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Esteves-Guimarães J, Matos JI, Leal-Sousa B, Oliveira P, Lobo L, Silvestre-Ferreira AC, Soares CS, Rodríguez-Escolar I, Carretón E, Morchón R, Fontes-Sousa AP, Montoya-Alonso JA. Current State of Canine Heartworm in Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1300. [PMID: 38731304 PMCID: PMC11083104 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091300] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The favourable geo-climatic conditions in Portugal have made it highly conducive to the development of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs, leading to its identification as an endemic region. This nematode is rapidly spreading across Europe, particularly in northeastern countries. The objective of this study was to provide an updated assessment of the prevalence of this disease in Portuguese dogs, analysing the results in relation to epidemiological and geo-environmental factors, and to identify potential risk factors. A total of 1367 dogs from all continental and insular districts were included in the study and tested for D. immitis antigens. The overall prevalence was found to be 5.9%. It was observed that the disease is spreading northward, with previously unaffected districts now reporting cases, and that the prevalence in coastal districts exceeded that of inland ones. Notably, the Aveiro district exhibited a significant increase in D. immitis prevalence, while in certain districts such as Setúbal, Santarém, Madeira, or Faro, a stabilisation or decrease in prevalence was noted. Furthermore, outdoor and older dogs were found to be at a higher risk of infection. No positive cases were detected in the Azores. Most of the infected dogs were located in areas of high and medium risk of infection. This study underscores the importance of implementing pharmacological prophylaxis, vector control strategies, and public awareness programs to control the spread of this zoonotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Isidoro Matos
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | | | - Pedro Oliveira
- EPIUnit, ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Luís Lobo
- Veterinary Hospital of Porto, 4250-475 Porto, Portugal;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusófona University, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente (ICETA) da Universidade do Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Cristina Silvestre-Ferreira
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
| | - Carla S. Soares
- Center for Animal and Veterinary Science (CECAV), Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (A.C.S.-F.); (C.S.S.)
- VetLamaçães, Veterinary Clinic, 4715-303 Braga, Portugal
- CIVG—Vasco da Gama Research Center, EUVG—Vasco da Gama University School, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Iván Rodríguez-Escolar
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Elena Carretón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
| | - Rodrigo Morchón
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
- Zoonotic Diseases and One Health GIR, Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Salamanca, Campus Miguel Unamuno, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Ana Patrícia Fontes-Sousa
- Department of Immuno-Physiology and Pharmacology, Center for Pharmacological Research and Drug Innovation (MedInUP), Veterinary Hospital of the University of Porto (UPVET), ICBAS—Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Alberto Montoya-Alonso
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences (IUIBS), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain; (J.I.M.); (E.C.); (R.M.); (J.A.M.-A.)
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Lv B, Cui C, Feng X, Meng K. What factors affect Beijing residents' contracts with family doctors? A comparative study of Beijing's urban and suburban areas. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1159592. [PMID: 37483950 PMCID: PMC10356989 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1159592] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To improve the health of residents and promote hierarchical diagnosis and treatment to achieve an orderly pattern of medical treatment, Beijing implemented family doctor contract services (FDCSs) in 2011. The aims of this study were to analyze the current status of Beijing residents' contracts with family doctors (FDs), compare the differences in contracting between urban and suburban residents, and explore the factors that affect residents' contract behavior. Methods From August 2020 to October 2020, a stratified sampling method was adopted to select residents from community health centers (CHCs) in districts D (urban area) and S (suburb) of Beijing to conduct a questionnaire survey. Chi-square tests, rank sum tests and logistic regression analyzes were used to analyze the current status and influencing factors of residents' contracting with FDs. Results A total of 4,113 valid questionnaires were included in the final analysis. District D was rich in medical resources, and the FD contract rate of residents there (93.09%) was significantly higher than that of residents in district S (78.06%; p < 0.05). Residents' district (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.18-2.05), understanding of FDCS policies (OR = 4.13, 95% CI = 3.63-4.69), preferred medical institutions (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.42-0.79 for tertiary hospitals in the district; OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.22-0.59 for urban medical institutions in Beijing), age, education level, average annual medical expenses and medical insurance type were factors that influenced residents' contracts with FDs (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study shows that residents who are located in districts with rich medical resources, prefer CHCs as their first choice, have a better understanding of FDCS policies, and are more inclined to contract with FDs than other residents. It is recommended that the number and quality of FDs in suburban areas be increased and that medical staff strengthen publicity about FDCSs and actively encourage residents to contract with FDs.
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Kenu E, Barradas DT, Bandoh DA, Frimpong JA, Noora CL, Bekoe FA. Community-Based Surveillance and Geographic Information System‒Linked Contact Tracing in COVID-19 Case Identification, Ghana, March‒June 2020. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:S114-S120. [PMID: 36502391 DOI: 10.3201/eid2813.221068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana implemented various mitigation strategies. We describe use of geographic information system (GIS)‒linked contact tracing and increased community-based surveillance (CBS) to help control spread of COVID-19 in Ghana. GIS-linked contact tracing was conducted during March 31-June 16, 2020, in 43 urban districts across 6 regions, and 1-time reverse transcription PCR testing of all persons within a 2-km radius of a confirmed case was performed. CBS was intensified in 6 rural districts during the same period. We extracted and analyzed data from Surveillance Outbreak Response Management and Analysis System and CBS registers. A total of 3,202 COVID-19 cases reported through GIS-linked contact tracing were associated with a 4-fold increase in the weekly number of reported SARS-CoV-2 infected cases. CBS identified 5.1% (8/157) of confirmed cases in 6 districts assessed. Adaptation of new methods, such as GIS-linked contact tracing and intensified CBS, improved COVID-19 case detection in Ghana.
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Shil P, Atre NM, Patil AA, Tandale BV, Abraham P. District-wise estimation of Basic reproduction number (R 0) for COVID-19 in India in the initial phase. Spat. Inf. Res. 2022; 30. [PMCID: PMC8286042 DOI: 10.1007/s41324-021-00412-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19 was introduced into India by multiple sources generating local clusters and leading to the nationwide spread. A retrospective study has been conducted on the epidemiological features and spatial spread of COVID-19 in India during February 2020–March 2021. For each district, the cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases were fitted to exponential growth model for the initial phase of the outbreak (the first 7–15 days). From the estimated growth rate, epidemiological parameters like the Basic reproduction number (R0) and epidemic doubling time (τ) were determined. Using Q-GIS software, we have generated the all India distribution maps for R0 and τ. COVID-19 spread rapidly covering majority of the districts of India between March and June 2020. As on 1st March 2021, a total of 715 out of 717 districts have been affected. The R0 range is at par with the global average. A few districts, where outbreaks were caused by migrant workers coming home, intense transmission was recorded R0 > 7. We also found that the spread of COVID-19 was not uniform across the different districts of India. The methodology developed in the study can be used by researchers and public health professionals to analyze and study epidemics in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratip Shil
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 130/1 Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, 411021 India
| | - Nitin M. Atre
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 130/1 Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, 411021 India
| | - Avinash A. Patil
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 130/1 Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, 411021 India
| | | | - Priya Abraham
- ICMR National Institute of Virology, 130/1 Sus Road, Pashan, Pune, 411021 India
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Jooste S, Mabaso M, Taylor M, North A, Shean Y, Simbayi LC, Reddy T, Mwandingi L, Schmidt T, Nevhungoni P, Manda S, Zuma K. Geographical variation in HIV testing in South Africa: Evidence from the 2017 national household HIV survey. South Afr J HIV Med 2021; 22:1273. [PMID: 34522430 PMCID: PMC8424727 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v22i1.1273] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of the geographical areas with low uptake of HIV testing could assist in spatial targeting of interventions to improve the uptake of HIV testing. Objectives The objective of this research study was to map the uptake of HIV testing at the district level in South Africa. Method The secondary analysis used data from the Human Sciences Research Council's 2017 National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey, where data were collected using a multistage stratified random cluster sampling approach. Descriptive spatial methods were used to assess disparities in the proportion of those ever tested for HIV at the district level in South Africa. Results The districts with the highest overall coverage of people ever having tested for HIV (> 85%) include West Rand in Gauteng, Lejweleputswa and Thabo Mofutsanyane in Free State, and Ngaka Modiri Molema in North-West. These provinces also had the least variation in HIV testing coverage between their districts. Districts in KwaZulu-Natal had the widest variation in coverage of HIV testing. The districts with the lowest uptake of HIV testing were uMkhanyakude (54.7%) and Ugu (61.4%) in KwaZulu-Natal and Vhembe (61.0%) in Limpopo. Most districts had a higher uptake of HIV testing amongst female than male participants. Conclusion The uptake of HIV testing across various districts in South Africa seems to be unequal. Intervention programmes must improve the overall uptake of HIV testing, especially in uMkhanyakude and Ugu in KwaZulu-Natal and Vhembe in Limpopo. Interventions must also focus on enhancing uptake of HIV testing amongst male participants in most districts. Strategies that would improve the uptake of HIV testing include HIV self-testing and community HIV testing, specifically home-based testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jooste
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | | | - Myra Taylor
- School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alicia North
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Yolande Shean
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leickness C Simbayi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry & Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tarylee Reddy
- South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Leonard Mwandingi
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,Ministry of Health and Social Sciences, Windhoek, Namibia
| | | | | | - Samuel Manda
- South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Department of Statistics, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Khangelani Zuma
- Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Lepheana RJ, Oguttu JW, Qekwana DN. Spatial Patterns of Anthrax Outbreaks and Cases among Livestock in Lesotho, 2005-2016. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17207584. [PMID: 33086488 PMCID: PMC7588925 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207584] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: Although anthrax occurs globally, the burden of the disease remains particularly high in Africa. Furthermore, the disease anthrax has significant public health and economic implications. However, sufficient attention has not been given to the geographic distribution of anthrax outbreaks and cases in Lesotho. Therefore, this study investigates the spatial patterns of anthrax outbreaks and cases among livestock in Lesotho from 2005 to 2016. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted to realise the objectives of this study using retrospective data of anthrax outbreaks and cases recorded by the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) between 2005 and 2016. Anthrax outbreaks were geo-coded at village level and aggregated at district level. Proportions and 95% CI of anthrax outbreaks and cases by village and district were calculated. Cartographic maps displaying the distribution of anthrax outbreaks and cases at village and district level were constructed. Results: A total of 38 outbreaks were reported over the study period, and they were clustered in the Lowlands districts of Lesotho. Most outbreaks (52.6%, 20/38) in livestock were reported in the Maseru district. The Leribe district reported the lowest proportions of outbreaks (5.3%, 2/38) and cases (0.6%, 3/526). At the village level, 18% (7/38) of outbreaks were in Maseru Urban, followed by Ratau (16%, 6/38) and Mofoka (13%, 5/38). The Maseru district reported the highest (1.3%, 369/29,070) proportion of cases followed by Mafeteng (0.9%, 73/8530). The village with the most cases was Kolo (10.5%, 21/200), followed by Thaba-Chitja (7.7%, 33/430). Conclusion: Anthrax outbreaks and cases exclusively occur in the Lowlands districts of Lesotho, with villages such as Mahobong, Pitseng, Kolo, and Thaba-Chitja having a higher risk of anthrax disease. Findings of the present study have serious public health implications in light of the fact that between 2003 and 2008 Lesotho’s main abattoir was closed; hence, most of the meat in Lesotho was imported and/or sourced from the informal slaughter facilities. Much larger studies are needed to further investigate factors contributing to spatial disparities in anthrax outbreaks and cases observed in this study. Findings of the present study can be used to guide the formulation of a policy on prevention and control of anthrax in Lesotho.
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Affiliation(s)
- Relebohile Juliet Lepheana
- Section Veterinary Public Health, Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
- Department of Livestock Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Maseru 100, Lesotho
| | - James Wabwire Oguttu
- Department of Agriculture and Animal Health, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of South Africa, Florida Science Campus, Johannesburg 1709, South Africa;
| | - Daniel Nenene Qekwana
- Section Veterinary Public Health, Department of Paraclinical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0110, South Africa;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-12-529-8015
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Tetui M, Coe AB, Hurtig AK, Ekirapa-Kiracho E, Kiwanuka SN. Experiences of using a participatory action research approach to strengthen district local capacity in Eastern Uganda. Glob Health Action 2018; 10:1346038. [PMID: 28856974 PMCID: PMC5645723 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2017.1346038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To achieve a sustained improvement in health outcomes, the way health interventions are designed and implemented is critical. A participatory action research approach is applauded for building local capacity such as health management. Thereby increasing the chances of sustaining health interventions. Objective: This study explored stakeholder experiences of using PAR to implement an intervention meant to strengthen the local district capacity. Methods: This was a qualitative study featuring 18 informant interviews and a focus group discussion. Respondents included politicians, administrators, health managers and external researchers in three rural districts of eastern Uganda where PAR was used. Qualitative content analysis was used to explore stakeholders’ experiences. Results: ‘Being awakened’ emerged as an overarching category capturing stakeholder experiences of using PAR. This was described in four interrelated and sequential categories, which included: stakeholder involvement, being invigorated, the risk of wide stakeholder engagement and balancing the risk of wide stakeholder engagement. In terms of involvement, the stakeholders felt engaged, a sense of ownership, felt valued and responsible during the implementation of the project. Being invigorated meant being awakened, inspired and supported. On the other hand, risks such as conflict, stress and uncertainty were reported, and finally these risks were balanced through tolerance, risk-awareness and collaboration. Conclusions: The PAR approach was desirable because it created opportunities for building local capacity and enhancing continuity of interventions. Stakeholders were awakened by the approach, as it made them more responsive to systems challenges and possible local solutions. Nonetheless, the use of PAR should be considered in full knowledge of the undesirable and complex experiences, such as uncertainty, conflict and stress. This will enable adequate preparation and management of stakeholder expectations to maximize the benefits of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Tetui
- a Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management , Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MakCHS-SPH) , Kampala , Uganda.,c Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Anna-Britt Coe
- b Sociology Department , Umeå University 901 87 Umeå , Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Hurtig
- c Epidemiology and Global Health Unit, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine , Umeå University , Umeå , Sweden
| | - Elizabeth Ekirapa-Kiracho
- a Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management , Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MakCHS-SPH) , Kampala , Uganda
| | - Suzanne N Kiwanuka
- a Department of Health Policy, Planning and Management , Makerere University College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health (MakCHS-SPH) , Kampala , Uganda
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