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Ricardo T, Bazán Domínguez LR, Beltramini L, Prieto Y, Montiel A, Margenet L, Schmeling MF, Chiani YT, Signorini ML, Previtali MA. Seroprevalence of Leptospira antibodies in dogs and cats from Santa Fe, a city in East-Central Argentina endemic for leptospirosis. Prev Vet Med 2024; 229:106239. [PMID: 38889485 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
This study examines household pets as potential epidemiological links between environments contaminated with pathogenic leptospires and humans in Santa Fe, Argentina. The aims of our study were: (a) to characterize the habits and exposure to environmental sources of leptospirosis in the population of dogs and cats attending to municipal spay and neutering campaigns in Santa Fe, Argentina, (b) to assess the seroprevalence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in asymptomatic dogs and cats, (c) to evaluate factors that could increase seropositivity, and (d) to identify spatial clusters of seropositive dogs and cats in the capital city of Santa Fe. From May to November 2022, a cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted during municipal spaying/neutering campaigns. Eligible household dogs and cats were over 6 months old, apparently healthy, and not vaccinated against leptospirosis in the past 6 months. We used microagglutination test (MAT) to assess anti-Leptospira antibodies using a panel of 10 reference strains. We used generalized linear mixed effects models (GLMM) to examine individual and census tract-level risk factors for seropositivity, and local Moran's I statistic for spatial clusters. Results showed higher leptospiral antibody prevalence in dogs (18.2 %) than cats (3.6 %, p = 0.002). Dogs with street access had higher likelihood of being seropositive (OR: 3.8, 95 % CI: 1.2; 11.9), and areas with chronic poverty showed an elevated risk of presenting seropositive animals (RR: 4.0, 95 % CI: 1.1; 14.4). Spatial analysis didn't reveal significant seropositivity clusters among census tracts. These findings shed light on widespread Leptospira seropositivity in pets in this endemic region. Understanding seroprevalence and risk factors can guide public and veterinary health strategies, emphasizing increased leptospirosis vaccination for dogs in vulnerable areas and promoting responsible pet care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina; Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ludmila R Bazán Domínguez
- Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucila Beltramini
- Instituto Municipal de Salud Animal (IMuSA), Gobierno de la Ciudad de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Yanina Prieto
- Instituto Municipal de Salud Animal (IMuSA), Gobierno de la Ciudad de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina; Centro de Investigación sobre Endemias Nacionales (CIEN), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas (FBCB), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Anahí Montiel
- Instituto Municipal de Salud Animal (IMuSA), Gobierno de la Ciudad de Santa Fe, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Leticia Margenet
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) "Dr. E. Coni", ANLIS "Dr. C.G. Malbrán", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Fernanda Schmeling
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) "Dr. E. Coni", ANLIS "Dr. C.G. Malbrán", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Yosena T Chiani
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) "Dr. E. Coni", ANLIS "Dr. C.G. Malbrán", Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Marcelo L Signorini
- Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina; Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina.
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Ricardo T, Azócar-Aedo LI, Previtali MA, Monti G. Seroprevalence of pathogenic Leptospira serogroups in asymptomatic domestic dogs and cats: systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1301959. [PMID: 38435371 PMCID: PMC10904519 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1301959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a neglected zoonotic disease transmitted by contact with the urine of animals infected with pathogenic species of the bacteria Leptospira or by contact with environments contaminated with the bacteria. Domestic dogs and cats may act as reservoirs or as sentinels of environmental contamination with leptospires, posing a public health concern. There is a great diversity of leptospires, and one common way to classify them is into serogroups that provide some information on the host species they are associated with. The aims of this study were: (1) to quantitatively summarize the overall prevalence and serogroup-specific prevalence of antibodies against pathogenic leptospires in asymptomatic dogs and cats and (2) to identify environmental and host characteristics that may affect the prevalence. Three electronic databases and the reference lists of eligible articles were screened, for epidemiological studies conducted between the years 2012-2022. We estimated overall and serogroup-specific prevalence using three-level meta-analysis models and assessed potential sources of heterogeneity by moderator analysis and meta-regression. Eighty-four studies met the inclusion criteria (dog studies 66.7%, cat studies 26.2%, and both species 7.1%). There were significant differences between dogs and cats in the overall prevalence model (P < 0.001), but not in the serogroup-specific model (P>0.05). In dogs, the prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Canicola was significantly higher than the other pathogenic serogroups (P < 0.001), while in cats there were no significant differences among serogroups (P = 0.373). Moderator analysis showed that the prevalence of L. kirschneri serogroup Grippotyphosa was significantly higher in stray/sheltered dogs than in domiciled dogs (P = 0.028). These results suggest that pathogenic serogroups associated with small mammals are circulating among asymptomatic pets and should be taken into account in the transmission cycle of leptospires, as well as in the standard MAT panel for diagnosis in dogs and cats. It also highlights the importance of including both dogs and cats as potential reservoirs when conducting eco-epidemiological studies in different geographical and ecological areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Lucía Isabel Azócar-Aedo
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Facultad de Ciencias de la Naturaleza, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede de la Patagonia, Puerto Montt, Chile
| | - María Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Dpto. de Ciencias Naturales, Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias (FHUC), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gustavo Monti
- Quantitative Veterinary Epidemiology Group, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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Chaudhary MN, Lim VC, Faller EM, Regmi P, Aryal N, Mohd Zain SN, Azman AS, Sahimin N. Assessing the basic knowledge and awareness of dengue fever prevention among migrant workers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297527. [PMID: 38300963 PMCID: PMC10833505 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297527] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, 390 million dengue virus infections occur per year. In Malaysia, migrant workers are particularly vulnerable to dengue fever (DF) due to mosquito breeding sites exposure and poor health literacy. Therefore, this study aimed to (i) assess the current DF knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP), and (ii) identify strategies to promote DF awareness, among migrant workers in Klang Valley. METHOD A survey was conducted with 403 Nepali, Filipino and Indonesian migrant workers through phone interviews and online self-administered questionnaires. Piecewise structural equation modelling was applied to identify predictor variables for DF KAP. RESULTS Most respondents were male, working in the services industry, had completed high school, aged between 30-39 years and with less than ten years work experience in Malaysia. Overall, respondents' knowledge was positively correlated with attitude but negatively with practices. Older respondents, who had completed higher education, obtained higher knowledge scores. Similarly, those with working experience of >20 years in Malaysia obtained higher attitude scores. Respondents with a previous history of DF strongly considered the removal of mosquito breeding sites as their own responsibility, hence tended to frequently practise DF preventive measures. Respondents' knowledge was also positively correlated to their understanding of DF information sourced from social media platforms. CONCLUSION These findings highlighted: (i) the need for targeted DF educational intervention among younger and newly arrived workers with lower levels of education and (ii) maximising the usage of social media platforms to improve DF public awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam N. Chaudhary
- School of Science, Monash University Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Voon-Ching Lim
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- National Primate Research Center of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Saraburi, Thailand
| | - Erwin Martinez Faller
- Pharmacy Department, School of Allied Health Sciences, San Pedro College, Davao City, Davao del Sur, Philippines
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Pramod Regmi
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Nirmal Aryal
- Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Norhidayu Sahimin
- Tropical Infectious Diseases Research and Education Centre (TIDREC), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Anand A, Sharma P, Sethuraman AR, Begum S, Anand V. Awareness and Practices Regarding Leptospirosis in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Union Territory of India. Cureus 2023; 15:e44305. [PMID: 37779778 PMCID: PMC10534269 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a worldwide prevalent zoonotic infection and re-emerging disease caused by the bacterium of genus Leptospira transmitted by infected animals in the environment. Andaman and Nicobar Islands has one of the highest incidence rates of leptospirosis in India with a seroprevalence of 52.7%. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding leptospirosis among the urban and rural populations of the Union Territory (UT) of India. Aim and objective This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding leptospirosis in a rural and an urban community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Materials and methods This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted at rural and urban field practice areas under the aegis of the Department of Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, for a period of three months. A semi-structured interview schedule was administered to 450 participants in community settings selected from a list of households obtained from the municipal council using a systematic random sampling method. All interviews were conducted face-to-face by the investigators to collect data on the sociodemographic variables of the study participants and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the disease. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY, USA). Results The knowledge and attitude regarding leptospirosis and henceforth the likelihood of individuals using preventive practices were evaluated. The majority of respondents (97%) had previously heard about leptospirosis; however, specific knowledge regarding its risk factors, causative agent, and complications was limited among the participants. Although more than 90% of them had a favorable attitude toward seeking treatment for the disease and adopting specific preventive measures and general hygiene, they did not practice these hygiene habits nor used self-protective equipment in their day-to-day lives. Less than 50% of participants wore protective clothing, boots, and gloves while cleaning cattle sheds, and only 40% of them used rodenticides despite the presence of rodents in their houses. Most of the owners (60%) had not vaccinated their pets. We also found a significant association between the male gender and urban residence with a good knowledge score (p=0.05). Conclusion Despite having knowledge of and a positive attitude toward the disease, the participants did not practice preventive measures. We recommend that health interventions in endemic communities should focus on the implementation of protective measures by raising awareness in the susceptible population on multiple dimensions of leptospirosis in order to attain and ensure better compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aanchal Anand
- Community and Family Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, IND
| | - Pragya Sharma
- Community Medicine, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, IND
| | - Ajay Raj Sethuraman
- Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, IND
| | - Sabaa Begum
- Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, IND
| | - Vanni Anand
- Community Medicine, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Institute of Medical Sciences (ANIIMS), Port Blair, IND
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Rathinam SR, Kohila GJ, Gowri PC, Balagiri KS. Leptospiral uveitis- "Transition 'from epidemic to endemic form" difficulties in laboratory confirmations. Indian J Ophthalmol 2023; 71:3031-3038. [PMID: 37530277 PMCID: PMC10538821 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_61_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Leptospirosis is a waterborne zoonotic disease that primarily causes systemic illness, followed by uveitis. After heavy flooding in Madurai district, an epidemic outbreak of systemic and ocular leptospirosis occurred in 1994. Our data shows a transition to endemicity after each epidemic. Aim The aim of this study is to report the clinical signs, epidemic outbreaks, and persistent endemicity of leptospiral uveitis, as well as the diagnostic dilemmas associated with it. Methods A retrospective analysis of clinical signs was conducted using medical records of leptospiral uveitis patients over a period of 27 years (1994-2020) in a tertiary care eye hospital. The clinical workup of uveitis included a detailed clinical history, systemic, and ophthalmic examination. Microagglutination tests (MATs) was done at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and later in our regional laboratory. Serum samples were collected from human systemic leptospirosis cases and a small group of animals in and around Madurai. Results The first epidemic outbreak resulted in 200 seropositive patients. Subsequent epidemic outbreaks occurred in 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2012, with Madurai experiencing multiple outbreaks. However, the disease remained endemic, with 25-50 patients being observed per year in between the peaks. Ocular examination revealed acute non-granulomatous uveitis (94.9%), pan uveitis (59.8%), vitreous inflammatory reaction (55.4%), retinal vasculitis (29.5%), disc hyperemia (20.9%), and hypopyon. (16.2%). New serovars emerged every year, resulting in decreased sensitivity of the MAT. Over time, the MAT started to miss diagnoses. Conclusion The persistent endemicity of leptospiral uveitis emphasizes the need for accessible diagnostic tests. The low performance of the MAT can be attributable to the use of an older panel. The incorporation of new isolates in the MAT by a national laboratory will improve the accuracy of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- SR. Rathinam
- Aravind Eye Hospital and PG. Institute of Ophthalmology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - G. Jeya Kohila
- Aravind Eye Hospital and PG. Institute of Ophthalmology, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - KS. Balagiri
- Biostatistics, Aravind Medical Research Foundation, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
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Alsaleh FM, Elzain M, Alsairafi ZK, Naser AY. Perceived Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) and Fear toward COVID-19 among Patients with Diabetes Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Kuwait. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20032369. [PMID: 36767736 PMCID: PMC9916070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess perceived fear and to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitude, and prevention practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 infection among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) attending primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in Kuwait. This will help evaluate gaps and provide appropriate support to limit the spread of COVID-19 infection in high-risk patients. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. All patients aged 18 years or older attending for follow-up or newly diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes were eligible to participate in the study. Patients waiting for their regular follow-up appointments at the PHCs were invited verbally to take part in the study. The study excluded patients under the age of 18 and those with significant cognitive or physical impairment that might interfere with independent self-care behavior. The questionnaire included 57 items. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS A total of 294 questionnaires were distributed to patients at PHCs in three health districts (Hawally, Capital, and Farwaniya) in Kuwait; 251 patients agreed to participate in the study, yielding a response rate of 85.4%. The study showed that most patients had moderate knowledge (71.1%) of COVID-19. The majority of correctly responded questions were about the mode of COVID-19 transmission, the most common clinical presentations, and at-risk people. On the other hand, 83.7% (n = 210) identified common cold symptoms (stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing) as COVID-19 symptoms. More than half of the patients (n = 146, 58.2%) were unable to identify uncommon COVID-19 symptoms, such as diarrhea and skin rash or discoloration. Most patients had a positive attitude (90.9%) and good prevention practices (83.6%). The overall fear score of the participating patients was 21.6 ± 6.5 (61.7%). CONCLUSIONS Regardless of the positive attitude and good preventive practices of the patients, they had moderate knowledge levels about COVID-19. This indicates that there are significant knowledge gaps that still need to be filled. Different strategies can be used for this purpose, such as social media and public information campaigns. Supporting psychological well-being is vital for at-risk patients during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemah M. Alsaleh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 12037, Kuwait
| | - Muna Elzain
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 12037, Kuwait
| | - Zahra K. Alsairafi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Kuwait City 12037, Kuwait
| | - Abdallah Y. Naser
- Department of Applied Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Isra University, Amman 11622, Jordan
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Multinational municipal waste collectors and leptospirosis prevention: Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, practices and the associated factors. CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cegh.2023.101235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
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Palma FAG, Costa F, Lustosa R, Mogaji HO, de Oliveira DS, Souza FN, Reis MG, Ko AI, Begon M, Khalil H. Why is leptospirosis hard to avoid for the impoverished? Deconstructing leptospirosis transmission risk and the drivers of knowledge, attitudes, and practices in a disadvantaged community in Salvador, Brazil. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000408. [PMID: 36962720 PMCID: PMC10022107 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have identified socioeconomic and environmental risk factors for infectious disease, but the relationship between these and knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), and more importantly their web of effects on individual infection risk, have not previously been evaluated. We conducted a cross-sectional KAP survey in an urban disadvantaged community in Salvador, Brazil, leveraging on simultaneously collected fine-scale environmental and epidemiological data on leptospirosis transmission. Residents' knowledge influenced their attitudes which influenced their practices. However, different KAP variables were driven by different socioeconomic and environmental factors; and while improved KAP variables reduced risk, there were additional effects of socioeconomic and environmental factors on risk. For example, males and those of lower socioeconomic status were at greater risk, but once we controlled for KAP, male gender and lower socioeconomic status themselves were not direct drivers of seropositivity. Employment was linked to better knowledge and a less contaminated environment, and hence lower risk, but being employed was independently associated with a higher, not lower risk of leptospirosis transmission, suggesting travel to work as a high risk activity. Our results show how such complex webs of influence can be disentangled. They indicate that public health messaging and interventions should take into account this complexity and prioritize factors that limit exposure and support appropriate prevention practices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federico Costa
- Federal University of Bahia, Salvador/Institute Health Collective, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Lustosa
- Federal University of Bahia, Salvador/Institute Health Collective, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Hammed O. Mogaji
- Federal University of Bahia, Salvador/Institute Health Collective, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Fábio Neves Souza
- Federal University of Bahia/Institute of Biology, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Instituto Gonçalo Moniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Ministério da Saúde, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Michael Begon
- Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour, The University of Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Hussein Khalil
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
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Palomares Velosa JE, Riaño Sánchez S, Martínez Marín A, Cediel Becerra NM. Prevention of exposure to zoonoses in rural Latin America: Social ecological factors in a diverse regional context. One Health 2022; 15:100444. [PMID: 36277084 PMCID: PMC9582569 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100444] [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: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic diseases have serious impacts on human health and well-being, but they are often overlooked in rural Latin America. The design of effective preventive interventions is complex and requires an integrative approach from evidence-based information analyzed through robust theoretical frameworks. We conducted a systematized literature review and qualitative framework-guided thematic analysis to identify social ecological factors affecting the prevention and exposure to zoonotic diseases. Although resources for research are limited in Latin America, we found several studies with relevant results. We extracted and interpreted 8 themes as factors affecting the prevention, transmission, and exposure to zoonosis. These themes included knowledge and misconceptions, low risk perception, gaps in knowledge and communication, psychological effect of diseases, culture and traditions, inequality, disarticulated prevention programs, and organizational responsibility. Alongside this, we compiled and present the recommendations for actions to reduce the impact of zoonoses in these populations. The factors and recommendations here presented can be adapted to inform the design and improvement of preventive programs, focused on One Health and aiming to reduce the impact of zoonotic diseases in rural settings. We identified relevant social and behavioural factors affecting the prevention of Zoonotic diseases in Latin America. Knowledge, risk perceptions, and communication quality were relevant individual factors. Inequity and unarticulated programs were relevant social factors. Characterization of the context-specific social ecology can improve the development of effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jairo Enrique Palomares Velosa
- Centro Internacional de Entrenamiento e Investigaciones Medicas - CIDEIM, Cali, valle del cauca, Colombia,Corresponding author at: Calle. 18 #122-135, Icesi University campus, building O, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
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Cristaldi MA, Catry T, Pottier A, Herbreteau V, Roux E, Jacob P, Previtali MA. Determining the spatial distribution of environmental and socio-economic suitability for human leptospirosis in the face of limited epidemiological data. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:86. [PMID: 35927739 PMCID: PMC9351081 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-01010-x] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is among the leading zoonotic causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Knowledge about spatial patterns of diseases and their underlying processes have the potential to guide intervention efforts. However, leptospirosis is often an underreported and misdiagnosed disease and consequently, spatial patterns of the disease remain unclear. In the absence of accurate epidemiological data in the urban agglomeration of Santa Fe, we used a knowledge-based index and cluster analysis to identify spatial patterns of environmental and socioeconomic suitability for the disease and potential underlying processes that shape them. Methods We geocoded human leptospirosis cases derived from the Argentinian surveillance system during the period 2010 to 2019. Environmental and socioeconomic databases were obtained from satellite images and publicly available platforms on the web. Two sets of human leptospirosis determinants were considered according to the level of their support by the literature and expert knowledge. We used the Zonation algorithm to build a knowledge-based index and a clustering approach to identify distinct potential sets of determinants. Spatial similarity and correlations between index, clusters, and incidence rates were evaluated. Results We were able to geocode 56.36% of the human leptospirosis cases reported in the national epidemiological database. The knowledge-based index showed the suitability for human leptospirosis in the UA Santa Fe increased from downtown areas of the largest cities towards peri-urban and suburban areas. Cluster analysis revealed downtown areas were characterized by higher levels of socioeconomic conditions. Peri-urban and suburban areas encompassed two clusters which differed in terms of environmental determinants. The highest incidence rates overlapped areas with the highest suitability scores, the strength of association was low though (CSc r = 0.21, P < 0.001 and ESc r = 0.19, P < 0.001). Conclusions We present a method to analyze the environmental and socioeconomic suitability for human leptospirosis based on literature and expert knowledge. The methodology can be thought as an evolutive and perfectible scheme as more studies are performed in the area and novel information regarding determinants of the disease become available. Our approach can be a valuable tool for decision-makers since it can serve as a baseline to plan intervention measures. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40249-022-01010-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliano A Cristaldi
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Thibault Catry
- ESPACE-DEV, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Montpellier, University of French West Indies, University of French Guiana, University of La Reunion, Montpellier, France
| | - Auréa Pottier
- ESPACE-DEV, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Montpellier, University of French West Indies, University of French Guiana, University of La Reunion, Montpellier, France
| | - Vincent Herbreteau
- ESPACE-DEV, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Montpellier, University of French West Indies, University of French Guiana, University of La Reunion, Montpellier, France
| | - Emmanuel Roux
- ESPACE-DEV, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Montpellier, University of French West Indies, University of French Guiana, University of La Reunion, Montpellier, France.,Sentinela International Joint Laboratory, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Brasilia (UnB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Brasília, Brazil.,Sentinela International Joint Laboratory, French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), University of Brasilia (UnB), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paulina Jacob
- National Institute of Respiratory Diseases (INER) "Dr. E. Coni"/National Administration of Health Institutes (ANLIS "Dr. C.G. Malbrán"), Santa Fe, Argentina.,Leptospirosis Laboratory, College of Biochemistry and Biological Sciences, National University of Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - M Andrea Previtali
- Department of Natural Sciences, College of Humanities and Sciences, National University of Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina. .,National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina.
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11
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Gómez AA, López MS, Müller GV, López LR, Sione W, Giovanini L. Modeling of leptospirosis outbreaks in relation to hydroclimatic variables in the northeast of Argentina. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09758. [PMID: 35789868 PMCID: PMC9249842 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The transmission of leptospirosis is conditioned by climatic variables. In northeastern Argentina leptospirosis outbreaks occur mainly in coincidence with periods of abundant precipitation and high hydrometric level. A Susceptible-Infectious-Recovered Epidemiological Model (SIR) is proposed, which incorporates hydroclimatic variables for the three most populated cities in the area (Santa Fe, Paraná and Rosario), during the 2009–2018 period. Results obtained by solving the proposed SIR model for the 2010 outbreak are in good agreement with the actual data, capturing the dynamics of the leptospirosis outbreak wave. However, the model does not perform very well in the last months of the year when isolated cases appear outside the outbreak periods, probably due to non- climatic factors not explicitly considered in the present version of the model. Nevertheless, the dynamic modeling of infectious diseases considering hydroclimatic variables constitutes a climatic service for the public health system, not yet available in Argentina. A SIR Leptospirosis model considering hydroclimatic variables is proposed. The model is implemented in 3 important cities of Argentina, for the 2009–2018 period. Results are in good agreement with the registered data for a leptospirosis outbreak. The tool could constitute a climatic service for the public health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Alejandra Gómez
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios de Variabilidad y Cambio Climático (CEVARCAM), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Corresponding author.
| | - María Soledad López
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios de Variabilidad y Cambio Climático (CEVARCAM), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Gabriela Viviana Müller
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Centro de Estudios de Variabilidad y Cambio Climático (CEVARCAM), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | | | - Walter Sione
- Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos (FCYT-UADER), Ruta 11 - Km 10,5, 3100, Oro Verde, Entre Ríos, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Giovanini
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) – Instituto de Investigación en Señales, Sistemas e Inteligencia Computacional (Sinc(i)), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL). Ciudad Universitaria, 3000, Santa Fe, Argentina
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12
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Wambi R, Worodria W, Muleme J, Aggrey S, Mugisha L. Prevalence of leptospirosis among patients attending renal and general outpatient clinics in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8391. [PMID: 35589947 PMCID: PMC9120167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we sought to establish the prevalence of leptospirosis among renal patients and general outpatients attending Mulago National Referral Hospital, Uganda. A total of 254 patients were recruited, their blood samples collected and interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaires provided between July and October 2018. These questionnaires captured data on sociodemographic characteristics and symptoms of leptospirosis disease. An individual with an average body temperature of 37.3 ± 1.1 °C was considered to be having fever. The blood samples were analyzed using the standard Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with a panel of 14 Leptospira-serovars belonging to 11 serogroups. Prevalence was reported with confidence intervals while questionnaire data was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. We present an overall prevalence of leptospirosis at 4.70% (95% CI = 2.60-8.30) after analysis of samples from recruited patients. This seropositivity (12/254) was classified into 7 serovars, among which, Canicola and Djasiman presented with titers between ≥ 200 and ≥ 400 in samples of both renal patients and outpatients, indicative of the active disease. Djasiman was the highest contributor to the reported prevalence. Overall, most examined participants presented with common symptoms of abdominal pain (AOR = 24.4, 95% CI (2.42-267.89), p = 0.02) and dehydration (AOR = 0.1, 95% CI (0.01-0.69), p = 0.05). Our study suggests that these symptoms and previous history of abdominal pain may be caused by Leptospira infections among the studied participants. We therefore recommend inclusion of leptospirosis in the differential diagnosis for renal and febrile illnesses. Indeed, abdominal pain and dehydration should be further studied with a bigger sample size and for other related febrile illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rogers Wambi
- Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
| | | | - James Muleme
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Disease Control and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Siya Aggrey
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Zoology, College of Natural Sciences (CONAS), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lawrence Mugisha
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources & Biosecurity (COVAB), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda.
- EcoHealth Research Group, Conservation & Ecosystem Health Alliance (CEHA), Kampala, Uganda.
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13
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Toemjai T, Thongkrajai P, Nithikathkul C. Factors affecting preventive behavior against leptospirosis among the population at risk in Si Sa Ket, Thailand. One Health 2022; 14:100399. [PMID: 35686145 PMCID: PMC9171525 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a major public health problem in Si Sa Ket, Thailand. Humans can become infected via direct contact with the urine of infected animal reservoir hosts or by indirect contact with contaminated soil and water in the environment. This study examined the factors affecting preventive behavior against leptospirosis among the population at risk in Si Sa Ket, Thailand. A cross-sectional questionnaire was conducted by a representative population survey using a four-stage stratified random sampling to select 350 respondents aged 18–65 years from the fifth districts with the highest morbidity rate in 2010–2019. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression. The majority of the respondents were male (53.40%), aged 46–55 years (31.20%), and agricultural workers (76.00%). Their knowledge (M = 10.78, SD = 1.60), perceived severity (M = 2.91, SD = 0.60), perceived probability (M = 2.98, SD = 0.64), self-efficacy expectations (M = 3.18, SD = 0.63), responses-efficacy expectations (M = 3.16, SD = 0.71), social support (M = 3.19, SD = 0.52), and preventive behavior against leptospirosis (M = 3.29, SD = 0.49) were at moderate level. Significant factors affecting leptospirosis preventive behaviors were history of leptospirosis illness (β = 0.312), social support (β = 0.240), perceived probability (β = 0.238), household members with a history of leptospirosis illness (β = 0.158), perceived severity (β = 0.114), self-efficacy expectations (β = 0.094) and knowledge (β = 0.088) regarding leptospirosis. All of these factors could together predict the preventive behavior against leptospirosis up to 42.8% (Adjusted R2 = 0.428). Public health interventions should be strengthening people's perception and awareness regarding leptospirosis and the promotion of preventive health behavior to prevent potential outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pramote Thongkrajai
- Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
| | - Choosak Nithikathkul
- Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham, Thailand
- Corresponding author at: Tropical and Parasitic Diseases Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Muang District, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand.
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14
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Premashthira S, Suwanpakdee S, Thanapongtharm W, Sagarasaeranee O, Thichumpa W, Sararat C, Wiratsudakul A. The Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Dog Owners on Dog Rabies Control in Thailand. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:699352. [PMID: 34490393 PMCID: PMC8416909 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.699352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabies is a deadly zoonotic disease responsible for almost 60,000 deaths each year, especially in Africa and Asia including Thailand. Dogs are the major reservoirs for rabies virus in these settings. This study thus used the concept of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) to identify socioeconomic factors that contribute to the differences in the canine rabies occurrences in high and low-risk areas which were classified by a Generalized Additive Model (GAM). Multistage sampling was then applied to designate the study locations and a KAP-based questionnaire was used to retrieve data and relevant perspectives from the respondents. Based on the responses from 476 participants living across four regions of Thailand, we found that the knowledge of the participants was positively correlated with their behaviors but negatively associated with the attitudes. Participants who are male, younger, educated at the level of middle to high school, or raising more dogs are likely to have negative attitudes but good knowledge on rabies prevention and control whereas farmers with lower income had better attitudes regardless of their knowledge. We found that people in a lower socioeconomic status with a lack of knowledge are not willing to pay at a higher vaccine price. Public education is a key to change dog owners' behaviors. Related authorities should constantly educate people on how to prevent and control rabies in their communities. Our findings should be applicable to other countries with similar socioeconomic statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarin Suwanpakdee
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, and the Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | | | | | - Weerakorn Thichumpa
- Department of Tropical Hygiene, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Chayanin Sararat
- Biophysics Group, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Anuwat Wiratsudakul
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Public Health, and the Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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15
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An Analysis of Leptospirosis Control in a Flood-Affected Region of Kerala and the Role of Accredited Social Health Activists - A Questionnaire Study. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 16:1123-1127. [PMID: 34103116 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. RESULTS The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). CONCLUSION Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.
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16
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Sudatip D, Chasiri K, Kritiyakan A, Phanprasit W, Thinphovong C, Tiengrim S, Thamlikitkul V, Abdallah R, Baron SA, Rolain JM, Morand S, Hilty M, Oppliger A. A One Health approach to assessing occupational exposure to antimicrobial resistance in Thailand: The FarmResist project. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245250. [PMID: 33507909 PMCID: PMC7842938 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This Southeast Asia-Europe research project will use a One Health approach to identify the major parameters responsible for the presence of animal-associated antimicrobial resistant bacteria in animal production facilities in Thailand and the risk of their transmission from animals to humans. We will focus on traditional, small, extensive pig and poultry farms where information on antibiotic use is scarce and animals live in close contact with humans. This cross-sectional study will be based on the epidemiological analysis of the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) present in fecal samples from animals and humans. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and Enterobacteriaceae resistant to colistin will be actively searched in the feces of farm animals (pigs and poultry), small wild rodents and farmers. Phenotypic (selective plating) and genotypic (multilocus seuquence typing and sequencing) methods will be used for the detection of AMR, the identification of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and the characterization of strains carrying resistance genes. Questionnaires will be administered to investigate the effects of antibiotic use, farm characteristics and biosecurity measures on the occurrence of AMR in animals. Subsequently, the fecal carriage of AMR and ARGs in farmers will be compared to a control population with no occupational contacts with animals, thus enabling an estimation of the risk of transmission of AMR/ARGs from animals to farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duangdao Sudatip
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment, Unisante, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Anamika Kritiyakan
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Phanprasit
- Faculty of Public Health, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Surapee Tiengrim
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Department of Clinical Microbiology and Applied Technology, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Visanu Thamlikitkul
- Faculty of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rim Abdallah
- MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jean-Marc Rolain
- MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Serge Morand
- Faculty of Veterinary Technology, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Institut des Sciences de l’Evolution, CNRS, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Markus Hilty
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anne Oppliger
- Department of Occupational Health and Environment, Unisante, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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17
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Shafie NJ, Abdul Halim NS, Nor Zalipah M, Mohd Amin NAZ, Syed Esa SM, Md-Nor S, Casanovas-Massana A, Ko AI, Palma F, Neves Souza F, Costa F. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices regarding Leptospirosis among Visitors to a Recreational Forest in Malaysia. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2021; 104:1290-1296. [PMID: 33534768 PMCID: PMC8045624 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0306] [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: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and a worldwide public health problem that affects mainly high-risk groups. Characterizing knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among high-risk groups is important to develop appropriate prevention programs. Here, we performed a cross-sectional study among 300 visitors of a recreational forest in Malaysia to examine leptospirosis KAP and demographics. These variables were integrated to create knowledge and practice scores for each respondent. All respondents had heard about leptospirosis, and 87% of them correctly identified it as a disease. The majority of respondents had high knowledge (63%), positive attitude, and good practice (68%) toward prevention of the disease. However, there were gaps in knowledge, with 78% of the respondents indicating eating without washing hands as the major cause of leptospirosis transmission. Our final model identified that higher knowledge score was associated with higher practice score. Our results indicate that it is important to increase knowledge, especially on transmission routes of leptospirosis, among visitors in recreational areas. Moreover, more attention needs to be paid to promote good practice habits among visitors, targeting those at higher risk of being infected by leptospirosis to prevent potential outbreaks in the recreational areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Juliani Shafie
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | - Mohamed Nor Zalipah
- Faculty of Science and Marine Environment, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | | | | | - Shukor Md-Nor
- School of Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
| | - Arnau Casanovas-Massana
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Albert I. Ko
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Palma
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Fabio Neves Souza
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Federico Costa
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut
- Institute of Collective Health, Federal University of Bahia, UFBA, Salvador, Brazil
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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18
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Pal R, Yadav U, Grover S, Saboo B, Verma A, Bhadada SK. Knowledge, attitudes and practices towards COVID-19 among young adults with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus amid the nationwide lockdown in India: A cross-sectional survey. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2020; 166:108344. [PMID: 32710997 PMCID: PMC7375303 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2020.108344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) towards COVID-19 amid nationwide lockdown in India. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey among young adults with T1DM (aged 18-30 years) in the North, Central, South, and West zones of India. It consisted of fifteen, five and eight questions pertaining to knowledge, attitude, and practices towards COVID-19, respectively. Certain questions relevant to T1DM were also incorporated. RESULTS After exclusion, 212 participants were included (mean age = 25.1 ± 4.3 years; M:F = 10:11). The overall correct rate of the knowledge questionnaire was 83% (mean total knowledge score = 12.4 ± 1.9). Most (74%) had an average knowledge score (mean ± 1SD). Higher educational status, urban residence, and being married were associated with better knowledge scores; however, only urban residence was found to be statistically significant on multinomial logistic regression. Most (88%) felt that being a patient of T1DM, they were at higher risk of getting infected with COVID-19. At the same time, 98% were confident about self-protection. Fifty-one percent of respondents had left home amid lockdown mostly to procure insulin/injection needles/syringes/glucometer strips from the pharmacy. However, all were maintaining proper hand hygiene and majority were following routine dietary advice (95%) and administering prescribed insulin doses (99%). Seventy-two participants (34%) had experienced one or more episodes of hypoglycemia since the commencement of lockdown. CONCLUSIONS Young adults with T1DM have average knowledge, positive attitude, and healthy preventive practices towards COVID-19. Awareness campaigns targeted towards rural communities and providing doorstep delivery of insulin/needles/syringes may be more rewarding.
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MESH Headings
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Betacoronavirus/isolation & purification
- Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring/methods
- COVID-19
- Coronavirus Infections/complications
- Coronavirus Infections/epidemiology
- Coronavirus Infections/prevention & control
- Coronavirus Infections/virology
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/physiopathology
- Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1/virology
- Female
- Health Education
- Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
- Humans
- Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use
- India/epidemiology
- Insulin/therapeutic use
- Male
- Pandemics/prevention & control
- Pneumonia, Viral/complications
- Pneumonia, Viral/epidemiology
- Pneumonia, Viral/prevention & control
- Pneumonia, Viral/virology
- Quarantine/methods
- SARS-CoV-2
- Surveys and Questionnaires
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Rimesh Pal
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Urmila Yadav
- National Institute of Nursing Education, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Banshi Saboo
- Department of Diabetology, Diacare-Diabetes Care and Hormone Clinic, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380005, India
| | - Anmol Verma
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Sanjay K Bhadada
- Department of Endocrinology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Ricardo T, Jacob P, Chiani Y, Schmeling MF, Cornejo P, Ojeda AA, Teta PV, Vanasco NB, Previtali MA. Seroprevalence of leptospiral antibodies in rodents from riverside communities of Santa Fe, Argentina. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2020; 14:e0008222. [PMID: 32330132 PMCID: PMC7182174 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0008222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that can be transmitted by contact with the urine of infected mammals. Rodents play a mayor role in the transmission of leptospires to humans. The province of Santa Fe reports the greatest number of cases in Argentina. Yet, in this region, there are still knowledge gaps regarding the diversity of rodent species that may be hosts of pathogenic leptospires. The aims of this study were to evaluate the presence of leptospiral antibodies in rodents from three riverside communities of Santa Fe, and to identify factors associated with leptospiral infection. Methodology/Principal findings Each community was divided into three environmental settings based on the level of human disturbance, and sampled during two springs (Sep-Oct 2014 and 2015) and one autumn (Mar-Apr 2015). Serum samples of captured sigmodontine and murine rodents were tested for leptospiral antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and microagglutination test (MAT) was used to assess the infecting serovar in seropositive individuals. Factors influencing seropositivity were analyzed using logistic regression models. We caught 119 rodents, of which 101 serums were suitable for analysis. Most frequently trapped species were Scapteromys aquaticus, Akodon azarae and Oligoryzomys spp., with seroprevalences of 41.3%, 42.9% and 55% respectively. Seropositivity was higher in individuals with an average body condition score and in those that were sexually mature, but in the latter the differences were marginally significant. Conclusions/Significance Our results suggest that native rodents may be playing a role in the environmental circulation of pathogenic leptospires and provide relevant information for public health policies in the area. Rodents are considered as the main reservoirs of pathogenic leptospires, which can cause leptospirosis, a disease that can be severe for both humans and domestic animals. Multiple socio-environmental factors have been found to influence the risk of leptospirosis, and many mammal species can play a role in the transmission of the bacteria. The purpose of this study was to investigate the local conditions and rodent fauna that may influence the risk of leptospirosis in communities located in the floodplains of the Parana river, near Santa Fe, Argentina. We conducted a survey of antibodies against leptospires in rodents from the center, border, and outside of three riverside settlements. We observed a relatively high seroprevalence among captured individuals (42%). Animals with an intermediate body condition were more likely to be seropositive. In most sites, native rodents were dominant over introduced rats and mice and lived close to human dwellings. Given the socio-environmental conditions observed in these settlements and the high frequency of floods that affect them, the presence of potentially infected rodents provide ample opportunities for leptospirosis to affect these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Ricardo
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales/Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias/Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Paulina Jacob
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. E. Coni”/Administración Nacional de Institutos de Salud (ANLIS “Dr. C.G. Malbran”), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Laboratorio de leptospirosis/Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas/Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Yosena Chiani
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. E. Coni”/Administración Nacional de Institutos de Salud (ANLIS “Dr. C.G. Malbran”), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Fernanda Schmeling
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. E. Coni”/Administración Nacional de Institutos de Salud (ANLIS “Dr. C.G. Malbran”), Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - Paula Cornejo
- Grupo de Investigaciones de la Biodiversidad (GIB)/IADIZA, CCT Mendoza CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Agustina Alejandra Ojeda
- Grupo de Investigaciones de la Biodiversidad (GIB)/IADIZA, CCT Mendoza CONICET, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Pablo Vicente Teta
- División Mastozoología/Museo Argentino de Cs. Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Norma Bibiana Vanasco
- Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias (INER) “Dr. E. Coni”/Administración Nacional de Institutos de Salud (ANLIS “Dr. C.G. Malbran”), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Laboratorio de leptospirosis/Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas/Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - María Andrea Previtali
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Santa Fe, Argentina
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales/Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias/Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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Rathinam S, Vedhanayaki R, Balagiri K. A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Toward Leptospirosis among Rural and Urban Population of a South Indian District. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2019; 29:312-323. [PMID: 31815581 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2019.1681473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Back ground: Leptospirosis is one of the common zoonotic diseases, endemic among farmers. Globally, awareness of risk factors is reported to be very low. This study aims to quantitatively analyze the knowledge and attitude related to leptospirosis in Madurai district and to identify misconceptions that result in poor practice.Material & methods: A cross-sectional survey on rural and urban population using a structured, validated questionnaire to assess Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Leptospirosis.Results: 902 participants from rural and 1074 participants from urban population were enrolled. More than 98% knew seasonal fever to be common during rainy season, of them only 2.8% and 3.6% from rural and urban population mentioned microbes as a cause.Conclusion: Vulnerable populations were found to be less knowledgeable on risk factors and they had poor practice. Education had significant impact on knowledge and attitude of urban population; however, their practice did not improve with education.
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21
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Azhari NN, Abdul Manaf R, Ng SW, Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid SFB, Mohd Gobil AR, Saad WZ, Amin Nordin S. Gamification, a Successful Method to Foster Leptospirosis Knowledge among University Students: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16122108. [PMID: 31207881 PMCID: PMC6616438 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16122108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that has been reported in Malaysia and has been associated with a recent trend of recreational activities among the youth. Thus, efforts such as educational interventions among high-risk populations, especially the youth, are key to increasing public awareness regarding leptospirosis. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study wherein an educational intervention using a gamification intervention method was used to determine changes in leptospirosis knowledge among youth. On this note, students from a public university in Seremban district, Malaysia, were recruited and were asked to complete questionnaires before and after gamification activities. Baseline and immediate post-intervention data on leptospirosis knowledge were obtained. The total knowledge score was calculated, and differences in the mean pre- and post-intervention knowledge score were determined. Of the total 185 questionnaires that were completed at baseline and immediately post-intervention, only 168 that belonged to respondents who had heard of leptospirosis were analysed in this paper. A significant increase in leptospirosis knowledge was observed for the students following health education by gamification (p < 0.01). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of an educational intervention using gamification in improving leptospirosis knowledge among youth and suggest that gamification could become an efficient tool to prevent the disease within university-age demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Natasya Azhari
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Rosliza Abdul Manaf
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Shing Wei Ng
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | | | - Abdul Rahman Mohd Gobil
- Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Seremban, Seremban 70300, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Zuhainis Saad
- Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Syafinaz Amin Nordin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Medical Education Research and Innovation Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400 UPM, Selangor, Malaysia.
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22
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Abdullah NM, Mohammad WMZW, Shafei MN, Sukeri S, Idris Z, Arifin WN, Nozmi N, Saudi SNS, Samsudin S, Zainudin AW, Hamat RA, Ibrahim R, Masri SN, Saliluddin SM, Daud A, Osman M, Jamaluddin TZMT. Leptospirosis and its prevention: knowledge, attitude and practice of urban community in Selangor, Malaysia. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:628. [PMID: 31117995 PMCID: PMC6532156 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-6981-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptospirosis is still endemic in Malaysia and has been prevalent in Selangor where cases have been underreported. Primarily, this was due to lack of awareness in the urban community in this region. This study determined the knowledge, attitude and preventive practice (KAP) of leptospirosis, and identified the significant predictors influencing KAP among urban community in Hulu Langat, Selangor. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from 2015 to 2017 using validated questionnaire. Sampling methods included multistage cluster sampling, followed by simple random sampling to obtain 315 respondents. Descriptive analysis was performed to determine the KAP while χ2 and the subsequent logistic regression analysis were carried out to identify associations and predictors between variables. RESULTS Respondents were mainly Malaysian Bumiputra with a mean (Standard Deviation (SD)) age of 32.5 (13.0) years. Of 315 respondents, 80.3% (n = 253) had poor knowledge, 87.0% (n = 274) had good attitude, and 81.3% (n = 256) showed unacceptable practice towards leptospirosis and its prevention. Regression analysis identified age as the sole predictor influencing good knowledge (AOR 2.388; 95% CI = 1.298, 4.396; p = 0.005). Education level (AOR 2.197; 95% CI = 1.109, 4.352; p = 0.024) was also noted as the significant predictor influencing the overall practice. CONCLUSIONS The urban community in Selangor showed a positive attitude in waste management despite having little knowledge regarding the disease itself. The study also discovered inadequacy in preventive practice, hence marking the importance of the proper integration of knowledge and attitude into forming an acceptable practice to reduce transmission of Leptospira among urban population in Malaysia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurul Munirah Abdullah
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wan Mohd Zahiruddin Wan Mohammad
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Nazri Shafei
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Surianti Sukeri
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Zawaha Idris
- Health Promotion Unit, Penang State Health Department, Floor 7, Bangunan Persekutuan, Jalan Anson, 10400, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Nor Arifin
- Unit of Biostatistics and Research Methodology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Noramira Nozmi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Nor Sakinah Saudi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suhailah Samsudin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul-Wahab Zainudin
- Health Department of Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya, Jalan Cenderasari, 50590, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Rukman Awang Hamat
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Rosni Ibrahim
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Siti Norbaya Masri
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Aziah Daud
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Malina Osman
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
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