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Thapa S, Gibbs P, Ross N, Newman J, Allan J, Dalton H, Mahmood S, Kalinna BH, Ross AG. Are adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) the root cause of the Aboriginal health gap in Australia? BMJ Glob Health 2024; 9:e014901. [PMID: 38442985 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-014901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Subash Thapa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Gibbs
- Regional Enterprise Development Institute (REDI.E), Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nancy Ross
- School of Social Work, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jamie Newman
- Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julaine Allan
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hazel Dalton
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shakeel Mahmood
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bernd H Kalinna
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
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Ahmed KY, Dadi AF, Kibret GD, Bizuayehu HM, Hassen TA, Amsalu E, Ketema DB, Kassa ZY, Bore MG, Alebel A, Alemu AA, Shifa JE, Leshargie CT, Thapa S, Omar SH, Ross AG. Population modifiable risk factors associated with under-5 acute respiratory tract infections and diarrhoea in 25 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (2014-2021): an analysis of data from demographic and health surveys. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 68:102444. [PMID: 38333537 PMCID: PMC10850409 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Identifying the critical modifiable risk factors for acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) and diarrhoea is crucial to reduce the burden of disease and mortality among children under 5 years of age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and ultimately achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We investigated the modifiable risk factors of ARI and diarrhoea among children under five using nationally representative surveys. Methods We used the most recent demographic and health survey (DHS) data (2014-2021) from 25 SSA countries, encompassing a total of 253,167 children. Countries were selected based on the availability of recent datasets (e.g., DHS-VII or DHS-VIII) that represent the current socioeconomic situations. Generalised linear latent mixed models were used to compute odds ratios (ORs). Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated using adjusted ORs and prevalence estimates for key modifiable risk factors among ARI and diarrhoeal cases. Findings This study involved 253,167 children, with a mean age of 28.7 (±17.3) months, and 50.5% were male. The highest PAFs for ARI were attributed to unclean cooking fuel (PAF = 15.7%; 95% CI: 8.1, 23.1), poor maternal education (PAF = 13.4%; 95% CI: 8.7, 18.5), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (PAF = 12.4%; 95% CI: 9.0, 15.3), and poor toilets (PAF = 8.5%; 95% CI: 4.7, 11.9). These four modifiable risk factors contributed to 41.5% (95% CI: 27.2, 52.9) of ARI cases in SSA. The largest PAFs of diarrhoea were observed for unclean cooking fuel (PAF = 17.3%; 95% CI: 13.5, 22.3), delayed initiation of breastfeeding (PAF = 9.2%; 95% CI: 7.5, 10.5), household poverty (PAF = 7.0%; 95% CI: 5.0, 9.1) and poor maternal education (PAF = 5.6%; 95% CI: 2.9, 8.8). These four modifiable risk factors contributed to 34.0% (95% CI: 26.2, 42.3) of cases of diarrhoea in SSA. Interpretation This cross-sectional study identified four modifiable risk factors for ARI and diarrhoea that should be a priority for policymakers in SSA. Enhancing home-based care and leveraging female community health workers is crucial for accelerating the reduction in under-5 mortality linked to ARI and diarrhoea in SSA. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Abel F. Dadi
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Getiye Dejenu Kibret
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Habtamu Mellie Bizuayehu
- First Nations Cancer and Wellbeing (FNCW) Research Program, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Tahir A. Hassen
- Center for Women’s Health Research, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Erkihun Amsalu
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia
- St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Daniel Bekele Ketema
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
| | - Zemenu Yohannes Kassa
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Meless G. Bore
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa University, Hawassa, Ethiopia
| | - Animut Alebel
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Addisu Alehegn Alemu
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Kensington, Australia
- College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
| | - Jemal E. Shifa
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cheru Tesema Leshargie
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia
| | - Subash Thapa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Syed Haris Omar
- School of Dentistry and Medical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
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Kalinna BH, Ross AG, Walduck AK. Schistosome Transgenesis: The Long Road to Success. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:48. [PMID: 38248478 PMCID: PMC10813141 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
As research on parasitic helminths has entered the post-genomic era, research efforts have turned to deciphering the function of genes in the public databases of genome sequences. It is hoped that, by understanding the role of parasite genes in maintaining their parasitic lifestyle, critical insights can be gained to develop new intervention and control strategies. Methods to manipulate and transform parasitic worms are now developed to a point where it has become possible to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying host-parasite interplay, and here, we summarise and discuss the advances that have been made in schistosome transgenesis over the past 25 years. The ability to genetically manipulate schistosomes holds promise in finding new ways to control schistosomiasis, which ultimately may lead to the eradication of this debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd H. Kalinna
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia; (A.G.R.); (A.K.W.)
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Anyasodor AE, Ahmed KY, Osuagwu UL, Mgbemena NC, Kalinna BH, Thapa S, Mahmood S, Ross AG. Delays in seeking treatment for fever in children under five years of age in Nigeria: Evidence from the National Demographic Health Survey. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295772. [PMID: 38117782 PMCID: PMC10732371 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In countries with high child mortality rates, such as Nigeria, early intervention for common childhood illnesses (e.g., pneumonia and malaria) is essential for improving clinical outcomes. The timely reporting and treatment of fever is therefore critical in making a differential diagnosis and choosing an appropriate course of treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and major risk factors associated with delays in seeking treatment for fever in children under five years of age in Nigeria. METHODS This study used a total weighted sample of 7,466 children under five years of age from the 2018 National Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the association between predisposing, enabling, need, health service and community level factors, and delay in treatment-seeking for fever. RESULTS We report the delays in seeking treatment for childhood fever that was reported by mothers in the last two weeks prior to the national survey. The prevalence for delayed treatment was 62.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60.1%, 64.1%). Our findings showed that there were fewer delays in seeking treatment in children aged 24-59 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.68, 0.93), among mothers who were formally employed (aOR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.96), regularly attended antenatal services (aOR = 0.76, 95%CI: 0.66, 0.88), and for those who resided in wealthier households (aOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.56, 0.89). Children whose mothers resided in the North-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria were less likely to delay seeking treatment for fever (aOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.42, 0.73). However, mothers who had an unwanted pregnancy had a higher odds of delaying treatment for childhood fever (aOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.05, 2.39). CONCLUSION There were significant delays in seeking treatment for childhood fever in poorer homes found in geopolitically unstable zones of Nigeria. Mothers who were poor, unemployed, and with younger children (<12 months) often delayed seeking treatment for their febrile child. Future health promotion strategies and microenterprise schemes should target both rural and urban mothers residing in poor households. Children under 12 months of age should be a priority.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Uchechukwu L. Osuagwu
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Penrith, NSW, Australia
- Bathurst Rural Clinical School (BRCS), School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Bathurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Nnamdi C. Mgbemena
- School of Allied Health, Exercise and Sports Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Bernd H. Kalinna
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Subash Thapa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Shakeel Mahmood
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
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Ahmed KY, Ogbo FA, Tegegne TK, Dalton H, Arora A, Ross AG. Interventions to improve the nutritional status of children under 5 years in Ethiopia: a systematic review. Public Health Nutr 2023; 26:3147-3161. [PMID: 37905557 PMCID: PMC10755407 DOI: 10.1017/s1368980023002410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of experimental or quasi-experimental studies that aimed to improve the nutritional status of children under 5 years of age in Ethiopia. DESIGN Embase, MEDLINE/PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychINFO, and Academic Search Database were used to locate peer-reviewed studies, and Google Scholar and Open Dissertation were used to locate grey literatures. All searches were conducted between 2000 and November 2022. SETTING Ethiopia. PARTICIPANTS Pregnant women and mothers with children aged 0-59 months. RESULTS Ten cluster randomised controlled trials (RCT), six quasi-experimental studies and two individual RCT were included. Out of the identified eighteen studies, three studies targeted pregnant mothers. Our findings showed that almost two-thirds of published interventions had no impact on childhood stunting and wasting, and more than half had no impact on underweight. Some behaviour change communication (BCC) interventions, food vouchers, micronutrient supplementation and quality protein maize improved stunting. Similarly, BCC and fish oil supplementation showed promise in reducing wasting, while BCC and the provision of quality protein maize reduced underweight. Additionally, water, sanitation and hygiene (WaSH) interventions provided to pregnant mothers and children under 2 years of age were shown to significantly reduce childhood stunting. CONCLUSION Future childhood nutritional interventions in Ethiopia should consider adopting an integrated approach that combines the positive effects of interdependent systems such as BCC, food supplemental programmes (e.g. boosting protein and micronutrients), health interventions (e.g. strengthening maternal and childcare), WaSH and financial initiatives (e.g. monetary support and income schemes).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Felix Akpojene Ogbo
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE), Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, SA Health, Government of South Australia, Berri, SA, Australia
| | - Teketo Kassaw Tegegne
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Hazel Dalton
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Amit Arora
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, NSW, Australia
- Oral Health Services, Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Dental Hospital, NSW Health, Surry Hills, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Health Equity Laboratory, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
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Thapa S, Ahmed KY, Ross AG. Beyond statistics: health inequities in rural and remote communities of Australia. Lancet Public Health 2023; 8:e834. [PMID: 37898513 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-2667(23)00246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Subash Thapa
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
| | - Kedir Y Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
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Ahmed KY, Dadi AF, Ogbo FA, Page A, Agho KE, Akalu TY, Baraki AG, Tesema GA, Teshale AB, Alamneh TS, Tessema ZT, Kabthymer RH, Tamirat KS, Ross AG. Population-Modifiable Risk Factors Associated With Childhood Stunting in Sub-Saharan Africa. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2338321. [PMID: 37851439 PMCID: PMC10585405 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.38321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Identifying modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is imperative for the development of evidence-based interventions and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Objective To evaluate key modifiable risk factors associated with childhood stunting in SSA. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study examined the most recent (2014-2021) Demographic and Health Surveys data for children younger than 5 years from 25 SSA countries. Exposures Modifiable risk factors included history of diarrhea within 2 weeks, consumption of dairy products, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, antenatal care visits, place of birth, wealth index, type of toilet, and type of cooking fuel. Main Outcomes and Measures Stunting and severe stunting, measured using the height-for-age z score, were the main outcomes. Children who scored below -2.0 SDs or -3.0 SDs were classified as having stunted or severely stunted growth, respectively. Relative risks and 95% CIs were computed using generalized linear latent and mixed models and log-binomial link functions. Population-attributable fractions (PAFs) were calculated using adjusted relative risks and prevalence estimates for key modifiable risk factors. Results This study included 145 900 children from 25 SSA countries. The mean (SD) age of the children was 29.4 (17.3) months, and 50.6% were male. The highest PAFs of severe childhood stunting were observed for mothers lacking a formal education (PAF, 21.9%; 95% CI, 19.0%-24.8%), children lacking consumption of dairy products (PAF, 20.8%; 95% CI, 16.8%-24.9%), unclean cooking fuel (PAF, 9.5%; 95% CI, 2.6%-16.3%), home birth (PAF, 8.3%; 95% CI, 6.3%-10.0%), and low-income household (PAF, 5.8%; 95% CI, 3.4%-8.0%). These 5 modifiable risk factors were associated with 51.6% (95% CI, 40.5%-60.9%) of the severe childhood stunting in SSA. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study identified 5 modifiable risk factors that were associated with 51.6% of severe childhood stunting in SSA. These factors should be a priority for policy makers when considering future child health interventions to address chronic malnutrition in SSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abel F. Dadi
- Charles Darwin University, Menzies School of Health Research, Northern Territory, Australia
- Addis Continental Institute of Public Health, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Felix Akpojene Ogbo
- Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence, Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, South Australia Health, Government of South Australia, Berri, South Australia, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Page
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Temesgen Yihunie Akalu
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- Geospatial and Tuberculosis Research Team, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Adhanom Gebreegziabher Baraki
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Getayeneh Antehunegn Tesema
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Achamyeleh Birhanu Teshale
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Zemenu Tadesse Tessema
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robel Hussen Kabthymer
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Human Nutrition, School of Public Health, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Koku Sisay Tamirat
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Warragul, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
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Mu Y, Rivera J, McManus DP, Weerakoon KG, Ross AG, Olveda RM, Gordon CA, You H, Jones MK, Cai P. Comparative assessment of the SjSAP4-incorporated gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis japonica. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1249637. [PMID: 37736084 PMCID: PMC10509475 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1249637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasites of the genus Schistosoma, remains a global public health threat. This study aimed to validate the diagnostic performance of a recently developed gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) for the detection of S. japonicum infection in a rural endemic area of the Philippines. Methods Human clinical samples were collected from 412 subjects living in Laoang and Palapag municipalities, Northern Samar, the Philippines. The presence of Schistosoma-specific antibodies in serum samples was tested with the SjSAP4-incorporated GICA strips and the results were converted to fully quantitative data by introducing an R value. The performance of the established GICA was further compared with other diagnostic tools, including the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA), droplet digital (dd) PCR, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Results The developed GICA strip was able to detect KK positive individuals with a sensitivity of 83.3% and absolute specificity. When calibrated with the highly sensitive faecal ddPCR assay, the immunochromatographic assay displayed an accuracy of 60.7%. Globally, the GICA assay showed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay. The schistosomiasis positivity rate determined by the GICA test was similar to those obtained with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay and the ddPCR assay performed on serum samples (SR_ddPCR), and was 2.3 times higher than obtained with the KK method. Conclusion The study further confirms that the developed GICA is a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting light S. japonicum infections and implies that this point-of-care assay is a viable solution for surveying endemic areas of low-intensity schistosomiasis and identifying high-priority endemic areas for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Jonas Rivera
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kosala G. Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health and Medical Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Malcolm K. Jones
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Ahmed KY, Allan J, Dalton H, Sleigh A, Seubsman SA, Ross AG. Reviewing Publicly Available Reports on Child Health Disparities in Indigenous and Remote Communities of Australia. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:5959. [PMID: 37297562 PMCID: PMC10253029 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Developing programs that ensure a safe start to life for Indigenous children can lead to better health outcomes. To create effective strategies, governments must have accurate and up-to-date information. Accordingly, we reviewed the health disparities of Australian children in Indigenous and remote communities using publicly available reports. A thorough search was performed on Australian government and other organisational websites (including the Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS] and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare [AIHW]), electronic databases [MEDLINE] and grey literature sites for articles, documents and project reports related to Indigenous child health outcomes. The study showed Indigenous dwellings had higher rates of crowding when compared to non-Indigenous dwellings. Smoking during pregnancy, teenage motherhood, low birth weight and infant and child mortality were higher among Indigenous and remote communities. Childhood obesity (including central obesity) and inadequate fruit consumption rates were also higher in Indigenous children, but Indigenous children from remote and very remote areas had a lower rate of obesity. Indigenous children performed better in physical activity compared to non-Indigenous children. No difference was observed in vegetable consumption rates, substance-use disorders or mental health conditions between Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. Future interventions for Indigenous children should focus on modifiable risk factors, including unhealthy housing, perinatal adverse health outcomes, childhood obesity, poor dietary intake, physical inactivity and sedentary behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Julaine Allan
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Hazel Dalton
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Adrian Sleigh
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Sam-ang Seubsman
- School of Human Ecology, Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
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Jubyda FT, Nahar KS, Barman I, Johura FT, Islam MT, Sultana M, Ullah W, Tasnim J, Biswas SR, Monir MM, George CM, Camilli A, Ahmed N, Ross AG, Clemens JD, Alam M. Vibrio cholerae O1 associated with recent endemic cholera shows temporal changes in serotype, genotype, and drug-resistance patterns in Bangladesh. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:17. [PMID: 37046358 PMCID: PMC10090749 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00537-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the advancement in our understanding of cholera and its etiological agent, Vibrio cholerae, the prevention and treatment of the disease are often hindered due to rapid changes in drug response pattern, serotype, and the major genomic islands namely, the CTX-prophage, and related genetic characteristics. In the present study, V. cholerae (n = 172) associated with endemic cholera in Dhaka during the years 2015-2021 were analyzed for major phenotypic and genetic characteristics, including drug resistance patterns. RESULTS Results revealed that the V. cholerae strains belonged to serogroup O1 biotype El Tor carrying El Tor -specific genes rtxC, tcpA El Tor, and hlyA El Tor, but possessed classical-biotype cholera toxin. Serotypes of V. cholerae strains differed temporally in predominance with Inaba during 2015-2017, and again in 2020-2021, while Ogawa was the predominant serotype in 2018-2019. Also, ctxB1 was predominant in V. cholerae associated with cholera during 2015-2017, while ctxB7 was predominant in 2018, and in the subsequent years, as observed until 2021. V. cholerae strains differed in their antibiotic resistance pattern with a majority (97%) being multi-drug resistant (MDR) and belonging to six sub-groups. Notably, one of these MDR strains was resistant to eleven of the eighteen antibiotics tested, with resistance to fourth-generation cephalosporin (cefepime), and aztreonam. This extreme drug resistant (XDR) strain carried resistance-related genes namely, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL), blaOXA-1 and blaPER-3. CONCLUSION The observed temporal switching of serotypes, as well as the ctxB genotype, and the emergence of MDR/XDR V. cholerae and their association with endemic cholera in Dhaka underscore the need for routine monitoring of the pathogen for proper patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema Tuz Jubyda
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology, Jahangirnagar University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kazi Sumaita Nahar
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Indrajeet Barman
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema-Tuz Johura
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Tarequl Islam
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Marzia Sultana
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Wali Ullah
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Jarin Tasnim
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Sahitya Ranjan Biswas
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Md Mamun Monir
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Niyaz Ahmed
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Pathogen Biology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, Telangana State, India
| | - Allen G Ross
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - John D Clemens
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Munirul Alam
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), 68, Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Sharani, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh.
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Mu Y, McManus DP, Gordon CA, You H, Ross AG, Olveda RM, Cai P. Development and assessment of a novel gold immunochromatographic assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1165480. [PMID: 37077910 PMCID: PMC10106775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1165480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundThe neglected zoonosis, schistosomiasis japonica, remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. The current study aims to develop a novel gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) and evaluate its performance in the detection of Schistosoma japonicum infection.MethodsA GICA strip incorporating a S. japonicum saposin protein, SjSAP4 was developed. For each GICA strip test, diluted serum sample (50 µl) was loaded and strips were scanned after 10 min to convert the results into images. ImageJ was used to calculate an R value, which was defined as the signal intensity of the test line divided by the signal intensity of the control line within the cassette. After determination of optimal serum dilution and diluent, the GICA assay was evaluated with sera collected from non-endemic controls (n = 20) and individuals living in schistosomiasis-endemic areas of the Philippines (n = 60), including 40 Kato Katz (KK)-positive participants and 20 subjects confirmed as KK-negative and faecal droplet digital PCR assay (F_ddPCR)-negative at a dilution of 1:20. An ELISA assay evaluating IgG levels against SjSAP4 was also performed on the same panel of sera.ResultsPhosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and 0.9% NaCl were determined as optimal dilution buffer for the GICA assay. The strips tested with serial dilutions of a pooled serum sample from KK-positive individuals (n = 3) suggested that a relatively wide range of dilutions (from 1:10 to 1:320) can be applied for the test. Using the non-endemic donors as controls, the GICA strip showed a sensitivity of 95.0% and absolute specificity; while using the KK-negative and F_ddPCR-negative subjects as controls, the immunochromatographic assay had a sensitivity of 85.0% and a specificity of 80.0%. The SjSAP4-incorperated GICA displayed a high concordance with the SjSAP4-ELISA assay.ConclusionsThe developed GICA assay exhibited a similar diagnostic performance with that of the SjSAP4-ELISA assay, yet the former can be performed by local personnel with minimal training with no requirement for specialised equipment. The GICA assay established here represents a rapid, easy-to-use, accurate and field-friendly diagnostic tool for the on-site surveillance/screening of S. japonicum infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health and Medical Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: Pengfei Cai,
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Ross AG, Harn DA, Chy D, Inobaya M, Guevarra JR, Shollenberger L, Li Y, McManus DP, Gray DJ, Williams GM. First bovine vaccine to prevent human schistosomiasis - a cluster randomised Phase 3 clinical trial. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 129:110-117. [PMID: 36736992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical parasitic disease caused by blood flukes of the genus Schistosoma. Schistosoma japonicum is zoonotic in China, the Philippines, and Indonesia, with bovines acting as major reservoirs of human infection. The primary objective of the trial was to examine the impact of a combination of human mass chemotherapy, snail control through mollusciciding, and SjCTPI bovine vaccination on the rate of human infection. METHODS A 5-year phase IIIa cluster randomized control trial was conducted among 18 schistosomiasis-endemic villages comprising 18,221 residents in Northern Samar, The Philippines. RESULTS Overall, bovine vaccination resulted in a statistically significant decrease in human infection (relative risk [RR] = 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69 to 0.82) across all trial follow-ups. The best outcome of the trial was when bovine vaccination was combined with snail mollusciciding. This combination resulted in a 31% reduction (RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.61 to 0.78) in human infection. CONCLUSION This is the first trial to demonstrate the effectiveness of a bovine vaccine for schistosomiasis in reducing human schistosome infection. The trial is registered with Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001048178).
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen G Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia.
| | - Donald A Harn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, USA
| | - Delia Chy
- Municipal Officer of Health, Palapag, Northern Samar, The Philippines
| | | | | | - Lisa Shollenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Ahmed KY, Ross AG, Hussien SM, Agho KE, Olusanya BO, Ogbo FA. Mapping Local Variations and the Determinants of Childhood Stunting in Nigeria. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3250. [PMID: 36833952 PMCID: PMC9959360 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding the specific geospatial variations in childhood stunting is essential for aligning appropriate health services to where new and/or additional nutritional interventions are required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and national targets. OBJECTIVES We described local variations in the prevalence of childhood stunting at the second administrative level and its determinants in Nigeria after accounting for the influence of geospatial dependencies. METHODS This study used the 2018 national Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey datasets (NDHS; N = 12,627). We used a Bayesian geostatistical modelling approach to investigate the prevalence of stunting at the second administrative level and its proximal and contextual determinants among children under five years of age in Nigeria. RESULTS In 2018, the overall prevalence of childhood stunting in Nigeria was 41.5% (95% credible interval (CrI) from 26.4% to 55.7%). There were striking variations in the prevalence of stunting that ranged from 2.0% in Shomolu in Lagos State, Southern Nigeria to 66.4% in Biriniwa in Jigawa State, Northern Nigeria. Factors positively associated with stunting included being perceived as small at the time of birth and experience of three or more episodes of diarrhoea in the two weeks before the survey. Children whose mothers received a formal education and/or were overweight or obese were less likely to be stunted compared to their counterparts. Children who were from rich households, resided in households with improved cooking fuel, resided in urban centres, and lived in medium-rainfall geographic locations were also less likely to be stunted. CONCLUSION The study findings showed wide variations in childhood stunting in Nigeria, suggesting the need for a realignment of health services to the poorest regions of Northern Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir Y. Ahmed
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia
| | - Seada M. Hussien
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Dessie 1145, Ethiopia
| | - Kingsley E. Agho
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Bolajoko O. Olusanya
- Centre for Healthy Start Initiative, 286A Corporation Drive, Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos 101223, Nigeria
| | - Felix Akpojene Ogbo
- Translational Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
- Riverland Academy of Clinical Excellence (RACE), Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, SA Health|Government of South Australia, Berri, SA 5343, Australia
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Zaman K, Bandyopadhyay AS, Hoque M, Gast C, Yunus M, Jamil KM, Mainou BA, Konopka-Anstadt JL, Hendley WS, Vincent A, Clemens R, Clemens SAC, Ross AG, Clemens JD, Tritama E. Evaluation of the safety, immunogenicity, and faecal shedding of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 in healthy newborn infants in Bangladesh: a randomised, controlled, phase 2 clinical trial. Lancet 2023; 401:131-139. [PMID: 36495882 PMCID: PMC9860215 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)02397-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Type 2 circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPV2) from Sabin oral poliovirus vaccines (OPVs) are the leading cause of poliomyelitis. A novel type 2 OPV (nOPV2) has been developed to be more genetically stable with similar tolerability and immunogenicity to that of Sabin type 2 vaccines to mitigate the risk of cVDPV2. We aimed to assess these aspects of nOPV2 in poliovirus vaccine-naive newborn infants. METHODS In this randomised, double-blind, controlled, phase 2 trial we enrolled newborn infants at the Matlab Health Research Centre, Chandpur, Bangladesh. We included infants who were healthy and were a single birth after at least 37 weeks' gestation. Infants were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive either two doses of nOPV2 or placebo, administered at age 0-3 days and at 4 weeks. Exclusion criteria included receipt of rotavirus or any other poliovirus vaccine, any infection or illness at the time of enrolment (vomiting, diarrhoea, or intolerance to liquids), diagnosis or suspicion of any immunodeficiency disorder in the infant or a close family member, or any contraindication for venipuncture. The primary safety outcome was safety and tolerability after one and two doses of nOPV2, given 4 weeks apart in poliovirus vaccine-naive newborn infants and the primary immunogenicity outcome was the seroconversion rate for neutralising antibodies against type 2 poliovirus, measured 28 days after the first and second vaccinations with nOPV2. Study staff recorded solicited and unsolicited adverse events after each dose during daily home visits for 7 days. Poliovirus neutralising antibody responses were measured in sera drawn at birth and at age 4 weeks and 8 weeks. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04693286. FINDINGS Between Sept 21, 2020, and Aug 16, 2021, we screened 334 newborn infants, of whom three (<1%) were found to be ineligible and one (<1%) was withdrawn by the parents; the remaining 330 (99%) infants were assigned to receive nOPV2 (n=220 [67%]) or placebo (n=110 [33%]). nOPV2 was well tolerated; 154 (70%) of 220 newborn infants in the nOPV2 group and 78 (71%) of 110 in the placebo group had solicited adverse events, which were all mild or moderate in severity. Severe unsolicited adverse events in 11 (5%) vaccine recipients and five (5%) placebo recipients were considered unrelated to vaccination. 306 (93%) of 330 infants had seroprotective maternal antibodies against type 2 poliovirus at birth, decreasing to 58 (56%) of 104 in the placebo group at 8 weeks. In the nOPV2 group 196 (90%) of 217 infants seroconverted by week 8 after two doses, when 214 (99%) had seroprotective antibodies. INTERPRETATION nOPV2 was well tolerated and immunogenic in newborn infants, with two doses, at birth and 4 weeks, resulting in almost 99% of infants having protective neutralising antibodies. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaelqu Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Chandpur, Bangladesh
| | | | - Masuma Hoque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Chandpur, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Yunus
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Chandpur, Bangladesh
| | - Khondoker M Jamil
- National Polio and Measles Laboratory, Institute of Public Health, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | - Annelet Vincent
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ralf Clemens
- Global Research in Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sue Ann Costa Clemens
- Global Research in Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Chandpur, Bangladesh; Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
| | - John D Clemens
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Chandpur, Bangladesh; International Vaccine Institute, Seoul, South Korea
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Chowdhury F, Akter A, Bhuiyan TR, Biswas R, Firoj MG, Tauheed I, Harris JB, Larocque RC, Ross AG, McMillan NAJ, Charles RC, Ryan ET, Calderwood SB, Qadri F. Long-term sialidase-specific immune responses after natural infection with cholera: Findings from a longitudinal cohort study in Bangladesh. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1067737. [PMID: 36618409 PMCID: PMC9813220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1067737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Immune responses that target sialidase occur following natural cholera and have been associated with protection against cholera. Sialidase is a neuraminidase that facilitates the binding of cholera toxin (CT) to intestinal epithelial cells. Despite this, little is known about age-related sialidase-specific immune responses and the impact of nutritional status and co-infection on sialidase-specific immunity. Methods We enrolled 50 culture-confirmed Vibrio cholerae O1 cholera cases presenting to the icddr,b Dhaka hospital with moderate to severe dehydration. We evaluated antibody responses out to 18 months (day 540) following cholera. We assessed immune responses targeting sialidase, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), cholera toxin B subunit (CtxB), and vibriocidal responses. We also explored the association of sialidase-specific immune responses to nutritional parameters and parasitic co-infection of cases. Results This longitudinal cohort study showed age-dependent differences in anti-sialidase immune response after natural cholera infection. Adult patients developed plasma anti-sialidase IgA and IgG responses after acute infection (P<0.05), which gradually decreased from day 30 on. In children, no significant anti-sialidase IgA, IgM, and IgG response was seen with the exception of a late IgG response at study day 540 (p=0.05 compared to adults). There was a correlation between anti-sialidase IgA with vibriocidal titers, as well as anti-sialidase IgA and IgG with anti-LPS and anti-CtxB antibody responses in adult patients, whereas in children, a significant positive correlation was seen only between anti-sialidase IgA and CtxB IgA responses. Stunted children showed significantly lower anti-sialidase IgA, IgG, and IgM antibody responses and higher LPS IgG and IgM antibody responses than healthy children. The anti-sialidase IgA and IgG responses were significantly higher in cases with concomitant parasitic infection. Conclusion Our data suggest that cholera patients develop age-distinct systemic and mucosal immune responses against sialidase. The stunted children have a lower anti-sialidase antibody response which may be associated with gut enteropathy and the neuraminidase plays an important role in augmented immune response in cholera patients infected with parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Afroza Akter
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taufiqur Rahman Bhuiyan
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rajib Biswas
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Biology, Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, AK, United States
| | - Md. Golam Firoj
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Imam Tauheed
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jason B. Harris
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Regina C. Larocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Richelle C. Charles
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Edward T. Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Stephen B. Calderwood
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Infectious Diseases Division, icddr, b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Mu Y, Weerakoon KG, Olveda RM, Ross AG, McManus DP, Cai P. Diagnostic performance of a urine-based ELISA assay for the screening of human schistosomiasis japonica: A comparative study. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1051575. [PMID: 36452928 PMCID: PMC9703063 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1051575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study developed and evaluated the performance of a urine-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the screening of Schistosoma japonicum infection in a human cohort (n = 412) recruited from endemic areas, Northern Samar, the Philippines. The diagnostic performance of the urine ELISA assay was further compared with the Kato-Katz (KK) technique, serum-based ELISA assays, point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) urine cassette test, and droplet digital (dd)PCR assays performed on feces, serum, urine, and saliva samples, which were designated as F_ddPCR, SR_ddPCR, U_ddPCR, and SL_ddPCR, respectively. When urine samples concentrated 16× were assessed, the SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD-ELISA (U) showed sensitivity/specificity values of 47.2/93.8% for the detection of S. japonicum infection in KK-positive individuals (n = 108). The prevalence of S. japonicum infection in the total cohort determined by the urine ELISA assay was 48.8%, which was lower than that obtained with the F_ddPCR (74.5%, p < 0.001), SR_ddPCR (67.2%, p < 0.001), and SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD-ELISA (S) (66.0%, p < 0.001), but higher than that determined by the Sj23-LHD-ELISA (S) (24.5%, p < 0.001), POC-CCA assay (12.4%, p < 0.001), and SL_ddPCR (25.5%, p < 0.001). Using the other diagnostic tests as a reference, the urine ELISA assay showed a sensitivity between 47.2 and 56.9%, a specificity between 50.7 and 55.2%, and an accuracy between 49.3 and 53.4%. The concentrated urine SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD-ELISA developed in the current study was more sensitive than both the KK test and POC-CCA assay, and showed a comparable level of diagnostic accuracy to that of the U_ddPCR. However, its diagnostic performance was less robust than that of the F_ddPCR, SR_ddPCR, and SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD-ELISA (S) assays. Although they are convenient and involve a highly acceptable non-invasive procedure for clinical sample collection, the insufficient sensitivity of the three urine-based assays (the urine ELISA assay, the U_ddPCR test, and the POC-CCA assay) will limit their value for the routine screening of schistosomiasis japonica in the post mass drug administration (MDA) era, where low-intensity infections are predominant in many endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kosala G. Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Research Institute for Rural Health, Charles Sturt University, Orange, NSW, Australia
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infection and Inflammation Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Ross AG, Khanam F, Islam MT, Chowdhury F, Sleigh AC. Diagnosis and Management of Acute Enteropathogens in Returning Travelers. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 123:34-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
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Haque R, Moe CL, Raj SJ, Ong L, Charles K, Ross AG, Shirin T, Raqib R, Sarker P, Rahman M, Rahman MZ, Amin N, Mahmud ZH, Rahman M, Johnston D, Akter N, Khan TA, Hossain MA, Hasan R, Islam MT, Bhattacharya P. Wastewater surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in Bangladesh: Opportunities and challenges. Curr Opin Environ Sci Health 2022; 27:100334. [PMID: 35434440 PMCID: PMC9004539 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2022.100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a public health crisis of global concern. The progression of the COVID-19 pandemic has been monitored in the first place by testing symptomatic individuals for SARS-CoV-2 virus in the respiratory samples. Concurrently, wastewater carries feces, urine, and sputum that potentially contains SARS-CoV-2 intact virus or partially damaged viral genetic materials excreted by infected individuals. This brings significant opportunities for understanding the infection dynamics by environmental surveillance. It has advantages for the country, especially in densely populated areas where individual clinical testing is difficult. However, there are several challenges including: 1) establishing a sampling plan and schedule that is representative of the various catchment populations 2) development and validation of standardized protocols for the laboratory analysis 3) understanding hydraulic flows and virus transport in complex wastewater drainage systems and 4) collaborative efforts from government agencies, NGOs, public health units and academia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehnuma Haque
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, USA
| | - Christine L Moe
- Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Suraja J Raj
- Center for Global Safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, USA
| | - Li Ong
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Katrina Charles
- School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Protim Sarker
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Ziaur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Nuhu Amin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Zahid Hayat Mahmud
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Bangladesh
| | - Dara Johnston
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Section, UNICEF, Bangladesh
| | - Nargis Akter
- Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Section, UNICEF, Bangladesh
| | - Taqsem A Khan
- Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (DWASA), Bangladesh
| | | | - Rezaul Hasan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (ICDDRB), Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh
| | - M Tahmidul Islam
- COVID-19 Research @KTH, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Prosun Bhattacharya
- COVID-19 Research @KTH, Department of Sustainable Development, Environmental Science and Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
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Khanam F, Ross AG, McMillan NAJ, Qadri F. Toward Typhoid Fever Elimination. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 119:41-43. [PMID: 35338009 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serotype Typhi (S Typhi) causes typhoid fever and is responsible for an estimated 9 million cases and 110,000 deaths globally per annum. Typhoid fever is endemic in areas where water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) infrastructure is poor. Serious complications develop in approximately 10%-15% of patients if left untreated, and this is driven by inadequate diagnostic methods and the high burden of antibiotic-resistant strains, complicating clinical management and ultimately prognosis. Asymptomatic chronic carriers, in addition to acutely infected patients, contribute to continued transmission through the shedding of the organism in the feces. The high morbidity and mortality of typhoid fever in low- and middle-income countries reinforce the need for an integrated control approach, which may ultimately lead to elimination of the disease in the 21st century. Here we discuss the challenges faced in pursuit of typhoid fever elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhana Khanam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Allen G Ross
- Rural Health Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, Orange Campus, Australia
| | - Nigel A J McMillan
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, University of Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Chowdhury F, Akter A, Bhuiyan TR, Tauheed I, Teshome S, Sil A, Park JY, Chon Y, Ferdous J, Basher SR, Ahmed F, Karim M, Ahasan MM, Mia MR, Masud MMI, Khan AW, Billah M, Nahar Z, Khan I, Ross AG, Kim DR, Ashik MMR, Digilio L, Lynch J, Excler JL, Clemens JD, Qadri F. A non-inferiority trial comparing two killed, whole cell, oral cholera vaccines (Cholvax vs. Shanchol) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Vaccine 2021; 40:640-649. [PMID: 34969541 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2021.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Bangladesh remains cholera endemic with biannual seasonal peaks causing epidemics. At least 300,000 severe cases and over 4,500 deaths occur each year. The available oral cholera vaccineshave not yet been adopted for cholera control in Bangladesh due to insufficient number of doses available for endemic control. With a public private partnership, icddr,b initiated a collaboration between vaccine manufacturers in Bangladesh and abroad. A locally manufactured Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) named Cholvax became available for testing in Bangladesh. We evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of this locally produced Cholvax (Incepta Vaccine Ltd) inexpensive OCV comparatively to Shanchol (Shantha Biotechnics-Sanofi Pasteur) which is licensed in several countries. We conducted a randomized non-inferiority clinical trial of bivalent, killed oral whole-cell cholera vaccine Cholvax vs. Shanchol in the cholera-endemic area of Mirpur, Dhaka, among three different age cohorts (1-5, 6-17 and 18-45 years) between April 2016 and April 2017. Two vaccine doses were given at 14 days apart to 2,052 healthy participants. No vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. There were no significant differences in the frequency of solicited (7.31% vs. 6.73%) and unsolicited (1.46% vs. 1.07%) adverse events reported between the Cholvax and Shanchol groups. Vibriocidal antibody responses among the overall population for O1 Ogawa (81% vs. 77%) and O1 Inaba (83% vs. 84%) serotypes showed that Cholvax was non-inferior to Shanchol, with the non-inferiority margin of -10%. For O1 Inaba, GMT was 462.60 (Test group), 450.84 (Comparator group) with GMR 1.02(95% CI: 0.92, 1.13). For O1 Ogawa, GMT was 419.64 (Test group), 387.22 (Comparator group) with GMR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.23). Cholvax was safe and non-inferior to Shanchol in terms of immunogenicity in the different age groups. These results support public use of Cholvax to contribute for reduction of the cholera burden in Bangladesh. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT027425581.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahima Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Afroza Akter
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taufiqur Rahman Bhuiyan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Imam Tauheed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Samuel Teshome
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Arijit Sil
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Yeon Park
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Chon
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jannatul Ferdous
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salima Raiyan Basher
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faez Ahmed
- Incepta Vaccine Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Imran Khan
- Incepta Vaccine Limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Deok Ryun Kim
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Laura Digilio
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Julia Lynch
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - John D Clemens
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh; UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Korea University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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Ross AG, Alam M, Rahman M, Qadri F, Mahmood SS, Zaman K, Chau TN, Chattopadhyay A, Chaudhuri SPG. Rise of informal slums and the next global pandemic. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:S910-S914. [PMID: 34668553 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Informal slums are growing exponentially in the developing world and these will serve as the breeding ground for a future global pandemic. Virtually every sustainable development goal is unmet in slums around the globe thus we must act now to divert a global humanitarian crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Munirul Alam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shehrin S Mahmood
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Cai P, Mu Y, Weerakoon KG, Olveda RM, Ross AG, McManus DP. Performance of the point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen test in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica in a human cohort from Northern Samar, the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2021; 10:121. [PMID: 34556183 PMCID: PMC8460201 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-021-00905-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Zoonotic schistosomiasis, caused by Schistosoma japonicum, remains a major public health problem in the Philippines. This study aimed to evaluate the commercially available rapid diagnostic point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) test in detecting individuals infected with S. japonicum in a human cohort from an endemic area for schistosomiasis japonica in the Philippines. METHODS Clinical samples were collectedin 18 barangays endemic for S. japonicum infection in Laoang and Palapag municipalities, Northern Samar, the Philippines, in 2015. The presence of CCA in filter-concentrated urine samples (n = 412) was evaluated using the commercial kits and the results were converted to images, which were further analyzed by ImageJ software to calculate R values. The diagnostic performance of the immunochromatographic POC-CCA test was compared using the Kato-Katz (KK) procedure, in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and droplet digital (dd) PCR assays as reference. RESULTS The POC-CCA test was able to detect S. japonicum-infected individuals in the cohort with an eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) more than or equal to 10 with sensitivity/specificity values of 63.3%/93.3%. However, the assay showed an inability to diagnose schistosomiasis japonica infections in all cohort KK-positive individuals, of which the majority had an extremely low egg burden (EPG: 1-9). The prevalence of S. japonicum infection in the total cohort determined by the POC-CCA test was 12.4%, only half of that determined by the KK method (26.2%). When compared with the ELISAs and ddPCR assays as a reference, the POC-CCA assay was further shown to be a test with low sensitivity. Nevertheless, the assay exhibited significant positive correlations with egg burden determined by the KK technique and the target gene copy number index values determined by the ddPCR assays within the entire cohort. CONCLUSIONS By using in silico image analysis, the POC-CCA cassette test could be converted to a quantitative assay to avoid reader-variability. Because of its low sensitivity, the commercially available POC-CCA assay had limited potential for determining the status of a S. japonicum infection in the target cohort. The assay should be applied with caution in populations where schistosome parasites (especially S. japonicum) are present at low infection intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Program, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Abstract
Safe and effective rotavirus vaccines (RVs) are needed to reduce the enormous public health burden of rotavirus illness in developing countries. Vaccination is critical for effective control of rotavirus infection since it cannot be prevented with improvements in water and sanitation. The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b) has completed several groundbreaking RV trials (Phase I–Phase IV). The safety, immunogenicity, efficacy, and effectiveness of different RVs were evaluated among both urban and rural populations. In this study, we present the results, policy implications, and lessons learned for successful implementation of these trials as well as future directions for rotavirus vaccination in Bangladesh.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asma B Aziz
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), 08826 Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Md Yunus
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D Clemens
- International Vaccine Institute (IVI), 08826 Seoul, Republic of Korea.,UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772, USA
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Islam SS, Rumi TB, Kabir SML, van der Zanden AGM, Kapur V, Rahman AKMA, Ward MP, Bakker D, Ross AG, Rahim Z. Correction: Bovine tuberculosis prevalence and risk factors in selected districts of Bangladesh. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256042. [PMID: 34352029 PMCID: PMC8341511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Islam SS, Rumi TB, Kabir SML, Rahman AKMA, Faisal MMH, Islam R, van der Zanden AGM, Ward MP, Ross AG, Rahim Z. Zoonotic tuberculosis knowledge and practices among cattle handlers in selected districts of Bangladesh. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009394. [PMID: 33930015 PMCID: PMC8115789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We assessed zoonotic tuberculosis (zTB) knowledge and prevention and control practices of 404 cattle handlers via a survey in three dairy-intensive districts of Bangladesh. Most respondents were aged 30-49 (52%) and male (95%). Almost all (99%) recognized the important public health burden of tuberculosis in Bangladesh, however, most (58%) had inadequate knowledge about zTB transmission to humans. Inappropriate practices such as: not using protective equipment (98%); smoking, drinking or eating food whilst working with cattle (69%); and sharing the same premises with animals (83%) were identified. Cattle handlers educated at secondary or higher levels were 2.82- (95% CI: 1.59-5.10) and 5.15 times (95% CI: 1.74-15.20) more likely to have adequate knowledge of control and prevention activities compared to those with no formal education. Those who had reared animals for 1-5 years were 2.67 times (95% CI: 1.44-4.91) more likely to have adequate knowledge, compared to those who reared animals for >15 years. Cattle handlers with a monthly incomes of 10,000-20,000 taka were significantly (Odds Ratio = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.14-0.92) less likely to have adequate knowledge compared to those with monthly incomes <10,000 taka. Cattle handlers with high school or higher education were 6.98 times (95% CI: 2.47-19.71) more likely to use appropriate zTB control and prevention practices compared to those without formal education. Those who had reared animals for 1-5 years, 6-10 years and 11-15 years were 2.72- (95% CI: 1.42-5.24), 2.49- (95% CI: 1.29-4.77) and 2.86 times (95% CI: 1.13-7.23) more likely to apply appropriate practices compared to those who reared animals for >15 years. Overall, education, duration of cattle rearing and monthly income predicted zTB knowledge and practices. There is an urgent need to educate those at high-risk of zTB transmission on issues including the handling of infected animals, and general hygiene. A One Health approach, to support the Sustainable Development Goals and the End TB strategy, appears to be the way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sk Shaheenur Islam
- Department of Livestock Services, Krishi Khamar Sarak, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Tanzida Begum Rumi
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S. M. Lutful Kabir
- Department of Microbiology and Hygiene, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - Robiul Islam
- Department of Microbiology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Michael P. Ward
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Camden, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zeaur Rahim
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease and Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Das P, Satter SM, Ross AG, Abdullah Z, Nazneen A, Sultana R, Rimi NA, Chowdhury K, Alam R, Parveen S, Rahman MM, Hossain ME, Rahman MZ, Mazumder R, Abdullah A, Rahman M, Banu S, Ahmed T, Clemens JD, Rahman M. A Case Series Describing the Recurrence of COVID-19 in Patients Who Recovered from Initial Illness in Bangladesh. Trop Med Infect Dis 2021; 6:41. [PMID: 33807247 PMCID: PMC8103235 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed6020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has infected over 80 million people globally. We report a case series of five clinically and laboratory confirmed COVID-19 patients from Bangladesh who suffered a second episode of COVID-19 illness after 70 symptom-free days. The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), is a leading public health research institution in South Asia. icddr, b staff were actively tested, treated and followed-up for COVID-19 by an experienced team of clinicians, epidemiologists, and virologists. From 21 March to 30 September 2020, 1370 icddr,b employees working at either the Dhaka (urban) or Matlab (rural) clinical sites were tested for COVID-19. In total, 522 (38%) were positive; 38% from urban Dhaka (483/1261) and 36% from the rural clinical site Matlab (39/109). Five patients (60% male with a mean age of 41 years) had real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) diagnosed recurrence (reinfection) of SARS-CoV-2. All had mild symptoms except for one who was hospitalized. Though all cases reported fair risk perceptions towards COVID-19, all had potential exposure sources for reinfection. After a second course of treatment and home isolation, all patients fully recovered. Our findings suggest the need for COVID-19 vaccination and continuing other preventive measures to further mitigate the pandemic. An optimal post-recovery follow-up strategy to allow the safe return of COVID-19 patients to the workforce may be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pritimoy Das
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh; (S.M.S.); (A.G.R.); (Z.A.); (A.N.); (R.S.); (N.A.R.); (K.C.); (R.A.); (S.P.); (M.M.R.); (M.E.H.); (M.Z.R.); (R.M.); (A.A.); (M.R.); (S.B.); (T.A.); (J.D.C.); (M.R.)
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Khan SI, Khan MNM, Irfan SD, Rumayan Hasan AM, Ross AG, Horng LMS, Lachowsky N, Knudson G, Azim T. The Effects of Methamphetamine Use on the Sexual Lives of Gender and Sexually Diverse People in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study. Arch Sex Behav 2021; 50:479-493. [PMID: 32239362 PMCID: PMC7529687 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01674-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine use has increased among gender and sexually diverse people in several countries, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the effects of methamphetamine on the sexual lives of these people in Dhaka, Bangladesh. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, comprising 30 in-depth interviews with gender and sexually diverse people including males having sex with males, male sex workers, and transgender women (hijra) under HIV intervention coverage. Ten key informant interviews were also conducted with individuals who have expertise in relevant disciplines such as drug use, harm reduction, and HIV and AIDS. Digitally recorded data were manually analyzed under the thematic analysis framework. Findings indicated that many participants reported that methamphetamine brought changes in their sexual lives such as increased sexual drive, engagement in group sex, the increased ability to perform serial sex, transactional sex, impulsive and coercive sex, initiation and switching of male-to-male sexual practices, and limited condom use. Key informants noted that there is a dearth of methamphetamine-related services in Bangladesh. Methamphetamine use was found to lead to diverse effects on the sexual lives of gender and sexually diverse people, thus making it a driving force for shaping sexual practices and, hence, sexual risks. Therefore, it is essential for policy-level stakeholders and program managers to consider the risks of methamphetamine use due to their negative ramifications on sexual health, including HIV risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharful Islam Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
| | - Mohammad Niaz Morshed Khan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Samira Dishti Irfan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A M Rumayan Hasan
- Programme for HIV and AIDS, Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), 68 Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmed Avenue, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G Ross
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Lily Ming-Sha Horng
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Nathan Lachowsky
- Faculty of Human and Social Development, School of Public Health and Social Policy, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Gail Knudson
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tasnim Azim
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Ahmed S, Karim MM, Ross AG, Hossain MS, Clemens JD, Sumiya MK, Phru CS, Rahman M, Zaman K, Somani J, Yasmin R, Hasnat MA, Kabir A, Aziz AB, Khan WA. A five-day course of ivermectin for the treatment of COVID-19 may reduce the duration of illness. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 103:214-216. [PMID: 33278625 PMCID: PMC7709596 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.11.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ivermectin, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved anti-parasitic agent, was found to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in vitro. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to determine the rapidity of viral clearance and safety of ivermectin among adult SARS-CoV-2 patients. The trial included 72 hospitalized patients in Dhaka, Bangladesh, who were assigned to one of three groups: oral ivermectin alone (12 mg once daily for 5 days), oral ivermectin in combination with doxycycline (12 mg ivermectin single dose and 200 mg doxycycline on day 1, followed by 100 mg every 12 h for the next 4 days), and a placebo control group. Clinical symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat were comparable among the three groups. Virological clearance was earlier in the 5-day ivermectin treatment arm when compared to the placebo group (9.7 days vs 12.7 days; p = 0.02), but this was not the case for the ivermectin + doxycycline arm (11.5 days; p = 0.27). There were no severe adverse drug events recorded in the study. A 5-day course of ivermectin was found to be safe and effective in treating adult patients with mild COVID-19. Larger trials will be needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabeena Ahmed
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahbubul Karim
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Sharif Hossain
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D Clemens
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mariya Kibtiya Sumiya
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ching Swe Phru
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mustafizur Rahman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Khalequ Zaman
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jyoti Somani
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rubina Yasmin
- Mugda Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Ahmedul Kabir
- Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asma Binte Aziz
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Wasif Ali Khan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh.
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Banu S, Haque F, Ahmed S, Sultana S, Rahman MM, Khatun R, Paul KK, Kabir S, Rahman SMM, Banu RS, Islam MS, Ross AG, Clemens JD, Stevens R, Creswell J. Social Enterprise Model (SEM) for private sector tuberculosis screening and care in Bangladesh. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241437. [PMID: 33226990 PMCID: PMC7682881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Bangladesh, about 80% of healthcare is provided by the private sector. Although free diagnosis and care is offered in the public sector, only half of the estimated number of people with tuberculosis are diagnosed, treated, and notified to the national program. Private sector engagement strategies often have been small scale and time limited. We evaluated a Social Enterprise Model combining external funding and income generation at three tuberculosis screening centres across the Dhaka Metropolitan Area for diagnosing and treating tuberculosis. METHODS AND FINDINGS The model established three tuberculosis screening centres across Dhaka Metropolitan Area that carried the icddr,b brand and offered free Xpert MTB/RIF tests to patients visiting the screening centres for subsidized, digital chest radiographs from April 2014 to December 2017. A network of private and public health care providers, and community recommendation was formed for patient referral. No financial incentives were offered to physicians for referrals. Revenues from radiography were used to support screening centres' operation. Tuberculosis patients could choose to receive treatment from the private or public sector. Between 2014 and 2017, 1,032 private facilities networked with 8,466 private providers were mapped within the Dhaka Metropolitan Area. 64, 031 patients with TB symptoms were referred by the private providers, public sector and community residents to the three screening centres with 80% coming from private providers. 4,270 private providers made at least one referral. Overall, 10,288 pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis cases were detected and 7,695 were bacteriologically positive by Xpert, corresponding to 28% of the total notifications in Dhaka Metropolitan Area. CONCLUSION The model established a network of private providers who referred individuals with presumptive tuberculosis without financial incentives to icddr,b's screening centres, facilitating a quarter of total tuberculosis notifications in Dhaka Metropolitan Area. Scaling up this approach may enhance national and international tuberculosis response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayera Banu
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
| | - Farhana Haque
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shahriar Ahmed
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sonia Sultana
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mahfuzur Rahman
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Razia Khatun
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kishor Kumar Paul
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Senjuti Kabir
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - S. M. Mazidur Rahman
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rupali Sisir Banu
- National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shamiul Islam
- National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP), Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G. Ross
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - John D. Clemens
- icddr,b (International Centre for Diarrhoeal Diseases Research Bangladesh), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Aziz AB, Raqib R, Khan WA, Rahman M, Haque R, Alam M, Zaman K, Ross AG. Integrated control of COVID-19 in resource-poor countries. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 101:98-101. [PMID: 32916249 PMCID: PMC7480448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face many challenges in controlling COVID-19. Healthcare resources are limited and so are ICU beds. RT-PCR testing is conducted on a limited scale and treatment options are few. There is no vaccine. Therefore, what low-cost solutions remain for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of SARS-CoV-2? How should these essential health services be delivered in order to reach the most vulnerable in our societies? In this editorial we discuss several important strategies for controlling COVID-19 including: vaccination, molecular and serological diagnostics, hygiene and WaSH interventions, and low-cost therapeutics. We also discuss the delivery of such services in order to reach the most in need. The proposed integrated control strategy requires immediate action and political will in order to reduce the widening health inequalities caused by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma B Aziz
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rubhana Raqib
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Wasif A Khan
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Rashidul Haque
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Munir Alam
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K Zaman
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Allen G Ross
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Cai P, Mu Y, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Serum Exosomal miRNAs for Grading Hepatic Fibrosis Due to Schistosomiasis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103560. [PMID: 32443549 PMCID: PMC7278994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Schistosoma japonicum or Schistosoma mansoni results in hepatic fibrosis of the human host. The staging of fibrosis is crucial for prognosis and to determine the need for treatment of patients with schistosomiasis. This study aimed to determine whether there is a correlation between the levels of serum exosomal micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) (exomiRs) and fibrosis progression in schistosomiasis. Reference gene (RG) validation was initially carried out for the analysis of serum exomiRs expression in staging liver fibrosis caused by schistosome infection. The expression levels of liver fibrosis-associated exomiRs in serum were determined in a murine schistosomiasis model and in a cohort of Filipino schistosomiasis japonica patients (n = 104) with different liver fibrosis grades. Of twelve RG candidates validated, miR-103a-3p and miR-425-5p were determined to be the most stable genes in the murine schistosomiasis model and subjects from the schistosomiasis-endemic area, respectively. The temporal expression profiles of nine fibrosis-associated serum exomiRs, as well as their correlations with the liver pathologies, were determined in C57BL/6 mice during S. japonicum infection. The serum levels of three exomiRs (miR-92a-3p, miR-146a-5p and miR-532-5p) were able to distinguish subjects with fibrosis grades I-III from those with no fibrosis, but only the serum level of exosomal miR-146a-5p showed potential for distinguishing patients with mild (grades 0–I) versus severe fibrosis (grades II–III). The current data imply that serum exomiRs can be a supplementary tool for grading liver fibrosis in hepatosplenic schistosomiasis with moderate accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (D.P.M.); Tel.: +61-7-3362-0406 (P.C.); +61-7-3362-0401 (D.P.M.)
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
| | - Remigio M. Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila 1781, Philippines;
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia; (A.G.R.); (D.U.O.)
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR, B), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh
| | - David U. Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast 4222, Australia; (A.G.R.); (D.U.O.)
| | - Donald P. McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane 4006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (P.C.); (D.P.M.); Tel.: +61-7-3362-0406 (P.C.); +61-7-3362-0401 (D.P.M.)
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Gordon CA, Krause L, McManus DP, Morrison M, Weerakoon KG, Connor MC, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Gobert GN. Helminths, polyparasitism, and the gut microbiome in the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2020; 50:217-225. [PMID: 32135180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Polyparasitism, involving soil-transmitted helminths. and Schistosoma blood flukes, is common in low to middle income countries. These helminths impact on the gut environment and can cause changes to the gut microbiome composition. Here we examined the gut microbiome in individuals with polyparasitism from two human cohorts in the Philippines utilising DNA sequencing-based profiling. Multiple helminth species infections were high with 70.3% of study participants harbouring at least two parasite species, and 16% harbouring at least five species. Increased numbers of helminth co-infections, in particular with the gut-resident soil-transmitted helminths, were significantly associated with increased bacterial diversity; however no significant parasite-gut microbiome associations were evident for individuals infected only with Schistosoma japonicum. In general, a healthy gut is associated with high bacterial diversity, which in these human cohorts may be the result of helminth-mediated immune modulation, or due to changes in the gut environment caused by these parasitic helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Lutz Krause
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark Morrison
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Immunology Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, Sri Lanka
| | - Mairead C Connor
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manilla, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
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Ross AG, Rahman M, Alam M, Zaman K, Qadri F. Can we 'WaSH' infectious diseases out of slums? Int J Infect Dis 2020; 92:130-132. [PMID: 31962180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The world is becoming increasingly urban and most of this growth is taking place in urban slums of the developing world. The current (2019) global population stands at 7.7 billion, with approximately one billion (13%) living in urban slums. By 2030 the world's population is projected to grow to 8.5 billion, with an estimated two billion (24%) living in slums. Slums are typically overcrowded, with most residents sharing a single room with four to five family members. There is usually no formal sewage or waste disposal system. Open sewage, with antimicrobial-resistant organisms, typically flows just outside the door, which during the rainy season often enters the home and contaminates the household drinking source. Hygiene is difficult if not impossible to maintain, hence the significant burden of infectious diseases, especially those with a faecal-oral mode of transmission. Transmission is year-round and the leading enteric pathogens are rotavirus, Cryptosporidium, Shigella, Campylobacter, Salmonella typhi, and Vibrio cholera. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) will be crucial components of a future integrated control strategy for infectious diseases in slums. Cheap WaSH interventions have been trialled, but their impact has been modest and short-lived. More expensive WaSH alternatives that will provide lasting change now need to be explored. Can we 'WaSH' infectious diseases out of slums?
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen G Ross
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Munirul Alam
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K Zaman
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Khan SI, Reza MM, Crowe SM, Rahman M, Hellard M, Sarker MS, Chowdhury EI, Rana AM, Sacks-Davis R, Banu S, Ross AG. People who inject drugs in Bangladesh — The untold burden! Int J Infect Dis 2019; 83:109-115. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
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Williams GM, Li YS, Gray DJ, Zhao ZY, Harn DA, Shollenberger LM, Li SM, Yu X, Feng Z, Guo JG, Zhou J, Dong YL, Li Y, Guo B, Driguez P, Harvie M, You H, Ross AG, McManus DP. Field Testing Integrated Interventions for Schistosomiasis Elimination in the People's Republic of China: Outcomes of a Multifactorial Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Immunol 2019; 10:645. [PMID: 31001264 PMCID: PMC6456715 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress, China faces the challenge of re-emerging schistosomiasis transmission in currently controlled areas due, in part, to the presence of a range of animal reservoirs, notably water buffalo and cattle, which can harbor Schistosoma japonicum infections. Environmental, ecological and social-demographic changes in China, shown to affect the distribution of oncomelanid snails, can also impact future schistosomiasis transmission. In light of their importance in the S. japonicum, lifecycle, vaccination has been proposed as a means to reduce the excretion of egg from cattle and buffalo, thereby interrupting transmission from these reservoir hosts to snails. A DNA-based vaccine (SjCTPI) our team developed showed encouraging efficacy against S. japonicum in Chinese water buffaloes. Here we report the results of a double-blind cluster randomized trial aimed at determining the impact of a combination of the SjCTPI bovine vaccine (given as a prime-boost regimen), human mass chemotherapy and snail control on the transmission of S. japonicum in 12 selected administrative villages around the Dongting Lake in Hunan province. The trial confirmed human praziquantel treatment is an effective intervention at the population level. Further, mollusciciding had an indirect ~50% efficacy in reducing human infection rates. Serology showed that the SjCTPI vaccine produced an effective antibody response in vaccinated bovines, resulting in a negative correlation with bovine egg counts observed at all post-vaccination time points. Despite these encouraging outcomes, the effect of the vaccine in preventing human infection was inconclusive. This was likely due to activities undertaken by the China National Schistosomiasis Control Program, notably the treatment, sacrifice or removal of bovines from trial villages, over which we had no control; as a result, the trial design was compromised, reducing power and contaminating outcome measures. This highlights the difficulties in undertaking field trials of this nature and magnitude, particularly over a long period, and emphasizes the importance of mathematical modeling in predicting the potential impact of control intervention measures. A transmission blocking vaccine targeting bovines for the prevention of S. japonicum with the required protective efficacy would be invaluable in tandem with other preventive intervention measures if the goal of eliminating schistosomiasis from China is to become a reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yue-Sheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Darren J Gray
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Zheng-Yuan Zhao
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Donald A Harn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Tropical and Emerging Global Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lisa M Shollenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Sheng-Ming Li
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Xinglin Yu
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Zeng Feng
- Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia-Gang Guo
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Jie Zhou
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Yu-Lan Dong
- World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Research and Control of Schistosomiasis in Lake Region, Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Centre of Cell and Molecular Biology Experiment, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Biao Guo
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Patrick Driguez
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Marina Harvie
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Hong You
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia.,International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Hu F, Ge J, Lv SB, Li YF, Li ZJ, Yuan M, Chen Z, Liu YM, Li YS, Ross AG, Lin DD. Distribution pattern of the snail intermediate host of schistosomiasis japonica in the Poyang Lake region of China. Infect Dis Poverty 2019; 8:23. [PMID: 30922403 PMCID: PMC6440081 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-019-0534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the closure of the Three Gorges Dam in 2003 the hydrology of Poyang Lake was altered dramatically leading to significant changes in the environment. In order to assess the impact on schistosomiasis this study assessed the spatial and temporal patterns of the snail intermediate host, Oncomelania hupensis in the Poyang Lake tributaries. The results of the study have important implications for future snail control strategies leading to disease elimination. METHODS The marshland area surrounding Poyang Lake was divided randomly into 200 × 200 m vector grids using ArcGIS software, and the surveyed grids were randomly selected by the software. The snail survey was conducted in each selected grid using a survey frame of 50 × 50 m with one sideline of each grid serving as the starting line. No less than ten frames were used in each surveyed grid with Global Positioning System (GPS) recordings for each. All snails in each frame were collected to determine infection status by microscopy. Altitude data for all frames were extracted from a lake bottom topographic map in order to analyze the average altitude. All snail survey data were collected and statistically analyzed with SPSS 20.0 software in order to determine the difference of the percentage of frames with living snails and mean density of living snails in different regions of Poyang Lake. The altitude of the snail-infested marshlands and snail dens were subsequently identified. RESULTS A total of 1159 potential snail sampling grids were surveyed, of which 15 231 frames (0.1 m2/frame) were investigated. 1241 frames had live Oncomelania snails corresponding to 8.15% of the total number of frames. The mean density of living snails was 0.463/0.1 m2 with a maximum of 57 snails per frame. The percent of frames with snails in the southern sector (8.13%) of Poyang Lake did not differ statistically from the north (8.21%). However, the mean density of live snails in the northern sector (0.164/0.1 m2) of the lake was statistically higher (F = 6.727; P = 0.010) than the south (0.141/0.1 m2). In the south of the lake, the elevation of snail-inhabited marshland ranged between 11 - 16 m, and could be further subdivided into two snail-concentrated belts at 12-13 m of elevation and 15-16 m of elevation respectively. In the north of the lake, the elevation of snail-inhabited marshland ranged between 9- 16 m with the elevation of 12-14 m being the snail-concentrated zone. CONCLUSIONS The elevation of snail-infested marshlands in the Poyang Lake region ranged from 9 to 16 m. The snail distribution and habitat has moved north of the lake and to a lower altitude due to changes in the water level post dam closure. Based on the current geological features of the snail habitant focused mollusciciding should occur in snail dense northern regions with frequent bovine and human traffic. Targeting these identified 'hotspots' of transmission will assist in elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Hu
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Ge
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Shang-Biao Lv
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi-Feng Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Jun Li
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Min Yuan
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhe Chen
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Ming Liu
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue-Sheng Li
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allen G. Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD Australia
| | - Dan-Dan Lin
- Jiangxi Provincial Institute of Parasitic Diseases, No. 239, First Gaoxin Rd., Gaoxin District, 330096 Nanchang, Jiangxi Province People’s Republic of China
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Co-parasitism of intestinal protozoa and Schistosoma japonicum in a rural community in the Philippines. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:121. [PMID: 30526666 PMCID: PMC6287361 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Co-parasitism is a frequent occurrence in impoverished communities in the tropics resulting in a considerable disease burden. While there are extensive reports of intestinal helminthiases, including schistosomiasis japonica, the occurrence and extent of diseases caused by intestinal protozoa (IP) have yet to be investigated in depth in the Philippines. We present a detailed analysis of polyparasitism in a rural community of Northern Samar, focusing on co-infections of IP with Schistosoma japonicum. Methods A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in 2015 across 18 barangays (villages) endemic for S. japonicum in Northern Samar, the Philippines to assess the burden of human schistosomiasis and IP infections. Faecal samples collected from 412 participants from the 18 barangays were included in the final molecular analysis. A multiplex quantitative PCR assay was developed and used for the detection of Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba histolytica, Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in stool samples. The findings were combined with previous results of droplet digital PCR diagnosis of individuals from the same 18 barangays infected with S. japonicum determined using the same stool samples for analysis. Results Mean age of the study participants was 40.3 years (95% CI: 38.8–41.8) with 53% (n = 218) being males. Prevalence of S. japonicum (74.5%) and Blastocystis spp. (58.7%) was significantly higher compared to other infections, with E. histolytica having the lowest prevalence (12.1%). A majority of individuals were infected with more than one parasite with two infections being most common (n = 175, 42.5%). The prevalence of individuals with two parasites was significantly higher than all others with 27.9% (n = 115) subjects harbouring a single parasite species. Of individuals with two infections, S. japonicum and Blastocystis spp. were the most common combination (n = 110, 62.9%). Examining age within the population, 58.5% (n = 38) of school-aged children and 60.1% (n = 14) of women of child bearing age harboured at least two parasite species. Conclusions The study revealed that polyparasitism with IP infections and schistosomiasis japonica is highly prevalent in individuals in Northern Samar which likely contributes to the significant public health and socio-economic burden suffered by this population. More generally, the findings are of relevance when considering implementation of integrated control strategies for intestinal parasites. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0504-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosala Gayan Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia. .,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, Saliyapura, 50008, Sri Lanka.
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, 1781, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, 4222, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, 4006, Australia.
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Cai P, Mu Y, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Circulating miRNAs as footprints for liver fibrosis grading in schistosomiasis. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:334-343. [PMID: 30482723 PMCID: PMC6286190 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic infection with Schistosoma japonicum or S. mansoni results in hepatic fibrosis of the human host. Staging fibrosis is crucial for the prognosis and to determine the rapid need of treatment in patients with schistosomiasis. METHODS To establish whether there is a correlation between circulating microRNA (miRNA) level and fibrosis progression in schistosomiasis, ten miRNAs were selected to assess their potential in grading schistosomiasis liver fibrosis. This was done firstly in two mouse strains (C57BL/6 and BALB/c) to determine the temporal expression profiles in serum over the course of S. japonicum infection, and then within a cohort of 163 schistosomiasis japonica patients with different grades of liver fibrosis. FINDING Four miRNAs (miR-150-5p, let-7a-5p, let-7d-5p and miR-146a-5p) were able to distinguish patients with mild versus severe fibrosis. The level of serum miR-150-5p showed the most promising potential for grading hepatic fibrosis in schistosomiasis. The diagnostic performance of miR-150-5p in discriminating mild from severe fibrosis is comparable with that of the ELF test and serum HA level. In addition, the serum levels of the four miRNAs rebounded in infected C57BL/6 mice, after 6 months post treatment, following the regression of liver fibrosis, thereby providing further support for the utility of these miRNAs in grading schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. INTERPRETATION Circulating miRNAs can be a supplementary tool for assessing hepatic fibrosis in human schistosomiasis. FUND: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (APP1102926, APP1037304 and APP1098244).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia; icddr b, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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Inobaya MT, Chau TN, Ng SK, MacDougall C, Olveda RM, Tallo VL, Landicho JM, Malacad CM, Aligato MF, Guevarra JB, Ross AG. Mass drug administration and the sustainable control of schistosomiasis: an evaluation of treatment compliance in the rural Philippines. Parasit Vectors 2018; 11:441. [PMID: 30064469 PMCID: PMC6069569 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-018-3022-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preventive chemotherapy is the current global control strategy for schistosomiasis. The WHO target coverage rate is at least 75% for school-aged children. In the Philippines, the reported national coverage rate (43.5%) is far below the WHO target. This study examined the factors associated with non-compliance to mass drug administration. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2015 among 2189 adults in the province of Northern Samar, the Philippines using a structured face-to-face survey questionnaire. Results The overall rate of non-compliance to mass drug administration (MDA) in the last treatment round was 27%. Females (aOR = 1.67, P = 0.033) were more likely to be non-compliant. Respondents who believed that schistosomiasis was acquired by open defecation and poor sanitation (aOR = 1.41, P = 0.015), and by drinking unclean water (aOR = 2.09, P = 0.001) were more likely to refuse treatment. Uncertainties on whether schistosomiasis can be treated (aOR = 2.39, P = 0.033), their fear of adverse reactions to praziquantel (aOR = 1.94, P = 0.021), misconceptions about alternative forms of treatment (aOR = 1.45, P = 0.037), and that praziquantel is used for purposes other than deworming (aOR = 2.15, P = 0.021) were all associated with a higher odd of non-compliance. In contrary, being a farmer (aOR = 0.62, P =0.038), participation in past MDA (aOR = 0.30, P < 0.001), informed about impending MDA (aOR = 0.08, P < 0.001), and having heard of schistosomiasis (aOR = 0.22, P = 0.045) were all significantly associated with reduced non-compliance. Conclusions To improve drug compliance for schistosomiasis there is an urgent need for intensive health education campaigns before conducting MDA that would not only provide disease specific information, but also deal with prevailing misconceptions about transmission, prevention, treatment, and drug side-effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianette T Inobaya
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Thao N Chau
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shu-Kay Ng
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Colin MacDougall
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Veronica L Tallo
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Jhoys M Landicho
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Carol M Malacad
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Mila F Aligato
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Jerric B Guevarra
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
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He P, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Li Y, Wang Y, Hu J, Gray DJ, Ross AG, Harn D, McManus DP. Real-time PCR diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum in low transmission areas of China. Infect Dis Poverty 2018; 7:8. [PMID: 29394958 PMCID: PMC5796516 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) can be traced back to antiquity. In the past 60 years, the Chinese government has made great efforts to control this persistent disease with elimination slated by 2020 through the implementation of a comprehensive control strategy. This strategy aims to reduce the role of bovines and humans as sources of infection as a pre-requisite for elimination through transmission interruption. The goal of elimination will be achievable only by the implementation of a sustainable surveillance and control system, with sensitive diagnosis a key feature so that the true disease burden is not underestimated. Currently used diagnostics lack the necessary sensitivity to accurately determine the prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in areas with low infection intensities. It is of critical importance to find and treat people and to identify animals with low-level infections if the National Control Programme for China is to achieve schistosomiasis elimination. Methods We evaluated a real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay using 633 human stool samples collected from five villages in Hunan, Anhui, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces, and 182 bovine (70 cattle and 112 buffalo) stool samples obtained from four villages in Hunan, Anhui, and Jiangxi provinces in the PRC. All stool samples were subjected to the miracidium hatching test (MHT, a diagnostic procedure used in the National Schistosomiasis Control Programme) and the qPCR assay. Samples positive by MHT were subjected to either the Kato-Katz technique for humans, or the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation-digestion (FEA-SD) procedure for bovines, to determine infection intensities. Results The qPCR assay exhibited a high level of sensitivity in the detection of S. japonicum infections. With both the human and bovine samples, a significantly higher prevalence was determined using the qPCR assay (11.06% humans, 24.73% bovines) than with the MHT (0.93% humans, 7.69% bovines). The animal contamination index (calculated using data obtained with the qPCR technique) for all positive bovines was 27 618 000 eggs per day, indicating a considerable amount of environmental egg contamination that would be underestimated using less sensitive diagnostic procedures. Conclusions The qPCR assay we have evaluated will be applicable as a future field diagnostic and surveillance tool in low-transmission zones where schistosomiasis elimination is targeted and for monitoring post-intervention areas to verify that elimination has been maintained. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40249-018-0390-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei He
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China.,Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjian Hu
- Hunan Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Yueyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.,Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald Harn
- University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia.
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Weerakoon KG, Gordon CA, Williams GM, Cai P, Gobert GN, Olveda RM, Ross AG, Olveda DU, McManus DP. Droplet Digital PCR Diagnosis of Human Schistosomiasis: Parasite Cell-Free DNA Detection in Diverse Clinical Samples. J Infect Dis 2017; 216:1611-1622. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jix521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Ross AG, Papier K, Luceres-Catubig R, Chau TN, Inobaya MT, Ng SK. Poverty, Dietary Intake, Intestinal Parasites, and Nutritional Status among School-Age Children in the Rural Philippines. Trop Med Infect Dis 2017; 2:tropicalmed2040049. [PMID: 30270906 PMCID: PMC6082057 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed2040049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal helminths are endemic throughout the Philippines; however, there is limited evidence with respect to their prevalence, intensity, and impact on children's nutritional status. A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 693 children from five rural villages in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Data on dietary intake, nutritional status, and intestinal parasites were collected. Infection with Schistosoma japonicum, Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm was evident in 20.1, 54.4, 71.4, and 25.3% of the children. The majority (84.7%) was infected with one or more helminth species, with about one-quarter of the sample (24.7%) infected with three or more. About half (49.2%, n = 341) of the children were stunted and 27.8% (n = 193) were wasted. A lower prevalence of normal height-for-age (48.3%) appeared in those with polyparasitism, while the prevalence of stunted children increased with infection (46.7% monoparasitism and 51.7% polyparasitism). There was a decreasing trend between infection intensity and the mean values of HAZ and BAZ identified for T. trichiura or hookworm infections. Stunted children were more likely to be male (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.05⁻2.39; p = 0.028), older in age (10⁻14 years) (AOR = 1.93; 95% CI: 1.29⁻2.88; p = 0.001), and living in poorer households with palm leaves/nipa roof (AOR = 1.85; 95% CI: 1.14⁻3.01; p = 0.013). Intestinal parasitic treatment needs to be combined with nutrient supplements and health education in order to interrupt the parasite life cycle and achieve sustainable control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.
| | - Keren Papier
- National Centre for Epidemiology & Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - Ruby Luceres-Catubig
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa 1781, Metro Manila, Philippines.
| | - Thao N Chau
- Discipline of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
| | - Marianette T Inobaya
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa 1781, Metro Manila, Philippines.
| | - Shu-Kay Ng
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia.
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Cai P, Weerakoon KG, Mu Y, Olveda DU, Piao X, Liu S, Olveda RM, Chen Q, Ross AG, McManus DP. A Parallel Comparison of Antigen Candidates for Development of an Optimized Serological Diagnosis of Schistosomiasis Japonica in the Philippines. EBioMedicine 2017; 24:237-246. [PMID: 28943229 PMCID: PMC5652020 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum is stubbornly persistent in China and the Philippines. Fast and accurate diagnostic tools are required to monitor effective control measures against schistosomiasis japonica. Promising antigen candidates for the serological diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica have generally been identified from the Chinese strain of S. japonicum. However, the Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of S. japonicum express a number of clear phenotypic differences, including aspects of host immune responses. This feature thereby emphasized the requirement to determine whether antigens identified as having diagnostic value for SjC infection are also suitable for the diagnosis of SjP infection. In the current study, 10 antigens were selected for comparison of diagnostic performance of the SjP infection using ELISA. On testing of sera from 180 subjects in the Philippines, SjSAP4 exhibited the best diagnostic performance with 94.03% sensitivity and 98.33% specificity using an optimized serum dilution. In another large scale testing with 412 serum samples, a combination (SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD (large hydrophilic domain)) provided the best diagnostic outcome with 87.04% sensitivity and 96.67% specificity. This combination could be used in future for serological diagnosis of schistosomiasis in the Philippines, thereby representing an important component for monitoring integrated control measures. Sj23-LHD was the most promising antigen candidate for early diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica in a murine model. SjSAP4 + Sj23-LHD had the highest diagnostic value when probed with sera from a human cohort with low infection intensity. We have developed a novel diagnostic tool that can aid in the integrated control of schistosomiasis in the Philippines.
Schistosomiasis japonica remains a major public health concern in China and the Philippines. Development of accurate and affordable diagnostic tools is a necessity for the control and elimination of schistosomiasis. The differences in the mammalian host immunological responses to Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of S. japonicum necessitated validation of proven SjC serological markers for application in the diagnosis of SjP infections. Ten antigens were selected for comparison, in ELISA, for their potential of the diagnosis of SjP infection. The results provide the basis for developing an affordable and easy-to-operate tool for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis in the Philippines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Cai
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Kosala G Weerakoon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - Yi Mu
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Xianyu Piao
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Shuai Liu
- MOH Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens, Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, PR China
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines
| | - Qijun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Shangyang Agricultural University, Shengyang, PR China
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Queensland, Australia.
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Choong M, Chy D, Guevarra JR, Ross AG. Clinical management of electrical burns in the developing world: a case of electrical burn injury left untreated leading to amputation. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2016-218188. [PMID: 28202483 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We discuss the case of a 26-year-old male patient from Northern Samar, the Philippines who was left without essential health services after the amputation of all four limbs following a high voltage (20 000 volts) injury in Metro Manila in 2011. Local health services in the developing world are faced with enormous challenges in providing first-line care for burn patients. The cost of maintaining a burn unit, finding suitable qualified staff, and appropriate referral mechanisms are only some of the challenges faced. Once a patient is discharged from hospital they face more obstacles in obtaining artificial limbs, physiotherapy and access to mental health services. Disability pensions are non-existent thus patients place a considerable lifelong burden on their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Choong
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Southport, Queensland, Australia
| | - Delia Chy
- Municipal Medical Officer of Health, Palpag, Philippines
| | - Jerric R Guevarra
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Muntinlupa City, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Yu W, Ross AG, Olveda RM, Harn DA, Li Y, Chy D, Williams GM. Risk of human helminthiases: geospatial distribution and targeted control. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 55:131-138. [PMID: 27988408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 2012 among 22 rural barangays in Northern Samar, the Philippines in order to determine the prevalence of single and multiple species helminth infections, their geospatial distribution and underlying risk factors. METHODS A total of 10,434 individuals who had completed both a medical questionnaire and a stool examination were included in the analysis. Barangay specific prevalence rates were displayed in ArcMap. RESULTS The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura infection was found to be the highest at 62.4%, followed by Ascaris lumbricoides, hookworm and S. japonicum with the prevalence rates of 40.2%, 31.32%, and 27.1%, respectively. 52.7% of people were infected with at least two parasites and 4.8% with all four parasites. Males aged 10-19 years were the most vulnerable to coinfection infection. Students, fishermen, farmers and housewives were the most vulnerable occupations for co-infection of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura. Considerable heterogeneity in the spatial distribution was observed for the different parasite species. There was a considerably higher risk of A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura co-infection in villages with no schistosomiasis infection (P<0.0001) regardless of MDA treatment. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of the geospatial distribution of multi-parasitism will guide future integrated strategies leading to elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Yu
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, the Philippines
| | - Donald A Harn
- Centre for Tropical and Emerging Global Health Diseases, University of Georgia, USA
| | - Yuesheng Li
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Australia
| | - Delia Chy
- Municipal Medical Officer of Health, Palapag, Northern Samar
| | - Gail M Williams
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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Olveda RM, Tallo V, Olveda DU, Inobaya MT, Chau TN, Ross AG. National survey data for zoonotic schistosomiasis in the Philippines grossly underestimates the true burden of disease within endemic zones: implications for future control. Int J Infect Dis 2016; 45:13-7. [PMID: 26820760 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2016.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic schistosomiasis has a long endemic history in the Philippines. Human mass drug administration has been the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control in the country for the past three decades. Recent publications utilizing retrospective national survey data have indicated that the national human prevalence of the disease is <1%, hence the disease is now close to elimination. However, the evidence for such a claim is weak, given that less than a third of the human population is currently being treated annually within endemic zones and only a third of those treated actually swallow the tablets. For those who consume the drug at the single oral dose of 40mg/kg, the estimated cure rate is 52% based on a recent meta-analysis. Thus, approximately 5% of the endemic human population is in reality receiving the appropriate treatment. To compound this public health problem, most of the bovines in the endemic communities are concurrently infected but are not treated under the current national control programme. Given this evidence, it is believed that the human prevalence of schistosomiasis within endemic regions has been grossly underestimated. Inherent flaws in the reporting of national schistosomiasis prevalence data are reported here, and the problems of utilizing national retrospective data in making geographic information system (GIS) risk maps and advising policy makers of the outcomes are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigio M Olveda
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, The Philippines
| | - Veronica Tallo
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, The Philippines
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Marianette T Inobaya
- Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, The Philippines; Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Thao N Chau
- Discipline of Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia.
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Vinluan ML, Olveda RM, Ortanez CK, Abellera M, Olveda DU, Chy DC, Ross AG. Access to essential paediatric surgery in the developing world: a case of imperforate anus with rectovaginal and rectocutaneous fistulas left untreated. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr2015210084. [PMID: 26490998 PMCID: PMC4620226 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-210084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorectal malformations consist of a wide spectrum of conditions which can affect both sexes and involve the distal anus and rectum as well as the urinary and genital tracts. Patients have the best chance of a good functional outcome if the condition is diagnosed early and efficient anatomic repair is promptly instituted. This report describes a rare case of imperforate anus associated with both rectovaginal and rectocutaneous fistulas in a 6-year-old Filipino girl. The case highlights shortcomings in the healthcare delivery system combined with socio-economic factors that contributed to the delay in both diagnosis and the institution of adequate treatment. Care and preventive measures that can be implemented in low-resource settings to reduce the impact of birth defects are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clive K Ortanez
- University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, The Philippines
| | - Modesto Abellera
- University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, The Philippines
| | - David U Olveda
- University of the East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center, The Philippines
| | - Delia C Chy
- Department of Health, Northern Samar, The Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Southport, Queensland, Australia
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Vinluan ML, Olveda RM, Olveda DU, Chy D, Ross AG. Access to essential paediatric eye surgery in the developing world: a case of congenital cataracts left untreated. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr-2014-208197. [PMID: 25903202 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-208197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood cataracts are a major cause of treatable blindness. Early recognition, surgical intervention and appropriate follow-up after surgery can result in good visual outcomes. However, several factors may impact on the availability of such services, including lack of an available, affordable and accessible comprehensive eye care centre, financial limitations affecting coverage by the national healthcare provider, and household socioeconomic status. We report a case of congenital cataracts in a 12-year-old male adolescent from Northern Samar, the Philippines, who was left blind since birth. This case highlights the disparities in essential health services in the developing world and the challenges patients face in getting the care they need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn L Vinluan
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - David U Olveda
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Delia Chy
- Department of Health, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Allen G Ross
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Queensland, Australia
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Gordon CA, McManus DP, Acosta LP, Olveda RM, Williams GM, Ross AG, Gray DJ, Gobert GN. Multiplex real-time PCR monitoring of intestinal helminths in humans reveals widespread polyparasitism in Northern Samar, the Philippines. Int J Parasitol 2015; 45:477-83. [PMID: 25858090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2015.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The global socioeconomic importance of helminth parasitic disease is underpinned by the considerable clinical impact on millions of people. While helminth polyparasitism is considered common in the Philippines, little has been done to survey its extent in endemic communities. High morphological similarity of eggs between related species complicates conventional microscopic diagnostic methods which are known to lack sensitivity, particularly in low intensity infections. Multiplex quantitative PCR diagnostic methods can provide rapid, simultaneous identification of multiple helminth species from a single stool sample. We describe a multiplex assay for the differentiation of Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Ancylostoma, Taenia saginata and Taenia solium, building on our previously published findings for Schistosoma japonicum. Of 545 human faecal samples examined, 46.6% were positive for at least three different parasite species. High prevalences of S. japonicum (90.64%), A. lumbricoides (58.17%), T. saginata (42.57%) and A. duodenale (48.07%) were recorded. Neither T. solium nor N. americanus were found to be present. The utility of molecular diagnostic methods for monitoring helminth parasite prevalence provides new information on the extent of polyparasitism in the Philippines municipality of Palapag. These methods and findings have potential global implications for the monitoring of neglected tropical diseases and control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A Gordon
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Donald P McManus
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luz P Acosta
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Remigio M Olveda
- Department of Immunology, Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gail M Williams
- Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Allen G Ross
- Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Darren J Gray
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia; Discipline of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Geoffrey N Gobert
- Molecular Parasitology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases Division, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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