a thematic content analysis to identify the main themes. Coded data were analysed using Nvivo 12 Plus software. Study participants had a thorough understanding of HI. Participants expressed satisfaction with HI, and they reported enabling factors to HI acceptability, such as the reduction in malaria cases in their villages and the safety and effectiveness of HI use. Participants also reported barriers to effective HI implementation, such as the unavailability and inaccessibility of some HI materials, as well as excessive heat and darkness in HI houses compared to non-HI houses. Participants indicated that they were willing to sustain the intervention but expressed the need for strategies to address barriers to ensure the effectiveness of HI. Our results showed the high knowledge and acceptability of HI by participants in the study area. Intensive and continued health education and community engagement on the significance of HI could help overcome the barriers and improve the acceptability and sustainability of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinashe A. Tizifa
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Steven Gowelo
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alinune N. Kabaghe
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Robert S. McCann
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tumaini Malenga
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- African Institute for Development Policy, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Richard M. Nkhata
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Asante Kadama
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Yankho Chapeta
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Biological Sciences Department, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
| | - Willem Takken
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kamija S. Phiri
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Michele van Vugt
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Center for Tropical Medicine and Travel Medicine, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk van den Berg
- Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucinda Manda-Taylor
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Kenyeres Z, Bauer N, Garamszegi LZ. Ecological Predictors of Human Malaria Risk During Different Phases of the Elimination: An Analysis of Historical Data. Vector Borne Zoonotic Dis 2022; 22:29-38. [PMID: 34982010 DOI: 10.1089/vbz.2021.0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To understand the evolutionary ecology of disease dynamics, it is crucial to identify the environmental factors that mediate the spread and abundance of parasites and their vectors. However, human-mediated changes in the biotic and abiotic environment and intervention programs are intensifying in the past 30-40 years at a rate that masks the causal effect of the original ecological predictors. In this study, we used archived epidemiological data spanning over 100 years on malaria risk in Hungary to demonstrate that different associations exist between infection risk and environmental predictors during different phases of the elimination program. In the early 20th century, when malaria was quite common in the country and no defense program was operating, as predicted, there was a positive relationship between the area of flooded habitats and the intensity of malaria infection. In contrast, this relationship was absent during middle of the century, when an effective elimination program was already in effect. Furthermore, malaria morbidity in a given year was predicted by the degree of stagnant water cover of the previous year when considering the period before the launch of a drastic mosquito control program by dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), whereas such relationship could not be revealed for a latter period. Our results highlight that human-induced alterations of the socioecological environment considerably reorganizes the ecological landscape of pathogens and their vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Norbert Bauer
- Department of Botany, Hungarian Natural History Museum, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Zsolt Garamszegi
- Institute of Ecology and Botany, Centre for Ecological Research, Vácrátót, Hungary.,MTA-ELTE Theoretical Biology and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Institute of Physics, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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10
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Sousa A, Aguilar-Alba M, Vetter M, García-Barrón L, Morales J. Drivers of autochthonous and imported malaria in Spain and their relationship with meteorological variables. EURO-MEDITERRANEAN JOURNAL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRATION 2021; 6:33. [PMID: 33614904 PMCID: PMC7885756 DOI: 10.1007/s41207-021-00245-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Since the early twentieth century, the intensity of malaria transmission has decreased sharply worldwide, although it is still an infectious disease with a yearly estimate of 228 million cases. The aim of this study was to expand our knowledge on the main drivers of malaria in Spain. In the case of autochthonous malaria, these drivers were linked to socioeconomic and hygienic and sanitary conditions, especially in rural areas due to their close proximity to the wetlands that provide an important habitat for anopheline reproduction. In the case of imported malaria, the main drivers were associated with urban areas, a high population density and international communication nodes (e.g. airports). Another relevant aspect is that the major epidemic episodes of the twentieth century were strongly influenced by war and military conflicts and overcrowding of the healthcare system due to the temporal overlap with the pandemic flu of 1918. Therefore, military conflicts and overlap with other epidemics or pandemics are considered to be drivers of malaria that can-in a temporary manner-exponentially intensify transmission of the disease. Climatic factors did not play a relevant role as drivers of malaria in Spain (at least directly). However, they did influence the seasonality of the disease and, during the epidemic outbreak of 1940-1944, the climate conditions favored or coadjuvated its spread. The results of this study provide additional knowledge on the seasonal and interannual variability of malaria that can help to develop and implement health risk control measures. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41207-021-00245-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arturo Sousa
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - Mónica Aguilar-Alba
- Department of Physical Geography and AGR, Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Seville, Spain
| | - Mark Vetter
- Geovisualization, Würzburg University of Applied Sciences, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Julia Morales
- Department of Plant Biology and Ecology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41012 Seville, Spain
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11
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Fischer L, Gültekin N, Kaelin MB, Fehr J, Schlagenhauf P. Rising temperature and its impact on receptivity to malaria transmission in Europe: A systematic review. Travel Med Infect Dis 2020; 36:101815. [PMID: 32629138 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2020.101815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is one of the most life-threatening vector-borne diseases globally. Recent autochthonous cases registered in several European countries have raised awareness regarding the threat of malaria reintroduction to Europe. An increasing number of imported malaria cases today occur due to international travel and migrant flows from malaria-endemic countries. The cumulative factors of the presence of competent vectors, favourable climatic conditions and evidence of increasing temperatures might lead to the re-emergence of malaria in countries where the infection was previously eliminated. METHODS We performed a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines. We searched for original articles focusing on rising temperature and the receptivity to malaria transmission in Europe. We evaluated the quality of the selected studies using a standardised tool. RESULTS The search resulted in 1'999 articles of possible relevance and after screening we included 10 original research papers in the quantitative analysis for the systematic review. With further increasing temperatures studies predicted a northward spread of the occurrence of Anopheles mosquitoes and an extension of seasonality, enabling malaria transmission for annual periods up to 6 months in the years 2051-2080. Highest vector stability and receptivity were predicted in Southern and South-Eastern European areas. Anopheles atroparvus, the main potential malaria vector in Europe, might play an important role under changing conditions favouring malaria transmission. CONCLUSION The receptivity of Europe for malaria transmission will increase as a result of rising temperature unless socioeconomic factors remain favourable and appropriate public health measures are implemented. Our systematic review serves as an evidence base for future preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Fischer
- Department of Public and Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nejla Gültekin
- Centre of Competence for Military and Disaster Medicine, Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport DDPS, Swiss Armed Forces, Switzerland
| | - Marisa B Kaelin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich & Department of Public and Global Health, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Fehr
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Department of Public and Global Health, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Patricia Schlagenhauf
- University of Zurich Centre for Travel Medicine, WHO Collaborating Centre for Travellers' Health, Department of Public and Global Health, MilMedBiol Competence Centre, Institute for Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Brühl CA, Després L, Frör O, Patil CD, Poulin B, Tetreau G, Allgeier S. Environmental and socioeconomic effects of mosquito control in Europe using the biocide Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 724:137800. [PMID: 32249002 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) has been used in mosquito control programs to reduce nuisance in Europe for decades and is generally considered an environmentally-safe, effective and target-specific biocide. However, the use of Bti is not uncontroversial. Target mosquitoes and affected midges represent an important food source for many aquatic and terrestrial predators and reduction of their populations is likely to result in food-web effects at higher trophic levels. In the context of global biodiversity loss, this appears particularly critical since treated wetlands are often representing conservation areas. In this review, we address the current large-scale use of Bti for mosquito nuisance control in Europe, provide a description of its regulation followed by an overview of the available evidence on the parameters that are essential to evaluate Bti use in mosquito control. Bti accumulation and toxin persistence could result in a chronic expose of mosquito populations ultimately affecting their susceptibility, although observed increase in resistance to Bti in mosquito populations is low due to the four toxins involved. A careful independent monitoring of mosquito susceptibility, using sensitive bioassays, is mandatory to detect resistance development timely. Direct Bti effects were documented for non-target chironomids and other invertebrate groups and are discussed for amphibians. Field studies revealed contrasting results on possible impacts on chironomid abundances. Indirect, food-web effects were rarely studied in the environment. Depending on study design and duration, Bti effects on higher trophic levels were demonstrated or not. Further long-term field studies are needed, especially with observations of bird declines in Bti-treated wetland areas. Socio-economic relevance of mosquito control requires considering nuisance, vector-borne diseases and environmental effects jointly. Existing studies indicate that a majority of the population is concerned regarding potential environmental effects of Bti mosquito control and that they are willing to pay for alternative, more environment-friendly techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten A Brühl
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, D-76829 Landau, Germany.
| | - Laurence Després
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, Laboratoire d'Ecologie Alpine, F-38000 Grenoble, France
| | - Oliver Frör
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, D-76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Chandrashekhar D Patil
- Centre of Island Research and Environmental Observatory, PSL Université Paris: EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, USR 3278 CRIOBE, Université de Perpignan, F-66860 Perpignan, France
| | - Brigitte Poulin
- Tour du Valat, Research Institute for the Conservation of Mediterranean Wetlands, Le Sambuc, F-13200 Arles, France
| | | | - Stefanie Allgeier
- iES Landau, Institute for Environmental Sciences, University of Koblenz-Landau, D-76829 Landau, Germany
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Boccolini D, Menegon M, Di Luca M, Toma L, Severini F, Marucci G, D'Amato S, Caraglia A, Maraglino FP, Rezza G, Romi R, Gradoni L, Severini C. Non-imported malaria in Italy: paradigmatic approaches and public health implications following an unusual cluster of cases in 2017. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:857. [PMID: 32503526 PMCID: PMC7275312 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-08748-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The European region achieved interruption of malaria transmission during the 1970s. Since then, malaria control programs were replaced by surveillance systems in order to prevent possible re-emergence of this disease. Sporadic cases of non-imported malaria were recorded in several European countries in the past decade and locally transmitted outbreaks of Plasmodium vivax, most probably supported by Anopheles sacharovi, have been repeatedly reported from Greece since 2009. The possibility of locally-transmitted malaria has been extensively studied in Italy where the former malaria vector An. labranchiae survived the control campaign which led to malaria elimination. In this study, we present paradigmatic cases that occurred during a 2017 unusual cluster, which caused strong concern in public opinion and were carefully investigated after the implementation of the updated malaria surveillance system. METHODS For suspected locally-transmitted malaria cases, alerts to Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Institute of Health (ISS) were mandated by the Local Health Services (LHS). Epidemiological investigations on the transmission modes and the identification of possible infection's source were carried out by LHS, MoH and ISS. Entomological investigations were implemented locally for all suspected locally-transmitted cases that occurred in periods suitable to anopheline activity. Molecular diagnosis by nested-PCR for the five human Plasmodium species was performed to support microscopic diagnosis. In addition, genotyping of P. falciparum isolate was carried out to investigate putative sources of infection and transmission modalities. RESULTS In 2017, a cluster of seven non-imported cases was recorded from August through October. Among them, P. ovale curtisi was responsible of one case whereas six cases were caused by P. falciparum. Two cases were proved to be nosocomial while the other five were recorded as cryptic at the end of epidemiological investigations. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiological evidence shows that the locally acquired events are sporadic, often remain unresolved and classified as cryptic ones despite investigative efforts. The "cluster" of seven non-imported cases that occurred in 2017 in different regions of Italy therefore represents a conscious alert that should lead us to maintain a constant level of surveillance in a former malaria endemic country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Boccolini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Michela Menegon
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Luca
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luciano Toma
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Severini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Marucci
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Amato
- Ministero della Salute, Direzione Generale della Prevenzione Sanitari, Ufficio 5 - Prevenzione delle Malattie Trasmissibili e Profilassi Internazionale, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Caraglia
- Ministero della Salute, Direzione Generale della Prevenzione Sanitaria, Ufficio 1 - Affari generali e segreteria tecnico-organizzativa, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Maraglino
- Ministero della Salute, Direzione Generale della Prevenzione Sanitari, Ufficio 5 - Prevenzione delle Malattie Trasmissibili e Profilassi Internazionale, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rezza
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Romi
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Gradoni
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Severini
- Dipartimento Malattie Infettive, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Llop-Girones A, Jones S. Beyond access to basic services: perspectives on social health determinants of Mozambique. CRITICAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/09581596.2020.1769838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alba Llop-Girones
- Health Inequalities Research Group, University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sam Jones
- Department of Economics, Kobenhavns Universitet, Kobenhavn, Denmark
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15
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Finda MF, Christofides N, Lezaun J, Tarimo B, Chaki P, Kelly AH, Kapologwe N, Kazyoba P, Emidi B, Okumu FO. Opinions of key stakeholders on alternative interventions for malaria control and elimination in Tanzania. Malar J 2020; 19:164. [PMID: 32321534 PMCID: PMC7178586 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria control in Tanzania currently relies primarily on long-lasting insecticidal nets and indoor residual spraying, alongside effective case management and behaviour change communication. This study explored opinions of key stakeholders on the national progress towards malaria elimination, the potential of currently available vector control interventions in helping achieve elimination by 2030, and the need for alternative interventions that could be used to supplement malaria elimination efforts in Tanzania. Methods In this exploratory qualitative study, Focus group discussions were held with policy-makers, regulators, research scientists and community members. Malaria control interventions discussed were: (a) improved housing, (b) larval source management, (c) mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin to reduce vector densities, (d) release of modified mosquitoes, including genetically modified or irradiated mosquitoes, (e) targeted spraying of mosquito swarms, and (f) spatial repellents. Results Larval source management and spatial repellents were widely supported across all stakeholder groups, while insecticide-spraying of mosquito swarms was the least preferred. Support for MDA with ivermectin was high among policy makers, regulators and research scientists, but encountered opposition among community members, who instead expressed strong support for programmes to improve housing for poor people in high transmission areas. Policy makers, however, challenged the idea of government-supported housing improvement due to its perceived high costs. Techniques of mosquito modification, specifically those involving gene drives, were viewed positively by community members, policy makers and regulators, but encountered a high degree of scepticism among scientists. Overall, policy-makers, regulators and community members trusted scientists to provide appropriate advice for decision-making. Conclusion Stakeholder opinions regarding alternative malaria interventions were divergent except for larval source management and spatial repellents, for which there was universal support. MDA with ivermectin, housing improvement and modified mosquitoes were also widely supported, though each faced concerns from at least one stakeholder group. While policy-makers, regulators and community members all noted their reliance on scientists to make informed decisions, their reasoning on the benefits and disadvantages of specific interventions included factors beyond technical efficiency. This study suggests the need to encourage and strengthen dialogue between research scientists, policy makers, regulators and communities regarding new interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marceline F Finda
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania. .,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa.
| | - Nicola Christofides
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa
| | - Javier Lezaun
- Institute for Science, Innovation and Society, School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Brian Tarimo
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Prosper Chaki
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania
| | - Ann H Kelly
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, King's College, London, UK
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President's Office, Regional Administration and Local Government, P. O Box 1923, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Paul Kazyoba
- National Institute for Medical Research, 3 Barack Obama Drive, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Basiliana Emidi
- National Institute for Medical Research, 3 Barack Obama Drive, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.,National Malaria Control Programme, P. O. Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Fredros O Okumu
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences Department, Ifakara Health Institute, P. O. Box 53, Ifakara, Tanzania.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2000, South Africa.,Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.,School of Life Science and Bioengineering, The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology, P. O. Box 447, Arusha, Tanzania
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Harris I, Osborn TJ, Jones P, Lister D. Version 4 of the CRU TS monthly high-resolution gridded multivariate climate dataset. Sci Data 2020; 7:109. [PMID: 32246091 DOI: 10.1002/joc.3711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1229] [Impact Index Per Article: 307.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
CRU TS (Climatic Research Unit gridded Time Series) is a widely used climate dataset on a 0.5° latitude by 0.5° longitude grid over all land domains of the world except Antarctica. It is derived by the interpolation of monthly climate anomalies from extensive networks of weather station observations. Here we describe the construction of a major new version, CRU TS v4. It is updated to span 1901-2018 by the inclusion of additional station observations, and it will be updated annually. The interpolation process has been changed to use angular-distance weighting (ADW), and the production of secondary variables has been revised to better suit this approach. This implementation of ADW provides improved traceability between each gridded value and the input observations, and allows more informative diagnostics that dataset users can utilise to assess how dataset quality might vary geographically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Harris
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK.
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Timothy J Osborn
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Phil Jones
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David Lister
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Harris I, Osborn TJ, Jones P, Lister D. Version 4 of the CRU TS monthly high-resolution gridded multivariate climate dataset. Sci Data 2020; 7:109. [PMID: 32246091 PMCID: PMC7125108 DOI: 10.1038/s41597-020-0453-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 487] [Impact Index Per Article: 121.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CRU TS (Climatic Research Unit gridded Time Series) is a widely used climate dataset on a 0.5° latitude by 0.5° longitude grid over all land domains of the world except Antarctica. It is derived by the interpolation of monthly climate anomalies from extensive networks of weather station observations. Here we describe the construction of a major new version, CRU TS v4. It is updated to span 1901–2018 by the inclusion of additional station observations, and it will be updated annually. The interpolation process has been changed to use angular-distance weighting (ADW), and the production of secondary variables has been revised to better suit this approach. This implementation of ADW provides improved traceability between each gridded value and the input observations, and allows more informative diagnostics that dataset users can utilise to assess how dataset quality might vary geographically. Measurement(s) | temperature • volume of hydrological precipitation • vapour pressure • wet days • cloud cover | Technology Type(s) | digital curation | Factor Type(s) | date of observation • location of observation | Sample Characteristic - Environment | climate system | Sample Characteristic - Location | Asia • Africa • Europe • Australia • North America • South America |
Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data: 10.6084/m9.figshare.11980500
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Harris
- National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Centre for Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK. .,Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Timothy J Osborn
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Phil Jones
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - David Lister
- Climatic Research Unit, School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Abstract
Malaria is one of the most cited vector-borne infectious diseases by climate change expert panels. Malaria vectors often need water sheets or wetlands to complete the disease life cycle. The current context of population mobility and global change requires detailed monitoring and surveillance of malaria in all countries. This study analysed the spatiotemporal distribution of death and illness cases caused by autochthonous and imported malaria in Spain during the 20th and 21st centuries using multidisciplinary sources, Geographic Information System (GIS) and geovisualisation. The results obtained reveal that, in the 20th and 21st centuries, malaria has not had a homogeneous spatial distribution. Between 1916 and 1930, 77% of deaths from autochthonous malaria were concentrated in only 20% of Spanish provinces; in 1932, 88% of patients treated in anti-malarial dispensaries were concentrated in these same provinces. These last data reveal the huge potential that anti-malarial dispensaries could have as a tool to reconstruct historical epidemiology. Spanish autochthonous malaria has presented epidemic upsurge episodes, especially those of 1917–1922 and 1939–1944, influenced by armed conflict, population movement and damaged health and hygiene conditions. Although meteorological variables have not played a key role in these epidemic episodes, they contributed by providing suitable conditions for their intensification. After the eradication of autochthonous malaria in 1961, imported malaria cases began to be detected in 1973, reaching more than 700 cases per year at the end of the second decade of the 21st century. Therefore, consistent and detailed historical studies are necessary to better understand the drivers that have led to the decline and elimination of malaria in Europe and other temperate countries.
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19
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van Dorp L, Gelabert P, Rieux A, de Manuel M, de-Dios T, Gopalakrishnan S, Carøe C, Sandoval-Velasco M, Fregel R, Olalde I, Escosa R, Aranda C, Huijben S, Mueller I, Marquès-Bonet T, Balloux F, Gilbert MTP, Lalueza-Fox C. Plasmodium vivax Malaria Viewed through the Lens of an Eradicated European Strain. Mol Biol Evol 2020; 37:773-785. [PMID: 31697387 PMCID: PMC7038659 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msz264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The protozoan Plasmodium vivax is responsible for 42% of all cases of malaria outside Africa. The parasite is currently largely restricted to tropical and subtropical latitudes in Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Though, it was historically present in most of Europe before being finally eradicated during the second half of the 20th century. The lack of genomic information on the extinct European lineage has prevented a clear understanding of historical population structuring and past migrations of P. vivax. We used medical microscope slides prepared in 1944 from malaria-affected patients from the Ebro Delta in Spain, one of the last footholds of malaria in Europe, to generate a genome of a European P. vivax strain. Population genetics and phylogenetic analyses placed this strain basal to a cluster including samples from the Americas. This genome allowed us to calibrate a genomic mutation rate for P. vivax, and to estimate the mean age of the last common ancestor between European and American strains to the 15th century. This date points to an introduction of the parasite during the European colonization of the Americas. In addition, we found that some known variants for resistance to antimalarial drugs, including Chloroquine and Sulfadoxine, were already present in this European strain, predating their use. Our results shed light on the evolution of an important human pathogen and illustrate the value of antique medical collections as a resource for retrieving genomic information on pathogens from the past.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy van Dorp
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Pere Gelabert
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adrien Rieux
- CIRAD, UMR PVBMT, St. Pierre de la Réunion, France
| | - Marc de Manuel
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni de-Dios
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Shyam Gopalakrishnan
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian Carøe
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marcela Sandoval-Velasco
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Rosa Fregel
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell Biology and Genetics, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Iñigo Olalde
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Raül Escosa
- Consorci de Polítiques Ambientals de les Terres de l'Ebre (COPATE), Deltebre, Spain
| | - Carles Aranda
- Servei de Control de Mosquits, Consell Comarcal del Baix Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Silvie Huijben
- School of Life Sciences, Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivo Mueller
- ISGlobal, Barcelona Institute for Global Health, Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Population Health and Immunity Division, Walter & Eliza Hall Institute, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Tomàs Marquès-Bonet
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- Catalan Institution of Research and Advanced Studies (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
- CNAG-CRG, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG), Barcelona, Spain
- Institut Català de Paleontologia Miquel Crusafont, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - François Balloux
- UCL Genetics Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M Thomas P Gilbert
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The GLOBE Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
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Talapko J, Škrlec I, Alebić T, Jukić M, Včev A. Malaria: The Past and the Present. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7060179. [PMID: 31234443 PMCID: PMC6617065 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7060179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malaria is a severe disease caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans by a bite of an infected female mosquito of the species Anopheles. Malaria remains the leading cause of mortality around the world, and early diagnosis and fast-acting treatment prevent unwanted outcomes. It is the most common disease in Africa and some countries of Asia, while in the developed world malaria occurs as imported from endemic areas. The sweet sagewort plant was used as early as the second century BC to treat malaria fever in China. Much later, quinine started being used as an antimalaria drug. A global battle against malaria started in 1955, and Croatia declared 1964 to be the year of eradication of malaria. The World Health Organization carries out a malaria control program on a global scale, focusing on local strengthening of primary health care, early diagnosis of the disease, timely treatment, and disease prevention. Globally, the burden of malaria is lower than ten years ago. However, in the last few years, there has been an increase in the number of malaria cases around the world. It is moving towards targets established by the WHO, but that progress has slowed down.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasminka Talapko
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Tamara Alebić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Melita Jukić
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
- General Hospital Vukovar, Županijska 35, HR-32000 Vukovar, Croatia.
| | - Aleksandar Včev
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Josipa Huttlera 4, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia.
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Mironova V, Shartova N, Beljaev A, Varentsov M, Grishchenko M. Effects of Climate Change and Heterogeneity of Local Climates оn the Development of Malaria Parasite ( Plasmodium vivax) in Moscow Megacity Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050694. [PMID: 30813647 PMCID: PMC6427774 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The article presents the results of a spatio-temporal analysis of the changes of the favorability of climatic conditions for the transmission of vivax malaria in the Moscow megacity and its surroundings during the period from 1977 to 2016. Using the historical temperature records at urban and rural weather stations, we calculated the key indicators of climate favorability for malaria transmission, viz. the sum of effective temperatures, the duration of the season of effective infectiveness, and a new integral index of climate favorability. We demonstrated a dramatic increase of all three indicators, which accelerated after 1984, and a high spatial heterogeneity among them. Due to the urban heat island effect, the degree of climatic favorability is especially high in the densely urbanized areas of Moscow megacity compared with the suburban and rural areas. Climatic conditions for vivax malaria in Moscow are better now than before. The season of effective infectiveness continues in the central part of the city for 25 days longer, and the integral index of climate favorability is 85% higher in comparison to mean values over the rural surroundings. The study contains an alert regarding the risk of malaria resurgence in the Moscow region in the case of the sufficient importation of cases from abroad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara Mironova
- Faculty of Geography (V.M., N.S., M.V., M.G.) / Research Computing Center (M.V), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Natalia Shartova
- Faculty of Geography (V.M., N.S., M.V., M.G.) / Research Computing Center (M.V), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
| | - Andrei Beljaev
- WHO Consultant on malaria, Former WHO Advisor on malaria, WHO EMRO, Cairo 11371, Egypt.
| | - Mikhail Varentsov
- Faculty of Geography (V.M., N.S., M.V., M.G.) / Research Computing Center (M.V), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
- A.M. Obukhov Institute of Atmospheric Physics, 3 Pyzhyovskiy Pereulok, Moscow 119017, Russia.
| | - Mikhail Grishchenko
- Faculty of Geography (V.M., N.S., M.V., M.G.) / Research Computing Center (M.V), Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia.
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Hertig E. Distribution of Anopheles vectors and potential malaria transmission stability in Europe and the Mediterranean area under future climate change. Parasit Vectors 2019; 12:18. [PMID: 30621785 PMCID: PMC6325871 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3278-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In the scope of climate change the possible recurrence and/or expansion of vector-borne diseases poses a major concern. The occurrence of vector competent Anopheles species as well as favorable climatic conditions may lead to the re-emergence of autochthonous malaria in Europe and the Mediterranean area. However, high-resolution assessments of possible changes of Anopheles vector distributions and of potential malaria transmission stability in the European-Mediterranean area under changing climatic conditions during the course of the 21st century are not available yet. Methods Boosted Regression Trees are applied to relate climate variables and land cover classes to vector occurrences. Changes in future vector distributions and potential malaria transmission stability due to climate change are assessed using state-of-the art regional climate model simulations. Results Distinct changes in the distributions of the dominant vectors of human malaria are to be expected under climate change. In general, temperature and precipitation changes will lead to a northward spread of the occurrences of Anopheles vectors. Yet, for some Mediterranean areas, occurrence probabilities may decline. Conclusions Potential malaria transmission stability is increased in areas where the climatic changes favor vector occurrences as well as significantly impact the vectorial capacity. As a result, vector stability shows the highest increases between historical and future periods for the southern and south-eastern European areas. Anopheles atroparvus, the dominant vector in large parts of Europe, might play an important role with respect to changes of the potential transmission stability. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3278-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Hertig
- Institute of Geography, University of Augsburg, Alter Postweg 118, 86135, Augsburg, Germany.
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Amadi JA, Olago DO, Ong'amo GO, Oriaso SO, Nyamongo IK, Estambale BBA. "We don't want our clothes to smell smoke": changing malaria control practices and opportunities for integrated community-based management in Baringo, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:609. [PMID: 29743062 PMCID: PMC5944038 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5513-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The decline in global malaria cases is attributed to intensified utilization of primary vector control interventions and artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs). These strategies are inadequate in many rural areas, thus adopting locally appropriate integrated malaria control strategies is imperative in these heterogeneous settings. This study aimed at investigating trends and local knowledge on malaria and to develop a framework for malaria control for communities in Baringo, Kenya. Methods Clinical malaria cases obtained from four health facilities in the riverine and lowland zones were used to analyse malaria trends for the 2005–2014 period. A mixed method approach integrating eight focus group discussions, 12 key informant interviews, 300 survey questionnaires and two stakeholders’ consultative forums were used to assess local knowledge on malaria risk and develop a framework for malaria reduction. Results Malaria cases increased significantly during the 2005–2014 period (tau = 0.352; p < 0.001) in the riverine zone. March, April, May, June and October showed significant increases compared to other months. Misconceptions about the cause and mode of malaria transmission existed. Gender-segregated outdoor occupation such as social drinking, farm activities, herding, and circumcision events increased the risk of mosquito bites. A positive relationship occurred between education level and opinion on exposure to malaria risk after dusk (χ2 = 2.70, p < 0.05). There was over-reliance on bed nets, yet only 68% (204/300) of respondents owned at least one net. Complementary malaria control measures were under-utilized, with 90% of respondents denying having used either sprays, repellents or burnt cow dung or plant leaves over the last one year before the study was conducted. Baraza, radios, and mobile phone messages were identified as effective media for malaria information exchange. Supplementary strategies identified included unblocking canals, clearing Prosopis bushes, and use of community volunteers and school clubs to promote social behaviour change. Conclusions The knowledge gap on malaria transmission should be addressed to minimize the impacts and enhance uptake of appropriate malaria management mechanisms. Implementing community-based framework can support significant reductions in malaria prevalence by minimizing both indoor and outdoor malaria transmissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinter A Amadi
- Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya. .,Department of Plant Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya.
| | - Daniel O Olago
- Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - George O Ong'amo
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Silas O Oriaso
- Institute for Climate Change and Adaptation, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Isaac K Nyamongo
- Cooperative Development, Research and Innovation, The Cooperative University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Benson B A Estambale
- Division of Research Innovation and Outreach, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology, Bondo, Kenya
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Tizifa TA, Kabaghe AN, McCann RS, van den Berg H, Van Vugt M, Phiri KS. Prevention Efforts for Malaria. CURRENT TROPICAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2018; 5:41-50. [PMID: 29629252 PMCID: PMC5879044 DOI: 10.1007/s40475-018-0133-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Malaria remains a global burden contributing to morbidity and mortality especially in children under 5 years of age. Despite the progress achieved towards malaria burden reduction, achieving elimination in more countries remains a challenge. This article aims to review the prevention and control strategies for malaria, to assess their impact towards reducing the disease burden and to highlight the best practices observed. RECENT FINDINGS Use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying has resulted a decline in the incidence and prevalence of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa. Other strategies such as larval source management have been shown to reduce mosquito density but require further evaluation. New methods under development such as house improvement have demonstrated to minimize disease burden but require further evidence on efficacy. Development of the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine that provides protection in under-five children has provided further progress in efforts of malaria control. SUMMARY There has been a tremendous reduction in malaria burden in the past decade; however, more work is required to fill the necessary gaps to eliminate malaria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinashe A. Tizifa
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE), Public Health Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - Alinune N. Kabaghe
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE), Public Health Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert S. McCann
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE), Public Health Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
- Wageningen University and Research Center, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Michele Van Vugt
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Kamija S. Phiri
- Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE), Public Health Department, College of Medicine, University of Malawi, Blantyre, Malawi
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Mòdol JM, Roure S, Smithson À, Fernández-Rivas G, Esquerrà A, Robert N, Méndez M, Ramos J, Carreres A, Valerio L. Epidemiological and clinical assessment of a shared territorial malaria guideline in the 10 years of its implementation (Barcelona, North Metropolitan Area, Catalonia, Spain, 2007-2016). Malar J 2017; 16:365. [PMID: 28893258 PMCID: PMC5594461 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-017-2007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a major source of morbi-mortality among travellers. In 2007, a consensual multicenter Primary Care-Hospital shared guideline on travel-prior chemoprophylaxis, diagnosis and clinical management of imported malaria was set up in the Barcelona North Metropolitan area. The aim of the study is to assess the evolution of malaria cases in the area as well as its clinical management over the 10 years of its implementation. RESULTS A total of 190 malaria cases, all them imported, have been recorded. The overall estimated malaria crude incidence was of 0.47 cases per 10,000 population/year (95% CI 0.34-0.59) with a slight significant positive slope especially at the expense of an increase in Indian sub-continent Plasmodium vivax cases. The number of patients who attended the pre-travel consultation was low (13.7%) as well as those with prescribed chemoprophylaxis (10%). Severe malaria was diagnosed in 34 (17.9%) patients and ICU admittance was required in 2.6% of them. Organ sequelae (two renal failures and one post-acute distress respiratory syndrome) were recorded in 3 patients at hospital discharge, although all three were recovered at 30 days. None of the patients died. Patients complying with severity criteria were significantly males (p = 0.04), came from Africa (p = 0.02), were mainly non-immigrant travellers (p = 0.01) and were attended in a hospital setting (p < 0.001). The most frequently identified species was Plasmodium falciparum (64.2%), P. vivax (23.2%), Plasmodium malariae (1.6%) and Plasmodium ovale (1.1%). Those patients diagnosed with P. falciparum malaria came more often from sub-Saharan Africa (p < 0.001) and those with P. vivax came largely from the Indian sub-continent (p = 0.003). Among the 126 patients in whom an immunochromatographic antigenic test was performed, the result was interpreted as falsely negative in 12.1% of them. False negative results can be related to cases with <1% parasitaemia. CONCLUSIONS After 10 years of surveillance, a moderate increase in malaria incidence was observed, mostly P. vivax cases imported from the Indian sub-continent. Although severe malaria cases have been frequently reported, none of the patients died and organ sequelae were rare. Conceivably, the participation of the Primary Care and the District and Third Level Hospital professionals defining surveillance, diagnostic tests, referral criteria and clinical management can be considered a useful tool to minimize malaria morbi-mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josep M. Mòdol
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Sílvia Roure
- Unitat de Salut Internacional Metropolitana Nord, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalonia Spain
| | - Àlex Smithson
- Internal Medicine Service, Hospital de l’Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Gema Fernández-Rivas
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Anna Esquerrà
- Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Neus Robert
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - María Méndez
- Pediatrics Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Javier Ramos
- Internal Medicine Service, Hospital de l’Esperit Sant, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Anna Carreres
- Emergency Department, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Catalonia Spain
| | - Lluís Valerio
- Unitat de Salut Internacional Metropolitana Nord, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Catalonia Spain
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Gelabert P, Olalde I, de-Dios T, Civit S, Lalueza-Fox C. Malaria was a weak selective force in ancient Europeans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:1377. [PMID: 28469196 PMCID: PMC5431260 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-01534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, is thought to be one of the strongest selective forces that has shaped the genome of modern humans and was endemic in Europe until recent times. Due to its eradication around mid-twentieth century, the potential selective history of malaria in European populations is largely unknown. Here, we screen 224 ancient European genomes from the Upper Palaeolithic to the post-Roman period for 22 malaria-resistant alleles in twelve genes described in the literature. None of the most specific mutations for malaria resistance, like those at G6PD, HBB or Duffy blood group, have been detected among the available samples, while many other malaria-resistant alleles existed well before the advent of agriculture. We detected statistically significant differences between ancient and modern populations for the ATP2B4, FCGR2B and ABO genes and we found evidence of selection at IL-10 and ATP2B4 genes. However it is unclear whether malaria is the causative agent, because these genes are also involved in other immunological challenges. These results suggest that the selective force represented by malaria was relatively weak in Europe, a fact that could be associated to a recent historical introduction of the severe malaria pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pere Gelabert
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñigo Olalde
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni de-Dios
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), 08003, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sergi Civit
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Lalueza-Fox
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology (CSIC-Universitat Pompeu Fabra), 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
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