bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A SIMPLE, HIGH-THROUGHPUT METHOD TO DETECT PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM SINGLE NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISMS IN THE DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE, DIHYDROPTEROATE SYNTHASE, AND P. FALCIPARUM CHLOROQUINE RESISTANCE TRANSPORTER GENES USING POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION– AND ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY–BASED TECHNOLOGY
Authors: ALIFRANGIS MICHAEL , ENOSSE SONIA , PEARCE RICHARD , DRAKELEY CHRIS , ROPER CALLY , KHALIL INSAF F. , NKYA WATOKY MMM , RØNN ANITA M. , THEANDER THOR G. , BYGBJERG IB C.
Published: September 2018

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr), and dihydropteroate synthetase (dhps), and chloroquine resistance transporter (Pfcrt) genes are used as molecular markers of P. falciparum resistance to sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine and chloroquine. However, to be a practical tool in the surveillance of drug resistance, simpler methods for high-throughput haplotyping are warranted. Here we describe a quick and simple technique that detects dhfr, dhps, and Pfcrt SNPs using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)– and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)–based technology. Biotinylated PCR products of dhfr, dhps, or Pfcrt were captured on streptavidin-coated microtiter plates and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) were hybridized with the PCR products. A stringent washing procedure enabled detection of remaining bound SSOPs and distinguished between the SNPs of dhfr, dhps, and Pfcrt with high specificity. The SSOP-ELISA compared well with a standard PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism procedure, and gave identical positive results in more than 90% of the P. falciparum slide-positive samples tested. The SSOP-ELISA of all dhfr, dhps, or Pfcrt SNPs on 88 samples can be performed in a single day and provides quick and reproducible results. The system can potentially be modified to detect SNPs in other genes.
RISK FACTORS FOR PLACENTAL MALARIA AND ITS EFFECT ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME IN YAOUNDE, CAMEROON
Authors: TAKO ERNEST A. , ZHOU AINONG , LOHOUE JULIENNE , LEKE ROBERT , TAYLOR DIANE WALLACE , LEKE ROSE F. G.
Published: September 2018

Between 1996 and 2001, the prevalence of placental malaria in pregnant women living in Yaounde, Cameroon and its effect on pregnancy outcome were evaluated with respect to gravidity and maternal age. Results showed that 19.9% of the women had placental malaria at delivery. After adjusting for relevant covariates, the major risk factor for placental malaria was an age < 25 years old. Placental malaria significantly increased the prevalence of anemia in women regardless of gravidity or age. In addition, the mean infant birth weight was lower and the percentage of pre-term deliveries (PTDs) and low birth weight (LBW) babies were higher in primigravidae and women < 20 years of age who had placental malaria. However, in a multivariate regression model taking relevant covariates into consideration, the major risk factor for PTDs was maternal anemia, and maternal anemia as well as first and second pregnancies were important risk factors for LBW babies.
USEFULNESS OF A RAPID ON-SITE PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM DIAGNOSIS (PARACHECK® PF) IN FOREST MIGRANTS AND AMONG THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION AT THE SITE OF THEIR OCCUPATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CENTRAL INDIA
Authors: SINGH NEERU , SAXENA AJAY
Published: September 2018

Logistic, economic, and technical factors limit rapid access to microscopic confirmation of malaria in many tropical countries, including India. The occurrence of high-grade fever and three deaths during the hot summer months in some forest migrants created an emergency situation in Jabalpur in central India. A cheap and rapid malaria test, Paracheck® Pf, was tested in this group of migrants in parallel with microscopy. The indigenous population at the site of occupational activities of these migrants approximately 250 km from Jabalpur was also screened by both methods. The results of this field investigation are very encouraging. Among migrants, the test had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 67%. The positive and negative predictive values were 94% and 100%, respectively. Among indigenous population, the corresponding values were 100%, 97.3%, 98.4%, and 100%, respectively, indicating the usefulness of test as a diagnostic tool for providing on-site confirmation of symptomatic diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
NEW CONCEPTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF NEUROCYSTICERCOSIS (TAENIA SOLIUM)
Authors: GARCIA HECTOR H. , DEL BRUTTO OSCAR H. , NASH THEODORE E. , WHITE A. CLINTON , TSANG VICTOR C. W. , GILMAN ROBERT H.
Published: September 2018

Human neurocysticercosis, the infection of the nervous system by the larvae of Taenia solium, is a major cause of epileptic seizures and other neurologic morbidity worldwide. The diagnosis and treatment of neurocysticercosis have been considerably improved in recent years. This improvement includes identification and sequencing of specific antigens and development of new assays for laboratory diagnosis, recognition of the frequency and significance of edema around old, calcified cysts (associated to symptomatic episodes), results of a randomized blinded control treatment trial on treatment efficacy for intraparenchymal disease showing a clinical benefit of decreased seizures, and a much better assessment of the frequency and spectrum of cerebrovascular complications. These advances now permit a much better integration of clinical, serologic, and imaging data for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes.
SHORT REPORT: PILOTING PAPERLESS DATA ENTRY FOR CLINICAL RESEARCH IN AFRICA
Authors: MISSINOU MICHEL A. , OLOLA CHRISTOPHER H. O. , ISSIFOU SAADOU , MATSIEGUI PIERRE-BLAISE , ADEGNIKA AYOLA A. , BORRMANN STEFFEN , WYPIJ DAVID , TAYLOR TERRIE E. , KREMSNER PETER G.
Published: September 2018

Direct data entry, using handheld computers, may simplify and streamline data management, especially in remote settings. We compared the accuracy of data entry using the current standard practice (a paper-based case report form with double data entry) with that using a personal digital assistant (PDA) in a clinical study in rural Gabon. The rate of discrepant entries was 1.7%. Categorical data (presented in “pull down” menus on the PDA) were more commonly discrepant than were continuous “typed in” data (2.4% versus 1.2%; P = 0.001). Both systems functioned smoothly and no data were lost. The clinicians involved in this study preferred the handheld computers, and their use will be considered in future studies in an African clinical research network.
HYPERCALCEMIA IN HEPATIC TUBERCULOSIS: A CASE REPORT IN KOREA
Authors: KANG EUN SEOK , DO MI YOUNG , PARK SO YOUNG , HUR KYU YEON , AHN CHUL WOO , CHA BONG SOO , LIM SUNG KIL , KIM KYUNG RAE , LEE HYUN CHUL
Published: September 2018

Although primary hyperparathyroidism and malignant diseases account for approximately 90% of the causes of hypercalcemia, they could occur in association with granulomatous diseases such as tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, especially in developing countries. Hepatic tuberculosis is difficult to diagnosis without suspicion in cases with normal findings on chest radiographs. We report a 70-year-old woman who presented with hypercalcemia due to hepatic tuberculosis. The diagnosis was made by a computed tomography scan and laparoscopic evaluation. After treatment with anti-tuberculosis medication, her hypercalcemia resolved. Increased vitamin D synthesis by activated macrophages in the granuloma tissue is the major mechanism of hypercalcemia in tuberculosis.
PERIPHERAL HEALTH WORKERS’ KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES RELATED TO FILARIAL LYMPHEDEMA CARE: A STUDY IN AN ENDEMIC DISTRICT OF ORISSA, INDIA
Authors: RATH KALYANI , SWAIN BASANTA K. , MISHRA SHALOUMY , PATASAHANI TRISHNA , KERKETTA ANNA S. , BABU BONTHA V.
Published: September 2018

The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF), which includes alleviation of disability and suffering of patients, is run primarily in India by the primary health care system. The present study assessed the knowledge and practices related to lymphedema care among peripheral health workers of the primary health care system in a filarial-endemic district of Orissa, India. A total of 41 health workers sampled across the district were subjected to in-depth interviews. The results showed that many lymphedema patients visit the peripheral health institutions mostly for the treatment of acute episodes of lymphangitis. Many health workers do not know the concept of foot care and its importance in lymphedema management. However, a few health workers advised the patients to follow some components of foot care. The knowledge levels and practices of peripheral health workers are not at desirable levels. The medical and paramedical staff of the peripheral health institutions should be oriented about the management of lymphedema and peripheral health workers should promote the foot care practices. For the GPELF as a whole to prove successful, the patients who already have lymphedema need to be cared for and have their morbidity relieved as much as possible.
CRIMEAN-CONGO HEMORRHAGIC FEVER OUTBREAK IN RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN, FEBRUARY 2002: CONTACT TRACING AND RISK ASSESSMENT
Authors: ATHAR MUHAMMAD NAUMAN , KHALID MOHAMMAD ALI , AHMAD AHSAN MAQBOOL , BASHIR NAGHMAN , BAQAI HAIDER ZAIGHAM , AHMAD MASOOD , BALOUCH ABBAS HAYAT , BASHIR KAUKAB
Published: September 2018

A 25-year-old woman, later identified as index case of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), presented to Holy Family Hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan with fever and generalized coagulopathy. A retrospective contact tracing was conducted to explore the modes of exposure possibly associated with transmission of CCHF infection among contacts. We traced 32 contacts of the index case and 158 contacts of secondary cases and tested them for IgG and IgM antibodies against CCHF virus by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. According to the type of exposure, contacts were divided into five subsets: percutaneous contact with blood, blood contact to unbroken skin, cutaneous contact to non-sanguineous body fluids, physical contact with patients without body fluids contact, and close proximity without touching. Two out of four contacts who reported percutaneous exposure tested positive for antibodies to CCHF virus. We conclude that simple barrier methods and care in provision of CCHF cases may prevent transmission of this infection.
ANTIBODY RESPONSE TO CULEX TARSALIS SALIVARY GLAND ANTIGENS AMONG SENTINEL CHICKENS IN CALIFORNIA
Authors: TREVEJO ROSALIE T. , REEVES WILLIAM C.
Published: September 2018

The arboviral surveillance program in California depends in part on sentinel chickens to detect western equine encephalomyelitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and West Nile virus activity. From 2000 through 2002, 1,578 serum specimens from 34 sentinel flocks in northern and southern California were tested for antibodies to Culex tarsalis salivary gland antigens. Sentinel chickens that were seropositive for mosquito salivary gland antigens were more likely to seroconvert to St. Louis encephalitis virus than those seronegative for salivary gland antigens. Flocks with mosquito traps located < 50 feet away had a reduced antibody response to mosquito salivary gland antigens. The use of sentinel chickens and mosquito traps for arboviral surveillance should be standardized to ensure that surveillance data from different sites are comparable and that flocks have comparable opportunities for mosquito exposure. Sentinel chickens should be accessible to potential mosquito vectors to maximize their sensitivity for detecting arboviral activity.
SEROINCIDENCE AND PHYLOGENY OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS INFECTIONS IN A COHORT OF COMMERCIAL SEX WORKERS IN MONTEVIDEO, URUGUAY
Authors: VIÑOLES JOSE , SERRA MARGARITA , RUSSI JOSE C. , RUCHANSKY DORA , SOSA-ESTANI SERGIO , MONTANO SILVIA M. , CARRION GLADYS , EYZAGUIRRE LINDSAY M. , CARR JEAN K. , OLSON JAMES G. , BAUTISTA CHRISTIAN T. , SANCHEZ JOSE L. , WEISSENBACHER MERCEDES
Published: September 2018

A cohort study involving 60 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative male transvestite commercial sex workers (CSWs) was conducted in Montevideo, Uruguay in 1999–2001. Serum samples were tested for HIV by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay screening with immunoblot confirmation. Six participants seroconverted for an incidence-density rate of 6.03 (95% confidence interval = 2.21–13.12) per 100 person-years. Inconsistent condom use during client sex (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 6.7), during oral sex (AHR = 5.6), and at the last sexual encounter (AHR = 7.8), and use of marihuana (AHR = 5.4) were marginally associated with HIV seroconversion. Five samples were genotyped in the protease and reverse transcriptase regions; three were subtypes B and two were BF recombinants. Full genome analysis of four samples confirmed all three subtype B samples and one of the two BF recombinants. Male transvestite CSWs sustained a high rate of HIV infection. Larger prospective studies are required to better define subtypes and associated sexual and drug-related risk factors.
EFFICACY OF CHLOROQUINE, AMODIAQUINE, SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE, CHLOROQUINE-SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE COMBINATION, AND AMODIAQUINE-SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE COMBINATION IN CENTRAL AFRICAN CHILDREN WITH NONCOMPLICATED MALARIA
Authors: MENARD DIDIER , MADJI NESTOR , MANIRAKIZA ALEXANDRE , DJALLE DJIBRINE , KOULA MAX ROGER , TALARMIN ANTOINE
Published: September 2018

This paper reports a two-phase study in Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR): first, we assessed the clinical efficacy to chloroquine (CQ), sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP), and amodiaquine (AQ), then we tested the efficacy of two combinations: CQ + SP and AQ + SP. We used the standard 14-day WHO 2001 protocol to compare therapeutic responses in children under 5 years of age with acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Bangui between February 2002 and March 2004. The overall treatment failure rates with CQ, AQ, SP, CQ + SP, and AQ + SP were 40.9%, 20.0%, 22.8%, 7.2%, and 0%. These findings suggest that the Ministry of Health should recommend an interim policy with AQ + SP combination as the first-line antimalarial drug in Bangui until best alternative treatments like artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) become available at low prices in the CAR.
pfmdr1 GENOTYPING AND IN VIVO MEFLOQUINE RESISTANCE ON THE THAI-MYANMAR BORDER
Authors: NELSON AMY L. , PURFIELD ANNE , MCDANIEL PHILIP , UTHAIMONGKOL NICHIPAT , BUATHONG NILLAWAN , SRIWICHAI SABAITIP , MILLER R. SCOTT , WONGSRICHANALAI CHANSUDA , MESHNICK STEVEN R.
Published: September 2018

Molecular markers have been proposed as a method of monitoring malaria drug resistance and could potentially be used to prolong the life span of antimalarial drugs. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Plasmodium falciparum gene pfmdr1 and increased gene copy number have been associated with in vitro drug resistance but have not been well studied in vivo. In a prospective cohort study of malaria patients receiving mefloquine treatment on the Thai-Myanmar border, there was no significant association between either pfmdr1 SNPs or in vitro drug sensitivity and mefloquine resistance in vivo. Increased pfmdr1 gene copy number was significantly associated with recrudescence (relative risk 2.30, 95% CI 1.27–4.15). pfmdr1 gene copy number may be a useful surveillance tool for mefloquine-resistant falciparum malaria in Thailand.
IMMUNE COMPLEX LEVELS IN CHILDREN WITH SEVERE PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA
Authors: MIBEI ERICK K. , ORAGO ALLOYS S. S. , STOUTE JOSË A.
Published: September 2018

Malaria infection leads to the formation of circulating immune complexes. However, it is unclear whether these complexes play a role in the pathogenesis of complicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria. This study aimed at determining if there are differences in the levels of immune complexes between children with severe malaria-associated anemia and cerebral malaria and between each of these two groups and their respective uncomplicated symptomatic malaria or healthy asymptomatic controls. Children with severe malaria-associated anemia and cerebral malaria had significantly higher immune complex levels than their respective controls, but there were no significant differences in the levels between the two severe malaria groups. In addition, there was an inverse relationship between the hemoglobin levels and immune complex levels in the severe anemia controls, suggesting that immune complexes may contribute to erythrocyte destruction in these children. These results suggest that immune complex levels alone cannot account for the differences in the distinct clinical presentation between severe malaria-associated anemia and cerebral malaria.
SPECIES ASSIGNATION OF LEISHMANIA FROM HUMAN AND CANINE AMERICAN TEGUMENTARY LEISHMANIASIS CASES BY MULTILOCUS ENZYME ELECTROPHORESIS IN NORTH ARGENTINA
Authors: MARCO JORGE D. , BARROSO PAOLA A. , CALVOPIÑA MANUEL , KUMAZAWA HIDEO , FURUYA MASATO , KORENAGA MASATAKA , CAJAL SILVANA P. , MORA MARÍA C. , REA MARÍA M. J. , BORDA C. EDGARDO , BASOMBRÍO MIGUEL A. , TARANTO NÉSTOR J. , HASHIGUCHI YOSHIHISA
Published: September 2018

Sixteen Leishmania stocks, 15 isolated from patients with cutaneous (CL), mucocutaneous (MCL), or recurrent cutaneous leishmaniasis, plus one from a dog with CL in Salta and Corrientes Provinces, Argentina, were studied by multilocus enzyme electrophoresis. Thirteen of the stocks from humans were grouped in two zymodemes; nine termed as KMS 1, four as KMS 2, and assigned to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Two additional stocks from CL cases expressed a KMS 4 enzyme profile, corresponding to L. (V.) guyanensis. Although the parasites from the dog were also assigned to L. (V.) braziliensis, its zymodeme, KMS 3, was not expressed in any of the current human isolates. The characterization of Leishmania from a dog was done for the first time in Argentina. The importance of the intraspecific polymorphism in the induction of clinical forms and in the host-reservoir concept is briefly discussed, based on the zymodeme data of isolates from humans and dogs. The presence of L. (V.) guyanensis was confirmed in the country.
AUTOCHTHONOUS EPIDEMIC TYPHUS ASSOCIATED WITH BARTONELLA QUINTANA BACTEREMIA IN A HOMELESS PERSON
Authors: BADIAGA SÉKÉNÉ , BROUQUI PHILIPPE , RAOULT DIDIER
Published: September 2018

Trench fever, a louse-borne disease caused by Bartonella quintana, is reemerging in homeless persons. Epidemic typhus is another life-threatening louse-borne disease caused by Rickettsia prowazekii and known to occur in conditions of war, famine, refugee camps, cold weather, poverty, or lapses in public health. We report the first case of seroconversion to R. prowazekii in a homeless person of Marseilles, France. This was associated with B. quintana bacteremia. Although no outbreaks of typhus have been notified yet in the homeless population, this disease is likely to reemerge in such situation.
DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE IN DIVERSITY BETWEEN PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM AND PLASMODIUM VIVAX RETICULOCYTE BINDING-LIKE GENES
Authors: RAYNER JULIAN C. , TRAN TUAN M. , CORREDOR VLADIMIR , HUBER CURTIS S. , BARNWELL JOHN W. , GALINSKI MARY R.
Published: September 2018

Malaria parasite proteins involved in erythrocyte invasion are considered important vaccine targets. Members of the reticulocyte binding-like (RBL) family of Plasmodium merozoite proteins are found in human, simian, and rodent malaria parasites and function in the initial steps of erythrocyte selection and invasion. The RBL genes are large, ranging in size from 7.7 to 10 kb, and the extent of any sequence diversity in parasite populations is unknown. We present the first assessment of sequence diversity within RBL genes from the two major human malaria parasites: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax. Polymorphism within the RBL genes is generally limited, except for P. vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2 (PvRBP2), which has nucleotide diversity levels 25-fold higher than the other RBL genes. The PvRBP2 haplotypes appear to fall into two distinct classes of alleles, suggesting large-scale dimorphism in this gene. Polymorphisms were frequently clustered, suggesting that different RBL domains may be evolving under different selection and functional pressures.
LARGE SEQUENCE HETEROGENEITY OF THE SMALL SUBUNIT RIBOSOMAL RNA GENE OF PLASMODIUM OVALE IN CAMBODIA
Authors: INCARDONA SANDRA , CHY SOPHY , CHIV LIM , NHEM SINA , SEM RITHY , HEWITT SEAN , DOUNG SOCHEAT , MERCEREAU-PUIJALON ODILE , FANDEUR THIERRY
Published: September 2018

Plasmodium ovale malaria has been reported in various countries in southeast Asia, but never in Cambodia. Using a species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the small subunit (SSU) ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene, we detected P. ovale in nearly 4% of the inhabitants of a northeastern Cambodian village. Plasmodium ovale was associated with at least one other Plasmodium species, and two quadruple infections were detected. The diagnosis was confirmed by microscopy and by SSU rRNA PCR product sequencing. The sequences shared 96–99% identity with published sequences, and displayed a substantial heterogeneity with 2–4 different haplotypes per sample. Nine distinct SSU rRNA haplotypes were identified, including seven novel variants. Phylogenetic analysis showed two major genetic clusters, suggesting amplification of two distinct gene sets and/or P. ovale variants from each sample. Our data indicate that P. ovale was overlooked in Cambodia until now, and call for the implementation of larger prevalence surveys and accurate diagnosis methods in this country.
ESTIMATING AND MODELING THE DYNAMICS OF THE INTENSITY OF INFECTION WITH SCHISTOSOMA JAPONICUM IN VILLAGERS OF LEYTE, PHILIPPINES. PART II: INTENSITY-SPECIFIC TRANSMISSION OF S. JAPONICUM. THE SCHISTOSOMIASIS TRANSMISSION AND ECOLOGY PROJECT
Authors: RILEY STEVEN , CARABIN HÉLÈNE , MARSHALL CLAIRE , OLVEDA REMIGIO , WILLINGHAM A. LEE , McGARVEY STEPHEN T.
Published: September 2018

A dynamic model of Schistosoma japonicum transmission is presented that incorporates effects of infection intensity, age, and sex. We use four infection intensity classes to investigate the impact of ecologic changes and public health interventions on the burden of infection within communities. Age- and sex-specific infection data from three disease-endemic villages in the Philippines are used to estimate the parameters of the model. The model gives good qualitative agreement with observed fecal egg counts adjusted for the accuracy of the Kato-Katz examination. Our results suggest that differences in infection burden between villages are caused by differences in both the infection process and the recovery process in humans. We describe the potential impact of mass treatment of all humans on the numbers with high infection. Furthermore, we show that a sudden reduction in snail population size would affect high prevalence and low prevalence communities in different ways.
THE EMERGENCE OF WEST NILE VIRUS DURING A LARGE OUTBREAK IN ILLINOIS IN 2002
Authors: HUHN GREGORY D. , AUSTIN CONNIE , LANGKOP CARL , KELLY KATE , LUCHT ROLAND , LAMPMAN RICHARD , NOVAK ROBERT , HARAMIS LINN , BOKER ROSEMARY , SMITH STEPHANIE , CHUDOBA MARIA , GERBER SUSAN , CONOVER CRAIG , DWORKIN MARK S.
Published: September 2018

In 2002, the world’s largest outbreak of neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) disease occurred. Illinois reported 21% of the total cases in the United States, the most among all states. The epidemiology of WNV in Illinois in 2002 was examined to determine factors associated with severe disease and death. A total of 884 cases were identified and there were 66 deaths. The overall attack rate of WNV infection was 7.1 per 100,000 population and this increased with age. The median ages of patients and patients who died were 56 and 78 years, respectively. Among patients who died, 91% were diagnosed with encephalitis and the case-fatality rate for patients with encephalitis was 18.6%. Patients more than 50 years old had a significantly higher risk of being reported with encephalitis (relative risk [RR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.6–4.3%) and death (RR = 22.3, 95% CI = 5.5–90.4%). Clinicians evaluating elderly patients with WNV infection should assess patients closely for progression of disease.
TH2 IMMUNE RESPONSE IN PATIENTS WITH DENGUE DURING DEFERVESCENCE: PRELIMINARY EVIDENCE
Authors: MABALIRAJAN ULAGANATHAN , KADHIRAVAN TAMILARASU , SHARMA S. K. , BANGA AMIT , GHOSH BALARAM
Published: September 2018

A shift from a TH1 to a TH2 immune response has been observed in vitro during dengue virus infection. Estimation of plasma IgE level (n = 28), CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio, and the intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ):interleukin-4 (IL-4) ratio (n = 9) was conducted in patients with various severities of dengue around the time of defervescence. The CD4:CD8 lymphocyte ratio was significantly lower (median = 0.45, interquartile range [IQR] = 0.4–0.47 versus 1.3, 1.0–1.9; P = 0.001), and IgE levels were significantly higher (mean = 300.4, SD = 252.5 versus 143.7, 117.9 IU/mL; P = 0.004) in patients than in healthy controls. The intracellular IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio was significantly lower in patients compared with controls (0.28, 0.13 versus 0.99, 0.4; P = 0.001). These findings suggest that a TH2 immune response occurs in patients with dengue around the time of defervescence.
ECONOMIC IMPACT OF DENGUE FEVER/DENGUE HEMORRHAGIC FEVER IN THAILAND AT THE FAMILY AND POPULATION LEVELS
Authors: CLARK DANIELLE V. , MAMMEN MAMMEN P. , NISALAK ANANDA , PUTHIMETHEE VIRAT , ENDY TIMOTHY P.
Published: September 2018

Dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever constitute a substantial health burden on the population in Thailand. In this study, the impact of symptomatic dengue virus infection on the families of patients hospitalized at the Kamphaeng Phet Provincial Hospital with laboratory-confirmed dengue in 2001 was assessed, and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost for fatal and non-fatal cases of dengue were calculated using population level data for Thailand. When we accounted for the direct cost of hospitalization, indirect costs due to loss of productivity, and the average number of persons infected per family, we observed a financial loss of approximately US$61 per family, which is more than the average monthly income in Thailand. The DALYs were calculated using select results from a family level survey, and resulted in an estimated 427 DALYs/million population in 2001. This figure is of the same order of magnitude as the impact of several diseases currently given priority in southeast Asia, such as the tropical cluster (trypanosomiasis, Chagas disease, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis), malaria, meningitis, and hepatitis. These results indicate that dengue prevention, control, and research should be considered equally important as that of diseases currently given priority.
WEST NILE VIRUS SEROSURVEILLANCE IN IOWA WHITE-TAILED DEER (1999–2003)
Authors: SANTAELLA JULIAN , MCLEAN ROBERT , HALL JEFFREY S. , GILL JAMES S. , BOWEN RICHARD A. , HADOW HARLO H. , CLARK LARRY
Published: September 2018

Sera from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were collected in Iowa during the winter months (1999–2003), 2 years before and after West Nile virus (WNV) was first reported in Iowa (2001), and were analyzed for antibodies to WNV. Samples from 1999 to 2001 were antibody negative by blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT90). Prevalence derived from bELISA (2002, 12.7%; 2003, 11.2%) and WNV PRNT90 (2002, 7.9%; 2003, 8.5%) assays were similar. All samples were negative for antibodies against St. Louis encephalitis virus as determined by PRNT90. Antibodies to flaviviruses were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (iELISA) prior to the first WNV cases reported in Iowa (1999–2001) with prevalence ranging from 2.2% to 3.2%, suggesting the circulation of an additional undescribed flavivirus prior to the introduction of WNV into the area. Flavivirus prevalence as determined by iELISA increased in 2002 and 2003 (23.3% and 31.9%, respectively). The increase in prevalence exceeded estimates of WNV prevalence, suggesting that conditions favored general flavivirus transmission (including WNV) during the 2002–2003 epizootic. These data indicate that serologic analysis of deer sera collected from hunter harvests may prove useful for surveillance and evidence of local transmission of WNV and other pathogens and identify white-tailed deer as a species for further studies for host competency.
A DOUBLE-BLIND, RANDOMIZED STUDY OF AZITHROMYCIN COMPARED TO CHLOROQUINE FOR THE TREATMENT OF PLASMODIUM VIVAX MALARIA IN INDIA
Authors: DUNNE MICHAEL W. , SINGH NEERU , SHUKLA MANMOHAN , VALECHA NEENA , BHATTACHARYYA PRABHASH C. , PATEL KANTA , MOHAPATRA MANOJ KUMAR , LAKHANI JITENDRA , DEVI C. USHA , ADAK TRIDIBES , DEV VAS , YADAV RAJPAL S. , LELE CHITRA , PATKI KIRAN
Published: September 2018

Azithromycin has demonstrated activity in a prevention of Plasmodium vivax infection, but no controlled treatment studies have been performed. We conducted a double-blinded trial in P. vivax malaria in which patients were randomized to either azithromycin 1,000 mg q.d. × 3 or chloroquine 600 mg q.d. × 2 then 300 mg on Day 3 followed by primaquine on Days 7 through 20. Eighty-five of 97 (88%) of those on azithromycin and 101 of 102 (99%) of those on chloroquine [difference 11%; 95% CI: −18, −4] were clinically cured at Day 7. The Day 28 results were similar [89% versus 99%, azithromycin versus chloroquine, respectively]. Parasitologic success was seen in 81 of 97 (84%) on azithromycin and 100 of 102 (98%) on chloroquine [difference 14%; 95% CI: −22, −6]. The median parasite clearance time was 55 hours on azithromycin and 20 hours on chloroquine (P < 0.001). Drug-related adverse events were seen in 13 of 98 (13%) on azithromycin and 24 of 102 (24%) on chloroquine (P = 0.062). Resolution of parasitemia was significantly faster with chloroquine compared with azithromycin, but azithromycin was better tolerated. These data provide support for further study of azithromycin to better define its role in the treatment of P. vivax malaria, either alone as second-line treatment or in combination with other active therapies.
IN VITRO PROCESSING OF DONOR BLOOD WITH SULFADOXINE-PYRIMETHAMINE FOR ERADICATION OF TRANSFUSION-INDUCED MALARIA
Authors: ALI MOHAMED S. M. , KADARU ABDUL G. M. Y.
Published: September 2018

Transfusion-induced malaria is a problem because of the large number of parasites infused and the weakness of transfused patients. Screening of blood donors or treatment of transfused patients or prospective donors does not eliminate this hazard. It is essential to kill the parasite in vitro in the blood of donors before transfusion. A total of 4,484 blood donors were screened for malaria parasite microscopically using the Giemsa staining technique. Only 30 matched the inclusion criteria of this study. Blood samples were divided into four equal samples. Three concentrations of sulfadoxine-pyremthamine (SP) were added to 90 specimens, and none was added to 30 specimens (controls). Blood specimens were then tested by parasitic, biochemical, and hematologic techniques on the day of collection and after 24 and 48 hours of storage in a blood bank refrigerator. The reduction of malaria parasites was proportional to the concentrations of SP and to the storage period. Blood samples without SP had steady number of the parasites. The lethal dose of SP (the dose that killed 99% of the malaria parasites within 24 hours) was 179.65 μg/L and was highly effective within the 24-hour storage period. This dose did not affect constituents of the stored blood. Thus, for eradication of transfusion-induced malaria by in vitro processing of donors blood, SP is a safe and effective drug. It is recommended that optimal doses of SP be added to donated blood prior to phlebotomy.
ASSOCIATION OF SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM INFECTION WITH PROTECTION AGAINST ACUTE PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM MALARIA IN MALIAN CHILDREN
Authors: LYKE KIRSTEN E. , DICKO ALASSANE , DABO ABDOULAYE , SANGARE LANSANA , KONE ABDOULAYE , COULIBALY DRISSA , GUINDO ANDO , TRAORE KARIM , DAOU MODIBO , DIARRA ISSA , SZTEIN MARCELO B. , PLOWE CHRISTOPHER V. , DOUMBO OGOBARA K.
Published: September 2018

Plasmodium falciparum and Schistosoma haematobium are co-endemic parasitic diseases with worldwide distribution. Evidence suggests interactions occur between helminthic and malaria infections, although it is unclear whether this effect is beneficial or harmful to the host. Malian children 4–14 years of age with asymptomatic S. haematobium infection (SP) (n = 338) were prospectively matched by age, sex, and residence to children without schistosomiasis (SN) (n = 338) who were cleared of occult intestinal parasites, and followed-up for one malaria transmission season (25 weeks). The time to the first clinical malaria infection, incidence of malaria episodes, and parasitemia were recorded. Age associated protection from malaria in children with schistosomiasis was observed. SP children (4–8 years of age) compared with SN children demonstrated delayed time to first clinical malaria infection (74 versus 59 days; P = 0.04), fewer numbers of malaria episodes (1.55 versus 1.81 infections; P = 0.03) and lower geometric mean parasite densities (6,359 versus 9,874 asexual forms/mm3; P = 0.07) at first infection. No association between schistosomiasis and P. falciparum malaria was observed in children 9–14 years of age. We conclude that underlying schistosomiasis is associated with protection against clinical falciparum malaria in an age-dependent manner.
MOLECULAR CLONING AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A PUTATIVE BINDING PROTEIN OF BABESIA CABALLI
Authors: IKADAI HIROMI , TAKAMATSU YUMI , TAKASHIRO RYOKO , SEGAWA AYAKA , KUDO NOBORU , IGARASHI IKUO , OYAMADA TAKASHI
Published: September 2018

A composite 2,206 nucleotide DNA sequence encoding a putative immunoglobulin-binding protein (BiP) was constructed from a sequence obtained from Babesia caballi cDNA library clones. The 1,962 nucleotide open reading frame predicts a 72 kD protein with extensive homology with BiPs from Apicomplexa parasites. The BiP gene had a predicted N-terminal signal sequence of 18 amino acids and a C-terminal tetrapeptide sequence (Ser-Asp-Glu-Leu) for signaling in the endoplasmic reticulum lumen. The recombinant protein expressed in baculovirus showed an apparent mass of 72 kD, which is identical to that of the native B. caballi protein. Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against B. caballi BiP reacted strongly with extracellular merozoites, but not in early intraerythrocytic stage. Detailed observation showed that the reaction of MAbs against pear-shaped forms was markedly irregular, with either no reaction, or reaction with one or two brightly fluorescent pear-shaped forms (two parasites) of B. caballi.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS AND INFECTION INTENSITY IN CLONORCHIASIS
Authors: CHOI MOON SEOK , CHOI DONGIL , CHOI MIN-HO , JI ZHUO , LI ZHIMIN , CHO SEUNG-YULL , HONG KWANG-SEON , RIM HAN-JONG , HONG SUNG-TAE
Published: September 2018

This prospective study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic usefulness of sonography in terms of the intensity of Clonorchis sinensis infection. Total 1,384 residents were subjected to this study at an endemic area in China, in which a clonorchiasis control program had been performed. History taking, fecal examination, and sonography were performed, and 87.8% of the subjects were found to be egg positive. Sonography showed intrahepatic bile duct dilatation (IHDD) in 68.4% of the subjects, increased periductal echogenicity (IPDE) in 24.5%, and gallbladder sludge (GBS) in 20.8%. Moreover, the grades of these sonographic findings were higher in subjects with heavier infections as determined by egg counts. IHDD was found to be the most accurate sonographic indicator of any infection degree (76.3), whereas IPDE and GBS were useful only in cases of heavy infection. Subjective symptoms were found to be only poorly correlated with sonographic findings or infection intensity.
IMPACT OF IVERMECTIN COMMUNITY-LEVEL TREATMENTS ON ELIMINATION OF ADULT ONCHOCERCA VOLVULUS WHEN INDIVIDUALS RECEIVE MULTIPLE TREATMENTS PER YEAR
Authors: CUPP EDDIE W. , CUPP MARY S.
Published: September 2018

A reanalysis of several published reports indicates that when community-wide biannual treatment disrupts transmission of new infection, a profound macrofilaricidal effect of ivermectin (Mectizan) occurs that is accelerated for individuals treated 4 times a year (4×/yr). The effect is particularly obvious on adult male worms and suggests that this gender is susceptible to repetitive treatment after transmission has been blocked or greatly reduced as a result of community treatment.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF ANOPHELINE LARVAL HABITATS IN WESTERN KENYAN HIGHLANDS: EFFECTS OF LAND COVER TYPES AND TOPOGRAPHY
Authors: MINAKAWA NOBORU , MUNGA STEPHEN , ATIELI FRANCIS , MUSHINZIMANA EMMANUEL , ZHOU GUOFA , GITHEKO ANDREW K. , YAN GUIYUN
Published: September 2018

The distributions of anopheline larval habitats were aggregated in valley bottoms in Kenya in both the rainy and dry seasons, although the degree of aggregation was higher in the dry season than in the rainy season. Larvae of the Anopheles gambiae complex larvae were found more frequently in habitats in farmlands and pastures. However, An. funestus larvae were found more frequently in natural swamps and pastures. Canopy cover was the only variable significantly associated with the occurrence of the An. gambiae complex and An. funestus. The average canopy cover was significantly less in the habitats with the An. gambiae complex and An. funestus larvae than those without the anopheline larvae. Thus, land cover types and topographic features showed important effects on the distribution of anopheline larval habitats. These results suggest that clearing riparian forests would improve growing conditions of the An. gambiae complex and An. funestus larvae in Kenyan highlands.
RESPONSE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM TO COTRIMOXAZOLE THERAPY: RELATIONSHIP WITH PLASMA DRUG CONCENTRATIONS AND DIHYDROFOLATE REDUCTASE AND DIHYDROPTEROATE SYNTHASE GENOTYPES
Authors: KHALIL INSAF F. , RØNN ANITA M. , ALIFRANGIS MICHAEL , GABAR HYTHAM A. , JELINEK THOMAS , SATTI GWIRIA M. H. , BYGBJERG IB C.
Published: September 2018

We assessed the efficacy of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TRM/SMX) in vivo in relation to the frequency of dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) alleles in 45 Sudanese malaria patients. Plasma levels of TRM, SMX, and acetylsulfamethoxazole (AcSMX) were measured before treatment and at days 3, 7, and 14 or upon recrudescence to ascertain drug absorption. Forty patients (89%) had an adequate clinical response, one patient (2%) had an early treatment failure response, while four patients (8%) showed late treatment failure responses. Genotyping of merozoite surface protein 1, MSP-1, MSP-2, and glutamate-rich protein before treatment and upon recrudescence showed that all recurring parasites were recrudescences. The plasma levels of TRM, AcSMX, and SMX indicated adequate drug absorption in all patients. This suggests parasite resistance as a cause of treatment failure. The presence of dhfr Ile 51 and Asn 108 alone or coupled with dhps Ala-436 among parasites that were cleared after treatment indicates that these alleles alone are insufficient to cause in vivo resistance. However, the presence of the triple mutant dhfr (Ile-51/Arg-59/Asn-108) with the dhps Gly-437 genotype in all recurring infections, suggests the importance of codon 59 and 437 alleles in susceptibility to TRM/SMX. However, the number is too little to make firm conclusions.
PATHOLOGIC CHANGES IN LUNGS CAUSED BY MEXICAN ISOLATES OF TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI IN THE ACUTE PHASE OF INFECTION IN MICE
Authors: MELNIKOV VALERY G. , VELASCO FRANCISCO FIERRO , GÓMEZ FRANCISCO ESPINOZA , RODRÍGUEZ FERNANDO GUZMÁN , DOBROVINSKAYA OXANA R.
Published: September 2018

Chagas’ disease, which is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a significant public health problem in the Americas. Its clinical presentation varies significantly in different geographic regions. Using experimental infection in mice, we studied the pathologic changes in lungs in the acute phase of the disease caused by three Mexican isolates of T. cruzi. Clusters of parasites and inflammatory reactions were found in the walls of conducting airways and pulmonary vessels. Inflammation was more intense in the small vessels. Although the parasites were not found in the alveolar walls, severe pathologic changes in these structure were observed and included alveolar wall thickening and inflammatory infiltration. Furthermore, serous liquid, fibrin fibers, hyaline membranes, and erythrocytes were found in the alveolar spaces. The pathomorphologic changes observed in the infected mice are consistent with pneumonitis.
A SEROSURVEY TO IDENTIFY THE WINDOW OF VULNERABILITY TO WILD-TYPE MEASLES AMONG INFANTS IN RURAL MALI
Authors: TAPIA MILAGRITOS D. , SOW SAMBA O. , MEDINA-MORENO SANDRA , LIM YU , PASETTI MARCELA F. , KOTLOFF KAREN , LEVINE MYRON M.
Published: September 2018

As infants lose maternally derived antibody, they experience a period when antibody levels are insufficient to protect against measles yet may interfere with immunization. In Kangaba Mali, sera were collected from 89 2–8-month-old infants and 32 9–10-month-old infants without a history of measles or vaccination; post-vaccination sera were collected from 24 of the 9–10-month-old infants 3–5 weeks after receiving measles vaccine. Measles antibody was measured by plaque reduction neutralization (PRN) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. At two months of age, 30% had protective PRN titers; among six-month-old infants, none had protective titers. Prior to vaccination, 16% of 9–10-month-old infants exhibited protective titers; all demonstrated protective titers post-vaccination. The early onset of the window of vulnerability in Kangaba infants likely reflects the changing ecology of measles in Africa. Ways to protect these vulnerable infants against measles must be devised.
BEHAVIORAL RESPONSES TO DDT AND PYRETHROIDS BETWEEN ANOPHELES MINIMUS SPECIES A AND C, MALARIA VECTORS IN THAILAND
Authors: POTIKASIKORN JINNAPA , CHAREONVIRIYAPHAP THEERAPHAP , BANGS MICHAEL J. , PRABARIPAI ATCHARIYA
Published: September 2018

Behavioral responses of two field populations of Anopheles minimus complex species A and C for contact and non-contact actions of chemicals were compared during and after exposure to operational field concentrations of DDT (2 g/m2), deltamethrin (0.02 g/m2), and lambdacyhalothrin (0.03 g/m2) using an excito-repellency escape chamber. The two populations were collected from the Mae Sot District in Tak Province (species A) and the Tri Yok District in Kanchanaburi Province (species C) in western Thailand. Female mosquitoes of both populations rapidly escaped from chambers after direct contact with DDT, deltamethrin, and lambdacyhalothrin. The non-contact repellency response to DDT and the two synthetic pyrethroids was pronounced with An. minimus species A; however, non-contact repellency was relatively weak with An. minimus species C, but remained significantly greater than the paired controls (P < 0.05). We conclude that strong contact irritancy was present in both test populations, whereas non-contact repellency also played a significant role in the escape response of An. minimus species A.
FIELD EVALUATION OF SPATIAL REPELLENCY OF METOFLUTHRIN IMPREGNATED PLASTIC STRIPS AGAINST MOSQUITOES IN HAI PHONG CITY, VIETNAM
Authors: KAWADA HITOSHI , YEN NGUYEN THI , HOA NGUYEN THUY , SANG TRUONG MINH , VAN DAN NGUYEN , TAKAGI MASAHIRO
Published: September 2018

Spatial repellency of metofluthrin-impregnated polyethylene plastic strips against mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus, were studied in a residential area in Hai Phong city, Vietnam. Thirty houses were selected as trial sites; half of these were assigned as untreated control and the other half were assigned for treatment. Primarily, irrespective of the room size, one room was treated with one strip. The dominant species in the trial sites were Culex quinquefasciatus and Aedes aegypti. A rapid decrease in the mosquito index was observed immediately after the treatment with metofluthrin strips, and treatment was effective for at least 6 weeks.
LATE BENEFITS 10–18 YEARS AFTER DRUG THERAPY FOR INFECTION WITH SCHISTOSOMA HAEMATOBIUM IN KWALE DISTRICT, COAST PROVINCE, KENYA
Authors: OUMA JOHN H. , KING CHARLES H. , MUCHIRI ERIC M. , MUNGAI PETER , KOECH DAVY K. , IRERI EDMUND , MAGAK PHILIP , KADZO HILDA
Published: September 2018

Late benefits of remote antischistosomal therapy were estimated among long-term residents of an area with high transmission of Schistosoma haematobium (Msambweni, Kenya) by comparing infection and disease prevalence in two local adult cohorts. We compared 132 formerly treated adults (given treatment in childhood or adolescence ≥ 10 years previously) compared with 132 age- and sex-matched adults from the same villages who had not received prior treatment. The prevalence of current infection, hematuria, and ultrasound bladder abnormalities were significantly lower among the previously treated group, who were found to be free of severe bladder disease. Nevertheless, heavy infection was equally prevalent (2–3%) in both study groups, and present rates of hydronephrosis were not significantly different. Therapy given in childhood or adolescence appears to improve risk for some but not all manifestations of S. haematobium infection in later adult life. Future prospective studies of continued treatment into adulthood will better define means to obtain optimal, community-based control of S. haematobium-related disease in high-risk locations.
EFFICACY OF MYRRH IN THE TREATMENT OF HUMAN SCHISTOSOMIASIS MANSONI
Authors: BARAKAT RASHIDA , ELMORSHEDY HALA , FENWICK ALAN
Published: September 2018

Myrrh (Mirazid) has been produced and marketed as an antischistosomal drug since 2001. The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of a commercially available product of myrrh. One hundred four individuals, infected with Schistosoma mansoni, were randomized in two groups, one for myrrh and the second for praziquantel. Treatment—whether myrrh or praziquantel—was given twice with a 3-week interval. The cure rate with myrrh was very low, 15.6% after the first treatment, and 8.9% after the second treatment. Egg reduction among uncured persons was also very low, being 17.2% after the first treatment, and 28% after the second treatment. Praziquantel cure rate was 73.7% and 76.3%, and individuals still passing S. mansoni ova after praziquantel treatment showed a substantial reduction in the geometric mean egg counts (84% and 88.2% after the first and second treatments, respectively). When 34 individuals—uncured after two myrrh treatments—were offered praziquantel in the standard dose, 32 of them stopped passing S. mansoni eggs when tested 4 weeks post-treatment. The results of the current study raise serious doubts about the antischistosomal properties of Mirazid.