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Cerilo-Filho M, Arouca MDL, Medeiros EDS, de Jesus MCS, Sampaio MP, Reis NF, Silva JRS, Baptista ARS, Storti-Melo LM, Machado RLD. Worldwide distribution, symptoms and diagnosis of the coinfections between malaria and arboviral diseases: a systematic review. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2024; 119:e240015. [PMID: 38922217 PMCID: PMC11197440 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760240015] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The coinfection between malaria (ML) and arboviral diseases represents a major global public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. Despite its relevance, this topic is still insufficiently discussed in the current literature. Here, we aimed to investigate the worldwide distribution, symptoms, and diagnosis during coinfection between ML and arboviral diseases. We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement and assessed the selection and eligibility criteria, created and diagrammed maps, and analysed major symptoms with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using prevalence ratio and effect size, also performing latent class analysis. A total of 85,485 studies were retrieved, of which 56 were included: 57.14% in Asia, 25% in Africa, 14.30% in South America, and 3.56% in Europe. A total of 746 individuals were reported to be coinfected with Plasmodium and arbovirus. Concurrent ML, Dengue (DEN), Chikungunya (CHIK), and Zika (ZIK) patients are more likely to present headache and skin rash. Regarding diagnosis, 58,253 were made, of which 38,176 were positive (ML and at least one arboviral disease). The magnitude of these pathogens' coexistence points out the pressing need for improvements in public health policies towards diagnosis and prevention of both diseases, especially in endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Cerilo-Filho
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marcelo de L Arouca
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Estela dos S Medeiros
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
| | - Myrela CS de Jesus
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Marrara P Sampaio
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Nathália F Reis
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - José RS Silva
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
| | - Andréa RS Baptista
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luciane M Storti-Melo
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
| | - Ricardo LD Machado
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Centro de Investigação de Microrganismos, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Instituto Biomédico, Departamento de Microbiologia e Parasitologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia e Parasitologia Aplicadas, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal Fluminense, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências e Biotecnologia, Niterói, RJ, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Departamento de Biologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Parasitária, São Cristóvão, SE, Brasil
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Bashir HA, Lufting-Leeffrers D, Myat Min A, Htun Win H, Win Tun N, Gay Wah T, Ellen Gilder M, Kho Paw M, I. Carrara V, Meeyai A, Aderoba AK, Nosten F, Gross MM, McGready R. Antenatal corticosteroids reduce neonatal mortality in settings without assisted ventilatory support: a retrospective cohort study of early preterm births on the Thailand-Myanmar border. Wellcome Open Res 2024; 8:225. [PMID: 38779045 PMCID: PMC11109590 DOI: 10.12688/wellcomeopenres.19396.2] [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] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Prematurity is the highest risk for under-five mortality globally. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of antenatal dexamethasone on neonatal mortality in early preterm in a resource-constrained setting without assisted ventilation. Methods This retrospective (2008-2013) cohort study in clinics for refugees/migrants on the Thai-Myanmar border included infants born <34 weeks gestation at home, in, or on the way to the clinic. Dexamethasone, 24 mg (three 8 mg intramuscular doses, every 8 hours), was prescribed to women at risk of preterm birth (28 to <34 weeks). Appropriate newborn care was available: including oxygen but not assisted ventilation. Mortality and maternal fever were compared by the number of doses (complete: three, incomplete (one or two), or no dose). A sub-cohort participated in neurodevelopmental testing at one year. Results Of 15,285 singleton births, 240 were included: 96 did not receive dexamethasone and 144 received one, two or three doses (56, 13 and 75, respectively). Of live-born infants followed to day 28, (n=168), early neonatal and neonatal mortality/1,000 livebirths (95%CI) with complete dosing was 217 (121-358) and 304 (190-449); compared to 394 (289-511) and 521 (407-633) with no dose. Compared to complete dosing, both incomplete and no dexamethasone were associated with elevated adjusted ORs 4.09 (1.39 to 12.00) and 3.13 (1.14 to 8.63), for early neonatal death. By contrast, for neonatal death, while there was clear evidence that no dosing was associated with higher mortality, adjusted OR 3.82 (1.42 to 10.27), the benefit of incomplete dosing was uncertain adjusted OR 1.75 (0.63 to 4.81). No adverse impact of dexamethasone on infant neurodevelopmental scores (12 months) or maternal fever was observed. Conclusions Neonatal mortality reduction is possible with complete dexamethasone dosing in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth in settings without capacity to provide assisted ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humayra Aisha Bashir
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
| | - Daphne Lufting-Leeffrers
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Aung Myat Min
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Htun Htun Win
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Nay Win Tun
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Tha Gay Wah
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Mary Ellen Gilder
- Department of Family Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Verena I. Carrara
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
- Institute of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universite de Geneve, Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aronrag Meeyai
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
| | - Adeniyi Kolade Aderoba
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
- University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Akure, Ondo, Nigeria
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
| | - Mechthild M. Gross
- Midwifery Research and Education Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, UK
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Swe MMM, Phyo AP, Cooper BS, White NJ, Smithuis F, Ashley EA. A systematic review of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Myanmar. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2023; 17:e0011706. [PMID: 37910592 PMCID: PMC10619876 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0011706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) affect most impoverished communities in developing countries, like Myanmar in Southeast Asia. NTDs have been understudied and underreported in Myanmar. METHODS A systematic review of published and grey literature (1900-2023) on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Myanmar was conducted. The literature search included five international databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid Global Health, and Web of Science Core Collection and one national database: the Myanmar Central Biomedical Library (locally published papers and grey literature). The selection criteria included articles with all types of study designs of current or previous infections conducted in humans, that reported NTDs, recognised by WHO, US CDC, and listed in PLoS NTDs. We included melioidosis and rickettsioses which we consider also meet the definition of an NTD. RESULTS A total of 5941 records were retrieved and screened, of which, 672 (11%) met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Of the included articles, 449 (65%) were published after 2000 and 369 (55%) were from two regions (Yangon and Mandalay) of Myanmar. Of the included articles, 238 (35%) reported bacterial NTDs, 212 (32%) viral NTDs, 153 (23%) helminth NTDs, 25 (4%) protozoal NTDs and 39 (6%) reported more than one aetiology. Based on reported frequency in descending order, the bacterial NTDs were leprosy, Escherichia coli enteritis, salmonellosis, cholera, shigellosis, melioidosis, leptospirosis and rickettsioses; the viral NTDs were dengue, chikungunya and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) infection; the protozoal NTDs were amoebiasis, giardiasis and leishmaniasis, and the helminth NTDs were ascariasis, trichuriasis, hookworm disease, filariasis and strongyloidiasis. CONCLUSION This review summarises NTDs reported in Myanmar over the past 100 years. The findings suggest that most NTDs are likely to be under reported, especially from the majority of the country which is far from academic centres. Research capacity building together with strengthening of laboratory systems would lead to better understanding of the true burden of NTDs in Myanmar. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO registration ID: CRD42018092627.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Maung Maung Swe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aung Pyae Phyo
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand
| | - Ben S. Cooper
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Frank Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU), Yangon, Myanmar
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
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Knust B, Wongjindanon N, Moe AA, Herath L, Kaloy W, Soe TT, Sataranon P, Oo HM, Myat KZ, Win Z, Htet M, Htike M, Sudhiprapha B, Pyone AA, Win TP, Win HZ, Sawatwong P, Watthanaworawit W, Ling C, Gunaratne S, Lynn SA, Bhandari L, Nosten F, Skaggs B. Enhancing Respiratory Disease Surveillance to Detect COVID-19 in Shelters for Displaced Persons, Thailand-Myanmar Border, 2020-2021. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S17-S25. [PMID: 36502383 PMCID: PMC9745244 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.220324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed surveillance guidance for COVID-19 in 9 temporary camps for displaced persons along the Thailand-Myanmar border. Arrangements were made for testing of persons presenting with acute respiratory infection, influenza-like illness, or who met the Thailand national COVID-19 Person Under Investigation case definition. In addition, testing was performed for persons who had traveled outside of the camps in outbreak-affected areas or who departed Thailand as resettling refugees. During the first 18 months of surveillance, May 2020-October 2021, a total of 6,190 specimens were tested, and 15 outbreaks (i.e., >1 confirmed COVID-19 cases) were detected in 7 camps. Of those, 5 outbreaks were limited to a single case. Outbreaks during the Delta variant surge were particularly challenging to control. Adapting and implementing COVID-19 surveillance measures in the camp setting were successful in detecting COVID-19 outbreaks and preventing widespread disease during the initial phase of the pandemic in Thailand.
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Saraswati K, Maguire BJ, McLean ARD, Singh-Phulgenda S, Ngu RC, Newton PN, Day NPJ, Guérin PJ. Systematic review of the scrub typhus treatment landscape: Assessing the feasibility of an individual participant-level data (IPD) platform. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009858. [PMID: 34648517 PMCID: PMC8547739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness caused by intracellular bacteria from the genus Orientia. It is estimated that one billion people are at risk, with one million cases annually mainly affecting rural areas in Asia-Oceania. Relative to its burden, scrub typhus is understudied, and treatment recommendations vary with poor evidence base. These knowledge gaps could be addressed by establishing an individual participant-level data (IPD) platform, which would enable pooled, more detailed and statistically powered analyses to be conducted. This study aims to assess the characteristics of scrub typhus treatment studies and explore the feasibility and potential value of developing a scrub typhus IPD platform to address unanswered research questions. Methodology/principal findings We conducted a systematic literature review looking for prospective scrub typhus clinical treatment studies published from 1998 to 2020. Six electronic databases (Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline, Ovid Global Health, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Global Index Medicus), ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP were searched. We extracted data on study design, treatment tested, patient characteristics, diagnostic methods, geographical location, outcome measures, and statistical methodology. Among 3,100 articles screened, 127 were included in the analysis. 12,079 participants from 12 countries were enrolled in the identified studies. ELISA, PCR, and eschar presence were the most commonly used diagnostic methods. Doxycycline, azithromycin, and chloramphenicol were the most commonly administered antibiotics. Mortality, complications, adverse events, and clinical response were assessed in most studies. There was substantial heterogeneity in the diagnostic methods used, treatment administered (including dosing and duration), and outcome assessed across studies. There were few interventional studies and limited data collected on specific groups such as children and pregnant women. Conclusions/significance There were a limited number of interventional trials, highlighting that scrub typhus remains a neglected disease. The heterogeneous nature of the available data reflects the absence of consensus in treatment and research methodologies and poses a significant barrier to aggregating information across available published data without access to the underlying IPD. There is likely to be a substantial amount of data available to address knowledge gaps. Therefore, there is value for an IPD platform that will facilitate pooling and harmonisation of currently scattered data and enable in-depth investigation of priority research questions that can, ultimately, inform clinical practice and improve health outcomes for scrub typhus patients. Scrub typhus is a febrile illness most commonly found in rural tropical areas. It is caused by a Gram-negative bacteria belonging to the family Rickettsiaceae and transmitted by mites when they feed on vertebrates. There is an estimate of one million cases annually, with an estimated one billion people at risk, mostly in Asia-Oceania. But relative to the scale of the problem, scrub typhus is largely understudied. Evidence-based treatment recommendations by policymakers vary or are non-existent. We searched databases and registries for prospective scrub typhus clinical treatment studies published from 1998 to 2020 and reviewed them. Data from clinical trials and particularly for specific groups, such as pregnant women and children, were minimal. The methods used to measure treatment efficacy were heterogeneous, making it difficult to directly compare or conduct a meta-analysis based on aggregated data. One way to improve the current level of evidence would be by pooling and analysing individual participant-level data (IPD), i.e. the raw data from individual participants in completed studies. This review demonstrated that there is scope for developing a database for individual participant data to enable more detailed analyses. IPD meta-analyses could be a way to address knowledge gaps such as optimum dosing for children and pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartika Saraswati
- Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Eijkman Institute for Molecular Biology, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (KS); (PJG)
| | - Brittany J. Maguire
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair R. D. McLean
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sauman Singh-Phulgenda
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Roland C. Ngu
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
| | - Nicholas P. J. Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe J. Guérin
- Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (KS); (PJG)
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Selvarajah S, Ran S, Roberts NW, Nair M. Leptospirosis in pregnancy: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009747. [PMID: 34520461 PMCID: PMC8462732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leptospirosis is a leading zoonotic disease worldwide with more than 1 million cases in the general population per year. With leptospirosis being an emerging infectious disease and as the world’s environment changes with more floods and environmental disasters, the burden of leptospirosis is expected to increase. The objectives of the systematic review were to explore how leptospirosis affects pregnancy, its burden in this population, its effects on maternal and fetal outcomes and the evidence base surrounding treatment options. Methods We performed a systematic review of published and unpublished literature using automated and manual methods to screen nine electronic databases since inception, with no language restriction. Two reviewers independently screened articles, completed the data extraction and assessment of risk of bias. Due to significant heterogeneity and paucity of data, we were unable to carry out a meta-analysis, but we conducted a pooled analysis of individual patient data from the case reports and case series to examine the patient and disease characteristics, diagnostic methods, differential diagnoses, antibiotic treatments, and outcomes of leptospirosis in pregnancy. The protocol for this review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews, PROSPERO: CRD42020151501. Results We identified 419 records, of which we included eight observational studies, 21 case reports, three case series and identified four relevant ongoing studies. Overall the studies were with moderate bias and of ‘fair’ quality. We estimated the incidence of leptospirosis in pregnancy to be 1.3 per 10,000 in women presenting with fever or with jaundice, but this is likely to be higher in endemic areas. Adverse fetal outcomes were found to be more common in pregnant patients who presented in the second trimester compared with patients who presented in the third trimester. There is overlap between how leptospirosis presents in pregnancy and in the general population. There is also overlap between the signs, symptoms and biochemical disturbances associated with leptospirosis in pregnancy and the presentation of pregnancy associated conditions, such as Pre-Eclampsia (PET), Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy (AFLP) and HELLP Syndrome (Haemolysis Elevated Liver enzymes Low Platelets). In 94% of identified cases with available data, there was an indicator in the patient history regarding exposure that could have helped include leptospirosis in the clinician’s differential diagnosis. We also identified a range of suitable antibiotic therapies for treating leptospirosis in pregnancy, most commonly used were penicillins. Conclusion This is the first systematic review of leptospirosis in pregnancy and it clearly shows the need to improve early diagnosis and treatment by asking early, treating early, and reporting well. Ask early—broaden differential diagnoses and ask early for potential leptospirosis exposures and risk factors. Treat early—increase index of suspicion in pregnant patients with fever in endemic areas and combine with rapid field diagnosis and early treatment. Report well—need for more good quality epidemiological studies on leptospirosis in pregnancy and better quality reporting of cases in literature. There are more than 1 million cases of leptospirosis in the general population each year. Leptospirosis is an emerging infectious disease and as the world’s environment changes with more floods and environmental disasters, the impact of leptospirosis on the world is expected to increase. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease passed onto humans and can cause a range of illness from mild symptoms to severe organ failure and death. It is typically underreported and understudied, hence its classification as a ‘Neglected Tropical Disease’. This is the first systematic review on Leptospirosis in Pregnancy looking at how common it is in pregnancy, how it affects maternal and fetal outcomes, and options for management. We found there to be overlap between how leptospirosis presents in the general population and in pregnancy, and that it can mimic non-infectious conditions that only present in pregnancy such as Pre-Eclampsia, Acute Fatty Liver of Pregnancy and other syndromes where liver and platelet function is affected. Adverse fetal outcomes were found to be more common in pregnant patients who presented in the second trimester compared with patients who presented in the third trimester. In 94% of identified cases with available data, there was a clue in the patient’s history that could have indicated possible exposure to leptospirosis, which is very important in raising suspicion of a diagnosis of leptospirosis in pregnancy. We also identified a range of suitable antibiotic therapies for treating leptospirosis in pregnancy, most commonly used were penicillins. Our recommendations are: Ask early—broaden differential diagnoses and ask early for potential leptospirosis exposures and risk factors. Treat early—combine considering leptospirosis as a cause of fever in pregnant patients in endemic areas with prompt diagnosis and treatment. Report well—there is a need for more good quality epidemiological studies on leptospirosis in pregnancy and better quality reporting of cases in literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujitha Selvarajah
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Shaolu Ran
- King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nia Wyn Roberts
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manisha Nair
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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Wilairatana P, Kuraeiad S, Rattaprasert P, Kotepui M. Prevalence of malaria and scrub typhus co-infection in febrile patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:471. [PMID: 34521454 PMCID: PMC8442375 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04969-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little information is available about malaria and scrub typhus co-infection. This study aimed to investigate the pooled prevalence of malaria and scrub typhus co-infection in febrile patients. Further, it aimed to estimate the prevalence of scrub typhus infection among patients with malaria and the odds of co-infection. This will aid the diagnosis and management of co-infected patients in endemic areas. METHODS We searched for relevant studies in three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. We estimated (1) the pooled prevalence of malaria and scrub typhus co-infection, (2) the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus infection in malaria-positive patients, and (3) the pooled odds of co-infection using the DerSimonian-Laird method for random-effects models. The study results and summary estimates were visualized on a forest plot as point estimates (effect size, prevalence) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). We assessed the heterogeneity of the studies by Cochrane Q or I2 statistics. We performed subgroup analyses of countries and scrub typhus diagnostic tests to explore the sources of heterogeneity of the included studies. We assessed publication bias if more than 10 studies were used to estimate the outcome. All data analyses were conducted using Stata version 14 (StataCorp, College Station, TX, USA). RESULTS Of the 542 studies retrieved from three databases, we included 14 meeting the inclusion criteria in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of malaria and scrub typhus co-infection (56 cases) among febrile patients (7920 cases) was 1% (95% CI: 0-1%, I2: 78.28%), while the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus infection (321 cases) in patients with malaria (1418 cases) was 21% (95% CI: 12-30%, I2: 98.15%). Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus infection among patients with malaria in India was 8% (95% CI: 4-13%, I2: 85.87%, nine studies with 59/794 cases), while the pooled prevalence of scrub typhus infection among patients with malaria in Thailand was 35% (95% CI: 7-64%, I2: 98.9%, four studies with 262/624 cases). The co-infections did not occur by chance (P = 0.013, odds: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.84%, I2: 60.9%). In the sensitivity analysis, the pooled prevalence of malaria and scrub typhus co-infection among febrile patients was 0% (95% CI: 0-1%, I2: 59.91%). CONCLUSIONS The present study showed the pooled prevalence and a significant association between malaria and scrub typhus. The results show the status of co-infection. Further research into co-infection in endemic areas is needed, in particular, to determine whether co-infection can accelerate disease progression or protect against severe disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Saruda Kuraeiad
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand
| | - Pongruj Rattaprasert
- Department of Protozoology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand
| | - Manas Kotepui
- Department of Medical Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Walailak University, Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, 80160, Thailand.
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Cooper B, Behnke NL, Cronk R, Anthonj C, Shackelford BB, Tu R, Bartram J. Environmental health conditions in the transitional stage of forcible displacement: A systematic scoping review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 762:143136. [PMID: 33153751 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In 2019, 30,000 people were forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, and natural disaster each day. Eighty-five percent of refugees live in developing countries, and they often face underfunded and inadequate environmental health services. Many displaced persons live in camps and other temporary settlements long after the displacement event occurs. However, there is little evidence on environmental health conditions in the transitional phase-defined by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees as six months to two years after displacement. To address this gap in research, we conducted a systematic scoping review of environmental health conditions, exposures, and outcomes in transitional displacement settings, as well as reported obstacles and recommendations for improvement. Eighty-eight publications met the inclusion criteria. Water supply was the most frequently discussed environmental health topic. Overcrowding was the most common risk factor reported, Vibrio cholerae was the most common pathogen reported, and diarrhea was the most commonly reported health outcome. Obstacles and recommendations were categorized as institutional, political or implementation-based. Identified knowledge gaps included minimal information on setting logistics and on topics such as menstrual hygiene, oral hygiene and fomite contamination. In order to improve environmental health conditions in transitional displacement settings, all levels of government and non-governmental organizations should increase collaboration to improve resource provision. This study is the first to report on environmental health conditions in this important time of transition between the emergency and protracted stages of displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Cooper
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Nikki L Behnke
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Ryan Cronk
- ICF, 2635 Meridian Pkwy Suite 200, Durham, NC 27713.
| | - Carmen Anthonj
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Faculty of Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, ITC, University of Twente, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Brandie Banner Shackelford
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Raymond Tu
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States
| | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute at UNC, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 135 Dauer Drive, CB#7431, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Woodhouse Ln, Woodhouse, Leeds LS2 9DY, United Kingdom
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9
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Tanabe MB, Blanton LS, La Rosa M, Webb CM. Murine Typhus Infection in Pregnancy: Case Series and Literature Review. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020219. [PMID: 33670581 PMCID: PMC7922808 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease of worldwide distribution with a recent reemergence in the United States of America. There are limited data about the presentation, treatment, and outcomes in the pregnant population. We report on two cases of murine typhus during pregnancy and review the literature to compile previously reported cases. A comprehensive search was performed via the PubMed database for published articles between 1990 and 2020. Seven articles met the criteria of symptomatic pregnant murine typhus infection. A total of 37 patients were identified. Patients frequently presented with a prolonged duration of fevers prior to presentation, headache, and elevated hepatic transaminases. The diagnosis was predominantly based on serology. Treatment varied. Overall, the pregnancy outcome was favorable. Murine typhus can mimic other pregnancy-related pathologies. More exclusive and large-scale studies are needed to learn more of murine typhus during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda B. Tanabe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (L.S.B.); (C.M.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Lucas S. Blanton
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (L.S.B.); (C.M.W.)
| | - Mauricio La Rosa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Camille M. Webb
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA; (L.S.B.); (C.M.W.)
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10
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Elders PND, Swe MMM, Phyo AP, McLean ARD, Lin HN, Soe K, Htay WYA, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Hla TK, Tun NN, Nwe TT, Moe MM, Thein WM, Zaw NN, Kyaw WM, Linn H, Htwe YY, Smithuis FM, Blacksell SD, Ashley EA. Serological evidence indicates widespread distribution of rickettsioses in Myanmar. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 103:494-501. [PMID: 33310022 PMCID: PMC7862081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnosis of rickettsial infections is difficult in low-resource settings; this leads to delays in receiving appropriate treatment. Before this study, the distribution of rickettsioses in Myanmar was not known. This serosurvey shows that rickettsioses are widespread in Myanmar. Particularly high prevalence of scrub typhus was found in central and northern regions.
Background Little research has been published on the prevalence of rickettsial infections in Myanmar. This study determined the seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to rickettsial species in different regions of Myanmar. Methods Seven hundred leftover blood samples from patients of all ages in primary care clinics and hospitals in seven regions of Myanmar were collected. Samples were screened for scrub typhus group (STG), typhus group (TG) and spotted fever group (SFG) IgG antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Immunofluorescence assays were performed for the same rickettsial groups to confirm seropositivity if ELISA optical density ≥0.5. Results Overall IgG seroprevalence was 19% [95% confidence interval (CI) 16–22%] for STG, 5% (95% CI 3–7%) for TG and 3% (95% CI: 2–5%) for SFG. The seroprevalence of STG was particularly high in northern and central Myanmar (59% and 19–33%, respectively). Increasing age was associated with higher odds of STG and TG seropositivity [per 10-year increase, adjusted odds ratio estimate 1.68 (p < 0.01) and 1.24 (p = 0.03), respectively]. Conclusion Rickettsial infections are widespread in Myanmar, with particularly high seroprevalence of STG IgG antibodies in central and northern regions. Healthcare workers should consider rickettsial infections as common causes of fever in Myanmar.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alistair R D McLean
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kyaw Soe
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar
| | | | - Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thel K Hla
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Tun
- Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Thin Thin Nwe
- Magway General Hospital and University of Medicine, Magway, Myanmar; University of Medicine 2, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Myat Myat Moe
- Magway General Hospital and University of Medicine, Magway, Myanmar
| | - Win May Thein
- Mandalay General Hospital and University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Ni Ni Zaw
- Mandalay General Hospital and University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | | | - Htun Linn
- Monywa General Hospital, Monywa, Myanmar
| | | | - Frank M Smithuis
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Medical Action Myanmar, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Stuart D Blacksell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A Ashley
- Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit, Yangon, Myanmar; Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Lao Democratic People's Republic.
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11
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O'Kelly B, Lambert JS. Vector-borne diseases in pregnancy. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2020; 7:2049936120941725. [PMID: 32944240 PMCID: PMC7469740 DOI: 10.1177/2049936120941725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Vector-borne infections cause a significant proportion of world-wide morbidity and mortality and many are increasing in incidence. This is due to a combination of factors, primarily environmental change, encroachment of human habitats from urban to peri-urban areas and rural to previously uninhabited areas, persistence of poverty, malnutrition and resource limitation in geographical areas where these diseases are endemic. Pregnant women represent the single largest ‘at risk’ group, due to immune-modulation and a unique physiological state. Many of these diseases have not benefitted from the same level of drug development as other infectious and medical domains, a factor attributing to the ‘neglected tropical disease’ title many vector-borne diseases hold. Pregnancy compounds this issue as data for safety and efficacy for many drugs is practically non-existent, precluding exposure in pregnancy to many first-line therapeutic agents for ‘fear of the unknown’ or overstated adverse pregnancy-foetal outcomes. In this review, major vector-borne diseases, their impact on pregnancy outcomes, current treatment, vaccination and short-comings of current medical practice for pregnant women will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan O'Kelly
- Infectious Diseases Specialist Registrar, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John S Lambert
- Consultant in Infectious Diseases, Medicine and Sexual Health (GUM), Mater, Rotunda and UCD, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Clinic 6, Eccles St, Inns Quay, Dublin, D07 R2WY University College Dublin Rotunda Maternity Hospital
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12
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Successful Detection of Unrecognized Rickettsia typhi in Pregnancy Using Cell-Free Next-Generation Sequencing. Case Rep Obstet Gynecol 2020; 2020:6767351. [PMID: 32547799 PMCID: PMC7271245 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6767351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Flea-borne (murine) typhus is caused by Rickettsia typhi. Infection in pregnant women can lead to adverse outcomes when diagnosis and treatment is delayed. We describe how next-generation sequencing (NGS) using the Karius® test was used to rapidly diagnose murine typhus in two pregnant women admitted to a large tertiary care center in Houston, Texas, when all initial testing was nondiagnostic.
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13
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Shackelford BB, Cronk R, Behnke N, Cooper B, Tu R, D'Souza M, Bartram J, Schweitzer R, Jaff D. Environmental health in forced displacement: A systematic scoping review of the emergency phase. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136553. [PMID: 31982735 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
There are 70.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide, including internally displaced persons, refugees, and asylum seekers. Since mortality rates are highest in the first six months of displacement, the provision of adequate services and infrastructure by relief organizations is critical in this "emergency phase." Environmental health provisions such as adequate water supply, excreta management, solid waste management, and vector control measures are among those essential services. We conducted a systematic scoping review of environmental health in the emergency phase of displacement (the six months following first displacement). A total of 122 publications, comprising 104 peer-reviewed and 18 grey literature publications, met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data relating to environmental health conditions and services, associated outcomes, and information concerning obstacles and recommendations for improving these conditions and services. Despite the fact that most displaced people live outside of camps, publications largely report findings for camps (n = 73, 60%). Water supply (n = 57, 47%) and excreta management (n = 47, 39%) dominate the literature. Energy access (n = 7, 6%), exposure to harsh weather from inadequate shelter (n = 5, 4%), food hygiene and safety (n = 4, 3%), indoor air quality (n = 3, 3%), menstrual hygiene management (n = 2, 2%), dental hygiene (n = 2, 2%), and ambient air quality (n = 1, 1%) are relatively understudied. The most common health outcome attributed to inadequate environmental conditions in the included publications is diarrhea (n = 43, 35%). We found that organizations and governments often embrace their own standards, however we call for policymakers to adopt standards no less rigorous than Sphere for the emergency phase of displacement. Although other reviews examine water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions in emergencies, this is the first systematic review of environmental health more broadly in the first six months of displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandie Banner Shackelford
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America.
| | - Ryan Cronk
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Nikki Behnke
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Brittany Cooper
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Raymond Tu
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Mabel D'Souza
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Jamie Bartram
- The Water Institute, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America; School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, UK
| | - Ryan Schweitzer
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Section, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Dilshad Jaff
- Gillings Global Gateway, Department of Maternal and Child Health, The Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
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14
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Effectiveness of Presumptive Treatment of Acute Febrile Illness With Doxycycline or Azithromycin in Preventing Acute Encephalitis Syndrome in Gorakhpur, India: A Cohort Study. Indian Pediatr 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s13312-020-1889-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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15
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Low VL, Tan TK, Khoo JJ, Lim FS, AbuBakar S. An overview of rickettsiae in Southeast Asia: Vector-animal-human interface. Acta Trop 2020; 202:105282. [PMID: 31778642 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2019.105282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rickettsioses are emerging, and re-emerging diseases caused by obligate intracellular arthropod-borne bacteria that infect humans and animals worldwide. Various rickettsiae such as Orientia, Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia have been circulated in companion, domesticated and wild animals through bites of infected ticks, fleas, lice or mites. This review summarizes the infections of rickettsiae, including the newly discovered regional species Rickettsia thailandii, Candidatus Rickettsia sepangensis, Candidatus Rickettsia johorensis, Candidatus Rickettsia laoensis, Candidatus Rickettsia mahosotii, Candidatus Rickettsia khammouanensis, Candidatus Anaplasma pangolinii, and other novel genotypes in vectors, humans and animals in Southeast Asia. Issues on some unidentified rickettsiae that elicit immune responses and production of antibodies that are cross-reactive with the antigens used are discussed. Knowledge gaps which required attention are also identified in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van Lun Low
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Tiong Kai Tan
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jing Jing Khoo
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Fang Shiang Lim
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sazaly AbuBakar
- Higher Institution Centre of Excellence (HICoE), Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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16
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Luvira V, Silachamroon U, Piyaphanee W, Lawpoolsri S, Chierakul W, Leaungwutiwong P, Thawornkuno C, Wattanagoon Y. Etiologies of Acute Undifferentiated Febrile Illness in Bangkok, Thailand. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2020; 100:622-629. [PMID: 30628565 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-0407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) has been a diagnostic dilemma in the tropics. Without accurate point-of-care tests, information on local pathogens and clinical parameters is essential for presumptive diagnosis. A prospective hospital-based study was conducted at the Bangkok Hospital for Tropical Diseases from 2013 to 2015 to determine common etiologies of AUFI. A total of 397 adult AUFI cases, excluding malaria by blood smear, were enrolled. Rapid diagnostic tests for tropical infections were performed on admission, and acute and convalescent samples were tested to confirm the diagnosis. Etiologies could be identified in 271 (68.3%) cases. Dengue was the most common cause, with 157 cases (39.6%), followed by murine typhus (20 cases; 5.0%), leptospirosis (16 cases; 4.0%), influenza (14 cases; 3.5%), and bacteremia (six cases; 1.5%). Concurrent infection by at least two pathogens was reported in 37 cases (9.3%). Furthermore, characteristics of dengue and bacterial infections (including leptospirosis and rickettsioses) were compared to facilitate dengue triage, initiate early antibiotic treatment, and minimize unnecessary use of antibiotics. In conclusion, dengue was the most common pathogen for AUFI in urban Thailand. However, murine typhus and leptospirosis were not uncommon. Empirical antibiotic treatment using doxycycline or azithromycin might be more appropriate, but cost-benefit studies are required. Physicians should recognize common causes of AUFI in their localities and use clinical and laboratory clues for provisional diagnosis to provide appropriate treatment while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viravarn Luvira
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Udomsak Silachamroon
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Watcharapong Piyaphanee
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Saranath Lawpoolsri
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wirongrong Chierakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Charin Thawornkuno
- Department of Molecular Tropical Medicine and Genetics, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yupaporn Wattanagoon
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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17
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Wangdi K, Kasturiaratchi K, Nery SV, Lau CL, Gray DJ, Clements ACA. Diversity of infectious aetiologies of acute undifferentiated febrile illnesses in south and Southeast Asia: a systematic review. BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:577. [PMID: 31272417 PMCID: PMC6610835 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4185-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute undifferentiated febrile illness (AUFI) is caused by a multitude of diverse pathogens, with significant morbidity and mortality in the developing world. The objective of this review was to characterise the diversity and relative importance of common infectious aetiologies of AUFI in South and Southeast Asia. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature review to identify common aetiologies of AUFI in Asian countries. Four medical and life sciences databases including PubMed, Medline, Embase and Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar were searched for articles published from January 1998 to March 2019. RESULTS Forty-three studies met the inclusion criteria. Among AUFI cases, viral aetiologies at 18.5% (14888) were more common than bacterial aetiologies (12.9% [10384]). From 80,554 cases, dengue fever was the most common aetiology (11.8%, 9511), followed by leptospirosis (4.4%, 3549), typhoid (4.0%, 3258), scrub typhus (4.0%, 3243) and influenza other than H1N1 (3.1%, 2514). In both adults and children: dengue fever was the leading cause of AUFI with 16.6% (1928) and 18.7% (1281) of the total cases. In admitted patients, dengue fever was the main cause of AUFI at 16.4% (2377), however leptospirosis at 13.9% (2090) was the main cause of AUFI for outpatients. In South Asia, dengue fever was the main cause of AUFI, causing 12.0% (6821) of cases, whereas in Southeast Asia, leptospirosis was the main diagnosis, causing 12.1% (2861) of cases. CONCLUSIONS In this study the most common causes of AUFI were viral, followed by bacterial and protozoal (malaria) infections. Dengue was the commonest virus that caused AUFI while leptospirosis and typhoid were important bacterial infectious causes. Therefore, it is imperative to maintain a sound epidemiological knowledge of AUFI so that evidence-based diagnostic criteria and treatment guidelines can be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinley Wangdi
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Action, ACT, Canberra, Australia.
| | | | - Susana Vaz Nery
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Action, ACT, Canberra, Australia.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Action, ACT, Canberra, Australia.,Children's Health and Environment Program, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Action, ACT, Canberra, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Department of Global Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Action, ACT, Canberra, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Mansanguan C, Phumratanaprapin W. Concomitant Plasmodium vivaxmalaria and murine typhus infection with pulmonary involvement. BMJ Case Rep 2018; 11:11/1/e226139. [PMID: 30567216 PMCID: PMC6301767 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-226139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a case of Plasmodium vivax and murine typhus coinfection in a 30-year-old woman who presented with intermittent, high-grade fever. Her peripheral blood smear showed ring-form trophozoites of P. vivax, with an initial murine typhus serological test being negative. Although the P. vivax infection was successfully treated, she still had intermittent, high-grade fever, developed dyspnoea and bilateral interstitial pneumonitis shown in the chest X-ray. Thus, coinfection was suspected, and empirical antibiotics were given. The second serological test confirmed the concomitant murine typhus infection, and antibiotics treatment were successful with the complete recovery. This case emphasises that an initial negative murine typhus serological test does not necessarily rule out the presence of the disease. A follow-up murine typhus serological or molecular test within 1–2 weeks is therefore recommended.
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Bhargava A, Ralph R, Chatterjee B, Bottieau E. Assessment and initial management of acute undifferentiated fever in tropical and subtropical regions. BMJ 2018; 363:k4766. [PMID: 30498133 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k4766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Bhargava
- Department of Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
- Center for Nutrition Studies, Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), Mangalore, Karnataka, India
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Ravikar Ralph
- Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Biswaroop Chatterjee
- Department of Microbiology, IQ City Medical College, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Emmanuel Bottieau
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp, Belgium
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Salam N, Mustafa S, Hafiz A, Chaudhary AA, Deeba F, Parveen S. Global prevalence and distribution of coinfection of malaria, dengue and chikungunya: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2018; 18:710. [PMID: 29879935 PMCID: PMC5992662 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-5626-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya are vector borne diseases with shared endemic profiles and symptoms. Coinfections with any of these diseases could have fatal outcomes if left undiagnosed. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of coinfections is necessary to improve diagnosis and designing therapeutic interventions. METHODS We have carried out a systematic search of the published literature based on PRISMA guidelines to identify cases of Malaria, Dengue and Chikungunya coinfections. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify eligible studies and extracted data regarding cases of coinfection from cross sectional studies, case reports, retrospective studies, prospective observational studies and surveillance reports. RESULTS Care full screening resulted in 104 publications that met the eligibility criteria and reported Malaria/Dengue, Dengue/Chikungunya, Malaria/Chikungunya and Malaria/Dengue/Chikungunya coinfections. These coinfections were spread over six geographical locations and 42 different countries and are reported more frequently in the last 15 years possibly due to expanding epidemiology of Dengue and Chikungunya. Few of these reports have also analysed distinguishing features of coinfections. Malaria/Dengue coinfections were the most common coinfection followed by Dengue/Chikungunya, Malaria/Chikungunya and Malaria/Dengue/Chikungunya coinfections. P. falciparum and P. vivax were the commonest species found in cases of malaria coinfections and Dengue serotype-4 commonest serotype in cases of dengue coinfections. Most studies were reported from India. Nigeria and India were the only two countries from where all possible combinations of coinfections were reported. CONCLUSION We have comprehensively reviewed the literature associated with cases of coinfections of three important vector borne diseases to present a clear picture of their prevalence and distribution across the globe. The frequency of coinfections presented in the study suggests proper diagnosis, surveillance and management of cases of coinfection to avoid poor prognosis of the underlying etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Salam
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shoeb Mustafa
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdul Hafiz
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anis Ahmad Chaudhary
- College of Medicine, Al-Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Deeba
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India
| | - Shama Parveen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025 India
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Wangrangsimakul T, Althaus T, Mukaka M, Kantipong P, Wuthiekanun V, Chierakul W, Blacksell SD, Day NP, Laongnualpanich A, Paris DH. Causes of acute undifferentiated fever and the utility of biomarkers in Chiangrai, northern Thailand. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2018; 12:e0006477. [PMID: 29852003 PMCID: PMC5978881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tropical infectious diseases like dengue, scrub typhus, murine typhus, leptospirosis, and enteric fever continue to contribute substantially to the febrile disease burden throughout Southeast Asia while malaria is declining. Recently, there has been increasing focus on biomarkers (i.e. C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin) in delineating bacterial from viral infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS A prospective observational study was performed to investigate the causes of acute undifferentiated fever (AUF) in adults admitted to Chiangrai Prachanukroh hospital, northern Thailand, which included an evaluation of CRP and procalcitonin as diagnostic tools. In total, 200 patients with AUF were recruited. Scrub typhus was the leading bacterial cause of AUF (45/200, 22.5%) followed by leptospirosis (15/200, 7.5%) and murine typhus (7/200, 3.5%), while dengue was the leading viral cause (23/200, 11.5%). Bloodstream infections contributed to 7/200 (3.5%) of the study cohort. There were 9 deaths during this study (4.5%): 3 cases of scrub typhus, 2 with septicaemia (Talaromyces marneffei and Haemophilus influenzae), and 4 of unknown aetiologies. Rickettsioses, leptospirosis and culture-attributed bacterial infections, received a combination of 3rd generation cephalosporin plus a rickettsia-active drug in 53%, 73% and 67% of cases, respectively. Low CRP and white blood count were significant predictors of a viral infection (mainly dengue) while the presence of an eschar and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were important predictors of scrub typhus. INTERPRETATION Scrub typhus and dengue are the leading causes of AUF in Chiangrai, Thailand. Eschar, white blood count and CRP were beneficial in differentiating between bacterial and viral infections in this study. CRP outperformed procalcitonin although cut-offs for positivity require further assessment. The study provides evidence that accurate, pathogen-specific rapid diagnostic tests coupled with biomarker point-of-care tests such as CRP can inform the correct use of antibiotics and improve antimicrobial stewardship in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tri Wangrangsimakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Althaus
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mavuto Mukaka
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Pacharee Kantipong
- Department of Medicine, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Chiangrai, Thailand
| | - Vanaporn Wuthiekanun
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wirongrong Chierakul
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas P. Day
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Daniel H. Paris
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Rawlinson W. Arboviruses in pregnancy: consequences of maternal and fetal infection. MICROBIOLOGY AUSTRALIA 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/ma18028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemics and localised outbreaks of infections due to arthropod borne (arbo) viruses, have been described for hundreds of years. Few viruses to date are known to transmit from mother to fetus, causing either teratogenic effects or fetal demise (see recent reviews Charlier et al.1 and Marinho et al.2). Many arboviruses are zoonotic but there appear to be few parallels between the effect of these viruses following human or animal infection during pregnancy. Higher rates of MTCT (mother to child transmission) may be seen (1) where herd immunity is reduced, either because virus is newly introduced into a population (as occurred in Brazil with ZIKV), or where the virus has only recently become endemic (as occurred with West Nile virus (WNV) in the USA in the 1990s), (2) where the arthropod vector is present, (3) where the vector transmits virus efficiently, and (4) in groups of pregnant women exposed, allowing transmission3.
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Tshokey T, Stenos J, Durrheim DN, Eastwood K, Nguyen C, Graves SR. Seroprevalence of rickettsial infections and Q fever in Bhutan. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0006107. [PMID: 29176880 PMCID: PMC5720829 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background With few studies conducted to date, very little is known about the epidemiology of rickettsioses in Bhutan. Due to two previous outbreaks and increasing clinical cases, scrub typhus is better recognized than other rickettsial infections and Q fever. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted from January to March 2015 in eight districts of Bhutan. Participants were 864 healthy individuals from an urban (30%) and a rural (70%) sampling unit in each of the eight districts. Serum samples were tested by microimmunofluorescence assay for rickettsial antibodies at the Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory. Results Of the 864 participants, 345 (39.9%) were males and the mean age of participants was 41.1 (range 13–98) years. An overall seroprevalence of 49% against rickettsioses was detected. Seroprevalence was highest against scrub typhus group (STG) (22.6%) followed by spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia (15.7%), Q fever (QF) (6.9%) and typhus group (TG) rickettsia (3.5%). Evidence of exposure to multiple agents was also noted; the commonest being dual exposure to STG and SFG at 5%. A person’s likelihood of exposure to STG and SFG rickettsia significantly increased with age and farmers were twice as likely to have evidence of STG exposure as other occupations. Trongsa district appeared to be a hotspot for STG exposure while Punakha district had the lowest STG exposure risk. Zhemgang had the lowest exposure risk to SFG rickettsia compared to other districts. People living at altitudes above 2000 meters were relatively protected from STG infections but this was not observed for SFG, TG or QF exposure. Conclusion This seroprevalence study highlights the endemicity of STG and SFG rickettsia in Bhutan. The high seroprevalence warrants appropriate public health interventions, such as diagnostic improvements and clinical treatment guidelines. Future studies should focus on vector profiles, geospatial, bio-social and environmental risk assessment and preventive and control strategies. Rickettsial infections including scrub typhus and Q fever are not widely recognised in Bhutan although the country is situated in an endemic Asian region. With two recorded outbreaks, scrub typhus is known to occur but other rickettsial infections and Q fever have not been recorded. In this first seroprevalence study of rickettsial infections, an overall seroprevalence of 49% was detected against rickettsioses amongst 864 participants. Seroprevalence was highest against scrub typhus group (STG) (22.6%) followed by spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsia (15.7%), Q fever (QF) (6.9%) and typhus group (TG) rickettsia (3.5%). Evidence of exposure to multiple agents were also noted; the commonest being dual exposure to STG and SFG at 5%. A person’s likelihood of exposure to STG and SFG significantly increased with age and farmers were twice as likely to have evidence of STG exposure as other occupations. Trongsa district in central Bhutan appeared to be a hotspot for STG exposure. People living at altitudes above 2000 meters were relatively protected from STG infections but this was not observed for SFG, TG and QF exposure. The findings from this study may direct future research on rickettsioses in Bhutan. These neglected tropical diseases warrant specific public health interventions in Bhutan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tshokey Tshokey
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital, Thimphu, Bhutan
- * E-mail:
| | - John Stenos
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - David N. Durrheim
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Keith Eastwood
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Population Health, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Chelsea Nguyen
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Graves
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, Australia
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Mørch K, Manoharan A, Chandy S, Chacko N, Alvarez-Uria G, Patil S, Henry A, Nesaraj J, Kuriakose C, Singh A, Kurian S, Gill Haanshuus C, Langeland N, Blomberg B, Vasanthan Antony G, Mathai D. Acute undifferentiated fever in India: a multicentre study of aetiology and diagnostic accuracy. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:665. [PMID: 28978319 PMCID: PMC5628453 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of malaria, bacteraemia, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, chikungunya and dengue among hospitalized patients with acute undifferentiated fever in India, and to describe the performance of standard diagnostic methods. Methods During April 2011–November 2012, 1564 patients aged ≥5 years with febrile illness for 2–14 days were consecutively included in an observational study at seven community hospitals in six states in India. Malaria microscopy, blood culture, Dengue rapid NS1 antigen and IgM Combo test, Leptospira IgM ELISA, Scrub typhus IgM ELISA and Chikungunya IgM ELISA were routinely performed at the hospitals. Second line testing, Dengue IgM capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA), Scrub typhus immunofluorescence (IFA), Leptospira Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT), malaria PCR and malaria immunochromatographic rapid diagnostic test (RDT) Parahit Total™ were performed at the coordinating centre. Convalescence samples were not available. Case definitions were as follows: Leptospirosis: Positive ELISA and positive MAT. Scrub typhus: Positive ELISA and positive IFA. Dengue: Positive RDT and/or positive MAC-ELISA. Chikungunya: Positive ELISA. Bacteraemia: Growth in blood culture excluding those defined as contaminants. Malaria: Positive genus-specific PCR. Results Malaria was diagnosed in 17% (268/1564) and among these 54% had P. falciparum. Dengue was diagnosed in 16% (244/1564). Bacteraemia was found in 8% (124/1564), and among these Salmonella typhi or S. paratyphi constituted 35%. Scrub typhus was diagnosed in 10%, leptospirosis in 7% and chikungunya in 6%. Fulfilling more than one case definition was common, most frequent in chikungunya where 26% (25/98) also had positive dengue test. Conclusions Malaria and dengue were the most common causes of fever in this study. A high overlap between case definitions probably reflects high prevalence of prior infections, cross reactivity and subclinical infections, rather than high prevalence of coinfections. Low accuracy of routine diagnostic tests should be taken into consideration when approaching the patient with acute undifferentiated fever in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Mørch
- National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Anand Manoharan
- Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Sara Chandy
- Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Suvarna Patil
- B.K.L. Walawalkar Hospital, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India
| | - Anil Henry
- Christian Hospital, Mungeli, Chhattisgarh, India
| | | | - Cijoy Kuriakose
- Christian Fellowship Hospital, Oddanchatram, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ashita Singh
- Baptist Christian Hospital, Tezpur, Assam, India
| | - Siby Kurian
- Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Christel Gill Haanshuus
- National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Nina Langeland
- National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bjørn Blomberg
- National Centre for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - George Vasanthan Antony
- Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | - Dilip Mathai
- Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre, Department of Medicine, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
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Bonell A, Lubell Y, Newton PN, Crump JA, Paris DH. Estimating the burden of scrub typhus: A systematic review. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2017; 11:e0005838. [PMID: 28945755 PMCID: PMC5634655 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0005838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scrub typhus is a vector-borne zoonotic disease that can be life-threatening. There are no licensed vaccines, or vector control efforts in place. Despite increasing awareness in endemic regions, the public health burden and global distribution of scrub typhus remains poorly known. METHODS We systematically reviewed all literature from public health records, fever studies and reports available on the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase Classic + Embase and EconLit databases, to estimate the burden of scrub typhus since the year 2000. FINDINGS In prospective fever studies from Asia, scrub typhus is a leading cause of treatable non-malarial febrile illness. Sero-epidemiological data also suggest that Orientia tsutsugamushi infection is common across Asia, with seroprevalence ranging from 9.3%-27.9% (median 22.2% IQR 18.6-25.7). A substantial apparent rise in minimum disease incidence (median 4.6/100,000/10 years, highest in China with 11.2/100,000/10 years) was reported through passive national surveillance systems in South Korea, Japan, China, and Thailand. Case fatality risks from areas of reduced drug-susceptibility are reported at 12.2% and 13.6% for South India and northern Thailand, respectively. Mortality reports vary widely around a median mortality of 6.0% for untreated and 1.4% for treated scrub typhus. Limited evidence suggests high mortality in complicated scrub typhus with CNS involvement (13.6% mortality), multi-organ dysfunction (24.1%) and high pregnancy miscarriage rates with poor neonatal outcomes. INTERPRETATION Scrub typhus appears to be a truly neglected tropical disease mainly affecting rural populations, but increasingly also metropolitan areas. Rising minimum incidence rates have been reported over the past 8-10 years from countries with an established surveillance system. A wider distribution of scrub typhus beyond Asia is likely, based on reports from South America and Africa. Unfortunately, the quality and quantity of the available data on scrub typhus epidemiology is currently too limited for any economical, mathematical modeling or mapping approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Bonell
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Yoel Lubell
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Paul N. Newton
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit, Microbiology Laboratory, Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, Laos
| | - John A. Crump
- Centre for International Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Charlier C, Beaudoin MC, Couderc T, Lortholary O, Lecuit M. Arboviruses and pregnancy: maternal, fetal, and neonatal effects. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2017; 1:134-146. [PMID: 30169203 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(17)30021-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Arboviruses are an expanding public health threat, with pregnant women facing unique complications from arbovirus infections. These infections, such as dengue and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, can be more severe in pregnant women than in the general population. Vertical transmission is reported for many arboviruses and can severely affect pregnancy outcome. Indeed, arboviruses-particularly flaviviruses and alphaviruses-are associated with increased risks of fetal loss and premature birth. Arboviruses can be teratogenic, as is the case for Zika virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Finally, intrapartum transmission can result in severe neonatal infections, as is true for chikungunya virus. Although the global burden of arboviruses is well recognised, few studies have provided data on arbovirus infection specifically in the context of maternal and child health. Epidemiological and clinical studies are therefore needed to better assess the burden of arbovirus infections during pregnancy and to improve the prevention and clinical management of these viral infections. In this Review, we analyse the information available and identify gaps in knowledge that require further assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Charlier
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France; Inserm U1117, Paris, France; Paris-Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Institut Imagine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
| | - Marie-Claude Beaudoin
- Paris-Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Institut Imagine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; Division of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Laval University and CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Thérèse Couderc
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France; Inserm U1117, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Lortholary
- Paris-Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Institut Imagine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marc Lecuit
- Institut Pasteur, Biology of Infection Unit, Paris, France; Inserm U1117, Paris, France; Paris-Descartes University, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Centre d'Infectiologie Necker-Pasteur, Necker-Enfants Malades University Hospital, Institut Imagine, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
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Abstract
Scrub typhus is an acute febrile illness in the “tsutsugamushi triangle”, transmitted by chiggers that can be treated effectively if detected early. Laboratory testing, including molecular and serological assays, is needed for confirming the diagnosis, especially in the absence of the pathognomonic eschar. In this review, factors that play a role in disease occurrence and clinical clues for diagnosis, in addition to risk factors contributing to disease severity, including mortality, are discussed in detail. Moreover, issues related to diagnostic assays, treatment, and mixed infections are also enumerated and described.
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Ehounoud C, Fenollar F, Dahmani M, N’Guessan J, Raoult D, Mediannikov O. Bacterial arthropod-borne diseases in West Africa. Acta Trop 2017; 171:124-137. [PMID: 28365316 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Arthropods such as ticks, lice, fleas and mites are excellent vectors for many pathogenic agents including bacteria, protozoa and viruses to animals. Moreover, many of these pathogens can also be accidentally transmitted to humans throughout the world. Bacterial vector-borne diseases seem to be numerous and very important in human pathology, however, they are often ignored and are not well known. Yet they are in a phase of geographic expansion and play an important role in the etiology of febrile episodes in regions of Africa. Since the introduction of molecular techniques, the presence of these pathogens has been confirmed in various samples from arthropods and animals, and more rarely from human samples in West Africa. In this review, the aim is to summarize the latest information about vector-borne bacteria, focusing on West Africa from 2000 until today in order to better understand the epidemiological risks associated with these arthropods. This will allow health and veterinary authorities to develop a strategy for surveillance of arthropods and bacterial disease in order to protect people and animals.
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Verma N, Sharma M, Biswal M, Taneja S, Batra N, Kumar A, Dhiman RK. Hepatitis E Virus Induced Acute Liver Failure with Scrub Typhus Coinfection in a Pregnant Woman. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2017; 7:158-160. [PMID: 28663682 PMCID: PMC5478934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2016.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coinfections contribute significantly to diagnostic challenges of acute febrile illnesses, especially in endemic areas. The confusion caused by overlapping clinical features impedes timely management. Herein, we report an unusual, previously unreported case of a pregnant woman suffering from a coinfection of scrub typhus and hepatitis E virus. A 25-year-old, 31-week pregnant woman presented with jaundice for 5 days and altered sensorium for 2 days. She had features of both viral acute liver failure (ALF) and tropical infections mimicking ALF, including hyperbilirubinemia, coagulopathy, anemia, thrombocytopenia, intravascular hemolysis, and hepatosplenomegaly. Etiological workup revealed rare coinfection of hepatitis E and scrub typhus. Despite all supportive measures, the patient succumbed to her illness (i.e., absent brainstem reflexes and intracranial bleed secondary to coagulopathy) and had poor fetal outcome, which resulted in stillbirth. ALF in a pregnant woman is a medical and obstetric emergency. It can result from varied etiologies that though differ in their incidence, mode of occurrence, and pregnancy outcome, can clinically masquerade as each other, causing diagnostic dilemma. This unusual case report highlights the significance of keeping all such possibilities in mind while managing a pregnant woman with ALF, especially in a country like India where maternal and perinatal mortality rates, the core indicators of national health, are still among the highest in the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nipun Verma
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Megha Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Manisha Biswal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
- Address for correspondence: Sunil Taneja, Assistant Professor, Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.Department of Hepatology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and ResearchChandigarh160012India
| | - Nitya Batra
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Abhay Kumar
- Department of Medical Microbiology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
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Causes and outcomes of sepsis in southeast Asia: a multinational multicentre cross-sectional study. Lancet Glob Health 2017; 5:e157-e167. [PMID: 28104185 PMCID: PMC5332551 DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(17)30007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improved understanding of pathogens that cause sepsis would aid management and antimicrobial selection. In this study, we aimed to identify the causative pathogens of sepsis in southeast Asia. METHODS In this multinational multicentre cross-sectional study of community-acquired sepsis and severe sepsis, we prospectively recruited children (age ≥30 days and <18 years) and adults (age ≥18 years) at 13 public hospitals in Indonesia (n=3), Thailand (n=4), and Vietnam (n=6). Hospitalised patients with suspected or documented community-acquired infection, with at least three diagnostic criteria for sepsis according to the Surviving Sepsis Campaign 2012, and within 24 h of admission were enrolled. Blood from every patient, and nasopharyngeal swab, urine, stool, and cerebrospinal fluid, if indicated, were collected for reference diagnostic tests to identify causative pathogens. We report causative pathogens of sepsis and 28-day mortality. We also estimate mortality associated with enrolment with severe sepsis. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02157259. FINDINGS From Dec 16, 2013, to Dec 14, 2015, 4736 patients were screened and 1578 patients (763 children and 815 adults) were enrolled. Dengue viruses (n=122 [8%]), Leptospira spp (n=95 [6%]), rickettsial pathogens (n=96 [6%]), Escherichia coli (n=76 [5%]), and influenza viruses (n=65 [4%]) were commonly identified in both age groups; whereas Plasmodium spp (n=12 [1%]) and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (n=3 [0·2%]) were rarely observed. Emerging pathogens identified included hantaviruses (n=28 [2%]), non-typhoidal Salmonella spp (n=21 [1%]), Streptococcus suis (n=18 [1%]), Acinetobacter spp (n=12 [1%]), and Burkholderia pseudomallei (n=5 [<1%]). 28-day mortality occurred in 14 (2%) of 731 children with known statuses and 108 (13%) of 804 adults. Severe sepsis was identified on enrolment in 194 (28%) of 731 children and 546 (68%) of 804 adults, and was associated with increased mortality (adjusted odds ratio 5·3, 95% CI 2·7-10·4; p<0·001). INTERPRETATION Sepsis in southeast Asia is caused by a wide range of known and emerging pathogens, and is associated with substantial mortality. FUNDING National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, USA, and Wellcome Trust, UK.
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Tun ZM, Moorthy M, Linster M, Su YC, Coker RJ, Ooi EE, Low JGH, Smith GJD, Tam CC. Characteristics of acute febrile illness and determinants of illness recovery among adults presenting to Singapore primary care clinics. BMC Infect Dis 2016; 16:612. [PMID: 27793106 PMCID: PMC5084348 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-016-1958-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Undifferentiated acute febrile illness (AFI) is a common presentation among adults in primary care settings in Singapore but large gaps exist in the understanding of the characteristics of these patients. We studied clinical and epidemiological characteristics of AFI patients and factors associated with delayed recovery from AFI. Methods We performed a secondary data analysis using data from the Early DENgue infection and outcome (EDEN) study on 2046 adult patients presenting at 5 Singapore polyclinics between December 2007 and February 2013 with a history of fever (≥38 °C) for less than 72 h. We used an accelerated failure time model to investigate factors associated with delayed recovery from AFI. Results The mean age of patients was 36.6 years, 65 % were male, 51 % were of Chinese ethnicity, and 75 % lived in public housing. Median illness duration was 5 days (interquartile range, 3–7). In multivariable analysis, the unemployed and white collar workers had longer illness duration compared with blue collar workers (time ratio (TR), 1.10; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.03–1.17 and TR, 1.08; 95 % CI, 1.02–1.15, respectively). Patients with more symptoms at initial consultation had slower recovery (TR, 1.03 per additional symptom; 95 % CI, 1.02–1.03). Other clinical factors were also associated with longer duration of illness, including use of analgesics (TR, 1.21; 95 % CI, 1.15–1.28); use of cough medicines (TR, 1.14; 95 % CI, 1.08–1.20); use of antibiotics (TR, 1.14; 95 % CI, 1.07–1.21); and hospitalization (TR, 1.59; 95 % CI, 1.39–1.82). Compared to patients with normal WBC count at first consultation, those with low WBC count had slower recovery (TR, 1.14; 95 % CI, 1.07–1.21), while the reverse was observed among patients with high WBC count (TR, 0.94; 95 % CI, 0.88–1.00). Conclusions Differences in illness duration among different types of employment may reflect differences in their underlying general health status. Early identification of factors delaying recovery could help triage management in a primary care setting. In-depth characterization of fever etiology in Singapore will improve surveillance and control activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaw Myo Tun
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.
| | - Mahesh Moorthy
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Martin Linster
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Cf Su
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Richard James Coker
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
| | - Eng Eong Ooi
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Jenny Guek-Hong Low
- Department of Infectious Disease, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore, 169608, Singapore
| | - Gavin J D Smith
- Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, 169857, Singapore
| | - Clarence C Tam
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Tahir Foundation Building, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore, 117549, Singapore.,London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, UK
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Watthanaworawit W, Kolakowska E, Hanboonkunupakarn B, Ling C, McGready R. Scrub typhus infection in pregnancy: the dilemma of diagnosis and treatment in a resource-limited setting. Clin Case Rep 2016; 4:584-8. [PMID: 27398202 PMCID: PMC4891484 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To save the life of both mother and fetus, the risks and benefits of the few antibiotics considered effective in the treatment of severe scrub typhus require consideration. In this case, chloramphenicol treatment averted maternal but not fetal mortality. Evidence‐based guidelines appropriate for resource‐limited endemic areas are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University Mae Sot Thailand
| | - Edyta Kolakowska
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University Mae Sot Thailand
| | - Borimas Hanboonkunupakarn
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University Bangkok Thailand
| | - Clare Ling
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University Mae Sot Thailand
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit Faculty of Tropical Medicine Mahidol University Mae Sot Thailand; Centre for Tropical Medicine Nuffield Department of Medicine University of Oxford Oxford UK
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The Aetiologies and Impact of Fever in Pregnant Inpatients in Vientiane, Laos. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2016; 10:e0004577. [PMID: 27050192 PMCID: PMC4822858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0004577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Laos has the highest maternal mortality ratio in mainland Southeast Asia and a high incidence of infectious diseases. Globally, malaria has been the pathogen most intensively investigated in relation to impact on pregnancy, but there has been relatively little research on the aetiology and impact of other diseases. We therefore aimed to determine the causes and impact of fever in pregnant women admitted to two central hospitals in Vientiane City, Lao PDR (Laos). MATERIALS AND METHODS This hospital-based prospective study was conducted in Mahosot Hospital and the Mother and Child Hospital, Vientiane, between 2006 and 2010, with the aim to recruit 250 consenting pregnant women admitted with tympanic temperature ≥37.5°C. Primary outcome was the cause of fever and secondary outcomes were pregnancy outcomes. Specific investigations (culture, antigen, molecular and serological tests) were performed to investigate causes of fever. After discharge, all pregnant women were asked to return for review and convalescence serum on day 10-14 and were monitored until delivery. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS 250 pregnant women were recruited to this study between February 2006 and November 2010. Fifty percent were pregnant for the first time. Their median (range) gestational age on admission was 24 (4-43) weeks. The median (range) tympanic admission temperature was 38.5°C (37.5-40.5°C). Fifteen percent of patients stated that they had taken antibiotics before admission. Headache, myalgia, back pain and arthralgia were described by >60% of patients and 149 (60%) were given a laboratory diagnosis. Of those with confirmed diagnoses, 132 (53%) had a single disease and 17 (7%) had apparent mixed diseases. Among those who had a single disease, dengue fever was the most common diagnosis, followed by pyelonephritis, scrub typhus, murine typhus and typhoid. Patients were also diagnosed with tuberculosis, appendicitis, Staphylococcus aureus septicemia, leptospirosis, Japanese encephalitis virus infection and Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Severe consequences, including maternal death, miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight and preterm birth, were found among 28 (78%) mothers with dengue fever, rickettsioses and typhoid. CONCLUSION Fevers other than malaria, such as dengue, pyelonephritis, rickettsioses and typhoid are common causes of fever during pregnancy in the Asian tropics. Further investigations of their impact in the community on maternal death, fetal loss, vertical transmission, low birth weight and preterm birth are needed.
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Alp E, Erdem H, Rello J. Management of septic shock and severe infections in migrants and returning travelers requiring critical care. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 2016; 35:527-33. [PMID: 26825315 PMCID: PMC7088366 DOI: 10.1007/s10096-016-2575-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade, global human movement created a virtually "borderless world". Consequently, the developed world is facing "forgotten" and now imported infectious diseases. Many infections are observed upon travel and migration, and the clinical spectrum is diverse, ranging from asymptomatic infection to severe septic shock. The severity of infection depends on the etiology and timeliness of diagnosis. While assessing the etiology of severe infection in travelers and migrants, it is important to acquire a detailed clinical history; geography, dates of travel, places visited, type of transportation, lay-overs and intermediate stops, potential exposure to exotic diseases, and activities that were undertaken during travelling and prophylaxis and vaccines either taken or not before travel are all important parameters. Tuberculosis, malaria, pneumonia, visceral leishmaniasis, enteric fever and hemorrhagic fever are the most common etiologies in severely infected travelers and migrants. The management of severe sepsis and septic shock in migrants and returning travelers requires a systematic approach in the evaluation of these patients based on travel history. Early and broad-spectrum therapy is recommended for the management of septic shock comprising broad spectrum antibiotics, source control, fluid therapy and hemodynamic support, corticosteroids, tight glycemic control, and organ support and monitoring. We here review the diagnostic and therapeutic routing of severely ill travelers and migrants, stratified by the nature of the infectious agents most often encountered among them.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Alp
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
| | - H Erdem
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey
| | - J Rello
- Critical Care Department, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, CIBERES, Universitat Autonma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Cross R, Ling C, Day NPJ, McGready R, Paris DH. Revisiting doxycycline in pregnancy and early childhood--time to rebuild its reputation? Expert Opin Drug Saf 2016; 15:367-82. [PMID: 26680308 PMCID: PMC4898140 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2016.1133584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Doxycycline is highly effective, inexpensive with a broad therapeutic spectrum and exceptional bioavailability. However these benefits have been overshadowed by its classification alongside the tetracyclines – class D drugs, contraindicated in pregnancy and in children under 8 years of age. Doxycycline-treatable diseases are emerging as leading causes of undifferentiated febrile illness in Southeast Asia. For example scrub typhus and murine typhus have an unusually severe impact on pregnancy outcomes, and current mortality rates for scrub typhus reach 12-13% in India and Thailand. The emerging evidence for these important doxycycline-treatable diseases prompted us to revisit doxycycline usage in pregnancy and childhood. Areas Covered: A systematic review of the available literature on doxycycline use in pregnant women and children revealed a safety profile of doxycycline that differed significantly from that of tetracycline; no correlation between the use of doxycycline and teratogenic effects during pregnancy or dental staining in children was found. Expert Opinion: The change of the US FDA pregnancy classification scheme to an evidence-based approach will enable adequate evaluation of doxycycline in common tropical illnesses and in vulnerable populations in clinical treatment trials, dosage-optimization pharmacokinetic studies and for the empirical treatment of undifferentiated febrile illnesses, especially in pregnant women and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Cross
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Mae Sot , Tak , Thailand
| | - Clare Ling
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Mae Sot , Tak , Thailand.,b Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand
| | - Nicholas P J Day
- b Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand.,c Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Rose McGready
- a Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Mae Sot , Tak , Thailand.,b Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand.,c Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Daniel H Paris
- b Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine , Mahidol University , Bangkok , Thailand.,c Centre for Tropical Medicine & Global Health, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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Anchang-Kimbi JK, Nkweti VN, Ntonifor HN, Apinjoh TO, Tata RB, Chi HF, Achidi EA. Plasmodium falciparum parasitaemia and malaria among pregnant women at first clinic visit in the mount Cameroon Area. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:439. [PMID: 26494140 PMCID: PMC4619095 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1211-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant women in malaria endemic areas are at high risk of P. falciparum infection and its complications. This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for P. falciparum infection and malaria among pregnant women reporting for first antenatal care (ANC) clinic visit in the mount Cameroon area. Methods Venous blood samples from consented pregnant women were screened for malaria parasitaemia by light microscopy. Haemoglobin levels, white blood cell (WBC) counts, lymphocyte counts and percentage were determined using an automated haematology analyser. Socio-demographic/economic data, environmental factors and use of malaria control measures were documented. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used. Results Sixty-eight (22.4 %; N = 303) of the women enrolled were positive for P. falciparum parasitaemia. Malaria parasitaemia was significantly (P < 0.001) associated with febrile illness. The overall prevalence of malaria and asymptomatic infection was 16.0 % (95 % CI = 11-20 %) and 10.5 % (95 % CI = 7.3-15 %) respectively. A greater proportion of the malaria cases (61 %) reported at the clinic during unscheduled days meanwhile women with asymptomatic parasitaemia mostly (92.8 %) seek for ANC during scheduled clinic days. Lower lymphocyte percentage was significantly associated with increase parasite density (r = − 0.34; P = 0.011) and febrile status (MU = 2.46; P = 0.014). While age and gravidity were significant factors associated with P. falciparum infection and/or malaria, the presence of bush and/or standing water around human residence was an independent risk factor of P. falciparum parasitaemia (OR = 3.3: 95 % CI = 1.6 – 7.0; P = 0.002) and malaria ( OR = 5.2: 95 % CI = 2.0 – 14; P = 0.001). Being unmarried was significantly associated with increase risk (OR = 2.6:95 % CI = 1.1 – 6.0; P = 0.032) of P. falciparum parasitaemia. Similarly, single women (938) had a significantly higher (t = 2.70; P = 0.009) geometric mean parasite density (GMPD) compared with married women (338). Conclusion Marital status and human residence in areas with bushes and/or standing water modify risk of P. falciparum infection and malaria. Education on early ANC attendance and environmental sanitation are important public health targets for malaria control in pregnancy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vera Ngenwie Nkweti
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, University of Buea, Buea, 63, Cameroon.
| | - Helen Ngum Ntonifor
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Cameroon.
| | - Tobias O Apinjoh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, 63, Cameroon.
| | - Rolland Bantar Tata
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, 63, Cameroon.
| | - Hanesh Fru Chi
- Department of Molecular Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, 63, Cameroon.
| | - Eric Akum Achidi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, 63, Cameroon.
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Watthanaworawit W, Turner P, Turner C, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Jintaworn S, Hanboonkunupakarn B, Richards AL, Day NPJ, Blacksell SD, Nosten F. Diagnostic Accuracy Assessment of Immunochromatographic Tests for the Rapid Detection of Antibodies Against Orientia tsutsugamushi Using Paired Acute and Convalescent Specimens. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:1168-1171. [PMID: 26458778 PMCID: PMC4674230 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of two immunochromatographic tests (ICTs), the Access Bio CareStart Scrub Typhus test (Somerset, NJ) (IgM), and the SD BIOLINE Tsutsugamushi test (Kyonggi-do, Republic of Korea) (IgG, IgM, or IgA) compared with indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) and real-time PCR results as reference tests using 86 paired acute and convalescent specimens from febrile patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the CareStart test were 23.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.8–38.6) and 81.4% (95% CI: 66.6–91.6), respectively, for acute specimens and 32.6% (95% CI: 19.1–48.5) and 79.1% (95% CI: 64.0–90.0), respectively, for convalescent specimens. For the SD BIOLINE test, sensitivity and specificity were 20.9% (95% CI: 10.0–36.0) and 74.4% (95% CI: 58.8–86.5), respectively, for acute specimens and 76.7% (95% CI: 61.4–88.2) and 76.7% (95% CI: 61.4–88.2), respectively, for convalescent specimens. The poor sensitivity obtained for both ICTs during this study when performed on acute specimens highlights the difficulties in prompt diagnosis of scrub typhus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- *Address correspondence to Wanitda Watthanaworawit, Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, 68/30 Ban Toong Road, Mae Sot, Tak 63110, Thailand. E-mail:
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Fellmeth G, Plugge E, Paw MK, Charunwatthana P, Nosten F, McGready R. Pregnant migrant and refugee women's perceptions of mental illness on the Thai-Myanmar border: a qualitative study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2015; 15:93. [PMID: 25884681 PMCID: PMC4464696 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-015-0517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mental illness is a significant contributor to the global burden of disease, with prevalence highest in low- and middle-income countries. Rates are high in women of childbearing age, especially during pregnancy and the first year post-partum. Migrant and refugee populations are at risk of developing mental illness due to the multiple stressors associated with migration. The Thai-Myanmar border area is home to large populations of migrants and refugees as a result of long-standing conflict, poverty and unemployment in Myanmar. This study aims to explore perceptions of mental illness among pregnant migrants and refugees and antenatal clinic staff living and working along the Thai-Myanmar border. Methods Thirteen focus group discussions were conducted with pregnant migrants, pregnant refugees and antenatal clinic staff. Focus groups were held in one large refugee camp and two migrant health clinics along the Thai-Myanmar border. Thematic analysis was used to identify and code themes emerging from the data. Results A total of 92 pregnant women and 24 antenatal clinic staff participated. Discussions centered around five main themes: symptoms of mental illness; causes of mental illness; suicide; mental illness during pregnancy and the post-partum period; and managing mental illness. Symptoms of mental illness included emotional disturbances, somatic symptoms and socially inappropriate behavior. The main causes were described as current economic and family-related difficulties. Suicide was frequently attributed to shame. Mental illness was thought to be more common during and following pregnancy due to a lack of family support and worries about the future. Talking to family and friends, medication and hospitalization were suggested as means of helping those suffering from mental illness. Conclusions Mental illness was recognized as a concept by the majority of participants and there was a general willingness to discuss various aspects of it. More formal and systematic training including the development of assessment tools in the local languages would enable better ascertainment and treatment of mental illness in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracia Fellmeth
- Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK.
| | - Emma Plugge
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine Research Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK.
| | - Moo Kho Paw
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand.
| | - Prakaykaew Charunwatthana
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand. .,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Thailand. .,Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. .,Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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McGready R, Prakash JAJ, Benjamin SJ, Watthanaworawit W, Anantatat T, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Ling CL, Tan SO, Ashley EA, Pimanpanarak M, Blacksell SD, Day NP, Singhasivanon P, White NJ, Nosten F, Paris DH. Pregnancy outcome in relation to treatment of murine typhus and scrub typhus infection: a fever cohort and a case series analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2014; 8:e3327. [PMID: 25412503 PMCID: PMC4238995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 10/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a paucity of published reports on pregnancy outcome following scrub and murine typhus despite these infections being leading causes of undifferentiated fever in Asia. This study aimed to relate pregnancy outcome with treatment of typhus. Methodology/Principal Findings Data were analyzed from: i) pregnant women with a diagnosis of scrub and/or murine typhus from a fever cohort studies; ii) case series of published studies in PubMed using the search terms “scrub typhus” (ST), “murine typhus” (MT), “Orientia tsutsugamushi”, “Rickettsia tsutsugamushi”, “Rickettsia typhi”, “rickettsiae”, “typhus”, or “rickettsiosis”; and “pregnancy”, until February 2014 and iii) an unpublished case series. Fever clearance time (FCT) and pregnancy outcome (miscarriage and delivery) were compared to treatment. Poor neonatal outcome was a composite measure for pregnancies sustained to 28 weeks or more of gestation ending in stillbirth, preterm birth, or delivery of a growth restricted or low birth weight newborn. Results There were 26 women in the fever cohort. MT and ST were clinically indistinguishable apart from two ST patients with eschars. FCTs (median [range] hours) were 25 [16–42] for azithromycin (n = 5), 34 [20–53] for antimalarials (n = 5) and 92 [6–260] for other antibiotics/supportive therapy (n = 16). There were 36.4% (8/22) with a poor neonatal outcome. In 18 years, 97 pregnancies were collated, 82 with known outcomes, including two maternal deaths. Proportions of miscarriage 17.3% (14/81) and poor neonatal outcomes 41.8% (28/67) were high, increasing with longer FCTs (p = 0.050, linear trend). Use of azithromycin was not significantly associated with improved neonatal outcomes (p = 0.610) Conclusion The published ST and MT world literature amounts to less than 100 pregnancies due to under recognition and under diagnosis. Evidence supporting the most commonly used treatment, azithromycin, is weak. Collaborative, prospective clinical trials in pregnant women are urgently required to reduce the burden of adverse maternal and newborn outcomes and to determine the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial treatment. Typhus is an under-recognised and under-studied public health problem in Asia. In rural areas of Southeast Asia murine and scrub typhus are probably the most common treatable cause of fever. The estimated number of scrub typhus cases in Southeast Asia, more than 1 million yearly, results in approximately 50–80,000 deaths per year. Treatment delays due to lack of appropriate diagnostics and lack of awareness lead to a substantial health and economic impact in the one of the world's most densely populated regions. Only 97 cases in pregnancy are available from the published world literature over the past 18 years. Only 82 of these had known outcomes, including two maternal deaths. The proportion of poor neonatal outcome including stillbirth, prematurity and low birth weight was high occurring in more than 40% of pregnancies, and higher when the fever clearance time was longer. While poor neonatal outcomes were observed with all antibiotics prescribed, azithromycin appeared to be associated with shorter fever clearance times but this was not statistically significant. Evidence to support the use of azithromycin is weak. The correct antimicrobial or combination for undifferentiated fever in pregnant women in Southeast Asia is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - John Antony Jude Prakash
- Immunology Laboratories, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Santosh Joseph Benjamin
- Immunology Laboratories, Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Tippawan Anantatat
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Clare L. Ling
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Saw Oo Tan
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Elizabeth A. Ashley
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mupawjay Pimanpanarak
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Stuart D. Blacksell
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas P. Day
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pratap Singhasivanon
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nicholas J. White
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - François Nosten
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel H. Paris
- Centre for Tropical Medicine, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Undiagnosed undifferentiated fever in Far North Queensland, Australia: a retrospective study. Int J Infect Dis 2014; 27:59-64. [PMID: 25173425 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2014.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Revised: 05/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the causes of acute undifferentiated fever (AUF) and to develop a robust definition of undiagnosed undifferentiated fever (UUDF). METHODS This was a retrospective study of AUF over 3 years (2008-2011) in an Australian tertiary hospital. Request for laboratory investigation of one or more infectious agents was used as the search tool. RESULTS A total of 340 patients with AUF, aged 15-65 years, were identified over the study period. A final diagnosis was made in 147 (43.2%) patients, dengue fever being the most frequent. The aetiology of fever was not determined in 193 (56.8%) patients. Elevations of C-reactive protein (CRP) and hepatic aminotransferase levels were common in these patients; two patients died. The characteristics of UUDF were fever for ≤21 days and failure to reach a diagnosis after clinical evaluation and specific laboratory investigations. CONCLUSION The high burden of UUDF argues for a better diagnostic approach to fever that is capable of identifying a broad range of infectious agents.
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Aung AK, Spelman DW, Murray RJ, Graves S. Rickettsial infections in Southeast Asia: implications for local populace and febrile returned travelers. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2014; 91:451-60. [PMID: 24957537 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.14-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Rickettsial infections represent a major cause of non-malarial febrile illnesses among the residents of Southeast Asia and returned travelers from that region. There are several challenges in recognition, diagnosis, and management of rickettsioses endemic to Southeast Asia. This review focuses on the prevalent rickettsial infections, namely, murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi), scrub typhus (Orientia tsutsugamushi), and members of spotted fever group rickettsiae. Information on epidemiology and regional variance in the prevalence of rickettsial infections is analyzed. Clinical characteristics of main groups of rickettsioses, unusual presentations, and common pitfalls in diagnosis are further discussed. In particular, relevant epidemiologic and clinical aspects on emerging spotted fever group rickettsiae in the region, such as Rickettsia honei, R. felis, R. japonica, and R. helvetica, are presented. Furthermore, challenges in laboratory diagnosis and management aspects of rickettsial infections unique to Southeast Asia are discussed, and data on emerging resistance to antimicrobial drugs and treatment/prevention options are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ar Kar Aung
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory Foundation, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; New South Wales Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Denis W Spelman
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory Foundation, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; New South Wales Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ronan J Murray
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory Foundation, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; New South Wales Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen Graves
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology and Pathwest Laboratory Medicine, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory Foundation, Geelong Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia; New South Wales Health Pathology, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Mueller TC, Siv S, Khim N, Kim S, Fleischmann E, Ariey F, Buchy P, Guillard B, González IJ, Christophel EM, Abdur R, von Sonnenburg F, Bell D, Menard D. Acute undifferentiated febrile illness in rural Cambodia: a 3-year prospective observational study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95868. [PMID: 24755844 PMCID: PMC3995936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, malaria control has been successfully implemented in Cambodia, leading to a substantial decrease in reported cases. Wide-spread use of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has revealed a large burden of malaria-negative fever cases, for which no clinical management guidelines exist at peripheral level health facilities. As a first step towards developing such guidelines, a 3-year cross-sectional prospective observational study was designed to investigate the causes of acute malaria-negative febrile illness in Cambodia. From January 2008 to December 2010, 1193 febrile patients and 282 non-febrile individuals were recruited from three health centers in eastern and western Cambodia. Malaria RDTs and routine clinical examination were performed on site by health center staff. Venous samples and nasopharyngeal throat swabs were collected and analysed by molecular diagnostic tests. Blood cultures and blood smears were also taken from all febrile individuals. Molecular testing was applied for malaria parasites, Leptospira, Rickettsia, O. tsutsugamushi, Dengue- and Influenza virus. At least one pathogen was identified in 73.3% (874/1193) of febrile patient samples. Most frequent pathogens detected were P. vivax (33.4%), P. falciparum (26.5%), pathogenic Leptospira (9.4%), Influenza viruses (8.9%), Dengue viruses (6.3%), O. tsutsugamushi (3.9%), Rickettsia (0.2%), and P. knowlesi (0.1%). In the control group, a potential pathogen was identified in 40.4%, most commonly malaria parasites and Leptospira. Clinic-based diagnosis of malaria RDT-negative cases was poorly predictive for pathogen and appropriate treatment. Additional investigations are needed to understand their impact on clinical disease and epidemiology, and the possible role of therapies such as doxycycline, since many of these pathogens were seen in non-febrile subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara C. Mueller
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sovannaroth Siv
- National Center for Parasitology, Entomology, and Malaria Control, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Nimol Khim
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Saorin Kim
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Erna Fleischmann
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frédéric Ariey
- Parasitology and Mycology Department, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Buchy
- Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Bertrand Guillard
- Medical Laboratory, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Iveth J. González
- Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Frank von Sonnenburg
- Department of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - David Bell
- Intellectual Ventures Laboratory, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Didier Menard
- Malaria Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Institut Pasteur in Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
- * E-mail:
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Mahajan SK, Kaushik M, Raina R, Thakur P. Scrub typhus and malaria co-infection causing severe sepsis. Trop Doct 2013; 44:43-5. [PMID: 24249027 DOI: 10.1177/0049475513512640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of dual infection of scrub typhus and malaria in a 48-year-old woman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay K Mahajan
- Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, IG Medical College, Shimla (HP), India
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Watthanaworawit W, Turner P, Turner C, Tanganuchitcharnchai A, Richards AL, Bourzac KM, Blacksell SD, Nosten F. A prospective evaluation of real-time PCR assays for the detection of Orientia tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia spp. for early diagnosis of rickettsial infections during the acute phase of undifferentiated febrile illness. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2013; 89:308-310. [PMID: 23732256 PMCID: PMC3741253 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.12-0600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
One hundred and eighty febrile patients were analyzed in a prospective evaluation of Orientia tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia spp. real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for early diagnosis of rickettsial infections. By paired serology, 3.9% (7 of 180) and 6.1% (11 of 180) of patients were confirmed to have acute scrub or murine typhus, respectively. The PCR assays for the detection of O. tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia spp. had high specificity (99.4% [95% confidence interval (CI): 96.8-100] and 100% [95% CI: 97.8-100], respectively). The PCR results were also compared with immunoglobulin M (IgM) immunofluorescence assay (IFA) on acute sera. For O. tsutsugamushi, PCR sensitivity was twice that of acute specimen IgM IFA (28.6% versus 14.3%; McNemar's P = 0.3). For Rickettsia spp., PCR was four times as sensitive as acute specimen IgM IFA (36.4% versus 9.1%; P = 0.08), although this was not statistically significant. Whole blood and buffy coat, but not serum, were acceptable specimens for these PCRs. Further evaluation of these assays in a larger prospective study is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanitda Watthanaworawit
- *Address correspondence to Wanitda Watthanaworawit, Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, 68/30 Ban Toong Road, Mae Sot, Tak 63110, Thailand. E-mail:
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Mbonye AK, Birungi J, Yanow S, Magnussen P. Prescription patterns and drug use among pregnant women with febrile Illnesses in Uganda: a survey in out-patient clinics. BMC Infect Dis 2013; 13:237. [PMID: 23702003 PMCID: PMC3668983 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-13-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria is a public health problem in Uganda; affecting mainly women and children. Effective treatment has been hampered by over-diagnosis and over-treatment with anti-malarial drugs among patients presenting with fever. In order to understand the effect of drug pressure on sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in pregnancy, a sample of pregnant women presenting with fever in out-patient clinics was studied. The main objective was to assess prescription patterns and drug use in pregnancy especially SP; and draw implications on the efficacy of SP for intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). METHODS A total of 998 pregnant women with a history of fever were interviewed and blood samples taken for diagnosis of malaria and HIV infections. Data were captured on the drugs prescribed for the current febrile episode and previous use of drugs especially SP, anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) and cotrimoxazole. RESULTS Few pregnant women, 128 (12.8%) were parasitaemic for P.falciparum; and of these, 72 (56.3%) received first-line treatment with Artemether-lumefantrine (Coartem®) 14 (10.9%) SP and 33 (25.8%) quinine. Of the parasite negative patients (non-malarial fevers), 186 (21.4%) received Coartem, 423 (48.6%) SP and 19 (2.1%) cotrimoxazole. Overall, malaria was appropriately treated in 35.5% of cases. Almost all febrile pregnant women, 91.1%, were sleeping under a mosquito net. The majority of them, 911 (91.3%), accepted to have an HIV test done and 92 (9.2%) were HIV positive. Of the HIV positive women, 23 (25.0%) were on ARVs, 10 (10.9%) on cotrimoxazole and 30 (32.6%) on SP. A significant proportion of women, 40 (43.5%), were on both SP and cotrimoxazole. Age and occupation were associated with diagnosis and treatment of malaria and HIV infections. CONCLUSION There is inappropriate treatment of malaria and non-malarial fevers among pregnant women in these facilities. This is due to non-adherence to the guidelines. Over-prescription and use of anti-malarial drugs, especially SP may have implications on resistance against SP for malaria prevention in pregnancy. The policy implications of these findings are to evaluate SP efficacy as IPTp; and the need to enforce adherence to the current clinical treatment guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony K Mbonye
- School of Public Health, Makerere University and Commissioner Health Services, Ministry of Health, Box 7272, Kampala, Uganda.
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Mapping the aetiology of non-malarial febrile illness in Southeast Asia through a systematic review--terra incognita impairing treatment policies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e44269. [PMID: 22970193 PMCID: PMC3435412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0044269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background An increasing use of point of care diagnostic tests that exclude malaria, coupled with a declining malaria burden in many endemic countries, is highlighting the lack of ability of many health systems to manage other causes of febrile disease. A lack of knowledge of distribution of these pathogens, and a lack of screening and point-of-care diagnostics to identify them, prevents effective management of these generally treatable contributors to disease burden. While prospective data collection is vital, an untapped body of knowledge already exists in the published health literature. Methods Focusing on the Mekong region of Southeast Asia, published data from 1986 to 2011 was screened to for frequency of isolation of pathogens implicated in aetiology of non-malarial febrile illness. Eligibility criteria included English-language peer-reviewed studies recording major pathogens for which specific management is likely to be warranted. Of 1,252 identified papers, 146 met inclusion criteria and were analyzed and data mapped. Results Data tended to be clustered around specific areas where research institutions operate, and where resources to conduct studies are greater. The most frequently reported pathogen was dengue virus (n = 70), followed by Orientia tsutsugamushi and Rickettsia species (scrub typhus/murine typhus/spotted fever group n = 58), Leptospira spp. (n = 35), Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi and Paratyphi (enteric fever n = 24), Burkholderia pseudomallei (melioidosis n = 14), and Japanese encephalitis virus (n = 18). Wide tracts with very little published data on aetiology of fever are apparent. Discussion and Conclusions This mapping demonstrates a very heterogeneous distribution of information on the causes of fever in the Mekong countries. Further directed data collection to address gaps in the evidence-base, and expansion to a global database of pathogen distribution, is readily achievable, and would help define wider priorities for research and development to improve syndromic management of fever, prioritize diagnostic development, and guide empirical therapy.
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McGready R, Boel M, Rijken MJ, Ashley EA, Cho T, Moo O, Paw MK, Pimanpanarak M, Hkirijareon L, Carrara VI, Lwin KM, Phyo AP, Turner C, Chu CS, van Vugt M, Price RN, Luxemburger C, ter Kuile FO, Tan SO, Proux S, Singhasivanon P, White NJ, Nosten FH. Effect of early detection and treatment on malaria related maternal mortality on the north-western border of Thailand 1986-2010. PLoS One 2012; 7:e40244. [PMID: 22815732 PMCID: PMC3399834 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0040244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Maternal mortality is high in developing countries, but there are few data in high-risk groups such as migrants and refugees in malaria-endemic areas. Trends in maternal mortality were followed over 25 years in antenatal clinics prospectively established in an area with low seasonal transmission on the north-western border of Thailand. METHODS AND FINDINGS All medical records from women who attended the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit antenatal clinics from 12(th) May 1986 to 31(st) December 2010 were reviewed, and maternal death records were analyzed for causality. There were 71 pregnancy-related deaths recorded amongst 50,981 women who attended antenatal care at least once. Three were suicide and excluded from the analysis as incidental deaths. The estimated maternal mortality ratio (MMR) overall was 184 (95%CI 150-230) per 100,000 live births. In camps for displaced persons there has been a six-fold decline in the MMR from 499 (95%CI 200-780) in 1986-90 to 79 (40-170) in 2006-10, p<0.05. In migrants from adjacent Myanmar the decline in MMR was less significant: 588 (100-3260) to 252 (150-430) from 1996-2000 to 2006-2010. Mortality from P. falciparum malaria in pregnancy dropped sharply with the introduction of systematic screening and treatment and continued to decline with the reduction in the incidence of malaria in the communities. P. vivax was not a cause of maternal death in this population. Infection (non-puerperal sepsis and P. falciparum malaria) accounted for 39.7 (27/68) % of all deaths. CONCLUSIONS Frequent antenatal clinic screening allows early detection and treatment of falciparum malaria and substantially reduces maternal mortality from P. falciparum malaria. No significant decline has been observed in deaths from sepsis or other causes in refugee and migrant women on the Thai-Myanmar border.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose McGready
- Obstetric Department, Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mae Sot, Thailand.
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Dengue infection and miscarriage: a prospective case control study. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2012; 6:e1637. [PMID: 22590658 PMCID: PMC3348154 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0001637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito borne infection worldwide. Vertical transmissions after maternal dengue infection to the fetus and pregnancy losses in relation to dengue illness have been reported. The relationship of dengue to miscarriage is not known. Method We aimed to establish the relationship of recent dengue infection and miscarriage. Women who presented with miscarriage (up to 22 weeks gestation) to our hospital were approached to participate in the study. For each case of miscarriage, we recruited 3 controls with viable pregnancies at a similar gestation. A brief questionnaire on recent febrile illness and prior dengue infection was answered. Blood was drawn from participants, processed and the frozen serum was stored. Stored sera were thawed and then tested in batches with dengue specific IgM capture ELISA, dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen and dengue specific IgG ELISA tests. Controls remained in the analysis if their pregnancies continued beyond 22 weeks gestation. Tests were run on 116 case and 341 control sera. One case (a misdiagnosed viable early pregnancy) plus 45 controls (39 lost to follow up and six subsequent late miscarriages) were excluded from analysis. Findings Dengue specific IgM or dengue NS1 antigen (indicating recent dengue infection) was positive in 6/115 (5·2%) cases and 5/296 (1·7%) controls RR 3·1 (95% CI 1·0–10) P = 0·047. Maternal age, gestational age, parity and ethnicity were dissimilar between cases and controls. After adjustments for these factors, recent dengue infection remained significantly more frequently detected in cases than controls (AOR 4·2 95% CI 1·2–14 P = 0·023). Interpretation Recent dengue infections were more frequently detected in women presenting with miscarriage than in controls whose pregnancies were viable. After adjustments for confounders, the positive association remained. Dengue is the most prevalent mosquito-borne infection with two billion of the world's population at risk and 100 million infections every year. Dengue is increasingly important due to expansion in the vector's range, increased population density in endemic areas from urbanisation, social and environment change. Miscarriage and stillbirth is associated with dengue when the illness is severe. Dengue can also be transmitted directly from the ill mother through the placenta to the fetus in later pregnancy with variable effect to the fetus. However, dengue infection is asymptomatic to mild only in almost 90% of cases and up to 20% of pregnancies miscarry. Little is known if dengue infection in early pregnancy particularly when it is asymptomatic or mild has an effect on miscarriage. Our study explored the relationship between dengue and miscarriage by looking at recent infection rates amongst women who had miscarried and those whose pregnancies were healthy in an area were dengue is common. Our study finds a positive association between recent dengue infection and miscarriage. This finding may be important in explaining some of the miscarriages in areas where dengue is common. It is also relevant to newly pregnant women from non-dengue travelling to dengue endemic areas.
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Wiwanitkit V. Atypical lymphocytosis in leptospirosis. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop 2012; 45:276-7. [PMID: 22535010 DOI: 10.1590/s0037-86822012000200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Punjabi NH, Taylor WRJ, Murphy GS, Purwaningsih S, Picarima H, Sisson J, Olson JG, Baso S, Wangsasaputra F, Lesmana M, Oyofo BA, Simanjuntak CH, Subekti D, Corwin AL, Richie TL. Etiology of acute, non-malaria, febrile illnesses in Jayapura, northeastern Papua, Indonesia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2012; 86:46-51. [PMID: 22232450 PMCID: PMC3247108 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.2012.10-0497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We conducted a prospective, inpatient fever study in malaria-endemic Papua, Indonesia to determine non-malaria fever etiologies. Investigations included malaria blood films, blood culture, paired serologic samples analysis for dengue, Japanese encephalitis, leptospirosis, scrub typhus, murine typhus, and spotted fever group rickettsia. During 1997–2000, 226 patients (127 males and 99 females) 1–80 years of age (median age = 25 years) were enrolled. Positive blood cultures (n = 34, 15%) were obtained for Salmonella Typhi (n = 13), Escherichia coli (n = 8), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 6), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5), Streptococcus pyogenes (n = 1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 1). Twenty (8.8%) patients were positive for leptospirosis by polymerase chain reaction. Eighty (35.4%) of 226 patients had ≥ 1 positive serology, diagnostic for 15 rickettsial and 9 dengue cases. Acid-fast bacilli–positive sputum was obtained from three patients. Most common confirmed (81 of 226, 35.8%)/suspected diagnoses were typhoid fever (n = 41), pneumonia (n = 29), leptospirosis (n = 28), urinary tract infections (n = 20), rickettsioses (n = 19), dengue (n = 17), and meningitis/encephalitis (n = 15). There were 17 deaths, 7 (46.7%) were caused by meningitis/encephalitis. Multiple positive serologic results and few confirmed diagnoses indicate the need for improved diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narain H. Punjabi
- *Address correspondence to Narain H. Punjabi, SOS Medika Jalan Puri Sakti, 10 Cipete, Jakarta Selatan 12410, Indonesia. E-mail:
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