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Siddig EE, Mohamed NS, Ahmed A. Severe coinfection of dengue and malaria: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2024; 12:e9079. [PMID: 38868112 PMCID: PMC11166561 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.9079] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message In countries like Sudan, where several infectious diseases are prevalent, health care providers should not be satisfied with initial detection of a single pathogen and whenever it is feasible, they should investigate coinfections. Infections with high mortality or severe morbidity should be prioritized during the differential diagnosis particularly for diseases with similar clinical manifestations to reduce the death and disability rates. However, this requires substantial improvement in the diagnostic capacity. Abstract Here we report a case of dengue and malaria coinfection from the southeast region of Sudan, bordering Ethiopia and Eritrea. A 25-year-old male from Sudan presented with symptoms of fever, chills, vomiting, and muscle and joint pain. Laboratory investigations confirmed a coinfection of dengue and malaria, which is assumingly not uncommon in areas heavily syndemic with several diseases but it is severely under-detected, underreported, and underestimated. The case has fully recovered after the supportive care for dengue and chemotherapy treatment for malaria. In such a case, it was important to monitor the patient's recovery and the treatment outcome through clinical indicators and laboratory parameters to update the treatment course whenever needed, according to response. The increasing burden and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases including dengue and malaria in Sudan, indicates the need for improving the implementation of the global vector control response that established by the World Health Organization. Additionally, the increasing prevalent of coinfections is urging substantial improvement in the diagnostic capacity in endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Edwar Siddig
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory SciencesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesErasmusMC, University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nouh Saad Mohamed
- Molecular Biology UnitSirius Training and Research CentreKhartoumSudan
| | - Ayman Ahmed
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Institute of Endemic DiseasesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
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Jannath S, Islam MR. The current pathogenicity and potential risk evaluation of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus to cause mysterious "Disease X"-An updated literature review. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e2209. [PMID: 38915357 PMCID: PMC11194469 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.2209] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a severe and potentially lethal illness. Tick bites of the Hyalomma genus are the primary source of transmission of CCHF to humans. The virus responsible for CCHF is the CCHF virus (CCHFV). It is a single-stranded negative sensed RNA virus. The virus belongs to the Orthonairoviridae genus within the Nairoviridae family. It occurs in an extensive geographical area spanning the Middle East, western China, southern Asia, southeastern Europe, and much of Africa. The current study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity and potential risk of CCHFV to cause a public health emergency of international concern. Methods We searched updated relevant information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases using Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, tick-borne virus, and Nairovirus as keywords. Results The case fatality rate (CFR) varies by region. It can be more than 30% in some cases. Three segments in the genome of CCHFV (L, M, and S) are different in size and function. It is unknown whether the pathogenicity of CCHFV varied based on the genomic diversity. CCHFV can be transmitted through tick bites, handling of infected ticks, contact with infected humans, contaminated body fluids, and so on. A wide range of severity is associated with CCHF, ranging from a moderate fever with no apparent cause to increased vascular permeability, failure of several organs, bleeding, and shock. Hospitals with high-level isolation units should be the first choice for treating CCHF patients. Individual safety equipment is crucial in healthcare to prevent the spread of the virus. In the farm environment, using integrated pest management techniques, minimizing activity in tick-infested regions, and dressing appropriately in long sleeves and pants will help to reduce the risk of CCHFV infection via tick bites. Conclusion There are no approved vaccinations or therapeutics for CCHF except supportive therapeutic approaches. Therefore, scientists recommend early ribavirin therapy for cases of high-risk exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjida Jannath
- Department of PharmacyUniversity of Asia PacificFarmgateBangladesh
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Kaushal N, Baranwal M. Analysis of highly frequent point mutations in glycoprotein C, glycoprotein N, and nucleoprotein of CCHFV. Biotechnol Appl Biochem 2024; 71:280-294. [PMID: 38054375 DOI: 10.1002/bab.2540] [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: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is classified among top 10 priority pathogens by World Health Organization. CCHFV belongs to Bunyaviridae family and negative sense ssRNA genome composed of three RNA segments: L, M, and S. RNA viruses show higher mutation rate as compared to DNA viruses. To gain deeper understanding of impact of point mutations in CCHFV M and S segment, mutation profiling, homology modeling, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation were performed. Structural glycoproteins (glycoprotein C [Gc] and glycoprotein N [Gn]) of CCHFV are important for host-virus interaction and genome packaging, whereas CCHFV nucleoprotein (NP) is crucial for viral replication. Hence, current study is focused on evaluation of eight mutations in structural glycoproteins (Gc: 7 and Gn: 1) of M segment and seven mutations in NP of S segment. All these mutations were highly frequent, with mutation frequency between 0.81 and 1.0 and found to be persistent in the recent strains of CCHFV. Solubility analysis predicted that selected point mutations reduce solubility of Gc protein and increase solubility of Gn and NP proteins. MD simulation study deciphered that A1046V and G1158E in Gc protein, I778T in Gn protein, and H195R in NP protein displayed large deviation and fluctuation, and affected intramolecular interactions. In conclusion, we observed that point mutations could impact structure, stability, and host-virus interaction of protein, and might lead to evolution of new strains for better survival and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Kaushal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
| | - Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Patiala, Punjab, India
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Ahmed A, EL‐Sadig SM, Eltigani HF, Bongomin F, Siddig EE. The first Helicobacter pylori-induced Guillain-Barré syndrome in Sudan. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e8204. [PMID: 38028082 PMCID: PMC10645600 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8204] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message This case report highlights the role of Helicobacter pylori infection in the development of GBS. Healthcare providers should consider H. pylori in their differential diagnosis for patients with neurological syndromes. Astract We report the first known case of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in Sudan. This case highlights the role of H. pylori infection in the development of GBS. It also emphasizes the importance of wide screening of different endemic infections for patients with neurological syndromes for early detection and improves the case management in resource-limited settings like Sudan. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of H. pylori-inducing neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Ahmed
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Institute of Endemic DiseaseUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
| | | | | | - Felix Bongomin
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineGulu UniversityGuluUganda
| | - Emmanuel Edwar Siddig
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory SciencesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, ErasmusMCUniversity Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
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Siddig EE, Misbah El‐Sadig S, Eltigani HF, Musa AM, Mohamed NS, Ahmed A. Delayed cerebellar ataxia induced by Plasmodium falciparum malaria: A rare complication. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e8053. [PMID: 37867542 PMCID: PMC10589394 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.8053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message In endemic areas, malaria-induced cerebellar ataxia should be suspected in patients presenting with neurological disorders including slurred speech, tremors, and a sense of imbalance and dizziness while walking. Healthcare providers should be aware to properly investigate and early detect and manage infections associated with the development of cerebellar ataxia to improve the case management and clinical outcome cost-effectively. Abstract Here, we report the clinical manifestations, investigations, and outcomes of a patient developed delayed cerebellar ataxia following a malaria infection: an unusual complication of the disease. This report highlights the diagnostic challenges in a country endemic with several infectious diseases, yet it has a limited diagnostic and surveillance capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nouh Saad Mohamed
- Molecular Biology UnitSirius Training and Research CentreKhartoumSudan
| | - Ayman Ahmed
- Institute of Endemic DiseaseUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Ali Y, Siddig EE, Mohamed N, Ahmed A. Rift Valley fever and malaria co-infection: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7926. [PMID: 37731970 PMCID: PMC10507219 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7926] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message We report a case of febrile illness that was presented with mild symptoms. However, laboratory investigation confirmed a malaria and Rift Valley fever co-infection. Healthcare providers in settings endemic with several infectious diseases should seek rolling out possibilities of other infections prior to starting treatment for achieving effective case management with less resources and better safety of patients. Abstract Here we report a case of febrile illness that confirmed to be a co-infection of malaria and Rift Valley fever. The patient was initially diagnosed with malaria and started on treatment immediately. However, due to the lack of response to the treatment further laboratory investigations were pursued.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yousif Ali
- Sudan Field Epidemiology Training, Health Emergencies and Epidemics Control General DirectorateSudan Federal Ministry of HealthKhartoumSudan
| | - Emmanuel Edwar Siddig
- Faculty of Medical Laboratory SciencesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious DiseasesErasmus University Medical Center RotterdamRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nouh Mohamed
- Molecular Biology UnitSirius Training and Research CentreKhartoumSudan
| | - Ayman Ahmed
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Institute of Endemic DiseasesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
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Ahmed A, EL‐Sadig SM, Siddig EE. Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with hepatitis E virus infection: A case report. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7863. [PMID: 37655129 PMCID: PMC10465721 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Key Clinical Message Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be manifested with several neurological syndromes including GBS. Therefore, healthcare providers should consider HEV in their differential diagnosis for patients with neurological disorders. Abstract We report a case of Guillain-Barré syndrome associated with hepatitis E virus infection. The current case-report demonstrates diagnostic challenge to identify GBS case in a limited-resources country like Sudan. However, HEV infection should be highly suspected in patients with neurological manifestation with high liver enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Ahmed
- Institute of Endemic DiseaseUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland
- University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Region: A Systematic Review. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2023; 13:105-114. [PMID: 36757670 PMCID: PMC9910263 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-023-00091-7] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE World Health Organization Eastern Mediterranean Region (WHO EMR) has 40% people in the world in need of humanitarian assistance. This systematic review explores selected vector-borne and zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) of importance to EMR in terms of disease burden across countries and periods, disaggregated across sex, age groups, education levels, income status, and rural/urban areas, related vector or animal source reduction measures, and public health, social and economic impacts and related interventions. METHODS We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and reviewed articles in PubMed, Embase, and WHO Global Index Medicus published between 1st of January 2011 and 27th of June 2022. Thirteen VBZDs with at least one reported outbreak in the last five years in the region or prioritized as per previous analysis at the WHO global and regional level and based on expert consultations, were included as part of the analysis. RESULTS The review included 295 studies-55% on leishmaniasis and dengue combined, and 75% studies from Pakistan, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Iran combined. Hospital-based and nationally representative studies constituted 60% and 10% respectively. Males were predominantly affected in most diseases; children reported high burden of Leishmaniasis, whereas elderly had a higher burden of Dengue Fever and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. Although very few studies reported on socioeconomic differences in burden, the ones that reported showed higher burden of diseases among the disadvantaged socioeconomic groups such as the poor and the less educated. More than 80% studies reported an increase in burden over the years. CONCLUSION The literature is scanty for most of the diseases reviewed and the number of studies from countries with humanitarian challenges is very low. The need for more nationally representative, population-based studies calls for prioritizing research investments.
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Ahmed A, El‐Amin R, Musa AM, Elsayed MA, Fahal LA, Ahmed ES, Ali Y, Nebie IE, Mohamed NS, Zinsstag J, Siddig EE, EL‐Sadig SM. Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with COVID-19 infection: A case series. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e6988. [PMID: 36852114 PMCID: PMC9957700 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In this communication, we reported a series of six patients presented with Guillain-Barré syndrome that associated with COVID-19 infection, which was confirmed with RT-PCR. Here we discuss the laboratory investigation and case management, as well as clinical presentation and outcome of each case. The current report demonstrated the first case series of COVID-19-associated GBS-cases in Sudan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Ahmed
- Institute of Endemic DiseaseUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan,Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland,University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Rahba El‐Amin
- Faculty of MedicineUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
| | | | | | | | | | - Yousif Ali
- Health Emergencies and Epidemics Control General DirectorateSudan Federal Ministry of HealthKhartoumSudan
| | - Ipyn Eric Nebie
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland,University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Nouh Saad Mohamed
- Molecular Biology UnitSirius Training and Research CentreKhartoumSudan
| | - Jakob Zinsstag
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH)AllschwilSwitzerland,University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Emmanuel Edwar Siddig
- Mycetoma Research CentreUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan,Faculty of Medical Laboratory SciencesUniversity of KhartoumKhartoumSudan
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Rigby I, Michelen M, Dagens A, Cheng V, Dahmash D, Harriss E, Webb E, Cai E, Lipworth S, Oti A, Balan V, Piotrowski H, Nartowski R, Rojek A, Groves H, Hart P, Cevik M, Bosa HK, Blumberg L, Fletcher TE, Horby PW, Jacob ST, Sigfrid L. Standard of care for viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs): a systematic review of clinical management guidelines for high-priority VHFs. THE LANCET. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2023:S1473-3099(22)00874-X. [PMID: 36758568 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(22)00874-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Sudan virus disease outbreak in Uganda in 2022 showed our vulnerability to viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHFs). Although there are regular outbreaks of VHFs with high morbidity and mortality, which disproportionally affect low-income settings, our understanding of how to treat them remains inadequate. In this systematic review, we aim to explore the availability, scope, standardisation, and quality of clinical management guidelines for VHFs. We identified 32 guidelines, 25 (78%) of which were low quality and did not have supporting evidence and eight (25%) of which had been produced or updated in the past 3 years. Guidance on supportive care and therapeutics had little detail and was sometimes contradictory. Guidelines based on uncertain evidence are a risk to patients, an ethical challenge for clinicians, and a challenge to implementing trials due to heterogeneous standards of care. We recommend a standard living guideline framework to improve the quality, scope, and applicability of guidelines. Furthermore, investments into trials should aim to identify optimal treatment strategies for VHFs and prioritise affordable and scalable interventions to improve outcomes globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmeala Rigby
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Melina Michelen
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Dagens
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vincent Cheng
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Dania Dahmash
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eli Harriss
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Eika Webb
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Erhui Cai
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel Lipworth
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandra Oti
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Valeria Balan
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Helen Piotrowski
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Robert Nartowski
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Amanda Rojek
- Emergency Department, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Integrated Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | - Muge Cevik
- Department of Global Health and Infection Research, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK
| | - Henry Kyobe Bosa
- Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University Lung Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Lucille Blumberg
- National Institute for Communicable Diseases, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Tom E Fletcher
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Peter W Horby
- International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shevin T Jacob
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise Sigfrid
- GloPID-R Research and Policy Team, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infection Consortium, Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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Ahmed A, Abubakr M, Sami H, Mahdi I, Mohamed NS, Zinsstag J. The First Molecular Detection of Aedes albopictus in Sudan Associates with Increased Outbreaks of Chikungunya and Dengue. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911802. [PMID: 36233103 PMCID: PMC9570206 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of our surveys of the invasive malaria vector Anopheles stephensi in four Sudanese states, including North and South Kordofan, Sennar, and White Nile, we collected 166 larvae. Our morphological identification confirmed that 30% of the collected mosquito samples were Anopheles species, namely An. gambiae s.l. and An. stephensi, while the 117 Aedes specimens were Ae. luteocephalus (39%), Ae. aegypti (32%), Ae. vexans (9%), Ae. vittatus (9%), Ae. africanus (6%), Ae. metalicus (3%), and Ae. albopictus (3%). Considering the serious threat of Ae. albopictus emergence for the public health in the area and our limited resources, we prioritized Ae. albopictus samples for further genomic analysis. We extracted the DNA from the three specimens and subsequently sequenced the cytochrome oxidase 1 (CO1) gene and confirmed their identity as Aedes albopictus and their potential origin by phylogenetic and haplotype analyses. Aedes albopictus, originating from Southeast Asia, is an invasive key vector of chikungunya and dengue. This is the first report and molecular characterization of Ae. albopictus from Sudan. Our sequences cluster with populations from the Central African Republic and La Réunion. Worryingly, this finding associates with a major increase in chikungunya and dengue outbreaks in rural areas of the study region and might be linked to the mosquito’s spread across the region. The emergence of Ae. albopictus in Sudan is of serious public health concern and urges for the improvement of the vector surveillance and control system through the implementation of an integrated molecular xenosurveillance. The threat of major arboviral diseases in the region underlines the need for the institutionalization of the One Health strategy for the prevention and control of future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayman Ahmed
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
- Molecular Biology Unit, Sirius Training and Research Centre, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +249-123997091
| | - Mustafa Abubakr
- Directorate of Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Hamza Sami
- Directorate of the Integrated Vector Management (IVM), Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Isam Mahdi
- Directorate of the Integrated Vector Management (IVM), Federal Ministry of Health, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Nouh S. Mohamed
- Molecular Biology Unit, Sirius Training and Research Centre, Khartoum 11111, Sudan
| | - Jakob Zinsstag
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH), CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
- Faculty of Science, University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, CH-4001 Basel, Switzerland
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